Mamas*Little*Treasures

Breathless

I don’t know if
            Breathless
Is a good thing or
            A bad thing
While rushing here
            And there
Late for work or
            Picking up the kids . . . .
I’m breathless.

 

Late at night I worry
            about money, family, time, work
And all day long I worry
            about money, family, time, work
Always searching for a place
            of peace and tranquility
Where life is simply slower,
            and in my quest for tranquility
I’m breathless.

But then I wake and see
            the face of my sleeping child
Or the reflection of the rising sun
            on the placid lake
And gaze into the loving eyes
            of the man who sleeps beside me
I silently pray that this will be
            forever our sacred place . . . .
I’m breathless -

At the wonder of life,
           the heartache and the moments
Of amazing, joyous, miraculous love
           and there I choose to stay
Remembering every breath and every touch,
          the gift of love, family, and life . . . .
I seek this place of peace while enduring the
          pain of brokenness that sometimes makes me
Breathless.

 

This was my entry for the weekly creativity prompt at "Creative Construction:  Life and Art" last week.  This is a great community of artsy mamas who inspire and encourage one another in their individual creative endeavors.  Stop over and join in the fun! 

---

I'm clueless, and sometimes that's OK!

“Give yourself permission not to know and be satisfied knowing the One who does.”

~ by Joyce Meyer, “I Dare You"

How many times have I heard messages about how we should be willing to do whatever God gives us to do in our lives.  And to do it with all of our heart and strength.  Along with the willingness must come wisdom, however, because sometimes the "thing" right in front of us looks so "right" and so "good," but it isn't always the "best."  And it is often difficult to determine what we should be doing with our life.  

How many times have I said (to myself or out loud to whomever I was talking to at the time), "I'd be happy to do whatever it is that I am supposed to be doing, if I just had a clue!"  I've committed in my heart to be willing, but when I can't figure out what it is that I'm supposed to be willing to do, I get a bit frustrated.  So where did I get the idea that all of this would be perfectly, crystal-clear anyway?  Well, I guess it has just always sounded to me like all I needed was a willing heart, and the rest would just happen.  And eventually it does, but it is the journey from here to there that seems a bit treacherous. 

I guess I always felt just a little bit of a failure when I struggled through days, weeks, or months wondering - and wandering - trying to see through the haze of uncertainty and figure out if I was on the right path.  This quote gave me such a sense of a burden being lifted from my heart.  I felt the freedom to "give myself permission" not to know.  That it is OK not to know always what the next step is, or where the journey will take me.  It is enough to know the One who is still in control of every event in my life.  Perhaps I'm too committed to "getting it right," even when I have no idea what "right" is in any given situation.  

Of course, I'm not talking about "not knowing" about things that are clearly addressed in Scripture . . . . but, for instance, when we were considering adopting our daughters.  We were both in our mid-forties at the time, and it definitely wasn't something that "everyone else" was doing.  So, that wasn't the motivation that seemed to keep us moving in the direction of adoption.  And even when we had Christian friends and family wonder if we had lost all touch with reality    ;o)  we still felt compelled to pursue this path.  And, as it turned out, God showed us over and over again His grace and goodness through the gifts and prayers of those who have a heart for orphans.  Eventually we knew what we were supposed to be doing, but in the beginning, it was not clear at all.  

I've experienced enough of life to know (in my head) that God is completely sovereign and in control of all things . . . . but it is difficult getting it settled in my heart that there isn't anything else that I need to DO, but just trust, keep moving forward, and know that if I am going in the wrong direction, He is wise enough and strong enough and loving enough to let me know.  That's what I have to be listening for - His voice.  It is enough to know that He knows - and I now give myself permission not to know!  

As it turns out, I chose this quote several weeks ago when I came across it in the book that we were studying in our Sunday School class.  But right now, TODAY, this week, we are in the midst of needing to make some decisions and choices that will affect our life in a significant way.  And the pathway does not seem at all clear.  I was wasting too much time and energy worrying about what we should do, until I remembered that this was my week to be the IOW hostess, and I reread the quote . . . . . and it was such a powerful reminder that I need to trust.  Even when I don't know.  Because He does, and is, and forever will be.  I am blessed!  

Thank you for stopping by this week and sharing in the IOW weekly words of inspiration.  Please take a minute and visit some of the other women who have posted their thoughts on this quote for this week. But be sure to let me know you stopped by first!  Have a blessed week, knowing that He's got it all under control so we can just keep moving forward, and stop worrying about what is around the next bend in the road. 

