tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537678475840127362024-03-19T07:08:16.144-04:00a place 2 gatherLorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-55471913310411316442015-09-17T09:30:00.000-04:002015-09-17T09:43:18.338-04:00Sweet Gatherings <div dir="ltr">
Last week was a busy one at the Richie's house, not only do the fall activities typically start this week, but for us, this week is dotted with birthday celebrations!!</div>
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On Sunday night (the 6th), Jaysen had a handful of friends come to spend the night and celebrate his 14th birthday on Monday.</div>
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14-17 year old guys aren't hard to please; pizza, soda, Double-Stuff Oreos and M&M's was about all it took to satisfy!!</div>
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Wednesday night we kicked off fall with our youth group friends at a black Light party packed with games and Rita's water ice.</div>
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Thursday morning was the Ladies Tea at church; it's always so fun to come up with a decorating plan for the ladies! They love to see what we've come up with!! This time we celebrated Fall and I knew that my plaid blankets were going to be perfect, coupled with my vintage thermos collection and a few other rustic things, I think it turned out just right!!<br />
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Thursday was also my son Jon's 24th birthday!! We had soccer practice, then it was cancelled and we had to run to the nearest wholesale shop to pick up everything we needed for the biggest celebration of the week coming Sunday. He and his girlfriend went out to dinner and we all met back up at the house later and celebrated at 10:00!!!! #livingtherichielife has come into play. We are a busy family but not too busy to celebrate one another -even if it is at 10 pm!! lol<br />
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Little pockets of time throughout the week were spent preparing for a larger gathering to come on Sunday the 13th. But before that, Julia had her first soccer game of the season on Saturday, the 12th, which also happened to be Jessica's 19th birthday!!!! I'm exhausted just typing this!! It was a busy, busy week - but filled with such wonderful things!!!</div>
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Bill and I are the coaches for her team, which actually means Bill is the coach, Joe helps coach at practice and my name is on the roster as assistant coach! lol I like to think of myself more like the team mom. My girl killed it in goal for the entire game!!! The girls played a GREAT game and won 3-2!! </div>
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Jessica came home from college on Saturday night around 10:00 and we were in full party prep for the next day. Using left over cake mix, Julia made a cake for Jessica in, yes, a metal bowl and presented it to her at MIDNIGHT!!!!! You thought 10:00 was bad?!? Remember #livintherichielife? Yep, it's just how we do!! </div>
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Sunday morning came quickly and there were still lots of things to accomplish before our last celebration of the week!! There are so many pictures that I'd love to share from Sunday, but I'll spare you!<br />
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We had the honor of throwing Jon and Cali a baby shower for Oliver Lee, due to join us in November!! Here are just a few shots.<br />
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They got so many great gifts and Oliver is so very loved already!! The rain held off, the sun came out, friends and family gathered, children ran and laughed, the dogs loved being outside all day and my heart was overflowing with gratitude!! </div>
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To top off an incredible day (and week), after the last gift was opened, Jon took a knee and asked his love if she would marry him!!!! "Calaine Ann Graham, will you marry me?" After a few moments and some tears, he stood up and proclaimed, "SHE SAID YES!!!!!" It was such a sweet moment!! My momma heart was bursting!!!</div>
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It's already Thursday, almost a week has passed by since the celebrations. There is still residue from all of the celebrating. It's so easy to get under the mess and feel miserable, but the mess is a reminder of all that is good and celebration worthy! There is still celebrating to be done in the midst of cleaning up the mess! Small mundane moments are moments worth celebrating if we choose to do so.<br />
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What moments, big or small, are you celebrating this month? I'd love to hear from you!!<br />
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God Bless <3<br />
Lorraine<br />
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-73228425920597659722015-07-31T13:43:00.001-04:002015-07-31T13:43:51.360-04:00The Art of the Journey<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">A few minutes ago I shared this on my Instagram and Facebook pages. I can't get it out of my mind, so I thought that I'd share it here as well and maybe talk a bit more about it. I have a bumble bee themed baby shower cookie order coming up. I had decided two weeks ago to use a square cookie cutter and since they said it was a burlapy (word?) rustic theme, I went with an ivory/gold base and planned to put a bee hive on half of the order and a bumble bee on the other. I'd maybe use the airbrush to add some shading around the edges and interior, trim it out and call it done. Cute right? But then last week I thought about how great it would be if I had a honeycomb stencil to use as a background. I even went to a few stencil websites to look and came up empty handed. Plus there was no guarantee that I'd even get it in time. So I dismissed it and moved along.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}">This
wasn't my original plan and I was quick to be disappointed. (which is
so often the case) When encouraged to look at it through different
eyes, I saw it as something acceptable, exciting, a possibility that I
couldn't see on my own.<br /> <br /> It immediately reminded me of God and
how His plans are rarely what we see for ourselves. We make plans, and
when they don't work out we are quick to be disapp<span class="text_exposed_show">ointed. <br /> <br />
We must realign our vision with that of Gods. His ways are not our
ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. His plans are always much
better than ours.<br /> <br /> Creativity/art can't be contained in our best
laid plans, just as God can't be contained. So thankful for this
unexpected lesson.</span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to make a trip to the store yesterday for some supplies and even my plan with that shifted and changed as I went along. I didn't originally plan on going to Michaels, I was just going to go to Hobby Lobby, but like I said, plans changed and I found myself at Michaels. We were on a time schedule and needed to get in and out of these stores (which is a task, if you know me)! Luckily for me, Jessica was with me and she is a no nonsense kind of girl! I did manage to slow my pace as I passed their clearance bin........something caught my eye!! A honeycomb rubber stamp! Not was I was looking for, it wasn't even on my conscience radar but there it was! On clearance! I grabbed it up and figured there was no better time to try my hand at stamping on cookies. It's something that I've wanted to do but never took the time to try......until now! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;">I am reminded of so many times that my plans changed and I grumbled and complained, even threatened myself to quit! But I am also reminded of all of the times that, even when I did grumble, God took over and created an end result that was far better than my original plan. I see Him work in this manner in all sorts of ways, from large dreams to small steps in a day or moment. When I am willing to approach my day, circumstances or dreams with open hands, heart and eyes, I allow God the room that He desires to work in my life. Trust me when I say that His plans are ALWAYS, INFINITELY BETTER!!!!!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;">A creator knows his created like non-other - even better than the created itself in some cases- why oh why do we INSIST that we know better.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of "how" He knows us:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" data-gt="{"timeline_og_unit_click":"1","app_id":"124024574287414","action_type_id":"282366618453208","object_type":"instapp:photo","unit_id":"447280888645770","og_ref":"ogexp","is_intentional":"1"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="text Ps-139-1">You have searched me, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1">and you know me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-2" id="en-NIV-16242"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>You know when I sit and when I rise;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-2">you perceive my thoughts from afar.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-3" id="en-NIV-16243"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>You discern my going out and my lying down;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-3">you are familiar with all my ways.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-4" id="en-NIV-16244"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Before a word is on my tongue</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-4">you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, know it completely.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-5" id="en-NIV-16245"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>You hem me in behind and before,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-5">and you lay your hand upon me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-6" id="en-NIV-16246"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-6">too lofty for me to attain.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Ps-139-7" id="en-NIV-16247"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Where can I go from your Spirit?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7">Where can I flee from your presence?</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIV-16248"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-8">if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-NIV-16249"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-NIV-16250"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>even there your hand will guide me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-10">your right hand will hold me fast.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-NIV-16251"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11">and the light become night around me,”</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-NIV-16252"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>even the darkness will not be dark to you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12">the night will shine like the day,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12">for darkness is as light to you.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>For you created my inmost being;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13">you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">your works are wonderful,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">I know that full well.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-15" id="en-NIV-16255"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>My frame was not hidden from you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15">when I was made in the secret place,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15">when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-16" id="en-NIV-16256"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Your eyes saw my unformed body;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16">all the days ordained for me were written in your book</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16">before one of them came to be.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NIV-16257"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>How precious to me are your thoughts,<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-16257a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16257a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16257a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> God!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-17">How vast is the sum of them!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-NIV-16258"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>Were I to count them,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18">they would outnumber the grains of sand—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18">when I awake, I am still with you.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Ps-139-19" id="en-NIV-16259"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>If only you, God, would slay the wicked!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-19">Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-20" id="en-NIV-16260"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>They speak of you with evil intent;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-20">your adversaries misuse your name.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-21" id="en-NIV-16261"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>Do I not hate those who hate you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-21">and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-22" id="en-NIV-16262"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>I have nothing but hatred for them;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-22">I count them my enemies.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-23" id="en-NIV-16263"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>Search me, God, and know my heart;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-23">test me and know my anxious thoughts.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-NIV-16264"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>See if there is any offensive way in me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-24">and lead me in the way everlasting.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am on a journey of entrusting my moments, my thoughts, my dreams and plans into the ever capable hands of The One who created me, The One who knows my inmost being, The One who calls me by name. I can look back and see where His plans have far outweighed my own and many others who have gone before me, as well as those that walk beside me even today. I pray that this encourages you to open up your hands and mind to The One who calls YOU by name.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Side note: I decided to jump into water coloring a weeks ago and I'm so glad that I did!! It's teaching me so much about myself, God and life! I have a long way to go, but again, I'm enjoying the journey!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where do see you see God teaching you a lesson? Do you have any creative outlets? I'd love to know!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">God Bless</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lorraine </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-24"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-38722480185282368462015-07-29T15:23:00.001-04:002015-07-29T15:23:35.900-04:00Table TimeSome time last week, my daughter, Jessica was trying to coordinate a get-together with her friends before they left for college and a friend/previous youth leader/mentor. They were discussing different places and days that they could meet. Being who I am, I threw out the option of them all coming here!! (ha-ha-ha) At that moment, the plan was set into motion.<br />
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Fast forward to Monday and I realized that the plan that I instigated was for the next night. Thankfully, I didn't have to do anything to get ready for this, as Jessica is as much of a gathering planner as I am and she was set in motion. I've been working on an order that's due this weekend and literally stopped and cleaned up my mess less than an hour before anyone arrived.<br />
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Jessica had already made banana cupcakes and took off to the store for ingredients for spinach artichoke dip, chips, fruit for fruit salsa and ice cream for milkshakes. I had a few fleeting thoughts about set up and decorating but they left my mind as quickly as the minuets left my day!! Ha! Over the years I have learned a very hard lesson, but a lesson that I am so glad to have learned: a gathering is only a gathering when you have people to gather -not cute decorations and table settings! Even the food doesn't have to be a big deal! <br />
