Sunday, January 6, 2013

Fruit Drying Crate & Sanctuary

Early in the week, I took another day and stayed home
to regroup, refocus, and try to bring sort of semblance back into my life  ~
if even for a few hours.

The anxiety demon was threatening to push me over the edge once again,
and after listening closely to those of you who have been - or who are - where I am right now in my life,
I heeded your encouraging advice and took stock of what my heart and mind was telling me.

God was whispering, "Breathe in.  Abide in Me".

The best place for me to do that was here at Heaven's Walk.

My safe haven.
My respite from the roller coaster ride I'm on.
My sanctuary.


 

After a surprise breakfast of my favorite homemade buckwheat blueberry pancakes,
thick cut bacon, and fresh orange juice that The Husband so lovingly made for me,
I spent the rest of the day stripping the beds,
laundering duvet covers and linens,
dusting and vacuuming,
cleaning out the cobwebs of stress in my mind,
and playing around with my little fruit drying crate on the coffee table.

Therapy for me.

It had me stumped.
I couldn't figure out what it was lacking.
So, I emailed sweet, creative Tausha and she offered some wonderful suggestions.

A simple stack of floral linens.
Strips of cotton fabric off Christmas gifts from a blog friend.
Tea glasses filled with vintage silverware.
A sweetly scented candle.
A tangle of leather strung silver hearts.
A fragrant handful of roses plunked in a crystal glass.




















Through the camera's viewfinder, my eyes landed on the sofa.
That, too, needed some freshening up.
A simple change.





The everyday duvet cover that I had thrown over it to keep the slips clean
was tossed into the washer.
A Simply Shabby Chic 'Mon Ami' twin bottom sheet was tucked around the seat cushions
and topped with a variety of favorite pillows.




I sat.
I looked.
I breathed deeply
and
thanked God for blessing me with such a wonderful place to live.




A respite.
A haven.
 A sanctuary.







 I hope that you can take time in this new year to find a place of respite and sanctuary ~

a place to breathe in...
a place to abide...
a place to hear His voice.


~ Blessings ~





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64 comments:

  1. I hope your anxiety is subsiding and your doing better. I know this time of year is depression for me. I always have my studio and flowers to turn too..

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  2. yes....yes... and yes. We all need a sanctuary. For me, it is my little teeny house, especially my bedroom! Sancto sanctorium! Blessings to you, Laurie, just breathe, God has it already taken care of for you. xo

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  3. I do, in fact, have a place of respite and sanctuary -
    It's called Heaven's Walk.................
    Much love,
    Suzan

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  4. I am so thankful you had that time to just breathe. Blessings to you, sweet lady.

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  5. Stunningly beautiful, Laurie. God is in control my friend. Breath, and know that you have the prayers, and support of your kindred spirits. Love you.

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  6. It is just wonderful to clean and redecorate? Sometimes that is worth hours of therapy and much cheaper....lol Your home is beautiful and so glad you were able to enjoy it and spend time listening to the Lord as He allowed your creative juices to flow.. Blessings!

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  7. Love those silver hearts, Laurie! I'm sure you're doing the right thing. You will need to take breaks. All caregivers need to. It's good that you have the safe haven of your home to help you keep from stressing and relax a bit.

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  8. Laurie, Thank you for the good wishes. I wish for you a new year filled with God's blessings . I liked the crate :):) xoxo,Susie

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  9. Hi Laurie,
    There is no place like home! So glad you had a day to do some fluffing etc. and a considerate husband to make you a nice breakfast.
    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  10. Beautiful lady, you are so very inspirational and I'm so excited to get caught back up with you tonight over here! xoxo

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  11. Beautiful photos Laurie! So much to be thankful for! I know you are under lots of stress right now! I can't even imagine.But keeping your home peaceful and serene is important.A place to relax and find your inner peace.
    Keeping you all in my prayers <3
    xx
    Anne

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  12. Lovely and peaceful. Blessings, dear Laurie, to you during this challenging time.

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  13. It is nice to "clean up and clear out" physically and mentally, isn't it? I hope your Mom is doing well and that things settle down for you soon. No amount of peace in a home can take the place of a restful heart- xo Diana

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  14. I too am so thankful to God for our home. Not a day goes by without me feeling blessed and thanking Him for all he's given us. It is hard to be a woman this day in age. We are stressed far more than any other time in history. If you need a day, take a day. Enjoy your sanctuary and meditate on calm things. Lots of love!

