“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3
Happy Thursday dear readers. I realized it has been quite a while since I last did a “this and that” or a “musings” post. Since this has been the most unprecedented time in my life, I thought it would be interesting to document a few details. For the past fifty three (53) days we have been sheltering in our home. I have made one trip each to the grocery store, Lowe’s, a garden center, and a Chick-fil-A drive thru. Of course, I see my eighty-nine year old Dad almost daily to take him dinner and make sure he is doing well. That has been the extent of my leaving home.
So what has been happening on the home front for the past 53 days?
Lots of reading, gardening, listening to birdsong symphonies, and way too much eating.
Butch and I have greatly missed our church family for the past seven Sundays. We are so thankful for technology that allows us to sit in our kitchen and participate in worship as our son, Seth leads and our wonderful pastor delivers a Christ-centered message. For Easter Sunday, Seth digitally mixed our praise team and musicians. Each member videoed themselves in their home and Seth put it all together. When I heard it on Easter Sunday, I became teary-eyed. I can’t remember if I have told you that I play keyboard and Butch plays acoustic guitar for our church. It is a big blessing to play with our son leading. You probably don’t know that I began playing in church when I was only twelve years old and have played almost continuously since. I began as church organist and in the late 80’s switched to keyboard. My love of music was passed down from my sweet Daddy, Butch’s mom passed on the gift to him. Seth grew up in our home where music was a constant. He taught himself to play guitar with a little help from Butch, and he has an incredible voice that sounds so much like Butch.
Our girls have been over several times to stay with us. They are so much fun, they sure make a day brighter. This was their egg hunt in the garden on the Saturday before Easter. Several readers have commented about their clothes. Ella Mae prefers to wear dresses for everyday, Emma doesn’t have an opinion as of yet. I receive so much pleasure in buying clothes for them. Ella Mae’s daisy dress was bought in Highlands when we were there in February to celebrate our anniversary. I bought Emma the cutest little strawberry outfit she will be sporting soon!
My daily wardrobe choice has been basically the same…sweat clothes! However, I must say I have not watched my church service in pajamas. I am not judging if you have (lol).
So many bloggers have quit blogging and are concentrating on Instagram. I don’t know how many of my readers do Instagram, but it is a wonderful outlet to get your blogging content out there. I was most surprised when Southern Lady messaged me to get permission to use my cherry blossoms in blue and white vases. Of course, I said yes. It received much more attention than when I posted it. I have often said Southern Lady and Victoria are my favorite magazines. Hoffman Media, headed by the lovely Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, is headquartered in Birmingham, AL.
Our handsome son and beautiful daughter-in-love! They are wonderful parents and do a great job juggling everything they have on their plates!
I think “little miss blue eyes” looks just her daddy’s baby pictures, and she definitely has his blue eyes!
Every week Victoria Magazine chooses five photos from Instagram accounts to spotlight in their stories. It is always a pleasant surprise to be highlighted!
We have spent many hours in the garden…weeding, planting, removing, and adding. Butch decided he wanted a raised bed for his sunflowers. I said, “It looks like the perfect buffet for the deer!”
Something new is coming and I am beyond happy! I can’t wait to share my surprise with you!
April Cornell linens are always favorites and I have collected several tablecloths. They asked permission to use some of my photos on their Instagram. The vintage watering can filled with spring flowers has been one of my most popular pins on Pinterest. The arrangement is on a “cottage rose” AC cloth.
An Easter Tablescape that I set on our picnic table is also wearing the “cottage rose” cloth!
April Cornell posted this photo last week. This is the “zinnia bouquet” tablecloth… a tablescape from last summer when my zinnias were in bloom!
I believe this has been the prettiest spring in my recent memory. Flowers and trees have been showing off vivid hues and leaves have been all shades of green. We have foraged our woods and have been smitten with all the wildflowers. I leave you with this bouquet and this song that was released last week. I rarely love a song the first time I hear it, but this one was an exception.
