On Saturday, July 30th I was involved in a one car accident. It seemed that I had blacked out at the wheel of my car but thankfully, did not hit anyone and only minor damage to my car.
What has transpired in the last 10 days since the wreck... has seemed like a dream, almost unreal. But, it was real and in this experience I have once again experienced God's Grace and Restoration.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I was admitted and checked from head to toe for neurological issues with most all returning normal test results. Right before they were going to dismiss me, the doctor stated that they were beginning to wonder if this might be a heart issue.
It was a heart issue. After another day of testing, including a stress test, they detected I had gone into VTAC (an irregular rhythm which can be fatal) at one part of the workout. Subsequently, they scheduled a heart cathetorization for the next day. The heart cathetorization was unsuccessful but did reveal the real problem. It was a congential anomoly with my heart that I never knew I had.
I underwent open heart surgery last thursday, August 4th and am happy to say that all went well! I'm home and of course, "itching" to get back to my Grace "A Place of Restoration".
I'm told that the aftermath of Heart Bypass includes a slow recovery often accompanied with much emotional residue. This is foreign terittory for me and so, I know I must take it a day at a time.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family who has put up with ALOT from me during the past week in the aftermath of the surgery and been by my side consistently, as well as my customers who have sent such warm and heartfelt notes of care and concern.
We're entering the fall season, a perfect time to set out on some needed walks according to my physician. I believe that we can all use a great outing and encourage you to check out Grace soon.... you'll be amazed. The store has been TOTALLY transformed with layout and treasures!
I am pleased and grateful for the hidden blessings that happen in our life . Let us take time to recognize them.
Blessings,
Karla
Decorating Ideas to Beat the Heat
Bringing the Outdoors In... "Decorating Ideas to Beat the Heat"
If you are like I am, you most likely despise the days like today when you open the front door freshly showered and ready to go only to find that you are "wilting" by the time you get to your car! And.... it's only 7:30 a.m.!!!
Perhaps it's my "season" in life (I'm 49) but I would much prefer spending time indoors this time of year to escape the heat. I find an inner "tug of war" however, given the fact that as I gaze out the window at the gorgeous vignette and haven which I have created outside in celebration of summer... I am now but an observer, unable to participate in its actual enjoyment.
The horrendous heat does not have to prohibit you from enjoying your garden pieces and outdoor decor which you so carefully selected and invested in. Consider bringing them indoors to create a summery refreshed look!
I absolutely love the look of a room which utilizes outdoor fixtures, furniture, accents and elements as enhancements to indoor rooms.
Over the past several years, our choices of garden ornaments and outdoor furniture have increased dramatically while the price point has decreased considerably given the numerous selections offered in the marketplace. Consider using iron, glass, shabby wood patio table and/or chairs in lieu of your everyday kitchen table and chairs . Place garden statuaries and concrete urns on dining tables, in bathrooms and entryways to give texture and interest to those areas.
My advice to your inner creative decorator who hates the heat... pull it indoors and enjoy!
Blessings,
Karla
The Power of Paint
I love the power of paint! I am an equal opportunity "paint anything" kind of decorator.Throughout the years, I found that as my decorating budget for my own home was less than prosperous... by painting pieces in dramatic and colorful tones... I could add unbelievable "pop" to any piece- truly giving it "new life". This was, of course, much to the dismay of many who were raised during the era of "never paint over wood".
I was daring, naive and the sky was the limit as far as I was concerned when it came to the boundaries of what could be painted and what could not. I would often joke with friends and clients that "I would paint my kids most likely if they stood still long enough"! Today, over 27 years later, I am the same passionate "painter" that I was many years ago.
I believe in the power of paint to transform a room- walls, ceilings, furniture, lamps, accent pieces... all are perfect candidates for my painter's palette. When I fill my store with unique pieces, they are pieces that I hand pick for their "good bones", and although often scarred, marred and needing lots of help... I see beyond their imperfections to the final result when I complete their makeover with paint as my miracle worker.
When deciding on a color of paint for a room or piece of furniture- be sure to invest in a few sheets of poster board. Cut the poster board into 4 sections and paint each with the paint color which you are considering. Put one swatch on each wall for your review throughout the day and over perhaps several days. I encourage my decorating clients to look at the paint color in the early morning when entering a room for the first time in the morning, the afternoon, and night.
It is also very important to view the color on cloudy days as well as sunny days. You will find that the color looks differently on each wall... even though it is the exact same color! The amount of light and reflections from the ceiling and floor alter the color tone.
My best advice from many years of experience is to not be afraid to experiment with color. For rooms that are very dark or even extremely light... consider going a bit deeper and more vibrant as light and wood absorb color like a sponge. Therefore, light colors tend to be washed out in such room environments.
Lastly, I will give a word to the wise warning... once color is introduced into a home, be prepared that you have now "opened a can of worms" so to say! Suddenly, rooms with simple, neutral tones look empty and in need of a makeover. Color changes are easy to do when using paint and certainly easy on the pocket book.
Blessings,
Blessings,
Karla
Tapestries from the Past
I have a particularly strong weakness for things from the past... pretty obvious for someone who owns a store specializing in such treasures. But perhaps one of the things I'm most fond of, enamored with and excited for are antique and vintage needlepoint canvases!
While a Chi Omega in college at Mizzou, I started the awesome pasttime of needlepoint. As memory serves me I began approximately 3 different projects- a bookmark, pillow and small eyeglass case... and never finished a one of them! In fact, I'm quite sure that I most likely sold them in a garage sale at some point. During my first pregnancy I took up the hobby yet again, this time determined to actually complete a piece. I'm not sure of what I was expecting but certainly once our litle "bundle of joy" arrived, the last thing that I had time for was needlepointing!
So... I am a needlepoint guru wanna-be:) My utter amazement and excitement when scouring for treasures is when I come upon an absolutely beautiful, completely finished needlepoint tapestry! You know the ones that somehow have made their way into a small shop, sitting hidden, folded and covered by other relics. A completely beautiful piece which most certainly took someone countless hours to complete! Here is what I have never been able to figure out... why in the world would someone take so much time and effort to create such beautiful pieces and yet let go of them.
Wouldn't you love to know the story behind the artist, the creator... the "finisher" if you will. That dedicated artist who loved it enough to choose the canvas and create the art!!
These needlepoint tapestries can be found in abundance at flea markets, antique stores, booths at malls, even garage sales. Pieces from times gone by, lovingly hand made treasures waiting to be rescued!!!
I will always choose to rescue most of these pieces. My imagination is to use them for framing as a piece of art, upholstery for a chair or bench, making a pillow.... or simply to "have" and to cherish.
So... for those of you that are the dedicated "finishers" of your hobby of needlepointing... I, for one, thank you and salute you for such wonderful works of art that seem to find their way into someone else's life.
Blessings,
Karla
Many of you have inquired as to if I have children. Yes, I am delighted to share with you that I am the proud mother of a son and two precious daughters. My son lives in southern California and the girls are closer to home! They are truly my support, help in many ways and when it comes right down to it.... my inspirations!
Today has been an exciting day! We just received a shipment of new treasures which we're diligently working to price and put out for your "treasure hunting" pleasure. The european carousel horse has arrived and is beautifully appointed in our center room.
I'm going to be putting blue ribbons on many items and starting wednesday, will be offering 10% off all blue ribbon items. Such a great time to acquire that larger ticket item you've wanted for so long.... or a small treasure ... perhaps a gift for father's day, summer wedding, etc..
Blessings to you and take a moment to put your feet up and sip a nice cool glass of lemonade:)
Karla
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