Teacup (and Mugs) Thursday

For the Love of Shelley

Shelley teacups and Emily Barnes that's where my teacup collection got its serious start.  Emily Barnes is a Christian writer who celebrates all things home, nesting and hospitality.  Her book, "If Teacups Could Talk" is one of my very favorite.  

(The Shelley Stamp)

As I fell in love with Emily Barnes I acquired a desire to collect teacups at the same time.  It wasn't long after that my best friend Dolores called and asked me if I would like some of her teacup collection as she was moving to Texas.  Would I ever?  Wow!  She told me some were Shelleys  but because I did not know one teacup from another I never thought anything about it.  Turns out Shelley teacups average about $85!  Needless to say my Shelley's hang on the wall safer there than in my sometimes clumsy hands.  One day I will tell you about finding a Shelley at a thrift store for just a few dollars only to drop it just as I stepped up to my car.  

 

Dolores is now drinking tea in Heaven and there is not a day goes by I don't think of her and miss her dearly because we had a friendship that was very special and I doubt will ever be duplicated in my lifetime.  Such a special gift she gave me in starting my teacup collection.  Teacups now are often gifted to friends in special ways and I know Dolores would be pleased.

Shelleys are easily recognized for their often fluted edges and it wasn't long after receiving my teacups that I could recognize a Shelley when out antiquing.  Now mind you I would NEVER spend $85 for a teacup not even anything close to that amount but there was a day I found a stray teacup without its saucer for $5.  I was antiquing with my daughter Michelle and she was quite impressed that I recognized the make without looking at the bottom of the cup : )  Well, I grabbed that cup up because I love having something to hunt for when antiquing or thrifting and sure enough for $6 I found the saucer on Ebay.  It was a Blue Rock pattern and I have since found a plate at Sunshine Acres Children's Home boutique and then in Kentucky last summer I found another saucer, a square serving piece and a little pitcher.  These items appeared just tossed as second thoughts on the bottom shelf of the antique dealer's booth and were priced very low.

(Blue Rock Shelley)

 

(Woodland Pattern)

 

(The Shelley dessert platter above belonged to Dolores' mother-in-law 

who served cookies on it to her guests.)

So this is the history behind my teacup collecting.  Actually I received my very first teacups from my Aunt Barbara who was married to my Dad's baby brother.  For Christmas when I was probably 6 maybe she gave me four tea and saucer sets with red roses on them.  Aunt Barbara was a very special part of my life and so these cups and saucers are very special to me also.

 (From special aunt when I was about 6)

Always fun to know the story behind something and the history and even more special to create special memories with these teacups with those I love.  Let's have a tea party soon!

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Monday's Memo: Make The Goal Visible

Precious Husband and I are making lifestyle changes in our eating habits.  From all I have read when you make changes that you want to succeed there needs to be a thought out reason and motivation for the change. I am a visual person so it helps me to see my goal also.  Make the goal visible.

In all honesty my first reason to make changes in my diet is to lose weight!  All my life I have been overweight.  I lose a few pounds only to gain them back like so many do.  My weight hinders me in many areas of life and I have decided the hindrances are enough to do something about once and for all.

More importantly is my second reason to make these lifestyle changes.  I want to be healthier and experience the best quality life I can for my future.  My greatest motivation factor?  My children and grand-children.  I want to be here to share the goodness of the Lord with them.  I want to be able to pray for them and encourage them in their areas of need.

Psalm 71:18 says: Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.


Okay, that said, let me tell you about the wedding dress covering my office chair.  This may surprise you but it doesn't fit!  Oh, you aren't surprised?  Ha ha ha!


Well, my goal is to get into my dress for my 29th wedding anniversary in November.  I am going to leave it on the chair because it is in clear view as I sit in my rocking chair in my sanctuary.  It will be a visible motivator toward my goal.

 

 

Quotable Friday: The Wise Woman

  The Wise Woman's Stone(author unknown)

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.

The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food.

The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.

But, a few days later, he came to return the stone to the wise woman, "I've been thinking," he said.

"I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious.

Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone." 

Thursday - Teacups and Mugs

With today's post I am starting a new theme for Thursdays.  

I have so many teacups and mugs.  Such a fun thing to collect over many years.  They all speak to me and of course each speaks something different.  They speak of beauty.  They speak of wisdom.  They speak of encouragement.  They speak of humor.  They speak of love.  They speak of truth.


Today's mug was found in a thrift store while on vacation this month.  I think I found it on my birthday actually, a day I became older according to the date on the calendar.  

This mug truly speaks truth.

I am getting older and most certainly fall into the Titus 2 older woman category.  It has happened.  I am worthy of a senior discount at the business' I frequent.  I color my hair to cover the gray not just to try a new shade of color.  I am a Mémère.   I am by all intent and purpose "old".