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We cleared the table except for a pink cake plate with a burning candle on it. All of the food went on the table in the containers that they came in, the friends gathered and the night was a success! We ate until we were sick, we laughed until it hurt and we gathered past our bedtimes. I don't know why we don't stop more often, even in the midst of our busyness, and just gather. I'm always hoping that one day I will do that more often, that it will just become a way of life. Sometimes I believe that if I change my location, it will just naturally happen, but I know that's not true. What needs to change is my attitude, thoughts and perspective on what it means to gather.<br />
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I'm so drawn to the title "A Place to Gather" and yet I don't often create space for that in my life. When I do, I fully cherish those moments, no matter how few and far between they may be. I have to learn to not look to the future full of "if onlys" and look to right now and the moments that I have right in front of me.<br />
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I woke up to one mess of a kitchen, I couldn't see the bottoms of my sinks and there were dishes precariously perched on top of one another. Counter space? Forget about it! As I forced myself to deal with the mess, I took charge of my thoughts and instead of grumbling about the mess, I relished in the memories of the night before. I thought of the faces that sat around my table, how my life has been impacted by each one, of how God is shaping and molding them and using their young lives to further His kingdom. Dish by dish, I was thankful; thankful for each plate, each cup and utensil, each baking sheet and bowl, each food item that was prepared and purchased (man did we have some good eats), thankful for the young women that gathered at my table and thankful that God gave me a desire for gathering.<br />
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I only took one picture last night and it wasn't even thought out or staged. Just a random shot of a messy table full of half eaten food and that was good enough. Sometimes we need to keep these special moments just for ourselves and not worry about capturing every second for the world to see.<br />
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A gathering of 8th graders and their small group leader and friend, Erika who is headed to serve in Ecuador for a year!</div>
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I'm guessing that this was from a Mother's Day.</div>
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A girls retreat gathering! The weather didn't cooperate and our party was forced indoors! Thank God for the lessons that I've learned. The chaos of my home didn't bother me one bit!!</div>
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A small, spontaneous gathering with one friend and whatever I had on hand!</div>
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Another small gathering with a friend, last minute, I am sure!!</div>
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Big or small, if you put more of your heart and less of your stress/energy, you're guaranteed a sweet gathering!! Here's to taking those moments captive and making the most of what you've got and even more of the people that have gathered in your life!!</div>
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Share with me: Does hospitality come easily for you or is it a far off dream? What are some of your go to pieces when gathering friends or family? I'd love to hear from you!!! Tell me about your table time!!</div>
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God Bless</div>
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Lorraine</div>
<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-54078465917575729982015-07-24T13:18:00.002-04:002015-07-26T09:22:44.709-04:00South Bound!Hey friends, we're getting geared up to head south in TWO WEEKS!! You may remember <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2014/12/sweet-home-alabama.html" target="_blank">the trip</a> that Bill and I made to Montgomery, AL last November over Thanksgiving. We got to meet some Instagram friends, deliver cookies to the governors mansion and help <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EvanandCompany?fref=ts" target="_blank">Evan G. Cooper</a>. Bill took care of some renovation projects that Evan needed done and I got to lend a hand with some flower arrangements! The week went way too quickly and we knew that we would have to get back there sooner than later. We're heading down for Evan's #bigtopbirthdaybash and decided to make a family vacation out of it. The kids weren't very happy that we left them behind the last time, so we really didn't have a choice this time around.<br />
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There seem to be so many things that need to get done before we leave on the 7th; getting the camper ready, which due to a mouse family taking up residence, it needed to be completely emptied, stripped and scrubbed down with a bleach solution), packing, filling orders, Evan's birthday cookies, not to mention the daily things that need attention. I don't want to get there and realize that we have no idea of what to do or where to go. So, I thought I'd ask for your opinions. <br />
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Like I mentioned, we will be camping for the week (we have a large pop-up with air conditioning) and our children's ages are 18, 15, 13 and 11! So with six of us, we need to do things as cost effectively as we can. <br />
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We do plan on eating out once or twice, but intend to prepare most of our meals at the camper. So, here are my question(s) to you or ya'll:<br />
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What are the "must see" attractions in or around Montgomery?<br />
What things aren't really worth the time or effort?<br />
Where do you go for some family fun at a fair price or free?<br />
How do you beat the heat? It gets pretty hot up here, but I understand that it's a whole different kind of hot in 'bama! <br />
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We did follow a link that a follower shared on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aplace2gather" target="_blank">facebook</a> page and it looks like there are plenty of things to do!! Which is awesome, but a bit of feedback from you would be awesome! <br />
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We are hoping that this trip brings a bit more clarity for us. We are ready for a change and God has seemed to plant a seed in our hearts of Montgomery. Honestly, we'd love to open a shop there and become part of the community. There are still quite a bit of unanswered questions and obstacles to get through, but we are seeking the Lord's will and just doing what we believe is the next step.<br />
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We are looking for "less house, more home", in other words, we are ready to downsize our home, property and schedule. On our last visit, we spent quite a bit of time with a realtor and saw many homes that we loved. We get updates on new homes that hit the market and are keeping an eye on a few that we would purchase right now if we could.<br />
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Even is Alabama isn't a part of the plan, it's been fun exploring what we want and where we want to be. It's led to lots of conversations about what it is that we're looking for out of life and how we can best impact the world around us. We feel that God has given us the gift of hospitality and would love to share that. Montgomery seems to be bursting at the seams with creative business owners and that excites me - there doesn't seem to be much of that around here.<br />
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So, I better get back to filling those orders and prepping for this trip!!! Can't wait to get down there and see you all (hoping to meet some new friends -let me know if you'll be around that week)!<br />
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God Bless<br />
Lorraine <br />
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-10207771756812108722015-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-14T08:00:03.377-05:00Sweet Home Alabama - The Last DaysAlright, let's wrap this trip up shall we?? It seems like it's been forever since it took place and I realize that the whole thing is old news. But for the sake of completing something that I started, let's just keep going.<br />
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We left off at Wednesday and the <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2015/01/sweet-home-alabama-part-three.html" target="_blank">"If Only"</a> post about the dreamy B & B idea. Earlier that week I talked with one of my friends and previous customers, Melissa, and she invited Bill and I to share Thanksgiving dinner with her and her family. When I say that I "talked" with her, I mean that we texted. We hadn't actually had a spoken conversation before and come to find out, we were both hoping that the other wouldn't think the situation was just weird. Thank God, neither of us did! Since we are who we are, we knew that we couldn't show up empty handed. Also, and not that there is anything wrong with it, we also knew that stopping by the store to pick something up other than drinks wasn't going to sit well with us.<br />
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So, what did we do? We baked two pumpkin pies, nope, not the pre-baked ones in the cute little aluminum pans. We bought everything that we needed to bake the pies from scratch, crust and all. Now, settle down, before you start thinking and asking out loud <span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Are you crazy??"</em></span>, let me just tell you, YES! WE ARE!! But technically I think we would argue that we aren't really crazy at all, it's just who we are and what we do. Nope, it's not too much trouble, or even a little bit of trouble, it's truly just who we are!!</div>
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We had a lovely time with the Wright family and friends and even though it wasn't our home or our family, it was a close second!! We are so thankful for the way social media can bring people together. It truly felt like we had known each other for ever! A gift from God for sure.<br />
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Friday, our last day there, we had offered to help Evan around his office with whatever he needed help with. I was so excited about this day, yes I am fan girling - so what? It was a dream come true.<br />
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Let's see.....I used to work for a florist, I've always loved design, creating and color coded, organized shelves full of supplies/props, so this seemed like the perfect day to me!!</div>
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Evan had a wedding that coming weekend that he needed to do the flowers for and his office was right in the middle of a renovation and he was a week out from his first holiday open house! There was plenty for us to do. On that Tuesday we had met up with Evan for lunch and he took us back to his office. We started to clean things up while we were there and move some of the furniture back to where it belonged. Friday we split up and I helped Evan with his flowers and Bill painted those huge urns, primed and painted a fireplace mantel, painted a mirror frame, moved furniture and hung things on the walls. <br />
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Evan was even kind enough to let me play around with his mantle design. I knew he'd change pretty much everything that I did and that was okay, because I would do the same exact thing! It was still a blast and I loved every minute of it!<br />
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All day long, I just kept looking around and thinking "I can't believe I'm sitting here, working with Evan G. Cooper!". Now, I know that he would say that he's nobody special, I know that because it said it more than once to me that week. Yes, I would agree with that in the sense that he really is just a regular guy with amazing talent and an amazing personality. He's making a name for himself in the event planning world. But from an IG followers perspective, this was a pretty spectacular opportunity!! I was in awe of the fact that I was there!</div>
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We finished up the day and went out to dinner together. It was a really great, really fast week! I couldn't believe that we were heading home the early next morning. We made great friends, saw a lot of great houses, and made great memories that I will hold for a lifetime. </div>
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We plan on heading south again, hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime, we're hoping that Mr. Evan G. will make a trip North to visit us!! I think he'll have to wait until the weather warms up quite a bit.</div>
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Thanks so much for following along with us!! </div>
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God Bless, </div>
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Lorraine and Bill</div>
Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-77507993485584597592015-01-12T14:36:00.000-05:002015-01-12T14:36:28.043-05:00How do I.......?Disclaimer: I am fully aware that I am being overly dramatic. I'm not as bad as I am bound to make myself sound in this post. I am merely dumping my exaggerated feelings here, in this place, where they will stay. I fully intend to pick myself up and move on.....eventually, but.....for now, <em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">HOW DO I????????</span></em></div>
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First let me back up for those of you who aren't currently aware of what is going in my life, which is probably very few of you, considering the only people that I know read this are people that are family or friends in real life or follow me on IG and FB.</div>
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Saturday we took our daughter, Jessica, of "<a href="http://www.teatidbitsandmore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tea Tidbits and more</a>", to college. If you know us, you know that she is my right hand gal, heck we could even go as far to say that she's both of my stinkin hands and my brain!!!!! She has been such a GINORMOUS help to me and the rest of the family. It's Monday, it's raining, we're here and she's......there! Needless to say, I am LOST! </div>
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I can't apologize for that. I warned you!! Highly Dramatic!!!! But still, the stinkin song keeps playing through my mind, over and over and over and over and.....well I think you get the point. I was having a hard enough time this month figuring out what to do with myself without cookies to keep me busy, now I have no cookies and no Jessica! I seriously could go sit in a corner and rock and be perfectly content. I won't do it. The floor is uncomfortable and I'm not a fan of being uncomfortable. So instead I am giving myself this day, this dreary, cold, rainy, lonely day to "grieve" the separation between myself and my arms and brain. I'm doing a whole lot of nothing and IDEC!! (I don't even care - for those of you not up on the text lingo of the younger generations)</div>
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On a happier and much less dramatic note, Jessica is doing fabulous (of course, who would've doubted that). Okay, I was starting to wonder as Friday after Maggie left, tears found their way to Jessica's otherwise dry eyes and it was pretty much over from that point on. It was an emotional departure. </div>
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Maggie - the little girl that Jess babysat and we will continue to babysit!! #maggiedaysarethebestdays</div>
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We got her there, un-bunked the beds, unpacked her stuff, did the orientation stuff, president's dinner etc. and then walked her back to her room. Let's just say that the final "see ya" wasn't at all dramatic. It was OVERLY dramatic, mostly because of the 10 year old who depends on her big sister even more than I do. A brother may have shared in the dropping of tears ritual - he shall remain nameless. We had to pull Julia off of her sister and drag her away. It was heart wrenching and slightly annoying, because, HELLO?? I'd like to have some room for my tears too!!!!!!! But I put on my big girl undies and remained the rock for my emotional children, hey it's what we moms do.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As you may have seen on IG, these were our "not about to fall apart, we're totally excited" faces. (lies, all lies.)</span></div>