  

Fashion Bailout: A New Way to Think About Your Wardrobe

   

What’s YOUR style?   Have the current economic trials affected your fashion awareness?  I wonder what it must be like for people who have always had the resources to buy whatever they wanted.  You know, just go into a mall and shop for a new outfit.  I suppose that it would be hard to adjust to the limitations that so many of us are experiencing during this economic downturn.  Of course, this won’t last forever, and one day we will all look back on these days of financial struggles and remember what it was like “back then.”  Kind of like the memories that my mama used to share with me of her childhood.  Being a kid during the Great Depression was not easy . . . . being an adult during the Great Depression was even harder.  But they got through it.  And so will we.  But in the meantime, there are some days of financial struggle ahead for all of us. 

           

 

One of the wonderful lessons that I learned early in my life, was to appreciate the beautiful things in my world, even if they were hand-me-downs.  Of course I always had the beauty of my little neighborhood, where I played in the woods designing imaginary houses.  And the wonder of a springtime morning when the mist was rising from the lake and I played beneath the Weeping Willow tree with my dollies.  As an only child, I learned to play alone and I learned to love the simplicity of life in a small town.  I’ve discovered as I gotten older, though, that not everyone enjoys those seemingly mundane, ordinary events in life.   And if you are used to being able to go out to dinner and a moving or to go shopping for a brand-new outfit when you need one, then discovering that you just can’t do that right now, might be difficult for some people. 

           

I've had great fun lately to search through the Etsy shops and discover beautiful, classic, high-quality clothing at prices that more people can afford.  Since I’ve been selling on Etsy, I’ve discovered that there is quite a market for “vintage,” “retro,” and reconstruction garments.  That can be anything from last year’s styles that have been donated to a thrift shop, or truly vintage garments that are discovered at an estate sale, or even gorgeous treasures that have been stashed away in MeMaw’s attic for twenty years.  And since I have so much practice “making something out of nothing,” as my mother-in-law used to say about me, I’m having great fun searching for and discovering some of the wonderful garments and accessories that are available in a variety of Etsy shops.  If you are looking for a “new” outfit, Etsy is a great place to start! 

 

Here are just a few of the fun items I found this week . . . . . I always like to start with the foundation garment for an outfit.  Here is a beautiful spring and summer dress that has so much versatility!  You could dress it up for an elegant evening occasion, or keep it simple for a daytime outing.  This sweet dress is from Turquoise Heaven and it is only $26.00!

 

Once I find the foundation garment for an outfit, then it is really fun to find all kinds of stuff to mix, match, and coordinate.  The next thing I start searching for is a great pair of shoes that will add some pizzazz, or class, or charm . . . depending on the style of the outfit.  For this beautiful dress, I was looking for shoes that would really enhance the classy, femine look of the outfit, but be just a little bit sassy, too.  I found these gorgeous summer slides that pick up the rosey pink in the dress, and they are simply classic, but those little bows really say "personality"!  I found these at vjones1 for just $20.00!

 

Now that I have the dress and the shoes, it's time to search for some accessories.  It is just so much fun investigating all of the little shops on Etsy!  I just enter the search term "pink purses" and I found so many totes, handbags, purses, and wristlets that would go perfectly with this outfit.  But I thought THIS one was the best!  This sweet pink purse can be found at  nickandnessie's for $16.00.  So now our outfit total is up to $62.00.  How does that compare to shopping at the mall?

 

Or here's a cute little purse from my own shop, Gossamer Wings Studio, that would go perfectly with this outfit.  And this one is only $14.00! 

 

 

My final treasure hunt was for jewelry that would go perfectly with this outfit.  I was looking for something that would carry out the pink theme, of course, but also jewelry that would really tie it all together. I searched for vintage and retro, simple and elaborate, sweet and elegant.  It was so difficult to decide on just one piece of jewelry, so here are a couple of choices.  Which one do you like best?  This sweet set is from gilligansgate for $18.99.

 

And these adorable little button earrings I discovered at smallearthvintage for just $14.00! 

