Saturday, Joe and I spent some time cleaning my outdoor office. AKA: the screened-in deck. I hate to admit it, but it had been over two years since we'd really given it a good cleaning. It was a mess! Even the cobwebs had cobwebs. But Saturday that all changed. We took everything out, took the screens off the windows, hosed those down, power washed the floors and walls. You name it, we cleaned it.
And it's all so pretty now...
Oops! How did he get in there?
I love this yard statue (that I keep on my deck).
A little "welcome"
But the "precious thing" I found while we were cleaning is this (below). It sits on the table beside me as I write.
Mom and Dad gave me this some years back. Mom loved statues! And look what I found written on the bottom (that I'm sure I knew was there at one time).
So very precious! Especially now. This Friday marks three years since Mom went Home. In some ways it seems like yesterday, and in others, it feels like a lifetime ago.
I'm tellin' you, friends… If you're not already doing this, please start writing on the backsides and bottoms of gifts you give. Some day, someone will be very grateful that you did!
Now, off to write in my outdoor office. Beside my statue. With sweet, sweet memories of Mom.
Tammy
The last pic Mom and I had taken of us. Can't wait to see her again some day.
Your mother was absolutely precious :-) And such a sweet message from your dad. I HAVE to remember to start writing on backsides and bottoms!! :-) God bless you today and through the rest of the week. You're in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh Tam! What a priceless thing to find with the cherished message from your Dad. That is something that will stay with you for ever and a legacy for Kelsey/Kurt and their future families:0)
ReplyDeleteThe photo of you and your precious Mum made me very emotional and I'm sure you've written on the back of it!:0)
My Mum used to do beautiful paintings and also exquisite china painting pieces, which she has have given to my Sister and myself. We have made sure that she has written a message, signed and dated her pieces, so she will always be remembered for the inspiring, loving, caring and talented person she is. I'm sure when I'm a Great Grandmother (as my Mum is) MY Great Grand Children will be proud to inherit something from her in the years to come! Keeping precious memories and family history alive at it's very best!
Thank you for a heart warming and sensitive post, Tam!
That is precious! And I can't believe it's been three years since your mom went Home. Know she's reveling in Heaven, but know you miss her deeply, too. Loved seeing your porch this morning and can't wait to read the next wonderful novel that springs from there! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks, gals. Wish we could be sharing a cup of coffee out on the screened-in deck this morning. Then again, I doubt I'd get near the work done. LOL! We'd be chatting!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, yes! Start writin' on those backsides and bottoms, babe!
Rosie, what precious keepsakes you have and memories you're making. Good for you!
Deb, I'm imagining you in your own little haven this morning, working away! Thanks for all you did to make TO WHISPER HER NAME sooo much better than it would have been on my lonesome. So grateful for you and all you've taught me through the years.
Appreciate you all!
What a beautiful posting...and tribute to your mom. And I love your 'outdoor office.'
ReplyDeletekarenk
Precious post, Tammy....and I so agree about writing on the "backsides and bottoms"--a priceless reminder! Thinking of you as the anniversary of your sweet Mom's homegoing approaches. I truly understand your feelings, and am keeping you close in prayer. LOVE that beautiful photo of the two of you. ~ Wow! Your "outdoor office" is so lovely--the view of trees reminds me of being in the mountains. *happy sigh* My daughter Amy came into the room as I was viewing the pics and she also commented about how pretty it is! (hmmmm...now I feel like I need to go clean something *wink*). Little Jack adds a nice touch to the office too! Thanks again for sharing with us, and praying for you this week. Love, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful "outdoor office". The picture of you and your mother is precious, and I know rediscovering what she'd written on the bottom of the statue was priceless.
ReplyDeleteI have a small, handcrafted wooden doll my mother gave me sometime during the 1980's (she went Home over 16 years ago) that she wrote simply "love you" on the back of, and even though the doll is dressed in the traditional country blue and dusty rose of the '80's, I still treasure it.
Thanks, KarenK, Patti Jo, and Teri! Wish I could serve you a cup of coffee about now. Or sweet iced tea! Whatever your pleasure.
ReplyDeleteTeri, I know that doll is precious to you. With reason. Aren't we grateful for these reminders of what blessings we had in our mothers and the loved they tucked deep within us. Thank you, Lord!
Such a wonderful "retreat" you have right there at home! Wish I could curl up there with a book - or even better, for a chat with you! So fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the "backsides % bottoms" tradition and the surprise you received this weekend. What a sweet gift from God as you approach this third anniversary. Hard to believer it's been three years already.
Of course, I'd really like to know what lessons your mom "wrote" on your backside/bottom when you were growing up! LOL
Tammy, I LOVE that photo of you and your mom. You are two peas in a pod. I've also decided that after we meet at Patti Jo's and do Christmas at Jekyll Island, we'll stop on the way back at your house and enjoy your sunporch. I've been thinking of screening in my back porch and now you're really getting my imagination going.
ReplyDeleteTamera, these pictures are beautiful, love your style! And that statue from your dear mom is so sweet and the little note on the bottom is so precious. Your mom was a beautiful woman and you look just like her! What wonderful memories you hold in your heart till the day you can make new memories with her throughout eternity :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amanda
Tammy, you are incredible. The outdoor office is warm and inviting, Jack makes for a darling ambassador (since you have the welcome up on the shelf)and the statue is a perfect finishing touch. Where you get all that energy is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteIt's 107 here, and a Flex Alert means we aren't to use air conditioning. I'm wilting on the couch--looking at that too-sweet-for-words picture of you and your mom. Love radiates from it. Now if only the cool ocean breeze come through!
Tracie's WritesPassage idea is great! Your patio would be the perfect last stop. We'll have to remember to start Down Under with Rosie--but I'm not drinking her croc water!
Cathy
Well, I posted earlier today but it has disappeared. Wonder who deleted it???
ReplyDeleteHey Cath! I'd LOVE you to start off Down Under! Don't worry m'dear, I've added CHOC to the CROC..it's ready and waiting! LOL! Love Ya!
ReplyDeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteLove your outdoor office! And the shot with Mr. Jackson is adorable!
Praying for you sweet friend as you are missing your Mom. It's hard...but thank the Lord that He didn't leave us without a Comforter. And thank the Lord that He doesn't get tired of me calling on Him! ;-) We're gonna make it sweet friend...thanks for being my sister on this journey.
Can't wait to read your new book! Kiss Jack!
Have I said how much I appreciate you gals?! Y'all are the best! Wish we could all be out on the porch right now, chatting, eating some fresh warm scones or pumpkin spice muffins, drinking coffee (or partially frozen Diet DP), and hoopin' it up!
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for each of you, and to our "lurker" friends who rarely comment too. The community here at WofP is so sweet.
Judy, have no idea where your comment went but I'm guessing it was snarky. : )
What a sweet God-moment in the midst of something like cleaning. {Your writer's haven of an outdoor office looks great!}
ReplyDeleteYou look so much like your mom--that picture is beautiful, priceless. <3