Time for Change-Again~

Real World-

August is still very much

SUMMERTIME

 

 

Summertime scene in Italy taken and shared by Kaylee Jones and Meredith Grammly  2015

 

Blog World-

 

Online Blogger Home Tours- Spring-Summertime Setting

 

 

August is GET READY-

Time for Change

(Fall Décor- Seasonal Tablescapes-Theme displays)

 Looking Forward -

August 2015

 

(but not for much longer)



Thoughtful Thoughts - Jonell

 

Isaiah 33:6

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.

Even on the most unsettling day, when it seems that our world has been turned upside down and shaken, there is (can be) a place of stability.

When it seems there is no where steady or certain where we can stand, His Word assures us that the Lord himself is that sure and steady place.
 

If it seems there is nothing to depend on in your life, nothing faithful or trustworthy, the Lord knows where you are and wherever that is he offers himself as a foundation on which you can rebuild.

Try to wrap your mind around the depths of His love, mercy, and grace in your life and then stand back in awe and amazement at who He really is, in your life, on this day and begin to open up that treasure

We might call that one of those gifts that keep on giving.

Drought Tolerant Plants

Just a few examples to whet your appetite

Source

Lavender

 Piles of purple in your garden = aromatic display that enjoys the sunlight and relatively dry

Who Am I? - Heather

 Remember my last post at LGH-

  about how Good Life is....

Today's post may feel a bit redundant, perhaps because it is what God is working out in my own life, but I am back to talk about how good life is.

You see, I don't necessarily think that life is only going well for me.

I think life is going well for the majority of the people who are in my social class (middle class... perhaps even middle to low and above)

in  A m e r i c a.

The atrocities  happening in the world around us are pure evil....
 abominations.

I recently read that approximately one baby is aborted every two seconds.

Pure. evil.

Christians are imprisoned and killed daily for their faith.

A religious war is being waged against families who have chosen to follow Jesus.

I don't know how you feel about those statistics.  We could debate these issues for days.

That's not even what I am here to talk about.

I am so thankful, (by the Grace and Hand of God) I am removed from those things.

I did nothing to deserve my birthright.  He knit me together in my mother's womb.

He placed me there out of providence.....

Who am I?

As I checked things off of my "To Do List" this morning, I became overwhelmed
with everything I have on my plate.

How do I get in these situations?

Why do I bite off more than I can chew?

Once again, I am reminded mamas in the bush of Africa would give anything
 just to be able to feed their children. 


 Selling a house, getting their classroom ready for the school year, and dealing
with chores are issues that have not been bestowed on them.

They were created by the same God who made me.

They are loved unconditionally by the same Jehovah Jireh.

Who am I.....

That I would complain about a busy schedule.

Who am I?...

That I would fuss over a messy house.

Who. am. I?

I am so very thankful- He has blessed me beyond measure....

 it is nothing that I have done. 

 To HIM be the glory!

 ((I heard a song recently that says, "I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed..."))

Well, y'all.... I'm definitely drinking from my saucer, and I didn't do anything

 to deserve this sweet life I've been given....

((Hugs and blessings!))

-Heather

Stringtown Home



Now THIS is a Shield!

 Thoughtful Thoughts

Deanna

But you o Lord are a shield about me, my glory and the one who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4

I like to break scripture down word by word sometimes. I usually end up coming away from that with a much clearer picture of what the scripture is really saying, sometimes a completely different point than what I'd always thought. I'm not a Bible scholar, I don't know Hebrew or Greek – I just use a Strong's Concordance with Greek/Hebrew references. Usually I use the online version at biblestudytools.com (in case you want to check up on me or dig in yourself). I also use Packer & Tenney Illustrated Manners & Customs of the Bible for some background information. I chose that particular reference for one very important reason – it was the only book of that type on my bookshelf and over the years I've grown comfortable with it.

FALL DECORATING Does Not Have to Break the Budget~

 

Stringtownhome

 

Tips- Hints- Ideas- Reminders

To Be Kind to Your Budget

"Use Whatcha Got Ladies"

 

 

And Still Indulge Your Passion for Seasonal & Theme Decorating



This Bridal Wreath is DONE
It must be cut down and dug up
Replaced with another
Bridal Wreath

 

 

Fall is the absolute BEST SEASON for fabulous decorating

and without Devouring  the BUDGET

Good Morning Lord- It's Me!

