Thoughts from Alice W.

Today is the Day!

...the one I have been telling you about...

...getting excited about...

...and very nervous about too...I won't lie...

About a month ago, an admin from Etsy wrote telling me that they wanted to make my shop a featured seller. For those of you not big into Etsy...you might not understand what an honor and big deal it is...but it really  is! My first reaction was..."but...why me?" And I am still asking that question now... ;)

But I am there and you can read my interview by clicking here.

I have unveiled my Winter Collection over there instead of my website this month, so I do hope you will check out all I have been working.  Here is a sampling of what you will find...

Lots of holiday inspiration in my favorite white and neutral shades...

and many handmade linen and burlap items...

embellished vintage scarves...

as well as my photograph notecard originals {more coming soon!}...

and the shop is stocked full of vintage goods too...

and don't forget to head over to my other Etsy shop, Paradox, for my latest jewelry designs...

 

I hope that you enjoy my little offerings...I have poured my heart and soul into all of them...

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving! I know I have so much to be thankful for this year...including all of my wonderful friendships here...and all of the sweet words you  leave for me...

Till next time...

Hope...

Hope...

a theme that has been strong throughout my life...times with it...

and those without...

But one that I feel a strong connection to...because I understand the full spectrum.

Recently, I was asked by the pastor of my church to help with a series he is doing on the essential foundations of our lives...faith, hope, love...and integrity. I chose hope...

This took a huge leap of faith...

I had to paint in church....

during the service...

in front of everyone...

{photo courtesy this sweet girl's husband...she had the privilege of painting the "Faith" door}

It was scary. And the night before I almost lost my hope...but I woke up that morning with an open heart and during the moments when the music was resounding in my ear and my brush was moving...my hope was renewed and restored. Just as it always is.

I don't know why I chose to post so seriously tonight...my intention in coming to this space was simply to share with you that I am still here...and checking in to say hello...and let you know I am keeping busy preparing for the opportunity I had mentioned {I promise I will share it soon!}. It will be next Monday...so I do hope you will come by to enjoy it with me...

I am swimming in supplies in my art studio...and trying to create....create....create......

and all the while keep my hope ;)

and I am.

I hope that your week is filled with hope.

Precious, beautiful, attainable............. h o p e.

Ps. 147:11   the Lord delights in those who fear him,
  who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Till next time...

Blessed...

I have certainly been feeling very blessed these past few days.

You ladies certainly know how to encourage and show your love...

Every comment {and email} left for me was savored and cherished. I tried getting to many of you to say thanks...but with so many...I got stuck...so now I am still making my way through the list... 

But if, somehow, I miss you...just now how blessed I am by your words...

and the knowledge...that I am not alone.

It is amazing how so many of us experience the same feelings...and yet feel so alienated. But I am glad that I put it out there, and received such a positive response.

So thank you...for being you...and sharing your hearts with me ;)

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And speaking of blessings...I am also blessed to have the love of the most wonderful husband for the last three years.

I don't know the couple above, but found this photo a few years ago and adore it. It sits on my bedroom vanity. I wonder about this couple...how they met...fell in love...how long did they have each other...did their marriage last?

I hope so...

 

As some of you may recall, Joshua and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on October 1st. I had planned on sharing about how we spent the day with you...but you know how life gets sometimes...

The most important thing that we do on our anniversary is to recall the moments we shared when we first met, fell in love, and got engaged ~ and the promises we made to each other on that day back in 2006.

{This is our wedding invitation...it was wrapped in the most beautiful pale green and white toile paper and tied up with a white bow.}

As of yet, we haven't gotten into the anniversary "gift giving" tradition, but rather try to find something romantic to do together. This year Joshua made the plans. He found out about a Titanic exhibit at a museum in Rochester and decided to take me on the "maiden voyage"...

 

We received boarding passes when we arrived with information of actual passengers who boarded the Titanic.

I was Annie "Nina" Harper, age 6, traveling with my father and care-giver cousin...

Josh was Annie Funk {both Annies!} traveling alone to visit her dying mother...

