Saturday, April 29, 2017

A Smattering of Springtime Snapshots . . . and Introducing The Nest

Raw, rainy weather can't keep us New Englanders down.

Listen to me talking like I've lived here forever.  It's only our 2nd springtime in this little town tucked between the ever-changing bay and the ocean deep.

And even though multi-shaded daffodils and purple azaleas have slowly but surely burst into a very welcome bloom mode, the ocean's frigid temperatures have kept us reaching for our sweatshirts, cradling hot cups of tea, and enfolding ourselves in flannel sheets at night.

A fine mist seems to have permanently draped itself like a fragile veil over the ferns settled atop old milk cans outside the kitchen door, the square tin of pansies perched on a little table, and perennial herbs that stubbornly emerge from dormant earth.

And then wonder of wonders, defying the ever gloomy weather report, heavy low clouds scoot off to sea, the sun pops out of nowhere, and brilliant blue paints the skies.

Throwing open our windows wide and grabbing my flip flops and a book, I head outside to welcome the long yearned for warmth and beauty with open arms, a sigh of relief, and a smile.

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The Snapshots



























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The Nest 
The peaceful, light-filled room nestled in the treetops over the garage is finally complete.  Insulated, painted, heated, and filled with old familiar furniture, it's proving to be a comfy location to curl up with a book or indulge in an uninterrupted afternoon snooze.  

We picture it as the go-to locale for a breather from a houseful of energetic company ... or the place to indulge in rowdy late night board games while the rest of the family sleeps in heavenly peace over at the house.  

But, most especially, this cozy little nest has been designed to be a haven of serenity and healing, a quiet retreat where I counsel women one day a week.

If my former Creekside office and NY family room got together and had a baby, this is what it would look like ... 


-  before  -

-  after  -


My husband crafted this fabulous wall of shelves.  My favorite books and collectibles were relieved to emerge from cardboard boxes, coming out of hiding after 2 years.  It was like welcoming old friends back home. 


-  built, painted, installed  -


-  filled to overflowing  -


I love the skylights, the vintage painted furniture, those little quilts on the wall, and the ancient post office cubby filled with little tchochkes that sits atop a three-drawer dresser.  Cozy quilts and extra pillows stack in my chippy pink childhood doll crib.  I couldn't be more delighted ... or grateful.














it'd make me all kinds of happy if you'd subscribe

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sharing springtime joys with 
Leigh  .  Holley  

56 comments:

  1. Love the photos of the new space! It looks wonderful and like a great spot for a warm conversation.

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  2. The snapshots are wonderful, Linda, and The Nest looks like a great place.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/04/your-dying-spouse-303-give-me-lord-what.html

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    1. Thanks, Andrew. Blessings as you make your way through this day ...

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  3. So beautifully and so simply and also so lovingly written. You have this unique gift of saying things so fitly put together. Spring is finally here and once again we see the beauty of nature bringing us joy and the realization that our Heavenly Father has created all these things, and still He is interested in everything about us and the joys and the concerns that face us each and every day. "

    "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

    {via email}

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  4. LOVE your Nest, my friend!! Beautiful, inviting, and would so love to share a cup of tea with you there one day!!

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  5. Linda, the new space is absolutely inviting and welcoming. What a haven you have made here! And seeing the flowers? Yes, spring is here and is moving into summer as quickly as we can blink an eye. And as Pam said, I'd love to share a cup of tea or coffee with you. Wish we lived closer!
    Please, too, keep my husband, Danny, in prayer. He will be released from the hospital either Monday or Tuesday, but will have home health care once a day to administer antibiotics and monitor vitals. He can't have the final procedure done until totally in the clear from infection. If you have a prayer list where you live, please, please share! If you want clarification of any kind, you can contact me at marthaorlando@gmail.com
    Love and blessings!

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    1. ATTENTION DEAR READERS!

      Please pray for Martha and her husband Danny as they walk through this difficult medical challenge. Thanks for rallying around this couple.

      This is what blogging's all about.

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  6. Your new space is so beautiful! I'm looking for room inspirations for the house I'm buying so this looks promising to me.

    Love the snapshots too. Flowers can really make me smile.

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    1. I can't wait to see your new home, Lux! House buying is stressful yet so filled with anticipation and joy.

      Have fun with it ...

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  7. My favorite is the atrium styled window. But the whole room screams ... "LINDA." That Tim and wood made a great team. Love that room and prayin lots of God-things happen there!

    Can't wait to sit in it and chill

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    1. * smile *

      You'll love it. Promise!

      See you soon, buddy ...

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  8. What beautiful spaces! I would love to spend time with you in all of them, including around the flowers. And of course The Nest. It is a spacious, inviting and safe place for counselling women, I'd say!

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    1. After a long gray winter, flowers do nothing but bring a smile, don't they, Lynn!

      Thanks for hearing my heart about the goal of The Nest! Inviting and safe. Yes, yes. That's what I want it to be. That's what I want to be.

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  9. Those bookshelves, Linda!!! Love, love, love! And that display of blue pots? Ahhh ... peace for my gardener's heart!

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    1. Aren't those pots gorgeous, Lois? (Expensive, too! YIKES.) But I do love to window shop and get inspired and figure out to do things much cheaper.

      ;-}

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  10. So happy to see that cozy space taking on your personality. We got a fast forward into spring on our trip to DE, and then a quick rewind back into the gloom, but all this rain promises green -- eventually.

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    1. I hear you about going 'south' and then having to come home again. We were down in Annapolis at the end of March and enjoyed life on a screened in porch.