Thoughtful Thoughts for Monday Morning

Jonell

I am A W A K E

Thank YOU God

My feet touch the floor..it's soft & clean 

Priority:  Clean Teeth- Thank You I have MY OWN

For HAIR to brush-
Some people don't have much left and adjusting to a NEW look
Or praying it will hurry & grow back-

Routine:  One Rx-What a blessing I don't have a handful of medicines to take

Everything Has a Story #11

Another Story -

 

Once Upon A Time

 

 Once upon a time...about the summer of 1993 I had a small 'collection' of old Calendars all in great condition. I call it a collection because it was more than 3 and actually all together was a basket full of old calendars.  While they didn't qualify as antique by any means they could be tagged with very, very genuine VINTAGE.

Thoughtful Thoughts from Guest Blogger Cindy Conner

-Son-Flowers

http://creationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com/

 

Don't you just love sunflowers? When I think about sunflowers I think of two things. My motherinlove who loved sunflowers and Fall.

 

 

 

 

I came across a devotional written by Julia Bettencourt on sunflowers and thought it so appropriate for today as I wanted to share my sunflowers with you.

 

Here's a few lessons we can learn from the sunflower. 

Everything Has A Story #10

There was a time when families gathered in the same room around the same table for meals. This was our custom during these years still...1975 - 1982 with three teenagers and the youngest not far behind.

I never protected the beautiful finish with a pad and we used the table daily...the entire family of six ate at the table for regular meals..Breakfast, lunch and Dinner and homework was done around this table. Imagine the conversations, disagreements, problems created, discussed, and settled here.

Zinnias & Life... Guest Post by Heather at Stringtownhome

Thoughtful Thoughts

Zinnias & Life...

 

 

Life is good.... extremely busy, but good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I  feel  like I am spending more of life on the road, than anywhere else.

Everything Has A Story #9

This One Is Short & Sweet

The  20th Century Handcrafted Medicine Cabinet

is Primitive Style

and Antique STYLE

It Is Not An Antique

 

 but built from reclaimed wood that might be that old.

 

Did you spot the old LIFEBUOY SOAP?

It's truly a survivor to last so long in the original packaging.

Don't Throw That Away!

          

Thoughtful Thoughts

Deanna



 

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.

                                                                                                                                 Hebrews 10:35-36

Pinterest Inspired Bedroom Makeover ~

   - Part One-  

Share Your Cup Thursday

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/

http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2015/08/welcome-to-amaze-me-monday-we-finally.html#more

 

 

Learning - Changes - Keepers - Discoveries

in

Shades - of - White

___

 

 Warning: This is my longest post ever-

Solution: Read in parts, like chapters.  Take a break and come back to it.

Yes, that sounds like a good idea.

 

___

Let's Call It Makeover #1

Sign Up at Gramma's House

Everything Has A Story -#8

Does Anyone  Remember What This is?

 

A DOOR STOP?

Well, yes that is it's purpose at the moment in my house.

While it serves the purpose of an unusual DOOR STOP

in my house it was not intended or used for that purpose

during pre WWII

- Introducing Two Guest Writers - One A Daughter-Both Friends

Monday Morning Thoughtful Thoughts

 Heather Fillyaw-Graham
Deanna Harrison-Glass
 

I am aiming  for 3 Mondays each month-featuring Heather & Deanna with 'yours truly' thrown in for filler until we can cover perhaps 4 Thoughtful Thoughts posts each month-

-It  is  a  work   in  progress-

As the Gramma on my blog my morning routine takes me, yellow Coffee Mug  in hand, to our deck with Nature Surround Sound. Soon I amble over http://stringtownhome.net  &  snoop around.

 

Heather may be having a party!

First Things First~

 

Thoughtful Thoughts

Jonell

 

[In the interest of full disclosure:  I am not a Bible scholar nor do I have anything framed and hanging on my wall to suggest that.]

 

 

 

Matthew 6: 33 KJV

But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.

Keeping it Simple - At MY HOUSE

Fun Blog Parties You Will Not Want to Miss-

Let's Visit 

Heather

 http://www.stringtownhome.net/2015/06/tips-tricks-linky-party_29.html

 

Theresa

http://shoestringelagance.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-to-do-weekends-with-new-twist-129.html#more

 Cindy

 http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/

 

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2015/08/one-project-at-a-time-august-2015.html

 

 

A Few Ways to Keep it Simple

 

TIPS BUT NO TRICKS

Things That Have Worked For Me

Everything Has A Story #7

Another Time - Our Texas Years at The Farm

An Old Story for New Friends ...

