She and Him

I think Zooey Deschanel's voice is lovely. Just wanted to share a little bit of ear candy. 

All that glitters is gold

I  have been obsessed with two things this past month 1.  Pinterest (if you have not checked it out you really should) and 2. gold spray paint!  I started out with my branch for my little doves to hang off and from there I was hooked. I spray painted an old Bourbon bottle The Peddler had laying around and loved how it turned out. I glimmered my old fake wreathe and the star on the top of the tree. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks as I have decked our halls with boughs of Jolly:)

No spray paint on the pears, just glue and glitter

Christmas Time Salad

In my attempts to blog more I thought I would share a quick thrown together recipe I made last night.

Every time I make pasta I always feel the urge to have a green salad, maybe it was the years of childhood where my mom said the food on the plate always needed color and she never cooked just a starch. Anyway last night I realized I was low on options for a salad and the only thing worth throwing into the leafy lettuce was a tomato. (which my husband does not enjoy) I also remembered we have no dressing in the fridge that anyone really likes. And my usual olive oil and balsamic vinegar was out of question, since there was no balsamic vinegar to be had.

As I looked around I saw all the apples on the counter and remembered my cranberries in the freezer and the 4 containers of poppy seeds in my cupboard and my brain began churning. I found some croutons and Parmesan cheese and went to town. The outcome was delicious!

Christmas Time Salad

Lettuce( I used green leaf)

Apples

Dried Cranberries

Broccoli

Croutons

Parmesan Cheese

Dressing

1/2 cup of Mayonnaise

1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tablespoons of Sugar

1-2 teaspoons of Poppy Seeds
1 teaspoon of Blood Orange Flavored Olive Oil-(probably could use Orange Juice too)

The exact measurements for the dressing may be off, as I just mixed it all to taste. (may want to add less vinegar and more sugar) I also think it would be delicious with bacon bits and or candied nuts.

Change

I love change! I always like to move furniture around our living room, or find new ways to set up our office. If we owned our house I would probably paint the walls a few times a year. So in response to my love of change and the inability to paint I decided to update the background on my blog.

life changing book

I was talking with a friend last night about a book I read a few months ago and out of my mouth I said "it changed my life!" I think those are some pretty hefty words to say about a book. But if I am honest I would have to say this book has been incredibly instrumental in dealing with a few areas in my heart that I have swept under the carpet for the past 7 or 8 years. A sweet freind of mine, Robin Pasley is the author and her transparency is apparent in the pages. She has a wonderful ability to communicate parts of her journey in a way that makes it seem she is writing my own thoughts, fears and frustrations.There are parts of this book that have space to write after prayer and seeking out the Father's heart in certain circumstances, to help the process and restoration take place. 

I have never fully had a freedom in my heart to understand what it means to be a daughter to the King of Kings, the One who loves me and holds me close to His own heart. I have struggled most of my life with feeling as if I had to strive and work really hard to "earn my keep" in His Kingdom and not simply enjoy the life and freedom I have been given.  Romans 8:15 says it like this..."For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”


If you were to buy  yourself a Christmas present this year I would say let it be this book. Let the Father unfold the wonders of what it means to be a son or daughter and the freedom, love, joy and purpose it lays before us.


Can be purchased at Amazon or Worship Circle Records

In Loving Memory...

I am not the kind of person to hold on to keepsakes. If anything I hang on to the items that make the least sense. I remember my move from Utah to Milwaukee and my friend Jeryl laughing at me because I had an $8 length size mirror in my back seat, one that could have been purchased at any Walmart or Target, but I was determine to lug it across the country with me.

There is however a keepsake I hold close to my heart, this keepsake could never be purchased or replaced, and has followed me for the last 9 years.  It is the keepsake of my memories of Jonathan Orpia. This day, November 6th, marks the day of him going to be with our Father. I do have a few journals and pictures, but nothing compares to the days, months and years I remember sharing with him. Even after 9 years, I can hear his laugh. Even as I have entered a new marriage (2 years ago tomorrow) and found my new best friend, I never forget the man who loved me first.

 Jonathan was talented, full of love and kindness, funny and full of life. He loved deeply the people who surrounded him and more than anything he sat as close as he could to the heart of the Father. I feel so honored to have been his wife and know who I am today was influenced deeply by his love for me.

"I am surrounded by a love that is great. I hear so many reflections, so many descriptions and poetic words that describe who You are. I come to a conclusion to say that no mere words can ever describe who You are. For when I attempt to say who You are I stumble over my words." ~a prayer by Jonathan December 30, 1999

The Peddler's Thoughts

My hot husband started a blog a few months ago. His words are rich and his humor smart. Some posts are light and fun and others should be read with a cup of coffee, when you have a few minutes. 

Check it out-

http://thepeddlersthoughts.wordpress.com/