 

 

So, depending on your choice of jewelry and handbag, your entire outfit could cost you as little as $60.00 - $75.00 or as much as $80.99.  Maybe it is just me, but I'd sure rather spend less than $100.00 on a beautiful outfit that is "new" to me, than whatever it would take to get similar items at a department store in the mall.  When you are looking for that special outfit for an upcoming event, please take a minute to browse the shops of Etsy.  You just might find exactly what you are looking for and still have enough money to buy groceries this week!  Stop back later this week for another feature on more gorgeous vintage and retro items from the sellers of Etsy!  Have a wonderful week living the vintage life and experiencing the joy of simplicity in your life   ;o)   Nina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Audrey and Grace: A little bit country, and a lot of class

Being a seamstress myself, I can truly appreciate all of the time, energy, and love that goes into creating such a gorgeous dress.  I discovered Audrey and Grace's little Etsy shop while searching for items and sellers to feature in my Thrifty Thursday series.  Well, the beautiful designs of Audrey and Grace do not fit into that category, but I just had to share them with you!  And they are definitely worth the prices that are on them - the time invested in making such a work of art would be impossible to calculate accurately.  Garment like the dresses you will find in Audrey and Grace's shop are fashion treasures today, and heirlooms of tomorrow.  Just take a few minutes and visit Audrey and Grace's shop and see all of the wonderful, whimsical dresses they have in stock.  And maybe convo Lesha and send her some Etsy friendship!  

One of the things that has surprised me in the past couple of years, is the discovery that handmade garments are so "trendy" or "fashionable."  When I was growing up, if you wore handmade clothing, it was because you couldn't afford to buy new clothes from the store.  As I was raising my older children, I made most of their clothing, as well as my own, not so much then because I couldn't afford to do anything different, but because that was just the way I grew up, I was used to it, and I loved to sew.  So, when I realized that "handmade" was a good thing, I decided to see if there was a market for my handcrafted children's clothing.  And there was!  The only problem I encountered, was that I couldn't sew things fast enough to keep up with my orders . . . . which was a good thing in some ways, but it was wearing me out. 

The other thing that I discovered, that was also a bit of a surprise to me, was that there were LOTS of younger women who wanted to learn how to sew for themselves and / or their children.   As I began to get more and more emails asking for advice and help on how to make certain design elements, or just how to get started sewing, I began to write up my eBook patterns.  That way I really felt like I was making a contribution to the lives of other women who had never had the opportunity, or had not been interested earlier in their life, to learn how to sew.  Writing my eBooks, of course, takes more time initially than to sew a dress or an outfit.  But . . . . once it is written, I can make it available to lots and lots of women!  Perhaps Lesha will decide one day to share some of her secrets with other women who might like to learn how to create such amazing dresses, too.  But until she does, if you are looking for a dress that is unique and will be the fashion statement at your next Big Event, be sure to stop by and visit Audrey and Grace's Etsy Shop.  Tell Lesha I sent you! 

 

When will I be old enough to understand?

“God’s promises are never affected by our failures.
He can use us at any age. ”

When I was a young mom, with four small children all needing my attention and time (usually all at once!), I remember wondering when I was going to do something that was actually "important" in the eyes of the world.  Back then, at the height of all of the Equal Rights Amendment uproar, it just felt like no one even knew what a stay-at-home mom did all day, much less appreciate the work that I was doing in my home and with my family.  So I very often felt like a failure.  That was when I was young . . . . . and I already felt that I had somehow been left out of the world of the accomplished, the gifted, the celebrated, and the appreciated.  Would I ever do anything that really mattered?

And then as children grow up, as they all have a way of doing, and they didn't always do what I thought would be best, I continued to feel that I had somehow failed.  This time it was even more significant on the scale of lifetime failures . . . . I had devoted my life to my family, which didn't seem to be recognized by anyone as having much value, only to discover that I had failed at that, too.  It was as if I was responsible for the happiness of everyone in my life, and if they weren't happy, then I was continually reminded of what a failure I had been.  I had forgotten (or perhaps I had never learned) the truth of God's promises - that they have nothing to do with me, with my weaknesses, or with my failures.  In God's eyes, all of those things are the "events" in life, they are not my life.  God uses even our failures, and I think sometime especially our failures, to teach us, to guide us, and to show us our need for His presence in our lives. 

As hard at it is to believe when you are in your 20s and 30s, getting older really does have many blessings and benefits!  I look around my world and I see that my children, in whom I invested the years of my youth, are OK.  So, in view of eternity, I guess that was a good investment.  Even though the world in which I lived and made the choice to be a stay-at-home mom didn't recognize my work as anything significant, I know it was the right thing for me at that time in my life.  And even if the world, or even if my children, do not recognize the significance of those years, I know that God does. 

