They are just lovely...

There's something special about flowers.

Like the surprise inside each little casing...

...preparing to showcase its glory.

Nestled in a vintage creamer...

...they are just lovely.

Homes for Haiti

This is a temporary shelter...temporary in that it's designed to last for approximately 3 years.

Perfect?

No.

photo: msnbc

photo: Missionary Flights International

Better than a tent?

Yes.

Ninty-six square feet of new home.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country of Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010 left hundreds of thousands of Haitain's homeless. People are living in the streets, parks, tents, and among the rubble of what was once their home.

Homes for Haiti is a tangible way for Americans to provide relief to the victims of the Hiati earthquake. More secure and private than tents, these homes will provide shelter and rest for the the Haitian people. Building in sections by volunteers across the US, these homes will be flat-packed and shipped to Haiti to be assembled by volunteers in-country.

Your tax-deductible contribution to CORE Alliance will  help cover the costs of producing and shipping these homes to Haiti. It costs $600.00 per house for materials and shipping to the Port of Miami or Port of Houston. Donations of funds, materials, tools, and trasportation are needed.

For more information about CORE Alliance, please visit their website:
http://core-alliance.org/

What is CORE?
CORE (Christians Organized for Relief Efforts) is an open group of churches banding together with the mission of serving the community as the hands and feet of Christ. Pooling our resources and efforts enable maximum impact in the community.


What is our mission?
To strategically partner with other organizations in order to combine resources in a way that enables us to provide the maximum relief to the most people and places in the world.
What is our vision?
To partner with over 1000 organizations and provide relief to people in over 100 countries around the world.


How do we define relief?
Anything that relives poverty, suffering, or hardship. Relief can come in the form of education, economic empowerment, food, material donations, aid, or disaster assistance.
How did we begin?
CORE was established in 2005 by two churches from Houston, Texas to assist in meeting the needs of people hit by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast area. Ultimately, CORE housed nearly 9000 volunteers coming from all over the US and several countries as they rallied to provide relief to Mississippi citizens.

Our church is part of CORE Alliance. The above information is from the flyer they are using to get aid.

photo: http://www.persecution.org/

Family...

I'm sharing a very special plate that my husband and I were given as a wedding present over 25 years ago. It has been proudly displayed and gives such warmth to our home.

It was given to us from relatives that lived in Germany.

They were my father's cousins...my husband and I never actually met them.

But over the last few years, we've been able to meet and share wonderful times with their children and grandchildren.

It's not silver but pewter.

I love the detailing.

I'm linking with Gypsy Fish and her Silver Sunday. Be sure to stop by and see amazing silver things!

Well loved shoes...

I just love special things that have a story.

Can't you tell these shoes must have a story?

They look loved...

like they've worked so hard...

for someone really special.

If you could feel them,

they would be so very soft to your touch.

I wondered why they weren't replaced as they began to wear and crack.

But the owner just smiled and said,

"...they're just perfect!"

Do you know what she does?

Yes, she's an organist...

and my Mom.

I've never known her without her organ shoes.

I think they are neat.

I like that they have been patched, are cracked, and worn thin...it just adds to their charm.

If you've heard a great organist...

then you know what I'm talking about.

There's something very special

about someone who has the ability to play music

in such a way

that brings tears to your eyes.

It moves you,

it's food for your soul...

the end.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We'll it's almost that day, a day where red is the color and love is in the air! I've decided to decorate my dinning room table with a few new pieces I received this past Christmas and a few vintage pieces as well.

Vintage Valentine's from my son and daughter-in-law.

Vintage silver from my husband's grandmother.

Thrift store silverplate.

Red charges from my soon-to-be niece by marriage.

Wedding crystal...

...and flatware.

Everything put together to make a Valentine's Day tablescape!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit!

Today I'm linking with Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to drop by there as well for amazing tables!

Needlework...

There's an art to needlework...patience.

With today's fast paced lifestyle, I wonder if there are as many young girls taught needlework.

I didn't have girls, so I don't really know the answer to that question. I just know that I enjoy it myself, when I have the time, and I love to admire completed pieces.

Today, I'd like to share three pieces that were meant to be placed on chairs as seat cushions.

They were part of a set my mother wanted to use on her dining room chairs. For one reason or another, she only completed 3 pieces...she gave these to me several years ago.

They are not on my dining room chairs but proudly displayed on my dining room wall. At least they made it to the same room!

I just love the detail and appreciate all the time it takes to complete each piece.

I'm linking to Tams Three or More Tuesday. Be sure to stop by for amazing collections!

Thanks for visiting!

Mod Podge - Works in a Pinch!

I have a little story.

My husband and I have become pretty handy over the years with all of our home "redo projects". We've done just about everything, learning as we go.

One thing we know how to do is hang wallpaper.

However, we were just plain tuckered out and decided to have a "professional" hang our new kitchen wallpaper.

So, we went to our favorite paint store and asked for recommendations, found a guy, and he hung our wallpaper!

We were pleased...or so we thought.

That was less than two years ago.

One morning, I woke up to this...

OK, no worries. I'll just get a little tube of wallpaper paste and fix that little seam!

And then, the same thing started happening in another place...and another....

...it was never ending!

One afternoon, after a really long and crazy day at work, I came home to this!

That was it!

The last straw!

I got out my trusty Mod Podge and paint brush and went to work.

I know what you're thinking...

but I was desperate!

My little tube of wall paper paste was completely used up!

And...

guess what?

My bright, sunny kitchen had all its wallpaper attached! I was thrilled!

Lesson to be learned:

If you're in a real pickle, use Mod Podge!

I'm linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to stop by for amazing transformations, big and small!

Thanks for visiting!