Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. ~~ words & music by Natalie Sleeth, 1986 United Methodist Hymnal

Sunday, March 8, 2009


I've got so much blue in my house I didn't know where to start! So I'm only going to pick a couple of pics I already have in my computer. This event is hosted by Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/. I am very new to this but there a lot more people over at Sally's blog showing off their blues so go on over and take a look!



Now this picture is one of my very favorite pieces..so I've already got it posted in my sidebar! It's a vase I bought years ago at an antique shop for about $30. My DH and I were still setting up our first home and I couldn't wait to turn this into a lamp! I love, love, love it! There is no mark on the bottom but I'm thinking it may be an early handpainted Nippon. What do you think? Does anybody have any info for me on this piece?

The picture below is part of my mantle. When we first moved into this house I could not figure out what to do with this long mantle! It was the whole length of the end of the room! I either had too much or too little! So one day when I wanted to see how the other half lives I went strolling thru Ethan Allen and they had free design service...they would actually come to your house and bring stuff to decorate your house with and then you could choose what you wanted to buy! She showed up with some gorgeous things....and used big blue and white chinese urns on my mantle. Alas! those urns were over $200 each!!!!! Not in my budget! It was funny...I really didn't like what she did with the whole mantle but I loved those urns and I did buy two prints for my dining room that believe it or not were in my price range! So later at a local department store (which is now a Macy's) I found these beauties! I like them even more than the ones from Ethan Allen and they were only about $30 each! The little plate is a handpainted Nippon with a cobalt blue rim edged with gold.

So that's all for now...but I've got plenty of blue left for many another Monday! And if you haven't already...check out my post below and give me your opinion on finishing my tile project. I sure would appreciate it!













14 comments:

  1. Aunt Laura, your house is so pretty. I'd love to find something like that vase to turn into a lamp. I learned how to in college but of course I've forgotten. : ) When I find the perfect thing I'll get you to teach me.

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  2. Lu your lamp is gorgeous!! And I think you're right, it looks like handpainted nippon to me too. And I sooo love your blue and white arrangement! Well I LOVE everything you do! Love Vanna

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  3. Oh Girl this is all so pretty...loved what you did with that vase...And I think your right it is Nippon..Just love your home...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  4. I love blue, too, and that was great to turn the vase into a lamp. I'll look forward to more blues. Linda

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  5. Holy cow!! You gave me the most awsome suggestions on my mantel!! My aunt will love you because she too liked the plate on the side..lol! I can't wait to try them out as I know I've only just started...a big THANK YOU to you for our input!!
    I love your blue lamp...THAT was creative! :-) Thanks so much for stopping by! Laura

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  6. Laura Lu, I love your vase turned lamp. So exquisite! I love your other blue jars too....Christine

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  7. love all your blue!!
    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  8. That vase turned lamp is incredible! You are just so clever! And how smart to get those ideas from the E.A. decorator, and then do it your own way (which I'm sure was better than hers) and with bargain finds. laurie

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  9. Love, love, love this lamp and I so remember it.. it is etched in my brain. I am always looking for wonderful things to make lamps. You gave Laura such great advice on how to break-down her mantle space.. you should give lessons on display. I can't wait to see your first tablescape..you have a unique skill and talent for design and display.. It really is quite rare, every angle of your home is sheer perfecton. Can't wait to see more blue. Love, Ciney

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  10. Lu we had so much fun at the show! I wish I could have found a nippon vase to turn into a lamp like yours! You are just so inspiring!! I see that you are rubbing off on Laura/Tomarie too! *winks* Vanna

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  11. Evening, Laura Lu! OH, I love this vase you turned into a lamp! It's gorgeous! You did good! Your mantle is lovely too. You just do all things well, don't you?
    Thanks for your kindness to me about my silly little pillows. Yes, that's just a stem stitch. You know, for the pattern, I was just looking around online and saw some old patterns I liked. I copied them, enlarged them and then traced them on the fabric and went to town. I hope that's legal! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelai :)

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  12. Oh there is that lovely mantle of yours!!
    THat lamp is wonderful! Did you find out any info on it yet?

    Well- things are going at a snails pace here! I have 3 more short pieces of wallpaper to hang and ran out of paste!! We live a distance between a town that carries it (our little lumber yard has no wallpaper stuff at all) so I had to wait till today. We have our coffee and chat in a little town about 20 miles away-no they dont have a store there- and decided to go another 20 miles distance after the coffee to Trinidad a town of about 12,000. They have a Walmart and that's where I got it last time. WEll today- they have no paste!!!
    We will go to Pueblo Thursday (a town in the opposite direction about 45 miles). I know they will have some but then we leave Sat for a conference!!!

    I think God is trying to teach me patience!!

    Hope all is well with you! Have things settled down with your Mom and caretaking and all?

    blessings
    mary

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  13. Morning, Dearest! Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your Daddy. They are the most special, aren't they? I hope you get your wish to pass on the little sweetnesses from your Daddy. Now Laura Lu, maybe I should just start calling you Shugee! This is so cute.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  14. Mornin' Girlfriend...

    Hmmm...wondering how I missed your Blue Monday post? Sheeeshh...I'm always runnin' behind, Girlfriend!

    Of course, you know that I simply adore your home! It's just one of the prettiest that I've ever seen...truly! Ever since I first laid eyes on your pretty blue lamp with those sweet birds...I was in love! So that was a vase that you made into a lamp? You're so talented!!! I love how you decorated your mantel too...love the beautiful blue & white vases...and the floral arrangement...gorgeous!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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Hello and God Bless! Thank you for visiting "Hidden Promise"! It's wonderful to get comments from you all! I think they are a great way to show our love, care and support of each other! Have a wonderful day! Lauralu :)