“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
Hello dear readers. I hope that all of you are staying healthy. Everyday living feels so strange and surreal. I have trouble keeping up with what day of the week it is, much less what day of the month. I think when this virus crisis has passed, we will have a new appreciation for our day-to-day normal life. Hopefully, we will have learned to count our blessings and not take anything for granted. My prayer is that we will turn our hearts to the Heavenly Father who holds all things in His hands.
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In “normal” times I might shop around and come home with an assortment of fresh flowers, however…a view of the dining room table doesn’t show a bouquet of fresh flowers, but an arrangement of dried hydrangeas. (I should have azaleas and snowball viburnum that I can cut in a few days.) In the meantime, I love the dried hydrangeas from my friend who owns a hydrangea farm. They provide a little cheer as I pass by many times a day.
Recently, I was honored to speak at the Gadsden Antiquarian Society. This lovely lady invited me and it was a pleasure to finally meet her. Kelly is as sweet as she is lovely. Several years ago I had the privilege of hearing my favorite interior designer, the late Charles Faudree, speak at the Gadsden Antiquarian Society. Being there once again brought back fond memories of Mr. Faudree autographing my copy of his first published book and taking time to chat with me.
For my long-time readers you might remember “that time I was a professor” at the University of Alabama Gadsden Center. I was honored to teach at OLLI, an academic cooperative that provides an opportunity for adults to learn for the pure joy of learning. Thirty seven ladies attended a class on tablescaping!
It was so much fun, and I was invited to return the following year. They were so kind to invite me again, but scheduling didn’t work out. Thankfully, scheduling did allow for my recent visit with the ladies at the Antiquarian Society. The blog has given me a platform to share many things I love and enjoy with a number of people. Because of that, I have been blessed with a number of opportunities to make live presentations. A live audience makes me a little nervous but I am so grateful for each invitation!
The Gadsden Country Club served a delicious lunch (I was told). But, as you know, “famous” people never eat before they speak. Ha!
My son Seth accompanied me and ran the media. It was next to impossible to take photos, so this is the only one I have of the actual presentation. Normally they have about 130 ladies, I think there were fewer on this particular day because the talk of the virus was making us all a little anxious.
So what did I share?? Tabletop styling and gardening! The media presentation included close to eighty photos. Aren’t you glad I chose just a few for this post? A trio of Mason jars filled with flowers found a lovely spot underneath the Lady Banks rose arbor.
A fun tropical setting at home…we may have to use our imagination for a visit to the tropics this summer.
I highly recommended drift roses to the would-be gardeners. You all know I am a fan of their fragrance and how easy they are to grow!
Some said I should come back and do an entire garden presentation. I am not an expert, just someone who is learning by trial and error! I was also asked if I had help, as in a gardener. My answer was, “not exactly, unless my husband counts!”
My garden has two types of hydrangeas…vanilla-strawberr
I still find that most people are not familiar with sunshine ligustrums.
I shared my love for zinnias and my success with planting from seeds!
A summer tablescape that features a zinnia centerpiece. I gave them ten table styling tips that I will share with you all in the future. Several ladies told me afterwards that the tips were most helpful!
The sunflowers and BLT charcuterie board were a big hit with the ladies!
One of my favorite summer tablescapes and stories…Hydrangeas and Seashells!
Our picnic table is a favorite spot for tabletop styling!
I had so much fun sharing with this attentive group! We didn’t have time for questions because someone likes to talk!
Thank you sweet readers for your visits and gracious comments. Praying that all of you stay well and find ways to delight in each day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Kudos to you Pam for your public speaking and presentation skills! I know your audience must have enjoyed you sharing your time and knowledge with them. Thanks for the flower therapy this morning. You’re exactly right about these strange times shining a new light on our everyday routines. I know I’ve already had a conversation with myself about never complaining about having too many errands to run again! Stay safe ♥
Thank you Mary. I think we shall all view things in a new light.
Wow, that must have been a fantastic presentation! Love seeing some of your pretty tables today.
