I think it was the sweet peas that got me. I’ve always called me kids my sweet peas.
But, I might have been feeling a tad grumpy. Everything in my home was in upheaval as we prepared to have new carpet and hardwood installed. I was really excited about the new flooring but the process of having it done was reminding me of why I had put it off for so long.
Change…mess…unexpected flooring issues and decisions…moving most of my house into the garage…endless rainy days…it was all starting to wear on my last nerve.
So, I headed out to run some errands and made a quick stop at the craft store.
And saw the sweet peas.
Oh sure, they were on a wood place mat along with turnips, asparagus and eggplant.
And sure, I didn’t actually know what I was going to do with them. But they made me smile. And my smile got even bigger when I realized they were only $2 each.
I didn’t realize just how big a “deal” these simple place mats would end up being.
You see, I live a really blessed life.
Sure, I’ve had my share of bigger problems but on this particular day the only problem with me was…well…me.
I wasn’t handling my home upheaval with the best attitude. Here I was finally getting the flooring we’ve been waiting and saving to get for years and I was grumbling about what a pain it all was!
I got home just as the flooring guys were arriving for another day of pulling, ripping, pounding and pounding and pounding and pounding and did I mention pounding?
And as they worked on the floors and as I worked in the kitchen I felt humbled.
Humbled that I have this home. Humbled that I could spend $8 on wood place mats that I didn’t really need. Humbled that we were able to pay for new flooring. Humbled that I’m not more grateful for the times when my problems are small.
So, I hung those place mats on a narrow wall (using Command strips) in my kitchen, just around the corner from the dining room.
Most people will just walk past without noticing them.
Others will wonder why on earth I have place mats hanging on the wall!
But when I catch a glimpse of those sweet peas, asparagus, turnips and eggplant I see so much more.
I see reminders.
Reminders to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Reminders to have a healthy perspective on life and my “problems”.
Reminders of how truly blessed I am.
And maybe even reminders to get my own “sweet peas” to eat their vegetables!
I love having you visit with me here and so appreciate you stopping by today,
Sharing this here:
Grace Imparted
What a lovely post Vanessa. Thanks for the reminder to count my blessings, and like you I’m truly blessed. So I’m smiling and its a great day:-)
Such a nice post and I also call my kids “sweet peas” sometimes!
-Shelley
I totally get this! I have been through those life shattering difficult days and yet, sometimes, it’s the ordinary frustrations that overwhelm me. I love your place mats, but more than that I love your heart. You are a blessing!
I think they look great! And I so hear you on the attitude thing! I am so blessed to be able to be setting up shop at a big event and I have had a bad attitude the past 2 days because it has my house in a turmoil and mess that I can’t do anything about till the event is over! So silly – but I get exactly how you feel – I don’t like my house to be a mess! So happy for you that you get the flooring though – you will love it. I remind myself of this a lot: ‘once it is all done it won’t matter how long I had to wait for it to get done’!
Such a sweet post Vanessa. Definitely a good reminder to us all. {And I think they are really cute, btw!}
xoxo, Claire
What a lovely post. You are so right, and I needed to hear that today. I too am blessed.
Beautiful! This time of year and the volume of activities always seems to bring out a negative attitude in me..thanks for the reminder! Also, the place mats are adorable and super clever! 😉 Bonnie
Lovely post – I will be on the lookout for some wooden placemats now – I think they look great – a cool idea for art!
I think the placemats look great, and how wonderful that they can serve as a reminder to you. I love surrounding myself with meaningful items, and I think it is so important to remember to be thankful–hence by blog name, “Thankful Me.”
There you go, Mom! Way to stop and observe your own behavior, learn a lesson, and share it!
I think the placemats make great wall art; great idea! (I’m pinning it to my “Great Ideas” board!) And hanging them with Command Strips? Another great idea!
Your post hit the nail on the head today. I recently put new flooring in my hallway, kitchen, & front landing…love it. But, after a short trip to Las Vegas and returning to find my home broken into….it was very humbling that they didn’t trash the home. But, it sure has been hard to get back to being comfortable in it again. I’d move save for the fact that I’m 66 and have everything lined up. Thanks for sharing your post.
I JUST went through all new flooring and delays delays delays…you know my old floor was torn up from Feb to just LAST WEEK????? They ordered the wrong flooring and it took another 6 weeks to come in.
I went from shock to anger to total depression. No company. No dishes. I couldn’t even play my piano! FOR MONTHS.
So I feel your pain with this post. I get it.
I kept telling myself no pain, no gain. I kept asking myself why on earth was I upset, I was getting my dream flooring, finally. I kept telling myself that it was a lesson in humble patience. And waited and waited and waited.
And now, oh my word, it’s done and it’s awesome and I am a happy camper.
The furniture is back. Life is savory. Sweet peas to you, dear friend! HUGS!!
A beautiful reminder that we are truly blessed… your post was an inspiration during an incredibly hard week. Thank you…
I used that verse with my class last year (which as full of “complainers”!) and it’s one of my favorites! We have so much to be thankful for… love that you have visual reminders now!
xo Heidi
Thank you for this post. I needed that reminder. And while my frustration with the house is nothing that will make it prettier, it will make it more comfortable on those steaming hot summer days. So it’s behind-the-scenes, expensive, and annoying because an old house comes with its own share of headaches (ka-ching) but we can take it on without great hardship …
🙂 Linda
Those look adorable! And I’ve totally done the same thing. When the world is a crumbling mess around me I have to stop and do something small, crafty and cute to get my life together.
I love the way your new art looks, I don’t think you would know they are placemats if you don’t tell. Sometimes it is hard to remember we all have so much to be grateful for, it’s important to find the joy in the journey.
Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com
I love how these look on your wall! Hang in there through your new carpeting installation! It will look so beautiful when it’s finished!
What a neat idea!!
Have a great weekend!!
I love using placemats for various projects. I found one that I loved at a local store that was made with fabric that I love and it had pretty beads on the edges. I use it under my doggies food and water bowls. I had also purchased the matching table runner for me! You can easily change them out too, with the seasons.
Thanks for always sharing your “sweet” ideas 🙂
Hugs, Laura