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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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April 24, 2013

Patty Popular

Spring Mantel www.atthepicketfence.com

Have you met Patty Popular? I’m sure you’ve encountered her at some point in your life.

I mean, her last name is “Popular”!

I’ve known Patty for a very long time. She seemed so harmless at first. Merely making me aware of the little things about myself that I could work on. Patty was really just being helpful!

Patty Popular was more than eager to follow me when we moved across the country right before I started middle school. What I thought would be a fresh start turned out to be the stuff of a John Hughes movie minus the Brat Pack and ultimate 80’s soundtrack.  Hormones, boys, braces (twice!) and the sad realization that I might die never having owned a new pair of Guess jeans. You know the ones I’m talking about, right? With that magical little inverted triangle on the back pocket?

birds nest spring mantel www.atthepicketfence.com

Patty was great about reminding me that I would never be “in”. She was quick to point out that I was always just a step behind the rest. I could never get that pony-tail quite high enough on my head. I finally got those Guess jeans but they were hand-me-downs from my cousin and about a year too late. And don’t even get Patty started on how badly I needed to tame my caterpillar-ish eyebrows!

She stayed with me all through high-school (the ultimate breeding ground of insecurity) and college. Oh sure, I had moments where I was able to shake her but she was always so patient. Just waited until the moment when my defenses were down and she could worm her way back into my life.

After I met and married my amazing husband, Patty seemed to disappear for awhile. He was so great about building me up, making me feel beautiful and funny. I got a great job after college and we bought our first home.

And then we moved.

Again.

I think Patty Popular was somewhere rubbing her hands together saying “muwhahaha” when she heard that! Starting over was my ultimate weakness. My “Kryptonite” so to speak.

She knew that relocating gave her a fresh chance to wreak havoc.

cherry blossoms www.atthepicketfence.com

And havoc she wreaked! Not only did I struggle to find my way, other factors compounded all of my insecurities and fears and gave Patty Popular opportunities to mess with me in ways she had only dreamed of.

Infertility, family issues, career changes…all of these opened new doors for Patty. It’s funny though. Most of the time I would start out my day just fine. And actually feel confident in many ways. I would be going about my business and then out of nowhere Patty would show up. That confidence had to be undermined in order for her to succeed!

Years later, I started a blog. Just a simple blog. I felt the need for a creative outlet and blogging seemed like the perfect solution. Oh, it was so much fun! People were encouraging and supportive and left such sweet comments.

And then Patty showed up. I’m not sure why I assumed this little part of my life would be sacred and untouched by her but I should have known better.

cherry blossoms in white pitcher www.atthepicketfence.com

Recently, Patty Popular tried to keep me from sharing my Spring Mantel. She waited for the moment when I got it all done and was relishing the lovely simplicity of it. She knows how much I loved my first attempt at forcing branches from my cherry tree. And how I think the birds nest “nestled” up against the creamy white pitcher is just so sweet.

I take a step back, cock my head at my Spring Mantel and hear Patty asking me if it’s “Pin” worthy.

Or if I should even be sharing it since most bloggers shared their Spring mantels 2 months ago.

I love to sit in this room with my family and take in the beauty of the custom cherry mantel and built-ins. But Patty Popular doesn’t want me to love it.

She wants me to feel insecure about the fact that my mantel isn’t white. And since I don’t have white woodwork my Spring decor won’t look quite right and  it definitely won’t be “Pin” worthy!

But, I’ve decided that enough is enough.

It’s time.

Spring Mantel with forced branches www.atthepicketfence.com

Time to say farewell to Patty Popular!

There’s no room for her in my life anymore.

She has done enough damage and already I think her voice is fading. Oh, I’m not doing it alone though. There has been a lot of prayer and a lot of releasing of past hurts, bitterness and grief. I’ve needed help in getting rid of her.

And, it hasn’t happened overnight. Patty still tries to sneak in here and there.

But, I tell her to go away a lot more quickly now!

And, what about you? Is it time for you to say farewell to Patty Popular too?

Maybe we could all throw her a going away party! I’m sure it would be “Pin” worthy. 😉

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70 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Devotionals, Good Ideas Tagged With: Botanicals, decorating, mantels, spring, spring decorating

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Comments

  1. Cheryl / Point of View Creations says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    What a small world! I know that very same Patty.

