Edie Wadsworth

52 books in 52 weeks

January 29, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 12 Comments

I’m on a quest to read 52books in 52weeks this year.I just finished ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death’ by Neil Postman: a great read about the powerful and denigrating influence television has had on our culture. I heartily agree with his assertions and yet I full well intend to watch “Lost” tonight instead of engaging in other more scholarly exercises. And while I’ve started St.Teresa of Avila, our bookclub book for February, I haven’t gotten very far. I have a serious literary crush on C.S.Lewis, who I and all his close friends affectionately call ‘Jack’. This drove me to jealousy when I saw Stevie reading ‘A Grief Observed’, so I read and finished it today…in one sitting….for the third time. It’s not that long but it is profound. He wrote a series of journal entries after his wife, Joy Davidman, died, and they were later published into this short jewel of a book. You must read it. Here are some of the ideas that will be swirling around in my head after reading this giant of christianity and philosophy:

1. Our ‘realities’ are likely not reality at all. The house of cards we often build and stake our very lives on will likely need to be torn down, over and over again, so that all we are left with is Him. I personally have had my house of cards smashed to smitherenes…..more than once. I have wondered how many ‘epiphanies’ it will take until I finally ‘get it’. And no sooner than the “I need some time for me” HOC’s is torn down, I’m busy building the “My children are now my everything” HOC’s. One may seem less selfish than the other, but either way, He will tear down the idols we make. He is an exacting surgeon in our lives and in His design to make us like Him, he will not shy away from tearing down the temple to rebuild it. He will do what it takes to drive us to foot of the cross….where our suffering can finally and only have its true meaning…..and where the very temple of God Himself is ‘torn down’ for our redemption.

Lewis says, “ The more we believe that God hurts only to heal, the less we can believe that there is any use in begging for tenderness. A cruel man might be bribed-might grow tired of his vile sport–might have a temporary fit of mercy. But suppose that what you are up against is a surgeon whose intentions are wholly good. The kinder and more conscientious he is, the more inexorably he will go on cutting.

2. This book cannot be read without the tightening of the chest that accompanies the ‘what if’ question. How would I ever learn to live again if my spouse died? It has a way of making every moment seem like a gift. I dare say that I will never meet someone again who knows me, sharpens me, teaches me, and encourages me to fully use my gifts, as Steve does and has. And it’s not perfect, I know. But I needed the reminder, as I suppose we all do, that our marriages and spouses are a gift from God that should be nurtured and guarded and protected. Our enemy will use anything to separate us…..and sometimes that separation is death. I’m hanging on extra long to that hug tonight.

3. Lewis does the equivalent of asking the ‘why’ question at the beginning of the book. Actually, he seems to be yelling the why question while shaking his fist toward heaven. And although even Jesus asks the why question on the cross (My God, why have you forsake me) the answer is ………….silence. We don’t get the luxury of ‘why’. But the Surgeon knows what we need. And is painstakingly making us over. Our stance toward him should be one of surrender and repentance. Whatever it is that brings us to repentance has been good for us. And shaking our fist at Him doesn’t change one iota of who He is or what He is up to in our lives. The sooner that house of cards falls, the better.

Won’t you join me in 52 in 52? It’ll be fun and keep us reading. And yes, Goodnight Moon counts, if you need it to.

Wanted: loving and experienced guardian angel

January 27, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 13 Comments

The day has come. She’s leaving and I can’t stop it. She’s promises that since she’s only moving an hour away, it’ll still be the same. And in some ways, I know she’s right. But the comfort of having her here right beside me has been one of life’s sublime blessings for me. And since I’ve always called her my guardian angel, I tell myself that God must think I’m ‘okay’ for now…..and He must have another someone for her to nurture and protect. I beg to differ. But when I saw that big moving truck pull into my cozy little cul-de-sac, I knew it was time to face the music.

Long story short, I even procrastinate grief. Elea said to me yesterday with teary eyes, “But Ms. Donna has known me my whole life.” Yeah, and you’re one lucky girl to be able to say that. So after a nice lunch with her and Sue and Lenna, we decided that we’re not really gonna say goodbye. We’re just gonna continue our friendship and pretend fifty miles is of no consequence. And it isn’t….really. But there’s a whole host of things that run through my mind that will change. That distance necessarily changes. Whether we want it to or not. I am not quite prepared for those yet. So I agree to not saying goodbye. Not yet.

