{Motivation Monday}

 50 life lessons

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second up is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you're sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, no because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of everything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

These were all too good to not share!
written by : American Author Regina Brett

xoxo
Dejah

{organized chaos}

 

Since moving to our new house I've yet to unpack everything...and so those pretty pocket doors lead to a very formal dining room complete with a full wall mural of Italy...and antique chandelier and a four and a half foot wall of boxes and tubs that need to be put away....it's just that every time I open the doors I get a little overwhelmed and freak out then I quickly shut the doors and pretend that room doesn't exist just yet. Funnily, I actually had a vision of myself the other day imagining my surprise when I am actually able to get that room squared away....I imagined myself like one of those home-owners on HGTV's show "Buying & Selling" (the one with the two hot twin brothers) ...who comes home to find their space has been added on to and beautified!...I mean it'll be like a I gain a whole new room! How exciting!! (yes.. I'm a bit of a delusional dreamer...and I'm ok with that).

 

So we couldn't find the iron...and ... well, you know being adults and all we should probably have access to that. I went in with the purpose of locating the iron and came out a few minutes later with a huge tub filled to the brim of old photographs... LIKE REAL photographs.  An entire journey in that box.  It holds photos from when Mr. Quinn and I were young and dating....our wedding...births, birthdays, and milestones of our two Indians...all the way up to about four years ago. I had assumed with all the moving we had undergone in the past years that the box had fallen off a truck or gotten accidentally thrown out and here it was! I quickly jumped over the four foot wall of China (er..boxes)...bumped my head on the antique chandelier...and ran right out of Italy...slammed the pocket doors shut tight and then, me and my tribe sat in the living room floor gazing, laughing, and having precious bittersweet floods of memories. After about and hour... and several little yawns later I was snapped back to the present time and realized it was an hour past bedtime on a school night!! I promised to leave the neat, tidy stacks of photos on the floor and we could continue our tour the next day....

 

 

FAST FORWARD to the next eve (last night)... while cooking dinner I could hear the belly laughs....the "oohs & ahh's" and "ohhh! LOOK!"...coming from the living room and new they were pilfering through the piles of photos.. they would even bring me one occasionally and ask "who's this chubby baby?"

 

When the call to dinner came... they shut the pocket doors to the living room, washed up , and we sat down and ate. That was followed by our regular scheduled evening marathon of homework, showers, and what seems like a three hours of  me proclaiming "go back -to bed!!"

 

THIS MORNING.....after the kids were off to school I danced through the house doing my morning ritual of opening up the blinds and doors in all the rooms...allowing the space and the light to greet and kiss...when I opened the living room doors...I almost fell over!

..............................................................................................

 

 

 

those little rascal's sure did have fun though... and as I replayed the giggles and chuckles I heard coming from this same room the night before.....

 

I just decided...that I was ok with that..(but darn-it i never did find that iron!)

Source: etsy.com via Dejah on Pinterest

xoxo
Dejah

{the road I'm travelin'...}

 


the road I'm travelin'......






 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: breakfastattimpanis-quotes.xanga.com via Dejah on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Source: middlechildcomplex.tumblr.com via Dejah on Pinterest

 

January always throws me into spirals.... Perhaps it's the cold, dreary weather...or the contrast of the pace from what a whirlwind December is...either way I am always grateful for another January --a privilege , I realize , is denied to many....but I am also always a little happy to see her go.

February always brings calm, quiet, clarity and beauty. My mind flourishes with dreams and goals. I feel my course changing this 2013... the road I'm on looks different and I am so excited to explore and find where it takes me.

 

a lovely old photo of my great grandma (Granny's mom) Pearl Amelia and some of my great uncles

 

 

xoxo,

 

 

 

 

 

Dejah

{motivation Monday}

Monday... Happy...get-up-and-get-going Monday!! Freaky, Squeaky, cleaning Monday!!

Are you motivated yet? ...if not watch this...