    I love the simplicity of your spring mantel. Its like the best of spring in one small statement. Thank you fo sharing

    Reply
  2. lucy says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Vanessa, that was beautifully and artfully articulated!!!!! Satan/Patty is always ready to destroy all that is honest and lovely. He knows our weaknesses and will punch below the belt. Know from where the battle ensues and attack with “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH and CONFIDENCE.” If you haven’t walked with Patty Popular you wouldn’t have the deep knowledge to help others understand. Keep preaching it girl! Lucy

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 26, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      Amen to that sweet friend! Love you! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Oh I so know this story. You are perfect and so talented. Tell Patty goodbye and don’t look back. I love your mantel, I don’t have white either, and I think that’s fabulous. I love my dark wood, it just speaks to me, so enjoy yours and your beautiful vignette. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 26, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      Thank you so much Marty!! I think Patty won’t know what hit her with all of us rallying together like this! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  4. Carlene Brown says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    You speak to all of us! What if we ALL told Patty we’d had enough …… I love your blog! It does so much more than give lovely ideas to create beauty in our homes …… also beauty in our souls! Thank you for your inspiration in both areas!

    Reply
  5. Dorothy says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Oh, I loved this posting and your mantel. Now I know what “her” name is. Thank you for sharing what we have all experienced.

    Reply
  6. laurie says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    Vanessa, I don’t know how Patty has time to visit you. She lives with me. Besides, you’re one of the popular girls, and you have so many talents. The nerve of her to show up at your house. This is a great post, and I am sure it speaks to many of us. Thank you for letting me know that Patty visits the popular girls too! Your mantel looks beautiful. laurie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 26, 2013 at 6:17 PM

      Oh Laurie! I think I might have been voted “least likely to ever be called popular” in school. LOL! I’m truly just a big ol’ dork and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to connect with amazing women like you through blogging. Thank you so much for your sweet, encouraging words!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  7. Ann says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    I know Patty’s best friend Debbie Downer. Debbie has been my side-kick seems like forever. She comes and goes…lately she hasn’t been showing up as much. Maybe she went on vacation with Patty! I loved this post Vanessa…thank you for sharing another piece of your heart. Oh and your mantel? Stunning. Pinning it right now.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 26, 2013 at 6:27 PM

      Ahhh…yes…Debbie Downer likes to visit me too and I think that she and Patty must be in cahoots! Thanks so much for coming by Ann! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  8. Wendy says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    What a beautiful mantel, Vanessa. The spring decor is perfect. Your post hits home for many women, me included. It’s time to release Patty. Thank you.

    Reply
  9. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Such a cute post and I love your mantel! Tell Patty goodbye!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  10. Julie says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Sounds to me like it’s time to kick “Patty” to the curb! Keep doing what you’re doing. You are fabulous! We’ve all had Patty’s in our lives. I wonder if Patty has ever had a Patty in her life to know what it feels like???? It took me years to overcome the Patty in my life. Today, I avoid Patty Popular at all costs. If “she” tries to make friends with me, I politely back away 🙂

    Reply
  11. Nancy says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    God created us in his image but he added a twist and made us uniquely individual. What a boring world if we were all identical! Not everyone loves white. We have a mantel made from an old beam from the barn on our property.

    Reply
  12. Dining Delight says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Just read this before heading to work today and LOVED it! You’ve really given me something to think about and if Patty Popular shows up, she is not welcome! Something PP should never make you inferior about is your skill at writing, you are so talented! Oh and almost forgot – your mantel is GORGEOUS!

    DD

    Reply
  13. LINDA PAYNE says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    Good for you, we all need to get rid of that voice in our head.

    Reply
  14. Tracy B says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    I too like to call Patty Popular, “Satan”, because Patty/Satan keep me focused on the negative instead of how I am unique and can glorify God with my one of a kind perspective! I too struggle with how to release this negative self-talk and know that it is time to let it go. So you go Vanessa! You have a beautiful mantel and a beautiful spirit! Take makes you “popular” in my world!

    Reply
  15. Anne Lorys says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    Great post!
    I said goodbye to Patty Popular a long time ago!
    I only aim to please God first, then myself. 🙂

    Hugs to you beautiful girls!!!

    Reply
  16. Tosca says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    Hi Vanessa

    Are you sure Patty popular has been at your place because she has been at mine 24/7 lately.I have just started a new blog for the very first time ever and I feel so unworthy when I peruse through yours and others who have been doing it for so long. Your mantel is beautiful!

    Reply
  17. Mary says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    Bye bye Patty! Hello Vanessa! I like your spring mantle just fine because I get to see cherry blossoms. We don’t have those here and the real ones are so pretty. Even prettier to me are real posts. Love it all!

