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You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / featured artist / {featured artist :: Eclectic Orchid}

{featured artist :: Eclectic Orchid}

June 25, 2010 ·
Filed Under: featured artist

This giveaway is now closed!


Here at Gussy has a lot to say {and sew} we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful jewelry to wear when out with someone special, beautiful stories about finding joy and inner creativity…

Today is week #25 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

Please join me in welcoming Marcy at Eclectic Orchid.

***

What inspires you?

I take inspiration from music, movies, nature, my family, found objects (aka: antique and thrift store treasures), bright bold colors, and any and all things shiny!

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?

I currently reside in South Carolina in one of the outlying suburbs of Charlotte, NC. I have lived here for four years with my husband, daughter and canine son. My home, however, will always be a small town in Southern Louisiana, between New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico.

Name something unique to where you live.

There is a fun little festival every Spring called the Come See Me Festival. During the weekdays there are musicians in a very lovely place called Glencairn Gardens. It is one of our city’s little gems. The azaleas are always at peak blooming time. You can sit back and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the return to spring.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I actually have a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. So many years spent in college to come to the realization later on that all I ever wanted to do was create beautiful things.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I absolutely adore orchids. I love their beauty, simplicity and delicate nature (did I mention I can’t keep one alive to save my life?). My style has always been very eclectic. I love to combine different elements, from feminine, vintage, modern, to edgy pieces for a unique look. Combine the two and voila… I had Eclectic Orchid.

Share a little bit about yourself.

I am a stay-at-home mom to my lovely 4-year-old daughter and my 6-year-old fuzzy son of the canine variety. I adore them and am so thankful to be able to share each and every day with them. I am married to a wonderful man and my best friend. I am also a creator trying to find my place in this beautiful world. I live for big hugs from my daughter, sloppy kisses from my fuzzball son, holding hands with my husband, spending time with my family, getting caught up in happy memories, the first cool day of fall, the first blossoms of spring, traveling to places unknown, finding the beauty in simplicity, and the art of creation.

What made you decide to open up shop?

After my daughter was born, I was going through some boxes and came across my old jewelry supplies. I originally started making jewelry again to break the monotony of being home all the time. I realized how passionate I was about it and that’s how Eclectic Orchid came to be.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.

My daughter wakes me up bright and early each morning ready to start the day. I stumble to the coffee pot (definitely not a morning person) and get a brew going while I fix her morning cup of chocolate milk. I usually check emails, answer convos, and package orders in the morning. After breakfast we usually run errands, spend some time in the yard, visit with friends, or land where the day takes us. Our days are full and each is always different. At night I usually take time to create. I am a night owl and that’s when the wheels really start turning!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.

It’s here: Dauphine. This lovely little print called “Dauphine” by a darling little shop called Oh Kirby. I love the colors, the simplicity, everything about it. Sigh. Isn’t it divine?

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.

Any time spent with my family, traveling through the Alps in Austria and Germany with my husband, watching the ocean at Folly Beach, listening to my daughter laugh.

Read any good books lately?

It’s been a while. I keep starting Pride and Prejudice but can’t commit. Does Southern Living magazine count? I am a sucker for articles on pretty gardens.

What is your most prized possession?

Probably my camera. It captures all the moments I never want to forget so that they are forever frozen in time and never lost. Little fragments of time, people and places – memories tucked away for a rainy day.

What are three of your favorite foods?

Can I just go with Greek food? That’s more than three, but I really can’t put a limit on it! Baba Ganoush, Moussaka, Hummus, yummm! A good ole Cajun meal always fits the bill as well! Fried fish, shrimp fettuccine, sausage with red beans and rice. I’m from the south. We know how to eat, haha. Great, now I’m hungry.

What would you like to learn to do?

I got a wonderful sewing machine for Christmas. I would love to learn how to use it and sew all of these wonderful ideas I have in my head!

What are you listening to right now?