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So honestly it was a blessing, because I don't really enjoy crying. It's not a good look and I do like to feel needed, so I guess it was a win win!! Orientation weekend kept our girl busy, which even though she was dreading it, it did end up to be a blessing. Turns out that the 9:00 p.m (P stinkin M) kick-ball game was optional!!! OMGTY!!!!!! (oh my God, thank you -I don't know if that's a thing, I just made it up, right there!) She, instead, played bored games, I mean BOARD games and met a few more people. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Joe's elbow on the left, Julia lounged on the bed, Jay was in the chair and there are Jess's little feet!</span></div>
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From as much as you can grasp through texting, I thought she "sounded" great at the end of the evening. 11:40 PM and she was jumping in the shower and heading to bed! Sunday morning had the kids rising early and heading to the city for breakfast, praise and worship and a session or two. She got to meet her roommate and they hit it off. They did a bit more rearranging of their dorm room and got to know each other better. Later in the evening she headed off to Wal Mart with some other girls from her hall. I truly didn't doubt that she would settle quickly and jump right in, it's just who she is. But I think there's always a little tiny nook in the corner of a mother's heart that harbors such doubts, more like "what ifs" if you will.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Library</span></div>
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We got to talk to her on the phone yesterday too and I swear she "sounds" like a college student. I don't know what that sounds like exactly, but after an emotional weekend, it was so good to hear her sound like that! Monday morning <strong>Wait! Today is Monday!</strong> THIS morning, she and her roommate "K" went to breakfast with a few other girls and played a game. Today is the first day of classes, which were delayed due to ice. I'm anxious to hear how her day went.</div>
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I'm getting a new perspective on being a mother. It's hard not being with her. Not because I'm a hovering mother, but because I'm used to being with her, to experiencing life with her. Remember this is the girl who, when taken to Disney with her friends in January, opted to hang out with me and her dad and the friends readily agreed! So this, it's weird. I need to be aware of myself and my tendencies to try to be a part of everything. I realize that I have to let her go. She needs the space to spread her wings and begin to find her place in this world. </div>
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Jess and Shelby</div>
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I know that she'll share everything with me when she can, so remembering that will be key. Also, she knows me, so I'm sure that she will give me some room to be a meddling momma here and there. :)</div>
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The time goes so quickly friends. Enjoy every minute you have with your people!!!! I'll be back later this week with a wrap up of the Alabama trip!! After that, I have no idea!! We'll see how this new chapter goes!! I do have some bedroom pics to share as we are changing and rearranging bedrooms! So stick around!!! </div>
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God Bless</div>
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Lorraine</div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-24351805770310221862015-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-06T09:00:04.409-05:00Sweet Home Alabama Part ThreeHey there! Welcome back!! Moving on to the next property that we looked at, I want to preface this by saying, when we found this place on line, the first line of the description hit our biggest dream of all. It simply said, "Could this be your bed and breakfast?". Now, if you don't know us, I'll tell you that owning and running and B & B is our biggest dream to date. We've stayed in a few and with both of us having a heart for hospitality, to say it caught our eye would be an understatement!<br />
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Now I have no idea if we could ever even pull off a dream like that. But I don't think we ever thought that we'd see a hint of possibility, but here it was!! Again, I'm not saying that anything is happening. There are no concrete plans, but there are dreams and wishes and tiny prayers of big things. It's in God's control as I've mentioned before. <br />
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This property is at the other end of the road that the sweet cottage is on. It boasts of 12 acres, a silo, horse barn and so much more.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Hey, a girl can dream, right?!</span></div>
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We entered through the back of this massive home, but trust me when I say it has a grand entrance!! A nice wide front hall, large staircase, and access to several rooms on the main level. This home was full of surprises, including the "original" claw foot tub complete with original fixtures! <br />
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We can totally picture making breakfast in the large sunny kitchen for our guests. Hosting tea time in one of the beautiful sitting rooms, filling the two front balconies with guests as they enjoy their event (hosted by none other than the fabulous <a href="http://evanandcompany.com/" target="_blank">Evan G. Cooper</a>). The 12 acres is dying for some extra TLC. Bonfires, Hayrides, Horses, Stables, expansion of the B & B with specialty suites, gardens where we'll pick fresh herbs and flowers for our meals and bedrooms. That little red run down "shack" is the perfect little residence for the innkeepers. We walked hand in hand around the entire property sharing dreams and ideas with one another and with our sweet Lord, whose hands our future rests.<br />
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This experience was so amazing on so many levels that it's unreal to me that we even experienced it. God is so good and He never ceases to amaze me. The way that He longs for us to give Him our future, plans, hopes, dreams, fears and hearts. He's good for it, He won't let you down. My best laid plans don't hold a candle to what He has planned for me (not even a three wick candle!) <br />
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Like I continue to say, I haven't the faintest clue as to what is going on in our lives. All that I can say is that we are trying to be diligent in seeking His will and His timing for our lives. We are careful to look for the next step that He calls us to take, no matter the size of the step. Knowing that any size step toward His plan is a goooood step, no a great step. We can't go wrong when we surrender all that we are and all that we have to our Father in Heaven.<br />
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Jeremiah 29:11 says "<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">Sounds like a good deal to me!!</span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">Until next time, God bless!</span></div>
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<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">Lorraine </span></div>
Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-6872548143715222662015-01-02T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-02T09:00:06.492-05:00Sweet Home Alabama Part Two (lots of pictures)In my last post, I jumped right to Tuesday so that I could answer some questions. But now, let me back up and start from the beginning of the trip.<br />
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Bill and I figured that it would be a good idea, since Alabama was now on our radar and we were going to be spending a week in a place that we've never been to, that we may want to check out the housing market there and connect with a realtor. Monday, we did just that! Prior to our trip we found a realtor and had a great conversation with her about our situation, what we were looking to get out of our trip and made sure that she knew that time spent with us was not a guarantee of sale. We are not in the position to buy or sell and this was merely research.<br />
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She graciously accepted our request and gave us her entire day!! She had quite a list of homes for us to look at and they covered quite a range of housing specifics. Here is some of what I shared with her on the phone about our interests:<br />
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1. we would love to downsize<br />
2. but we're not opposed to a larger home (since the pricing there is beyond reasonable)<br />
3. we are ready for more of a neighborhood environment (living in the middle of nowhere is taking it's toll)<br />
4. but we're not opposed to some space<br />
5. The perfect condition, the feel of country life but close to people and places<br />
6. of course she had to know that three of our five children would be moving with us, in addition to two large dogs and two cats<br />
7. currently we have goats and chickens. We are okay with not having space for that<br />
8. but are not opposed to having space for that<br />
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Yes, she had her hands full with us!! God bless her, she pulled together exactly what we needed to see and it gave us a great opportunity to really think about what we would want "if" we were to ever move.<br />
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So here are some shots of a few of the houses that we looked at. It was Tough to only pic a few pictures to share because we absolutely LOVED each of these homes. So if you want to see more of them, just let me know ;)<br />
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First up was a smaller, completely updated home, in a neighborhood, with a very small yard.<br />
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It was beautifully decorated (I can't help but notice those things). It was small, but a good small. Four bedroom, two bath, fireplace, eat in kitchen, laundry room and it had a great outdoor space with a water feature. We loved it! The yard size and outside storage space concerned Bill and rightfully so. We would have a lot to get rid of and the small yard would take some getting used to.<br />
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Next up was a magical sort of dream home. We fell in love with this place before we ever even reached Alabama!!<br />
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I didn't get a great shot of the front of this beauty, but trust me. It's a stunner! The back yard had all of these great little sitting areas and it had such a magical, whimsical feel about it. Even though the greenery and flowers were not there to put on a show, their sleep state allowed my mind to wander around the possibilities of a warm day, with everything in full bloom and I ate it up!! The inside did not disappoint either!<br />
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From the moment we peeked through the glass paneled front door and saw the marble floor, grand staircase and gorgeous cat with blue eyes looking back at us, I knew. It would be a tough one to walk away from if need be. Classical music wafted through the air and pictures of us dwelling there came to mind as we went from room to room soaking in all of the beauty that this home offered. Big windows with light flooding in, spacious rooms for entertaining or relaxing, not one, but two gorgeous sun rooms filled my mind with thoughts of lazy afternoons reading in the warm sunlight. That kitchen! Oh.my.word. It was sublime. Not a large space but a beautifully functional space with gigantic windows looking out to the magical back yard. Built in old sconces, a gorgeous island and perfect details. Yep, I'm still smitten with this beauty!!<br />
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Sadly, the location is just a teeny bit questionable. So very sad. So I tucked this one into my heart and dreams and moved on. We headed out to a more rural area and a sweet three bedroom cottage on ten acres!<br />
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This home takes the sweetest cake! It was adorable! Sweet screened front porch, beautifully decorated, great space, on the smaller side. Actually smaller than the first small home that we looked at. This is a three bedroom, one and a half bath. The ten acres are beautiful with space for plenty of animals. Currently a gentleman is keeping his horses in the back six (I like saying that) and is willing to leave one of the horses with the property for it's new owners. If that were to be us, we would offer to let him continue to keep all of his horses on the property thus giving us a perfect way into the community and history of this place. We could picture long picnic tables under the many pecan trees filled with food and friends and family! There is a pad for another dwelling in the back yard and would be a great spot for a small (ahem) cookie business, in-law suite or anything else that you could think up! The covered area off of the detached garage is the perfect place for an outdoor entertaining area and the resident chickens would have a place to stay! Plus a home with a great scripture on the chalkboard warmed my heart to bits!!! I even joked that the owner had written Richies instead of riches :) lol<br />
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The kitchen was small but warm and inviting, with wood counter tops and open shelving. We could totally see ourselves in this space. My one concern with this home was the size of the living room. It's the first room that you walk into, it has two windows and four doorways, so there's not a lot of wall space for furniture. It opens into the dining room with french doors, has a doorway to a very wide hallway and a door into one of the bedrooms, plus the front door. It would be an adjustment. But we really loved this house as well.<br />
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There is one more home that I want to share with ya'll, but I'll save that for the next post!!! Thanks for coming by! I hope you enjoyed looking at these houses as much as we did!!<br />
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God bless,<br />
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Lorraine<br />
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-65148219951514196712014-12-29T12:41:00.002-05:002014-12-29T12:41:22.065-05:00Sweet home Alabama <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I suppose that I should start at the beginning by answering some of the questions that I've been asked over the month or so. So here it goes:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing in Alabama? </span></div>
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Well about six months ago I connected with Evan G. Cooper on<a href="http://instagram.com/evangcooper" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>. He asked if I shipped cookies and I said Yes! Truth is, I had only just shipped my first set of cookies to California and that was for a family member. Shipping was not something that I had any real experience in and it was something that I really didn't expect to be doing very often. I was wrong. </div>
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If you don't know Evan, let me tell you that once he finds a product or a person that he believes in, he sticks with it. If you happen to be that person with that product, well you have a friend for life, not only a friend but an advocate, an inspiration and a cheerleader!! With that being said, Evan has been a huge supporter of "A Place to Gather" cookies, formerly known as "Sweets for your Sweet". I have developed a friend/customer base in The Heart of Dixie and it was time to go meet some of them!!<br />
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Another part of this trip for us was exploring our dreams. No, we haven't had dreams of Alabama per se, rather finding opportunities to do what we love. It just so happens, that the dream trail led us to consider Alabama as a possibility. Life since the <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2011/12/background.html" target="_blank">job loss</a> has been....interesting. It's had it's moments, but overall, it was a good experience. God carried us and continues to do so, but it also gave us opportunity to ask ourselves some good questions. Like, what do you really want out of life? What is the one thing that makes you "come alive"? If you could do anything, what would it be?<br />
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I honestly fell into this cookie thing by no attempts of my own. God has definitely had His hand in this and it's been fun to look back and see just where He has shown up. Now I'm not saying that we're moving to Alabama but I am saying that we are open to what ever and where ever God has for us! It's a freeing place to be! We're not trying to write our own story, we are simply giving God the pencil and letting Him do what He does best.....write His own story on our lives.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How did you get invited to the Governor's mansion?</span><br />
