11.22.2011

Thankful for Distractions




Things are quite stressed financially right now. {As in, we're digging quarters out of the sofa in order to buy apples for the pie I have to make for Thanksgiving. True story.} And it's funny, because J and I both have our coping mechanisms: J takes deep breaths and gets to work. I either become paralyzed {sleeping in later and later to avoid the day} or busy myself with creative little tasks in between baking bread and making soup out of leftovers. Anything to distract the mind.



Fortunately, I have a whole box of little projects I've been meaning to get to. First up: refurbishing this nasty tray I found at Ross for $3. Can you believe Little Miss C was appalled when she heard I was going to sand and paint over the flowers and butterfly? Sweet girl.

After sanding, priming and painting, I decided to try my hand at a few stripes for visual interest. In the past, painters tape and I have not been the best of friends. I've learned to do most projects without it, hating the cleanup involved when the paint bleeds thru. But luckily, this time it worked out well.



Now I have a tray {still unstyled-- don't judge} to corral wallets, sunglasses, candles and all that spare change we no longer have. :)

Last night J said, "Besides not being able to pay bills or buy anything, it's not like I feel poor." And I had to agree. We're not poor. I've been poor before-- it's chronic, stressful, fighting-to-survive-day-to-day living. We're just broke.

I heard once that the majority of the nation is 2 missed paychecks away from being homeless. I get that. Life is precarious. It could all change at the drop of a hat.

But being broke is not the worst thing in the world, and as Thanksgiving approaches, I'm reminded that the pilgrims found room in their hearts for gratitude despite poverty, illness and death.

Being broke doesn't negate the fact that I have healthy, happy children. I have a husband that I love fiercely. I can run {slowly} and not be weary. I have friends and family I can talk to and lean on. I live in a free country, never have to shovel snow, and have the gospel to give me comfort and guidance.

Even without an awesome new tray, I am lucky, lucky.



4 comments:

The Dragonfly said...

Um, that tray ROCKS! But your thoughts rock even more. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful.

Creole Wisdom said...

I love your honesty. You are so real and I appreciate that.

Your tray is beautiful, I love the pattern of stripes you did- good mix of classic and zig-zag :)

I've got several extra granny smith apples, too bad I don't live out west I'd be happy to drop them by.

Life is sure a trip and being broke, or close to it is kind of part of the journey. You are handling it with the utmost grace.

Mycharmingcolors said...

have you thought of blog sponsorship? I am sure you can charge as little as $5 a month or $10 a month for ad space and people would pay you monthly. Its how some of my mama blogger friends make some sort of income.

xoxo
ps cute project

Apis Melliflora said...

I'm always amazed at how you make beautiful things with your hands, your creative mind and your resourcefulness. I'm grateful that you share it all with us on this blog.

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