Silence. It’s blissful sometimes. There is the ever so faint sound of my husband playing Wii in the background. I really should close the door…

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.

I’d really love to see Tuscany. I’ve visited several places in Italy, but I have yet to see Tuscany. I imagine it to be so lovely. I would love to take a bus tour, see a past-its-prime villa, purchase it, renovate it, make friends with the locals, learn to cook Italian food, and find my spirit. Oh wait, that’s “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Oh well, sounds fun doesn’t it?

***

The Giveaway Goods:

Eclectic Orchid is giving away a set of ruffled flower pins.

To enter:

Leave a comment sharing something positive about your day.

For extra entries {leave a comment for each}:
  • Tweet about this: So sassy + sweet! Enter to win a pair of large {ruffled} flower pins from @EclecticOrchid via @GussySews’ blog, http://u.nu/6waec
  • Blog about it {please share permalink with us}

EXTRA INFO:
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, June 27 at 10 pm CST,
    and the winner will be announced the following day
  • An email address must be listed on your blog profile or in the comment you leave


—
Additional links for Eclectic Orchid:
Twitter
Blog
Facebook Fan Page

***

Come on back Friday, July 9 for another Featured Artist post!

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Filed Under: featured artist

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« {shop update #4: wristlets/clutches}
{happy weekend-ing} »

Comments

  1. Franchesca says

    June 25, 2010 at 6:47 am

    something positive? I have the blessing of being a mommy again to my Bubby :)

    (the flower pins are GORGEOUS!)

  2. Kacia @ Coconut Robot says

    June 25, 2010 at 6:53 am

    I’m about to embark on a surprise 1st Anniversary surprise from my husband! I think that’s positive!! :O)

  3. Kristin McLendon says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:03 am

    I started my day extra early with a big cup of coffee, the Word and the back porch. Can’t get any better than that…and the fact that it’s my day off!

  4. emily anderson says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:28 am

    this jewelry is absolutely fantastic!

    something positive about my day is that it’s friday!

  5. Carla Burgdorf says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:40 am

    This morning my 7 month old is adorably mismatched so that she can CRAWL around the floor. And she is so frustrated with her hiccups that she is laughing!!

  6. Carla Burgdorf says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:41 am

    tweeted @buttrflychic05

  7. Blair@HeirtoBlair says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:54 am

    It’s Friday & my office smells like warm chocolate chip cookies!

  8. Kirsten says

    June 25, 2010 at 8:31 am

    Today will be my second day of work at my new job, for which I am sooo thankful! applying to jobs this summer had been a nightmare, and to be provided with one at last has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

  9. kelli johnson says

    June 25, 2010 at 8:35 am

    love that you feature an artist so fun, and the birdhouse feel of her stuff :) adorable ;) I also love the yellow!

  10. Celeste says

    June 25, 2010 at 8:52 am

    So far today, I’ve spent the morning cuddling my pup! I got all the housework completed yesterday so I could enjoy some cuddle-time today…so glad I did!

  11. katie r says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:09 am

    It’s Friday ! :) I am about to workout which means I’ll have my workout in before lunch. and my husband bought me a new sewing machine this week!!! that i get to initiate tomorrow :) I love the jewelry! Her colors are great!

  12. Elena says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Super cute pins! I could use one for my outfit today!
    Positive: my dad is in town, so I get to hang with him. :)

  13. Renee CandyStickLane says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:26 am

    What a FANTASTIC interview! LOL about Southern Living magazine and Under the Tuscan Sun! Your shop is a vision! LOVE everything! Thanks for this opportunity! And THIS is a GREAT way to start my day! XO

  14. Ashley says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Something positive for today – my son was an alternate on his All Stars team and he got to play last night and just seeing his smile and knowing how happy he is has made me a very proud momma!!! He was just excited to be a part of the team even if he didn’t get to play but since he did it was all the better. My sons are my positive EVERYDAY!

