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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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July 5, 2011

For when you are neither “Shabby Chic”…

…nor “Vintage”, nor “Beachy” but you kinda want to be!
Or for an alternative title:
When you want to add some of the decor elements you so envy admire
in the homes of your fellow bloggers but you don’t know how to ’cause your style is different.
Ok, so here’s the thing about my home.
The actual “house” itself, just lends itself to a more traditional/formal design.
Let’s take a peek!

See what I mean?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my home (minus the green carpet) and feel immensly blessed.

But, the architecture and lines of it are definitely a certain style.
Add in traditional furniture and other elements that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and you have what could lean slightly towards the “stuffy” if you aren’t careful.
And, as I visit all of you talented folks here in blogland, I fall in love with so many styles and design ideas but have struggled with how to incorporate them into my existing decor.
So, I decided it was high-time to bite the bullet and figure out how to breath some fresh, new life into some of my more “traditional” spaces.
Case in Point…the Dining Room.
Here it is a few months ago, and as you can see there is dark furniture (which we have had for 12 years) a brass chandelier (which will be going bye-bye very soon!) and other more “formal” elements.
And, I feel almost ashamed to admit this because so much of what I see nowadays is “casual”, but…
I actually like a little bit of “formal” in my life!
Most of my life is filled with toys and stuffed animals and potty training and messes so a hint of formality here and there helps me to feel less…ummm…one dimensional. You know what I mean?
That being said, I’ve realized that the line between “formal” and “stuffy” can get a bit blurred.
And I don’t want anyone to ever feel like my home is for show and not for real living!

So, I decided to attempt to add some character to my dining room and started with this sofa table which currently acts as a kind of “pseudo” buffet table.

It got a nice coat of black paint which helped to break up the tones of wood in this space.
This of course led to the next issue which was how on earth to hide those cords. I had taped them up before in a series of confusing twists and turns but it never really seemed to truly disguise them.
But, before I get to my solution…
It is CONFESSION TIME!
I think I have committed a cardinal home decor blogging “sin“.
I’ve had two vintage suitcases stuck up on a shelf in the kids’ playroom for the last 3 years.
I just heard the collective GASP!!
Shocked? Horrified? Ready to kick me out of blogland?
“How on earth could she have vintage suitcases tucked away and not be creating darling little vignettes with them like all of the rest of us do?”
I know, I know. I’m so ashamed.
But, I’m repentant and ready to make a fresh start!
I rescued these beauties from my in-laws garage sale and just love the details.

And with a basket filled with greenery sitting on top, they provided the perfect “hiding place” for my cords and added a touch of “vintage” charm to my dining room.

Can we just all pretend that the green carpet is actually lovely dark hardwood floors?
We can? Good!
Next came one of the decorating dilemmas I always seem to struggle with.
What to put on top of a table.
When I found this darling cupboard-door-turned-tray I knew I had my starting point.
Would this count as “Vintage” or “Shabby Chic“?

Maybe both?
Either way it really helped bring even more warmth into the space.
A grouping of decanters and my little tiny cloche, helped to add just a hint of formality to tie back into the design sensibility and purpose of this room.
Dining Rooms need to have some “Bling” if you ask me!

 A vintage-inspired planter with greenery spilling out helps to soften and brighten the color and lines of my dining room table. 
And the “chippy” charm of these candlesticks bring an element of relaxed elegance as well.

And I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I could get away with adding these huge white iron sconces to my dining room. They really help to soften and add just a hint of “shabby chic” style to it!
So there you have it! My attempt to add some new design elements to my Dining Room.
A little bit of “Vintage“…a touch of “Shabby Chic“.
And amazingly, it all works beautifully with the “Traditional“.
Next time, I’ll show you how I added a touch of “Beachy” style to my home!

Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,

This post is partying at the following places:
The Blooming Hydrangea: Someone’s Trash is My Treasure
A Stroll Thru Life: Tabletop Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design: Sizzle into Summer
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
And Then There Was Home: Plate Wall Party
Elements Interiors: Whassup Wednesday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Green Door Designs: Saturday Spotlight

51 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    July 5, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Your changes are just stunning. I love the addition of the tray and the suitcases, then the beautiful candles and floral on the dining table, it all works beautifully. Love it. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    July 5, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    You did such a great job! I have the same struggle sometime…there are just so many beautiful things in blogland to “choose” from!

    Kelly

    Reply
  3. Anita says

    July 5, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    Vanessa, I LOVE what you have done, and I love the formal aspect too. I think there is way, way too much casual in the world, lol!! I do love the suitcases too! I always try to hide cords too, they drive me crazy. Beautiful job as you always do and I think being different is so refreshing!! Oh, and I love that you painted the table black and not white. The only painted furniture I have around here is black also.

    Reply
  4. Traci says

    July 5, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    It looks great Vanessa! Of course I liked it before too. I really love a formal look too.

    Reply
  5. Oliva says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Just perfect! I love how you arranged the suitcases below the table! I have a tray like yours, but you have inspired me to transform it into something chic & shabby…

    Reply
  6. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    Looks great Vanessa! I love a formal style, as well. It would be too expensive to change everything in your house as styles change. A timeless, classic look with a few trendy accessories is beautiful, as well as practical!

    Reply
  7. Sweet Young Journey says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Very pretty, Vanessa! The touches you added look great in your dining room. You have a beautiful home!
    xo Cheryl

    Reply
  8. NanaDiana says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    It looks really, really great! I, too, like a few fornal spaces in my house…the dining room being the main one and then I have a little more formal sitting room off the front foyer.

    Are you taking the brass chandelier out? I kind of like the lines of it. My daughter painted hers Heirloom White and then added some beaded shades to it and it looks like a million bucks!

    Have a great week- xo Diana

    Reply
  9. Shelia says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Now I love your home and I tend to go a little more formal in my ‘special’ rooms too. I love seeing all of the pretty white and chippyness in Blogland, but I love color and it’s just not me.
    I love your changes and you’re the smartest one using those suitcases to hide the cords. I have a similar problem but I don’t have any suitcases! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  10. Grammy Goodwill says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    What a difference painting that table made! I really like how you decorated with the vintage suitcases and that they also solved your cord dilemma. Where did you put the sconces and planter?

    Reply
  11. Debra @ Common Ground says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    I love what you’re doing, and yes, I totally understand. My furniture is all ornate and massive, much chosen by my hubbs, but our house dictates the style. I am trying to lighten and ease up and go less fussy. Those suitcases are great!
    xoxo Debra

    Reply
  12. Honey at 2805 says

    July 5, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    The change you made definately make for a more summertime look! So happy you rescued those suitcases and finally brought them out. Great touch!

    Reply
  13. Heather says

    July 5, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Vanessa, I love it all! You have really beautified the space. I like your solution to the messy cords…how clever you are!

    Reply
  14. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    July 5, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Small changes often have the biggest impact… It looks great and you have a beautiful home.
    🙂

    Reply
  15. Ashley says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    It’s beautiful Vanessa! I love the black table and the vintage suitcases! I know what you mean about not being this style or that. I drool over the all white shabby chic rooms. But when it comes to my own home, every single room is painted a different color!

    Reply
  16. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Hi my friend LOVE LOVE your new touches!! The table looks awesome black and love how you added the vintage suitcases and greenery under it!! Great job! Martina

    PS- LUV your blue plates around the mirror:)

    Reply
  17. Becca says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    My goodness, friend … where do I begin ?! I absolutely love your dining room and everything you’ve done … the beautiful plates framing the mirror above your lovely “new” table … the “sin”ful suitcases … the awesome tray … the beautiful glass/blingy vignette and, of course, I *love* your dark hardwood floors (lol)!! You’ve outdone yourself … I’m off to take another peek as this gorgeousness !! xoxo

    Reply
  18. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Great job switching everything up. Of course I love the suitcases! I change the stuff in my house all the time. My house is formal and tradtional as well. My tastes are always evolving and changing. I asked my husband once how he would feel if I sold everything and started over…he just laughed. So I guess that was a no? Anyway, we all have things that we can’t get rid of so we just need to make them work. Well done. Have a great week…see you Friday!