    Reply
  18. Laura Steckly says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    I love you Vanessa! And to be honest (maybe it’s the carpenter’s wife in me) if you ever even thought of painting that amazing natural wood mantel I think I would have to question our friendship! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Oh, Vanessa, I’ve been there. Patty Popular is persistent, isn’t she? It makes me smile to know that you’ve booted her out of your life once again. I think the older I get the more easily I recognize her attempts to infiltrate my thoughts … and the faster I TRY to shoo her away. But, as I said, she’s persistent.

    I’m happy you love your family room mantel because you should! I’m happy you shared it because you wanted to! I’m even happy you know how to spell mantel because so many bloggers don’t! LOL I’m also happy you chose such a creative way to tell a story with which we can all identify. Nicely done!

    Reply
  20. Keli says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    I.LOVE.THIS. Isn’t it crazy? My blog is just such a tiny, little, wee infant of a thing…but I feel this crazy pressure sometimes. Then I pull myself up by the ol’ boot straps and say…”Hey…this blog started by sharing things in life that I love. Me. I love the little saying that says…”Be yourself…everyone else is taken.” Shine on woman! Buck the status quo. Your mantle is beautiful. Okay…I’m done. 😉 ~k.

    Reply
  21. Mimi Matthews says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    Sounds waaaay too familiar. BUT God has given you an amazing heart, creative power, and articulate words. You do what makes YOU happy, the designs YOU love, and all will be well.

    I actually prefer white against wood. I am going against the “blogger flow” and keeping my natural wood items unpainted! Love wood. Thanks for sharing. And hugs and love.

    Reply
  22. Holly says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Wow! You nailed that problem right on the head. Do we decorate for the love of beauty or for the praise of our peers? I’m with you on this. Let’s stop comparing ourselves among ourselves which is unwise. Thanks so much for posting.

    Reply
  23. Cindy says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Is there anyone that doesn’t know Patty? Love your mantle, so pretty and great post!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  24. Beth@Unskinny Boppy says

    April 24, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    Preach it sister! You are speaking to my heart today, and I love it! I will happily join you in throwing that going away party for Patty. It would be mind blowing! 😀 Love you, V! Keep your head up. Off to pin this gorgeous mantel!

    Reply
  25. Regena Fickes says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    I don’t see how Patty has enough time to visit you, she recieves mail at my address!:> We all have to send her on her way. Love your post, so positive and inspiring.

    Reply
  26. Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    Your Spring mantel is very serene to me, I really love it! I’ve met Patty Popular, but lately her best friend Maria More Talented has been hanging around. Not sure when I invited her in, but she can wreak havoc so easily with her little remarks here and there throughout the day. Let’s make it a group party and get rid of all of these intruders!

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    I definitely want to be invited to Patty’s going away party. She spends way too much time stopping by my house. Your mantel and home are beautiful and you are such a wonderful person. I look forward to reading your blog each and every day.

    Reply
  28. LUCY says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Hi my sweet friend, this is my second time reading this post as it speaks right into my heart, soul and my own insecurities. Thank you for sharing your beauty with us. I adore you my sweet friend and if that Patty comes around again just tell her she better watch out cause I got your back always, just like I know you will have mine when she tries to visit me…xoxox
    Lu

    Reply
  29. Ashley G says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    I love you girl! You just put into words what I’ve been feeling. We are on our fourth move and I’m struggling with Patty too. You are awesome and I adore your blog. Never think you aren’t good enough.

    Reply
  30. Angela says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Well, you spoke to me today too! I think we all have a Patty in us and I applaud you for speaking about her! I’m a new follower and I think you and your blog are awesome! Your mantel is beautiful and I can tell you are too, inside and out! Have a fabulously free Patty day!!!~~Angela

    Reply
  31. Barb @ The Everyday Home says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    I am glad to let you know Patty has left your house so you don’t have to worry – but i think I saw her going upstairs with a large carry bag. I think she moved in today. sigh

    Reply
  32. Traci says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    Totally understand where you’re coming from! Love love love the white pitcher!!

    Reply
  33. DeeROKC says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    I do not have a white mantle – or any white woodwork for that matter. Married to a wonderful man that LOVES woodworking – in it’s natural state. He can build anything – but Painted woodwork is outlawed in our house. I was beginning to think I should just drop all my favorite blogs because no one else seemed to have natural wood, so Petty Patty was really working on me too. Thank you so much for posting this. You have NO IDEA how helpful this post has been for me.