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In addition to that, I had 8 dozen holiday open house cookies for Evan and he had invited me to provide some special cookies for Governor Bentleys' holiday mansion tours! So this was a chance to hand deliver these sweet treats and save my friend some crazy shipping costs! We picked Thanksgiving week because Bill would just be finishing a month of working six twelve hour shifts per week and we needed some time away!!</div>
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Our time there was incredible!! My emotions and feelings fluctuated between feelings of being a "star gazer", if you will, and the confidence that I'm gaining in knowing that I was supposed to be there and it was "no big deal"! For example, the south jersey stay-at-home-mama in me is still freaking out that an event planner in another state wants my cookies! I'm still freaking out that I actually went to Alabama to meet said event planner and on top of that.....THE GOVERNORS MANSION!!!! I.Can't.Even!!<br />
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Then the flip side is taking all that I've gained over the past two years, specifically the past six months and feeling like I was exactly where I was supposed to be! The fan in me wanted to take pictures of every little thing and "selfie" the heck out of Evan and Laura, but the cool, calm, collected side of me wanted to just take the experience as it came, like I've been there all along. It was weird. And I loved every minute of it!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> What a stair case!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Okay, here's a word from the "fan girl" in me. When you are going to meet a very talented event planner and his super adorable assistant for the first time, and you get the opportunity to have your very first picture taken with said "amazing people", the above conditions are NOT the conditions that you would consider for said opportunity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1. While I <b>am </b>considerably shorter than both of these individuals, I have to inform you that I ended up standing in a drainage ditch for the governors pool. So, to be accurate, I'm not THAT much shorter!! lol </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 2. In the bundle of nervous energy that I was in, I was talking to Bill when he took this shot. This ONE AND ONLY SHOT!!!!!!! Have I not taught that man anything about taking pictures???? Who doesn't know that you never, EVER take only ONE SHOT!!!! I was going to bury this pic for.ever. But what fun would that be!!! So there you have it, my awful, first picture with Evan G. Cooper and Laura Jean Belle! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lorraine D. Richie</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">fangirl</span></div>
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Okay, back to the story!! Here are a few more pictures of the mansion. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> We're so teeny tiny!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Governor and First Lady Bentley have seven granddaughters and a grandson on the way. Evan went with a family friendly theme in the dining room and I made cookie place cards with their granddaughters names on them. Evan and his team finished them off with beautiful red ribbon and sealed them so that they could be keepsakes for the children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The master at work. Evan G. Cooper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> This is Collier, she is the Initiatives Coordinator for the First Lady. Bill and I made up bags of mini cookies in four different flavors to hand out to customers and other people that we met on the trip. Collier was through the roof about this tasty little treat and promptly sat on the floor in the dining room and ate those cookies up!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Mini-Dippers; mini sugar cookies in chocolate, vanilla, chocolate chip and brown sugar n- spice. Comes with it's own little tub of icing to dip in. They were a hit!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> We went through them pretty quickly and had to make up more bags each night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Bill and I hit Hobby Lobby on Monday night for some supplies for a project I had that week and I came across this bracelet. It's says "Just Breathe". This short statement got me through some tough times during the job loss and unemployment. It was a good reminder on the eve of meeting Evan and Laura and going to the governors mansion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, that's it for now. That's only day two of our week stay. I'll be back with more info and pics from our time in Montgomery!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I originally wanted this post together and out to you the week that we returned, but as life would have it, I have been swamped with orders since we returned and have only now had the time to sit down and process!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope you had a blessed Christmas and will have a super New Year's Eve!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">God Bless,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lorraine </span></span></div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-1149416463148797372014-11-27T12:35:00.001-05:002014-11-27T12:35:18.639-05:00A Place to Gather goes to Alabama- The Prelude<p dir="ltr">Hey ya'll!! I can't help but say that after being in the south for almost a week! I really thought that I would post daily about our time here in Montgomery, but our days have been fuller than I expected and we've been exhausted by the end of the day. Sunday night we were in bed at six o'clock! Bill was fast asleep and I was not too far behind him!</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are some pars of this trip that I'm not quite ready to share yet, like what God has been impressing on our hearts, but that day will come sooner than later I believe. In the mean time, I'm going to need a bit of time to process all that this week has been for us. In short, it's been fabulous! We've gotten to meet online friends who are now face to face friends and have seen some of the beauty of the south, in its nature and it's people.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Here are just a few shots that I can share with ya'll.</p>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE!!!!!</div>
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Speaking of birthdays, I had the cutest set this week for a little girl turning ONE!! Her name is Sloan Piper -how cute is that name?? Her momma sent me an invite and that was the inspiration for the cookie set. </div>
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I'm finishing up some last minute details on a set for the governors' holiday tour in Alabama and then I'm on to finishing up some personal baking and decorating. I can't believe that we leave tomorrow for Alabama. This is such a needed and anticipated trip for a number of reasons.</div>
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My hubby, Bill, is on his last day of a crazy work hours, six 12-13 hour days for the past 4 weeks. He is beyond is exhausted and ready for a break. I've been shipping cookies to the sweet people of Alabama for quite a few months now and I'm looking forward to meeting some of them, not to mention finally meeting Evan. We've never been to Alabama and are ready to do some exploring while we are there and are in need of some serious time together. Life is crazy busy and we don't take the time to slow down and enjoy ourselves enough at all.</div>
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Although we'll be gone for Thanksgiving and away from our children and family, there will be much that we are giving thanks for! This creative outlet being one of them and all of the great people who continue to ask for cookies from me! Some days I can't even believe that any of this is real!</div>
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God is good and I can't wait to soak in His goodness on the streets and in the towns of Alabama!! Tomorrow we have soccer and then have to get to packing. Should be fun -I hope that I don't over pack -I have a feeling that's inevitable!!</div>
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I'll keep you posted!! </div>
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God bless,</div>
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Lorraine</div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-42483182237968883752014-11-17T14:46:00.000-05:002014-11-17T14:46:33.843-05:00Let's talk turkey, shall we?So Thanksgiving is just a little over a week away and we are typically in a last minute frenzy over here prepping to host our family Thanksgiving dinner - but not this year!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> This was from a few years ago, before we knocked that wall down behind Bill and removed that tacky plastic, printed paneling!</span></div>
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While the battle blazes on for the case of Christmas prep before Thanksgiving, we have our own battle here on the home front. It's not a deadly battle, thank God, or even one to merit a meme, but it is a battle none-the-less.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are some whimsical and fun little turkeys that are heading south for the holiday!</span></div>
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You see for years and years, my husband, children and I have hosted our Family Thanksgiving dinner. We've enjoyed preparing all of the food, a large turkey, sometimes two, cutting, boiling and mashing the potatoes, providing veggies from our garden, warm rolls and cornbread, homemade pie crusts and pies, and of course plenty of cookies. While Bill would man the kitchen and handle all food planning and prep (with the help of little hands), I was in charge of cookies and table setting!. On the day of, my job was to keep everyone out of the kitchen and make the place look pretty. Check!! I've got this!! In fact, I would look for new ways to set the table each year. We didn't have tons of room on the table for centerpieces and whatnot, but I did what I could to provide a different atmosphere year after year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> our "kids" table one year</span></div>
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This year will look a little different for us and the rest of the family. While we have experienced some change in the past few years, with families growing and doing their own thing and watching loved ones pass into eternity, we are familiar with change and the fact that nothing stays the same. But sometimes, whether you choose the change or not, it's hard to let go of what once used to be.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you don't already know this about me, I change around rooms like it's going out of style!! This room is now our office but then was our dining room.</span></div>
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God has been teaching me how to be brave over the past five years or so. Especially so over the last three years, I have heard His nudging and calling to let go and let Him navigate and orchestrate. So with anticipation we've decided to take a break from what used to be, and my hubby and I are embracing change and taking a trip to Alabama!! The kids are not happy at all about us leaving them on Thanksgiving and I'll admit, it feels a wee bit selfish. But we feel that it's something that we have to do and that week just made sense for a number of reasons.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We always filled up on appetizers right before the meal was served. What were we thinking? </span></div>
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So I guess the point of my post really is this......This is our first Thanksgiving without our children, our parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We'll be in a different state, where we have some contacts but no one that we "know" or "knows" us. What do we do? Turkey sandwiches from WaWa? Wait, they don't have WaWa there. Could we find a restaurant that isn't already booked up? Should we make a mini Thanksgiving meal in our hotel suite? I don't know.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Bill makes a mean Pumpkin Pie!! </span></div>
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We would love to experience a true Southern Thanksgiving.....but where do we start? Alabama friends, what are your typical Thanksgiving dishes?? What should we know about Thanksgiving in the South? What are your traditions? We'd love to know!!<br />
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Can't wait to see Alabama and the sweet people there!!! God bless, LorraineLorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-9309917108642760942014-11-10T13:10:00.000-05:002014-11-10T13:20:23.137-05:00Who doesn't love a good tea party??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE tea parties!! One of my best friends, Kathleen used to host a group of us at Christmas for a tea. It was such a special time of fun and fellowship, especially when you're used to running around rushed and crazy, it's nice to slow down, breathe deeply and act "like a lady". There's just something about holding a dainty tea cup, sipping sweet, savory tea and nibbling on pretty little pastries and tea sandwiches......aaaaahhhhhhh! <br />
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Oh sorry, I'm back with ya now. A few weeks ago I was asked to create custom decorated sugar cookies for a special little girl turning 8!!! Her party theme has to be one of the most popular tea parties ever. Are you a fan of "Alice in Wonderland"? I am!! I loved the original when I was little and I love the new version with Johnny Depp even more. He is such a fabulous actor and does an incredible "Mad Hatter". Anyway, the tea party scene is a classic and I couldn't wait to jump in and start designing and creating.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.karaannepaper.com/" target="_blank">Kara Anne</a> from Kara Anne Custom Paper & Lettering, I knew exactly where to start. She created an amazing custom invite and it provided me with so much inspiration I couldn't wait to have these cookies come to life.<br />
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I decided half way in that I was going to try my hand at hand painting some of the details, especially the ones that I took directly from the invitation. I know, not the best time to try something new, but if not now, then when? This cookie adventure has pushed me beyond my cramped little comfort zone and I couldn't be happier! </div>
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I decided to try it out first on some of the smaller cookies, like Rabbit's stopwatch.</div>
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We're late! We're late! For a very important date!!!!! </div>
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I also painted the lettering on the potion bottle. I liked how they turned out and felt confident that I could move on to the bigger cookie design! No problem!!</div>
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You have a beautiful smile Chesh!! Ever notice how contagious a smile is? Especially a great, big genuine smile? If not, try it out! Notice who's smiling and smile back!!</div>
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I don't know that I did the invitation any justice but I sure tried!! Hand painting on a cookie is time and labor intensive, but soothing and rewarding at the same time!! I hope that the birthday girl loves these cookies as much as I loved creating them for her!! Happy Birthday Nikki!!! Hope you have a magical celebration!! 8 is a pretty big deal!!! You're just two years away from double digits!!!!! But remember, just because you're getting older, don't ever lose the child inside!! Slow down, have tea parties, play with dolls, laugh - a lot!!!!!! Birthdays are great but it's the inbetween moments that make up a magical life!!</div>
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God Bless</div>
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Lorraine</div>
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-52535809500920189102014-11-07T19:21:00.000-05:002014-11-07T19:21:01.563-05:00Why I love Fall!! {warning: lots of fall photos}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's be clear, I love every season for different reasons, but it happens to be fall, so fall is what I'm focused on. Plus, it seems that it could very well be gone tomorrow, no matter what the calendar says! The weather has been unpredictable to say the least, so I'm learning to look for the gifts and capture them when I can! <br />
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Today, Jessica, <a href="http://teatidbitsandmore.blogspot.com/p/about-me_18.html" target="_blank">my daughter</a>, asked me if I could take some pictures for her blog. She really isn't very fond of taking pictures and says that she's just not able to think of creative settings for the things that she wants photographed. I literally jumped at the offer!!!!! As soon as I asked her what the content of her post was going to be, the ideas just started coming to mind! I couldn't wait!<br />
