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I decided I would refinish my work table. Again. The first time I went through the process years ago, it was easier. I sanded the smooth, stained wood and painted it a crisp white. Any imperfections were covered and a clean slate became the foundation for a host of creativity throughout the next five years. Over time, the perfection became tarnished. It was battered and bruised, scraped and poorly maintained. It hardly resembled the table l once painted. I decided to put some elbow grease into it. I didn’t want to use a chemical paint thinner, I did it the manual way. And it was a grueling process. Layer by layer, the paint was removed and eventually the bare wood revealed itself. I had every intention of staining or repainting the table. But I stood there, my arms and shoulders aching from the sanding process, staring at the blonde wood and I saw it for all it was. Beautiful and raw. I decided right then that I wouldn’t cover it with paint or stain it a different color. I would allow it to be exactly what it was. I thought about how true to life that has been for me. Peeling away the layers to get to the core seems like it should be easier. I could try and rush the process but it would only be damaging. Doing the hard work reveals the beauty of what is raw and real about who we are. I’ll add a clear coat to the table because it deserves to be protected, just like guarding our hearts. #refine
There are about a thousand things I could say to catch you up on from the past few months, instead I’ll stick with one: She needs me more than I need Polka Square. That hasn’t always been the case. It took me stepping back to see more clearly. I’m stealing kisses and feeling the comfort of joy. I imagined my time away from work would be more brief, as it turns out, my hands are full. Full of gratitude, hope and of my family. I’m still here. I’m present. No longer mourning what wasn’t, no fear of what might come - fully here for this, today, right now. The rain and the shine ✨ Sending love and kisses your way! • • • #hugsandkisses #simpleissweet #momamddaughter #thursdaythoughts #presentday #aliceandames
So many of you are here to support original, unique designs. I know more than a few of you who are fully into the clay accessory trend. @madebyneely has created some really beautiful pieces right here in Oklahoma that are handmade and one-of-a-kind. I’m eyeing several sets as we speak! She’s mastered her craft ✨Take a peek and be inspired by the color combinations, texture and styles she’s bringing to the wearable art world. #claimyouroriginal
I’ve learned to embrace the spirit of the little boy we’re raising who prefers to be exploring the outdoors. It’s not unusual for him to bring in unique rocks, sticks, turtle shells and yes, deer skulls. These treasures of his barefoot adventures are sprinkled throughout our home. Bead-wrapped sticks hanging on the wall, bleached driftwood in a vase, a painted turtle shell given to Grammie, and now this one is making her own statement. Sure, I could tell him to keep his findings outside, and many of them do stay where nature and God intended. Some, however, bring with them a memory. They capture a season we want to celebrate.✨Happy Saturday, friends! • • • #ohdeer #oklahoma #diydecor #naptimediy #makersgonnamake
Even the smallest refinements are making big impacts in my little world. Sharing a few game-changers with you on this Friday! 1//I’m all for a fun hair accessory as long as it has a little class (by @anthropologie) 2//Super into subtle yet can’t-get-enough scents to fill the space around me. This spray by @pfcandleco is winning and yes, occasionally I twirl into a spritz. It’s that good. 3//I’m late to the @loopycases party, but freeing up my full hands arrived at just the right time. 4//We’re skipping the tablet and opting for this magnet dress-up kit by @mudpuppykids. Perfect for car rides, waiting rooms and any on-the-go adventure. 5//My gal pal infused flavor and fun into my meal planning when she told me about @thedefineddish. YUM! 6//When I was gifted with a baby FLF, I was determined to keep it alive. One month going strong 🥴 She’s about as temperamental as an actual baby, but a plant mister is currently keeping her happy. Here’s to the weekend, live it well! • • • #fridayfavorites #favoritethings #refine #gamechangers #musthaves