I would love to know how you have been sheltering in place. Have you completed some projects, read any good books, baked any new cake recipes, taken long walks? Wishing you a safe and lovely weekend!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Good morning Pam, I know it’s not too much of a hardship sheltering in place at your beautiful home and gardens! I am so glad you are getting to see your family, and how wonderful of you to take dinner to your Dad everyday! It is amazing how we have been able to adapt, and socialize through video and social media. I really don’t miss shopping and Amazon has fulfilled many of my needs. I have really enjoyed not having days eaten up with errands and meetings although I do miss my friends…thank goodness for Facetime, Zoom, and Instagram! I’m glad it’s Spring too, this staying at home would be much more difficult on dreary cold days. Your family photos are great! And how awesome to connect visually every Sunday with your church…Congrats on all the magazine and Instagram recognition!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. I agree, this sheltering at home during winter would have been much harder. Happy Mother’s Day ♥️
Beautiful . Thank you so much for sharing
Thank you Judy!
Good morning sweet friend,
This might be one of my favorite posts. I love seeing your family. There is such talent in this family. Seeing your son leading worship has to be a blessing indescribable for you. The photos of you and Butch with the girls just warms my heart. Two out of three of these tables are my favorites. The one with the watering can and April Cornell cloth is my very favorite. It seems to encompass all beauty. I can’t even describe it. There is so much going on at your farm and then a surprise. I am like a child waiting on a surprise. I will be anticipating this until you reveal. You have blessed my life in a way you will never know. When I first starting blogging, Jennifer set me up on FB and Instagram but I have not pursued either. On your recommendation today, I am going to have her help me do Instagram. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family and we will get through this together trusting God every step.
Thank you Dianne. You are a blessings and encourager. Yes, do try Instagram, there is a lot of gardening that I know you would enjoy. Happy Mother’s Day my friend♥️
Pam, just learned that used coffee grounds mixed with crushed egg shells will keep deer away from plants. I think Starbucks gives their grounds away. Not sure. You have become famous. How could you not with all the beauty you share with us from your home. This is week number 8 for us to shelter in place, but we have been to the grocery store, Home Depot, and the chiropractor recently, all with masks and disposal gloves. We shared plants with our neighbor and have been also sharing meals with our 90 year old neighbor whose 96 year old wife recently passed. Life and death goes on. Church services have been on line and Easter Sunday there were over 9000 tuned in to our worship service with baptisms taking place. God will not be mocked.
Thank you dear Alice. How sweet to to check on and help your neighbors. I know you all are a blessing to them. Wow, you must have a very large church. Amen!
Good morning, dear friend. This is another beautiful post. I especially love all of the family photos. The flowers are beautiful, and your tables always delight. I also love the AC tablecloths, and they complement your tablescapes beautifully. Love to all.
Thanks Patty and Happy Mother’s Day my friend.
This is one of my favorite’s Pam. Loved all of it!
Thanks so much dear one!
Family pictures are more precious than ever these days!
Yes they are Michele.
Good Morning Lovely Lady and Family,
Oh this is such a rich post filled with such blessings. Remarkable gardens, decor, family and music time!
I had no earthly idea that you were gifted with the blessings of musical talent and that as a family you passed this on to your son. So much goodness here, Pam. This is just what our hurt world needs, to see the natural God given blessings of love, family and the good earth.
I know that Papa of yours appreciates you so much and what a dear daughter you are.
I am so happy and proud for and of you for being recognized by these tried and true gentle magazines.
This post brings me so much inner joy and peace too and I thank you.
Blessings to you sweet friend,
Jemma
Jemma, you are a blessing to me and such an encourager dear one. God is good and faithful. Happy Mother’s Day my sweet friend!