 [ The Content Was Written Around 2000 ]

 

http://www.create-with-joy.com/2015/08/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-184.html 

 

Keep in mind this text is all in retrospect..

None of the content is in real time-today.

Only the post scripts/update notes

It was an accidental 'find' to discover it as I had once put it on the internet & lost track of it.

 

Our Home

[1993 - 2006 ]
It was built in 1906 & replaced an earlier log house structure that burned as I understand from older family connections relaying some of the history -This property was part of a land grant way back then. When I run across our copy of that official paper I'll insert it into this post.

 

1906 Primative Dog Trot Farmhouse

Everything Has A Story #6

Pop Gets the Credit

 [or blame]

 for Rescuing this Relic

 

 

This cast iron heater/stove was manufactured in Columbus Georgia 'Columbus Iron Works company' on the front-J-12-9 on the back with JOVE on both front and back and on the top 'No.12'

 

 

 

I have no idea when or where Ted's parents brought it home-

Thomasville or Jackson, Alabama,

Ted rescued it from the Harrisons' place on Walker Springs Road in Jackson, Alabama around 1978 or not long afterwards.

Monday Morning Thoughtful Thoughts ~

Oh no -  don't run off thinking this could be an inspirational devotion that might challenge us beyond our Monday Morning ability to endure..just allow a quiet moment or two and then we can all be on our way...into the fray.  [Well it does rhyme ]

 

I [almost] jumped out of bed this Monday Morning around 6:30 a.m.. Yes, it was that kind of wake up.  Sometimes I am on my feet with something akin to a 'song in my heart' and even in those

wide awake, aware times I can  fail to turn to the Lord and invite Him into my splash of happy.

Our Wedding Day- And Father's Day June 21, 1959

Waving the Dad Flag on Father's Day

[quoting David]

Personal note to LGH readers: 

This is a long post-but keep in mind my first and foremost intended audience is my FAMILY 

 

With that said...I am happy to share with blog followers and will continue my effort to be reasonably transparent...hoping there may be a few crumbs for an extended circle of friends at all levels...local, casual viewers, far away old friends from earlier years, faithful bloggers who 'get' what I am willing to lay out honestly here. I will always try to avoid leaving you on an emotional overload or embarrassing you with 'too much information'.

 

Please, take what you can use and be understanding and accepting of the overflow.

 ----

 

The Harrison House, est. June 21, 1959/also Father's Day.- 56 years ago today.  I could not have dreamed up the Father our four children grew up with..IT WAS A GOD THING!...

 

Steve, David, Johnny & Deanna's  Dad. 

 

 

 

 

 

 He was a God Fearing man who  embraced  responsibility whole heartedly, never backing away from it. I recall his pointing out to me how one could recognize that a church was a body of God fearing people. He accepted all the statements we claim of God's love but he never ruled out The Sovereignty of God...his all powerful right to do with us as He willed especially in regard to consequences ...disobedience.

Everything Has A Story - #5

 

 

Older Than Me 

 

 

 

 

Early 1900s

 Some people can really spot a BARGAIN

 

~Found on a trip from Crossett, Arkansas to Little Rock

 [1975-1978] 

 

A $20. steal of a deal

 

No kidding!

 

Apparently someone had already come to the conclusion it

was worthy of repurposing....little did they know!

 

 

 

Everything Has A Story- #4

And the Stories Just Go On and On

Let's Go Visiting Now-

 http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/06/home-and-garden-thursday-102.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ADelightsomeLife+%28A+Delightsome+Life%29

 

 

Now brace yourself....This was not a freebie or  being in the right place at the right time.

Indeed not! I paid good money for this jewel.
 

During our Texas years, driving from Buna, past Kirbyville to Jasper I saw this [already repurposed]

old Chifferobe [also called a Wardrobe] setting outside a gem of an antique store-

for a long, long time..perhaps several years

 It was what I call the look of BARNWOOD-

Weathered, no sign of paint left. Close examination revealed that someone had made adjustments in the 'design' to make it deeper from front to back- perhaps to use it for an entertainment center- holding a television and providing shelving.

 

My original intent was to make use of it for my line of potpourri products in the Antique store in Jasper, Texas.

I paid a whopping $100.00 for it

June's Guest Blogger from Stringtown Home ~

Thoughtful Thoughts Worthy of Sharing-

from

Guest Blogger

 Heather at Stringtown Home

 

 

 

I'm up at 2:30 AM... my eyes are droopy from the exhaustion left from my typical Saturday, filled to the brim with fun. 