And yes, Josh was disappointed that they didn't discriminate between genders, but Miss Annie Funk it turns out, was a rather extraordinary woman. She was a missionary and opened a school for girls...so if he had to be a woman for a day...I think being her was quite an honor ;)

We could not take photos in the exhibit, but it was filled with artifacts pulled from the sea, replica rooms and ships and information on many of the passengers.

At the end, we were able to go to the wall that listed the survivors...and those who perished.

I noticed quickly that my girl, Miss Annie Harper survived.

Sadly, though, Miss Annie Funk did not.

When I came home I researched both to see if I could find photos or stories about them and I did. You can see and read more about my girl here and Josh's here.

It is amazing to hear the stories and put photos with them...makes it all the more real for me...

After that we went to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant and enjoyed dinner and talking about out love...

And this is us...three years into our love {taken at my sister's engagement party last month}...

We are so very, very blessed to have found each other...and to have a love like we do...

And I know that it will last forever.

Till next time...

Artful Blogging...

Some months ago, I was approached by Christen Olivarez, the editor of Artful Blogging, to write an article about my blog. I was stunned and so excited...and felt a little guilty.... since I had been given the chance to write an article about my former blog for Somerset Life previously.

She knew that though, and encouraged me that the readers would still be interested.

As the deadline drew near...I drew a blank. I typically have lots and lots of thoughts swirling in my head...but this time...writer's block.

That's when I started reflecting on what my blog was all about. My thoughts...simple as that.

So, that's what I decided to write. My thoughts on blogging...my experiences...the highs and lows...and my advice to other bloggers out there. Now, these thoughts are by no means profound or even that enlightening, I suppose. But they are real. And that is what I wanted to share. Something real.

Being perfectly honest, sometimes this whole "blogging" thing gets me down...........very down.

And then I get more down beating myself up for getting down about a blog!

But...it's true...I do...

I spend nights lying awake wondering if anyone will care what I have to say...

Or why can't I be as perfect as some others seem...or as happy as they always seem...

Or how do they keep their homes always so spotless...

Or why do some bloggers out there get 90 comments every time...and some...only get 1 or 2?

Or how does everyone else make time to write posts so often and always take time to read and write thoughtful comments on so many others? {this one always puzzles me since I can never seem to keep up}

And...does anyone else ever feel as lonely as I do out there...in this vast blogland?

But of course.....I convince myself, they do not. For surely, everyone else has it all figured out. They are confident in themselves and don't question these things like I do, right?

And lately, some of these things have been weighing on me quite heavily. Which is why I have not been posting or visiting as often. Sometimes, I need to heed my own advice, like in the article that I wrote, and step back...and reconnect with who I am. Remembering that how God made me is perfect. Perfectly imperfect. And that when I am enjoying that...I will flourish...and the resentments, the fears, the doubts...will all beautifully slip away...

So as I dust myself off...and grasp the hand of God to lift me up...I am looking to him for my fulfillment. Not blog comments, not comparisons to others who may be more "inspiring" than I, or envying those who have seemingly perfect lives, because I know they don't...and that perhaps, even they have moments like I do...wavering...wondering...questioning it all...

Or better yet, even if they don't, and somehow their lives are actually just perfect, that that is okay. It's okay that mine isn't because it is still a beautiful one...filled with the ones I love, a life that I love even when it's hard...and most importantly, that it is filled with the love of a God who is so big and yet so small...that he can understand all of these thoughts of mine and find each one important...

So for those of you who happen upon my article in the magazine...I hope that it will encourage you...even if it is only in some small way...and if you ever find yourself wondering any of these questions {and others} just know that you aren't alone...I have thought them too. And then in that thought...the loneliness disappears...

Till next time...

Mount Vernon Estate

 

History in person...that's how I like it...

I have a hard time reading history books...or watching programs on television...but bring me to a place filled with history in person, and my mind lights up with intrigue.

That is what happened this past weekend when Joshua and I went down to Virginia. We stayed with his parents who were so generous to take us on lovely outings while we visited.

