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life{in}grace

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Decorating

What Happens When You Offer Your Work to the World

January 21, 2015 by Edie Wadsworth 10 Comments

An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.  Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn’t matter. The intent does. Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another.   ~Seth Godin

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When I was 16 years old, I was asked to speak at an FCA camp and share the story of how I came to faith.  I remember getting motion sick on the rickedy bus that wound around country roads because I was feverishly writing out my heart on a red spiral bound notebook, jotting down things I didn’t want to forget to say.  I wrote FCA is huge bubble letters on the cover of the notebook and filled every page with doodles and journal entries and bubble letters and feeble attempts at angsty high school poetry.  I carried that notebook around like it was a baby, often clutching it to my chest while I walked between buildings at the camp.  I kept that notebook for 25 years until our house fire.

Why? Because it was the first “art” I remember offering to the world.  It was the first time I shared my story and the first time I saw the power of offering my heart and creativity to other people.  Pretty soon I bought my first glue gun and was making fabric covered journals and photo albums and spending HOURS getting it all just right.  Then I learned to cross stitch.  Then I learned to sew.  And pretty soon, I saw what a gift it is to use your own hands and your own ideas to love your people.  So when I make soup?  That’s my personal gift of art.  When I redecorate my bedroom or write an essay or take a beautiful picture?  I’m offering a personal gift, an act that I hope changes in some small way, the one who receives it.   Here’s why I think you should offer your art, your work to the world.

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It Sustains You

The things that I do that are creative—cooking, writing, knitting, sewing, gardening, decorating, etc—those things are sustaining.  They give back as much as they require. They feed my soul and force me to be present in the moment.  When I do things with my hands, it grounds me in the world and takes me out of my own head.  There is nothing so comforting to me as to use the work of my hands to make something beautiful, meaningful.  It’s a good antidote to the modern life of gadgets, constant communication, and running to and fro.  I crave down time so I can use my hands to make something.

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It Sustains Your People

So much of our art and work nourishes other people.  We make food, we paint pictures, we write words, we grow vegetables, we make things pretty—we use the work of our hands to care for others, to inspire them, to love them. It’s the kind of thing money can’t buy.  It’s the kind of personal gift that no one else can give to them in quite the same way and you do.

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It Inspires Others to Do the Same

This is my favorite thing about blogging world. I’m so motivated, encouraged, and inspired by so many amazing women who are offering their gifts to us everyday—teaching us to cook, clean, organize, paint, write, save money, decorate, and a million other things.  I’m so thankful for this space, for the people who are brave enough to do good work and share it.  It make me want to do the same.

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Filed Under: crafts, Decorating

Define Your Style {A Dutch Boy Collaboration and Contest}

October 7, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 56 Comments

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I always assumed that when I got really good and grown up and got everything in my house just how I wanted it, I’d stop wanting to repaint  and redecorrange my rooms.  I should have known that no such day would ever come.  My style continues to evolve and change and my love for creating a welcome and cozy environment for my family only gets stronger. [Read more…] about Define Your Style {A Dutch Boy Collaboration and Contest}

Filed Under: Decorating, living with passion

The Best Decorating Trick in the Book

September 5, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 53 Comments

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(pillow to match my logo from my dear friend, Darlene, from this shop)

I get antsy every year about this time.  I want to repaint all the walls and win the lottery so I can buy bolts of dreamy fabric and stacks of throw pillows.  Since I don’t buy lottery tickets, I’m probably not gonna win the lottery and so I’ve learned to freshen up my spaces on the fly with zero money and just a little bit of time and effort.

If you follow me on Instagram, (and you SHOULD!) then you know I’ve been redecorranging.  What is re-decorranging you ask?

redecorrange:: to redecorate your house by rearranging the stuff you already have

Fall is slowly creeping in and I was craving  some change around the house that 1) was free, 2) could be done by a non-professional like myself, and 3) could be done in less time than it takes to run to T.J. Maxx and back.  And really, this has been my favorite trick for years.  Nothing is sacred around here.  Just because I bought something with the bedroom in mind doesn’t mean it has to live there FOREVER.  This is not a prison for my things.  I want my things to bring me joy and sometimes if they sit in the same place for too long, they feel stifled and sad.  I don’t even see them anymore.  They long for greener pastures.  So, I listen to them.  (What? Don’t your things talk to you, too?!)

When I move them around, I see them and enjoy them again. [Read more…] about The Best Decorating Trick in the Book

Filed Under: Decorating

The Girl’s Room Design Board and the Blessing of Collaboration

May 14, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 14 Comments

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This is so amazing to me that it’s worth documenting.  When we rebuilt our house after the fire of 2010, Darlene and I collaborated on several rooms in my house.  Up to that point, I had always been afraid of seeking help with design projects because I didn’t want someone telling me all the rules and how egregiously I was breaking them.  Plus, I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted already.  But, she was the sweetest thing and she assured me that she would help me better identify my own style while helping me find pieces that reflected what I love.