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I have these great adirondack chairs that I literally just look at through the window (how sad) and I knew that this was where I needed to start!! The yard already provided a perfect backdrop, I just had to gather some of it together and get to work! As I was on my way out the door I thought about a basket or some sort container, so I diverted and went to my garage!! Old metal picnic basket, check!! Back to the yard, I took three steps outside and thought "plaid blanket, burlap pillow"!! Got it!! I passed by the stump sitting on my patio although I was pretty sure that I'd be back for him!</div>
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I moved the chair over to the birch trees and started setting up! Jessica came out and I mentioned that I should have grabbed a coffee mug -so she brought me one! :) For me, this is such a great picture of a perfect fall moment. It's chilly but not too chilly, the leaves are leisurely falling from their high perches, big cup of coffee or hot cocoa, warm blanket and a good book!!</div>
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I don't have any pictures of the books with chair and the birch tree, you're gonna have to go check out her <a href="http://teatidbitsandmore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to see them!! But after staging under the tree I moved over to the picnic table, that happens to be under our other birch tree. These are her recent book finds. I just found a really neat editing app on my phone so I had even more fun changing the pics up a bit!</div>
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I spotted this little nook at the base of the birch tree that was covered with moss and surrounded by leaves, I grabbed my picnic basket and headed there next!</div>
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We are still getting roses from our rose bushes and even though the hydrangeas are dying out, they are still incredibly beautiful with their ombre color. I love flowers and this home came with over 50 rose bushes and we promptly added plenty of other flowering bushes to the mix! It's so nice to be able to step outside and have a fresh bouquet of flowers in your hand in a matter of minutes! Such a gift!</div>
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Later in the day Jessica had commented that she felt that this had been the perfect fall week. The weather has been a mix of chilly and warmish, the leaves continue to fall and we've seen our fair share of clouds, rain and sunshine. Then in a matter of moments it started pouring and the wind wipped up out of nowhere! It had been raining off and on throughout the morning but we had hit a dry spot. In the next few minutes the sun was shining brightly and the sky was blue! So crazy!! </div>
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Our back yard is one of my favorite places to be. I don't get to spend the kind of time that I'd like to out there, but I sure do spend my fair amount of time gazing out the windows and just taking it all in. In every season this home and yard has been a gift, save for a few weeks in the spring/summer when the horse flies are as big as a hummingbird!! {yes, we were warned!} This last shot is my absolute favorite spot in the yard. As the sun sets it falls perfectly into frame inside a cut out area between our evergreen trees! I love to run out and capture that shot all of the time. I don't think I can have to many copies of it!!</div>
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In two short weeks, the hubs and I will be heading south for a little vacation in Sweet Home Alabama!! I've already started to think about what to pack!! Do they have a fall? Is it anything like ours? (I'm thinking not) What's the weather like? Should I bring my boots and cardi's? I really don't know what to expect but I can't wait to find out!! I may have to ask my friend, Evan what he thinks I should pack!!</div>
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Have a blessed weekend friends!! Go out and enjoy all of the gifts that Fall has to offer!!</div>
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God bless,</div>
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Lorraine</div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-24786643476543082082014-11-04T22:12:00.000-05:002014-11-04T22:12:25.329-05:00Road Trip Time!!!!!Okay, so here's the deal!! We're headed to Alabama!!!!!!!!!<br />
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WHEN: Saturday, November 22nd - Friday, November 29th <br />
(I know, Thanksgiving?? We picked this week because it was less vacation days for my hubs to take!)<br />
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WHERE: Montgomery, AL<br />
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WHY: We've been dreaming BIG and praying HARD for a while now, dream chasing if you will and we feel that Alabama may be a part of that dream!!! This is a great time for us to come down, explore the area(s), meet some of you and have some fun!!!!!<br />
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We'll be having a fun give away or two, so stay tuned for details on that! If you've ordered from me in the past, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet ya!!!!! Also looking for the best places to visit, things to do, places to see, etc. So any favorites you have, I'd love for you to share them with me!!!<br />
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On another note, we are looking to make things a bit easier for you to find us, figure things out and so on, so Sweets for your Sweet will be merging with my blog and IG, A Place to Gather!! Facebook, IG and my blog will be one cohesive place.......to gather!!!! We'll talk life, family, God, Cookies (of course) and plenty of other things!!!!<br />
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Would you keep this dream of ours in your prayers? I don't know how or when it will all play out, but God has been orchestrating this for quite some time now and I'm super excited about this next phase and the opportunity to meet some of you!!!! <br />
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Please feel free to message me here, on facebook or IG to let me know if you'll be around that week and when and if we can meet up!!!! I'll be bringing some sweets with me and plus don't forget about the give away!! More details on that to come in the next few days!!!!<br />
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God bless,<br />
LorraineLorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-79419823754847337792014-09-02T20:14:00.001-04:002014-09-02T20:15:03.659-04:00What's Love got to do with it?I've been thinking a lot about love lately. Not the mushy romantic kind though. I've been thinking about the selfless, sacrificial kind. The kind that Jesus gives and asks us to give to others. Agape Love. Sure it sounds easy enough until you come across someone who seems unworthy of such love. Suddenly we're very willing to walk away and forget love altogether. I've recently been watching my children interact with one another and I've come to notice how little of that kind of love is present in my home. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of love here, just not the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates. I find that to be a real problem. Not only because we are a family who carries the name Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but also because God Himself has asked us (you too) to show that kind of love to the world. If it's not in our homes, how is it going to be in our world? Turn on any news channel and you'll see that the exact opposite is happening today, all around our world and our country. We are all so consumed with our rights and with "justice", with someone "getting what's coming to them". All of that is the exact opposite of how God asks us to live.<br />
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Let's bring it in a little closer shall we, let's get back into our homes and our families, because that is where it has to begin. We all know families who are hurting and broken. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(maybe that's you)</span> Parents and children who are holding onto past wrongs with both hands proclaiming that they get their way or else. Families who want one thing but do the very thing that drives loved ones away. Days, months even years of separation and no contact. You see, if we keep holding on to the worlds ideas on love we will end up empty and alone. BUT, if we ever could be so bold and so brave to throw that false love out the window and grab on to God's love with both hands, I believe that a radical change would take place inside of our homes, our churches, our communities and even the world!!!<br />
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I've had the chance to practice this kind of love with one of my own <span style="font-size: x-small;">(note that I said practice - it's hard and I don't always get it right, but I'm trying)</span> and I truly believe that when the time is right and the field has been properly tended to, a new crop will burst forth! God promises it and I'm holding onto it with both hands. I can't continue to hold every wrong thing done against me out in front of me like a banner or like its some right I have so that others know I've been wronged. I don't want to hold things over someone elses head! There's no reward in that, anywhere! I have tasted God's grace and forgiveness and I want to give it to others!! It is way more satisfying.....even when it isn't given in return.<br />
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This kind of love requires a complete trust and faith in Jesus. Without that, this kind of love cannot be attained. So, you may need to start there! How? Well, first you admit that you are a sinner, that you need a Savior! You acknowledge that Jesus Christ came to earth, died a gruesome death for you and for I. He rose from the grave three days later and now sits at the right hand of His Father; God. His death on the cross represents the payment for our sins, payment that we could never pay! Now because of the cross we have a chance at eternal life with Jesus Christ!!! At that point, search out other Christians, a church that teaches the TRUTH! Dive in and get to know Him. He's worth it!!<br />
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If you've got that or are working toward that - great! Let's continue! I want to look at two verses that come to mind when thinking about Jesus' love. The first is:<br />
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<i><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+4:8&version=NIV">1 Peter 4:8</a></i></div>
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Above <b>a</b>ll, <b>love</b> each other deeply, because <b>love</b> <b>covers</b> over <b>a</b> <b>multitude</b> <b>of</b> <b>sin</b>s.</i></div>
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I've grown up hearing that verse. I don't know that I knew it was scripture for a long time but it still made sense to me. I always thought of it in that mushy, romantic love that I mentioned earlier. But now that I'm older I realize that that's not the kind of love that it's referring to at all!! The love that I am capable of clearly demonstrates it's lack of sin covering all of the time! I'm prone to hold accounts of wrongs, to stand my ground and demand my rights, remain unmovable until I get my way. But this love, this Agape love, Jesus' love.....is an entirely different story! Let's look at another verse that breaks it down a bit more!<br />
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<i>1 Corinthians 13 * Otherwise known as the Love Chapter starting at verse number four:</i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Love is <b>patient</b>, love is <b>kind</b>. It <b>does not envy</b>, it <b>does not boast</b>, it <b>is not proud</b>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>It <b>does not dishonor others</b>, it is <b>not self-seeking</b>, it is <b>not easily angered</b>, it <b>keeps no record of wrongs</b>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Love <b>does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth</b>.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>It <b>always</b> protects, <b>always</b> trusts, <b>always</b> hopes, <b>always</b> perseveres.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1Cor-13-8" id="en-NIV-28674"><sup class="versenum">8<b> </b></sup><b>Love never fails</b>. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-9" id="en-NIV-28675"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For we know in part and we prophesy in part,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-10" id="en-NIV-28676"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-11" id="en-NIV-28677"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>When
I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-NIV-28678"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.</span></i></div>
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<i> </i><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"><i><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. <b>But the greatest of these is love</b>. (bold added</i>)</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">I think that about covers it! Patient......willing to wait. No room for pride. No dishonoring others, no self-seeking, not easily angered (yikes), it keeps no records of wrongs! None? How about a few, the most recent ones? No? Okay. I think we have some work to do friends.</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">If we want to see a revolution here on earth, in our hearts and in our homes, we must be sooooooo crazy that we are willing to lay everything that we think we know aside and jump on board with this kind of Love!</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">I want to leave you with a portion of my devotional this morning. It comes from the book <a href="http://www.textbookrush.com/browse/Books/9781586608293?kbid=1029&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=9781586608293&utm_campaign=localinventory&gclid=CLym_4Hbw8ACFSxk7AodVXUAYQ" target="_blank">My Utmost for His Highest from Oswald Chambers</a>. September 2 the last paragraph says this,<i> "He who believes in Me....out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" -and hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. Now is the time for us to break "the flask" of our lives, to stop seeking our own satisfaction, and to pour out our lives before Him. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him?"</i></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">Another book that highly recommend on the subject of <a href="http://crazylovebook.com/" target="_blank">crazy love</a> is by Francis Chan and its called "Crazy Love".</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">Who will be so bold, so brave and so crazy with me? Who is willing to lay themselves down and pour all that God has given them out to those around them? I do hope and pray that you will join me! I promise the journey, the struggle, and even the pain will be worth it!!</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">God bless! Lorraine</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"></span><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"> </span><br />
<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-47367174377565926532014-03-22T09:36:00.000-04:002014-03-22T09:36:06.147-04:00goats and a movie by Julia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got goats!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbjPRLOeYY9kdt8tYdvafc20SXrUV0r2930ii2vX1uD6pKrGaoGVjVfQMM9CjWGVjIpnK4E2Oh4_7TR1WsXcEb1fNlZ9l2RnwYx-wTB-gkhtwKgE8HAxXhBgEccBbHWWhzT2MLBgUXtg/s1600/166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbjPRLOeYY9kdt8tYdvafc20SXrUV0r2930ii2vX1uD6pKrGaoGVjVfQMM9CjWGVjIpnK4E2Oh4_7TR1WsXcEb1fNlZ9l2RnwYx-wTB-gkhtwKgE8HAxXhBgEccBbHWWhzT2MLBgUXtg/s1600/166.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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this is tank!</div>
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this is blue!</div>
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this is my favorite bitsy!</div>
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they LOVE to be with people and LOVE to be pet!</div>
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They are so nice and I can speak to them. Of course I</div>
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don't know what I'm saying to them but they</div>
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respond so......yeah.<br />
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Well tonight we are going to see the movie "Gods Not Dead"!! I'm super excited!</div>
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Here is the link to watch the trailer:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMjo5f9eiX8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMjo5f9eiX8</a><br />