Pam, The family pictures are precious! The daisy dress on EM is darling. Congratulations on being featured on various Instagram pages! You deserve it and always do a great job. How wonderful to be musically inclined and enjoy it with family. It’s such a blessing to be an integral part of the church. We know you must be so proud of Seth. Your entire family is a blessing to us when you share pictures and events especially during this time. Thank you for such uplifting and cheerful posts! Have a wonderful day. Clara ♥️
Thank you dear Clara. Our church family is so dear to us. Much love to you♥️
Thank you, this was a lovely post. Stay safe and healthy.🙏🏻
Thank you Dorothy. Stay well!
I’m so glad you are having a pretty spring (as your photos certainly tell!) It makes challenging times more bearable when you can see such beauty. I especially love the photos of you and Butch with the girls. And what fun kudos from so many favorite sources! Well done, Pam. I don’t do instagram (so I’m extra glad you do your blog!) but I can see where it has some extra plusses. Now and again if I think to, I’ll check it myself but I never post there!
Thank you Jeanie. Wishing you a most wonderful Sunday!
Ah, Pam, such a glorious post. Those precious girls are wonderful and little Emma, does look like her daddy. You are a talented lady as is your family. Congratulations for your magazine recognition. Your work is certainly worthy. Have a lovely day and weekend, my friend. I’ll be looking forward to your surprise. ❤
Thank you dear Sandra. I am not sure about the talent, it may be more perseverance. I can’t wait to share my surprise. Happy weekend!
I am a recent subscriber to your blog and just had to tell you that have inspired me to add more beauty to my home and yard. You have been blessed with a multitude of gifts, may God be praised!
Carla, welcome and it is so nice to meet you. Thank you for your sweet comments, yes, may God be praised. Thank you for being a new subscriber. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Adorable post,my dear friends…You always are an inspiration.Blessings.
Thank you Maristella!
I always enjoy following you on Instagram. And enjoy all your features! so well deserved my friend! And the daisy dress Ella is wearing reminds me of a daisy dress my Mom made for me and then I had to pose in front of her Daisy Garden! I need to find that picture.
As for us… we are getting out into nature as often as possible. We have been enjoying bike rides but in the early morning as it has turned hot! Hotter then it is suppose to be for us right now in AZ.
You are always an inspiration… my “rare Jewel!”
Happy Thursday to you!
Thank you Nancy. Oh I would love to see you in the daisy dress in front of the daisy garden. Please post when you find the photo. Happy Mother’s Day my sweet friend ♥️
Happy Mother’s Day dear Pam!
I love your musings today! So much talent and love in one family, what a blessing. Whenever I see Hoffman Media has featured you, it makes me so happy for you!! Online church sure is not the same as actually being there, and I really miss it. Last night my church had a drive by parade for the young woman who is in charge of our Sunday School. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer last summer, has finished chemo and radiation, and is having exploratory surgery tomorrow. She is such a dear person with a husband and 2 young sons, and we had a large turnout of cars to wish her well.
Thank you dear Roxanne. I love that your church had the drive by parade for the young lady in charge of Sunday School. I know it was an encouragement and blessing to her. Hope your weekend has been good so far.
I am beginning to think the new normal of sheltering at home is having hiccups because I forgot to look at blogs today! I have the new thing of walking everyday and it is time consuming! I overslept and my rule is to have my quiet time before I read any social media. Sometimes things get out of order and today was like that. I forgot all about media and just focused on my home but here I am tonight.
Pam, I loved your” this and that” and especially the pictures of your worship and the Video you shared. I need more music in my life.
I think I can guess your surprise and I am happy for you.
Congratulations on all your magazine recognition. You are very deserving of those honors.
Love all the family pictures.
Thanks so much Bonnie. This sheltering has caused my normal routine to go haywire. I understand completely. I thought you might figure out the surprise, I am so excited! Happy Mother’s Day!