    Reply
  34. Suzi says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    This will go down in the Top Ten Best Posts of all time! Firstly,thank you…I am just getting my Spring Feet wet following difficult physical limitations & 2 surgeries this year & I was getting depressed about how fast bloggers were speeding through the season. I felt like part of the “out crowd” …and I am hosting a large ministry brunch in less than two weeks. Spring lasts for about 20 minutes where I live & I love all the nests, eggs, flowers dearly doing my best to make it feel like spring inside even when the temps are nearing 90 outside. Thank you for validating my choices, for calling Patty out so I can recognize her hurtful words swirling through my mind and for being so transparent. BTW my kitchen isn’t white either! I Waited years to finally buy yummy cherry cupboards to replace the lemon yellow Formica…I have dark cherry and I am not ashamed 🙂

    Reply
  35. Gee says

    April 24, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Time to kick Patty on the little triangle on the back pocket!!! No room for her in your beautiful life.
    Luvly mantel by the way… pretty little nest .
    Hugs, Gee

    Reply
  36. Must love junk says

    April 24, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    Wow, this is SO good! I can so relate (and apparently a lot of others can, too!) It’s a shame that we’re so hard on ourselves-or should I say that we allow ‘Patty’ to be so hard on us! 😉
    Susan

    Reply
  37. Anna Starnersend Patty says

    April 24, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    What a great post. Patty popular must be very busy. I have to remind myself that God has a special purpose for each of us and maybe Patties is to motivate us to be the best us we can be.
    I know how you feel about your mantel not being white, my china cupboard is cherry not painted how uncool is that. Oh well I have color on my walls too, not the pale color that might be “in”. I just have to have a little color so pecan was as pastel as I could go and it goes with everything. By the way I would love to come to your going away party for Patty. All of the wonderful ladies I would actually get to meet would be fun.

    Reply
  38. Cris says

    April 24, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    She always shows up when you least need it

    Reply
  39. Sharon says

    April 24, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    That Patty, isn’t she special? She has been all up in my business lately…and she has whispered those very words, “Is it pin worthy?” In my ears more times than I can count. And I really wish she’d just stop it already about me not having a white kitchen, farmhouse decor, painted furniture and slipcovered sofas.

    Love your mantel. Coincidentally, I have nest tucked up against a vase in my Spring decor too…and like you, I think it’s so sweet.

    I so wish we could sit and talk person to person some day…this is not the first time your words have resonated with me…as though they were my own. I think we’re kindred spirits, you and me.

    xo, Sharon

    Reply
  40. Jen O'Brien says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    Oh how I can relate! Great post! It is good to know I am not alone, thanks for your honesty, just beautiful Vanessa!

    Reply
  41. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    What a wonderful post, Vanessa! Patty sure gets around, doesn’t she? I don’t have a Spring mantle. I have the “after Christmas mantle” that will probably stick around until next Christmas. I’m sure we can imagine what Patty has to say about this blogger not changing her decor with the seasons! I’m not listening. 🙂

    Reply
  42. Angie G says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:00 PM

    Vanessa,
    Your Spring Mantle is lovely and just in time here in Ohio where it snowed again today:)
    But your timely message about insecurities and how hard it is to fight them was even more welcomed. It is nice to hear that others are working so hard to banish the voice of self doubt that keeps the “lovely” from showing to others. I love your blog and am glad to see your beautiful birds nest…nothing says the fresh start of spring like some cozy eggs 🙂

    Reply
  43. South Shore Decorating Blog says

    April 25, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Your mantel is GORGEOUS!!! Thank you so much for stopping by today. I think you are as busy as I am and don’t have a lot of time for blog comments! I am so glad to visit you today and am going to come by more often – this truly is one of my favorite blogs!
    Stacy

    Reply
  44. Helen says

    April 25, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    Having moved many times as a child and as an adult, I know Patty really well. It’s great to hear that she will be moving away from all of us in blogland. Great post, Vanessa!

    Helen

    Reply
  45. Kristin says

    April 26, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Oh girl, you got me here! Your patty and my patty must be hanging out together 🙂 I could say so much right now but the most important thing is that you know how incredibly talented you are. On top of that you are an amazing writer a fabulous mom and wife and just and beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside!!! Love you! Patty….go away 🙂
    Kristin

    Reply
  46. Jami @ freckled laundry says

    April 27, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    We have ALL been here. Yes, I’d like to “pin” Patty up by her ears. I happen to love the simplicity of your mantel!