So, how did this professional designer take my eclectic/cottage/Southern-chic/Texas-loving design tendencies and work with them?  She didn’t let my funky style deter her one bit.  She just took it and made it better. I can hardly believe how much I enjoyed working on this with someone who had more experience and more knowledge. [Read more…] about The Girl’s Room Design Board and the Blessing of Collaboration

Filed Under: better homes and gardens, Decorating

The Book I’ve Waited My Whole Life to Read {#IDHTBPTBB}

April 30, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 25 Comments

Welcome WBIR friends!! I’ve got a special page ready for you with a free download! Click here to get started!

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When I was in my fourth year of medical school, I hosted my first big shindig at my house.  I hired a bluegrass band, put up a bunch of makeshift decorations (which I mostly clipped out of my yard), and strung a bunch of Christmas lights on the back deck.  It was all very proper.  At the very last hour, when my poor mother was actually making food for people to eat, I ran through the kitchen barefoot with yet another slew of fresh magnolia flowers from my tree to float in my garden tub alongside the floating candles.  I heard momma yell upstairs, “Unless you want your friends to eat magnolia flowers,  you better come help with the food, little missy.”

I’ve been a hopeless house decorating fool ever since, letting only one rule guide me—if I love it, then it’s right.  [Read more…] about The Book I’ve Waited My Whole Life to Read {#IDHTBPTBB}

Filed Under: Decorating, reading

Progress at the Mountain Cabin {The Power of White}

March 31, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 58 Comments

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It was a wonderful week of break from all the things called normal life.  I was so happy to share some of my friends with you last week through guest posts and I’m equally as happy to be back with you today! I missed you lovelies something awful.

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We spent the week in the mountains working on our little mountain cabin, getting it ready for good people like you to come and spend the weekend with me! As soon as we finish it, I’ll be making plans for our first retreat so stay tuned.

We built the cabin ten years ago and haven’t done any updating since then.  I decided that since my own house is chocked so full of color and pretty things, I’d let this place be a retreat from all my normal tendencies.  So, we’re going modern, spartan, rustic on a background of white.  Here are a few pictures from before we started, with yellowish/khaki walls and stacks of things from my trip to IKEA.

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It’s basically a large front room that contains the kitchen and living area, with two small back bedrooms, a central bathroom and then a loft with another bathroom.

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It’s hard to get motivated in this little slice of heaven because all you wanna do is a lot of porch sitting and big talking.

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The cool mountain mornings make you think you’re in Narnia.

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Everybody that was willing to work was handed a paint brush and an IKEA chair to assemble.  We got so much done, which may have something to do with having no phone service and the slowest most countrified internet in the world.  I tried to send an email at 8 in the morning and it finally went through at noon.  This is horse and buggy  internet but probably good for when you’re trying to retreat.

The 7th graders and the college graduates and the tired mommas alike got busy on the transformation.  We all pitched in and put things together and painted like there was no tomorrow.

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It didn’t take long in the painting process for the magic to start happening.

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I bought the wrong size for the sofa cover, but now I’m waffling and wondering if I might just get the white one instead of the orange patterned one I had my heart set on.

Y’all.  I’m not gonna lie.  Every last thing in this little mountain home looks better dressed in white.  The stacked stone fire place stands taller and the light bamboo floors walk softer.

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The spiral staircase even seems to cause less vertigo.

If I’d have known this, I would have painted it white from the beginning.

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And what white did I use? (If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering….)

Well.  I took a Facebook poll that was split right down the middle between Simply White and  White Dove.

So, I did what all lovers do and I threw myself with abandon into perfect peace and  compromise.

It’s equal parts of both.

(Like most of the good things in my life are.)

My next question is? Would you come to the mountains with me so we can talk about Lewis (and his quote that causes the hairs on my arms to raise up)?  So we can ponder the place where all the beauty comes from?

Also, I’m painting the outside of the cottage and you can visit here to see what color I’m contemplating.

What do you think?!?!?

LOVE Y’ALL and so happy to be back!

xoxo,

edie

ps. (Thank you to my friends who’ve inspired me with their love and white spaces.  Yes, I’m talking to you Paige and Myquillin)

pps. (Can we have a moment of silence for my right hand which will hardly open this morning after all the writing and painting?  Amen and thank you Lord for Motrin.)

Filed Under: Decorating, The Mountain Cottage

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ediewadsworth

Coach. Healer. Life Mentoring School.
💕💕I help women heal & rediscover their purpose & calling.💕💕 Click below for my free purpose field guide!

Dr. Edie Wadsworth|Lifeingrace
2 years ago today, your world shattered into a mil 2 years ago today, your world shattered into a million pieces.