I will try to recreate the comment I wrote and lost. Today has been crazy. I over slept and my day started differently. I have a rule I have my quiet time before I read any email, blogs, or social media. After my quiet time I dressed for walking and was out the door. I realized the entire day after my walk and an few errands I read instagram but no blogs! Only tonight, I checked FB and there was a post from you. I loved all the ” this and that” and especially loved that you shared your music and worship participation. I had not seen the Stephen Chapman video.
So much to be thankful for and these days it is easy to forget things. I am guilty of forgetting. Blessings to you. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you Bonnie, your first comment came through!
I’ve been remiss in stopping by and so enjoyed my visit this evening. I’ve been baking a lot and I also pulled out my crochet and started crocheting again (after 12 years). I’m missing all of our friends and our outings. I’m such a social person and this is getting real old. And, my 90 year old dad is in an assisted living facility that I have not been able to go into since March 13th. I can hardly stand it. I do talk to him via the phone everyday but it just isn’t the same. I heard Stephen’s new song a couple weeks ago and love it! Have a great weekend!
Thank you Lea for stopping by. I wish I knew how to crochet, such a beautiful art form. Happy Mother’s Day!
Congratulations on all of your shares and mentions, sweet friend! You certainly deserve them and your beautiful blog should be viewed by everyone everywhere! Is there any way you can share the video of your son and worship team singing? That would be wonderful! We are a very musical family, too. It is such a blessing to be able to listen and play and sing during these troubled times. God bless all of you and keep you safe and healthy!
Thank you sweet Cheryl. I can share the FB through email I think. I will try it. Happy Mother’s Day my friend!
Delightful post Pam! And congratulations dear friend on your magazine front pages!
You have had a sweet family time in your sheltering!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Stay safe and Happy Mother’s Day my friend ♥️
Thank you Pam! ♥
Isn’t it amazing how God knew we needed an extra-beautiful spring to relieve all of the stress going on elsewhere? We just sit outside, and actually eat outside most nights. Everything is blooming and chirping like crazy, and I’ve even spotted a few lightning bugs for the first time in years! I love your yard and can’t wait to see what the surprise is!
Thank you Leslie Anne. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day!
Hello Pam, Love your blog. Your gardens and tablescapes are the prettiest I have seen. No wonder the magazines want to use your photos. I also love the Hoffman publishing line of mags. Southern Lady is one of my favs and Victoria was my Mom’s favorite magazine. We live in Maryland and have also been sheltering in place. I have made a few trips to the grocery store but that is about it. We live in a small town. I am blessed to have a job where I am able to work from home. It was a struggle the first couple of weeks but I have gotten into a routine and I kinda like it now. LOL! I am a homebody anyway so the “staying at home” hasn’t been so bad. We have 5 acres and I have been walking the property everyday (weather permitting) and sprucing up my gardens. I have also been reading. I just finished Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which was very good and just started Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It is supposed to get quite cold here tonight so I am hoping after this the weather will warm up and I can get some more outside work done.
I am also missing Church but have been watching online.
Take Care and Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you so much Lynda for your sweet and gracious comments. I loved Where the Crawdads Sing, and I think you will enjoy it. Let me know what you think of the book. Stay safe and Happy Mother’s Day!
Hi Pam, I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Your grandgirls are adorable and I love seeing EM in her cute dresses. The photo of her gazing up at Butch should be framed! I can’t believe how long we’ve been sheltering at home. Thank goodness for spring and gardening season. It’s helped me pass the time at home and burn a few of the calories I’ve consumed from baking and eating. I love Butch’s new raised bed for the sunflowers, I hope the deer stay away! If I had to guess, I’d say he’s starting to work on your potting shed…what fun! Thanks so much for sharing the uplifting video and congrats on all your IG features, one day I’ll have to board the IG train. 🙂 Happy Weekend ♥
Thank you Mary. Gardening has been so comforting during this time, and so has eating. It has been like I have a license to eat more than normal. I must get back to my healthy eating habits.
Happy Sunday!
