Metamorphosis Monday

We have lived on the lake now for 7 years.  Where does time go?  One of the things we wanted to change was our gas fireplace with all it's bright gold finish back into a wood burning fireplace.  We will eventually put in a good insert so it actually will heat the the winter but, we both love a real fire.  So, I had someone come out and take out the gas log and turn off the gas under the house.  We kept the line for resale options.

It will be awhile, after the building of the new dock 

and buying the jet ski's, to putting in the insert.

 I REALLY didn't like the gold and it REALLY didn't go with the style I want which is arts and crafts, mission.

I took off the front and sanded it down

The handles wouldn't come off or I would have kept the wood centers but that's ok,

it won't be forever anyway.

I purchased a high heat black paint that can handle up to 1200 degrees.  I had hoped to find something in a hammered finish but I couldn't find it in the right heat resistant paint. 

Another "trick" is to purchase a simple spray paint handle  It clips right on top of the can and makes it much easier to get a nice smooth finish without runs. 

I use these anytime I spray paint. 

They can be purchased at almost any store in the paint department. 

So now I have the fireplace in a black finish that blends much better with my lamps and furniture.  

Have a blessed day!  And happy refinishing!

Debbie

Linking in with 

Metamorphosis Monday at Between naps on the porch.  

Make sure you go by and see the house restorations Susan shared and with 

Rkoeshel at the diy show off  to see her home she is redoing

Pink Saturday Gerber Daisies
When I saw these Gerber Daisies at Sam's Club I just had to have some for my little round table.  I especially love the white with pink center.

I am late in linking in but maybe some of you will hop over and drop a line. 

Blessings, Debbie

Linking in with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Vintage Thingy Thursday
Time to bring out the flower doilies that my Grandmother made.  I am so blessed to have these.  Each one is so unique.  

I love the colors in these pansies. Just wish I could get the yellow stains out... 

 

This Daffodil  doilie  is perfect for March.  My first opened up today!

This ring of flowers is just the right place to show off this blown glass bird.

Thanks again Suzanne for giving us this great outlet for sharing the vintage things in our lives at
The Colorado lady

Outdoor Wednesday A promise of spring

Daffodowndilly

by A.A. Milne

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,
She wore her greenest gown;
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down.
She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbour:
"Winter is dead." 

Have a great day!  I think spring is here!!!!!

Linking up with that wonderful southern daydreamer.  

Today is my oldest granddaughters 15th birthday. 

 We took her and her dad and his girlfriend out to lunch Sunday.  

She chose a turkish restaurant so we sat on the floor.  

The food was good and the colors were perfect for todays post. She's in blue and I'm in yellow!

You might remember last fall we were having a new dock built and I mentioned the "by Faith" slips for wave runners.  Well everything worked out financially and we found some awesome used SeaDoos for sale.  They are three seaters and are going to be so much fun!

 God is so good.  I feel almost guilty showing such toys when others are suffering.  But I am reminded that when we have been faithful it is okay to enjoy the blessings we are given. We are looking forward to many great hours with family and friends going around the lake.

I'm linking up with Blue Monday and  Mellow Yellow Monday.
Make sure you go by and check the other great blogs out and if you can leave a short hi just so I know you came by and I can visit your blog.
 Blessings, Debbie

This birdcage was brass when I brought it home.  The bottom was completely rusted out so I found a small, also brass, glass top table at the gw.  After many coats of paint it is now finished.  I had found these sweet ceramic birds in the christmas decorations and then used my humming bird feeder.  When it is warm enough I plan on using it on the deck with some type of flowering plant.  

I'm linking up today with Rednesday and White Wednesday.

  Make sure you go by and check out these great blog parties.

1843 Holy Bible - 

and the story behind it.

It's tattered and torn... but then it is 168  years old!

These photos do not do justice to the beautiful lithography

There are some stains on some of the pages.  I like to think they were tear drops from someone who loved God's word.

In early 1980's my husband was  working for the government on a contract job at the Heidelberg Army base in Germany.  While there We also pastored a small group of believers on Friday evenings and then supported the Military Chapel on Sundays.  

One Friday an Englishman visited the service, very intoxicated. He was actually arguing with Bob while he was preaching.  God did a miraculous work.  By the end of the sermon the man was completely, unmistakably sober.  He gave his heart to Christ and asked for prayer for his family. 

 He was going through a divorce.  

About three months later he visited again, a very different person.  God had heard his prayers, restored his marriage and they were all attending church in their hometown in England.  He was an antique dealer and brought us this beautiful Bible as a gift of thanks. 

 He could have been ushered out of the service that first Friday night but instead, many of those there, were quietly praying as he argued.

We never heard from him again but know we will see him again in Heaven.

So this book holds much more than antique value.

It hold the promise of forgiveness and new life.

I am linking today with Vintage Thingy Thursday and Spiritual Sunday

Blessings, Debbie

Time for a touch of the IRISH


I've been inspired by many of you to decorate my dining room table to go along with the holidays.  I have had so much fun doing this March St. Patricks day table.  My Great-great grandfather was born in Ireland and came to the United States.  My sister has the only picture we know of and I have borrowed it from her blog.  
Here is my entry for the 55th Table top Tuesday and a wonderful new blog I found today Time warp wife for Titus2sdays ,Tablescape Thursday  and Pink  Saturday (thanks for giving us the chance to share our green)

My white tablecloth is from Italy.  I purchased it in a small village off the main roads, one of our favorite traveling times is when we get off the tourist route and get into the parts of little villages that are truly part of their daily life.

Just a simple ribbon can change a candle to fit any table arrangement.  I found this holder at JoAnn Fabrics on sale. THe small vases sit at an angle.  I laid it on the plate to show you how they look and hmm, I kinda like it, who knows I might have to use them that way someday.   I think it will be perfect when my flowers start blooming.  For now, silk will have to do.  The green coke glasses were purchased at a Dollar General for $1. a piece!  they are very heavy too.
this cute Kiss me I'm Irish sign and the rest of the decorations were bought at a dollar store.  You really don't have to spend a lot to dress up a table.

 I bought my new white dishes at Walmart.  My hubby doesn't understand why I don't just buy a nice set of dishes but I like to change them out too often.  These were on $44. for the full set with a plate,dessert plate, bowl and cup.  

Patrick Fletcher, 1852 - 1927 my maternal great grandfather on my Dads side.  This was taken in Missouri in the 1920's. 

Facts  about St. Patrick

Born in Britian in the fifth century.

At sixteen years of age was kidnaped and taken to Ireland to become a slave.

He stated that he was told by God in a vision to flee and return to Britain. 

Joined the church and studied to become a priest.

Converted MANY royality and poor to Christ.

After 30 years of teaching he died on March 18, 461 AD.

In 1903 St Patricks Day became an official holiday.

This holiday remains a religious holiday in Ireland.

Blue Monday
Today I want to share two of the classrooms I painted at a church.  The total job took myself and 2 other painters 15 WEEKS to paint the new wing at the church.  I was awesome but so tiring.  The rooms have now been used for 5 years and people are still talking about the paintings.

Each room in this new addition has a completely different theme. 
Thanks for stopping by and hope you can come by again soon. 
Blessings, Debbie


This post is linked with Sally at smilingsally.blogspot.com