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I hope you can see it</div>
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soon :):):):):):):)<3</div>
Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-45302554215860512502014-03-21T08:37:00.000-04:002014-03-21T08:37:22.425-04:00Spring FlingHappy Spring Friends!! I don't know about you, but I am so ready for spring to begin! Although there is more snow in our forecast, I'm looking forward to warmer temps, new life sprouting all around, the promise and hope of new beginnings and so much more! <br />
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Since I can't depend on the seasonal change to take place and stay put, I've decided to have a Spring Fling inside my home! The heavy, darker elements of winter have been packed away and the bright, refreshing colors of spring are making their appearance! <br />
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Being a part of the Ladies Tea Ministry at my church has helped with this endeavor. We celebrated the first day of Spring yesterday and I wanted to make sure that Spring was felt in that room! In my mind, I ran through the props that I have from previous tea's and decided that I wanted a clean, fresh look this time around. Fresh flowers was the way to go and I knew that I wanted to use my blue Ball Mason jars to hold them. .<br />
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After that, I decided to bring in my white pitcher collection and some of my antique glass cake plates.<br />
I saw a theme developing before my eyes and I knew that blue and white was the base color palate with pinks and yellows coming in from the flowers. I immediately began to gather items from around my home to see how they all worked together. It was so much fun!!! I seriously could create and decorate every day of my life!! <br />
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The nest print came from <a href="http://www.megduerksen.com/" target="_blank">whatever</a>, the candle is Spring from <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Bath & Body Works</a></div>
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The tea came together beautifully and it's always a treat for me to spend the morning with my church staff , the girls who help put this together, and these wonderful ladies. The women always have such wonderful stories to share from their childhood and I love how it keeps me connected to the past.<br />
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The next time I'm bringing something to create a backdrop. The dry erase board and tv hanging aren't very pretty! lol</div>
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Blackberry, Strawberry and Apricot Thumbprints</div>
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As I was setting up for the tea I realized that I could use these elements on my mantle at home. I always struggle to find something fresh for the mantle and now that our television is up there, it seems to be more of a struggle! Obviously I couldn't set my mantle the exact same way as the tea, but I could use some of the same pieces to create the same overall feel! I figured I had to unpack when I got home anyway, so I might as well change up the mantle.....it was about time!<br />
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I like to create interest by grouping similar things and using various heights. Also by making sure that both ends of the mantle tie into one another, not that it has to be exact, but there has to be a common thread. <br />
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I'm not sure about the hoop that is hanging. There is only one screw in the brick so I can't hang more easily. But when I take it down, it seems like something is missing. I don't know, still need to tweak things a bit! It's always a work in progress!!</div>
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The "Choose Happy" print is from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/119345458850139976/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I'm not a professional by any means nor do I claim to know all of the "rules" but I know what works for me and I know where to find inspiration. If I were to offer a few starting points for you this is what I would say:<br />
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1. know what you like - who wants to surround themselves with things that they don't like -I know, that seems like a no brainer, but trust me, I'm sure someone out there either has things that they don't particularly care for or they've settled for nothing at all.<br />
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2. know the first rule of decorating - there really are no rules- I'm sure that you can find plenty who disagree but toss them aside and do what you love! Does it make you smile, come to life, bring memories and positive feelings flooding in? Then do it!<br />
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3. have fun - if its not fun, don't do it! Maybe you need to wait until you're "feeling" it. I know I do. If my creative mojo isn't flowing, I leave it alone. When it hits, I know it and I move on it!!<br />
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4. find inspiration - inspiration is not seeing something and feeling like you have to have everything exactly the same. It's not feeling overwhelmed and unable to attain. Inspiration is something that moves you in a certain direction.<br />
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5. don't feel like you have to go out and spend money - you don't! Shop your house first! Then maybe shop your friends homes. (okay, just window shop there, but it's a good place to start!!) I used to feel that way, and if I'm being honest, there are times that I do still feel that way. I try to curb that desire but if I can't, I try to shop clearance or thrift stores and I always use nature -its free!<br />
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If you don't know where to look for inspiration check <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> or check out some bloggers! For decorating inspiration I go to <a href="http://www.lemonademakinmama.com/" target="_blank">Lemonade Makin' Mama</a>, <a href="http://flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flower Patch Farmgirl</a>, Meg Deurkson at <a href="http://www.megduerksen.com/" target="_blank">whatever</a> and quite a few more!! (side note: you get so much more than decorating with these gals, part of why I love them so much!!) <br />
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The three of these ladies cover simplicity, quirkiness and color in their design. It's fun trying to infuse each of their styles into one that I can call my own. I'm not there yet and I may never be, but it sure is fun trying!! Another one of my inspirations is my dear friend Shawn. She has a beautifully restored farmhouse around the corner from me and I pull the beauty of the past from her. Her home is warm, inviting and full of wonderful collections.<br />
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-33603183373882449572014-03-06T07:07:00.000-05:002014-03-06T07:07:31.698-05:00Here we go again.....It's been so long since I've been here, that I didn't even remember how to get here!!! That's sad. I do love to share my world with whomever is reading but I just can't seem to manage it on a consistent basis. <br />
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After recovering from pneumonia in mid October, life came at me at a pretty quick pace. In November, my mom had pneumonia and it landed her in the hospital, thank God it was only overnight but still. In December we found out that my Aunt Joan was very sick and one week after hearing the diagnosis, she went home to be with the Lord. Dev.A.Stated. I still haven't wrapped my mind around the fact that she is no longer here on earth with us. There are so many times that I jut want to pick up the phone and call her. This took place during Christmas, so needless to say, the holidays were a bit of a struggle.<br />
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I feel like January went by without a hitch, I celebrated my 42nd birthday -woohoo! February came and brought with it some type of stomach bug that went through all six of us, one day at a time. We also brought home a sweet little yellow lab which we named Mahoney (After Molly Mahoney from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium). Our older lab's name is Molly <3 Corny, I know. Our number three child turned 14 on Valentine's Day and because of that sickness we had to reschedule his birthday!!! Lord willing it will happen this weekend!!<br />
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We had a few medical scares with my other two aunts but praise God, nothing came of it and they are fine. My mom was in the ER last week for an extremely high blood pressure and heart rate -but all tests have come back fine. This Tuesday I was in the ER. I had been having some tightness in my chest and some tingling in my arms. Another praise, my heart is fine, but I'm still left feeling very anxious and somewhat panicky. If you know me, you know that that is not me. I am a calm person and trust God with pretty much everything.<br />
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However, today, as far as we know is my hubby's last day of work. His two year contract is up today and thus far nothing has been resolved to keep him there. Not for lack of trying, mind you. His boss has been very diligent in trying to get an extention or get him hired full time, but it seems that that this is not an emergency to anyone else in that company. So, I am attributing these feelings to the fact that we are staring unemployment square in the eye once again. Except this time there is no severence package to hold us over.<br />
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We've been three years without benefits, no paid days off, no medical insurance and with four children in the house, that has me shaken up. I continue to give it to God, knowing and trusting that He is in control. But its hard as the momma to these precious little people to know that our ability to afford proper medical care is pretty much nonexistent.<br />
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So I come today, not to complain or dump, but to simply put the needs out there for any of you who read this and will pray. We serve a mighty God and I've no doubt that He will continue to carry us. I don't know what the outcome of this physical anxiety will be, but I'm trusting that He will work that out as well. Along with the emergency room bill that is sure to be astronomical.<br />
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I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the snow that we've gotten this winter, but now it's March and it's time Spring got her groove on and made an appearance!!!! Praying all has been well with you!! Until next time -whenever that will be!!<br />
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God Bless - LorraineLorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-37612715991209572412013-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-08T14:24:59.682-04:00My Physical Therapy - Part TwoHey welcome back!!!! I was really hopeful through the week that I would feel good enough to shower, get dressed and fixed up and make it youth group. That didn't happen. Then I was excited at the thought of getting dressed up on Friday and maybe heading out with my man to do some birthday shopping (see this <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-great-disappearing-act_29.html" target="_blank">post</a>). I have been going mentally crazy thinking about Target and how long it's been since I've been there and I had myself all built up for this incredible night of feeling like a member of the functioning human race, getting out of the house, spending time with the hubs and doing a little shopping. But as it's been for weeks now, my body doesn't match my mind and I was too tired and empty to make any of that happen. I am trying sooooooo hard to rest and rest in Him. Trusting in His plan even in this time of sickness and recovery isn't very easy. <br />
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Well that's enough about me, you came to see the house so here's the family room (aka the room in which I spend all of my waking hours).<br />
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This is my keeping it real shot!! Julia is laying on the couch because she's not feeling well. There are things all over the ottomans/tray, but hey, this is life!!! This at least gives you the set up of the room. The couch is a little big to be in this position, but I like that it's facing the fireplace and it makes the space feel nice and cozy!! Some day I'd love to remove the panel and paint. It's a <strike>dark,</strike> errr warm room and I'd love to see how much bigger it feels to brighten it up a bit!!</div>
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I was previously using this spool as an end table and since there isn't much room on either end of the couch for a table, I would have either had to pack it away orrrrrr get creative!! <br />
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This fireplace is ginormous!! On one hand it's great, because I can decorate it like crazy. On the other hand, I don't know how to keep it simple. Which would be fine except that I'm really craving simplicity. </div>
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I tried a few different configurations and over the course of a few weeks, I stripped it all down again and took a completely different approach. I always shop the house first! I happen to have a small door and few wooden boxes and drawers at my disposal. I like the old books, it adds fall color and some height to display my jar of mini gourds and pumpkins. (they're not real so I can use them year after year)</div>
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I kept the yellow candle stick from my <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2013/07/mid-summer-check-in.html" target="_blank">summer mantle</a> and thought it'd be a great perch for a fun faux pumpkin!! I added an old camera for some fun and few fall fabric balls that I made years ago. On the right side, I used a few birch rounds (from our birch trees in the back yard), a frame from summer that I picked up from Hobby Lobby, and an old berry crate. There's also a little fall garland that I made with string and scrapbook paper and a glue stick. Easy Peasy!</div>
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The bushel basket of pinecones and birch logs have been here all summer and I just added a small chalkboard with a seasonal quote "Autumn is a second spring" (where every leaf is a flower). I decided to stack my old kettles, which I should have emptied first, right Jessica? :) I also added an old mustard shutter to the back to break up the old brick and just add another layer of interest.</div>
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On the other side of the fireplace, I decided to bring down a few of my picnic baskets. I love the red plaid one, it conjurs up all kinds of fun images of great fall picnics under beautiful maple trees bursting with color, warm wool blankets and hot apple cider in a thermos!! Like the little one on top! I'm still getting gorgeous roses in the garden and figured I'd better take advantage of that gift before they're done. </div>
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Once the roses started to wilt and die, we resused them for a wonderful foot soak!! Julia had the idea of letting me soak my feet and relax. She's such a sweetheart!!</div>
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We added some fresh lavendar too. I soaked for a long time and my feet felt wonderul afterward!! This is something that I'm going to have to do more regularly!!</div>
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I haven't done anything to speak of in the kitchen, most of it's a mess honestly. It's the most used room in the house, so I have to catch it in its rare state of spotless!! lol So this may or may not be the end of the fall tour. We'll have to see!! I'm taking each moment as it comes and can't make any plans. </div>
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I hope you've enjoyed the small tour. I pray that your home is a place of warmth and comfort as we head into the cooler seasons (cooler, ha! It's 82 degrees here today) Have a blessed week!!</div>
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<3 Lorraine</div>
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-42627472078160502692013-10-05T12:34:00.000-04:002013-10-05T12:34:08.101-04:00My Physical TherapyWe've already established that I've completely missed the month of <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">September</a> and I've been stuck on the couch doing nothing. If you know me, you know that that doesn't fly for very long at all. Eventually I'm gonna crack and have to CHANGE something!! I love decorating my home for fall and I was so afraid that I was going to miss the opportunity entirely!! Not happy. I had my kids bring down my fall boxes from the attic and I vowed to go through little by little and take my time. I figured that it would be good physical therapy and decorational therapy (is that even a word?)!! It would get my creativity flowing and also get my muscles moving. So, although I didn't get to link up with any of the amazing <a href="http://findinghomeonline.com/fall-decorating-finding-fall-home-tours-2013/" target="_blank">fall home tours</a>, I decided to do one of my own. Come on in and have a look around!! <br />
