Crossing The Bridge To The Other Side

I'm feeling a little sentimental this week. Ok, it's more than a little. This past weekend, my husband and I got to watch two of our children get ready for prom. It was fun to watch them both prepare and get ready for the big day. Fun to see the differences between boys and girls and how they each approached the big event.  Prom is a very big deal here in SC and lasts for 3 nights.  There are beach houses and themed party nights all leading up to the actual Prom.  

On Prom day we made a quick dash over to my sons prom house where the boys were sporting their tuxes, posing for pictures and laughing with each other as their dates were "still getting ready."

After a few quick snapshots of the boys, we went to see my daughter, the senior, and her friends all gather at the harbor.  Slowly, in groups, the girls and their dates showed up in their beautiful gowns, with beautiful hair and beautiful makeup.  Were these the same little girls that had been running around our house for the last 4 years? They looked so different.  I had yet to see my daughter all dressed up - as she got ready at a friends house.  As she rounded the corner my heart did a little flip. I felt the tears well up and my throat got tight.  I had to turn away for a moment as a big tear fell.  I was stunned at the beautiful young women in front of me. The little girl had grown up to become a beautiful woman.  I realized in that moment, that she had "crossed over" that bridge of adolescence and was ready for the next steps in her life.  

My favorite painting of all time is the one above, by Claude Monet.  It hangs in my bedroom as a reminder that we are always crossing over a bridge in life.  It is a simple little bridge really, but the concept is huge. We are always on one side getting ready to walk over.  No matter where we are in life, we are always planning, working and taking those next steps that will bring us to a new place - the other side.  The other side is full of faith, hope and dreams. No matter where we are or what stage of life we are in, we are always on one side, ready and waiting to cross over.  

“Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

I hope you have a great week.  Thanks for letting me share.  

Paula

The French Dresser

I showed this piece in different steps last week but in lieu of the weekend craziness (two or ours were attending Prom), I just want to show you the before and after in one shot. 

It is amazing what you can do with a little paint.  This very old green dresser turned into a beautiful little french dresser or sideboard that can be used in a bedroom, living or dining room.  

So don't throw away any of your old pieces...transform them.  With just a little paint, you can have a brand new piece and as I've said before - it is super easy!  Read any of my previous posts for more information on how this all came together.  I almost threw this out.  :)

Have a great Monday.

Paula

Linking with:
A Stroll Thru Life
Upcycled Treasures
Domestically-Speaking
Coastal Charm
The Style Sisters
Green Willow Pond
Savvy Southern Style
Ivy and Elephants
Petite Michelle Louise
Revisionary Life
Nancherrow

Inspiration - Where Does It Come From? .... French Dresser Part 3

The week started off with someone asking me where I got the inspiration for pieces that I do.  If you want to start from the beginning you can see Part I where I find my original source of inspiration and begin to make it happen and then Part 2 where I distress and use clear wax.

Today, I am showing you the piece with dark wax and new knobs added.

When I use dark wax, I use is sparingly. I don't use it all over the piece, mostly where I have sanded and distressed the piece.  I also use a little bit across the large spaces, followed quickly with a fine piece of steel wool.

Remember, this was my inspiration above......

And this is pretty much how it all comes together.  Sometimes where I end up is not what I had in mind.  This one is pretty close.

Let me know if you have any questions.  

I hope you have a great weekend.  

Paula