We will all get older, it's just a fact of life. You can't stop it, you can't turn back the clock that so many wish they could.  It will happen, you will get older.

But ugly - now that is something we do have control over.  We can choose to put on a happy face.  We can choose to fill our heart with good things.  We can choose to speak encouragement to those around us.  We have the ability to be beautiful in word and deed. 


I don't mind getting older but I do not want to be old and UGLY.  I want instead to show the love of Jesus more and more and let His beauty be seen in this (wrinkled) face.


"Fill my mug Lord with your love and your purpose for me.  I am getting older but I don't want to be ugly!  Amen."

Wordless Wednesday

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Kale Chips!

Have been doing lots of reading on health and nutrition recently.  Dr. Oz shared a recipe for Kale Chips on his show and I must say, they are a keeper.  Precious Husband has a hard time giving up his Doritos and he really really likes these.  Kale is full of nutrition and low in calories.  


To make Kale Chips just remove leaves from the stalk and lay them out on a cookie sheet (I used parchment paper on the cookie sheet).  I used my spray mister and sprayed them with olive oil and then sprinkled sea salt over them.  Next batch we are going to try other seasonings.


Linking up with Lisa at http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/ for Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Monday Memo: Mind Over Matter

My Mom has quite a collection of animated stuffed toys.  This bear is was in her collection but she (reluctantly) gifted it to me for my birthday when we visited her a couple weeks ago.  If you listen closely she sings, "will you still love me when I'm 64?"  Yep, she is a gift for my 63rd birthday - neat huh?  Thanks Mom I will take good care of her.


"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. " Mark Twain

Quotable Friday

 

 

TLC's Trent and Tyler watching people in the pool early in the morning.

(Picture captured in Knotts Berry Farm Hotel June 13, 2012)

" I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.
And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds.
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in actions, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live."  (Edgar A. Guest)

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Good Advice

My first-born grandson, Tristan knows his Mémère so well.  He knew it would bring a smile to my face first thing this morning to wake up to a text from him quoting Eeyore.

The quote you ask?  Well, it is very good advice indeed.  Tristan quoted Eeyore from the Winnie The Pooh Movie:

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference!"

Thanks Tristan for making my day with Eeyore and especially making me smile knowing that you do know your Mémère well.

My advice to Tristan, myself and anyone reading today: 

"let's take Eeyore's advice to heart".

Fun In The Calif. Sun!

 Fun fun fun in the California sun!

We brought the 2 oldest TLC's Trent (8) and Tyler (5) with us on our vacation/family reunion this year.  We are having a great time but may need a little R&R afterwards : )

 

 

 

Have Basket Will Travel

The picnic basket is all packed in anticipation of a vacation to California.  Tomorrow I will pick up the two oldest TLC's (Trent and Tyler) and Thursday bright and early we will hit the trail - first stop Great Grandma Judy's.

Looking forward to celebrating my mother's 85th birthday on Friday night and then on Saturday we will have the 3rd annual Leland Family Reunion.

I am feeling 30 years younger tonight as I make special plans all with the boys in mind.   They are going to be so surprised and excited.  After the reunion we will head to the beach and then Knottsberry Farm.

Need to get back to packing but know for sure there will be pictures of fun soon to be seen in future blogs.  Happy summer everyone.

Amazing Encouraging Video

I want to share a very amazing video with you.  I believe it will touch your heart in many ways.  It will encourage you in your marriage and especially encourage you in your walk with the Lord.



Larissa has an incredible blog at  http://prayforian.com/  where she writes very candidly from her heart.    Go spend some time reading her blog and see the reality of God's love and His presence in the lives of a very special young couple.

Mother's Day

 

Yesterday I rode to town with Precious Husband and after his business was taken care of we had some fun.   First stop was the local thrift store where I found this picture.

 

It is a Mother's Day picture.  I love the whole vintage look of it.  On the back is written May 11, 1935 Judy and Dorothy.  Well, of course it was coming home with me and I knew immediately what I would do with it.  By the way, my mother's name is Judy.

While Precious Husband shopped the Home Depot I went to work finding hardware for my project.

 

I couldn't be happier with the results.  Perfect little tea tray for one.

 

Sending my dear mother all my love this weekend celebrating 

Mother's Day!

Hugs and Blessings,

Mémère

Frustration

Well, I finally have my blog cleaned up a little bit but what frustration it caused.  I liked the original that I lost last night much better but oh well, life moves on right?  Now to get busy and back to regular blogging.  

Hugs and blessings,

Mémère

What Happened?

Oh brother!  I wanted to put a picture in my header and fooled around and lost my whole original layout.  I can't figure out what I did but it is gone.  Sad to say I don't know how to get things arranged the way I want to now either.  My picture took over the blog lol!  Technology!  Going to bed - try try again tomorrow.

Simply Sweet

This robin is such a good example of the faithfulness of God.  So sweet!