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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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September 14, 2013

Dedicated to Lucy…A Hydrangea Story

“Hey!”, the text on my phone read, “My mom has more hydrangeas than she knows what to do with. Would you like some?”

Would I like some? “Are you kidding? OF COURSE!” was my speedy response.

“I’ll come pick you up after dinner and we can head on over!” came the reply. “Ok, but just know that I’m in my grubby sweats. You’ve been warned!” I texted back.

hydrangeas on coffee table

I saw her car pull into the driveway just as I was finishing up the last of the dinner dishes. I grabbed my bucket, yelled “see you guys in a few minutes” to my family and raced out the door.

As I hopped in the car I noticed that Julie didn’t have her own bucket. “Aren’t you going to get some too?”, I asked.

“Oh, I already have a ton at my house“, she replied.

“So, this is just for me?” I asked.

I couldn’t believe that she would drive me over to her mom’s house just so that I could get some hydrangeas.

“Well, we just thought you might enjoy them!” she answered.

hydrangeas in wooden tool box

We got to Lucy’s house and as the door swung open I was met with the same warm smile that has always greeted me every time I’ve encountered this woman, the mother of one of my dearest friends. She gave me a big hug as I stepped into her foyer. I looked over towards the dining room and noticed that it had been set with lovely china and a delicious looking cake.

“I thought maybe we could enjoy a little dessert together“, Lucy said. I glanced down at my grubbiest of grubby sweats and thought that I currently looked more like I should be cleaning toilets (which is what I’d been doing earlier that day!) than sitting down for tea and cake at her beautiful dining room table.

Was this done just for me?

“But, let’s go get you some flowers first!” she said.

hydrangea-dining-room-centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

As we stepped through the back door I felt as though I had been transported to a garden somewhere in the English countryside. Multiple varieties of roses lined paths and wound their way up onto arbors. A gentle breeze picked up their heady scent and as I turned the corner I saw them…the largest, most incredible hydrangea bushes I’d ever seen.

I felt like I’d won the hydrangea lottery!

We started clipping and clipping and clipping and clipping, all the while chatting about the ordinary stuff of life.

Only this didn’t feel like an ordinary kind of moment. It felt almost…magical.

The three of us there laughing and talking on that warm summer evening, elbow deep in hydrangeas as my bucket was filled to overflowing.

And all of those beautiful blooms were just for me to take home and enjoy!

hydrangeas in vintage crate

After the bucket was so full that I could barely lift it, we went inside and sat down at the dining room table. Lucy sliced the cake and handed me a piece on a gorgeous china plate. We talked more…and laughed more…and I even forgot for a bit that I was in my grubby sweats.

We ate cake and covered topics ranging from how to properly dry hydrangeas to how to talk to our daughters about puberty. It’s amazing how much ground women can cover conversationally in a half an hour!

We talked about the At the Picket Fence blog and Lucy, as she always does, went on and on about this project and that project and how much she loves reading all of our posts.

Of course, since her daughter is a contributor, I know she’s just a tad biased!

When it was time to go, Lucy, ever the gracious hostess, boxed up some cake for me to bring home to my family.

I hugged her good-bye and thanked her profusely for the abundance of hydrangeas.

Julie and I got in the car and as we drove off I started telling her how much the evening had meant to me.

And then I burst into tears.

hydrangeas in teapot

Because that had all been just for me.

The thought…the offer…the picking me up…the hydrangeas…the cake…all of it.

Julie already had hydrangeas and could come pick them anytime from her mom’s house. She didn’t need to go over there that night.

But they knew. They knew how much I would love them, appreciate them, savor them, enjoy them.

I cried because I felt like I had just received a blessing that would last far longer than the hydrangeas would…even the dried ones!

I cried because I don’t have a lot of family living around me and these women have become my family.

I cried because sometimes it takes someone coming along and pouring into your life to make you realize just how thirsty you were for that kind of care.

I’m sure to them, this was such a simple thing to do. To them, it wasn’t a grand gesture.

But on that warm summer evening, I felt…well…grand.

Even in my grubby sweats!

So, Lucy, this hydrangea story is dedicated to you.

I came home with more than hydrangeas that day.

I came home with a refreshed spirit.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

 Sharing this here:
Amaze Me Monday

29 Comments Filed Under: Good Thoughts

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Comments

  1. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 14, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    What a great blessing you have in wonderful friends…It is those special acts of kindness that truly reminds us of what life is all about….to care about others and bring joy into their lives…Have a wonderful weekend enjoying those gorgeous hydrangeas.

    Reply
  2. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    September 14, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    I love this story! The hydrangeas are beautiful, of course. But the inspiration is more than that! I want to be like Lucy!!

    Reply
  3. june says

    September 14, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    I have chills sitting here reading this. I’m missing my mom. Like Lucy she was one of those “one in a million women”. You are richly blessed to have her in your life.

    So what is Lucy’s tip on drying hydrangeas? I have two semi full bushes of them and I’m drying about 15 heads in my dining room right now. They are Annabelles. What I find is that some dry a light tan color and some dry green. Curious as to why that is. Is it our cooler Minnesota climate?

    Love this special story. Plan to share it with several friends and family.

    Hugs from Minnesota!

    Reply
  4. Leann Slater says

    September 14, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    What a beautiful story! Thank you, for the reminder of how much impact reaching out with small gestures and a welcoming heart can have on those around us.

