Sterling Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

No, I do not have a sterling silver teapot in my kitchen.  However, I came across The Lady in the Stone House by Tami when I was reading and leaving comments on sweet Eloise's blog.  Please lift Eloise's precious daughter, Vivian, in prayer.  She is extremely ill and in the PICU in their local hospital.

I do not know Tami.  However, what she wrote spoke volumes to me.  I hope you will take to heart this story.  Eloise is in the fire. And as I write this, I have many other friends who are in the fire. As Tami wrote, "Everyone has something, sometime when they have been in the fire. It's how you come out of the fire that matters."


Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"


This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were the hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Was last week a bit incomplete?  Did you feel you were missing something and your life was a bit out of sorts?  Well, have no fear... I know what it was:  you missed last week's Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations!  (Or perhaps I should say I missed it!)

I was at a US History conference (at our local college) for most of last week and just completely forgot.  But I am back with a photograph that we have in the breakfast room that just makes me smile every time I see it.   And how fitting... as the conference was about Colonial America and our founding fathers!

My BFF lives in Williamsburg, and this picture was taken four years ago when I took Sumter and Jackson up to visit her and her sons (Sumter's oldest best friend and his younger brother - my godchild).  We had spent the day at Jamestown and Yorktown, and the expressions on their faces epitomize the fun we had:  carving out canoes with oyster shells, exploring replicas of the ships that made the voyage across the Atlantic, and visiting the Revolutionary War camp.  What handsome - and inspirational - little patriots!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations (Edisto Version)

Love this sign we have hanging over the sink in our kitchen
at our home on the coast.  

Need a mama say more?

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

This is all I've got.  And yes, it is a lovely view from our front porch.  And yes, I am at Pawley's Island for four days.  But I am s-p-e-n-t spent.  I am done.  I need a cosmo cocktail drip. 

Why do you say that, Miss "It's a Golden Day" Bevy?  You tend to be so positive and glass half-full even in hard times.

Because I have reached my limit.  Read on...

• My children, who are very well-behaved around others, have shown they are also possessed little buttheads.  (Now remember, I have REACHED MY LIMIT as I am writing this post!!!)
• Sumter has a friend down here and Jackson doesn't. 
• Because of previous reason, Jackson is spending every moment of his waking moments bothering his older brother and friend.
• Because of previous reason, Sumter is yelling and whining at younger brother and ME (yes, I don't handle THAT very well at all).
• One fist fight ensues at 10:00 pm. over a portable DVD player.
• DVD player is confiscated until we get back home, as well as Sumter's pre-paid only cell phone.  (post about that later)
• The floor is being repaired in the kitchen and they found rotten wood underneath.  The entire contents of the kitchen are on the dining table in the sunroom.
• The refridgerator is in the hall, the dishwasher and stove are on the front porch and will be until Wednesday afternoon.
• We can not cook ANYTHING.
• On the beach, Sumter is being an obnoxious 11-yr-old, not listening and showing off his skim boarding tricks.
• Jackson tells me I am a bad mom for not letting him wear $50.00 Brooks Brothers emboidered lobster seersucker shorts to go crabbing in.
• I spend one hour in a surf shop while Sumter and friend pick out shell bracelets for their girlfriends.  OMW... they are only 11!
• Jackson is whining to his G-dad over the PFD (life preserver) he has to have for the planned boat ride today.
• G-dad yells he HAS HAD IT!
• After packing for planned boat ride in the river, G-dad's old Explorer will not start after boat has been packed for planned boat ride.
• More whining.
• Not one vegetable has been eaten by any child.
• My poor parents are having to deal with this.
• I miss my husband.
• I am NOT inspired today. 

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

We are celebrating the countdown to summer with decorated numbers on our refrigerator.  I printed out the numbers in fun fonts and Jackson colored them.

We are on "Days until school's out... 6".  

How can this NOT be inspiring?!?!?!

 

Tuesday's Pawley's Inspiration

This past weekend was one of the best I have had in a long time.  My mother (Mimi to those who are regular readers!), sister and I spent the weekend at my parents' home at Pawley's Island.  Pawley's  is a small but well-established beach community located in coastal South Carolina, about 70 miles north of Charleston and 20 or so miles south of Myrtle Beach. This relaxed resort area is often described - with great pride - as "arrogantly shabby" and is known to be one of the oldest and most popular summer resorts on the East Coast.  The quaint community is surrounded by salt marshes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  Historically, plantation owners flocked to the area seeking a retreat from the balmy air of the Waccamaw River in search of the cool sea breezes. Pawley's Island preserves its commitment to its roots, having only 600 homes on the entire island and no stores or restaurants  Not bad for a small, non-commercial island that is only four miles long and a quarter of a mile wide!

My father's parents built their home in the 1940s.  Not antebellum... but "arrogantly shabby" none-the-less!  We have been summering there all my life.  And this past weekend lived up to all I imagined it would with the two women closest to me.

