“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
Hello sweet friends. I hope that all is well and that you are surviving a new kind of normal that hopefully will not be long-lasting. Life has certainly changed over the past few days. It seems that most of us are staying home and heeding the warnings and advice to help keep us healthy. I am having a hard time believing that I qualify as elderly. My precious Dad is eighty-nine and that is what I consider elderly. Butch and I are taking this virus seriously. He has compromised lungs from the accident he had thirteen years ago and I have asthma. Even though we are taking it serious, we are choosing not to live in fear or be anxious.
Because we know that this scripture is true:
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Blog reading has not been canceled and today is the third Monday of the month! Do you know what that means? Yes, Monday Morning Blooms with my blogging friends and we are welcoming spring.
We have certainly had our share of rain, record setting rain. However, this past Saturday the rain stopped, we had a little sunshine and pleasant temps, so I headed outdoors.
The picnic table was calling for me to come and enjoy…and I did!
You will find the links for my talented friends at the bottom of this post.
Spring officially begins this Thursday and I am past ready. While doing a bit of spring rearranging, I decided to shop my house to see what I might find. As I was looking for a vase, I discovered one that I had never used. Flowers were a little hard to come by, with local stores having a very limited selection. A quick run to Trader Joe’s sixty miles away didn’t entirely solve the problem. There were plenty of flowers, but most did not appear fresh. I guess with folks going overboard buying toilet tissue, paper towels, hand sanitizers, rice, and beans, flowers did not have priority. Pardon the expression, but most were a little “pitiful” looking. I came home with roses, tulips, calla lilies (most had to be thrown away), stock, and seeded eucalyptus. I made do with what I had and decided not to stress. In the big scheme of everything, it is only a flower arrangement.
If you are new to Everyday Living, you might not know that we live in the country. Country living offers a quiet and peaceful life style which this small-town city girl has totally embraced for the past forty one years. When pretty weather arrives, I love setting a table in the garden, on the patio, or the picnic table. Situated next to a wooded area, the picnic area is shaded and a perfect spot for alfresco dining. If the grass looks really green, that is because it is. My Renaissance Man plants winter rye every fall and I must admit, it gives color to the gray of winter. You might notice the view of the mountain that we enjoy in all seasons.
Tulips have a mind of their own, and they tend to droop. Miss Bunny (Fitz and Floyd) looks like she might enjoy a nibble.
The April Cornell cottage rose tablecloth is a breath of spring. Taking cues from the flowers and tablecloth, the table quickly came together.
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.”
Song of Songs 2:11-13a
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
-Lady Bird Johnson
The flower candle stands that I recently found have made another appearance, you may see them quite often. A cloche keeps a sweet bird nest with eggs safe from possible predators.
Is there anything lovelier or more wonderful than springtime in the country?
Recently while running through TJ Maxx, I just happened to spot pink transferware on a shelf. Royal Stafford Asiatic Pheasant dinner plates jumped into my cart, I know that never happens to you!! Bordallo Pinheiro salad plates and hand-painted terra-cotta napkin rings help welcome the new season.
Below are the links for Shirley, Lidy, and Mary as they brighten your day with their gorgeous spring arrangements.
Mary Home Is Where The Boat Is
I want to encourage you if you are troubled or anxious today, if worries have overtaken you God has the answer:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Allow God to give you peace for your anxious heart.
Thank you for your visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a most peaceful week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Pam, I envy your beautiful country living! Your picnic table with the backdrop of the mountains and wooded area makes a perfect spot for alfresco dining. So glad Mother Nature cooperated for you and the sun came out long enough to dry everything up. Your cottage rose tablecloth, flowers, sweet bunnies and nests make for a lovely spring table. I know staying in for the next several weeks will result in HomeGoods and TJ Maxx withdrawal for me. 🙂 As always it’s a treat to join you for some flower therapy. Happy Monday ♥
Thank you Mary. Take care and enjoy gardening therapy♥️👩🏻🌾
Your outdoor country living is perfect in every way! Your cottage rose tablecloth had me at hello! But so did that bunny and nest under the cloche.
And your bouquet turned out exquisitely beautiful!
Now stay safe my friend! Sending blessings your way!
Thank you Nancy. Sending blessings your way!
Pam, we are both small town girls now settled in the country. I love it out here too! I was going to wait until after St.Patrick’s Day to pull out my Easter, but Saturday was so beautiful I couldn’t resist. Your table is just gorgeous, it perfectly reflects a peaceful Spring day in the countryside. It was very strange to have church canceled yesterday, and even stranger to hear us called elderly! We definitely are not elderly!! We pass the peace at my church so Peace of God, Pam and Butch. Stay safe and healthy.
Roxanne, with our world in panic mode, home is our haven. Faith, family, and friends are always most important, but I think some begin noticing it even more. No, we are not elderly. Stay safe and healthy my friend♥️
What a comforting, beautiful post! I have never seen our world in such widespread panic, and it makes me wonder if Jesus’ coming is VERY near. As our pastor said yesterday, this is just the tremblings of things to come. He was not fear-mongering, but trying to get people to wake up to the reality of what the Bible says will happen. Oh, how we need to lean hard on Jesus and keep our eyes upon Him! He is able to keep us through it all. Your blog brings such solace to all who come here, even more so as the days become more difficult. God bless you both and all your family!
