My Beautiful Friend

     Time has been a precious commodity the past few weeks as I have spent every possible moment with my beautiful best friend, Lynne.  As God prepares her for eternity, I have been given such a gift in the hours spent by her side and sharng that time with the people who are so important in her life.

 

     I went to the barn for awhile to have some quiet time and to paint.  It was a little overwhelming to think of the work that has been put aside for more important endeavors, but what I found was that my amazing husband, Clay, had been there painting and sanding for hours on end so that I could be with Lynne.  There are people in your life who pick up the pieces behind you and most of the time they don't get the thanks and appreciation they deserve.  Well, I have one amazing husband and I want the world to know it!
    
     Since he had gotten all the basics done, I got to work on the finish sanding.  This is my favorite part because it is the stage that really gives the piece its character.  Starting with a coffee table, I began to smooth the edges and the paint came off in fine layers.  It was such a delicate finish, easy to work with, and just a little of the original finish showing through. The finished product is so pretty, and very elegant, I think.

     The next was a side table.  As I started to sand, little chips came off here and there.  I had to work a little harder on this one because the paint came off in a different way, giving the piece a unique character.  It's more rough around the edges, and has a rustic finish. 

     I began to think about why one was so much easier than the other and how the paint reacts differently to the sanding process.  I realized that the way the paint sands off all depends on what's underneath it. Each piece is made differently and the base may be solid wood or a veneer that's chipped, patched and glued.
     
     Really?  Can I connect this furniture refinishing thing back to God again?  Well, Jesus was a carpenter, after all. 
   
      As God molds me into who He wants me to be, sometimes He can just smooth away a little on the edges to reveal something inside.  At other times, He has to chip away at the finish a little harder to  achieve His desired outcome.  It all depends on what's underneath, but either way, the finished product is a beautiful thing.
    
     So, I am reflecting on what's underneath this chipped, patched and glued veneer. Am I going to make His work easy today, or am I going to need a bit more sanding? 

See you Thursday- Saturday! 

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette

    

Sneak Peek

     In one week, we will be having our fall sale.  It starts next Thursday, October 20.  Our pieces will once again be upstairs at Blithe Boutique, 112 South First.  Over the weekend, you will also want to visit Hello Holidays at Behannon's Warehouse, Heritage Antiques Vintage Flea Market in their parking lot on Saturday, Standpipe Coffee House and newly opened A Furniture Fetish.

     In an earlier post, I mentioned some wonderful paint that a friend introduced me to. Turns out, it's been around awhile and I can't quite figure out how I missed it! That's kind of how I roll, though.  I tend to embrace trends a year or two after they become trendy.

     It's Annie Sloan chalk paint and I am so in love with it.  The finishes turn out so beautifully.  Here are a couple of pieces that will be in the sale.  The color is French Linen.

Side Table or Night Stand

Small Display Cabinet  24" Tall

More pictures are coming.

See you at the sale !

Thursday through Saturday 10-6 each day.

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette







My Favorite Fall Color is Pink

     As we say in Texas, Happy Fall Y'all! 

     God has blessed us this morning with beautiful skies and cooler temps.  I love fall. In East Texas, we don't really get much change between seasons- but the sunrises and sunsets this time of year are amazing.  There is one particular overpass in town that if you hit just right heading north at sunset, provides the most glorious display of pinks.  They are colors that could not be created by anything other than a Divine hand.

     Funny that He chooses pink for fall, since October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.  My mind is on cancer a lot these days, being so grateful for mine to be cured a little over a year ago, and having so many friends fighting with such courage and grace.  It's been a particularly emotional few days with my best friend who is going to be under Hospice care starting today. 

     Jessica told me last night to be sure to check out their new window display at Blithe today before the streets are closed this afternoon for a party downtown.  I was up early, worried about my friend, and no one else was up, so I drove down to have a look.  I had to pull over and have a good cry.

The quote is from Anne Frank and it says,

"I don't think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains."

     I am humbled by my most amazing family and still shake my head at how God has blessed me so.  The quote honors so many, but my precious Lynne is at the forefront as she has fought this lung cancer battle with God by her side and with all she has to give.  And she has done it with grace.  And she has done it with courage. And she has done it with beauty. 

He makes beautiful things out of the dust.

Yvette