  15. Cristy says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:26 am

    it is Friday and my husband is taking our 2 oldest girls camping… so after I get home, I get the baby down to bed and have the house to myself =)

  16. Susan R says

    June 25, 2010 at 9:29 am

    Something postive about my day: It’s Friday!

  17. Lori Kim says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:02 am

    My husband comes home tonight after being gone for 4 days)

  18. Lori Kim says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:04 am

    Tweeted…. @ toiletales… Love the interview.

  19. Amy Branton says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Taking my children to a water park in the rain:) it’s going to be soo much fun!

  20. Kelly K. says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:08 am

    Last night was the first night I got a full night’s sleep all week, my daughter has been sick and she’s finally on the mend! So glad!!! I hate seeing her sick. :( Because she’s feeling better we walked down to some neighborhood garage sales and scored her a new slide! Also, we are getting new siding put on the house, and it looks AMAZING! Loving this sunny Friday for so many reasons already. :)

  21. Kiki_Dawn says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:19 am

    I’m spending my day volunteering for a group I strongly believe in. & this weekend I’m spending my time helping out my FFIL move!
    It’s going to be a great day! & weekend!!

  22. Candice says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:42 am

    I love the flower hair pins- so cute! A positive today is that my I’m picking my Dad up from the airport- woo hoo! :) Thank you for this opportunity!

    cmyersdoyle@aol.com

  23. Valerie says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Really beautiful jewelry! My day will be positive because I will be productive. I was very unproductive yesterday so I need to make up for it today. By the end I will feel great for accomplishing a lot (I hope!).

  24. Jessica says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:50 am

    1) It’s Friday! 2) Working only a half-day! 3) Meeting a friend for lunch!

  25. Stacey says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:51 am

    something positive about my day would be that i have a lead for a teaching job! i graduated from college last month and i’m trying my hardest to find a spot in an elementary school. :)

  26. Sarah P. says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:59 am

    I started my day with a great workout (“boot camp” at the ymca), am spending my afternoon making a dessert and playing with my sweetheart 1 yr old daughter, and this evening we’re going on a much needed double date… hubby and I are meeting friends for dinner. It’s a GREAT day!

  27. Jessica says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:00 am

    My day just started but it started off great because I was able to Skype with my husband who’s currently deployed to Afghanistan. I just know today will be a good day!

  28. wishful nals says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:08 am

    so gorgeous and different! i have a brand new puppy — it’s always a joy playing with him. have a lovely weekend. xo!

  29. Haley says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:11 am

    I fell asleep again despite the lawn mowers going at 8:00 this morning!

  30. Laura Stewart says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:20 am

    I am on vacation today – that is VERY positive!!

  31. mandiegirl says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Um, silly, It’s Friday! (& payday!)

  32. ScrapHappenswithAngie says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:27 am

    How nice of you to have a giveaway!! Thank you for the chance to win!

    Something positive about today? My boys aren’t fighting and they’re playing quietly upstairs!! Yay!! That’s a huge success in my book!

    Love your blog Gussy!

  33. Stephanie C. says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:44 am

    Its not raining even though it was originally forecast to!

  34. alison says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:48 am

    One of my dearest friends took the morning off work to come hang out with me and my little ones. I love a friend who doesn’t mind to just spend time with me in the chaos of my home with my two little boys running all over the place. Now that’s a good friend!

  35. Nicole says

    June 25, 2010 at 11:56 am

    A positive for today! Meeting a group of close friends to celebrate a friends upcoming marriage. Good is God! All the time!

    Love the colors of the ruffled flower pins!

    Have a great day!!
    Nicole

  36. EFY says

    June 25, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    Cute flower pins! I’ve enjoyed seeing these wonderful things!

    Today’s positive ~ I spent a few hours organizing in my husband’s shed to bless his heart. Now, I get to treat myself by sewing up a birthday gift!

    Blessings!

  37. Teri says

    June 25, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    So cute!

    A positive for today is that its Friday and the work day is flying by! Counting the hours until I see my smiley baby boy:)

    Happy weekend!

