Monday, March 5, 2012

If The Pink Fits...


Has anybody seen Old Man Winter?  I don't know where he's spent the season, but it certainly wasn't southeast Georgia. He never showed up around here at all.    

That's why I wasn't terribly surprised to discover blossoms on the Bradford Pears about two weeks ahead of schedule. 



I know that because I'm the  blossom scheduler. I have a set date in my head when each tree is supposed to blossom, and I don't like rebellious buds to break ranks or cut in line.

Can anyone relate?

These azaleas outside my kitchen window  aren't supposed to bloom until Easter. You know... for the photo ops...

 I tried to tell them that.     


They didn't listen.

To be honest, that kind of thing used to make me a little cranky,
but not any more.

You might recall that I dubbed 2012 the year of Finding the Sunshine. I purposed in my heart not to to squander the sunshine that God sends my way, whenever, wherever, and however he sends it.  

'Cause there is indeed a Holy Blossom Scheduler, and His Name isn't Debbie. 

I can't tell you how grand it has been to toss the clipboard of control.  This morning, I went outside and thanked God for the azaleas. Then, I brought a few back in with me.

I made a breakfast tray with our Pink Occasion dishes.


That's not the name of the pattern; it's their job description. 

Years ago, the girls were given this old set of luncheon dishes by a sweet elderly neighbor. She thought they would enjoy them.  They have. 


In the nearly 20 years since, any occasion dubbed a Pink Occasion has included dining in the pink  with these old dishes.  Later this week, I'm planning a tablescape starring these little gals, but this morning I simply made a breakfast tray for one. 

It's not for me, though. These are our Pink Occasion plates, after all, and the occasion du jour is the return of my favorite coed, Miss Whimsy. She arrived home yesterday for a full week of spring break.    

I'm tickled pink. 

Yessiree, my week will be practically perfect in every way. 

Practically...

There's just one thing missing, and it's the presence of big sister at the table. If you recall, she left for Washington DC in January. She wanted to try on her Capitol Hill shoes.   



Well, I'm here to report that the shoes fit. 
To be honest, I  kinda knew they would. That's why I was afraid to let her go...

But daughters are kind of like spring flowers.
When and how they bloom isn't really up to us, is it?

'Cause there is a Master Planner, and His name isn't Debbie.


So the Practical One turned in her intern badge and officially joined a congressional staff today.  In an ironic twist, she's going to be somebody's... scheduler. 


Apparently, the blossom doesn't fall far from the tree...



51 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

How awesome Debbie! Congrats to your daughter. I can't believe your blooms. We are starting early here too! You seem about a week ahead of us.

Lynn said...

How exciting for your daughter! The flowers are beautiful and I agree, let's just enjoy them whenever they bloom:@)

Denise said...

So good to see Miss Whimsy yesterday. I know she enjoyed her special breakfast tray prepared by her special mom. Have fun this week.

My blossoms are arriving on the farm, too. I'm afraid our current drought will keep them from being as superb as usual. I'll still enjoy what the good Lord sends our way!

So happy for our DC gal. I knew she'd love it, too. I guess this means a road trip. Can't wait to see her.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

That's fabulous news! I love the graphics you used, that was a fun movie! LOL! No blooms here yet, but we do have lot's and lot's of buds. Your azaleas are gorgeous! I love the color!

Amy Kinser said...

So happy for your daughter and so excited to see how His plans unfold for her.

Love your breakfast tray!

Maryann said...

So happy for your daughter..DC is a great place to visit...one of my favorite road trips...and I have a family member in that neck of the woods as well
Our trees are blooming as well..but old man winter isn't done here..we got a blast of cold weather this weekend and I had my poor husband covering all my hydragena buds trying to save them from the freeze
Enjoy your time with your daughter

Miss Char said...

Old man winter is sitting in my front yard right now, he's suppose to leave tomorrow.

High five for your daughter Debbie, that is beyond fabulous.

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Charming post--love the dishes, the flowers and the good news about both daughters. Enjoy it all dear friend. And the sunshine--yea, I know they are the sunshine!

Shanee said...

I have been fighting the same control tendency...I have been put out with the early blooming. What will I do Easter if everything has already bloomed? I have decided I am not in control either and nobody asked my opinion on the best bloom time. So, I am trying to enjoy the blooms as they come and be thankful for the short/mild winter. So glad The Practical One is doing well..congrats to her. Enjoy your week with your daughter, I am enjoying BDJ this week.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I relate. And, yes - I have one of those daughters. How I wish I could put all her little ducks in a row - but - not my job anymore. God has this one from now on. Thankfully, she submits herself to His leading - but - there are times I just want to . . .

Nope! Gonna keep my mouth shut. So happy for your daughter's plum position in DC. Sure hope she makes time to come home on occasion. I'm looking forward to my daughter married and settled - but - I also don't want her to leave home, either.

Well, at least this post of yours proves I'm not the only mom out there thinking these things.

Nice pinks - inspired me for a future post . . .

Joy!
Kathy

Crickit said...