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  15. So beautiful- love the hearts. Good to see you working to find the balance. Enjoy your pretty home and those who support you.

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  16. Looks beautiful and serene Laurie.
    There is nothing that compares to hearing His voice.
    You have such a lovely sanctuary in which to do this in.
    Love & hugs to you and a happy new year!!

    Deborah xoxo

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  17. Some days are just like that... and we all need 'ME' days along the way to regroup... to take a breath and relax. I'm so glad you have enjoyed your rest day Laurie.

    I haven't had internet access for a bit, so I'm off now to read back through you posts.
    Happy New Year,
    Kerryanne

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  18. so true that we have to get quiet and wait on Him. and he never ever leaves us alone. your gratitude and peace shine right through this post!

    :)
    michele

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  19. I pray that all is going well with your mom!!
    Your home is soo beautiful and cozy !! Love that crate it looks so nice with all the treasures in it.
    Where did you find such a treasure?

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  20. We all need to take a step back from time to time to take stock and refocus. I'm doing just that too. Your room is lovely. I love the crate and especially the silver hearts. xx

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  21. I pray that God gives you peace and comfort. The crate looks lovely.

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  22. A sweet respite, a place to breathe in God's blessings.....suek

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  23. You have created something of bold, delicate, romantic and soul nurturing beauty, just what you needed, and we all need our own sweet sanctuary. Well done blog friend.

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  24. You always have the most amazing roses. I think you have one of the most tranquil homes I have ever seen. I'm glad it gives you peace during this time of stress.

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  25. Beautiful thoughts. Thanks for sharing them. Happy New Year to you and your family. Linda

    twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com

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  26. My purpose in visiting this evening was to get your email address, so that I could send a note of encouragement, an assurance of my ongoing prayer for you and your dear mom.
    Sooo, imagine my delight in finding that you had posted your own words of encouragement to so many lives that you touch. Your words, your cozily beautiful decor, your stunning photographs, and your transparently grateful heart.
    So, I came to encourage you, but I am leaving far more blessed than before!
    Keep leaning on Him--He'll hide you in the depths of His love and cover you there with His hand.
    ~~Merri Jo

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  27. Laurie... your home is always wonderful, a place of peace.
    See you soon, Monica

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  28. Wowwww what a beautiful post !!!...and that box is so wonderful decorated !!...love it...love your home....your home is where the heart is...i can feel that in your post...love love for you...blessings darling...xxx...

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  29. My home is my haven too-so glad you took the time to reconnect and spend the day in your haven. Love the tablescape in your fruit drying rack.

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  30. Everyone needs a sanctuary. Yours is beautiful.
    Hugs,
    Laura

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  31. Gorgeous, Laurie...really lovin' those hearts!

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  32. What a beautiful post, I hope that your anxiety was relieved, just looking at the pictures of the basket with all the pretties and your photography made me relax!!! love all that you say and do!!
    Sherry

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  33. Keep leaning on Him. He too is holding your mom's hand.
    Your crate is lovely and so soothing! The hearts are fabulous! Might you be making and selling some like this???

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  34. výslovnost překladu Also today I was cleaning the house and let the fresh air and the smell .... Everything is always with you so fine , net- like a dream - like fairytale love your blog and your words - in feel the heart and I with you love it!!! ♥♥♥
    Love your decoration on table-it's pretty!!!!
    xoxo...by Vicky

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  35. I'm in here just trying to catch up with you and what's going on. Sorry your mom had a stroke. Strokes are so hard on everyone, and it just takes time to relearn and build back up from one. It takes so much work from everyone and I can understand the frustration in wanting everything to come back right now and for all to be like it was. But, you know, sometimes it doesn't work that way. Now you need to see what God is trying to teach you here. Its all his way and in his time. Don't look so much at what isn't, but focus more on what is right now. She's still here. 2 hours will seem like nothing when she is on the other side. Spend you driving time praying and singing. Praising and thanking. Serve her with a grateful heart, because that she can feel. Pack a bag and go stay a few days. Time is one thing you never get back once its gone. Praying for you and them. God can take your stress, but you have to let go of it first...love you, girl. God's got your back.