The Girls With Glasses "Clean Happy" Song

and you might want to check out their blog HERE

Happy Monday y'all!

xoxo
Dejah

{a song for Sunday}

here's you a sweet lil' song that's been ricocheting around my little head all week...

this weeks beautiful  song for Sunday is by:

Sarah Reeves



Here at the altar of the broken things
I'm finally throwing down this mirror of me
when Ive done all I can do and there's nothing left to prove
and I just need you

I'm totally completely dependant upon you
I'm totally completely dependant upon you

Here at the place of empty vessels
I'm pouring out this heart of selfish ambition
When theres no more options left  
and im nothing but a mess well
that's when you' re best

when there's no words left to say
and there's nothing to pray
I just wait

Oh I wait on you Lord

I'm trusting in your word, yeah

Oh cause you' re totally completely faithful to me
You're totally completely faithful to me

{who what WEAR wednesday}

 

 

{who what WEAR wednesday}

this weeks wardrobe was pretty simple, yet sleek and functional. I wore this to work at the studio and I was completely comfortable building displays...and then on to lunch with the girls..followed up by carpooling the kiddies...then toting them around to errands, dance, etc. and I still got complements from Mr. Quinn when he arrived home!  This is a function ensemble with a bit of flare and some kick....WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK!


THE LOOK.....

 

and it's kind-of cute too eh?

(photos by my sweet, dear, son age 9)

 

 

vintage flannel... uhhh....

 I might have mis-spelled flannel in the photo caption above--- just overlook it mmm-kay?  because REALLY?...how many times do you actually spell flannel in your life ..pretty sure I NEVER had such a word in school spelling lists....plus it's really late as I type this...everyone one in my house-hold  has been in bed for hours including the dog..... the dishwasher is humming me  a sweet little lullaby, the washer and dryer are joining in with strings and percussion.... while I still have work to do --- my computer hardrive insists on singing harmony....SO back to the:

shirt (local thrift shop men's section) $1.00

(similar HERE

&  HERE)

 

.....but I really recommend checking out the men's section at your local thrift shops... or even sneaking into your dads, brothers, cousins? grandfathers closets!!! lol

 

sequin tank (target clearance) $4.54

similar --not quite as cheap but--maybe even cuter one shown HERE

old navy jeans $29.50 (used a Christmas gift card from the GAP = FREE

 HERE

 

 

My sweet sis-in-law hand-knit me these boot cuffs as a gift for Christmas ( I PUFFY HEART handmade gifts!--THEY ARE THE BEST!)

 These boots are an old Christmas gift (I begged for) from Mr. Quinn-- and that was at least 12 years ago.  Let me say: first off: I'm not getting paid to say this--and secondly-- I'm a bit of a Steve Madden fan.

I am on my feet all day and I'm kinda in love that he makes practical-yet stylish shoes because otherwise I'd be in my tennis shoes or UGGS all day everyday.
(obviously  my splurge is footwear...but us busy gals just can't get things done when your feet hurt am I right?)

Because my boots here are so old...yet in great shape...it's also an awesome testament to how well Mr Madden's shoes hold up!

I couldn't find my boot style available any longer...but you can find similar ones HERE  & HERE

...and now to a minor (yet major) detail......

 

xoxo
Dejah

{tipsy tuesday}

HOLY Vinegar!!

I know my great grandmothers are likely rolling on heaven's floor laughing that it took me 35 years to figure out how amazing this stuff is!

Vinegar (which basically means "sour wine" in french) was discovered accidentally when a cask of wine gone past it's prime was put to use instead of thrown out...and so... a versatile new product was found! Vinegar is naturally green, antibacterial, disinfectant, non-toxic...and really has SO MANY uses.

