As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Monday, July 23, 2012

A Gift From a Friend


We all love presents. Traditionally we’ve grown to expect a birthday or an anniversary present, but we are especially touched when we receive something out of the blue. Think of your gift-giving as bringing an unexpected pleasure to someone you care about. An element of surprise intensifies satisfaction. There is a double emotional impact when a present is given to you because someone thought of you, or came across a book that “has your name on it.”
~ from Living a Beautiful Life by Alexandra Stoddard




When I told you about my most recent whim, my blog friend Milah, offered me a delightful gift!  She had a book about Early American stenciling and wall art and she thought that the book "had my name on it."  

Last week, the book arrived in my mailbox...along with a book of  Early American craft projects and some research on wall art and some booklets with stencil patterns and some magazine articles that she had collected.  Unexpected gifts!  



I am poring over the books, taking mental notes...still contemplating that mural on my staircase wall, and also (thanks to these photos of gorgeous Early American homes) considering where I might add a bit of stenciling.

Thank you for these gifts, Milah.  My heart is touched with your thoughtfulness.





What has inspired you lately?  
Do you consider home projects in the summer? Or does inspiration strike you more in the fall?


6 comments:

  1. Oh Cheryl,

    I need to do some painting in rooms, they need some freshening up, and I want to do some projects, but with no time or money right now, I am doing nothing! Yikes!

    I did do some rearranging of the girls rooms and it looks good...will have to take photos...

    I am living vicariously through your projects these days! I can't wait to see what you do - that mural sounds so awesome! You can do it!

    Deanna

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  2. Such a sweet gift...and a wonderful quote to match.

    (Oh I wish inspiration would hit. Instead I'm going to have to rely on just doing it with or without inspiration. Fall is a good time for projects. I'm waiting for things to get done before I start doing other things. They're so interconnected that I can't tell where the yarn unravels.)

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  3. I'm glad to hear you received my package. It's an interesting subject and it shows that women/men from that era were as concerned with creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in their homes as we are today. I'm thrilled to have found the perfect home for this collection, hopefully someday you'll find the someone to pass it on to as well. :)

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  4. A very thoughtful gift, Cheryl, have fun! I guess I don't have a choice this summer with projects, the leak in the wall made it for me! lol We are still packing!
    Enjoy your day as you browse the books, dream, and plan.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  5. Stoddard....stenciling...stellar friends... So many blessings to process! (Oh, by the way, your Sunday Snapshots were great. Looks like a very relaxing day!)

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  6. Straight to the point and well written! Why can't everyone else be like this?

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