All Mama wanted for Mother's Day this year was for the three of us to spend a weekend at Pawley's.  When I arrived late Friday afternoon, AS (my sister) and mother greeted me with a glass of white wine and an invite to "cocktail hour" on the dock.  We must have laughed for hours...

The next day was spent buying treasures at the shops on the mainland and a pedicure for our tired feet.  AS and I love our Jack Rogers...

But that night was what we were really looking forward to: supper at the divine Frank's Outback where we solved problems of the world over numerous cosmos and scrumptious food.  Again, we laughed and laughed, flirted (as only happily married women can do and get away with it!) with the waiter, and dined on some of the best food on the east coast.  We had so much fun that a family of three decided that we were perhaps too much fun to sit next to... so they moved tables!  The mother "humphed" a bit at this sixty-five year old lady and her two daughters. What a coup that was!  It made the evening that much better.

 

Yes, AS and I made it down to the beach the next day.  Sorry, no pictures of the sun goddesses... on purpose.  However, two discoveries were made:  A) When beach bags are concerned, great minds (or sisters) think alike!

and B) Who knew Perrier came in beach friendly bottles (plastic)?  They rock!

 

It was a Golden weekend... and one we plan on doing year after year!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Is summertime calling you?  This picture is on the bulletin board in my kitchen, and, oh, am I inspired to go to the lake and take a ride on the open water!  These nine children represent four families who spent time at the lake together last summer.  My sweet sister and her husband came around the bend and into our cove with these smiling faces, and...  Oh. my. word!  I almost doubled over with laughter.  It was just too much!  You'd never guess the boat is 20 ft. - it looks much smaller with all those happy chillens'!

Anyway, I just love this picture.  Reminds me of those clown cars at the circus with a million clowns pouring out... Get ready for summer, I guess!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspiration

Today is supposed to be my Tuesday's Kitchen Inspiration day.  It's supposed to be the day I look around my kitchen and find a photograph, picture or something that inspires me.  Today I saw this...

and this...

 and this...

and this...

 and this...

And guess what?  It was a mess, but... I am inspired.  I am thankful.  I am amazed.  I am all these things because I am so blessed that I have so much.  My family and I have so much that this large kitchen can, in fact, become such an enormous mess.  And then I realized that my kitchen is bigger than the home hut of most people who live the world around us.  My kitchen is bigger than their home!  I'd bet most of yours are too.

And even though it made me crazy this afternoon to have to clean it and nag the boys to get all their stuff out... again, I am blessed.  Even the contents of the mess speak volumes:  Jack Rogers sandals, Wedgewood everyday china, my old Junior League's cookbook, an Edisto (where we have our beach house) baseball hat, Cephlon pans, membership newsletter to our club, Crabtree and Evelyn hand soap.  I'd bet you'd find the same mess (if not better and more expensive).

Wow.  It really hit home, my messy kitchen.  My blessed, messy kitchen.  It was a Tuesday's Kitchen Inspiration.

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

I have this little easel by my coffee pot.  It is Proverbs 24:3-4.  Glancing at it each day reminds me that as my husband and I continue to build our home for our family, we must continue to grow in Wisdom.  Not the wisdom we all have to know what foods are healthy for our children to eat.  Not the wisdom to keep our cars and sprinkler systems maintained.  Not the wisdom to help our children with their homework.  We must grow in the Wisdom that is of God.  This Knowledge (Wisdom) sustains my family... and our home.  And everyday, I see its rooms filled with the rare and beautiful treasures.

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Ok, so I already gushed over Sumter in my last post, 

but eleven years ago today... 

on a Tuesday morning in fact, a little miracle arrived.  

It's hard to believe that this little six pound bundle

on Tuesday morning, April 13, 1999

is this sleeping bundle

on Tuesday morning, April 13, 2010.

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

You are an inspiration and

I love you...

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Every morning, this handsome guy rolls into the kitchen to grab his coffee.  That's why today, my husband is my Tuesday Kitchen Inspiration.  Yesterday was his birthday.  I won't tell you how old he is (except that he is two years older than me, and my birthday is in a few months...)!  And I also won't lie and tell you it was a wonderful day... we got into a little tiff for part of the day.  Yes, it was his fault.  But by around 4:00, everything was more than fine.  (This picture is on our way to dinner... which was divine, by the way!)

But why am I even bringing this up?  Because of how the above incident was rectified.  How he, my wonderful husband, fixed it.  He apologized.  He said, "I'm sorry.  I love you.  I hate that I made my bride upset."  I don't know many men who do that - first.  Who admit when they are wrong.  Who don't try to justify everything.  Who see that it sometimes is their fault.  Who are man enough to listen and take it all.

But I do know one man... and I do love you!

On another, completely different note, our store has been chosen to be Shopaholic in Alabama's "Shopaholic Giveaway Days" first giveaway!  She always has the inside scoop on good sales, great new shops around the country, and amazing finds.  And... I love reading about her wonderful DH!  What a cute couple they are!  Sweet Shopaholic has written quite a description of Tea Garden and all we have to offer.  Thank you, dahlin'! 