Thanks so much Carole…it was fun!
Dear Pam, such a wonderful opportunity for you and for those who came to hear you speak. I am sure you gave a lovely presentation.
Have a great day and continue to be well, my friend.
Thank you Sandra! Stay well also my friend!
Oh how I would love to attend one of your presentations! You have so much to teach and share!
Everyday Living is just a little bit different during these trying times. But …with God All things are Possible! I have given it all to God!
Thank you for a lovely post and please be careful… stay safe my friend!
Nancy, it would be fun for you to join me. Yes, placing this into God’s hands is the best way to get through this. He is in control. You be careful also!
I would have loved to have been able to hear your presentations, dear friend, both for the information, and to see you in action. As you probably know, when we think of making a presentation to a group as similar to having a conversation with one person, the anxiety subsides. And what an honor it is, sharing our experiences and talents with others. I am sure that you were great! I will look for an opportunity to be in town when you re scheduled for a presentation, if you will allow me! And I love the tablescapes in this post!
Thank you Patti, I would love for you to be present when I share. You are always an encourager and that is a wonderful quality that you possess. Have a good day!
I would have loved to hear your presentation and love the tables you shared. I look forward to your ten tips.
Stay safe and enjoy your time at home. I really am enjoying it.
Thanks so much Bonnie, it was fun!
Pam, What a treat the ladies had to have you share your expertise with them! The dried hydrangeas are so pretty in your dining room. When we return to normal the grocery shelves will no longer like the Soviet Union or Cuba! When we were in Cuba a few years ago, listening to the guides as to how they procured their necessities was so interesting because if you needed eggs & saw someone with eggs, you asked where they got them. Same situation here but we do it via the Nextdoor app! Lol I vividly remember saying they would go crazy in our grocery stores! We’re still much more blessed but it’s so different from our concept of normal. It’s raining here but when it subsides I think I may cut a few branches of forsythia to bring inside. The pictures you share are always so crisp and colorful. We enjoy each post & look forward to the next. Looking forward to clear skies & the warm weather arriving in couple of days which we hope will help eradicate this horrible disease if we can get a few weeks of it consistently. Blessings to everyone! Stay well dear friend! Clara ♥️
Clara, thank you dear one. Butch went to two grocery stores this morning during the early senior adult hours and still couldn’t find many things on his list. Even meat wasn’t easy to come by. I am praying this will end soon.
We are under a tornado watch (Tuesday 9 pm). Hopefully we won’t have bad weather. Sunshine for a few days will be welcomed. Take care♥️
Loved this post! I used to do special tablescapes but got away from it. I really miss it. Also, I’d love to know when you speak again. I live not too far away and wild definitey make the trip to hear you speak!
Thanks so much Stacy! We must really get together soon.
Oh Pam, I know the ladies loved your presentation and seeing your gorgeous garden and table creations! What fun being able to share your talents live! So glad you got to do this before the stay home went into effect! At least you can enjoy doing things around your house and garden while we try to contain this crisis…enjoy the down time 💕
Jenna
Thank you Jenna, it was so much fun. Butch is keeping busy with outside chores, and there is so much I need to catch up in the house.
Hi Pam! What a feast for the eyes this morning, absolutely beautiful as always! Let me just say, anytime you’re up to loading 80 of your pictures…. please, go right ahead! I think it’s safe to say you won’t get the first complaint:). Praying you and your family stay safe and well.
How sweet, Brenda and thank you so much! Stay well dear one!
What a treat for those attending to be able to hear and see your presentation. This whole post looks like it belongs in a gorgeous home and gardening magazine. Your gardens, tables, and home is always stunning. Take care, and stay healthy, sweet friend!!!
Thank you Shannon. Take care and wishing you and your family good health!
Oh I would have loved to have heard you and seen you. I am afraid I might could not refrain from hugging! LOL! Hard for me, a hugger but trying to refrain. Ha! Lovely flowers and blooms. Your garden is so pretty. Stay safe dear Pam. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. It is hard not to hug during these unusual times. Virtual hugs are still needed.
