Sunday Morning Quiet Time

     It's VERY early here at my home and even after the last two days of high energy craziness, I find myself awake and blogging to YOU!!  This seems to be happening alot lately (not the blogging part--my bad, I know I need to blog more!) I wake up before my alarm goes off and lay in my bed trying to solve the problems of the world---well, at least those in my own life!

   What thoughts are going through my head at 4:30am in the morning?-----"remember to pay the insurance bill today, it was due yesterday';     'what am I going to feed Brayden (my grandson and best baby in the WORLD) for breakfast this morning, I don't have any eggs';     'I need to sort through all the vintage clothes I just bought on Friday and get them ready to post in my new internet shop---www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com';     'can I stay in my pajama's all morning or will I have to get dressed at some point--I don't want to get dressed or go anywhere today!';  and my all-time favorite----'can I go back to sleep or should I just get up and get on with life?!?'  What---you were expecting me to have REALLY deep, earth-shattering thoughts?  Nah, not at 4:30am in the morning!!!!

   But seriously, I have found myself thinking more and more about my life, past, present and future, and I have been concerned with what I've found.  I think all this is probably brought on because I will be having a "BIG" birthday in a few months----the big 6-0!!!  Just typing it makes me shutter-uugghhh!!   Anyway, I've started to wonder what my life would have been like if I had made 'different' decisions in my younger days.  Maybe not have married so young or started a family so soon.  Perhaps if I had stayed in college and become a graphic designer as I had planned.  Or perhaps me and my best friend at that time, Jackie, would have traveled to foreign lands to absorb all we could of their artist cultures.  Or even have done some missionary work here in the states or overseas--perhaps.  But dwelling on 'what could have been' does no one any good!

     And then I begin to see the faces of my children, I see then as the little ones they once were and remember the precious adults they have become.  I remember all the pain and illness my mom has gone through the past few years and I cherish every moment I still have with her.  I feel the warm breathe of my grandson Brayden as he falls asleep on my shoulder, his sweet body cuddled in my arms, and I realize........I am blessed.

   There is a wonderful scripture in Psalms 90--"Teach us to make the most of our time....and make our efforts successful.  Yes, make our efforts successful!" (NLT)  I believe that's what everyone wants in life, no matter your religion, no matter your nationality, no matter your race, political leanings or life-preferences.  We all just want to matter, to have our efforts in life be successful!!

     And although success can be measured differently by different standards, in my own eyes I am successful!  Was this the life I planned for myself so many years ago--definitely NOT!!  But is this the life, with all it's struggles and hardships and pains, that is making me the person God intended me to be----absolutely!!

     And so this early morning 'thought session' becomes a time to thank my Heavenly Father for all that I have and all that I will become.  I'm not were I need to be but I'm on my way, and that's ok!!  And so I leave you with a few pictures to enjoy and I pray you are blessed as I have been blessed.......

 

Brayden showing me his banana--cheeky fellow!!

 

My son Jonathan and I at the beach

 

Brayden and I visiting my mom at the nursing home

My daughter Brittany (Brayden's mom) and momma

My grandson Tyler age 7 (Jonathan's son) who lives in Michigan--we haven't seen him since he was 3 yrs old

 

 

 

    I hear Brayden stirring and must fix breakfast---God Bless all and any who read this!!

Pat, A Remade Life
 
 

Be Someone's 'Miracle'!!

     As you can probably tell from my posts, I'm a Christian, a believer in Jesus as the son of God, Savior.  Now, while I profess this openly and whole-heartedly, I do understand that not everyone shares my belief's and there are some who are even opposed/turned-off by this.  I respect that and it is my goal as a christian to always be sensitive to others ways/beliefs while at the same time hold strongly to my own---not an easy task in this day and time when many take offense so easily.

     But one of the things I have found in all my wanderings and friendships with various and asundry people is that there seems to be one universal truth---to help our fellow man.  It is often the goal of many religions and sects, even those who don't have particularly strong beliefs--it is a 'common' thread. 