And now, I am in a different stage of life . . . . . I again have small children to care for, and I again choose to invest my life in them.  I know that God will honor my choice, even though I still make lots of mistakes as a mom.  But now I know that just because I fail sometimes to be all that God would have me to be, I am not a failure.  Just a sinful woman who is seeking to honor God with my life, and frequently lose sight of the ultimate goal. 

I read a banner the other day (in my doctor''s office actually) that said something like:  Don't be ashamed of the gifts God has given you, only be ashamed if you haven't used them."  That quote was attrtibuted to a woman who ran a marathon at the age of 72.  I guess I still have some living left in me, and time to take a few more steps in the direction of figuing it out.  But it will never be perfect, for only He is perfect.  It's just that when I stumble and fall, or don't measure up in the eyes of the world, I just need to know that He sees and cares, and that is all that matters.  No matter my age. 

Stop by and visit Karen at "In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus"  who is our hostess this week for "In Other Words."  Then, visit the other women who are participating this week  and read their responses to this week's quote.  Have a wonderful week! 

 

Thrifty Thursday: Etsy Finds for Prom on a Pretty Penny

Here are a few of the vintage treasures I found for Thrifty Thursday!  I discovered this sassy little gem at Aantigua for only $43.00. 

VINTAGE 80s PURPLE DRESS

 

Now,  this is a completely different look than the romantic, ruffly pink dress.  But this would really stand out in a crowd!   The big shimmery purple bow is gorgeous on the sparkly design of this dress. 

 

And since this one is a bit flashy, I thought I should find some shoes that would carry on the drama . . . . .

how about these silver mesh high heels?  I discovered them at WeeBitUsed and they are only $20.00! 

Elegant SATIN .. Silver MESH vintage ladies Dress Shoes pumps

 

Of course we need a handbag that has the same attitude . . . a bit funky and flashy, but perhaps some real retro going on, too.  I LOVE this little purple purse from  UniquelyPosh for $18.00. 

Vintage Evening Purse - Beaded Velvet - Purple Color

 

Then, for a little added sparkle, I discovered some fun jewelry, including this purple brooch at  GreenWithEnvy for just $5.00: 

Amethyst Rhinestone and Silvertone Pin 

 

these stunning earrings at EmmasFancies for $7.00 . . . . . . .

Vintage Czech Purple and Rhinestone Earrings

 

 

 

 

and this gorgeous pendant at VermontJewelry for $9.50:   

Vintage Large Purple Amethyst Rhinestone Pendant

  

There are my purple treasures for Thrifty Thursday and Prom on a Pretty Penny!  The total for all of these gorgeous vintage discoveries is $102.50 . . . . so I'm a bit over budget, but I'm close!  Check back tomorrow or the next day to see what else I can find in the Etsy community. 

Prom on a Pretty Penny

Another request for a prom dress - so, here are a few more great Etsy finds for prom this year.  I was looking to see what is available for under $100.00 for a complete ensemble, including shoes, handbag and jewelry.  Here's what I've found today: 

Vintage 50 1950s Pink Tulle Party Prom Dress

by Vintage Silhouette

 

A very sweet beginning for this prom ensemble!  If your style is romantic, feminine, lacey and frilly, this dress might be for you at only $35.00.

 

 

And with all that feminine theme going on, these adorable pink low-heel pumps continue that theme with the silky bow on the front and the pastel pink color.   For only $19.00, we would be able to stay well within our budget!  You can find these sweet pink dancing shoes at Deja Blonde: 

Vintage pink tafetta bow kitten heels shoes 7.5 leather prom pumps

  Then I discovered this beautiful little pink beaded handbag at Eclecticas for $30.00:

Vintage 80s Beaded Evening Bag Clutch Purse in Pastel Pink with Sequins Floral Pattern

      and these rhinestone earrings would be perfect to finish this prom outfit! 

Vintage Coro clip on rhinestone earrings 1960s marilyn style

 for only $5.00 at

Design Archives

So, if you are looking for some gorgeous vintage prom treasures, take a peek at these Etsy shops.  I'm sure you'll find something that will be just perfect for you! 

This complete prom ensemble comes to a total of $89.00!  Maybe I should go shopping for some more jewelry, perhaps a bracelet and necklace to match those rhinestone earrings . . . . .

