Wishing you a Blessed Easter

Keep On, Keepin' On

I didn't always Believe.

It's easy not to,

especially when you are handed 

things beyond your control

that are very painful.

the wedding band

Things that happen out of your control 

regardless of how hard you work 

to keep it all together.

You have to make some 

hard decisions 

that most people don't understand

and most of those people, 

make up their own stories about 

"what happened"

instead of asking for the truth.

It's amazing to hear the story

when it comes back around to you.

My post isn't for sympathy.

No, it is NOT.

It's for those that cast judgement

and point and laugh at others

when they are down.

I don't believe in that and

I think it's a horrible way to live.

Most importantly,

it's for those that are

going through that rough time.

You aren't alone.

Even if nobody is physically

standing by you,

you are not alone.

When you are stripped of 

pretty much everything

but the clothes on your back,

you have no choice but to start believing.

If you are where we've been,

Keep the Faith.

I share this today because of

The Brave Girls Club

and today's,

Daily Truth.

It really does all work out the way it's supposed to.

It makes you dig deeper and see the 

only true things that are important.

One day soon, I will share our story.

But today,  please believe in this....

Dear Amazing Girl,

Sometimes the bravest thing we ever have to do is accept a different answer to a wish, a dream, a hope or a prayer than the one we were 

asking for, and trust that it is still going to work out o.k. in the end.

No one is immune from disappointments, and confusing turns of events, and things turning out waaaaaay different than we planned on. Our characters are built, our patience is grown, and our hearts are strengthened when these things happen . . . in ways that they could not have otherwise.

A lot of suffering can be passed by when we just TRUST that things are working out even when we can't see how it is possible. So many times, we have to travel through a "rough part of town" to get to the most beautiful parts and there is no other way but through those parts. If you are in one of the "rough" parts right now. Just keep moving. Soon you will see the places that you were headed to when you set off on this journey. If you stop now, you will be stuck exactly where you are. 

Sooo, keep moving, friend. Keep your chin up, keep your thoughts in happy places. Keep believing, keep dreaming, keep hoping, keep wishing, keep 

praying, and most importantly keep the faith. This is all headed somewhere good!

xoxo

...for we've been through that part of

town and are just coming out

 on the other side.

It's been a long drive, but now,

I can say it's been well worth it.

We've got two healthy, rambunctious

little boys about ready to turn 5 

to prove it. 

Much love.

xoxo

Amber

My dream last night...

Before I went to bed last night, 

I was online looking at 

Real Estate,

which is kinda my nightly ritual.

I have this thing about

remodeling every

house I look at.

You know,

"If this was my kitchen...

~Oooh, it would look amazing if...

~That wall needs to come out...

~I'd paint the exterior such and such color...

~Oh, English roses lining the walk ..."

and on and on.

This place popped up on the screen

when I clicked on 'Newest Listings'.

Are you in love or what?

It's a clean slate!

What's that mean {suspiciously}?

Be prepared, this usually scares

many a folk...

*
*
*
*
*

Uh, it's completely gutted

down to the wood lathe

and studs.

And I spy some hardwood under 

all that dust!

living room, dining in the middle and kitchen in back

kitchen

Here's the kicker...

Cost: $9000

Shut the front door!!

YES, $9000

Now, having a  Contractor husband,

is kinda dangerous

because he's just as crazy as me.

We've had plenty of discussions about

what we will buy and the condition it's in.

We know this for sure:

it WILL be a fixer.

This qualifies, don't ya think?

I showed him the house and he

just looked at me.

Uh-oh.

It went on the list of

"Potential Properties".

Okay, so to my dream...

I'm not saying this house was in it

but I did dream about this dang kitchen

{I've shared it before because I LOVE it}

...probably because I look at the picture

all-of-the-time.

My husband is not in love with the checked floor

like I am,

so we agreed that when the time comes,

it'll be wood like

{I ain't into tile!}

and I'll compromise with 

a checked or harlequin  area rug,

which I already have earmarked

in my favorites. 

{I'll do checked floor in the laundry room

since that is my room}

;)

Obviously, there are things I'd do different,

but this kitchen has been 

such an inspiration 

for my bucket list.

Anyway, when the time does come

for us to buy and renovate,

you'll be along for the ride.

Just wait and see how we 

can 

s-t-r-e-t-c-h

a dollar. 

We are cheapskates and 

with today's resources,

you can get alot of bang 

for your buck if you put

on your thinking cap!

I'll even figure out to do a video so 

we can show you some

how-to-do's.

I hope you have an inspirational weekend.

It's a big birthday weekend here

and there's some

Bluegrass calling my name.

Black Accessories

I can't tell you how many times

I go blog cruising and

find myself falling in love 

with other people's 

homes.

Light and Airy,

Wispy and Bright.

It's ALL so beautiful.

Then I start to question...

maybe I'm too dark.

Mmm... but, I do love my black.

And it is me

{and Black Rooster Cottage}.

Black can be classy.

Black can be distressed and worn

and still look spectacular.

I love that it could be a little

mysterious, too.

I found this typewriter at the 

Antique Mall for super cheap,

and since 

I've always wanted one

 to display

old family photos,

 it became a new 

member to the

Black Rooster Cottage family.

Writing this has made me 

remember what I always knew...

Stay true to yourself.

Use what you love

because only then 

does your house become

your home.

xo, Amber

Mr. Mailman...

... Bring me some Spring...

Guess what happened over the weekend in

Sunny Southern California?

Temperatures in the 80's.

Warm enough for the 

Slip N Slide

and getting dirt under one's nails.

I'm sure it was a false warm up

but Armstrong's beckoned me.

So I went.

A few seedlings and some seeds later...

{my vintage mailbox houses my hand tools
 and fastening tape}

I can't wait till everything starts sprouting leaves.

{this arbor to the veggie garden will be
covered with grapes}

Although we won't be here to enjoy all the things I've

planted, I hope the next tenants will.

{strawberries}

{lettuce}

{sugar snap peas}

{pea blossom}

{spinach}

{taking pre-caution because I don't think we're done with frost}

{tomato. It's a TOMATO. Just making that clear
because it could resemble something else}

{I think they like their Parisian Print Burlap!}

I also set seeds for squash and cucumbers.

 A little early, I know, but they were left-over from 

last growing season so if they don't do anything,

 nothing lost. :)

{my little cherub under the olive tree}

{I always refresh the containers
with pretty posies}

{the roses are sprouting!}

{and my favorite tree that we planted near the patio
for the much needed afternoon shade: Chinese Elm}

In a month, I'll post an update 

on the garden and yard.

I marked the calendar so I

won't forget!

I hope Spring is headed your way if you

are still knee deep in snow.