    Reply
  5. Tammy Killough says

    September 14, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    What a beautiful story! I so wished that hydrangeas would do good here. I have a pee gee that I get a few from…but our hot dry winds just aren’t friendly to these darlings. Thanks so much for sharing this touching story with us! Friends are awesome blessings! ~Tammy

    Reply
  6. Brenda Kula-Pruitt says

    September 14, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    This was such a lovely and well-written post. I savored every word of it. What would we do without our friends? Particularly when we don’t have family close by.
    Brenda

    Reply
  7. Bonnie Powell says

    September 14, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    I want to be like Lucy too!!! What a wonderful, incredible reminder of the “little things” that can mean so much!!!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Dorothy says

    September 14, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    And I cried reading it, too. What a special time with good friends! And how wonderful to have the feeling that someone has done something “just for me”. We should all try to do something for a friend to make them feel so special. Thanks for a wonderful read.

    Reply
  9. Bev Lowe says

    September 14, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    When one’s heart is filled to overflowing, it’s grand to give. In the giving, the giver gets some back ~

    Reply
  10. deb says

    September 14, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Loved this…made me miss my mom and visiting with her and just talking. It will be 4 years tomorrow, September 15, 2009, since she died of a brain tumor. I teared up reading your post. Loved what you said about someone coming and pouring into your life, I feel that thirst myself! You are lucky to have her in your life. Enjoyed visiting your blog…thanks for sharing your heartwarming story.

    Reply
  11. Barbara says

    September 14, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Such a beautiful story. I loved the pictures you posted. It gave me some ideas on how to display my Limelight Hydrangeas. You forgot to mention what kind of cake you all enjoyed:)

    Reply
  12. Sandy says

    September 14, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Oh, I cried too. I love hydrangeas, but your post sharing friendship was more lovely than any bouquet.

    Reply
  13. Judy Clark says

    September 14, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    What a precious story! Isn’t t it amazing how one person’s small act of kindness can totally make on’s day? Bless Lucy and her Mom for their sweet act of kindness.

    Judy

    Reply
  14. Diana says

    September 14, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    Tears rolling down cheeks reading this story…. what a blessing friends and family can be in just the simplest of things. Enjoy all the moments. Life is short.. share the love!!! I need to be more open to those opportunities in my own life. Thanks for sharing… LOVE Hydrangeas!!!

    Reply
  15. Debi Drace says

    September 14, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing it with us

    Reply
  16. Joani says

    September 14, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    That was such a beautiful story. I loved it. I even had tears. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  17. donna says

    September 14, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    OMG you made me cry! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    September 14, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    What a wonderful, touching story. Thank you so much for sharing it.

    Reply
  19. Des says

    September 14, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    What sweet friends you have….I’m glad you were able to enjoy such a magical evening!!!! Your Hydrangeas are gorgeous and I know you will always cherish them.
    ~Des

    Reply
  20. Holly says

    September 14, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    Beautiful!!! I might even have some hydrangeas in my own backyard. I better go check. Inspirational photos – thanks!

    Reply
  21. lucy says

    September 14, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    Dear, dear Vanessa you’ve just replenished my drained cup to know I filled yours. We drove 7 hours today to get to the hospital where my 92 year old mother was after a hip break. She was getting a blood transfusion and being poked and prodded. I had already been with her for 4 hours when they tried to move her a little for the night that the screams of pain that came out of her were more than I could bear. They gave her morphine, but it still took over 1/2 an hour for her to be stilled. I just wept as I kissed her tears and felt her pain and Icried to the Lord to please fill my cup because I was drained. You truly helped fill it when I had emptied myself and will continue to do so for this week. Thank you! Lucy

    Reply
  22. Sharon says

    September 15, 2013 at 1:35 AM

    I love this story! Those are the moments where God makes himself so real. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    September 15, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Tears…. pouring down. Yep. Enough said. 😉 You are blessed darlin’ to have such beautiful people in your life.

    Reply
  24. Anne says

    September 15, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Gorgeous hydrangeas…now that is one awesome friend!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  25. MDR says

    September 15, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    So very, very happy that my daughter has these precious friends in her life! Thank you! Blessings to you both!

    Reply
  26. Marilyn Bennett says

    September 15, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    For 50 years Lucy has been my dear friend too – I knew it was “my Lucy” when I started reading. I saw those limelight hyrangeas when I visited from B.C. a few years ago, and still plan on adding some to my garden. Lucy overflows with love – she is Mrs. Hospitality and she really does enjoy reaching out to others bringing joy to them in whatever way she can. She is one in a million and I am blessed to call her my friend.

    Reply
  27. jp says

    September 18, 2013 at 10:20 PM

    Oh, lucky, lucky you! I had hydrangeas in NY and have 2 baby shrubs here in NC but, I have had NO success in drying them here….too much humidity i assume 🙁
    Enjoy your bounty!!!
    JP

    Reply
  28. Cindy says

    October 1, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    How special! What a kind, kind, and very sweet thing to do! So, sweet Vanessa, anytime you are feeling lonely, sad, or just need a reminder of how much you are loved … you can remember this sweet hydrangea story. Priceless!
    Thanks so, so, very much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply

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  1. How to Create Simple Vignettes in Your Home - At The Picket Fence says:
    November 11, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    […] dried hydrangeas in a creamy pitcher sitting on a large tray on my glass coffee table in the living room. Next to a […]

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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