    Reply
  47. debbiedoos says

    April 27, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    Girl that was the most touching amazing thing you have ever written! Farewell to Patty, and Hello to dear heart and sould Vanessa! P.S. I love your mantel, and mine is not white either,and there is a good chance it never will be. Patty Popular, I left her back in high school!~ XO

    Reply
  48. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    April 27, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    This is so AWESOME! Beautifully articulated. I’m happy to know I’m not alone! 🙂 Let’s kick ol’ Patty to the curb! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 27, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    This was very touching Vanessa. I know a girl like Patty too. I think she needs to get lost!! Hugs – Shannon

    Reply
  50. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    April 29, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Pattys are so boring – here’s to blazing our own trails.
    K

    Reply
  51. Tiffany | offbeat + inspired says

    April 29, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    Oh I love this so much!!! You expressed it so well! I love thinking of that “feeling” as an actually person who needs a good kick in the tush haha! Thank you so much for sharing this and your mantel is BEAUTIFUL! TOTALLY Pin worthy!! You’re an amazing person! Love you! <3

    Reply
  52. Mary says

    April 30, 2013 at 6:06 PM

    Beautiful mantle!

    Reply
  53. Debra@CommonGround says

    May 1, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    Kick her to the curb!!! I think we all struggle with this, Vanessa. Your mantel is wonderful, and good grief, wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same? I love your style, and I think we all need to blog being ourselves…heaven knows I can’t keep up with everyone else! xoxo

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      May 1, 2013 at 3:57 PM

      Thanks so much Debra! You are so sweet! 🙂

      Reply
  54. karen says

    May 1, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    Vanessa, you write the most beautiful things and share the most beautiful projects. I feel honored you linked this up at my party. I am going to not only feature it, but lead in with it. Maybe collectively we can all tell Patty she is no longer welcome in our homes or our heads!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      May 1, 2013 at 3:57 PM

      Awwww…friend I would be honored to have you feature it at your party this week and thank you for being so encouraging! 🙂

      Reply
  55. Sherry says

    May 2, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Vanessa,
    Patty isn’t half the woman you are! It is so time to forget Patty. I have left Patty long ago, but I don’t have a white mantel either and every time I post a picture of it I am reminded it isn’t with trend! And the things I post are not always the most pinworthy. My house isn’t perfect or worthy of any pins but, the creative outlet of this blog has been about discovering those parts/projects/photos/recipes from me that are full of beauty that I didn’t know I had in me. I keep on going and keep on discovering. Yes, let’s throw a party and not invite Patty, and light candles on are not white mantels, and dance into the wee hours!
    Sherry

    Reply
  56. Patricia Krank says

    May 2, 2013 at 1:53 PM

    I’ve heard those same whispers in my ear throughout the course of my lifetime . . . “Never enough”, “Less than”, “unworthy”, etc. It has taken time and much healing to learn that these are just labels and not truth. In truth I am God’s child, Christ’s friend, justified, redeemed, chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I am COMPLETE in Christ. It is indeed time to say goodbye to the enemy that would keep you from achieving your full potential and step forward with confidence that you were made for a purpose that only you can fulfill!

    Blessings from Patti (NOT the popular one),
    @OldThingsNew

    Reply
  57. Jill Flory says

    May 3, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Totally awesome post – Patty Popular has been a thorn in my life too! And really – who are these ‘in’ people?! What makes ‘them’ the ‘in’ crowd. Sigh.
    And if you love your cherry wood then you have every right to love it and share it!! Why would you have any less right than someone with white? they love white – you love cherry. if we were all the same it would be so boring! I love your mantel and I never once even thought about the fact that it wasn’t white!

    Reply
  58. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    May 5, 2013 at 6:46 AM

    I want to reach out and hug you… my version of Patty seems to be camped out at my kitchen table, grinning like a cheshire cat these days. Would love to show her the door for good!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  59. Angie says

    May 6, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Hi – I love your post! I don’t like Patty Popular and it’s definitely time to tell her to go away. Fiona Fickle has me questioning my posts all the time but she’s not going to win 🙂

    Reply
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  62. Denise says

    March 23, 2014 at 2:35 PM

    Great post. Patty is a real party pooper. The blogs that I love best are ones where Patty is ignored. For instance, I love when bloggers show a really pretty photo, then they show you the mess just out of view in another confessional style photo. Perfection never is as much fun as real life with a sense of humor! And Vanessa – your mantel looks great!

    Reply
  63. New Bodybuilding supplements says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:09 AM

    I almost never comment, however I browsed some comments here
    Patty Popular – At The Picket Fence. I do have a couple of questions for you if it’s allright.

    Could it be only me or do some of these remarks come across like
    they are written by brain dead people? 😛 And, if
    you are posting on additional social sites, I would like to keep up
    with everything new you have to post. Would you make a list
    of all of your social networking sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page
    or linkedin profile?

    Reply

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  1. Link Party #102, and Le Features! | Redoux Interiors says:
    May 2, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    […] have a special feature to share with you today.  My friend Vanessa from At The Picket Fence shared the most heart-felt post about how we allow voices in our head to hold us back from […]

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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