Archive | November 2011

Decorate Your Home With Me…

Nov30

"Decorate Your Home" By, Nancy Alexander

With Nancy of Ladybug Wreaths…

A week or so ago, I posted some pictures of our home at Christmas since many of you have been asking to see how it looked all decorated.  I didn't have time to post many that day, so I will put up a few more today.  Okay… I know already what you are going to ask.  The answer is:  "No, I still have not had time to decorate this year — I am working on things for others!"  Well, that is the life of a designer… 🙂  Steve and I will get it done soon!

We have been blessed with many wonderful Christmas decorations that I just had to bring home from my shop each year.  Many are unique and one-of-a-kind.  There is only one problem!  As special and unique as they all are, it is a MAJOR ordeal to bring them down from upstairs each year.  I have so many, that we never put them all out, but we still have to bring them down anyway as we decide which to display, and which to pack back up.  Okay dear children of ours…lol…now is a very good time to take a few of these special "treasures" off our hands!

"Sebastian Greystone Piece de Resistance" is no longer with us, but this is still one of my FAVORITE pictures!

I LOVE a mantle decorated with fruit such as pineapples, apples, pomegranates, pears, as well as many types of greens and berries!

 

Close-up view!

 

An antique kerosene lamp (now electric) looks great stacked on my old gardening books and displayed with an antique (and very valuable) Tom's peanut jar from my Grandfather's old country store.  It is filled with treats for our Christmas guests!  And our grandchildren just 'need' a bowl of M&Ms sitting around for them to eat and eat and eat… lol

 

Started not to use this picture of our Christmas Tree!  My hair is way too short, and this was before I lost much more weight — but… oh well!  We have a very full 9 foot Christmas tree and that will still not hold all of our ornaments, berries, flowers, and ribbons.  We just stop when it looks full enough!

 

Do you spend much time on your Christmas packages?  Well, we do.  That is very important at our house.  I save many ribbons on the ends of rolls throughout the year.  I pick out about 3 to 4 patterns of wrapping paper which look good together and use those along with our left over ribbons.  I then use left over berries from my shop.  But the rest — the greens — are picked out in my yard.  They look very pretty with their stems tucked underneath a bow and smell great on our packages.  Our guests get so excited about the way their gift looks that they really don't want to open it…

 

We go UP with our Christmas decorating too!  If we didn't do that, then everything certainly would not fit.  I love one of my favorite Santas sitting on the top of my china hutch.  This hutch is filled with my red and white Johnson Brothers "Old Mill Stream" China.  This china has been discontinued for years, but a dear friend found most of it for me at flea markets in Switzerland.  She was an International airline attendant, which gave her access room on each plane to stash filled suitcases for the trips home.  She never broke a single piece!  And… this red and white looks so beautiful for Christmas!

Next week, we'll go outside with out Christmas Decorating!  That is always SO much fun…

Have fun decorating!  Be creative!  Use things you have never used before!

It’s Not About Me

Nov27

"It's Not About Me" By, Nancy Alexander

Sing Until The Whole World Hears…

My heart is overflowing this morning.  We just got home from church a little while ago.  Our pastor talked about… "It's Not About Me."  And, it is not.  It is about you – everyone who has been sent into my path.  And something else was mentioned this morning during the sermon:  "Sing Until the Whole World Hears…"  That's what I want and need to do!  Well, not necessarily sing, because in spite of all the gifts I have been blessed with, singing is not one of them!  But, I want to use my voice, which is my God-given talent, to encourage you by introducing you to color, design, and the opportunity to learn to make something beautiful with your own hands. So, I will sing, so to speak, as I encourage many of you (who are burdened with chronic diseases, depression, and a lack of direction and joy in your lives) by singing as loudly as I know how.  This way I can get my message across to those of you who are in pain and need encouragement!  NOW, THAT IS WHERE I CAN SING! 

Lately, my husband and I have felt like God is definitely leading us on His path.  It is a very curvy path so we can't see too far ahead.  It is dark in places, and all we can see is God's hand reaching out to us motioning us to follow Him.  We are following with 'blind' faith, but we are DEFINITELY following.  And, we will follow wherever and whenever God leads us.  We thought by now that we would know exactly where this path leads.  We have some idea, because of the brokenness we have both experienced in these last few years.  God has reached down into "our pit" and has pulled us out of pain and suffering.  He has held us and has opened our eyes to such beauty, joy, and splendor – more than we could have ever imagined.  I feel it is now my/our responsibility to help those who contact me daily wanting to know how to do what I do while dealing with a chronic illness.

 

God has Richly Blessed us in So Many Ways!

 

Our own experiences with 'brokenness' are what we fall back on when we tell others:  "We understand, we have been there, we can help you."  Our 'beautifully broken' lives were put back together by His own hands.  In so doing, He has equipped us to be able to help and encourage others whose lives are broken right now.  But, sometimes, this means we need talk about our past problems and our secrets.  We need to share the circumstances of our brokenness – you know, the things you really never want to talk about with anyone else.  He is definitely leading us in a specific direction on this path of His!  He will give us strength, He will give us courage, He will reach out to us and hold on tightly as we put our 'trust' in Him.  We read His word, pray, and listen with open hearts searching for his voice – "His Leading".  But in spite of our searching, we have still not been able to discern exactly what His will is for us.

And…We are SO Richly Blessed With Family!
 

At 61 years old, we now feel like so many years of our lives were taken up battling the insidious diseases of Fibromyalgia and Celiac.  These diseases struck early in my life, which means I have fought them for over 30 years.  They not only attacked my physical body, they were also attacking our marriage and our family at the same time.  I researched and I was the first to diagnose what was wrong, after being sick for 15 years, but it was not until around 5 years ago that God led us to a marvelous, Christian specialist.  If I had not received help when I did, I probably would not be on this earth today — or, if I was, I would most certainly be in a wheel chair.  That is what my doctor has told me.  She literally said to me that 90 to 95% of people suffering what I have would be dead by now.  Hearing that has definitely made a difference in the way we both feel about life, and our purpose here upon this earth!

A desperate woman in tears called me at home yesterday.  This was like so many other calls and emails I receive — sometimes every single day.  She has MS, as well as another serious health problem.  Her grown daughter lives at home with her because she needs a kidney and is also in very serious shape.  This woman is married, her husband has a full time job, but he still will do all he can to help his wife and daughter enjoy happy, productive lives.  She says she and her daughter are just "waiting to die".  They have no hope, they have no joy, they have no happiness, they have nothing to look forward to.  She cannot work.  She thinks every day; "What can I do?"  What can I do to bring some joy into my life?  What would my body be able to do?  Anything, Lord, anything???

Oh… this touches my heart deep within my soul!  I was there!  I know how she feels!  I remember having hope for the first few years as I prayed day after day for healing.  But, year after year, as time went on, my hope and my determination were gradually disappearing.  I couldn't take care of my children.  I felt like such a failure as a mother and a wife.  I prayed every day.  I pleaded with God; "Please God, please…show me what I need to do!  Please lead me to a doctor who understands that I am really sick and is willing to try to find out what is wrong with me.  Please give me a heart that is filled with joy and happiness as I look around at my beautiful family wanting to enjoy a 'normal' life with them.  Please give me some way to make extra money to help pay our mounting bills.  Please help me to use my artistic talents to do something, or to make something beautiful.  When each day is over, I want to feel like I have been the BEST mother I could be.  I want to feel like I have been the BEST wife I could be.  And, I want to have been able to do something creative with my hands — something that brings a smile to my face as well as to other faces that is proof – proof that Nancy was here today, that she lived her life today as best as she possibly could, and that she created something beautiful that proves she was here!"

As I was talking to this lady on the phone yesterday, she told me she wanted every product that I offered.  She had just joined our coaching club (www.BestOfNancy.com), and she wanted all of my DVDs, my "Secret Vendor List", and my wreath-making easel.  She and her daughter were SO VERY excited that they had finally found something they thought they could do that would really bring joy to each day.  Her husband was willing to figure out a way they could each work standing and sitting as needed.

I say over and over in just about everything I write that my goal is to make a difference in the lives of others as I teach them a hobby that has made such a difference in my life.  I want to give to 'you' a reason to get out of bed in the morning…to wake up with such a start of anticipation that you just cannot lie in bed, no matter how bad you feel.  Your brain starts thinking.  This makes your body be energized as it is filled with thoughts of something special you can do that day!   YOU CAN DO THIS!  Even in my weakest, darkest times, I could find a few minutes, then a few hours, and then even days when I could got my mind on something fun and exciting, I then the energy followed!  YES, YES, YES… YOU Certainly Can do this too!