This time was different. I read the book, watched the ‘94 adaptation, and somehow the most recent journey of Jo, Meg, Amy, Beth and Marmee stirred me in a different way. Perhaps it is because now I’m a “grown-up”, and a mother. But I’m still a daughter and I still have dreams. I found myself relating to each one of those little women in some way. Jo’s insatiable need to write without conforming to the world’s standards, Amy’s desire to create but stifled by expectations, Meg’s reminder that purpose and fulfillment don’t come from materials, Beth’s desire to please those around her, and Marmee...she’s the one I want to have a long dinner with. I have so many questions for her. A wife, mother to four, one who died, a woman who often lives with not quite enough but it was more than enough. I’m raising my own little woman and a little man. This week I’ve been reminded to get on their level. Remember the scene when Marmee and Jo had a conversation on the floor next to the bed? Jo understood her mother in a new way, a gift that changed her perspective. I need to play more with my kids. Kneel down. Sit on the floor. Instead of expecting them to rise, perhaps I can be better about meeting them where they are. Thanks Marmee.✨
Gosh, how long has it actually been since the last #naptimediy? I suppose when my kid went on strike and decided napping is for the birds, THAT’S the last time. Not today folks. I needed to create something like Monday’s need coffee. I’ve been swooning over ALL the dried flowers and grass. I’m not super into home decor. I’m definitely not a soon-to-be bride planning out the perfect bouquet. But...accessories. Yes, that’s where I decided to plant this trend. The options of faux floral pieces that play well with the dried trend was encouraging. The trick is using the pieces in bits. Nothing too “clumped”. Make sure your wire cutters are sharp and start clipping small elements for a more unique and original look. Swipe through. One works as a hair accessory while another is designed on a clip which can go from hair to hat to um, anything! Bag, baby, wreath, gift...Give it a try! Go, be creative, friends ✨ (All supplies by @hobbylobby)
How’s it going? You know, the beginning of a new decade and all? I don’t know about you, but my new decade looks a lot like the end of the last one, anyone else? It’s still holiday break for the kids, schedules are still a bit wonky, there is leftover champagne and homemade cookies that definitely won’t be wasted. Need I go on? I knew it would be like this. I managed my expectations. What can I control? Our home. Yes, let’s start the refinement there. On January 1, we had a day of refinement and oh was it a beautiful thing. It has brought a sense of peace. The new year isn’t magic, is it? If we aren’t careful, we can expect too much overnight. We can forget that we have to participate and be patient. Goals, intentions, resolutions, words, verses, they are all wonderful - and they aren’t magical. Keep going, forward, onward! Appreciate where you have been, what got you here. Hope for what will be. But. Be right here now.✨I received a number of inquiries about “word” bracelets. To clarify, the one I casually created was a placeholder while waiting for this one. I’m so pleased with the design by @annmariajewelry that I found on @etsy. She specializes in using your own handwriting however I opted for type. You can even send a fingerprint for some of the pieces! I chose to have my word engraved on the inner side of my bracelet for a cleaner look. Also, best of all, you can customize the size of the bangle. I have oddly small wrists and most bracelets don’t work, a custom fit was important. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome and highly recommend Anna and her team. Thank you for this gift!✨ #notanad
It’s impossible to refine what was. I do get to choose how I respond to it. This is it. The end of a year, the wrap on a decade. I don’t get to change any of it, nor would I want to. “All of these lines across my face, tell you the story of where I’ve been...” Yesterday, on the 14th wedding anniversary to my favorite human, I was reminded that we were created by our Creator...so, create. Period. It was simple and refreshing. Challenge accepted. In some ways, this path of refinement I’ve dipped my toe into has revealed a certain simplicity. Less...worry, stuff, pride, stress, busy. Acceptance...of what is, of who I am, of who they are. Trust...timing, closed doors, open doors, people, and above all else - my Creator. Now...not what was, not what will be, zoom in, worm’s eye view. I’m giving the big picture over to the One who can actually see it. Why? Because it was overwhelming me. I am too small. He is bigger. He’s got this. So take it, God. I’ll grasp my magnifying glass and be here now. #refine

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