From cleaning almost any household surface...to using in the lawn/garden...as pest control...even cooking...and taking internally for health benefits... There's just not much you can't do with it! Today, I'm going to share one of the ways I use vinegar on a weekly basis. In the shower!! My OCD tendencies arise if I am taking a shower and spot anything unclean in the shower/tub.....and I just can't feel clean if I'm showering in a dirty space...and sometimes a shower can be clean but just look old or nasty because of soap scum, hard water spots and/or calcium deposits. By using this quick and easy method once a week... my shower looks brand new and I can bathe in peace ;) AND most importantly I am not subjecting myself or my family to a ton of toxic chemicals that I can't even pronounce.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
-white distilled vinegar
-dawn dish soap concentrated (or off brand - as long as the ingredients are the same)
-large squirt bottle

-Mix equal parts concentrated dish soap and vinegar in squirt bottle and shake well ( I make a full squirt bottle batch and do all bathrooms at once)

-Spray the entire shower surface down very well (the solution comes out like a gel and sticks well)

-Leave solution on for an hour...it will begin to spread and thicken a bit...
-After an hour take a wet sponge and just quickly wipe down all surfaces...(no need to scrub).
-Let sit for about 15-20 more min. then rinse away with hot water.

Your shower will sparkle like new!!

Want more info on ALL the wonderful uses for vinegar!?

visit these links:

http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html

http://www.motherearthliving.com/healthy-home/natural-cleaning/versatile-vinegar-zmhz13jfzmel.aspx

http://cupcakeapothecary.blogspot.com/2012/02/130-uses-for-vinegar.html


xoxo
Dejah

{the runaway...& the rambler}

{the runaway...& the rambler}




....uh...tap...tap...tap...is  this thing on?


I don't even know where to start...or if even anyone is still around...reading this...but if you are Oh My Goodness! BLESS YOUR HEART (in my East Texas accent)...and I love you!!!!!

Remember THIS POST ABOUT MY BEGINNING?  this blog?? It still pertains.... I'm still very much in that mindset ...in fact...I haven't read that post since I posted it then...til' today......crazy huh?

Really though...... it made me think...
so much has has changed...so much remains...

My Granny & Papaw moved away from Rambling Lane..they moved into a retirement community...and got it ready to sell...my heart broke a little... I couldn't imagine that little plot of home belonging to anyone outside my family...In the meanwhile...my cousin Renee' lived and loved in the Rambling house...for nearly two years until she got married...And then to my surprise...Granny and Papaw decided to move home!! 

2012 was a crazy year...and 2013 has so many possibilities... that's a post for another day...

I'll leave you with a photo of The little House on Rambling lane.

Love,
the runaway and the rambler

bloom were you are planted

Spring is here...summer is near and I can't shake this itch to run away.....escape...road trip...get away!

I moved a lot growing up....I've always been good with the getting up-and going...enjoy it really....it's the day to-day monotony that stirs the gypsy inside. I try hard to make peace with her. I know it's important that my tribe have some balance and so while I'd really like to sell all my belongings, pack up the family... buy an airstream and go loose myself.... I rationalize this isn't really fair to them. They need roots especially at this young time in their lives. 

The earthy side of me helps....& after being really sick with the flu for a week I spent the weekend in my back yard planting my garden. I love to watch it grow and little bits of me sprout and thrive along side those little seedlings.

Perhaps...after living in one place for almost 6 years....I'm growing roots too?!
Nahh!!! lol

xoxo
Dejah

be awesome...

The secret to being awesome at everything is having the courage to be horrible at first.
(source below)



really enjoying this guys blog and wisdom lately... http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/how-to-be-awesome-at-everything/#more-1050'

xoxo
Dejah
(rambling lane)

places and spaces

With the cold Oklahoma winter winds pushing us to hunker down and hibernate indoors I am suddenly more aware of my surroundings and the places and spaces that I inhabit. Things of comfort...and things that make me at peace. While all my spaces are a constant work in progress...i thought i might share a few spaces here and there.....

This is a set of cubbies in my bathroom...in and on it I keep some pretty little things that make me happy!!!...Things like my favorite perfumes...a vintage camera (a gift from my bestie Michelle).... a little pottery bowl from Sparkly filled with rings...etc.

The top right is a photo print of a painting of colored horses...I love seeing it everyday!! I bought it from a primitive artist in the Ozarks...I will own an original someday.



