homeward bound

I feel like I just did a post like this, so please bear with me...

Today I'm off to Maine for another family funeral. My Grampy went home to be with Jesus last Saturday, just 3 days shy of the 6 month anniversary of Grammy's death. It was completely unexpected and shocking, and yet at the same time I think all of us understand it too.



I'm so conflicted about how I feel this week, which is why I haven't posted anything on here. (Or probably answered you very sucintly if you have expressed sympathy and asked how I'm doing...)

Part of me is sad and grieving - both for Grampy and Grammy. I can't believe that 6 months ago I had four grandparents...and now I have two. I feel as though so many of my memories of family are attached to these two people: I grew up next door to the farm (lots of cooking in the kitchen with Grammy and time in the barn and on the tractors with Grampy!), went on numerous fun trips with them as a kid (I'm a historic site expert!), and spent countless weekends camping all along the coast of Maine with them (hiking, swimming, making campfires, picking wild blueberries!).

Another part of me is glad for Grampy - the man was married for over 50 years, and to be honest, he just wasn't happy here without his love. Plus, I know that he's in heaven, not only with Grammy, but seeing his Savior face to face and experiencing the most amazing worship of his life. How can I be sad for this? I'm practically jealous for this!



So off I go. Thanks to all of my friends here who have been wonderful with hugs and abundant love this week - I love and appreciate each one of you.

sunday praises

Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy in his dwelling place.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!"

Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

Then the trees of the forest will sing,
they will sing for joy before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

- I Chronicles 16:23-27, 31-34

frame it...

Hello my name is Amanda, and I have a problem with picture frames.

Empty ones, if you must know.

When it comes to framing art, I'm actually pretty conservative with framing - I prefer a clean, elegant frame that doesn't detract from the art inside. (Ask anyone who has heard me go on a rant about bad framing - I feel pretty strongly about this...)

This doesn't mean that I dislike fancy, over-the-top frames. Oh no. Used in other ways, such as in this clever grouping above, I think the more interesting the frame, the more interesting the space.

I found this image via Desire to Inspire a long time ago, and have been longing to try it for myself. Don't you admire people who come up with things that are slightly quirky like this? I think they give a house so much character, and say a lot about that person's ability to think outside the box.





Then there is this fabulous wedding photo booth, found via Kiss the Groom which is all about empty picture frames! I love the idea of having a photo booth for wedding guests, and have been devouring any images that I find of how others have done this well. This might be my current favorite, mainly because everyone seems to be having so much fun!

(Let's hope husband, wherever he is, will be on board with this idea when I find him...)



I found this great portrait via Cup of Jo quite a while ago, and was impressed at this creative and simple idea! It seems like it suits these two just perfectly.

(I also like this as an example of how pretty an old frame can look when painted - so fresh!)




And while this crazy idea is indeed a clever use of frames, I don't think I'll be trying it soon! It seems like a disaster waiting to happen, knowing my lack of fine motor skills and coordination...

(Found via The Mogg Blogg and Apartment Therapy.)