 

I love a good estate sale. 

 

We stumbled upon many, one of which I'm sure the little lady was a hoarder.  I kept reminding myself, "One man's trash, Heather... one man's trash."

Perhaps it was the excitement of the day that has me unable to drift into a sleep.

If I am really honest,  it is the worry that tends to find its way into my mind

 after the house is still and quiet. 

 I begin to think about everything that needs to be done.

JUNE BLOOMS~ And A Sweet Story of Precious Friends -



Everything Has A Story - #3

 The Price Was Right





Left:  Dresser base  Far Right: Free Standing Chifferobe

Center:  Another /Oak Dresser Base

*My cousin Beverley Turner-White just reminded me: 

Another name for the chifferobe was Wardrobe

The stories: The primitive oak Dresser base with Vintage/antique glass drawer handles [center photo] was retrieved from a barn on Walker Springs Road in Jackson, Alabama in the mid 1960's.  This was the Harrison family's home .

When we discovered this old piece-our Harrison family treasure,  it appeared to have been discarded for quite some time [years] in the barn and was almost completely black.  We cleaned it up, stripped it down to 'it's beginnings' - the solid wood.

During the mid sixties it was popular to finish old pieces like this with "antiquing" colors...so it soon became a wonderful slightly weathered worn green finish.

This dresser base [could have been a wash stand]. It is considered 'primitive' and I must admit something here.  The first time someone made the observation "Oh, so you like primitive' antiques...I was shall we say very uneducated  [ignorant] about antiques and was offended.  The very idea....primitive!  Now, I embrace it.

By the way, we chose French provincial hardware for the drawers.   It took a few years for us to acquire some semblance of good taste...meaning strip the color off and get back to the real natural wood finish.

Now let's move on to the two white pieces...Treasures that once belonged to my Grandma Mobley in South Georgia.  Grandma died in 1969 and I would have been ecstatic over acquiring anything that had belonged to her &/or Grandpa.  It wasn't until 2009 that this became a reality.

A first cousin once removed - Paula asked me if I would be interested in having two pieces of antique furniture that had been our Grandma Mobley's.

And of course you know what I said!  Basically, Whoopee! Ted and I were going over to south Georgia for my high school reunion and gladly drove all over "kingdom come"  [southern expression] trying to find my relatives and take this off their hands. 

 

As the men loaded the the furniture my husband warned me that the mirrors would be broken by the time we reached south Alabama..Did I care? No!  I had expected to do a little work on them, at the very least replace the hardware.  Small price! Ultimately there was No damage.

It was just as you see in the pictures...it had been painted white.  After settling in with it for a while I discovered the white did not bother me and the  hardware was  never replaced.

0riginal was great!

I am positive my grandparents never bought furniture during my growing up years in the 1940's-50's

We can safely say those two wonderful pieces are without question pre WWII- possibly closer to  1900.   Are they worth much money?  Not ~

The point is

They belonged to my Grandma Mobley

That's All

Sunday Surprise Post ~

Whether you are a cheapskate Mom or Gramma

and Proud of it-

Or a Classy Lady Who Simply

Likes to Stretch the Dollars

This is not a high dollar project-nor is it a high energy,

 labor intensive never ending job-

 Peeking Through Gramma's Pantry Door ~

The larger sizes I started this project with are all WM reproductions but the two smaller ones to the right side are at least VINTAGE... 1900's saw things like candies sold in these & maybe coffee too. My Kitchen Cannister size jars
are also fabulously VINTAGE finds that took me quite a long time to accumulate for the simple reason that the old treasures tend to be a little pricey or else I tend to be a bit CHEAP.

Meet Me On The Front Porch ~

Seasonal Porch Scenes In the South

 

2007

Everything Has A Story - #2

Floor Model Record Player/ Radio

 [turn table inside the top where you see the open door]

 

It would be so easy to have both the turn table and the radio in working order- [ it is electric not battery]

 

Shame on me-I really should get that done but honestly I hardly think I would enjoy having it any more...

 

 Come Along With Me to Visit At

A Return to Loveliness

http://adelightsomelife.com/

 

Remembering on Memorial Day~

Memorial Day

May 28, 2017



 

 

The view from Pop's Rocking Chair on the front Porch~

Gramma's Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe ~

Somebody's Gramma's Recipe

Southern Pimento Cheese

 

With a few [options] by this Gramma

Let's join Heather for Tips and Tricks



http://www.stringtownhome.net/



 

Source

Friday Favorites - Stringtown Home

Heather is expecting  us:

 



Stringtown Home

Friday Favorites

What are your plans for Monday (Memorial Day)?