Good thing my blogging meeting is upcoming. I’ll be on the lookout for a new guardian angel. And boy will those be big wings to fill. Someone who will call me and leave me sweet messages that say ‘Just wanted you to know I love you and am thinking about you’. Or someone who will teach me how to text….and then send me love notes about about how beautiful my Christmas decorations are . Or someone who laughs at all my musings. Someone who will be to me as Christ-like as is possible here on earth. Or someone who thinks I have great kids. And make a killer mocha cake. Someone who will always to be ready to lend an ear, a hand, a cup of sugar, and a free nursing assessment. It’s a tall order I know. If you’d like the job, I’m taking applications and checking references. You should know ahead of time that I’m a complete mess and not easy to keep between the lines. But I reward those who care for me with food….so it’s not a bad trade-off.

So Donna……I’ll see you in 2 weeks. Mocha cake in hand. And thank you for showing us your true colors.

I have this song on my iPod and listened to it as I ran this morning…..and cried my little weary eyes out. It was interrupted at one point by a message from Country Girl that said “I love and am thinking about you today”. God doesn’t waist anytime in recruiting angels.

If I had a salon, I’d call it COIFFEDINGRACE…..

January 27, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 18 Comments

I didn’t write this on Friday, but it is kinda funny. Here’s what I started singing when Taylor agreed to let me cut his hair:

“I got skillz….they’re multiplYing….and I’m loooooooosing contro-ol….for the power you’re supplYing …It’s ELECTRIFYING”. I sang it all night long. Then I tried to find my Grease video.

Meanwhile, he sat in the chair looking scared. I shoulda got a ‘before’. It was a shaggy, mangy mess with near dread-locks. This is much better. Look, he has eyes. Don’t look at me like that. I’m your mother. And I love you. And I know that musicians can’t have jacked up hair. Just trust me. Don’t I look like a professional?

Now just to fill you in on a little trivia, my mom was a ‘beautician’ as we called it back in the day. So I grew up in the salon. I saw more gray haired women get their hair rolled than you could shake some scissors at. I went to slumber parties for the sole purpose of ‘fixin’ everybody’s hair. And last year when I went to visit Donia with my angel friends Donna and Sue, I begged to get my hands in their hair. I can do a mean do.

I think I’ve got a pretty rockin’ technique. I’ve seen it done so many times that I really feel like I know what I’m doing. Of course, I don’t. But that’s not the point now is it?

Look at the dexterity….the precision….the shear skillz (bad pun intended). Never mind the outfit. I’ve got more important things to worry about than whether or not I have on my lounge pants at 7pm. Which I do. But whatever.

then Emme demanded to ‘style’ it for him….

We mean business at this salon.

So, what do ya think? Would you let me cut your hair? Or at least let me tease it and do Farrah Fawcett bangs?

I think I’ve proven that I have very happy customers. And I’m cheap.

There are a few people who don’t trust me and would rather play rock, paper, scissors.

I like my scissor skillz way better. It’s a beautiful thing to cut your own son’s hair!

Laundry Room Reveal……

January 25, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 43 Comments

Edited to add: I’m joining Kelly’s Show us Your House Party. Click here to see more decorating and home ideas. I did this project in January and already want to change it. I. am. so. fickle.

We’ll get to the laundry room soon, but let me show you a few details that you might miss otherwise……this little cutie was sitting on my washer today. I can see why. I just wanna sit in there too. It’s so inspiring.

This is my new motto for laundry in 2009. Very original, I know. Cindy? Cindy has agreed to be my laundry accountability partner….to keep laundry from loitering in the laundry room. It’s a little like the blind leading the blind, but at least I’ll want to sit in there now. That’s a step in the right laundry direction.

and this little bird and starfish ditty just adds the milk to the oreo……

I’ve been looking for the perfect place to feature this beautiful bird that Denise made me for my birthday. Perfect. And thank you kindly Denise.

And Emme wanted to make sure you saw her new skirt….that we finished sewing today. Let it be declared: A seamstress I am not.

I framed the no.6. I do not know why. But I like it.

Elea Grace is pulling on my arm and wants me to remember to show you her skirt too. Cute huh? Albeit a little short. And hence the leggings.

Now I pinky swear that I did not do this on purpose. But this is the only BEFORE picture I could find. I’m sorry it’s so small….although in how much detail does one really need to see a dishoveled laundry room?