      And then we come back to frigid MA! And look forward to the joys of summertime ...

      ;-}

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  11. I love the photos of The Nest- it looks like such a warm and welcoming place- perfect for counselling.

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  12. We old Englanders in the UK have so much rain we've developed webbed feet.

    I like your home. You're excellent at decor.

    God bless.

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    1. As you could tell in the photos, Victor, my feet have not yet webbed. But those toenails are a funky shade of blue ...

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  13. I like the pictures especially the book shelves...
    Dropping by to say happy new month.
    God bless, Linda

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    1. Happy month to you, too, friend. Will you be writing again soon?

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  14. Your cheerful springtime photos brighten my day, Linda. The one of you holding your grand-daughter's (I think) moved me, too. Like Jesus whispering, "Yes, My child, just grab onto my hand and follow Me. I've got you!" And I absolutely love your "nest!" Everything about it looks so warm and inviting. I can just see those women walk in and immediately feel cared about and safe. Thank you so much for caring so much about hurting women! Love and hugs!

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    1. Trudy, thanks!

      I captured that shot of my oldest daughter and her oldest daughter without them having a clue. I love completely unposed and unplanned pictures, don't you?

      * say cheese *

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  15. Love--Love--Love your nest! Wonderful sense of style!
    Blessings!

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  16. Yes, I could see me sitting in this blessed restful place and you pouring wisdom and grace into my heart as I spill my issues. I have found through the years there are few I would spill my heart to, yes few. I think from what I have read about you and your wise blogs you are someone who instantly put others at ease, starting with that sweet room. I pray for those coming to you for counsel. Only wish it were me.

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    1. Dear Betty ... I absolutely hear your heart. There have been few I have felt completely safe to share what's deepest inside. Those are valued relationships indeed ... especially for those of us who've been in ministry.

      Like you.

      I pray that God will send someone your way to minister to your deepest needs, friend. I can't help thinking that He has someone in mind ... and you might be surprised who that might be!

      And if you're experiencing wisps of depression, please speak to your doctor, too. Our physical selves are very closely entwined with our emotional and spiritual selves.

      Praying right now ...

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  17. May the Lord fill your nest with His Holy Spirit and use you to encourage and counsel many, Linda. Love your pictures!

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    1. I love how He works in those hours. I never cease to be amazed at His power to 'guide us into all truth' and to bring hope and healing. He's the One who helps the wounded put all the pieces back together again so that healing comes ... and they in turn can offer grace and hope to another weary soul.

      Glory to Him.

      I appreciate your benediction this morning, Betsy.

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  18. Oh how I wish I could sit in the Nest with you. It looks like the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon with God, good friends or a good book.

    I adore you and your snapshots of life. What a treasure you have in your home and family.

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    1. Me, too ... how I wish we could get together for that long awaited visit. Please know that if I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'm going to be in touch. And please, please do the same, ok, Mary?

      Blessings ...

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  19. Linda,

    I love your nest, your blue toenail polish, and your husband's carpentry skills with the shelves :-) Happy to see and read about your new digs :-) <3

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  20. I felt the cold and then the warmth just as you described it in the beginning of this post... the weather is full of trickery these days, isn't it! So thankful for the warmth that does come when the sun comes out, such joy! And oh my, what a beautiful place you have created for the different things it could be used for, such a blessing indeed! So thankful you have a home again for all your books and precious treasures, and for the opportunity to minister to women. May the Lord richly bless you and all who come!

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    1. Sometimes the wind blows cold, sometimes the sun shine strong.

      Sounds like life, doesn't it!!

      ;-}

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  21. A lovely, welcoming place that I know is also a place of grace and hope. Your husband did an excellent job on the shelves. I know you must feel comfort in seeing in completed. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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    1. Grace and hope. Oh yes, for isn't that what we all yearn for at one point or another?

      Yes, I am comforted, encouraged, excited at what God's up to.

      Thanks for hearing my heart, friend.

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  22. Hi Linda,
    So glad spring has arrived in your neck of the woods and how lovely your space is! I must say though, that those are some fat turkeys in the photo you took! I have some in a field near my house and ours are awfully skinny compared to yours! (Can you imagine out all the photos you posted, that the turkeys would capture my attention?!) haha xoxo

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    1. Those turkeys!

      Who would have guessed, huh?

      And yes, you're the only one who's mentioned our feathered friends.

      * smile *

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  23. What a wonderful, cozy nest! I'm so pleased that you are counseling again.

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    1. I'm grateful for the open doors, June. Yes, yes.

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  24. I love the shelves too. :) This space will mean so much to so many: you, your sweet family, and the ladies who come hear your wisdom. God has blessed you!

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  25. I just love watching the progress on your new New England nest, and hearing about how you're adjusting to a more coastal setting, Linda. It looks like you are doing incredibly well. And I love the shelves that Tim built for you! He truly is a keeper! And that room is just perfect for you as a counselor--needing a private space to meet with your clients--as well as for you as a grandma with lots of grandchildren who come to visit! God has been so good to you guys! And I'm loving it and praising God for gently swaddling you in His comfort in this new place!

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    1. Swaddled in His comfort. Yes, yes, Beth.

      What a great God we serve ...

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  26. this filled my heart with joy. thank you <3

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  27. This 'nest' makes me happy in all sorts of ways! The vintage keepsakes artfully arranged are so welcoming. If I were a counseling charge of yours, I would feel right at home here... This is awesome Linda! ♥♥

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    1. Oh Heather, thanks for those encouraging words. My clients seem to find it a warm and safe place and for that I am grateful.

      We all need a quiet haven, don't we ...

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