Sometimes I marvel at how we were blessed enough to be there holding you when it all came crashing down. I do know this—I can’t remember my life without you.

I do know that thousands of tears and meals and boo-boos and toy trucks later, we stand in awe of you---your courage, your brave big boy fight, your tender little boy heart, your hilarious old man ways. 

We know how sacred this walk with you is and we don’t take it lightly.

We are here for it all and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We have always loved you and you have always been our special gift.

 Love you little one. Let’s keep listening for Aslan. He will find a way to put everything back together. 

“Herein lies the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.”
Hiring these two out for all your ring bearer and Hiring these two out for all your ring bearer and flower girl needs.  They provide ample entertainment to your guests and accept plush toys for payment in lieu of money. May or not be VERY strong willed.  And also adorable. @williamsperformance @ginawilliamsh @ameliadurand4
I turned 51 last week and spent a much needed few I turned 51 last week and spent a much needed few days alone with this guy.  As soon as we drove out of the driveway I started crying. I don’t think I realized how much I needed a break.

it was incredible and relaxing and amazing and so life-giving. 

this week it feels like last week was 100 years ago because you know, life. 

I am excited to say that despite the fact that I’m another year older I managed to figure out how to go live on YouTube with my new camera. It only took me approximately 6000 hours. So maybe you’ll join me at noon today on YouTube and we’ll try something new together.

Here’s to 2021. Maybe it will get its act together but if it doesn’t we will get ours together😂🥳❤️❤️❤️
“To have Faith in Christ means, of course, tryin “To have Faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Got my halo yesterday🤩😇😂 (That ridge lin Got my halo yesterday🤩😇😂

(That ridge line right above my head is the infamous Angel’s Landing)

Here’s to climbing out of tough spots in 2021❤️
What I learned in 2020?? I am HERE FOR ALL THE L What I learned in 2020?? 

I am HERE FOR ALL THE LOUNGE WEAR. 

Amen. Goodnight. 🤩🤩🥳🥳🥳 

Okay fine. Currently sporting sweater from Target which I have worn everyday for 3 months.  Natori PJ’s which I HIGHLY recommend, and Ugg slippers which I’ve worn everyday for a solid year. 

How’s your lounge wear game?? Tell me everything.
Day 2 of LIVE YOUR DREAM starts in 30 min. We’ll Day 2 of LIVE YOUR DREAM starts in 30 min. We’ll be talking all about DESIRE and the difference between false desire and true desire and how true desire leads us to our calling. 

It’s not too late to join us and if you could see the comments inside this group, you would 😭😭😭 and 🥳🥳🥳 because we are getting to the heart of things and it’s only gonna get better! 

If you’re already in, tell us how yesterday’s training impacted you and if you’re not, JOIN US FRIENDS!!

Head over to https://lifeingraceblog.com/dream
We took Tommy boy for this first ski adventure tod We took Tommy boy for this first ski adventure today and it was so satisfying to see him tackle something hard and keep his chin up and have a BALL doing it.

He was very entertaining to his ski school friends, despite the fact that his German instructor couldn’t understand a WORD he said. 😂🥳

But all you mamas out there can see through all the pretty pictures and videos to know that days like today can also be full of frustration.

Making sure everybody has their stuff, the reservations, the snacks, the HASSLE of boots and poles and gloves and skis, the tears, the snappy replies, the hurt feelings, the wrong turns, the missed moments, the potty breaks.

NEED I GO ON??????

But then there’s the down to your soul goodness of being smack dab in the middle of God’s glorious creation, the sheer joy of the wind and sun on your face, the fleeting feeling that everything is right in the world, the triumph of tackling something hard and pushing through all the doubt and fear.

I felt every emotion today. What a privilege to live this life we’ve been given. What grace to live it with these people.

Today was a dream. But like every dream come true, it has a cost, it requires more of you than you think it will. You will want to quit.  A million times.  But what waits for you on the other side is worth fighting for. 

That’s what we’re diving into this week in my online workshop LIVE YOUR DREAM.

You may have given up on setting goals, but don’t stop dreaming.

Come dream with us and let’s make 2021 the year we were willing to be so alive that we would risk feeling EVERY emotion, every setback, every failure in order to see it come true.

We start tomorrow.

It won’t be the same without you.

Join us at https://lifeingraceblog.com/dream.

It’s time to dream again.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

What’s one thing you’re dreaming about this year???
It was magical. ⛄️⛄️⛄️ Know what’s It was magical. ⛄️⛄️⛄️

Know what’s more magical for me???? The week between Christmas and the new year and I’ve made it even more epic by hosting an online workshop called LIVE YOUR DREAM🥳🥳🥳🥳

This one is for the dreamers and the doers!! Join me at lifeingraceblog.com/dream and let’s make some magic❤️❤️❤️❤️

Tell us in the comments if you’re already in!!!
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