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  36. your haven looks and feels so darling, laurie:) love the gathered treasures in your crate, esp. those lovely hearts! blessings to you and your mom:)

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  37. Laurie,
    This is breathtaking, dear friend!!!
    I feel you've well mastered your drying crate!
    I'm in the planning and preparation stages of applying fresh decor to Studio One, my creative space for 2013!!! A respite, indeed!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  38. You need to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of others when needed (that's what my Mom always taught me). You sure know how to take care of yourself Laurie, surrounding yourself with such beauty!
    xo

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  39. Awwwwww... i'm so glad you had time to putz around, calm your body and spirit, and be creative. Just what the doctor ordered. I have the whole anxiety thing too, and it's pretty awful. I'm sure you needed that time so much, and i really hope you are feeling better...

    Cindy

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  40. Hi Laurie,
    I am a newbie to your blog as I found you by happy accident by way of another. (i love how that happens:) Your blog is lovely and I enjoy finding ladies with shared interests that can inspire each other. I'd like to ask if you'd be so kind to share where the sweet round pillow was purchased? I just love the texture...and I have a penchant for pillows:) Thanks so much.

    Warmly,
    Jacqueline

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  41. Beautiful...just like you..inside and out! xoxoxo

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  42. Its Amazingly beautiful , i just love it...you are so sweet for that little shout out...xo You are so blessed and so loved Laurie.. Your home is Beautiful Sanctuary for you and your family.... Take care... Love Tausha

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  43. Quiet time is such a good thing and you have a such lovely room there to just sit, ponder...breathe...
    Hoping many blessings for you in 2013!!!
    Cindy

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  44. Laurie, you have such a beautiful home and a very special way with roses and hearts, my friend! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. Funny, how you called your spouse "The Husband". I call mine "The Husband Unit". LOL. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I pray God will keep you in His perfect peace and fill you with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Praying for you and your mom. Much love and hugs to you.
    Donna ❤

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  49. Your photography is lovely. I really enjoyed visiting your blog, today, especially for the roses. Hope springs eternal when I see roses!

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  50. What lovely inspiration! Your photos are beautiful!

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  51. how lovely! what a beautiful serie of pics ♥

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  52. Your home keeps evolving farther from the French Nordic style it once was, and into the romantic style it was when I first met you. I love all of the soft colors you are introducing to Heaven's Walk. I know I love the soft pinks in my own bedroom here at Lakehouse. White will always be "me", but ruffles, and soft florals will always be welcome. Your home is lovely, Laurie.
    I hope your Mom and Dad are doing better.
    xxoo

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  53. It looks lovely as usual- and on YOUR table! Superb!

    Thanks for linking up with Photo Friday :) Have a great weekend!

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  54. Hi Sweet Laurie,
    I know the heaviness in your heart all too well, and the best thing you can do is just what you're doing. Abiding in Him. God is our safe haven when the storms of life toss us to and fro'. He holds us in His mighty arms, and yet is tender enough to catch each tear we cry in a lovely little bottle. He alone knows how every little thing that we can't even bring ourselves to share in difficult times impacts us. Lay all your cares at His feet in sweet surrender. He will perfect it all, and add some beautiful gleaming gold and silver threads to the tapestry of your life over time. Praying this for you, sweet lady. You're a treasure, and I thank you for sharing such loveliness with us. I'm so glad it has helped lighten your load.

    Gentle blessings and hugs,
    Becky

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  55. So cozy, don't we all need to just stop and take a break! God is Good! Thank you for sharing this at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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  56. Laurie...how beautiful. You've reminded me to stop gadding about and stop and just rest in Him again. Thank you. Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing at Transformed Tuesday. Hugs, Peggy

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  57. Hi, Great post. I found you through the blog hop. Now following you.Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance.
    Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that we just started, It's Weekly Goals Link Up. It's a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. :) Here's the link in case you want to check it out. Thanks again.http://lenettacarnes.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-goals-linkup-html

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  58. Wow - that is amazingly beautiful!! Thanks for sharing this at Romance on a dime!! I'm featuring this post tomorrow on Take it on Tuesday!

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  59. Beautiful! Love the poetry and sanctuary you created...isn't that how our home should feel? Thanks for the inspiration.

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  60. Laurie, it has been so crazy here that I have not been by. Sorry to hear that something is going on in your life. When scrolling down I saw someone mention that your mom had a stroke. I am so sorry. Both you and her will be in my prayers! Your home is always so lovely and I love your fruit crate. Magic indeed. My home is a sanctuary to me also. I think it's so important that we make it a place that people (as well as ourselves) like to be!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  61. Many blessings to you Laurie. It will be alright.
    Sherry

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie