Flowers in My Garden

My mornings are spent outside tending and grooming and caring for the little spaces where I create sanctuary. Here's a few shots from this mornings walk.

No matter where you live, be encouraged to find a small amount of space where you create sanctuary. Those spaces of quiet and resolve are much needed for the feminine soul. Life can spin so fast that we lose reality with what's real and what's important. It's in that space of quiet and sanctuary that we can become centered and purposeful for the day.

What does your space of sanctuary look like? How do you quiet your soul and re-center?

Flowers in My Garden

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2010/04/flowers-in-my-garden.html

Vintage at Cactus Road Farm

Our intent has been to plow the ground around the Cactus Road Farm for our organic gardens. However as priorities would have it - my vintage Garden Shed/Goat Barn/Fun Kid Loft Place is first priority.

So, as I'm patiently learning to wait - wait some more and smile and wait some more, I've gotten creative. It's amazing what a good attitude will spurt out of a feminine soul - creativity.

We've had a few pallets sitting around and I got the brilliant (if I say so myself) idea of cutting them in half, nailing them together, filling in blank spots with wood and creating some vintage looking garden boxes. I made the first one above and then decided I'd add another one to it.

Creating sanctuary outside in spaces and places is just as important to me as creating it inside. Here, I'm in process of creating by planting some purple beans, sweet sugar snap peas, turnips and these lovely Senetitis - which by the way are perennials.

May your Sabbath be restful.

Vintage at Cactus Road Farm

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2010/02/vintage-at-cactus-road-farm.html

House of Turquoise: Michael Penney

Erin's one of my new blog friends and everything she finds and posts I love. It's all me. So, here's a few ideas of beauty for you to enjoy this weekend! Go create some sanctuary, will ya? Oh, check my pantry out and you'll see why I love Erin's choice of color.

House of Turquoise: Michael Penney

House of Turquoise: Michael Penney

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/10/house-of-turquoise-michael-penney.html

My Notebook on The Beauty of an Antique

Lately, I've spent some time vintage looking and shopping. I wonder about the history of those pieces I've seen. Who had it. . . what was their life like . . . how did they use it . . . what was their family like . . . and where did they come from . . .

While in Portland, my heart was particularly drawn to this vintagy shabby chic garden basket and this week it's found a pretty new spot in my garden. Read more here . . .

My Notebook on The Beauty of an Antique

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-notebook-on-beauty-of-antique.html

My Favorite Shabby Chic Designer is Back

I couldn't help but get excited when I found out that my very favorite shabby chic designer, Rachel Ashwell, who inspired me years ago is back.

I thoroughly enjoy the two books pictured above and really Rachel's Shabby Chic Interiors, Shabby Chic, The Shabby Chic Home - actually ALL her books are wonderful cool weather coffee day book (hot days too) to peruse through and get tons of ideas to create a little sanctuary.

I look forward to reading more of the creativity and ideas that Rachel has as she creates sanctuary again. In case you missed out - I've begun to create a little "French" sanctuary over here at la maison et le jardin - French for "Home and Garden."

My Favorite Shabby Chic Designer is Back

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-favorite-shabby-chic-designer-is.html

Creating Beauty Right Where You Are

In spite of my friend's very hard week, she's creating beauty in the space where's she at. How about you? How do you create beauty right where you are with what you have around you?

My garden has an assortment of pots - collected. I'd been struggling with this sense that my pot collection needed a fresh creative touch.

And, along comes one creative daughter to my rescue.

It's always helpful when another pair of eyes sees things fresh
and recreates beauty using what you have.

"Let's see how this looks now."

"Hmmm.....let me take a look."

"Now, let's see how this looks."

Done! And, I didn't spend a dime to get a new look.
Thanks dear daughter.

Creating Beauty Right Where You Are

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/05/creating-beauty-right-where-you-are.html

Cozy Spaces For Reflection

Creating that little cozy space of sanctuary is necessary for every woman's feminine soul. Good intentions can often short when a woman doesn't set aside time and space to reflect, plan, ponder, create and rejuvenate. What does that "cozy" space look like in your home?

If you don't have a little spot set aside, then here's some ideas that might stir you to consider creating that little "sanctuary" space just for you!

Which cozy space could you see yourself being drawn to most?

Country Living

Country Living

Country Living

Country Living

Country Living

When life rushes by without a pause in the day - the feminine soul is rushed and a rushed woman's soul - will struggle living out of that Center. An uncentered woman will be scattered, tired, and unproductive!

Country Living

I'm drawn to this cozy space and can picture myself sitting there for hours! I like the color, the softness of that little sofa.

BHG

This is another spot that I can image that I'd get lost in - just sitting, journaling, reading, sipping green tea.

BHG

I love the shabby chic-ness of this ....

BHG

Coastal Living

Nancy Fishelson

Atlanta Bartlette

What do you do to quiet your feminine soul? What does your cozy space for reflection look like?

Cozy Spaces For Reflection

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/05/cozy-spaces-for-reflection.html

making home peaceful

The older I get the more I recognize the value of home and my place (role) in making our home a one of peace, order and sanctuary. I know that I'm the key influencer in what that peace, order and sanctuary looks like by attitude and my tone.

We set the tone
Women have a power of influence to set the tone of their homes. If mama's not happy no one's happy.

If mama has a bad attitude it effects the others.

If mama's showing disrespect to her husband the kids will show disrespect to their dad.

If mama's voice is loud kids will learn to model her.

If mama's neglectful with home front responsibilities then kids will follow that too. Oh, the modeling a mama does!

In all honesty
I'll be honest, my "tone" wasn't the greatest this morning. I experienced (or should I say, my husband experienced) a few -"female flesh bursts" - meaning I had a puey attitude about nothing and everything and I made issues out of a mole hills. Do you ever do that?

Keeping the stressors in check
I've learned that if I don't take time (Monday mornings are great days to do this) to evaluate the day, week, month and even season of my life and to count the different stressors (there are good ones and bad ones) and then evaluate them and evaluate my ability to manage them and my margins, I can tend to become overwhelmed.

When I get overwhelmed, not managing my stressors (my daily load, extra home front projects, extra counseling appointments, etc), then I, like you, can be prone to a few "female flesh burst."

Counting stressors and acknowledging them helps me see the reality of the load and evaluate if I need to let some go or simply put a pause on other.

The value of peace
I value peace in my home and I seek to maintain that sense of peace (I'm not talking quiet), but an inner calm - a gentle spirit - that I emit to my family that surrounds me.

Having that sense of peace in my home is a great value to me because I know my husband needs that "peace" to hear God, clarify the vision for our family and implement those steps toward the fulfillment of that vision.

Creating that sanctuary for him is also important because when he leaves the front door of our home - and heads out into the battle field, I know it's a crazy world - he's engaging in. He'll engage in all sorts of unseen battles that have the potential to catch him off guard, cause him to be unnecessarily weary or discouraged.

If he leaves our home - with a sense of peace that came from the heart of his wife (that'd be me) - then I know he'll be better equipped to face whatever it is that's "out there." I also know that he can't wait to return to his home, where peace rules - because the heart of his wife is at peace.

Here are some related posts:
1. The Heart of Creating Sanctuary
2. Step 6 in Creating Sanctuary - Setting Priorities
3. Step 5 In Creating Sanctuary - Planning
4. Understanding & Getting Behind Your Man's Vision

making home peaceful

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/02/making-home-peaceful.html

valentines and pearls - such elegance

One of the things that I love about blogging is the opportunity to meet and visit such wonderful and incredible women. Melissa, from the Inspired Room,is one of those darlings. She truly inspires me with her creative sanctuary touches of beauty.

Today's post over a Melissa's showcases Heather Bullard's kitchen. OMG - while perusing through the rest of her site, what caught my delight for candy was this incredulously beautiful idea to showcase love and use up old pearls.

If you're feeling in a love mood or a crafty one - please visit Heather's spot in the world to see her How To. You'll find her place inspiring too.

valentines and pearls - such elegance

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentines-and-pearls-such-elegance.html

my birthday is coming up & ...

I'd unashamedly LOVE this for my Simple Kitchen. I'm thinking, though, how good is it - to have nice equipment IF my working space is a wreck?!

Here's a Lylah Challenge (me too right now) - if you're kitchen isn't ordered or clean, then let's both make IT our day - to attack that baby by putting a sparkle in the sink (no dishes), a shine on the counters (get rid of clutter) and a pazzaz on the appliances! Is the floor clean? How about wiping off the cupboards and knobs? Oh, what's for dinner?

Here's some help to inspire you to get it clean and organized. My kitchen is MIP sanctuary space. Life flows out of and into that space. How about you?

Go attack that kitchen and then come back and tell us about it! I'm off to attack!

my birthday is coming up & ...

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-birthday-is-coming-up.html

de-clutter and create sanctuary

Sometimes I take Beauty Pauses by visiting blogs that understand the need and have some of the how to ideas for women who want to create sanctuary in their homes.

Lately, I've been more than lurking around Melissa Michael's blog - The Inspired Room. I found Melissa from Mrs. Q's blog. Roses to you for connection!

I have Melissa and her frend Cote de Texas on my Blog Beauty Pauses. If you're in need of a Beauty Pauses you've got to read the interview of Melissa, that the Brandie Kajino of the Home Office Organizer did here.

Brandie asked Melissa this wonderful questions:
What are your top 5 tips for someone who wants to create rooms inspired by their life?

She says (and these steps complement mine as you learn to Create Sanctuary):

In no particular order, here are some tips for getting started on finding your own personal style:

1) Spend time living the life you want and gathering mementos along the way. Your home will come together as you experience life. It shouldn’t be an overnight process!

2) Create rooms and spaces to inspire and accommodate your life. Evaluate what kind of life you really want to live and set things up to make that life possible and enjoyable. Do you love to read? Have friends over for movies? Cook? Write? Have the neighborhood kids over to play with your children? Do you have hobbies? Do you host large parties? Make sure your house is set up to accommodate you—homes should never keep us from fully experiencing what we love to do. Nor should they be staged for someone else’s idea of a good life. Your home should make sense for you.

3) Eliminate things that are unattractive or don’t stir your senses in some way. Avoid random decorations. Most everything should have a story that makes you happy or reminds you of a special time or person. Or at least things should be attractive and facilitate your life in some way. If it is useless or ugly, get rid of it.

4) Make ordinary things beautiful. Most of our life is spent doing ordinary things. Those ordinary activities should inspire our homes even more than the few highlights of our life. Everyday we spend time eating, cleaning, bathing, sleeping, working. Take the time to make these every day experiences more organized and pleasing to your eye.

5) Don’t be afraid to ask for help in creating a beautiful home, but be careful who you ask. Friends mean well but can confuse their personal taste with what is appropriate for you.Friends don’t have to love your home. Designers can be a wealth of information and ideas but can also lead you to spend money you don’t need to spend and end up creating a home that reflects their style rather than yours. Find someone who understands what you are trying to achieve and can use what you already have and love to create something authentic to you. Not everyone is naturally inclined to be able to arrange things in attractive ways–we all have our strengths. Don’t feel badly if you need some help in organizing or pulling your belongings together so that you can truly love your home.

So, step # 1 - de-clutter, # 2 - get organized and #3 start creating!

de-clutter and create sanctuary

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/07/de-clutter-and-create-sanctuary_19.html

Steps to Create Sanctuary in the Home

I wrote this last year and in light of MOMS Help 911 and Baby Steps, I believe it bears an update and a repost.

How does a woman create sanctuary in her home?


What are some practical steps to begin making a well-ordered, un-cluttered, clean home that is a reflection of your feminine soul.

Creating sanctuary is a process . . . here are just a few first steps to move you toward creating sanctuary in your home.

Defining Sanctuary
The first step to create anything is to define what it is that you’re going to create. . . . a home that has a sense of sanctuary . . . a haven . . . a resting place.

How do these words sound to your soul: comfort, beauty, tranquil, practical, fun, space, relaxing?

Defining Home
Home is that place, that space where you live and the ones you love experience life with you. It’s the place where dreams are dreamed, hopes are shared and discovery of God and eternity are encouraged.

To me, home should be a place of comfort and beauty. Home should be a peaceful, relaxing place as well as a flexible place that offers support and nurture (to provide everything, which is necessary for life and growth). Home should be where children are heard, where they learn, are loved on and cared for, taught life principles and even making messes.

Home is safety, rest, comfort and good food, laughter, and memories.

What is home to you?

Your Heart . . . Your Home
The second step in creating sanctuary in the home is for a woman to evaluate her heart toward her home.

At times, I wonder if some women really enjoy their homes and I wonder if they understand the power of influence that comes from a woman in her home - as they spend so much time running here and running there. Their feet aren’t at home much and it makes me think that they’re busy seeking and finding (pseudo) "life" outside the walls of home.

Busy feet=busy heart=discontented heart=restless heart=peace.

I love my home and I really love being at home. I am at home at home. My home is my centering place. I find life being in my home. It’s the place where I learn of God, His ways and of His love for me.

It’s the place where I give of myself to those around me. My home is the impetus of my creativity where my feminine soul is expressed on the color of my walls, the organization of my pantry, the nourishment from my kitchen and my passionate thoughts "penned" at my computer.

Are you at home at home?

Your Home
Taking an honest assessment of your home is the third step to create sanctuary. What you want to look for all those places and all that stuff that just does not lend itself to calm, peace, beauty, neatness, and flow. Clutter and stuff impede creativity and they impede the ability to create sanctuary.

Until recently, I had stuff. I had excessive stuff and in looking back, I realize that stuff hinders a woman from seeing what is. Stuff creates clutter – not sanctuary.

Often what we need is someone on the outside that will be honest with us about what they see on our inside. We need someone to love us enough and be willing to help us get free from the stuff by telling us what stuff they see.

My daughters sweetly pointed out my excessive stuff and gently nudged me into releasing my excessive stuff. Do you know how much freedom is to be had with the releasing of stuff exercise? Do you know how lovely simple can be?

