Sunday Reflections
Happy Sunday, everyone! I have so much to share with you today, so join me for my Sunday Reflections!
You can see that Mr. B became weary of waiting for the electrician and took him upon himself to perform monkey removal.
More about that later.
As I get out more in my new community, I have been so inspired by the women in their 60s and above.
So many are running businesses, or working at businesses, are artisans, food producers….it is Incredible to see what an important part of the community they are.
Once again, I am convinced that we play critical roles with our communities and families….and should do as much as we can when possible.
They have inspired me in many ways.
So, let’s begin with my experience with some of them at a Christmas artisans market…..
Sunday Reflections is the day I share what is happening in my world…..
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THE ARTISANS MARKET
There was talent everywhere by gifted women at my first Christmas artisans market in Abilene.
I met painters, artists, crafters, cooks, jewelry makers, and more.
This fabulous woman owns a company called Straworth.
She founded Straworth with her husband in 2021 to bring hope and a future to the Noyine-Maltaab community of women weavers in Vea, Ghana, West Africa.
Behind each handwoven piece are these women’s unique artistry and talents.
During COVID, they had been devastated socioeconomically with no livelihood for their families.
I took home a bag for me, and a basket for a small Christmas tree …later a plant.
With every purchase, in the lives of the women of Ghana.
Follow them @straworth on Instagram.
I also met Elizabeth Jeanine Fry, the artist of the picture above.
I loved her work with trees and hand painted ornaments. I took home this picture because it is perfect for my bedroom.
She can be reached at flourishartstudios@gmail.com.
So much to see and enjoy…and taste.
I had the best blueberry scone…and cannot wait to taste this peach jam.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: NO MORE MONKEYS HANGING UP ABOVE (OR JUMPING ON THE BED!)
As a reminder, my new home featured three of these monkey lights hanging in a row…and a ceiling fan that appears to have once been spray painted gold.
All four needed to go.
I purchased three lights that met my French Country/farmhouse aesthetic…however…when we held them up, we did not like three in a row.
Now, there is one over the bar area with a new bronze ceiling fan.
I will show you the other two soon.
They are in the kitchen over the island…but my island is full of food as I get ready for Thanksgiving cooking to begin Tuesday.
I promise to show you soon.
Our time here has been a whirlwind…moving into the house…making a few changes…and now it is time to decorate for Christmas.
I am a little overwhelmed…the neighbors have already put outside Christmas lights and displays up…I still have pumpkins.
Oh well, comparisons are deadly…right?
I told you that when we moved we re-discovered our albums! We thought we might have moved them on, but thankfully kept them.
Because Best Buy already had Black Friday prices up, I stopped by and picked up a turntable. Check BEST BUY BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS.
I brought home the VICTROLA EASTWOOD SIGNATURE.…all in one unit. It has great sound.
We love it…and the grandsons were fascinated by it.
I got so excited that I ordered two albums from the TARGET VINYL selection of Christmas music…I prefer classics.
It has been a fun week getting to know more women in the community.
I have more for you this week and hope you will. join me.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: GIVE THANKS
My Sunday Reflections are all about gratitude…the reason for the Thanksgiving season.
It is difficult to be away from family and friends, but I am so thankful for our new lives here with family who needed us and new opportunities.
Whenever I feel that twinge of sadness from what was left behind, I immediately begin to thank God for all He is doing in lives of my family.
No matter what you are facing this week, practice gratitude every day…not just on Thursday.
Thank you for joining me for Sunday Reflections...I hope to see all of you tomorrow of something fun and inspiring…until then….
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
I was encouraged to explain more about my SHOPPING LINKS page and how to use it.
I am an affiliate for many different brands and when you click on those brands and shop, then I receive a small commission.
This is such an important income for me and my family.
I have tried to include the brands most shopped by this audience, but sometimes I miss one of your favorites.
If you will tell me what you are shopping, then I can tell you if I am affiliate for them and give you that link…if it is not already on the page.
It’s so much fun to see you out and about in your new community. What a talented assortment of artists and craftspeople you’ve found! I love the straw bags and want to think about one for next summer. I also loved the painting you brought home, which would also match my bedroom. I splurged on a similar piece from the Magnolia Christmas collection at Target, and can’t wait to hang it during my last holiday season in this home. Hoping you can take time to slow down and savor this week of Thanksgiving with your family, instead of feeling like you’re not keeping up with some sort of arbitrary holiday schedule. Maybe there are years we don’t have to do ALL the things; when we can take a slower approach. Last year I had the excuse of my mother’s recent passing. This year, I’m avoiding things that feel overwhelming, with an extended visit by out-of-town company and a big trip looming in January, coupled with the new house I’ll take possession of around that time. Somehow it feels like the first quarter of 2025 will be a whirlwind of frantic activity, and I want to be more deliberate as it approaches, and try to go into that season more rested. Wishing you permission to do the same! Blessings to you, your family and your readers as Thanksgiving approaches. I’m so thankful for the wisdom you share and the friendships forged through your reader community.
I also am totally behind helping the women in Africa with the beautiful woven bags etc!
My choice also your br pick picture.