Oh... what are we giving away?  Go to her blog and see!  (Hint:  If you are pink and GREEN, you'll Lilly LOVE it!)
 

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations... Not!

The past month I have set aside Tuesday to share photos or objects in my kitchen (where we ladies tend to spend much of our time!) that inspire me.  However, this morning was a bit different.  As I looked out of my breakfast room windows, I was NOT inspired.  I was shocked.  I was perplexed.  I was stunned.

I walked out onto my deck and saw this:

This is the house at the end of our cul-de-sac.  I HAD to take a picture.  If I didn't, you would not have believed me.  As I was standing in the middle of our street, snapping away, another neighbor came out to see.  He took a picture with his cell phone.  There were no words spoken between us.  There was no need.  I am just thankful that today is trash day and when I got home from school, every bag was gone.

UPDATE:  Thank goodness the bags were full of leaves and yard debris.  So double thank goodness my neighbors aren't THAT trashy!  It's kind of crazy as I really don't know them at all. 

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Another Tuesday and another look around my kitchen for what inspires me and makes me happy.  I know I'm off on the season.  This was two years ago at Jackson's kindergarten Thanksgiving feast.  But I love these Lilly pink whale jeans!  I bought them in Chatham (on the Cape) a few years ago when I had my annual Connie "If You Weren't There, We Talked About You!" weekend.  I went to a wonderful girls school (to be PC, "womens college):  Converse College.  You can read about the last weekend we had in A Weekend at Connie's.

Anyway... I digress.  I am heartbroken that I can not get my fat derriere in said jeans.  Therefore,  I have this picture on my refrigerator as a kitchen inspiration.  I want these babies to be loose in September when I make my way back up to Nantucket! 

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

 

So this watercolor isn't really in my kitchen, but I can see it in the great room from my kitchen sink!  And it does so inspire me and make me smile as it reminds me of that wonderful Saturday we get to experience every March.  Some of you may have already seen it from yesterday's guest blog Mind Your Manners' Monday: People with Disabilities at Entertaining House.  And I read so many sweet comments on it.  Thank you for being so receptive!  And thank you, my dear friend Jessica, for your support!

We love the Aiken Steeplechase in late March.  The weather is always so lovely with a gentle breeze and the azaleas beginning to bloom... I'm getting spring fever right now, just sitting on my front porch in a rocking chair, laptop in my my lap. Steeplechase is the perfect time to get out the Lilly skirts and Jack Rogers sandals.  Mike always wears a pair of loud (AKA obnoxiously preppy) pants... or shorts if the weather is warm enough.  One year, it was Lilly's pink and green giraffes.  Here, we have a classic and subdued (LOL) patchwork.

The boys love the races and have so much fun running around passing the hat for the bets on the horses.  I don't think we are contributing to the delinquency of our sons!

I love the beautiful tables and flower arrangements the women prepare.  The silver (or Mariposa) trays full of chicken salad sandwiches and fresh strawberries.  (You know I will blog about it later!)

And Mike... he just loves a good bourbon and coke!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Love these pictures of Sumter and Jackson.  They were taken the day Mike and I got married.  These little guys walked me down the aisle that rainy June afternoon.  As I mentioned before in Meet My Husband - Part II, they wore the Palmetto Tuxedo of khakis, white shirt, tie, and navy blue blazer.  By the reception, the blazers were gone and the Vineyard Vines ties were askew...

...But so cute I've always wondered if I should submit these pictures to Shep and Ian.  I just know their Tuesdays would be as inspired as mine!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

Here 's a picture that inspires and
makes me smile every time I see it!

It was at a casual fundraiser for the Gamecock Club here in Aiken.

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

I have this to the right of my cooktop on my island in my kitchen. (I'll show you the one I have on the other side another day...)  As I make pancakes every morning for the boys, I am blessed by this message from Lamentations.  It reminds me that every single day, God grants us grace and mercy over and over... and over and over.  What an amazing promise to start the day with!

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

In reading more and more blogs, I have noticed that many of you cute girls have a weekly "thing" that you share each week.  I know you are all so excited and are waiting with baited breath to be inspired with a new fabu recipe to share with your family.  But I am not a gourmet... and though I do enjoy it, cooking does not inspire me.

This does.  I have pictures all over my kitchen, as that is where I spend most of my time.  I add pictures.  I switch them out.  I add more.  Some are in acrylic frames.  Some are clipped to the bulletin board.  Some are on the fridge.  I love these pictures and the people in them!

So... every week, I will share one photo that is a
"Kitchen Inspiration".

 

This is my sweet Aunt Laura (Aunt LaLa to the kiddos) a few 

summers ago at our family's annual week at Kanuga, 

in the mountains of North Carolina.

She is the best... My sister and I loved her so much as little girls

and so do our children! 

I absolutely love this picture of her, Sumter and Jackson 

and their sweet little cousins.  

They were playing "band" and were having so much fun.  

My two were in shorts and Masters and Edisto t-shirts 

(typical boys)... 

Look at my cute nieces in their matching 

monogrammed dresses and monster grosgrain bows! 

Inspired...