This morning as I sat in church, my husband and I both felt touched by God at the same time.  We then got a glimpse of the path we are supposed to be on.  That doesn't mean it will be easy — but we were never promised that life would be easy.  We were only promised that God would always be with us – beside us.  He has been beside me/us all along as we have been on this painful journey.  We now know that we have traveled this journey so that we could help, encourage, and sympathize with others who are now on this journey.

Technically, I still have Fibromyalgia, and will always have Celiac Disease.  I eat exactly what I need to eat on my Celiac diet.  I take the supplements my Dr. says will help and even cure my body.  We are SO BLESSED!  Please let me encourage you and teach you to do something in your life which will bring a smile along with a sense of accomplishment!  And, together… "We Will Sing Until The Whole World Hears…"

I Thank You God

Nov22

"I Thank You God" By, Nancy Alexander

Blessings of Life, Health, Love & Happiness…

I've been working pretty hard in the last few weeks.  I realized that my "Secret Vendor List" had been out for exactly one year, and an update needed to be done.  At first, I thought the things that needed to be checked, and/or changed were minor – that these things wouldn't take long at all.  I could certainly get this done in just a couple of days.  Well, that thought is ALWAYS my downfall!  I am somewhat of a perfectionist, and if I'm going to do something, then, it is going to be right. 

I know you're wondering how this is getting around to blessings, right?  Well, I mentioned the update of my eBook in the first paragraph to let you know why Steve and I went to one of my supplier's warehouses last Friday.  This particular vendor/supplier did not have a catalog, or a website, so I needed to take new pictures of some of their merchandise and we planned to film a video to use to promote my book as well.  This is a three-generation wholesaler – good people – I have purchased materials and supplies from for many years.  And, since I wanted the very best information for my customers – our trip was planned.

While we were in their "huge" warehouse finishing the filming of my video, I called my friend and employee Kim asking her questions about supplies we needed.  Kim asked me how I was doing.  I hesitated just a little as I wondered why she asked that particular question, finally answering: "Fine".  Then before hanging up, I felt the urge to ask her why.

As we talked, Kim reminded me that only a few short years ago – maybe four – when I went to this warehouse to purchase materials and supplies, I had to be pushed around in a wheelchair because of the grip Fibromyalgia had on my body.  Then, she also reminded me of the years before that, when I couldn't even make the trip in a car and she went for me many times.  We hung up with a: "You Go Girl" which made me smile to myself.  But then – such a sobering thought. 

I suddenly remembered the many trips when I had to use my wheelchair.  I remembered many other places we went where we had to pull out that "shiny, metal chair on wheels".  I was embarrassed to use it, but I didn't have many options, if there were places I wanted to go.  I could stay at home – which I did do on many occasions – or I could go and let Steve or someone else push me around.  I was very self-conscious.  I didn't want people who knew me to see me in a wheelchair.  Every time I could, I would get up and walk beside it as if to show people…see…I don't really have to be riding in this thing ALL of the time!  Today, my heart breaks for those who cannot get up out of those chairs to walk beside them. 

These thoughts came flooding back as I stood in the middle of this huge warehouse talking to my friend, Kim.  I was grateful that she reminded me that day of where I had been only a few short years ago.  And, Oh God… as I am feeling SO grateful that I am not there today, I feel so unworthy that His healing grace made such a difference in me that I no longer have to use that chair. 

Do you know that on that particular Friday, we arrived at 11:30 (after spending quite a while riding in the car) and began filming with one of the owners.  I took a short break to eat after our filming session which lasted about 2 1/2 hours.  I sat in our car for less than ten minutes as I ate a few bites of my salad.  Then I quickly jumped out and began doing my shopping for the supplies I needed that day.  When we checked out and left, I noticed it was 4:30!  From 11:30 to 4:30, I had only sat down for ten minutes.  THAT IS FIVE HOURS!! The rest of my time was spent walking and filming and walking and shopping as I went back and forth over this warehouse several times looking for what I needed!  I Thank You God, that I can and have experienced YOUR Amazing Miracles for my life!  And, Jesus, PLEASE forgive me when I am not ALWAYS VERY AWARE of what YOU have done in my life! 

Now, as I am talking about blessings, I am going to back up just a little more.  For this last week, as I have been thinking about our many blessings, other thoughts have been coming to my mind.  I had sad thoughts about the pain of my chronic illness and how it had always affected any plans to host a party, or a family gathering. I suppose I am thinking about this because we will host quite a house full of people on Thanksgiving this year.