 

 

Friday Fashion Finds: Etsy Outfits for $100 or Less

I just discovered this great blog, POETINGS, where Marie searches the Etsy shops that carry vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories and then she pulls together great outfits that can be purchased for $100 or less.  Now that's the kind of resourcefulness that we need these days!  I love her most recent thrifty outfit, with the black and white theme.  Very striking and a bit edgy . . . . I hope you will take a minute and check out her blog as well as her Etsy shop, "Shop At Maries."  She definitely has an eye for finding some of the wonderful vintage treasures out here in Etsy-land!

With springtime wrapping us up with gentle breezes, new leaves, grass, and flowers (well, at least here in Indiana!), comes a new sense of anticipation and excitement.  I'm working on a project that just might enable me to have more time to devote to my creative endeavors - I might even end up with my own PRIVATE studio / office where I can actually leave my home for a few hours a day and work in quiet!  My current studio / office is in a room in our house, so it is completely separate from the rest of the house, and I have all of my sewing / designing / writing "stuff."  But it is rarely quiet!  I'll keep you posted on my progress, because it could mean that I could turn out my eBook patterns a bit faster than I have over the past year or so. 

And another thing that is going on all around us is preparation for proms all around the country, and that pesky economy thing . . . . well, this year it is just that much more difficult to find the PERFECT prom dress that you can afford.  I received an email from a sweet girl the other day who discovered one of my vintage dresses in my Etsy shop, and she was so excited to find a dress that she LOVED and could afford.  She told me that if she hadn't found one that she could afford, she would have to wear the "blue bridesmaid dress that I wore to my cousin's wedding."  Now she has a gorgeous mint green, beaded evening gown to wear to her prom.  I love doing this!!!  

Gorgeous shoes!  And a great price, too!  Take a peek at the other shoes in this shop, MissMalarky.  Absolutely yummy! 

So, here's the beginning of my "Prom on a Pretty Penny" series, where I will follow the lead of Marie and try to find you all the beautiful formal wear that is on Etsy, and share my discoveries with you.  Thanks Marie for the inspiration!  Have a fun and fanciful Friday, filled with a multitude of vintage treasures!   Nina

 

The more I think about it . . . .

  . . . . the more I am convinced that we all might want to reconsider those "old-fashioned" values that guided our families a few generations ago.  I know that might sound as if I'm being naive, or just an idealist, but I prefer to think of myself as an optimist!  Times are difficult for just about everyone I know, and probably just about everyone you know, too.  Including you . . . and me.  And it is exhausting to be constantly worrying about money, and how we can pay this bill, or that bill, or buy something that our family needs.  I'm so grateful right now that we both still have our jobs.  But there is no security in that!  So, I guess I need to remember that my security isn't in money, or a house, or a job, but it is in knowing that the God of the universe is still involved, is still the ultimate decider of our fate, and that He cares deeply for each one of us. 

No matter who is "in charge" in Washington, from the president to all the other politicians, it is God who sets our leaders in place, and He has a plan for our nation, and for each of our individual lives.  And from that truth we can take great comfort and be confident that, in the end, we will be alright.  Maybe not "alright" the way WE want to be "alright," but we will not be forsaken or alone.  And with that confidence, we can face anything that life throws in our path. 

But . . . . how about some practical ideas for making the most of where we are right now?  That's why I keep coming back to the idea of a "vintage life-style," that incorporates so many of the ideas from years past, when people struggled, and survived, and many of them actually found themselves thriving in an economic recession, or depression.  We had lunch yesterday with a man who is 82, never graduated from high school, and has LOTS of money.  Now, money has never been a big motivator for me.  Of course, we all need money to pay the bills, feed the kids, and just generally survive.  But I would much rather be poor and be doing what I love!  But that's just me. 

So, I began to ask him about his life.   He told me about being in WWII as a trainer for combat pilots.  Then he was a commercial pilot for a few years.   Along the way, he was married and they raised four children.  All of whom have everything that he never had as a young man.  They are all well-educated and quite wealthy.  And far away.  But the thing that he said that really made an impact one me was this:  "I always made money when times were bad."   Inflation in the 70s, recession in the 80s . . . through it all, he found ways to meet the needs of people in his community, and it turned into a profitable endeavor.  But the biggest thing that brought him prosperity was HARD WORK.  Are we willing to work for our dreams and our goals? 

Vintage Value #1:  First you work, and THEN you play!

Have a wonderful Thursday, and think about your own vintage values!

^Nina