  38. Mindy says

    June 25, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    It is Friday and I only have ONE more week of my 8 AM history class… Hallelujah!

    Those are so cute!!

  39. Mindy says

    June 25, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Tweet tweet
    @mdmerenghi

  40. hiyaluv says

    June 25, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    today is a great day because the sun is shining and i am so blessed!
    smiles,
    gina

  41. Stacy says

    June 25, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    I have laughed all day at my son playing with our dogs! He thinks they are the funniest things ever:)

  42. Kari says

    June 25, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    I was able to spend this warm, sun filled Friday at the beach with some amazing people (:

  43. becky says

    June 25, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    I bought some beautiful sock yarn and since I had a gift certificate it only cost 2 dollars!! That’s a very happy thing. :)

  44. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    June 25, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Something positive about my day? I’ve been serving in a ministry for the past 2 weeks, spending time with good friends, and I get to see my man in an hour!

  45. rebecca g says

    June 25, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    celebrated my oldest child’s 5th birthday today, complete with a full-on party! good times!

  46. Melissa says

    June 25, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    Today, I stopped for delicious ice cream at a local shop on my way home!

  47. Jessica Hills says

    June 25, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    Got to spend the whole day with my husband and little girl!

  48. Jessica D says

    June 26, 2010 at 1:25 am

    Today was just a good day, for no apparent reason! :)

  49. jackie says

    June 26, 2010 at 4:28 am

    something positive about my day is always my boys jay and sam.i love em too much.

  50. Nikki says

    June 26, 2010 at 6:51 am

    Today we will work in our community garden with dozens of others…and it’s a gorgeous day. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  51. Sarah says

    June 26, 2010 at 7:00 am

    Thanks for the opportunity…something positive – I get to meet my little boy in 5 weeks!

  52. jennifer z says

    June 26, 2010 at 7:31 am

    Today my house is showing!! I pray it sells, we are moving back to the city! But the best thing about my house is my family!

  53. Naomi says

    June 26, 2010 at 8:13 am

    nmkng0745@gmail.com
    On my way to fav workout classs; GroupKick. It’s been 3wks. Definately a positive!

  54. SouthernScraps says

    June 26, 2010 at 10:52 am

    We just got some electrical work done and my craft closet now has an outlet so I don’t have to run an extension cord out into the room! That’s positive about my day! Lovely stuff featured.

  55. SouthernScraps says

    June 26, 2010 at 10:57 am

    I just tweeted about this too!

  56. Amie says

    June 26, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    I love when kids play in the sprinkler! so simple and sooo much fun!

  57. Meg says

    June 26, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Something positive? I have the joy of watching my lovely nieces for the weekend!

  58. Meg says

    June 26, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    I tweeted this @megsmorningcup

  59. Theodora Hermes says

    June 26, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    The earrings are gorgeous.
    And something positive… I am having dinner with a friend tonight that I have not seen in a very long time.

  60. kim whitten says

    June 26, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    I went to my family reunion -which was hot- but the positive was getting to see family members and share fun stories, look at old photos, and hear stories about my ancestors…AND I came home and took a nice nap! Positive day all around. :)

  61. Cassie C says

    June 27, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I got to spend the weekend in the great northwoods! And the weather was a perfect mix of sunshine, clouds, and a little bit of rain!

  62. Jenna Allen says

    June 27, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    I had the most awesome day with my husband! We went to an aquarium and saw a 3D IMAX movie. Awesome giveaway! :)

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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recent posts:

  • On writing regular letters. January 19, 2021
  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
  • Merry Christmas! Plus, adding a little warmth to my home. December 21, 2020
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  • 10 “field trips” ideas for your homeschoolers (Detroit & beyond) September 2, 2020
  • 7 books we are reading aloud this year August 19, 2020
  • A fall-themed homeschool resource! August 12, 2020
  • Studying the Bible July 30, 2020

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TOPICS I WRITE ABOUT

maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
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We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
on Simplicity

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