My Fibromyalgia used to make our holidays so different than they are today.  I always wanted to host family gatherings; I wanted our home to be decorated; I wanted things to be perfect.  I wanted wonderful smells coming from my kitchen with tables set up adorned with beautiful table cloths, our best china, and eye-catching centerpieces appropriate for each holiday.

But my body would never cooperate when it came time to clean and cook and do all of these fun (and, I thought, necessary) things like decorating and having the garden and yard looking 'perfect'.  This left my dear, sweet husband, Steve stuck with lists of tasks he really didn't enjoy doing – but since he also looked forward to having family over just as I did, he tackled these mundane tasks getting them done without complaining. 

When I think back, I let chronic, constant pain cloud my thoughts, my heart, and my eyes when it came to everything my dear Steve was doing to make these gatherings be all that I wanted them to be.  I never really showed him the appreciation I felt within my heart for his support, and constant help as he went through those long lists of things needing to be accomplished.  I LOVE YOU My Darling Steve…and am TRULY grateful that you were always here by my side taking care of me and doing whatever else needed to be done.

Things ARE different around our home now!  We still host parties and family gatherings every chance we get!  I am so grateful that Steve and I are working right along beside each other cooking, cleaning, and decorating as we prepare for the arrival of our guests.  No, Steve doesn't necessarily HAVE to help me now…and no, I don't always necessarily HAVE to ask for his help.  My body is different now.  I can do most of the things I want to do as we enjoy our family.  I don't have long lists of things for Steve to do.  Our garden and our yard may…or may not…be 'perfect'! 

You see, I have learned a very important lesson!  All of the above things don't matter!  They are not what's most important!  We (Steve and I) are together!  We love, and cherish each other.  We enjoy doing things together!  We enjoy hosting parties and meals together!  But, it is life, it is people, it is friendships, it is family, it is love, and…it is God's grace.  Those are the things that matter now!  The long "to do" lists don't exist anymore!  It doesn't matter if the grass is cut, if the leaves are covering the driveway, if the weeds are taller than the flowers and bushes in our flower beds.  We are together, we are in love, we are happy, we are blessed with our children and precious grandchildren and we thank our God above for it all. 

We don't know what awaits us tomorrow.  But, for today, we are filled with grateful hearts that we can live, love, and experience JOY, PEACE, and HAPPINESS…one day at a time!

 

Decorating for Christmas

Nov16

"Decorating for Christmas" By, Nancy Alexander

I'm Receiving MANY Requests for Pictures of our Home at Christmas…

So many of you lately have been sending me requests for pictures of our home at Christmastime!  I thought I had some posted somewhere, and I can't find them online either!  So, I'll put a few pictures here.  I have had one special request for the wreath I made out of my Grandmother's old ornaments and lights which I hang inside my kitchen window every year.  This one is not as fancy and pretty as those we make and sell online, but it fills and warms my heart with so many fond memories with each glance.

Now, these are not of our home this year, because I have been so busy re-writing my Secret Vendor List, working on wreaths, selling on Amazon, and getting other eBooks listed in Amazon Kindle that I haven't had time to think about decorating!  I wonder why!!  :o)

 

I really LOVE filling up my kitchen window at Christmas!  I change it every year!  But, there are two things that always stay the same…first, I ALWAYS use my favorite antique stained glass windows which are propped up on my window ledge.  Those are there year round because the morning sunlight shining through them everyday warms my heart — it us such a great way to start my morning.  And, secondly, at Christmas, my wreath you can see in the picture below ALWAYS hangs on the inside of my window.  It is filled with old ornaments, balls, and antique lights (which actually still work) that all belonged to my dear grandmother "Mama"…  I miss her so, but when I look at this wreath at Christmas, I am reminded how much she loved Christmas!  Actually, I think she is the one I inherited my own love of color and decorating from!  "Thank you…dear Mama"

 

 

My kitchen window at Christmas is probably my most favorite place to decorate.  Sometimes I use poinsettias, and sometimes, I use live orchids.  I really like live orchids, and from time to time, can keep them alive for a couple of years!  lol

 

 

 

I have a lot of fun filling my table for Holiday parties.  I usually use all fresh — I know, I know — that seems unusual huh, since I work with and sell artificial!  Well, I just LOVE the fresh look of greens and berries and even more so when Christmas arrives.  I have many antique dishes, platters and vases which I pull out and use for our parties.  Some of these were pieces which have been in my family for many years, but, also, some of them are special 'yard sale finds'. 