Congratulations on your features on different Instagram pages. That’s exciting!! I can see why they featured your photos – they’re gorgeous! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Michelle.
My dear friend, I read your post with some delay. I have so many things on my mind that sometimes I miss going through all the emails I receive.
You know dear friend that this virus has made us the inhabitants of this world equal our lives. I read your life story in this period and thing for thing is similar to mine: Being at home, going to the supermarket, attending Mass from home on TV, reading, writing and that is my whole life …
I cannot see my grandchildren and daughters because they live in different locations and if it is not for work, you cannot leave Majadahonda, which is where I live.
I think this virus is stealing part of our lives and even though I am an active and positive person, sometimes I feel sad.
Let us pray that this virus leaves us and we can continue with the active and calm lives that we all want.
A big hug
Querida Dolores, estoy muy contenta de que tengamos la Biblia, la música, la naturaleza y las formas de hablar con nuestra familia durante esta pandemia. Lo sé, ya que no puedes salir de tu casa, debe estar muy solo. Estoy pensando en ti y espero que esto termine más pronto que tarde. Bendiciones y abrazos, Pam
Pam, I really enjoy your blog. We share so many of the same interests, and since our downsize, I love gardening virtually with you & Butch (but trust me, I know the work you continuously do behind those beautiful scenes). Can’t wait to see what’s coming in that square plot. Your family life and pictures are so wonderful, and I’m happy you share it all. The Hoffman Media magazines are, hands down, my favorites too, so to see you being recognized is a thrill for me for you! I hope someday they do a feature story on your home and gardens.
and ps…I’m thrilled daughter-in-love wants the faience!
Rita, thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments. Butch and I have about done ourselves in this spring in the garden and yard. We tore out two sections of our landscaping in front of our house and have it partially replanted with more to do. As you know, it never stops. Happy Mother’s Day my friend!
Good morning, Pam! I’m so sorry I’m so late commenting. Even though we are sheltering in place, I get so busy and the days seem to fly by. Congratulations on all of your features! It is well deserved! They are all so beautiful! We haven’t been able to visit our family, but talk on the phone everyday. We have to be extra careful because of my daughter and son’s immune system and my asthma. Not being able to spend time with our family is starting to wear on me. Tomorrow for Mother’s Day, I’m going to take some baked treats and flowers to my Mom and Mother In Law and set them on their porches. It will be so good to see their faces even if it is from a distance. Take care, and have a wonderful weekend dear friend!
Thank you sweet friend. Our governor is moving to open restaurants and salons. Hopefully sooner than later we can get back to some form of normal. Missing major holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day is very difficult. Wishing you a blessed Sunday!
I love you like family and thank you for the joy and beauty you bring to our lives. It is day 55 and counting. Sounding not unlike Queen E, I am praying for deliverance from this tribulation so that families can truly be rejoined to comfort and uplift
one another. This has been somewhat of a war to test one’s resolve, but we are meeting the challenge and showing the mettle of which we are made. Most of us are looking up – to Him – and your choice of Psalm 53:6 is spot on. The pictures of
you, Butch and the Sugar Plums are so heartwarming. All the gifts of life, no matter how small, have become so much more
meaningful and one cannot go out into nature and absorb the sun, the sounds, the sights without being humbly grateful…not
so obvious at the former pace of living. Let us promise ourselves to become the historical repositories of this period; to share
not so much the negative, but the grace, the courage, the compassion and the willing sacrifice we have witnessed. You and
Butch have been an added light of spiritual radiance through it all…bless you.
Mary, your sweet opening sentence brought tears. You are a blessing dear friend. You are a writer, and surely you writings have been shared in the public forum. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day! ♥️
It is no surprise to me that the magazines and others want permission to use your photos, they are always beyond pretty and inspire us all.
Thank you for your gracious comments Karen!
I have definitely spent far to much of my time eating too!
I totally understand!