June // What I Read

Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music by Charmian Carr

My favorite movie happens to be The Sound of Music and so when I discovered this gem of a book I was so excited to dive in! Written by Charmian Carr (Liesl) the book explores the making of the movie and gives an exclusive sneak peek of what it was like to act with the likes of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Feature Friday: Esther Clark Illustration & Calligraphy

Today on the blog I am so excited to introduce you to one of my favorite artists and creatives. Esther and I met on Instagram a year or so ago. I came across her work and instantly became a huge fan. I reached out to her to design a custom botanical piece for a tattoo I want to get someday. I still need to fulfill that bucket list wish but for now, the drawing is hanging in my dining room. Since then, I have ordered a calendar of hers that is one of my favorite purchases ever. I have even used some of the calendar pages for framed artwork around my home. 

In addition to being drawn to her work, I quickly learned we have a lot in common such as a love for Downton Abbey, coffee, flowers (of course!) and most of all, Jesus. She has definitely become a kindred spirit and her account is one of my absolute favorites. Check her out on Instagram and give her a follow. 

When Life Isn't What You Expected it to Be

This post has been a long time coming, but I thought it was time to share my heart with you...

At times I wonder, "Who cares about what's going on in my day-to-day life and the life of my husband, Josh?", but part of the reason I began this blog was as a means to record our journey and the places God takes us. Our life is pretty simple and mundane, but I know one day I will want to look back at old posts and see how far we have come and also I know that I have some family and friends who like to be kept in the loop so here I go...

Planters For Days

One of the most enjoyable things to shop for when buying plants is the perfect home for them! Although it is fun to search for the perfect planter for the perfect plant, it can be a bit challenging as well! I rounded up some of my favorite planters for you guys so if anyone is interested...

look no further.

May // What I Read

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 

I had heard a lot of things about this particular book and then when I saw that Hulu was making it into a television series I just had to read it. 

Set in a futuristic world that at one time was the United States, women have been diminished to nothing more than domesticated servants, prison guards, and child-bearers. With the rapid-decline of fertility, especially among the women of the higher government officials, a select few have become "handmaidens" and are used only for the purpose to provide the population with offspring.

Visiting The Hiding Place / The Corrie ten Boom House

Last May, Josh and I had the privilege of visiting the ten Boom house in Haarlem, about a 15 minute train ride outside of Amsterdam. One of my main reasons for wanting to visit The Netherlands was to see the home and city that Corrie ten Boom originated from. The Hiding Place is one of my favorite books of all time and if you haven't read it then by all means do so! It will leave you inspired, uplifted, and in awe of God's grace.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the story, Corrie, along with her father and sister, created a safe haven for Jews during the Nazi occupation in Holland during World War II.

Readings from The Blue Castle

For those of you who don't know, I gathered inspiration for my blog (along with it's name) from L.M. Montgomery's The Blue Castle. The book holds a special place in my heart. I remember reading it as a young girl and becoming enchanted with the story of Valancy, a young woman who lives a very drab existence but after a doctor's diagnosis she finally begins to truly and passionately live.