What is the one thing you wish you knew how to do?

What made you smile this week?

What is on your nightstand?

What tune is stuck in your head?

 

 

 

 

#1.  Most of my family will  be at work or winding down with school activities- No Special plans here. 

But I promise you will see our U.S.A.  Flag flying from the front porch. Don'tcha love it!!!!

 

 

#2.  I wish I could SING WELL- but I cannot.

Several members of my family have amazing voices but that came from their Dad's DNA. I shall be content with enjoying theirs.

 

 

#3.  S.M.I.L.E.......The enthusiastic  ladies at the fitness center on Tuesday & Thursday mornings made me smile.  Having a sense of humor is of the utmost importance...basically being willing to laugh at our selves. We did~Now we get to do it again [laugh at ourselves] Saturday morning for the whole world to see out in the parking lot.

 

 



 

#5.  On my night stand [table beside my bed]  There is a vintage silver teapot with dried blue hydrangeas, a stack of books- 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan and three Richard Paul Evans Novels and a wonderful  Candle given to me by 'one of the girls'..

 

 

 

 

#6. A song stuck in my head ....well that changes from time to time..I love a really sweet  praise chorus that goes like this:

"I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you....Oh my soul rejoice..Take joy my King in what you hear, may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear."

When I start singing it ...oh well it just goes on and on.

 

 

Introducing A Weekly Series - "Everything Has A Story" at the Gramma's House

Yes,  Everything Has A Story -

At Gramma's House anyway ! Call me a cheapskate or just a good shopper-Take the House Tour~ Every thing has a Story!

This is the Post for sharing some of those stories from our stops along the way in flea markets, antique or junk shops and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time or no money changed hands- many times a treasure was an outright gift from someone who knew how much it would be appreciated.

 There are times when we buy with the head [buying smart] but oftentimes it's with the heart [paying too much].  Most of my 'bragging' is about being a cheap...and paying very little for the things we think of as treasures. And yes I usually do remember the actual amount paid.

H. O. M. E.

Don't you love when your children & Grands enjoy  

COMING HOME!

 

 He went immediately to the front porch swing!

My Calendar ~ #21

I really like wonderful CALENDARS
My choice calendar each year hangs on the pantry door
and usually has lots of notes, names, dates and special occasions marked on it.
May 18, 2015
- the notation on my calendar
reads 21 months.

 

My husband thought it total foolishness to spend time visiting a cemetery where

 loved ones are buried.  His thinking was perfectly valid-

"I won't be THERE."

Understood.

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

Heather at Stringtownhome is the instigator of this weekend activity!

 

#1. What is happening around you right now?

You mean RIGHT NOW...as we speak ???

Okay, it's about to be school's out and time to get off work time for many people.

The atmosphere is kinda overcast, dark clouds gathering, rumbling thunder in the distance...

A promise of things [weather] to come?

Who knows..but that's allright.

I have been planted in my big rocker on the front porch HERE

For quite a while-[ a Southern phrase ]

Reading another John Grisham Book-

kinda sorta got lost in the mysterious activities of

the characters in  THE BROKER.

While We Wait ~

While we wait....for the next burst of blooms here and there let's take a peek at a few that get an early start.

Coming Soon  - Crepe Myrtle- Front Yard and in My favorite color....

YOU GUESSED IT-

 RED!

Blooms, Buds, Petals & Leaves ~

They Are Knockouts

Yes, I know there is a significant difference in the wonderful 'traditional' Roses but I am working with what I have and the double KNOCKOUT ROSES WORK perfectly...they will for you too!

You don't have to be a trained and licensed floral designer to pull off wonderful things using

Whatcha Got

Mama - The Teacher ~

She had no idea she was a teacher - She was!

Primative wooden settee- I still love them 

 

When I was a toddler it was "mama" who allowed me to get on a stool and help make the biscuits.  I know I was in her way. That was my job-wonder how the biscuits looked..mmm.

--- My People Who Are Called By My Name ~

 

"My People"

That's Us - We Christians

 

 

 

II Chronicles 7:14: 

if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
 

Early Mornings & A Second or Last Cuppa Coffee- Grab Yours & Come Along With Ruth Again~

My daily walk in the gardens today

Gives me cause to pause and thank God

 For the beauty all around me.

 It is the Roses' time to shine

And make my day one of joy

in my God.

 

[Ruth Walker]