BEFORE

Now for the how-to……

Paint the Cabinets

1. Do not under any circumstance be afraid to paint cabinets. Just sand ’em. Then paint ’em. Husbands don’t usually like this idea but Stevie can testify to all you rule-following men: It’s cheaper than getting new ones. A lot cheaper. Paint away, he says. I used an electric mouse sander and went over them once with that. I then used semi-gloss Valspar paint and painted two coats. I’ve had that paint for a while so the name and number of the color have since rubbed off. There’s a generous amount of it in my hair if you’d like to take a strand for matching. Just find a color you like and go with it. Don’t stress. It’s just paint and if you hate it, you can paint over it. I’m a lover of all things distressed, so after letting the 2nd coat of paint dry well, get out your trusty mouse sander and begin to sand the edges of the cabinets. You’ll have to hold the sander in creative positions to avoid sanding the ‘body’ of the cabinets. Sanding just the edges–but not every single last edge–is what makes them look ‘worn’ but not poorly painted.

Notice the sanded egdes.

As for the LAUNDRY sign, I bought the sign at Hobby Lobby. Normally 19.99 but if you get it at their half price week, even better. I then made a ‘frame’ using 2 different kinds of scrapbook paper which I just taped to the wall. I then hung the sign over that. I’ve made similiar signs and decoupaged scrapbook paper onto plywood and then hung the sign over that. But I wasn’t sure I if I’d love this paper in the room so this was a less permanent option. I still think I need to find paper that has some robin-egg blue in it…..but I think it turned out pretty good.

Paint the Walls

Paint the walls the color ‘Foxtrot’ (satin finish) from the Valspar collection at Lowe’s. I j’adore this color. I painted my dining room this color 2 years ago (2 days before Thanksgiving) and it is like eating a thick creamy vanilla shake. It’s the most wonderful vanilla ice cream color you’ve ever seen. Thick, rich, luscious. I would swim in a vat of it. As a matter of fact, I look like I’ve been swimming in a vat of it. I am a very messy painter. And I’m not a patcher. I don’t like spackle (although I’ve thought of using it on my face occasionally). So I usually find something to hang over the imperfections. If your a patcher, by all means, patch away.

Creatively use fabric to dress the windows:

I did actually line this beautiful yellow toile (which I found at an antique store in town for $5.99 a yard: I used 3 yards for this project) with muslin to make it ‘hang’ prettier. I started sewing it together and about half way through, my needle on my machine broke. This my friends is why I don’t sew very much. I always run into mechanical difficulties. But no matter, I shall not be derailed. I hung the treatments by using upholstery nails and pushing the fabric directly into the wall. I just made the pleats as I went along.

I then took this pom-pom trim (from Hobby Lobby) and used the same upholstery nails to add it to the top and cover up my unfinished fabric. I took the rest of the trim and tied it around the fabric about 1/3 of the way down from the top. I added a tassle to consummate the love fest between the fabric and pom-pom trim. Notice that I hung the mistreatment about 10 inches above the top of the window to lengthen the look. The Nester will have to look on and be proud. And although I’ve been mistreating windows for years, I feel like she gave us all needed permission to do it with pride. So thank you dear Nester.

I spent about $90 redoing this room and $15 of it was on this pom-pom trim. But it adds so much and gives the room a finished look. (Never mind that just to the right of the window, I still have painting to do. Never mind that) I bought those ‘king and queen’ canvas paintings at Hobby Lobby on clearance for $4. And that cute little tassel for $2.

So, without further adieu, I present to you my laundry room (that reminds me of an Oreo cookie)…..which sadly I cannot fit into one picture.

Before you even say it, here’s a few things you should know.

1. You don’t even want to know what’s behind those beautiful black distressed cabinets.

2. The other side of the room is undone–unpainted, unorganized, undecorated.

3. This project is a trial-run for my kitchen redo….which will be coming in February—I hope. I’m busy picking paint colors and praying to win the lottery.

4. My blog makes me look more creative and more productive than I am. I spent 3 hours Saturday evening in a semi-comatose state on the sofa surfing the net. That said, I’m able to accomplish what I do because I stay home ALOT. Being home is the key to making home projects happen. It’s not for everyone. It’s just how I function best.

5. I seldom do anything by the book. I actually bought a curtain rod which I will probably return because I like my make-shift window treatment better. And our cordless drill needs a new battery.

6. Oh and the two missing knobs, they’re still drying. This project is hot off the press.

If you have any further questions, email me at ediewadsworth@hotmail.com

Hugs and love and a blessed day!