    Reply
  19. mississippi artist says

    July 5, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    I love the suitcases under the table,they are perfect there! Love the plates too.

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    July 5, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Fantastic, Vanessa! Your home is Beautiful and when you go with what YOU love, it can be nothing but blissfully perfect! Thank you for sharing (and inspiring) with us!

    Reply
  21. Connie says

    July 5, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    You’ve done a great job. I like some formal. It seems to bring some security to the world. I’ve found that I’m able to mix Shabby Chic,Cottage and Country French successfully with traditional but I can not make Tuscan work at all. It’s such a total departure and everything is so BROWN. I’ve been told that decorating trends tend to run about ten year cycles so it’s time for a new look any year now.

    Reply
  22. Debbie -refreshrestyle says

    July 5, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I think everything is perfect! Can I please have those suitcases!!??? My house is filled with such a mixture, I don’t really have a style …but I need some vintage suitcases! Thanks, Debbie

    Reply
  23. Jedbel @ The Pear Tree Cottage says

    July 5, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  24. Jedbel @ The Pear Tree Cottage says

    July 5, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I love the changes you made! I must admit that I am one of those that audibly gasped when I read about the vintage suitcases being stowed away for so long 🙂 They look fabulous below the table and I think you have done a great job.

    Reply
  25. Karen says

    July 5, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    love the new additions & transformations. I know exactly what you mean about sooo wanting to change up and add a little & take away, but then I’m attached to everything, because of our move 6 years ago. I made major decisions then, attached – not attached. So I “paired her down”! But, do love adding a litte of seasonal decor (like seashells). Hope you are having a great summer. I’ve been consumed with the activities of summer, I’ve missed my visits with you & blogging! Hoping to get back into the swing in about a month.

    Reply
  26. Lori says

    July 5, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    You did good! I love black paint!

    Reply
  27. ANNE says

    July 5, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Loved this post! I have more ‘classic’ than ‘shabby chic’ but I also love rustic touches and always ponder how to blend them together. Your touches were perfect. Love that tray!!

    Reply
  28. Poppy says

    July 6, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    I absolutely loved how you mixed shabby with traditional decor. Adding those vintage suitcases and topping them with the greenery to hide those cords and at the same create such a beautiful vignette is so inspiring! Loved it! And the cupboard-door-turned-tray is sooo pretty… loved the finish on it and I adore the crystal collection on it… it enhances the entire vignette so beautifully. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring post! Hugs~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  29. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    I love it Vanessa! Love all the touches you incorporated into your dining room! I love formal too. 🙂

    Reply
  30. Janette@the2seasons says

    July 6, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    Hello from your neighbor at Wow Us Wednesday. I just made the same changes in our dining room at our new digs. I wanted to make it less formal, and I brought out the vintage luggage for under the buffet, too. We have participated in some of your parties, and I live in Kentucky, too.

    Reply
  31. ❀ⒹⒺⒺ❀ says

    July 6, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    I adore the changes you made.

    I live in the north east and your home is the style we have here. Traditional/formal design is one of my favorite looks but it’s fun to add some ‘nowadays casual’ to it.

    Dee

    Reply
  32. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    July 6, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    Those suitcases look great there and totally hide the cords perfectly! Smart idea!

    Reply
  33. elizabeth says

    July 6, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    I love your new touches! That’s my trouble too….with all of the white, french, farmhouse, cottage, out there, which I love, how do you add the touches when you can’t exactly toss out everything you own and start over? But, I’ve enjoyed adding the things I love about those styles in my own home, and in my own way! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Courtney says

    July 6, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    Everything looks great! I’m hosting a plate wall party, and I’d love it if you linked up this post!

    https://andthentherewashome.blogspot.com/2011/07/plate-wall-link-up.html

    Courtney 🙂

    Reply
  35. Sue says

    July 6, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    Vanessa, You’re certainly doing a great job of incorporating some different styles into your original look. I really like the addition of the tray and the suitcases to “shabby” up the vignette. I’m a fan of the look, but don’t much of it in my decor except for one bedroom. I like a lot of eclectic things so I have a mish mash of style that I call my own! Do you know what drew me to your blog way back when? It was the formality of your hallway and dining room! It was just so pretty. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  36. Deborah says

    July 6, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Vanessa, you did a terrific job! I feel your pain and know exactly where you are coming from.

