Where The Lone Star State Meets The Puget Sound
A Fine Mesh Of Two Great Styles

Thursday, April 5, 2012

A Mixed Blessing

A very dear, senior saint, who attends my church is moving to Arizona in early June.  She and her husband are already in the process of dismantling their pretty home.  Earlier this week we met at her house for coffee and a chat.  Sadly, she has been recently plagued with memory loss; so much so that she didn't even remember that I was coming.

She has such a sweet spirit.  My friend seems unaware of her disability and carries on seemingly unruffled. She conducts herself and her life with such dignity~ she exudes grace.  We had a lovely time drinking coffee and sharing family updates.

Upon leaving, we agreed that I should take one of her favorite houseplants; a lovely shamrock.  I was so touched.  I was unsure of where to place it.  If I buy a houseplant, my attitude is rather, "cest la vie".  But when a plant is entrusted to my care I feel compelled to become a good steward.


Isn't this pretty?


{Yeah Baby!}

Lately I have been perusing (again) one of my favorite coffee table books, Flea Market Decorating.  Even after a decade, this book is still my favorite compendium of style and budget.  It's a coffee table book that is truly at home on my coffee table.  Anyway, a stair balustrade pictured on one of the pages reminded me of something I have had stashed for many years~ an old newel post.  I asked Larry to bring it from the basement.

After cleaning it up I resolved once again to use it as a plant stand.  A plant stand with a {barley} twist perhaps?

Ah~ A sterling example of refined rustic!


Or should it be, rustic-refined?

Larry put one screw through the bottom of the galvanized bucket which holds it to the post.  I'm a quirky gal and I like this look.  I also like being reminded of my dear friend each time I walk through my front door.

I'm sad to say farewell to a lady whose faith has inspired me for a decade.  But I am convinced that the move is for the best.  She will soon be surrounded by family and friends of longstanding, and she will have more than 300 days a year of glorious sunshine. How can I not celebrate such a decision?  

Our church is also a family and our doors are always open.  If life brings them back, we'll be here for them.  Therefore, I refuse to say, "good bye". I think instead I will simply say, "Until we meet again..."



And I bid you the same.  Thanks for stopping by.

Linking to Masterpiece Monday at Boogie Board Cottage.



8 comments:

  1. I too am the steward of a lovely plant a dear friend gave me 13 years ago. It is a start from a Christmas cactus which this sweet lady received as a gift when she first got married in 1947. I think of her every time I see it. Your shamrock looks beautiful in its new stand. You have an amazing eye for style!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Creative use of the newel post, beautiful plant, lovely friendship, and a caring spirit. They all fit together so nicely! Best wishes to your friend as she transitions to her new home.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dana, what a special tribute to your dear friend! I'm with you saying, "Until we meet again..."! Your shamrock is beautiful and I love your vintage plant stand! You have a great eye for putting items like this together! May your Easter be filed with many wonderful blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  4. and yet she still remembered to be kind to a friend! good luck with your plant!!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
    happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  5. HI MY DEAR FRIEND!
    I LOVE YOUR IDEA WITH THE ROCKPLANT! HERE IN GREECE WE CALL THIS PLANT TRIFILI ΤΡΙΦΥΛΛΙ, THREE LEAVES.
    Ι WISH YOU A HAPPY EASTER!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's always hard to depart from a dear friend. Sounds like it will be good for her. My husbands mother suffered from Dimentia and it was difficult at times. Love the bucket on the stand. Perfect for a wonderful reminder of your sweet friend.
    Hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  7. A great post! Thanks for sharing, I will follow on my way out so I know the path back to your special place. I hope you will find the time to come visit me soon and do the same. I look forward to supporting and engaging together. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi... I'm visiting from Betsy @ Coastal Colors and so glad I took the time to do so. This is a very heart warming post about the value of friendship. The plant was a perfect parting gift, and I love the way you have it displayed! I'm sure I'll visit you again...
    Blessings!
    Geneva

    ReplyDelete