     Helping can come in many forms.  At it's very basic level a kind word can turn someone's day around and give them the encouragement they need to go on.  A simple compliment can bring confidence to someone who lives in a world of unsurety.   Trust me on this one cause I'm speaking as a person who grew up with depression and uncertainity!!  A kind word, a gentle touch can make a big difference!

     Help can be giving a co-worker a ride to work when their car is out of service; or taking your elderly neighbor to the store for food;  maybe even taking a friend to a movie just to get her out of the house after a nasty break-up with a boyfriend!  Don't have time for any of these?  Well, how about calling that friend or even texting her that you are thinking of her and care?!  Knowing someone is on your side ALWAYS helps!

     Yes, help can come in many, many forms---but there is another universal truth that can NOT be ignored---HELP is a verb, indicating ACTION!!  This means, WE must take action if any help is to be given!!  In the christian world there was a saying--'you've got to put 'feet' on your prayers'!!  This means, pray for sure but get out there and DO!!  Don't TALK about helping, DO it!!

     As you can tell I have fairly strong feelings on this subject---because I've been 'there', you know, in that needy place, that low-spot, that horrible rut where you must have help to climb out and get back on the road!  And I'm ashamed to say, I've also been in a position to help others and turned away--this is not something I'm proud of. 

     But..........this is a new day, a new dawn, a new beginning!!  And there is no reason I can't move on and change--and so can you!  Please forgive me if you are already in that wonderful place of helping others---I salute you, you are an awesome blossom!!

     And so, whatever your belief or thoughts are regarding a 'higher' power, join me in making it your goal to be someone's miracle today,to bless them with a kind word, a compliment or maybe help them financially or take them to lunch.  Your choice----just DO it!  I have NO doubts you will be rewarded, if not in this world then in the next!

God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

"Whatever" Purses are here!!!!

     As some of you may know I had foot surgery almost 5 weeks ago---and, although it went very well, a reaction to the meds and edema in my foot caused me to be laid up a little longer then usual.  Now, I am NOT one to just lay around and watch soaps (and what's up with cable?!-all those channels and nothing good to watch!!!) so I decided to try to get a little creative work in.  However, not being very mobile kinda limited what I could do.

     So, I gathered as many bolts of laces, trims, fabrics, kitschy items and STUFF that I could grab, sat myself down on my sofa, propped my foot up on a pillow and started sewing!!

     The one rule I made myself stick to was "JUST HAVE FUN"!!!   Under no circumstances would I let myself stress out over, 'does it look right?", 'is it too small', is it too big', is it kitschy enough', 'is it too odd'!!?? and on and on and on........NO!!

    And so I just started grabbing whatever was within my reach and sewed it on the purse.  Some purses turned out cute, some turned out a little odd, but ALL were fun to make!!!  And it was GREAT therapy as I recovered.  As a matter of fact, it was sooooooooo much fun that I decided to finish them up and I've posted them in my etsy shop for sale- www.aremadelife.etsy.com  .

     And that's how the "Whatever Purse" was born!!!  I do plan on continuing making them, even though my foot is doing better.  (I'm still in that silly 'boot' thing but will hopefully be out of it soon!)  Here are a few pictures of my Whatever Purses---let me know what you think!

Please be sure and leave me a comment, let me know what you think!
And be sure to 'like' us on facebook--'Remade Life Emporium"
Until then, God bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life
www.aremadelife.etsy.com
www.lovethatvintagestyle.etsy.com

"As the World Turns"

     Some of you may not remember that phase "As The World Turns"!  It was an old soap opera way back in the day, very popular from what I remember.  And very poetic/true.  No matter what may occur in our lifes, the world keeps on 'a-going'!  And so do we.

     Our Christmas holidays were marked with my mom going back into the hospital for breathing troubles on Christmas Day.  She is going back to the hospital more and more often and staying for longer 'visits'.  She just got out this past Monday and went back to the nursing home.  Her little body is holding on but each episode takes more and more away from her mind.  She rarely lives in reality anymore, often forgetting where she is, why she's not at her own home, who's alive and who's not (this one is very hard on her--she keeps believing my dad is still here) and she is always very disoriented.  It's hard to see my mom that way---she has always been so together and snappy.  My older sister is retired and taking care of all the issues that come with an aging parent.  I feel bad for Barbara since she must fight her own battles as well.  Please say a prayer for my mom 'Goldie Marie' and for our Heavenly Father's loving arms to be wrapped around her.