Thanks so much Cheryl. I agree our world is in panic mode. But as believers we know that God holds it all in his hands. We don’t have to worry and fear. Hopefully this pandemic will challenge people to think about eternity. Blessings always!
Happy Monday Pam! If I was on “house arrest” at your house, I would not be unhappy! I can see myself while away the hours in your gorgeous gardens and home…enjoying the beautiful scenery and working in the gardens. I will hold on your those scriptures you so wonderfully gave to us today as I go forward with our move. I will just have to keep my distance from the “movers” … we do plan on doing most of it ourselves, leaving the heavy furniture items to the professional movers….I shall supervise from afar…Even though you had a “floral bust” at TJ’s, the vase of flowers are gorgeous Pam! Your table setting is truly perfection as always…and oh those napkin rings!! Always a pleasure and delight being with you celebrating Monday Morning Blooms…You two stay safe and healthy.
Thank you dear Shirley. Please take care of yourself as you move and don’t over-do. Plan periods of rest. Blessings on you and Tom♥️
Dear Pam, such a beautiful table. Country living is a blessing each and every day. Your home looks as though it is situated on a gorgeous piece of property. And you and Butch have created a masterpiece. Back to your table, your flower arrangement is so pretty and every time I see those napkin rings I love them more. Wishing you a beautiful day and thank you for this lovely post.❤
Thanks so much Sandra. We do enjoy country living. Wishing you peace and joy in this Monday ♥️
Thank goodness blog reading has not been canceled! Keep the beauty such as this post coming, Pam! I think the flowers are beautiful, even the tulips draping. My latest batch did that in less than 24 hrs, and then perked right back, with wavy reaching upward the next day. I love the April Cornell inspiration – so perfect. Lucky you to find the pink Asiatic Pheasant! And your candlesticks will rightfully see many a table, so nice. The outdoors are calling, and you took great advantage of an early alfresco setting.
Thank you Rita. I was just so glad to enjoy a little sunshine and being outdoors was the perfect remedy for all of the bad news that is coming constantly. If it ever stops rain, gardening will be great therapy! Happy Monday!
Oh Pam, your blooms take my breath away, what a stunning arrangement! I love the drooping tulips and the big fat pink roses, gorgeous! I would have never have guessed that you had trouble getting flowers. The spring table with the bright green grass in the background is beautiful, and I love your nibbling bunny! The whole table is singing “Yay it’s Spring!” Monday Morning Blooms is just what I needed on this crazy Monday…
Jenna
Thank you so much Jenna. When I unpacked the flowers and took a good look, they were just sad looking. But like I said, it is only a flower arrangement . Take care of yourself♥️
Pam, first, I want to thank you for the beautiful scripture. It is just what I and I am sure others needed to read this morning. We are also staying close to home. Two of my children have weakened immune systems, and I have asthma. Also, I worry about my parents even though I really don’t think of them as elderly, but according to guidelines they fall into that category. On a positive note, your tablescape certain brightens the mood. It is stunning! The gorgeous floral arrangement compliments the pretty AC tablecloth perfectly. I am swooning over those lovely candlestick holders. Everything looks breathtaking in your countryside setting. Happy Monday, dear friends!!!
Thank you Shannon, what a blessing you are. Take care and stay healthy my sweet friend!♥️
Loving your beautiful blooms and that bunny! LOVE HIM! Oh Pam, I too am taking things seriously but I have such a deep peace that I know can only come from Jesus. Our HOPE is in Him. Without HOPE a people would parish. Praying for a hedge of protection around us all. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you dear Cindy! As believers, we do have peace! Stay safe and healthy, take care my friend!
Pam, such extraordinary beauty to start our day and the promise of God’s peace. Your country life feels so wonderful to me. That is how I grew up. Your AC tablecloth, arrangement, FF bunny and every detail makes for perfection. Bob and I are definitely in the elderly group but we don’t feel old. I pray God’s blessings and protection for all of us.
Thank you Dianne. You and Bob take care of yourselves and stay healthy ♥️
Oh, how we needed this wonderful breath of spring! Everything is so colorful and your arrangement is outstanding! It’s true dedication to your craft to drive 60 miles to get flowers. Thank you! Your home is a gorgeous, peaceful safe haven. It’s a blessing to have acreage where you can enjoy God’s beauty. I know by the numbers we’re elderly but most of don’t act like it! Lol You & Butch stay safe! We’re so blessed to live in an age of digital communication! Pandemics of long ago were a much lonelier existence. Now we can “talk” to everyone around the world! Your blog certainly embodies an encouraging Christian message which we all need! Blessing and good health to you and your sweet family. Clara ♥️
Thank you Clara. We don’t have to social distance with our blogging friends. Stay in, stay safe, and take care ♥️
Such a beautiful and soothing post, thank you! I will be looking at it repeatedly in the upcoming days. Take good care…
Thank you Sue…take care also!
