The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.-Steel Magnolias

Monday, October 24, 2011

Nightmares vs. Reality

I tossed and turned nearly all night. I was plagued by nightmares when I finally did sleep. The dream I remember most was one of the creepiest and scariest I think I've ever encountered. I was being beat by my husband. He was bigger and stronger than me and there was nothing I could do to protect myself or my children. It was horrible!

Everytime I woke up I'd look over at my husband, laying there peacefully sleeping. I would think of all the kind and gentle times that we have shared and the precious and patient way in which he deals with our four small, rambuncious children. I quickly offered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude for this man. Who he is and who he wants to become. I love him dearly and am so thankful for the peace and safety I feel when I am with him.

Sadly, the worst part of this story is that the nightmare I had last night is what a lot women call thier reality. I can imagine her pain as she is struck not only with hands and fists, but with hateful words. I can imagine the sadness she feels when her belongings are taken away and smashed to bits. I feel the pain her children suffer as thye witness this violence in their home. The confusion they feel from the love they have for this man they call "Dad" and the anger and fear the have when he turns into a monster. The hopelessness they must all feel. Being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's frightening. Unfortunatley most women who endure domestic violence believe that for whatever twisted reason, they deserve to be treated this way.

To those women I would like to quote a part of the pledge that we teach the young women (ages 12-18 ) of my church: "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father. Who loves us and we love him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. As we strive to live the Young Women values. Which are Faith, Divine Nature, Indiviual Worth, Knowledge, Choice & Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virtue..."

It is my hope that all women, everywhere can know of their worth and the love that our Father in Heaven has for them. That they may find peace and happiness in this life and that they can raise their children in freedom from fear.

Now... let's talk about clothes shall we?
My first real attempt at color blocking.

Remember the post Lise did about not buying your own clothes back from the thrift store? Yeah well... When I was pregnant with my first baby I thought I'd finally get a voluptuous womanly body so I gave all my "skinny" clothes away... yeah well... 4 kids later I'm still trying to look like a women instead of a 13 yr-old boy. So When I found (what I believe to be) my very own velvet pants at Peace Place I almost cried!

I have been saving this little number for a few months now. The colors are PERFECT for a Southern October!

And just check out this beautiful detail on the top. Copper buttons! I also love this little watch necklace. I found it buried in the backyard of my old house years ago. I cleaned it up and put it on a chain. It's my go to necklace when I want something just a little whimsical.

It was a little too cold this morning to wear this top without a cardigan... I'n hoping the day warms up enough to show off the detail on these sleeves. Who doesn't love lace?!?

How to wear brown and black is the same as black and navy. Wear at least two items of each color. What do you think?

I think I almost shrieked out loud in the store when I found these. (ok I DID shriek but that place needs a little livening up sometimes.)

Also a shriek-worth find! I LOVE this ring!

Pink for breast cancer awareness. I liked this outfit in my imagination. Then I liked it when I wore it, but I felt awkward in public. But then really liked it when I got back home. Anyone else do this?

What I wore to church yesterday. Fall= layers + belted cardigans!

5 comments:

  1. Love the post...all the outfits...and I am shrieking over the shoes!!

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  2. Your story about your nightmare is very gripping - makes us all think about how some women actually do suffer at the hands of the ones who "love" them.

    All of your outfits are wonderful, and I don't think you look the least bit like a teenage boy : >

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  3. Love all the outfits in this post, especially the shoes. I love the copper detailing on that top with the the clock necklace. Almost a little steampunkish, Leah!!

    The nightmare part of the post was very gripping and saddening. It saddens me and angers me that any woman and/or child lives like this. But they do. Daily.

    I, too, thank God every day for Ben. I don't just have a good man, I have a GREAT man. I don't know what I'd do without him!!

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  4. I love your style more & more everytime you post! That top with the copper buttons is insanely cute. I also love your velvet pants. How lucky to find them TWICE!!!
    I've never been a fan of brown & black but friend you have changed my mind. I love that combo and I LOVE LOVE LOVE those shoes.

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