     On a different note, I had foot surgery on my right foot 4-days ago.  I knew it was going soon---I taught water aerobics for over 18 yrs---that's 18yrs of jumping on the side of the pool like a crazy person--something had to give and I guess it's my feet!!  Bone spurs, bunions and a bone that needed to be repositioned are just no fun, but I got it done and I'm at home recovering.  Wish I could say I've been able to work on lots of new projects, but the truth is, the pain drugs have better much kept me 'out of the loop' until today.  I do have some ideas a-brewin' that I'll share as they develop!

   So, that's it for now, foot is starting to complain so guess I better elevate it and make it smile!!

                          Yes, those are frozen veggies on my foot---couldn't find anything else!!


God Bless all and any who read this!
Pat, A Remade Life

Saying Good-Bye to a Wonderful Woman

     We experienced the loss of a wonderful woman the day before Thanksgiving, my precious mother-in-law passed away.  In truth, she was actually my 'ex' mother-in-law since I've been divorced for over 20 yrs, but she has always been "Mom Gill" to me.  She had been ill for several years now, including a recent pace-maker operation and Alzheimer's.   She had become confined to a wheelchair, mainly due to her loss of balance which had caused several broken bones from falls.  Her little 90-yr old body just could not take anymore! 

     She was an amazing woman, raising 9, yes 9, children while moving from base to base---my father-in-law was in the air force.  I believe it was the loss of her husband, my ex-father-in-law, just 1yr ago, that took a major tole on her.  She and "Big Morris" as she called him, had been married for 76 yrs!!  She told me stories of moving to Panama and arriving at the base in the middle of the night.  She turned on the lights to their base home and found........it was FULL of giant roaches!!!  Not one to get discouraged, she cleaned one of the rooms, placed all 6-young children in there to sleep and then spent the rest of the night 'de-bugging' her new home-----and she was pregnant with her 7th child at that time!!!  AMAZING!!

     I was very fortunate to have her in my life.  She was a wonderful example of the Proverbs 31 woman:
                                "She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
                      She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
                      Her children rise up and call her blessed, Her husband also and he praises her:"
                                                                                                          Proverbs 31:26-28

     I could say soooooooo much more about this wonderful woman, her creativity, her stamina, her LOVE for all those she came in contact with.  She was a constant inspiration to me and I will miss her greatly.

     And so I say, "Good-bye, Mom Gill--rest well in the arms of Jesus.  I will see again someday"

God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

And Life goes on!!!!!!

Can't believe it's been 2-wks since my last post!  Things have been, well, interesting around here:

          - had a garage sale to raise money for my daughters trip to Puerto Rico--she's a dancer and
             going to a competition there!
          - my sweet precious grandson Brayden has started developing an attitude! (yes, the best
             baby in the world!)  We are trying to 'nip it in the bud' (quote from Barney Fife-'The
             Andy Griffith Show') but I'm having a hard time with the time-out thing--it just breaks
             my grandma's heart to see him sitting in the corner
          - my mom fell, not once but twice, and ended up with bruised ribs on her left side and
             twelve stitches in her leg!  Please pray for her--she is 88 and having more and
              more problems
         - we had a sale in my shop in Winnie this month and will continue to have sales until
            we close it down, probably not till October.

As you can see, the last few weeks have been full of events, some good and some not so good.  But life goes on and with God's grace we deal with it all.  Our heavenly Father is a loving Father and will carry us through, if we trust in Him!!

Here are a few pic's of some of the items we are selling at the shop:

It will be hard to close the shop, but God is leading us on to bigger and better things!  Please pray that we sell as much as possible---cause I DON'T want to bring it home!!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

Winnie in June

The June show in Winnie is now past and was an 'eye-opener'.  I'll explain that a little later.