I went shopping with my mother-in-law on Friday and saw some amazing shops. One that I really enjoyed was WhiteBench. They had lots of burlap pillows and burlap covered French chairs. Loads of chippy white furniture and unique finds. You can check out their website to see a taste of what they have. I was wishing I had brought my camera, but sadly, I left it behind. The towns we visited were so quaint and charming with lots of friendly people. I even picked up a couple of things at some thrift shops we visited.

Then on Saturday {Halloween} we drove over to Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens...aka...George Washington's house...

The mansion was stunning. I fell in love with the dining room and all of the character throughout. It was also amazing to stand where George Washington stood...where so much of our American history was made...

Photos aren't allowed indoors...but you can view a virtual tour on the website...or better yet...visit if you are ever in the area...

Across from the mansion is the Potomac river. It is quite an incredible view and was beautiful to see with the leaves falling.

There are many other buildings and sites to see while you are there including the Greenhouse and gardens. Since it is fall there isn't too much blooming right now...but I can only imagine how beautiful the gardens are in the spring and summer...

{there is a large fleur-de-lis in the shrubbery above...hard to photograph but Joshua and I enjoyed finding it.}

They also have lots of live animals around...

This sleepy one reminded me of Renoir ;)

And speaking of Renoir...since it was Halloween on the day we visited the estate, we didn't get back until around 8pm, so most of the trick-or-treaters were done...but we dressed Renoir up anyways...

Here's Mr. "Boo" Jangles...

{Joshua picked up this adorable shirt collar and tie on Etsy from Whiskerkisses}

Well, I feel like I keep saying the same thing...about being busy and not having time for blogging...but again...it will be a busy month ahead for me. I have been given a very exciting opportunity in about 3 weeks that I will be preparing for and sharing when the time comes closer. I do so wish I had more hours in the day so I could come visit all of you. I truly do miss seeing what you are all up to...but again I hope you will understand and know that you are all in my thoughts during the day ;)

Till next time...

Happy Halloween

The night of tricks and treats will soon be upon us...

What are you going to be this year?

Joshua, Renoir and I are headed out of town early Thursday morning and will be making our way down to Virginia to enjoy the weekend with his parents. Joshua will be helping his dad build a garage, while I will be busy trying to keep Renoir out of trouble at their house ;) {don't be fooled...he looks like a little angel...but he can get into mischief in the blink of an eye}

Renoir has a little costume that we will be dressing him up in...and I will be sure to share photos when we return {at some point that is - I have a growing list of posts that I have wanted to write...still balancing...see the previous post for details on that ;)}

The shop will be closed while we are away and will reopen on Monday, November 2nd.

Till then...I will leave with you these happy pumpkins I spotted on an outing a few weeks back...

And...be sure to check out the current 'Vignette of the Moment' over at Romantic Vignettes...it will surely get you inspired for Halloween!

Wishing you all a very safe and Happy Halloween!

Till next time...

 

Balancing Act...

Life is certainly one big balancing act...and one that I more often find...I have a hard time balancing. 

Laundry gets piled up, dishes fill the sink, orders need to be shipped out, the dining room table is no where in sight, the tub needs scrubbing, the floors need mopping, the dog needs walking, dinner needs cooking, bills need paying, a friend pops over who needs encouragement, emails sit waiting to be replied to...and on and on and on...

So...for those of you wondering where I have been ;) I am just popping in to let you know that I'm still here...just working on this balancing thing...and when I find myself there...blogging is typically the first thing to fall off...my apologies to my faithful readers for that. 

Josh and I celebrated our anniversary on the 1st and had a wonderful day...{and I did take a few pics and have a story for you...to share when the "balancing gets balanced" shall we say} 

I have also been very busy preparing an engagement party for my sister this coming Saturday...which has taken up most of my time...I really want to make is special for her and her fiance...so I will be away for just a little bit longer...

Just wanted to let you know, in case you might be wondering ;)

I hope that all of you are blessed and encouraged this week...

Till next time...

 
{oh and...do you like my new white teacups? I got them for 25 cents each at a thrift store last week. I love them!}

Renoir Helps Give Back...