Beautiful table and flowers, a lovely sight! When my daughter gets a little older and we have tea parties I will be turning to your blog for inspirations! Thank you for sharing the scriptures as well.
Thanks so much, my pleasure. Tea parties with your daughter will be fun and memorable!
Pam , your country table scape is beautiful, from the beautiful table cloth to the floral arrangement to the sweet bunny! I heard a tip that if you use a sharp knife and press it into the stem right below the flower till you feel the point on the other side it will prevent them from dropping .I have not tried this yet – thought it was worth a try. Love your Monday morning blooms post and your wise encouragement, so beautiful every time!
Thanks, Denise
Thank you Denise. I have heard that tip, but I had forgotten it. I need to try it next time. Wishing you peace and health during this difficult time!
I love everything, the tablecloth, the flowers, the bunny, the green grass, yeah, and the fact that we can still read your post. Home is the place to be in times of trouble and that’s where I’ll be until this to passes. Isn’t it funny how age tiptoes up on everyone but us, until one day we look in the mirror and see old mother Hubbard looking back at us? Stay safe friend.
Thank you Alice. Home is always my haven and I am at peace here where God has placed me all these years. You are funny, we are not Old Mother Hubbard yet, are we?
Stay safe and take care♥️
Don’t know how it happened, but my comment went on the March 10 entry…now I cannot disclaim the elderly designation….
You are so funny, I did notice the comment was on the wrong post. 😂😂😂
Such a beautiful table setting, in the midst of your beloved country side, Pam! I love everything about it, the flowers, the colors, the bunnies…most of all the care and love I know you put into creating this for us to be able to share. It’s the highlight of my week when we can come together for our Monday Morning Blooms. xo Stay safe and well, and thank you for reminding us all that our Father is in charge and will take good care of us. xo Lidy
Thank you sweet friend. Yes, our Father is in charge. xo
TJs always has such pretty flowers — perhaps they have the virus, too! Your tables are always so pretty and I know you made their flowers rock! I’m taking this super seriously and venturing out only for one or two significant appointments. Future photos will show me with very shaggy hair…
I think those flowers had the old disease. I am staying in. Take care Jeanie!
Stunning table!!! How inspiring!Such beauty…That flowers arrangement is sooooo adorable…And the bunny unique! Thank you for the Bible verse too,perfect for these days…No,for all days!Sending hugs,my dear Pam.
Maristella, you are a sweetheart. Take care and stay healthy dear friend!
Pam your flowers are beautiful. They are a breath of fresh air after all the worries and pre cautions . We are staying in and ordering on line. Marion has asthma and has to be extra careful. Stay safe and healthy.
HAPPY ST.PATRICK’S DAY
Marion
Thanks so much. Stay in, stay safe, and take care!
Beautiful post and comforting scriptures. Staying in will be good in many ways.
I love your flower arrangement and the sweet bunny and cloche with a birds nest with eggs are so pretty and spring like. It is officially here and the pollen proves it too!
Your tablecloth is lovely and I like your new dishes. I have several plates in that pattern. I won’t get tired of your new candlesticks. The striking green winter rye grass makes a lovely backdrop for your table.
We are being very cautious and pray for those with the virus and the medical personnel serving them. Also for all our leaders making hard decisions and their families.
Thank you dear Bonnie. The pollen has started here as well and I can tell it with my allergies. Yes, we are praying.
Your pretty table and vibrant flowers are a breath of fresh air on this drizzly day.
Thanks so much Carole. We have the same weather!
I always look forward to your emails.
Thank you Rebecca. Stay safe and healthy!
What effort you made to honor your blooms commitment and you found just the right things to create a stunning spring table that brightens my day.
Thanks Linda, I am so glad it brightens your day!
Your floral arrangement is delightful Pam! I love the setting & backdrop…they bought a smile to my lips 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Be well dear friend♥️
I love your beautiful table, Pam, so cheerful and pretty with all my favorite colors. Thank you for this bit of sanity in these crazy times. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. Be well my friend!
Pam, I am a little behind, so just now saw this post. It is stunning! In the midst of all of the world’s pain, beauty still abounds. God’s natural beauty and your expression of that provides a stunning contrast to all that we are going through. Stay safe, my friend.
Thank you my friend for your sweet comments. 💗🌷💗
Wow Pam that floral arrangement turned out beautiful despite the fact you had some trouble finding the flowers! The tablecloth is the perfect spring pattern and your florals look like they were made to match! Those are real pretty dishes. Love it all!
Thanks so much Liz. Take care!
Aahh, sunny days… I’d almost forgotten what they were like! You have such a lovely setting to showcase a pretty tablescape with brightly colored blooms. Of course I love the Fitz and Floyd bunny.
Your beautiful table helps give us a break from what is happening around the world. Stay safe.
Gorgeous table in your gardens. Always a pleasure to see your enchanting designs. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous. Love the sweet bunny. Fitz and Floyd make such lovely ceramics. Such a pretty plate stack. Seeing this should brighten anyone’s day. Stay safe.
Thanks so much Linda. Stay safe♥️