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!

Words Matter

 Flower pin made by our Leah! I pinned it on with

an owl earring. Gotta love the (purple) polka dots!

Today is National Anti Bullying Day, also recognized by the color purple!

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be an abusive spouse, parent, even someone you think is a friend.  I'm sure we've all had our share of encounters with some kind of bully, school yard or otherwise.

My friend, Mojo, blogged today about how words matter.  And it is really good, so I'm linking up to her today.  Go give it a read! Click HERE!!!

Everybody has one...

You know the saying. "Everybody has a bum and an opinion and they all stink." Well... what do you make of this?
I would like to hear your opinion... however, I would rather not smell your bum.

Why wear a black pencil skirt when you can wear a purple one? I got this entire outfit from.... yep you guessed it... Peace Place. Skirt is Talbots!

Skirt is Banana Republic. Don't you just LURVE this belt? Yeah me too!

Here's a better view. *sigh*

I got these shoes at a consignment store for $13. A major splurge for me, but they are Nine West.

I love mixing black and blue! The key is to have at least 2 items of both colors so it look like it was on purpose not dressing in the dark. The earrings and the necklace were both gifted (at different times) from Lise!

Another example of black and navy. The great thing about this skirt... besides the fact that it's ATL... it's gifted from Joy. I call it my "Skirt of Joy." It was a little short so I wear my great little vintage slip with it to give me the extra length.

Close up of this divine pattern!

Thrifted Steve Madden tweed pumps. Again *sigh*

I bought this fun little number while on vacation to my hometown in Washigton state. It was in the very most bargain bin clearance section of Ross. It was too big, too short, and had a weird little bow ties to the top of the ruffle... I fixed all that with a pair of scissors (ok honesty check here... it was a pocket knife in my sister's car... I couldn't wait to get to my mom's house to cut it off... that bow had to be dealt with immediately!) And another of my prized vintage slips and my little precious leafy belt again saves the day!

My girls call these my Jasmine shoes.

If olive, coral, chartruese and plum are all neutrals (which they are right? I haven't found any colors they don't look nice with) then they can all go together. Am I wrong? Someone please tell me before I wear this again...

Sweet bracelet from a yard sale.

An alternate idea for using a skinny belt.

UPDATE: I still am having trouble commenting! grrrr..... I'll try doing it this way... Thanks y'all for your comments and suggestions! I wanted to keep up with the pink and purple awreness idea but just couldn't help by throwing in some of my favorite fall "church clothes." @Pam- I tried to email you about your DV post and about sending your flower pin but it came back... how can i contact you privately? @Wendi- yes they do! Call me and we'll go! Also join our facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150423862829750&id=626389749&ref=notif¬if_t=wall#!/groups/226620994061450/

Why Do I Wear Purple and Pink?

 

Purple top: Mossimo via Sassy Pants

Jeans: Gap

Belt: Gifted from Lise

Shoes: Born 

I thought I'd just post a few fast facts about domestic violence and breast cancer today. Some, you've probably already heard. Others will surprise you.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. 

There are over twice as many animal shelters as their are shelters for battered women.

Domestic violence occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.

Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. And Children who witness violence at home display emotional and behavioral disturbances as diverse as withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame and aggression against peers, family members and property.

And THIS is why I wear purple. 

Pink tissue tee: Charlotte Russe

Vest: Gifted from Lise via PS Too

Jeans: Old Navy

Breast cancer is the #1 cancer in women, and is the 2nd leading cause of death in women. (Lung cancer is the first.) 

Early detection is key. Breast cancer is less common but more aggressive in women under 50. GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!!

Diet and exercise make a difference! Weight gain after age 18 or after menopause is a risk factor. In turn, losing that added weight may decrease your chances of getting breast cancer.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 2,140 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

 And THAT is why I wear pink!

I'm linking up with Not Dead Yet Style: Visible Monday because I want this cause to be VISIBLE by as many as possible!!

SURPRISE!!

Sweater: Target

Sequin tank: JCrew

Pants: Kohl's

Pumps:Nine West

First of all, here's my purple picture post of the day. (Love alliteration!) For some reason, in every one of the pics in this outfit, I'm looking down. I don't know why. The tank underneath is sequined, but you can't really tell in the picture. (And don't you just love how the gray in my hair matches the argyles on the sweater? LOL)

So, I love surprises.  Well, sometimes. I love GOOD surprises! I love FUN surprises! Other kinds of surprises? Not so much.

Yesterday, Leah brings in the mail and there is a package from Target. She said, What'd you get from Target? I was like, Uh, nothing. I haven't ordered anything.

I opened it up and had a great surprise! It was this freebie pack thing that I'd ordered weeks and weeks and weeks ago that I had forgotten about.  It was something I found out about thru a link from some blog or another. I wish I could remember which one it was.  AND, even better, it was pink and purple, which is GREAT for this month!! It was like they just knew!

LOOK how cute!!

 

And it was full of samples!! I love getting goodies like this.  Here's what all was in it:

I have all sorts of new things to try. I'm so excited! 

 

Have you gotten any good surprises lately? Tell us about it!

Or have you tried anything new? Tell us about that, too!

A Place of Peace

My favorite thrift store as many know is Peace Place. The majority (95%) of my clothing, accessories and shoes come from there. The have different items on sale daily. I LOVE to go on Wednesdays and Fridays when they have their "bag sale" 8 items for $8. Can't beat that! They are located literally 2 minutes from my house so it's easy for me to just "pop in." I know the sales and managment staff by name and they know me! It's a wonderful place and best of all. They are a non-profit organization that funds a domestic violence helpline and battered women's shelter! Check out their websites and go visit them to support their noble cause! Giving those in need a place of peace.

My top, jeans (that I altered into skinny jeans), belt and shoes all were thrifted at Peace Place!

The Greatest of These is Love

I'm wearing my purple again to support Domestic Violence Awareness!!

I know we've all heard the following verses at weddings. But really, really READ them. Read them aloud and LISTEN to the words and what they are saying.

1 Corinthians 13

 ¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Basically, one can be the most charming, most charismatic person around.  They can be intelligent and well read and seem to have a resounding faith in God. They give to charity and help others in need. But if they do these things for love of themselves and not because they feel love for others, then it's for nothing.

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

This is the most important section to me.  I think the words speak for themselves. If this is not your relationship, then maybe it's the wrong relationship.
 
 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

I won't pretend to even get this part. I feel like it means that the older we get, the more we understand about true love.  I keep thinking about a child with a baby chicken. (My parents raise chickens, so...) He can love that chicken in his childish, selfish way. He wants to pet it and squeeze it and keep it safe, all for himself.  But if he "  loves"   it too much, he'll crush it to death and his so called love will kill it.  Hopefully, as an adult, we realize this.  One day, when we see God, we will fully know what true love is.
 
 ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

What more is there to say, really? The greatest of these is LOVE!