Over the summer, Renoir and I were made aware of a great cause coordinated by Kelee at the Katillac Shack for one of her Design Gives Back projects, by our dear blogging friends Tracie {of My Petite Maison} and Zeke {Renoir's pal}...

All we had to do, to offer our small part in helping displaced pets, is decorate the free scarf sent to us for the project. Renoir was kind enough to sit still long enough for me to photograph him in it as well {his part in the mission}...which earned him a "Creative Hero Award"...he really is my creative little hero ;)

Be sure to watch the amazing video put together about this project...it brought tears to my eyes as I am sure it will for many of you {you can find Renoir in frame 7:43 ;) } and visit the Katillac Shack to view all of the participants, join in the party and enter the giveaway!

 

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In other news...Joshua and I will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary on the 1st and have some romantic plans for the day that I am sure I will share with you later in the week...till then...I hope that this beautiful fall season is treating you all well...

Till next time...

A Vintage Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching...and for those of you who enjoy decorating for this spooky holiday...I created a line of black and white themed decorations and ornaments to help you celebrate...

Will you be the Queen of Tricks............or.............Treats this year?

You can store all your best tricks and treats in these paper cones...

 

 

 

Greet your guests with a charmingly frightful garland banner...

A ruffled ornament to decorate your Halloween tree should you have one...

Or if you prefer...a set of vintage Lucky Number ornaments...

And if you prefer to create your own...we are stocked with supplies to spark your Halloween imagination...

Like our Pumpkin & Noir ruffled crepe paper...

Glittered candy corn picks...

or if you prefer them without "sugar"...

We also have a full stock of chenille stems...in 'Pumpkin & Noir'...

Noir {black}...

and Blanc {white}...

We also offer tinsel stems in Gold & Silver Twists...

Gold...

and Silver...

Click here to view our entire Vintage Halloween Collection

We hope that you enjoy our holiday offerings...and have a very SpOoKY HaLLoWeEn!

Till next time...

Early Autumn...

 

Like many of you...autumn is my absolute favorite time of year.

I love the crisp, cool breezes, brilliant shades of the leaves turning, and that undeniable scent of fall that wafts in one day and you know...it's here.

There are signs of it all around and my spirit is awakened...renewed...and longing for this warm, welcoming and blessed season...

Mums are everywhere...

My sweet neighbor Bev, has a beautiful sunflower growing...

We recently picked up some white gourds to bring the feeling into our home a little bit early this year...

In our home...I still strive to create a "white" and romantic look for fall...with white pumpkins, white and pale green gourds, and accents in shades from cream to caramel to rusty brown...

I won't start decorating indoors for a few more weeks...but enjoyed setting up the little vignette above on the front porch to start setting the mood...

This time of year...much like spring...gets me in the mood for change and creating a fresh home that is cleaned, organized and beautifully arranged...

I am in the process of redoing the living room, dining room, and kitchen...the above vignette is displayed in our corner cabinet that we placed in the dining room for a change.

And the kitchen...which can definitely use a good cleaning right about now...is also getting a bit of a transformation with all white, cream, brown and black accents {time for the pinks, pastels, and floral pieces to find a new home}...

I suppose we can keep the cobwebs on the chandelier for Halloween... ;)

Once I get more done around here, I will share more photos of the transformations.

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I have some exciting news to share that pertains to fall as well...recently I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl of Casual Cottage Chic {who recently created her own blog so do be sure to stop by and say hello}, who enjoys shopping at Painted White and who loves my shop so much that she mentioned it to Jacqueline, the editor of Romantic Homes magazine. Cheryl must have quite a pull with the folks over there, because not too long after she wrote to them, I heard from Jacqueline saying that my shop would be featured in an upcoming issue! Cheryl was kind enough to send the November issue out to me early, so I could get a sneak peek {mine always seems to come so late}..

I was thrilled with how it turned out...

This issue should come out soon and four other great websites are listed along with mine so be sure to check it out!

Well, I hope that for most of you, you are enjoying the early signs of fall as well...

Till next time...