Friday was a slow day, as it usually is, but my son Jonathan did a good job and sold several things.  Of course, my good friend and helper, Kay was there as well and she is always a blessing to me!  Saturday started out well with our first sale of the day coming early in the morning so we had great expectations.  Unfortunately, the 'expectations' didn't pan-out and, although we made numerous small sales, the total earnings at the end of the day were disappointing.

Sunday morning broke hot and humid (this is Texas after all!) and somewhat slow.  The people started coming about mid-morning and we again were encouraged but the rains came around 1:30pm and that was pretty much that for the show!

And now to the eye-opener comment:  I have been battling back and forth with the decision to close the shop at Winnie.  Sales and the crowds have been down for about 5 to 6-months and the shop is barely breaking even.  It has become increasing harder to rationalize staying there and continuing to struggle through the bad times.  It would be different if I didn't work full-time or even if money was not an issue--but then, who doesn't have 'that' issue!!

I had decided to ask a vendor whose partner was getting out of the business if she would like to come into our shop and rent part of our space.  She's a great person and it would have been fun to have her there!  Unfortunately, she had already asked another vendor to come in and share her shop so that she wouldn't have to move out.  Makes sense and I'm happy for her to have found someone.

So, back to the decision.  My first decision was to get out of the antique mall in Spring, TX where I rent a small booth.  My overhead there is eating me up and the sales are also sluggish.  I plan on turning in my
30-day notice today or tomorrow.  I'll run a really good sale and hopefully will be able to unload items so that I won't have to haul too much to the warehouse.

And now for Winnie:  unless something changes over the next few months, we will be pulling out of Winnie soon.  I've got numerous pieces of furniture that need to be refinished/painted so I would like to get those redone and sold first.  I plan on putting a huge sale on the last few months there so again, hopefully, we will be able to unload stuff and not have to bring much back to the warehouse.

It has not been an easy decision and not one I've enjoyed making.  BUT, I know my heavenly Father has a plan for me, a good plan for us to prosper!  He will guide my steps and show me where I need to be at this time in my life.

I do ask for your prayers, that my eyes and ears will be open to His guidance and that my heart will be receptive to His will.  I have said all along that my customers are some of the best people in the world!  I have truly enjoyed them and have been blessed to be apart of their lives--I hope that in some small way I have also been a blessing to them!!

So, stay-tuned cause it looks like a new 'adventure' is on the horizon for "A Remade Life"!

Here are some pictures of a few things in the shop,

God Bless All and Any who read this,

Pat, A Remade Life

Moving Forward

     So many things have been going through my head over the last few weeks.  Questions about my future, regrets about my past and so many thoughts about what actions to take to make changes in my life.  It can be overwhelming and even very depressing if I let it be.  I have lived with depression most of my life and depression tends to lead to inaction.  It's just easier to stay in the rut you have fallen into, so much easier than it is to climb out of that rut---that's just too much work and depression tells us we are 'too tired, too weak and just not good enough' to make it.  Well, I'm here to tell you---depression is WRONG!

     I wish I could say that I've got the answer now, that I know what my future holds but I don't.  What I DO know is that God is in control and I've chosen to trust Him.  That doesn't mean that I am going to sit idly by and just wait to see what happens.  No, I am going to start MOVING, to start making plans, to set goals and work towards them--I am going to take ACTION!!!  For too many years I've just let myself be  'tossed about by every wind and wave' but no more.  I know there will be good days and not so good days, but with Gods grace, I will stand strong in my resolve and keep moving forward, trusting Him to guide my steps and direct my path.

     I'm hoping that you will join me as I walk down this path called 'my life'--who knows, maybe it will lead to YOU!!  ;)

    With all that said, here are some pictures of the reset of my Winnie shop--and of course, I've thrown in a few pics of my sweet grandson, Brayden!

                                            My son Jonathan's new spot-in-the-making!

                                                       Lots of work still to do!

                                             Hmmmmm, what should I put here?

                                         Don't you just love using vintage linens as backdrops?!

                              My new luggage area--you should see it now that its' finished

Brayden's first Easter AND his first chocolate bunny   

                              Happy Birthday my sweet precious boy--you are blessed!!!

May God bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life