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Welcome to our home!! I haven't done anything on the front step besides hanging this wreath. I don't really feel like dealing with spiders and cobwebs but hey, if we did celebrate Halloween, I could consider my front step finished!</div>
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I am keeping it rrrreal simple in the foyer. I moved out my small table and mirror that used to occupy this corner and instead just went with my old basket hanger and a few signs of the season. Don't mind my purse hanging there, feel free to hang yours there as well, or maybe your sweater!!</div>
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This little cabinet joined the foyer a few months ago. The girls had it in there room for a long time and it housed Julia's little knick-knacks. In a simplifying effort by Jessica, I ended up with it! SCORE!! One day I think I will end up painting the inset portion of the door with chalkboard paint. It's a cute place to leave little notes for guests or just sweet reminders for us as we pass by this way throughout the day.</div>
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The inside isn't very fun but it is functional. Instead of a drawer full of spare keys and sunglasses, they now reside here! All of the spare keys are in the little brown crock. I want to hang a few hooks in here to rest our functional keys on, but we'll see. </div>
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Off to your right is our dining room. I can always feel God's presence in this room in the way the light streams across the table and the hutch, in the two large windows that lead to a beautiful view of the fields and trees across the street, so colorful this time of year.</div>
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I am on a constant quest for simplicity in my home. I have a lot of furniture and even more things to decorate with and after a while it starts getting to me. I love everything that I have and it's hard to know what to get rid of, so that usually keeps me from truly moving forward. But I started the simplifying process in the foyer and dining room and I hope that I can continue that throughout the house.</div>
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Come back to see the family room, and prayerfully the rest of the downstairs space. Like I said I'm taking this slow, so it may be Christmas before we finish here!! Kidding!!! It better not take that long. My patience is wearing thin already!! </div>
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Have a blessed weekend!! Thanks for stopping by!! See you next time!!</div>
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<3 Lorraine</div>
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-77394733367717241372013-09-29T10:38:00.000-04:002013-09-29T10:38:27.810-04:00The Great Disappearing ActSo I've been sick with pneumonia for the month of September, yes the <em>month</em>! I feel so much better than I did when this started but now I'm left with exhaustion, weakness and the repeating question "Are you coming?". Like most people, my September comes in like an explosion, full of activities, celebrations and just a busy daily life. So you can see, the timing is all off!!! Not that there really would be a better time to get sick. Maybe winter, to nestle into the couch with a comfy blanket and a box of tissues doesn't sound as bad as it does in September!! Birthdays have come and gone, first soccer games (and several after) have come and gone, kick offs have been executed and enjoyed. A lot of life is lived in September. Memories have been made and people are probably still talking about the Fall Kick-Off Nacho Bowl! I, however, have missed them all. Not easy.<br />
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However, here are a <em>few</em> of the memories that I have made in the month of September, all was not lost!!! haha!!<br />
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I can now say that I have watched television for four weeks straight!! Never have I ever been able to say that! <span style="font-size: large;">Ha! </span><span style="font-size: small;">Me and Netflix are tight!! Let's see, I've watched four out of five seasons of "My Fair Wedding" with David Tutera, several seasons of "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsey, more movies than I can list or remember, including "Safe Haven" and "October Baby". Needless to say, I needed tissues!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at least I had a window to look out of</td></tr>
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I got in a good ab workout in the first few weeks due to the lovely tight chested hacking I did! I believe I dropped a few lbs as well!! I wore a comfy rut in my couch from being there for 10 plus hours each day. I'm so glad it's a comfy couch!!!<br />
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I have played a few rounds of Monopoly Millionare (and won once) with my girls and then again with my boys and then with one of my girls and one of my boys!<br />
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I spent some time outside and even got in a little walk around the yard last week. A HUGE refresher for me!!</div>
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My parents came over in the beginning and brought me a "sick basket"! What's that you may ask? Well when my kiddos were smallish, I would make them up a basket of supplies when they were sick on the couch, it would include tissues (if the sickness required them), snacks, a juice cup, books to read, coloring books & crayons, small toys to play and of course it was wrapped with all the love and prayers for a quick healing that I could give. They loved it. <br />
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There is nothing worse (well, there is but for the sake of the story, go with me, m'kay?) than being alone and sick on the couch while the rest of your family happily lives out their days. Talking, playing, laughing, etc. A sick basket makes the sickee feel special when they are confined to such torture!! So it was a very happy surprise to see my momma bring in that basket o' goodies!! Magazines, tissues, Vicks Vapor Rub, cough drops, chicken noodle soup, snacks and more!<br />
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Let's see, what else..............well, I wrestled a bit, a lot actually. I wrestled with the fact that I had to miss out on so many great activities. On the one side of that was the sadness that I wouldn't be a part of those events, on the other side was the guilt of having to back out of responsibilities. <em>That</em> was tough!! I take my responsibilties very seriously and I don't like telling people<strong> No</strong> or that I can't uphold my end of things. Although I am very aware of the fact that I had a perfectly good reason and no one would even second guess or question my reason, it is foreign to me to back out of something that I commit too. There were <span style="font-size: large;">eight </span>events that I had to sit out of (and that was just the first TWO weeks)!! Plus three out of my five children celebrated birthdays, well, there wasn't much of a celebration. They pretty much came and went. That was probably the hardest. It was really, really, really, really hard.<br />
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After getting antibiotics and a strong cough syrup, I wrestled with being forced to stop and just be still. I don't do that well either :/ My friends and family are now laughing out loud (aren't you??) I don't know how many people lovingly said something to the affect of "Well, I guess God had to slow you down somehow!" I know they meant well, and I'm not saying that they aren't right, but honestly, I don't want, or rather I didn't want to hear that. I'm out there doing good, why would He want me to stop??!! It made no sense to me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">would love love love to renovate this some day</td></tr>
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I still haven't wrapped my head around that one, but I do know when He says <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">REST</span>, I will rest. I was asked the question the other day, "Are you just resting or are you resting <em>IN HIM</em>?" There is a very large difference and I'm sad to say that I've barely just rested and I don't think I've even come close (maybe a tiny bit) to resting in Him. I believe that He knew it would be a struggle and that resting in Him may not even come until I am well on my way. There are a lot of layers that He has to dig through in order to get to the raw places of my heart and mind. <br />
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If you are anything like me, you know that there is a lot of work to be done and by golly, I have to do it and do all of it. We (can I include you in this so that I don't feel like I'm just picking on myself? I can? Thanks) WE tend to think that we are the only ones in the world that can do our jobs and seriously, if anyone else even dared to try to do our jobs, surely they wouldn't do it as well!! Right? So with that reality alone, there was a lot that I had to wrestle with in order to come to terms and admit that that is a stupid thought!!! Do we truly believe that God can only use US? Who would admit that? Not m.....well, yes, I am admitting that. <br />
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We Americans tend to wave our "busyness" high over our heads like a banner. Like the busier we are, the more holy and righteous we are. What silliness. It couldn't be further from the truth. The busier we are (even if its with holy things) the further away from God we can become. In fact, we then become our own god, proclaiming "Look at all that I can accomplish!!" and when people compliment us on that fact, our heads just swell up even more and more space develops in the chasm between us and our Father. It's sad. I can picture God sitting there, sighing and shaking His head while He patiently waits for us to have a lightbulb moment.<br />
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I'm glad that He will allow things to pop up, at the most inopportune times, to get our attention. He has mine. He didn't get it easily, that's for sure. But He has it now. Another thing that I've learned is that I tend to do everything because of what I think someone's expectations of me are. That doesn't leave any room for true downtime or for saying NO. Whether there is a tangible reason or just the pure need to say "no, I can't", I will typically push through, no matter what I'm feeling or needing, and just do it. You asked, you need me, I must comply.<br />
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At this point in the sickness, I believe the pneumonia is gone. I still have a cough, it's nothing really compared to the beginning, and I'm really, really tired. I can hold a conversation easily enough and I'm not lethargic on the couch, so I appear fine. It is expected that I would have returned to my "duties" by now. But I haven't. After receiving much wise counsel from others, I know that I need to take this really slowly. I can't rush back just because I feel a big difference from when this started. I don't want to end up back on the couch. <br />
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To continue telling my husband that I'm missing yet another weekend of soccer games is really, really hard. To see my 9 year olds face fall when I tell her I'm staying home is really, really hard. The expectation that I will be there is great and rightfully so. Guilt is pounding at my door and I can't let it in. Ugh, that's hard.....I'm sure you know how hard it is, or maybe you still fling the door wide open when guilt comes a knockin'. Either way, we are all familiar with the power of guilt and condemnation.<br />
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Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28118A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> for those who are in Christ Jesus," Hmmmmm that's interesting! I have been so tempted to just suck it up and push through, it's what I do. It's what my husband does. Standing up against that is a challenge. But if I proclaim to know the truth and believe the truth, then I am required to follow the truth and not the lies.<br />
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There are a ton of lies that I believe and yet at the same time I say that I believe the Truth. I can't have it both ways, I must choose who I will serve. Boy am I thankful for His Grace!!! He knows. <span style="font-size: large;">HE. KNOWS. </span><span style="font-size: small;">And He loves me anyway. That is a beautiful truth! One that I am desperately holding onto.</span><br />
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I don't know when I'll be back to regular life. I don't know if this downtime will result in my saying NO to things more often, or if I will just be more mindful of times of rest, not merely rest, but rest in HIM. I am taking each day and moment as it comes. I know that I am getting better each and every day. Thank you to those of you who have checked in on me and have faithfully prayed for me and for my family. I can't imagine what things would be like over here if it weren't for my family. Jessica, specifically. She has gone above and beyond that of a 16, oooh sorry, SEVENTEEN year old would do. She has cooked and cleaned and homeschooled her siblings for me along with carrying her own college workload and other resonsibilities. My parents, husband and children are truly a blessing to me. They continue to do what is needed and I know that I can always count on them.<br />
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I am going to try to put "me" first a little bit more. I want time to blog regularly (its a committment that I made and I want to keep it), I want time to read, to spend time with friends and family, I want to Rest in Him, each and every moment of the day. I want to say NO to guilt and condemnation and I don't want to believe the lies any longer. I am a daughter of the King and that means that there is no place for the father of lies in my head, my heart or my home.<br />
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I would love, love, LOVE to hear from you!! Please tell me how you've enjoyed the first month of fall!! I want to hear about how you decorated your homes for the season, the events that you've been a part of, the experience of the sipping the first Pumpkin Spice Cappucino, all of it! I promise not to get jealous, but I will sing praise and thanksgiving for the gifts that He's given you and me in the month of September!!<br />
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Be blessed <3 LorraineLorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-41550619104375166792013-07-10T16:36:00.003-04:002013-07-10T16:38:33.740-04:00Mid Summer Check InHappy July!!!! I can't believe how quickly summer is flying by!!! Sadly I've only made it into our pool once!! ONCE??!! That's awful. We've had tons of other things going on around here though. Jessica and I have been on a decorating kick. My mantel has been driving me nuts ever since we moved in. The family room in general is dull and dark and it's hard creating a fun mantel when all of your supplies are dark and drab too :/<br />
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I woke up one Monday knowing that it was the day to hit Hobby Lobby. It felt right in my soul, it was to be the day of the deal. I would come home with great finds and spend little cash, and as a result have the perfect mantel...full of color and fun!!!<br />
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The kids were game and we were off!!! We hit an 80% off sale and the cart was packed (they're small, it doesn't take much). We had just rounded the first corner of the store and suddenly the lights went out!!!!! Uuuuuuuuummmmmmm. The employees asked for all of the customers to head to the front of the store until they could determine what the problem was. I'm thinking "crap, I better not lose my stuff"!! Next a fire alarm starts ringing throughout the store and we are asked to leave the store!!! Leave. The. Store. Buuuut, my stuff??? What about my stuff??<br />
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I hesitantly left my cart by the front of the store and promised to return to it before long. Those delicious items would find a new home with me no matter what!!!!!! Luckily there was another crazy customer who felt the same exact way that I did!!! So, what did we do??? Well, we did what any devoted, task driven, sale lovin', sane minded customer would do.......we sat on the sidewalk and waited!!! I'm totally not kidding!!!!<br />
