Blessings...

He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11

We do get so enamoured with the world around us that we forget to appreciate the simple things that God has done for us, don't we? My mind just goes from one thing to the next throughout the day, barely taking in what is going on around me. When I lay down to sleep, I pretty much crash, having never taken a moment to thank the Lord for His precious gifts: loved ones and the beauty of His creation alike. I like to think I am the grateful sort, but sadly I do not take the time within my spirit to settle into the blessings.

Today I am thanking my Heavenly Father for my blessings. I thank Him for the beauty of His creation surrounding me.

I am grateful for those He has put into my life, from the very young...

...to the more mature...

.

and everyone in between.

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. - Psalm 105:1

So please...leave a comment and share what God has blessed you with today.

I'm late again...but I have a Sneak Peek!

Not only am I late posting my Monday blog, but I am also late in showing off the marvelous gift I receive for my birthday. This gorgeous faux birthday cake was made specially for me and it matches my living room! It is a one of a kind, but you too can have an awesome faux cake from my dear friend Francie at The Scented Cottage. She is sure to whip you up a delectable treat for your home. Her eye candy is on her site, including some amazing cakes she just finished this week. Be sure to check it out! TheScentedCottage.com

Ok...now for some show and tell. I am in the process of listing some of my most recent finds on my site. Now, so far, none of them are up as I took a break just to post this little peek. But if you keep checking back, you will find the following items and a WHOLE lot more. Oh...and lest you think I have not been busy creating...here is just one little peek at a frame that I hand painted which will also be listed this week. So there you have it. I have been very busy behind the scenes and will continue to work hard to bring you some amazing home decor and gifts for your country cottage. Please leave a note and let me know you are out there reading! It is always a pleasure to hear from my readers! And don't forget to hop on over to The Odd Sparrow to enjoy some one of a kind shopping!

My Rollercoaster Life

Isn't it funny the way life sorta carves its way and you are just going along for the ride? Back in May of this year my mom started having trouble with her hip dislocating. The several nights that we spent in the Emergency Room back then were just the beginning of a crazy rollercoaster ride.


Mom had surgery on that hip in early June. There were days spent running back and forth to the hospital, trying to keep up with the business, taking care of my family, my home, and the dogs. After mom came home and settled in came the business of healing. It was a crazy few weeks around here, but it was a good time. On the heels of that, my sister came up for a visit. Now THAT was a good time, because as many of you know, when we girls get together we end up laughing until we cry! It was so good to see her again and spend those few days together.


But as quickly as that visit was upon us, it was over and my dear sister made her way back to Tennessee. Fortunately she stayed long enough to celebrate my birthday with me, which was extra special. Fast forward 3 days. It's Father's Day and another celebration. But soon we settled back into a routine that would not last long because on June 29 my niece and her hubby came for a visit with their two boys, ages five and one. What a special time that was! By the way, these are my sister's oldest and second youngest grandsons.


Little children are such a blessing...but they sure do know how to exhaust an old gal like me. Now, before you get the wrong idea, I was merely WATCHING them. That's all it took for me to get tired. I do not know where they get such energy. But you know, you just don't mind it when they are good kids and these are two very good kids!


Well, my company left here on Thursday morning for the next leg of their trip. Meantime we are getting down to some serious Independence Day activities....NOT! This weekend was filled with activity alright...but not that kind. We have been catching up. My dear hubby spent a lot of time working around the house. My son spent his weekend working and doing schoolwork for his online college classes. Me? Well, I have been working on getting some special products on my site for your shopping pleasure! Of course, I have more coming! I am in the midst of creating two more pillow and plaque sets which will be coming shortly. And continue to stay tuned. I have lots more product that will be making its way to the pages of my site in the coming weeks.

So, you see...the roller coaster is finally slowing down this week and I will be enjoying a the slightly less wild ride of concentrating on my creative excursions and updating my website. But as I prepare for the fall and winter seasons, I know that it is only a matter of time before the rollercoaster begins to build up speed and I will be along there for the ride once again!

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This is a big time for this little Sparrow. As the company grows, I am advertising in some major publications such as Cottages and Bungalows and Romantic Homes among others. Please be sure to keep your eye on my blog, our website, and follow me on Twitter @TheOddSparrow and on Facebook as well.

Americana BLOWOUT!!!

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I am celebrating our independence with a super sale on Americiana merchandise. Hurry on over to The Odd Sparrow and check it out in the "Specials" section. Hurry, though...selection is limited! Remember...the early bird gets the worm!