Very cute Debbie. My Azela's are blooming here too, but they are right on schedule for California.

Congrats to your daughter...it sounds like she has found her niche. :)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

OMG how wonderful that your daughter got a real job!! My future DIL started as n intern and she is now a scheduler too. That is thought of as one of the bigger jobs, she will come in contact with all sort of important people and will, if she chooses, take a job outside of politics as a corporate scheduler, be proud, she is doing a great time building her resume....OK, back to the plants, I don't have any idea when stuff is supposed to blossom LOL!

Carol

Denise said...

Wonderful, congrats, and blessings to your daughter.

Tanna said...

I know you are so proud of your daughter, Debbie!!! (sometimes I do wish The Planner would let us have a little input. hee hee) Probably that I want to is why He doesn't! LOL! Please pass congratulations on to Practical One!

I do know you are enjoying Ms Whimsey being home! And, she had to love that beautiful breakfast!! Enjoy. blessings ~ tanna

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Congratulations to your daughter, Debbie!! How very exciting! You must be incredibly proud. :)

Your blossoms are really beautiful. I need to take a page from your book, because I've been upset for a few weeks that everything has been blooming too soon around here. It really is more important to enjoy them while they're here. I'm learning that applies to our children as well (our son just got home last night for Spring Break).

And on that note, your post a month or so ago about your tulip magnolia blooming too early and getting frozen has just happened to ours. Ours had just started opening and the temps dipped into the 20's last night. I'm afraid to look out the window.

The breakfast tray for Miss Whimsy is beautiful; she must feel very special. Can't wait to see your tablescape. Have a great day!

Denise

Christine said...

Isn't it wonderful to sit back and watch our children develop?
It just makes my heart soar to hear you talk about your daughter is such a loving way.
Congratulations to both of you.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well you just caught it all my friend...the seasons of life, both in nature and for a mom! His timing not ours!!! I am so excited for you, as God continues to open up His plan for you in this next adventures season of your life.

I thought of you when I was at the garden center yesterday...because there was a flower that you have posted before and I just stopped and took in its beauty

Yes your plates are great...oh my I really can't imagine a pink world...maybe grand daughters will allow me to remember pink

Have the best spring break...we have two more weeks until then and even then it is full of baseball games

Mommy....enjoy your Washington daughter's journey..as I mentioned in an email

Denise said...

I just finished reading your latest two posts. It's no wonder the title of your blog has the word "words" in it. You have a way with words. Both pieces filled me with joy - not too mush, not too dry.
Just right!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Debbie the azaleas are gorgeous!! Our pears have buds. One year they bloomed in March, then we had an ice storm and they had to start over, but it all worked out very well.

Chatty Crone said...

Awe so much here today. Blooming - God tells the flowers when and our children when and we have to let them do it - if we truly believe. It was hard when my son went to Ohio too - so I do understand.

I think those are some of the prettiest dishes I have ever seen.

I'm glad your daughter is home and hope you have a GREAT time with her.

Congrats to your scheduler too!

Love, sandie

Renée said...

Life sounds good for you Debbie. Your pink is abundant and beautiful and the coeds are blossoming too....into a scheduler ;D. Have a whimsical week filled with love, fun and lots more pink. xoxo

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Debbie, I'm finally finding a minute to sit down and catch up on yesterday's news ... and I love the news from your house! Enjoy your time with Miss Whimsy; I'm certain she enjoyed her fabulous breakfast tray for one!

As for The Practical One ... Congratulations to her! So nice to see her using her genetic gift. :-)

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

You may not be the master scheduler/planner, but you are a born writer with a wonderful gift of putting words into stories, love the way this one played out!!

Beautiful breakfast tray!

My grandson, Tanner, (Mercer) went to San Francisco with the Baptist group on a mission! He loves being at Mercer and has met some great friends (including a girlfriend!)

I always look forward to your Words on Wheels!

Katherine

Mevely317 said...

This may be my favorite of all your posts, Debbie!

Congrats to your Practical One!
... and may her Good Sense rub off of some of those DC critters!

Anonymous said...

Commenting again - inviting you to my blogoversary - one year in Blogland this month! So glad I met you! Looks like you and me have that same "hooky" day over at Janette's - I'll take a cabin in the woods by a babbling brook over the beach any day! Antique shops in a quaint village - check - cozy mysteries in a cozy chair with tea - check.

Anyway - do come visit - you know I just HAD to mention YOU!!

Joy!
Kathy

Sharon said...

I'm tickled pink at your beautiful photos!

Enjoy your week with Miss Whimsy - and congrats again to Miss Practical.

And, still appreciating your prayers to Mr. Master Planner. Because no, apparently His name isn't Sharon either...

xo

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Love this post, Debbie. From the pink blooms, to the pink occasion plates, to the great news about your daughter taking Washington! Somebody needs to schedule some things that make sense up there. Finally, we have our woman!

xinex said...

