The Promise of Spring

Wasn't today a gorgeous day....the warm sun on your face and the fresh, clean air...the colors are changing from grey to vivid spring colors.  Oh yeah, and Robins everywhere.  I know it's not here yet but there is the "promise of spring"!

My corner of Happy's is beginning to look that way also!  Let me show you what I mean...

Here is an "umbrella wreath" to hang on your front door...the umbrella was no longer useable so rather than throw it away, I found a new purpose.  Spring showers bring May flowers, so they say! 






































I put together a vase from Michaels (I found at a discount months ago) and flowers I found at Goodwill to show early spring blooms...looks like they were made for each other.

Here is an umbrella stand that was a little on the rusty side, so I spray painted it black. It could be used for dual purpose...umbrella stand or a large container for long stem artificial flowers...it has a very nice curvy shape and it is one of a kind...you don't see these everywhere.

Actually, I made this last fall and I can not believe it hasn't sold yet.  I found these LL Bean rubber boots at a yard sale and couldn't wait to find a purpose...so I made one into and ECU flower arrangement (which sold quickly) and the other is below.  You can hang it on your door or sit it on your hearth or anywhere really...it is colorful and whimsical and it makes me smile!

I am so thankful that God gives us the change of season...so make the most of every moment!

Remember, God is always at work around us and often shows Himself in the most “unexpected” ways.

         Pat

More Before and Afters

I have really been working hard lately but sometimes I don't have much to show for it.  I have many projects that require several steps...so I paint, wait to dry, come back for 2nd and 3rd coats, then coat with something that will protect the paint.  Some projects I have require purchasing plants or printing something from the computer.  So the last few days I have many projects started by nothing completed.  Let me show you some completed "before and afters"...

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Here are some things I have recently sold...

I bought this pottery at an auction...it came from Canada.

I bought this bassinet at Goodwill...it sold for someone who has a neighbor that is getting ready for a newborn!

Here I painted the basket and found these blue and white plates at different times and I added the material...they looked great together...

Here are some things I found thrifting last weekend...

What do you think?  They may not look like much but there are some winners in this group.  You will probably see them again real soon.

I would be excited it you wanted to forward my blog to your friends...the more the merrier! 

Remember, God is always at work around us and often shows Himself in the most “unexpected” ways.

         Pat

What is "repurposing"?

People ask me  all the time, "what do yo do with all your time since you retired?"  When I try to explain that I am selling things at Happys that I "repurpose", I get this blank look...like what does that mean and then when I go into detail I end up changing the subject because it seems too confusing.  I usually move the conversation along by saying, "I help take care of my grandson whenever needed and I volunteer with my church" (I think that is what they expect me to say).

Well if you notice on the sign above this is the description of what I do at a short glance. 

So what does it mean to "repurpose"?  The official definition is modifying an item to fit a new use, or using the item is in a new way....blah, blah, blah.  I also, refurbish, refashion, and reimagine things that I find at yard sales, thrift stores, clearance sections of stores, auctions, estate sales, and sometimes alongside the road.  Actually, the less money I spend on "repurposing", the less money I charge for my items...it's a win/win for everyone.

Let me show you what I mean...

 BEFORE

  AFTER                                   

 

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

So that gives you an idea of what I spend my time doing in my garage. 

But you know what, I think, God is using the next stage of my life to "repurpose" me...I think He is modifying me to fit a new use, or using me in a new way...Just like I search for these items, clean them up, get them ready to sale...I think God does the same for me...He searches for me (when I wander away), He cleans me up (when I fall short) and He gets me ready to serve (if I pay attention and allow Him to lead the way).  To tell you the truth it is an adventure everyday to see what He will do next.  I am glad I am a "repurposed" soul in this beautiful world He has created...I hope one day He will claim me as an UNexpected Treasure!

Remember, God is always at work around us and often shows Himself in the most “unexpected” ways.

         Pat