Also yum blueberry scone!
Don’t try to keep up with the Jone ses getting all frazzled lol.
I’m excited for u to see the monkey removal and your alternate pick!
Pam, you have embraced the move and many changes with grace and good cheer! I have so enjoyed your journey, from boxes packed and unpacked, monkeys, and your foray into town, meeting wonderful women. You are always looking around the corner with curiosity and your smile. Abilene is lucky to have you!
Enjoyed this post so much. The market looked like a place I could spend a lot of time visiting. Your upbeat attitude and joy shines through every post. Happy Thanksgiving!
I so enjoy the support that you give small businesses, especially women owned.
As far as Christmas, I decided many years ago that the holidays were not a time to make myself crazy because of others and what media was telling me to do. It helped me immensely in remembering what Christmas was about. If things don’t get done-oh well and I am not opposed to giving an IOU for a gift. I have never needed to do an IOU, but it took so much pressure off.
Enjoy your new home, your family and most importantly, your precious grandchildren.
Love seeing what you’re discovering as the holidays begin there in Abilene, and glad you’ve managed really to get so much done already. I favor what Texas Aggie has to say about avoiding things that feel overwhelming. Yeah! – you got the record player!!! Happiness 🎶 & Joy!
We, too, are facing a move from a beloved home, downsizing and to be closer to family (the family part will be a good thing). I love that, whenever you feel sad, you thank God for his gifts. That’s the perfect thing to do – to always be grateful. As Deborah said, you’re facing the “many changes with grace and good cheer,” and that is what I aspire to!
Pam, I always enjoy your Sunday posts. They always have something different and it’s like catching up with a friend.
Sounds like Abilene is a nice town. What a great find at this market. They have beautiful things.
I like what you said about being grateful everyday. It takes me from the negative to the positive.
Have a great week. Go luck in you redecorating.
Love your newhome look and your purchases . May you find much joy this holiday season . When i got out my holiday decor every one with JOY in it reminded me of you .
It was so much fun meeting the local artists and I loved Elizabeth’s trees. Last Christmas was not the same because of the foot surgery…and now, we have moved. I want this Christmas to be more like my usual. So, I am going to push myself a little harder to do that. I do know there are times when celebrations are different. I am going to breathe deep, pray and see what I can do! Blessings to you as well.
The house is feeling more like me…especially without monkeys! Thanks Debra.
You are so, so sweet. Thank you Deborah.
Happy Thanksgiving, Dorothy!
Thank you Pat. Thankfully, my shopping is done. I needed to go forward since I am sending a lot of it to another city this year. I just need to wrap!
We are so excited about this record player…and discovering music we loved years ago. It has been fun…while I decorate I will play my Christmas albums! Thanks Connie!
Thanks Niki…God has seen us through and will not drop us now!
We are beginning to look at what we want to do this afternoon. Onward!
That blesses me so much, Susan. I wish JOY for all of us through Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I love that even though busy you are getting out and about in the new community. Made me a bit nervous with your hubby up on the ladder 😟. I get it though, you just want it done!
Yay! The monkeys are gone! You have Thanksgiving yet so leave those pumpkins out. Some of my neighbors have put lights out but not on. I think they are just taking advantage of the warmer weather this week. It is sunny, breezy and high fifties. The marketplace you found is wonderful. The woven baskets and bags are beautiful. What a delightful find. I was still working in ICU in my 60s until my feet were too painful to continue. These women all looked happy with what they were doing. Being creative is the best human experience. I love you Sunday reflections blog and reading all of the comments which often puts things in perspective for me. Thank you for sharing Pam and all of your readers.
it’s done…he does things like that!
Thanks for being here, Sydney!
Wow!! Amazing community you have moved to:-)
Abilene sounds like a dynamic town. The Christmas artisans market looked like a lot of fun. Glad the monkey lights are down. And the gold fan. The new look is a big improvement. I think more and more people are rushing the season a bit with decorations. That’s OK for them but I prefer to let Thanksgiving be its own separate celebration so my pumpkins are still out too. I know its hard to be away from family and friends but I think you are where God wants you to be at this time. Happy Sunday.
I love going to holiday markets & craft fairs. There are so many talented people in our world. Those straw bags look amazing. I’m glad your monkey problem has been resolved. You’re right about comparison being the killer of joy, so enjoy your Thanksgiving & then bring out the Christmas by doing whatever gives you joy.
Yes, it is Tina!
I know we are where God wants us and that He put all of this together. Knowing that helps so much! Thanks Kathie!
One way or another…this will be a busy week!
I’m so glad you’re taking time for yourself and getting out in your community. The small home changes look great! I love the light and fan. We put our tree up at thanksgiving and let the grandkids decorate it, put other decorations for the dining table and doll houses so they can decorate those spots too. It keeps them busy feeling helpful. Later on I make a few “adjustments “🥰 We’re decorating early since Thanksgiving comes late in the month and some family won’t be here at Christmas. Let family help you so you can enjoy and not feel exhausted! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁
Somehow I haven’t received any daily posts from you the past week. Do I need to re-subscribe? Thanks!
Let me check, Mary!