Congrats to your daughter! I am so happy for you all and so happy for you to have one join you for spring break. I am picking up AJ for her to spend spring break here too and I am excited. I know what you mean about the flowers. Our azaleas are in full bloom which is still too early.....Christine

Unknown said...

Whew!! I think I'm all caught up, my friend!
Congratulations on the safe arrival of your nephew. Please extend my thanks to him for his service to our country. Is he home for good?
Happy early spring!!! Hope it stays for easter....
Bet you are missing your girl. What is it about them, being all independent? Did we do something right? Not sure if I like it...
xoxo
lynn

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Tree-top to shoes, loved this post, start to finish!

Custom Comforts said...

How lucky you are to have blooms already. I kind of like things blooming early because these are all cold-weather blooms. Every year, out daffs and tulips come out and then it hits the 70's and they don't last but a few days. My snowdrops have been blooming for over a month since they came early and it is off and on cold. Even the crocus are lasting for weeks instead of days. Looking forward to the forsythia and daffodills. Azaeleas are a long way off for us ~ usually around Mother's Day.
Cindy

Rettabug said...

"That's not the name of the pattern; it's their job description." LOL I would LOVE to get to talk to you in person someday, Debbie...you have the greatest sense of humor!

I'm thrilled to hear your DD is happy with her DC decision. Nice that you'll get to visit her there, too...maybe in time to see the cherry blossoms??? I've always wanted to do that.

Taking your admonishment to let go of control to heart.
Hugs,
Rett

Sue said...

My Bradfords are done blooming, but nothing on my azaleas. I think they are dead:-) I have a very brown thumb!
How exciting for your daughter ~ and I see some fun road trips in your future. Enjoy your spring break week ~ I know you will.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

That's so awesome Debbie! What an exciting time for your Daughter!!

Yes, we never had a real winter. I feel like I never had any down time! My Bradford's are in bloom too. Even the roses are leafing out!

Your azaleas and plates are gorgeous!

Babs said...

Awesome post, Debbie, and so true that God is in control and we enjoy the beauty. Your azaleas are gorgeous. Love that shade of pink and your sweet dishes.
Our azaleas are budding. Only one old bush,(different variety) has a few blooms. I thought it had died from the heat and drought last year. It was a nice surprise to see a few blooms on it.
Thanks for the great post.
Babs.. Oh, congratulations to your daughter. I know you're proud of her, and rightly so.

Gayle said...

Congrats to your daughter! I'm sure it's a bittersweet event for you. I LOVE these dishes.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I love the way you write. You write in ways that go straight into my heart and make me smile. You bring everything together so amazingly. You're a writer Debbie. An amazing writer. Hope you know that. And about your sister...wow. That's awesome. Hope your day shines in everyway for you.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Beautiful photos of pink...I do not know when they are scheduled to bloom....but I know they are early

Knitty said...

Congratulations to your daughter!

Old man winter hasn't really been to MI either, but I am not complaining. No blooms yet, but things are budding and I hope at this point winter stays away and allows spring to arrive early.

Angel said...

The pink does fit! Perfectly!

Congrats to your daughter and to you for writing this wonderful post reminding us that yielding control to the real Master Planner always yields the best results.

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Old man winter didn't hit us at all this year in the south, did he? :( I actually like it a little cooler, but I'm not complaining, seems like the dry weather is not as fun as it used to it. Thank God for Florida. I can finally understand why folks retire here. Wait, that's not such a good thing to understand, is it now. ;)

no spring chicken said...

Just wonderful. Round you brought this whole weather thing. Showing us whiners just what we are supposed to do with gifts... appreciate them even if we don't understand them because we trust the giver. Congratulations on the blossom at your table tonight and the blossom scenting D.C. for the rest of us!

Blessings, Debbie

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

We're probably at least a month and a half away from seeing our azaleas bloom. So I'm going enjoy yours (simply beautiful) in the meantime! ;-)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Woohoo, what a beautiful welcome home for your sweet Miss Whimsy.

Ya'll have a fun time catchin' up.

God bless and have a fantastic weekend!!! :o)

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Well I would say your beautiful flowers and beautiful daughters are blossoming right on time...you really can not beat His timing. Thank you for your sweet words !
(())

bj said...

We have things blooming around here, too. Not much winter, at all.
I don't care when they bloom...I enjoy them anytime. :))
Love that pretty plate.

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

OH...what a sweet, sweet post, with such lovely sentiments...from flowers blooming early to the lovely breakfast tray, to daughters blooming. Just beautiful. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my St. Pat's china cabinet.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I would so snip a few branches and hang my special easter eggs on them. :)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

OOOO, your breakfast try is so pretty, and I can never get enough of your wit. Wish you had one of those thingies that sends me an email when you post to your blog. Glad your daughter is doing well in Washington, and glad you're other daughter is home for Spring break. Life changes are always kind of a surprise to us, though we know they will eventually happen. laurie

Patsy said...

Hey Debbie! I just joined your blog...always good to hook up with another Georgia girl! :)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

'Just poppin' in to wish you a great week sweetie!

God bless ya! :o)

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