After you begin to de-clutter and release your stuff, take another look around your home. Look at each room or area and ask yourself questions like:What needs to change? Can I move freely in and about the room? Is fresh color needed? Does the room need deep cleaning? Is their furniture or other items in the room that would be better someplace else? Is the room a dumping ground for stuff? Does this room smell? Is the room too dark?

Your home says something about you, what does it say?

Soul Habit, Home Routine, Peace
We all have habits it's just that some of our habits need to change. To create sanctuary and become a purposeful homekeeper, we must look first at what our current habits are, get understanding of what drives us and then see which habits rob us of creating sanctuary.

Habits for the soul (Beauty Pauses), creating a Simple Home Notebook help establish new routine for the home and THIS helps to create order, flow, peace, and a sense of security and life. This is the fourth step. . . developing order, habits and routine.

Soul habits are those spiritual habits done to straighten up the soul and reconnect it to God. My journey habits are prayer, engaging in and having permission to REST journaling, taking Beauty Pauses and of course, soaking up (and living out) truths in my Bible. I love Psalms, Proverbs, Watchmen Nee, My Utmost for His Highest, Streams in the Desert. Morning coffee time is my best offering.

Home routines are things like making the bed (I have ours just about half made before I even get out of it. . . and you can figure out how I do that), getting put together for the day – lipstick on (if you wear the stuff), breakfast – daily with my husband, walking (which isn’t totally a habit . . . but, I’m moving toward that goal).

Beauty Pause Habits - Effecting the Sanctuary
The feminine soul was meant for beauty, and yet so many women don’t know they have permission to pause and experience the moment of beauty that God gives. This is a vital step for a woman to create sanctuary in her home.

I truly believe that to the degree a woman is able to pause for the touch of beauty is the degree that she’ll be able to bring beauty into her home, be at peace, experience joy, love order, work hard with her hands, know God and thus. . . create sanctuary.

Ahhhhh . . . .the simple life . . . sanctuary . . . it starts in the heart. . .

Steps to Create Sanctuary in the Home

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/steps-to-create-sanctuary-in-home.html

Creating Sanctuary - Step Five - Planning

Steps to Creating Sanctuary
Step Five - Planning

On Monday, I posted four steps to help women begin to create sanctuary in their home, and this fifth step is actually the one where a woman puts some feet to the fourth step: setting a plan and prioritizing those habits and routines.


If habits (refreshing your spirit) and routines are not given a value (organized priority-wise) and if they are not scheduled in they won't become part of habit and routine that are needed to create sanctuary in the home.

If I didn't plan to make a plan (by setting the time aside - even daily - to evaluate and calendar) then I'd probably be victim to everyone else's plan. Because, I tend to be random, spontaneous and can easily fly by the seat of my pants, I've learned that I am far more productive and on-purpose with a plan - for the day, for the week and for the times and seasons to come.

Good planning starts with thinking about the end and back tracking to the present.

What helps me plan for today, is keeping in mind my Big Picture - personal mission statement. It forces me to ask questions about the interruptions (that always come) in my day. I ask questions like: is this a God-interruption with an eternal value or is it an interruption of the "people-pleasing" kind? Will this interruption serve an eternal purpose and if so, is it a TP (top priority) for this moment or can it wait? Will this interruption interrupt my TP of husband (caring for his needs, seeing that he's respected, and made to feel like my TP)?

The Framework of My Planning:

(What I want said about me at the end)

I live to . . . use my power of influence to love deeply and

change the world around me for the sake of the Kingdom.

When I plan my today and my tomorrow, I keep in the forefront of my thinking my personal mission statement. I become prioritized and have confidence that I'm on-purpose because of that mission statement. There are certain TP's that fill the spots of my day and time over other possibilities. I want to lay my head on my pillow at night knowing that I was on-purpose.

Crystal is absolutely right when she says that a plan is to be a guideline, not a slave master. Doesn't it always happen - the unexpected. Sick kids (Crystal shared her recent moment with sick ones), change in plans, computer glitches, car's breakdown and so forth. So, if something comes into my day, that I'd not planned on, I can evaluate it if it's a YES or a NO based on how it lines up with my ultimate Life Mission (statement).

What are my TP's? I'll pass that along in Creating Sanctuary - Step Six - Priorities. :-)

Morning Routine . . .
Beds made, dressed and looking cute :-
Breakfast - Oatmeal

What have I refreshed my soul with today?

Psalm 25: 14


What will I serve for dinner?
My mom's Potato Soup



What else will I do?
Go for a walk. 1.3 miles
Finish the Mentoring Women's Web site and upload it today. Any prayer would be great!
Mail orders for hard copies of PPMM.
Do some other office paper work. And.....quiet my soul to greet my husband with a kiss when he walks in the door after doing battle outside the four walls of our sanctuary.


Got a comment? Question? Post it.

Creating Sanctuary - Step Five - Planning

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/creating-sanctuary-step-five-planning.html