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There we are....waiting it out!! It took the better part of two hours, we deterred many an eager customer and had to break a LOT of hobby lobby hearts. It was sad, but we had no choice. I wish I would have taken a picture of my friend, Gale. She's the crazy customer that waited it out with us. She was a blast!! We hit it off and I think she easily could have been my aunt. She would have fit right in!!!</div>
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So, the lights came on and we headed back in. Customer Satisfaction was top priority and we all went home with our beloved treasures!!!! Some of the employees joked about us sitting out there for so long and said they would make us "I survived the Hobby Lobby Blackout" t-shirts!! I would totally wear one...no lie!!</div>
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Well we made it home and had fun setting things up and decorating. I'm sure the mantle will change every other week! In fact, I've already added something new to it!!</div>
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I'm sorry that the pictures are small. Apparently I have a crappy phone camera and they're all fuzzy when I enlarge them. I picked up the "Grace" print at 50% off!!! The turquoise orb, the yellow flower pot, yellow metal candle stick and the small plate. The yellow star was previously natural wood colored and I hit that with some spray paint. The cabinet door and window frame were pieces that I already had. They may be getting a makeover someday soon. </div>
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I also grabbed a fun yellow pillow. It was on clearance for $4.00!!!! FOUR DOLLARS FOR A THROW PILLOW!!!!!!! I should have bought more!!! Jessica grabbed a few fun pillows (that I don't have any pictures of) and a fun bicycle print for $2.00!! We are both glad that we sat it out and the day turned out to be a success!!!! </div>
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More recently we hit Michaels and Jessica got a few fun frames for her bedroom and is currently working on a fun, colorful photo/frame collage for Julia's side of the room!!! </div>
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"Whatever" print from <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/" target="_blank">http://megduerksen.typepad.com/</a></div>
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I've already changed the mantel a bit. Things don't stay the same around here for very long, in case you haven't picked up on that yet!!</div>
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"Nest" print also from <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/" target="_blank">http://megduerksen.typepad.com/</a></div>
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I found the white frame at Wal-Mart, although it wasn't white when I bought it. I took a can of white spray paint and liked it much better! Well, that's it for now!! I have to run some friends home and head to youth group!!!</div>
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Hope you're staying dry and cool and having a great summer!!!! I'll check back in soon and fill you in on my cookie progress!!!<br />
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Happy Summer and God Bless<br />
<3 Lorraine<br />
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-24684041699979530312013-06-20T11:03:00.001-04:002013-06-20T11:03:21.905-04:00What's been going on?Things are starting to slow down around here.....a tiny. little. bit!! I thought I'd take a few quick moments to catch you up on what's been going on around here!!!! The last time I stopped by it was April, I had needed a break and had some big things on the horizon....you can read about that <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-sweet-escape.html" target="_blank">here!!</a><br />
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So, May:<br />
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I decorated my first (and probably only) barn wedding!! It was a blast!! It was scarey!! It was a personal challenge, trusting in the abilities that God has given me and the encouragement that I got from friends and family. There were many times that I wanted to quit and run away (which is my "panic button") But....I didn't do that, I pushed through and it was amazing!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyL_PRDAIxQhw-piWupRo3OhFfKTgLwIWr-3GR3GxYmv82uwwD3L1FmaXpAgCSgkAxZDFJtMZRSp7W-ZwHUyKIUhw9c-Ue9y7JSqw4YVZn4ZSLXZw2R9rdW-QtAnE2YenR70nyLuEty4/s1600/wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyL_PRDAIxQhw-piWupRo3OhFfKTgLwIWr-3GR3GxYmv82uwwD3L1FmaXpAgCSgkAxZDFJtMZRSp7W-ZwHUyKIUhw9c-Ue9y7JSqw4YVZn4ZSLXZw2R9rdW-QtAnE2YenR70nyLuEty4/s320/wagon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.sattaektrakul.com/" target="_blank">Satta Photography</a></div>
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I wish that I could share all of the pictures with you, because it was such a great wedding!! All of the details matched the bride and groom perfectly and the photographer did an incredible job at capturing it all!!! I could probably do a post just on his photography, his shots were unbelievable and magical!! Make sure you check out his website, one word of caution...he's based out of Thailand!! But he does visit the states and I believe he's planning a trip back here in the fall!! Check out his facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/sattaphoto?fref=ts" target="_blank">here!!</a> {tell him I sent ya!!!}<br />
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After the wedding came Jessica's GED test...which she passed and is now a High School Graduate!!! At age 16, I might add!!! She's done her first year at community college and is well on her way to achieving the goals that she has set before herself!! We are very proud of her, to say the least!! <br />
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Two weeks after the wedding, I was on to our Youth Group Girls Retreat!! It's another decorating opportunity for me, plus (and way more importantly) a chance to really pour some Jesus into these teens that our youth team work with!! The theme was "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Obsessed-Breaking-Free-Things-Consume/dp/0800733061/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371671167&sr=8-1&keywords=obsessed+hayley+dimarco" target="_blank">Obsessed"</a> and it was based off of a six week bible study book by Hayley Dimarco. We tackled the things in life that we tend to be obsessed with and then wrapped it up by looking at what it looks like to be Obsessed with God. It was an incredible weekend!!<br />
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"Are you ready to unpack your Obsessions?" This is where girls could come and write down things they were ready to let go of; things that were taking over the space where God is supposed to be.</div>
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We hid a large ping-pong table behind that burlap and bookcase :)</div>
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Just a few areas that I get to decorate!</div>
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Sunday morning we wrap up with a sunrise service on the beach!! We are up at 4:45 and out the door by 5:00. It's an incredible way to spend a morning after digging deep all weekend. To sit on the empty beach, anticpate the rising sun, and hear the crashing of the waves is a very humbling experience. It's definitely the highlight of the weekend.</div>
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The Ladies Tea was next on the schedule and it was a blast!!!! The ladies had shown me this picture at the last tea and said "THIS IS WHAT WE WANT YOU TO MAKE US!!!!" Okay, maybe they weren't that demanding, but I wasn't about to let this group of ladies down!!</div>
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So this is what they got!!!! </div>
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I went with the zebra print with hot pink, because, well, why the heck not!!?? They are such a sweet and fun group of women and this ministry is something that I'm so honored to be a part of!!! Next tea.....The Mad Hatters Tea Party!!!! Should be fun!!</div>
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I've had a few cookie orders mixed in between and a few more to come!! I've done Thomas the Train, Princess, Birthday (hat, gift, cupcake) and I have a rehearsal dinner and a pirate party coming up!! You can check out my facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.rossellrichie#!/sweets4yoursweet" target="_blank">here</a>. I don't know where this will go, but I'm enjoying it for where it is right now!!</div>
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We've officially wrapped up our homeschooling for the summer! Joe is off on a mission trip this weekend, Jaysen heads to camp in July, Julia turns 9 and I will be at camp in August as the craft lady and a teacher, while Jessica takes care of the camp store and Joe camps that week! We're hoping to have our pool cleared up soon and I'm looking forward to a lot of lazy days at the pool!!!</div>
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Life in between these events have been sweet with a little taste of this and that.....here a few pics!! Okay, so I was going to give you a few more pics, but blogger isn't cooperating! And maybe it's best anyway.....you might be sick of pictures, who knows? Bill and I got away for a quick weekend escape!! We went to a B & B in Havre de Grace, MD and it was a much needed break and rest!! The flowers have been blooming diligently and whenever we have a second, we are out there cutting them and making beautiful arrangements to enjoy!</div>
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I've had to fight looking at my summer as being over before it begins . We always have one major event in each month and I tend to glaze over and miss the in between times. The backward bucket lists have really been a help for me in that area and I'm sure I'll do another one throughout the summer. If you want to check them out, you can do that <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-backwards-bucket-list-december.html" target="_blank"> here</a> and <a href="http://aplace2gather.blogspot.com/2012/08/backward-bucket-list-part-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>!!</div>
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What have you been up to and what's on your bucket list?? Do you have a summer bucket list?</div>
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God Bless <3 Lorraine</div>
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<br />Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253767847584012736.post-75472769983404690802013-04-19T07:50:00.000-04:002013-04-19T07:50:00.425-04:00My sweet escapeAfter a month and half of being MIA, you get two posts from me in the course of three days!!! How lucky are you?? lol <br />
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I sat here on Tuesday evening determined to take the night off. I've been going full steam, non-stop for, well, ever (or so it seems) and I just knew that I had to force myself to take a break. I figured I'd just sit and do nothing all night, maybe hang out on Facebook, peruse Pinterest and probably stalk Instagram. Then I realized, that's not truly a break! It's fun, mind you, but not the break that I was needing. After pecking out a quick update post I had the impulsive idea to text my sweet friend Shawn, who lives around the corner to see what she was up to. She has the best farmhouse around and I pass it five out of seven days. Her wrap-around porch and rocking chairs call my name each and every time I pass by! It was calling my name from a mile and half away and I jumped to respond!!!<br />
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She was out when I texted but would be home soon. That was my opportunity to doubt my impulsive self and spiral downward into a little pit of self-pity. But......I saw that one coming and dodged it, explaining to her why I was texting. She was game and I was ready!!! This will probably embarrass her, and I don't mean it to, but she is the cutest, darn, country gal I know (she uses gal instead of girl and it just adds to the cuteness). I pull in to her horse-shoe drive way and there she is in cute blue, denim overalls, Wellies (green rubber boots that are customary foot attire in these parts), her hair pulled back, pushing a wheelbarrow full of, I think dirt and tools!<br />
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First thing I said when I got out of the car was "You are so stinkin' cute, I can't stand it!!!", to which she laughed (embarrassedly) and gave me a big hug! She and her home offer me such a deep, beautiful, peace that I almost can't handle it! We settled on having a cuppa hot tea and as she went in to prepare that, I wandered around a small part of her property and snapped pictures. It was such a beautiful evening, the space was quiet and freshly manicured and I could just deeply breathe and exhale. It was exactly what I needed.<br />
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There is so much life and creativity in this yard that it's hard to not capture it and freeze it in time!</div>
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I have always joked with Shawn, that one day she was going to come home from work and find me sitting in her back yard! I don't know why I've waited so long to do that!! I felt God in every detail, every plant and structure. </div>
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I told Shawn that I was taking the night off and didn't want to talk about anything "work" related. My mind needed to rest and this was place to do it!</div>
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Instead of the front/side porch we sat at this private little table tucked in the back side yard. It was more perfect that rocking chairs. </div>
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We talked, and talked, and talked.</div>
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I took a little walk across a little bridge to visit with Justin and Emily (Shawn's sweet little donkeys)</div>
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They were a little wary at first, then I got down on their level. Justin stayed back, but Emily couldn't resist a little girl time!!! We girls just love to get together, don't we. They are so sweet!!</div>
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I had to capture her pretty, little mane <3</div>
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Looking back from the pasture at the house. Shawn and her husband Steve, have done such a wonderful job recreating this home and property into such a beautiful get-away. I can't get enough of it!!</div>
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I don't know what kind of tea we had, but it was perfect! We chatted until well after the sun went down, with no thought of time or schedule. I have to admit, though, we did end up talking a little bit about "work". We discussed my plans and ideas for the wedding in May that I'm decorating for. Shawn has some great organic ideas and the resources to help me pull it all together. After relaxing for so many hours, talking plans didn't seem like work at all, rather it was fun, refreshing and stress free!!! The way that it should be!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXAdLRPoi-cDXH8mfGI3X_RPihjgmhqJMgJGqNWwdmRb1Wq80h4o8eer279DuVfmxQIDR2QUNmtGRI8QT5I63Z6nmGxW4QFlWoCwlLvXRFdWGBo46TRqO8ht7u-5R0EtXuB5i-2tnKGc/s1600/2013-04-16+19.30.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXAdLRPoi-cDXH8mfGI3X_RPihjgmhqJMgJGqNWwdmRb1Wq80h4o8eer279DuVfmxQIDR2QUNmtGRI8QT5I63Z6nmGxW4QFlWoCwlLvXRFdWGBo46TRqO8ht7u-5R0EtXuB5i-2tnKGc/s320/2013-04-16+19.30.37.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We ended the evening praying for each other and just praising and thanking God for His goodness! Both of our husbands find themselves in work positions that they/we never would have imagined. Our futures are somewhat uncertain and that can leave a "gal" feeling tired and worn. Though our circumstances change and are shakey, our God doesn't change and He is the only sure thing that we can stand on, so that's what we did!!</div>
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I woke up this morning (wednesday) feeling well rested, refreshed, renewed and ready to face my day and all of the "jobs" that God has set me to do! I am planning on escaping more frequently. Finding a quiet, peaceful, loving place to sit, explore and soak in God's goodness is the way to go!</div>
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Tell me, where and/or what is your sweet escape? I'd love to know how you refresh, renew and recharge!!!</div>
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God bless <3 Lorraine</div>
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Lorraine Richiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240849733920999357noreply@blogger.com1