A wonderful post. Trying not to covet! lol We all need to do our part during this pandemic so we can soon get back to normal. In Him we trust.
Amen Bobbie. God bless you and your hubby!
Pam, you are rocking those leopard booties! And how lucky to have Seth as your media guru. Charles Faudree is one of my all time favorites too…maybe looking through his books will be my entertainment today! I have been thinking a lot about The Story of Anne Frank and the horrors people went through during WWII. For me to have to sit in my house with food, electricity, Netflix, internet…there is absolutely nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for. Praying you, Butch, and the family remain healthy and safe.
Looking through older books is a great pastime, especially any of Faudree’s books. We don’t need to complain with all of the blessings that we have. Stay healthy!
Wow and wow. Your garden belongs in a coffee table book. I’m craving Spring more this year than ever and I’m just seeing the grass turn a little green. My sister has an arbor with Lady Banks Roses. It’s beautiful in bloom as yours is. I haven’t seen the drift roses and don’t know if they would survive here in a Colorado. I would so love to be one of the participants in your presentation. Stay safe and carry on.
Thanks so much Alice. Your comments are so sweet and encouraging. Stay safe my friend!
Oh Pam … what a lovely opportunity! Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall, soaking all the love and laughter and beauty in!
My spirits lift every time I look at your beautiful creations!
Thank you Linda! You are so encouraging, stay well dear one!
Congratulations,Pam! I would love to be there! You are a great artist! Thanks for sharing.Hugs and blessings!
Thank you dear Maristella! Hugs and blessing sweet friend ♥️
I always love reading your posts. Your lovely photos made my dreary day here in Michigan a little brighter. I appreciate your sense of style and your ability to make any table look grand, Before, I was diagnosed with lupus, I worked for a museum. For about twenty years, I did about six tablescapes for our local charity events every year. I have slowly been donating my fine china and crystal to my favorite non-profit thrift shops. It has been easier to do knowing that my lovely things will be put to good use and not just stored in someone else’s attic. But because of you, now I get to enjoy your beautiful tablescapes without washing any dishes!
Nancy, thank you so much for your kind words. I know your tables were fabulous and I love that you have donated your beautiful china to a non profit shop. Someone will cherish what you have donated. Take care of yourself and stay well ♥️
What a wonderful opportunity for you to show off your incredible skills. Everyone in the audience had to leave filled with inspiration to be creative.
It was fun, thank you Linda!
What a welcome reprieve to come here and find such beauty and peace! I so enjoyed reading about your speaking engagements and can only imagine how you blessed every attendee! God bless and keep you and your family healthy and safe, in Jesus’ name!
Thank you Cheryl. Stay safe and healthy!
Oh to have been in that audience to hear you impart your tablescape creativity, your gardening
discoveries and design. No doubt, you were met with an enthusiasm that comes from being
inspired by a “pro”… My cousin, the consumate gardener, is banishing her confinement woes
by getting out there and digging, while talking to the filtered earth….hat, hoe and all. This is a
time when we can indulge our interests without feeling like a thief, but industrious and useful.
Being sequestered, our routines out of whack, shortages at the market….these, too, shall pass and hopefully we will return to routine wiser, refined and grateful for a more deftly honed sense of contentment. How magnificent are His lessons. Bless you for your sunshine smiling pictures
and your inspiring presence among us, our dear Pam.
Thank you my friend. Your visits always encourage me♥️
What fun Pam! Those ladies had a real treat hearing you & sharing your passion! ♥
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you sweet Jennifer ♥️
How thrilling to be asked to give a presentation — and to be asked back! Congratulations!
Pam, what a delight for so many to be able to share your knowledge and talent. Your tables and garden are heavenly.
Thanks so much Linda🌷
Congrats Pam! I wish I could have been there to hear you and get your tips in person – it sounds like they have a wonderful group, and your photos are so inspiring! 😉 Can’t wait to see your garden flowers soon! Take care and thanks for the beautiful post!
Thanks so much Barbara. Take care!