I believe that jewelry is art for the body...and reflects your taste...I certainly can't wear every piece all the time and hated the thought of it all being put away into some box or drawer when I'm not wearing it....that's why Mr. Quinn is pretty handy to have around :)...I picked out colors and knobs and  he made me two of these jewelry displays...LOVE them!!


I stapled some vintage lace to the back of  an old frame and made a sweet place to hang my earrings!!
 (this is a 16x24 frame)



....my favorite pair.... they were my Granny's and she wore them often. I can close my eyes and still see them on her delicate ears.... she gifted them to me Christmas 2010....one of the best gifts ever!!



here's a pull back shot of my little vanity area...




OH! did you notice the boots?? Those are a new gift from Mr. Quinn...They are so very cosy and warm and and have hardly left my toes since! (yes...I MIGHT be a little spoiled).


xoxo
Dejah

{who what wear wednesday}

It's WHO WHAT WEAR WEDNESDAY!!!

So DISCLAIMER:
They aren't all gonna be dressy & glam...and I got a little inspired to tell you why in my post today...

Today we are snowed in. The kids schools are closed so I scrubbed out all day in my sweats! It felt so good to not have to get all dressed up. I showered...threw my wet hair in a messy bun and put on the most comfy clothes I could find.

My sweet baby gal Sparkly remembered what day it was and was so excited ...and said
"Mommy...Isn't it wardrobe wednesday!?!"
"yup"... I said halfway...
she replied with a "go get your camera and let me take your picture!"
So. I. did. (mind you--- I am in granny, velour, sweats and I only have on enough make-up so that the mr. doesn't ask me if I'm not feeling well).

While I have a few cute "wardrobe wed's" on reserve for days JUST.LIKE.THIS....she was so excited and I didn't want to explain to her that I didn't think I looked so pretty today.

I've been thinking alot about this lately...(the impact I have on her ever growing and developing self esteem). Why is it that we women are so dang hard on ourselves? I know I would NEVER, EVER say some of the the ugly, hurtful things that I secretly tell myself in the mirror to someone I love. So if I love myself...why do I say them to me?

A huge part of our own concept of womens beauty springs from what the media tells us (or shows us rather) is beautiful. We see adds of flawless, rail-thin, supermodels. They sell us everything from cosmetics to cars. But the truth is...these women themselves are not flawless...and often not as thin as they are made to look in print ads etc. Excessive airbrushing and photoshopping is what we have to compete with. As a photographer myself I know my way around photoshop. I used to joke around with my friends...I made no secrets that I could make myself a couple pounds lighter.

A couple of years ago I was editing my family photo for our Christmas card....my son came up (5 years old then) and I was slimming one of my legs down a bit. He thought that was super cool and wanted to know if I could make his head WAYYYYY bigger!!! Little boys are so funny. Later that night I laid in my bed and the HORRID thought occured to me "what if that had been my girl?" "What would that have done to her own self image?" I vowed right then to never edit myself that way again. I do still touch up blemishes etc....but I leave my body alone.


I LOVE Kate Winslett who dares to be herself...even speaking out ....being outraged even at being excessivly retouched.

She spoke about this GQ cover stating "I don't look like that and more importantly I don't desire to look like that! I actually have a polaroid that the photographer gave me on the day of the shoot... I can tell you that they've reduced my legs by about a third."

I also really love THIS little snippett from her Oprah interview where she says

"Nobody is perfect. I just don't believe in perfection. But I do believe in saying "This is who I am, look at me not being perfect. I'm proud of that!"

Okay....so here I am...look at ME not being perfect on Wardrobe Wednesday!
-velour pants??? i've had them for ages
-white oversized hoodie- target sale rack $4.00!!
-v-neck- old navy...I stock up on them every spring in every color! (when they are on sale of course!)
-SPLURGE- uggs! (a gift from mr. Quinn...I'm starting to see a pattern here!)













"I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and my soul knows very well."
Psalm 139:14


Also, If you have some extra time Starving Artist Ink has a very moving blog post about loving your imperfections.