BTW, my wonderfully creative and kind friend Patty has a new blog! You’re gonna love her.

Don’t come home a-drankin’……with lovin’ on your mind

January 24, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 5 Comments

I have been privileged in this life to have a sister (Gina) and a cousin who functions for all intents and purposes like a sister (JamieKnoxville). I guess that gives me two sisters. And today is Jamie’s birthday. So in her honor I give you a little peek into our shady past. She sent me this picture for Christmas enlarged to a 5×7 with the sole purpose of making fun of my rusty little shoes. (I’m sporting the bottle and she’s to my left rubbing her eyes). She also pointed out my mom’s stylish pants. That’s my daddy with the hat on. He was always making us laugh!

And here we are years later, celebrating the high school graduation of her daughter Jordan. That’s Jamie in the back (middle). I know….. she’s gorgeous! And that’s my sister Gina to my right. I know, she’s a beauty too! The three of us have always been close knit. That probably stems from the fact that we share a past that had it’s dark and twisty elements. Our parents were party-ers back in the day….in a hillbilly/George Jones/Coal Miners Daughter kind of a way. We’ve spent the last 20 years calling each other on the phone saying, “Omigosh, do you remember the time….they left us in the car for 4 hours with a bottle of RC and some fritos while they went honky-tonkin’……or the time y’all moved in with us ’cause soandso ‘busted out all the winders’…..or all the funerals we went to together and made fun of the ‘Jesus called’ plastic telephone…..or the time we visited our cousin in prison…….you know, just normal family memories. I guess all families are dysfunctional, but the fact that we’re not all three in a psych ward somewhere rocking back and forth, is almost amazing.

The great thing about it though….is that we have each other. Jamie remembers EVERYTHING in painful detail. She’s been like a therapist/best friend/sister all wrapped into one. I guess my ADD has served me well…in that, I’ve forgotten a lot of the crazy jazz that we went through and what I do remember is usually cased in a gracious amount of laughter. So, Jamie, here’s to your birthday. (I’m holding up my glass of wine…and I’ve ordered Gina an apple martini). I love you like no other. I thank you being to me what noone else could have been. I thank you that you know my story and love me anyway. I think Gina still holds a grudge against you for always making her be Haus’s wife when we played Bonanza. Oh course, you always got Little Joe….which left me with Adam. But all grudges aside, I apologize that I didn’t manage to video myself singing Satin Sheets for your big day. I think you’ll like this one though. We know all the words. I’m singing it realloud.

I’m gettin’ my ‘stretch’ on……

January 24, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 9 Comments

Don’t mind me. I’m just gonna practice my resizing skillz in photobucket…….

My little baby Grace is not a baby anymore….

I know you’re gonna think I’m biased, but Taylor’s band has a new CD out….which is not yet available for purchase…but which I have downloaded onto my iPod…..oh.my.word. It is fantastic. I love ‘running’ to it. It’s hard to believe that it’s someone I know and love….let alone my own son. Very surreal!

Caiti and her dear sweet friend Morgan. Caiti and I raced each other in some dandy indoor go-carts. I put up a mean fight, but she took me down. I saw her texting her victory to a friend who replied to her, “What are doing at Fun Expedition racing go-carts with your mom on Friday night?”

My little ballerinas…

My mantle….which won a day of glory at Christmas….is feeling a little sad and undecorated. What should I do to it next? Although really, I do kinda like it just like this. Maybe I’ll paint it. Who knows.

The girls had to make up a sentence using the homonyms ant/aunt and deer/dear. Here’s what they came up with.

As you know, I’ve hit a little rough patch in the homeschooling. This is Stevie looking for ‘help’ for me on the board at Waffle House. I must really seem desperate. Very thoughtful though.

Maybe my favorite picture of Emme….which took up a whole page originally and then when I resized it smaller…..turned out like this.

Yeah, now I have to limit the TV time of the new puppy. He LOVES watching the Dog Whisperer.

So help a girl out….I set these photos to all be the same size and yet they turn out so different. Why? I ask you, why? It seems that the ones I’ve cropped alot beforehand come out to be way bigger. Any photobucket experts out there? I hate for ya to have to scroll for 10 minutes to look at one picture. Wonder if I just resize it smaller if it’s been previously cropped? However, the few times I’ve tried that, it makes the picture tiny. Enquiring minds want to know.