    Reply
  37. Jo says

    July 6, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I am so with you on this subject. Getting involved in blogland does start to make you question whether you are cool and stylish enough. I too love traditional style. Actually that’s not quite true, I tend to love most styles but I enjoy living in a more traditional style. Probably because we are far to messy and modern minimalist or smart living is way to organised for my lot.

    I think your house is just gorgeous and the suit cases look amazing. You clever ol’ thing.

    Jo

    Reply
  38. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    July 6, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Your dining room looks awesome. I love the eclectic yet formal feel to the room. Decorating should be everything and everything you like and makes you smile. Have a good day!~

    Reply
  39. Stacey says

    July 6, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Oh! Your home is just gorgeous. I love the entry. You make great choices in decorating.

    Reply
  40. Joellen says

    July 6, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    I absolutely love what you did with this space. I really admire your desire to have a ‘formal’ aspect in your life. I love formal looks but I am always very nervous about attempting them in my home…I definitely swing more vintage but you just proved you can have both! You are an inspiration!!

    Reply
  41. Rita May says

    July 7, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    You’ve added some great changes. My house is also more traditional and I’ve been slowly adding a few blog-inspired touches here and there. It’s always fun to play house!

    Reply
  42. Marianne says

    July 7, 2011 at 1:38 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    You live in my house. Very traditional style so too much shabby and chic just won’t cut it! Trying to add a little update chicness to it without it looking silly. You are doing a great job with your dining. It’s a lovely eclectic formal which is a great mixture. I may just have to post my family room with the blue rug…and I’ll take my two vintage suitcases out of the closet in the guest room and actually use them.
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  43. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 7, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Hi Vanessa, I have always liked a mix of decorating styles and you have pulled it off beautifully! I believe everything done in just one style can get a little boring. Thanks for linking to my party this week.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  44. Babs says

    July 7, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Hi Vanessa, I love your new summer look with the suitcases and basket with plants is a great way to hide the cords.The tray and planter with the little bird really add that fresh look. I have a traditional home, too, just not as formal,and I’m always looking for ways to lighten things up a bit. Love your ideas!
    Babs

    Reply
  45. alison says

    July 8, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    it is amazing how the architecture of our homes affects the design choices we make…but i do adore the small changes you’ve made here and can’t wait to see your new chandy…thanks for sharing at ff as always!

    Reply
  46. Adin B says

    July 9, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    That is beautiful! You have a wonderful home. 🙂

    Adin B

    Reply
  47. Jessica @ O. Alouette says

    July 9, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    I love the suitcases and blue plates! Very nice.

    Reply
  48. CAS says

    July 10, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    You did an awesome job on that tray. it’s beautiful. And I love those vintage suitcases.

    Reply
  49. Carol-Anne (Use the Good Dishes!) says

    July 25, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    I love this post! So difficult when your house style doesn’t really suit what is currently trendy in blogland (or anywhere else!).

    Off to read more of your blog! You’ve got a great writing style.

    Reply
  50. Andrea@ourbluefrontdoor says

    August 8, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    I love those suit cases. I always have my eye out for some, but hardly ever come across them. Love how you placed them under the table. Visiting from Ange’s today!
    Have a good week

    Reply
  51. Home Dec Diva says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Vanessa – I agree I like a little formality in my decor style, I am tryng to created shabby chic – meets – French Country. I am doing a shabby chic makeover on my master bedroom and am thinking about this bed set by Laura Ashley called Sophia – https://www.home-decorating-co.com/shabby-chic-bedding-simply.html – thoughts please.

    Reply

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Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
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So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
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Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
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In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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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
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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?
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