 

 

I'll add some more pictures of "our" home at Christmas in the next few days… in the meantime, please have fun decorating your own home!  Pull out old platters and dishes which belonged to your mother, grandmother, or other family member.  Lay out an old child's storybook about Christmas.  I have the one I was given at 4 years old, and it goes out to my coffee table each and every Christmas!  Look for the Christmas stocking which hung from your mantle as a child.  It doesn't matter that they are too old to fill with treats anymore – just enjoy them – enjoy the memories they bring from the special places they hold within your heart!

 

Hope When You’re Physically Down

Nov4


"Hope When You're Physically Down" By, Nancy Alexander

Beauty in Nature CAN Inspire Hope…

How do you keep going when you're physically down?  I keep getting asked this question over and over.  WOW, where do I start? 

First of all, there is one thing that I find really helps me and I encourage you to do this too.  I want to encourage you to appreciate the beauty found around you today in a smile, in nature, and in those who are dear to you.  I have learned through my own chronic illness that the things I always thought were the most important in this life really aren't.

"I am only passing through this moment…"  ~Beth Moore~

Chronic Illnesses are as severe a problem for you as they were for me.  Pain was the main focus of my life for so many years.  It colored the way I thought and felt, and reacted to the world around me.  I had to learn this the hard way.  I used to beg and plead with God;  "Please show me what I need to do – please show me what I need to change – please teach me the lessons I need to learn – I will do anything to only get well or even better."  God, in His wisdom knew that the lessons I needed to learn came only with time.  As always, He sees "Eternity" and we see "right now".


Picture I took recently of a Night blooming Cereus at my neighbor's home.

It is hard to see the beauty in a flower, a sunset or sunrise, or even a loved one's eyes when you are suffering in silence.  It is hard to think of doing something that would make your day productive when it is clouded with this "thing" which has such a deep, dark hold on you.  It is hard to see the needs of others when your own pain is first and foremost in every single day.  God used this to mold me and shape me and prune me.  All of these were painful experiences, but I truly believe He did this so that my heart would be one that would 'break' for others.  I see your pain, I feel your pain, and I sincerely want to do anything I can to relieve your pain and make your life joyful!

The answer for me was, and is God!  I don't know where I would be today without all of the miracles God worked in my life.  I do know that I would not be sitting here at my computer writing to all of you, my friends, students, and faithful followers were it not for God and all the Miracles 'He' has performed in my life.  For example, all of the "Professionals" who were finally able to diagnose and treat the causes of my chronic, debilitating illness.  This illness was so bad that when we built our home 12 years ago, my husband and our builder decided to make every doorway 3 feet wide because they thought I would very quickly need that space to maneuver a wheelchair through each.  I didn't find this out until about 3 year ago.  And, no, I no longer need that wheelchair that I used to be forced to use from time to time.

I am speechless when I think of the people who were sent into my life to encourage, uplift, inspire, diagnose and help me to heal.  My friend and mentor, Jim Cockrum and I have talked about this many times calling them "Divine Appointments".  You may not believe in them, but I certainly do.

I don't want to push my faith on you knowing that every person has their own beliefs, but in telling a story of me; "Beautifully Broken Me" as my friend Molly Alexander writes in her blog, I cannot forget the obvious and must share with you how I got to this point in my life.  That's what many of you have been asking me all these years.  I do believe God has led me on a path for many years for a specific purpose, and that is to be able to help and encourage YOU!

"By picking up the pieces of a broken life and putting them back together, a person cannot help but be changed.  This change is a beautiful thing that results in a deeper understanding of others and their situations, and gives us a chance to share our experiences with them, showing them that there is a way out – a light at the end of the tunnel."


"I believe that I have not just been broken, but put back together by God in a beautiful way – a way that I could have never imagined on my own."  ~Molly Alexander~

Molly has expressed my own thoughts and feelings in such a beautiful way.  Isn't it amazing that I can now see, live, and enjoy the beauty around me?  I am blessed every time I look into my husband's eyes and see how much he cherishes me.  I am blessed when our home is filled with our boys, their wives, and our four precious grandchildren running around calling "Mimi come outside and play with me." "Mimi do you have a surprise for me?"   "Mimi, read to me."

God has used over 30 years of pain and brokenness to bring me to this place; this moment, where I am right here and right now.  He brought me here for a very specific reason and that is to be an encourager of those of you who are suffering and in pain!  There TRULY is hope!