Sunday, December 22, 2024

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This month is a quiet marker in my heart—it's been three years since my husband, James, passed away from melanoma. It was sudden, it was devastating, and it has forever changed the landscape of my life. Today, I'm sharing a bit of that journey with you.

Walking Each Other Home

There's a quote that hits different for me now: "We're all just walking each other home." Life's a path, sometimes smooth, often bumpy, where we meet souls who walk with us and share our pace, maybe only for a moment, maybe for miles. James was my fellow traveler, the soul you pray to walk a lifetime with, but our physical journey was cut short.


Cherished Moments

Every step and every moment I spent with James was filled with life—vibrant, loving, and real. Our time might have been shorter than I envisioned, but we lived a lifetime's worth in those moments. His laughter, his strength during his fight with melanoma, and his undying spirit have left imprints on my heart that guide me every day.


A Legacy Carried Forward

Facing melanoma head-on, James showed a resilience that was nothing short of heroic. We found joy in the smallest things—shared smiles, quiet evenings, and the strength in each other's presence. These are the memories I hold onto, the ones that light my path as I continue this walk, a bit more solitary than before.


Conclusion

Losing James was hard, and it still is. But if love teaches us anything, it never really leaves us. As I mark this third anniversary of his passing, I find comfort in knowing that our journey together continues in ways I'm still discovering. His legacy is not just in the past but in every step I take forward, every piece of myself I share here with you.


Parting Words

Remember to extend grace because we're all just walking each other home. Let's walk this path with kindness, understanding, and love for those who journey alongside us.




Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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Some days, the stars align, and your thrift store trips feel like a jackpot. This was one of those magical weeks where I scored some incredible finds! I've focused on decorating my walls rather than cramming more furniture into my cozy home. By utilizing wall space creatively, I'm decluttering and discovering my unique style—and it's been so much fun!


I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a home décor natural. But since tossing out the so-called rules and doing my own thing, I've found my groove. Here's a breakdown of my latest thrift haul and how each piece fits into my evolving style


Frames: A Thrifter's Best Friend

I never leave a good thrift store frame behind. While Dollar Tree frames are budget-friendly, they often break or fall apart on me. That's why I always opt for thrifted frames when I can find them. They're usually better quality, super affordable, and easily customized to fit any style. Whether painting or leaving them as-is, these frames are staples for filling up my wall space.




Mass-Produced Décor with a Twist

I'll admit it: I love a good Hobby Lobby inspiration session. But instead of buying brand-new pieces, I like finding similar styles at the thrift store for a fraction of the price. Adding mass-produced items into my home is fine by me, as long as I can blend them with one-of-a-kind pieces. This approach keeps my space looking unique, unlike something you can just copy-paste from a catalog.


Metal Accents: My Secret Weapon

Here's a quirky little fact about me—I'm obsessed with metal décor. I'll spray-paint it in whatever color works for my space, transforming something generic into something distinctly "me." Metal pieces are often sturdy, easy to upcycle, and bring a bit of texture to my walls.




Ready-to-Customize Finds

Some of my favorite thrift finds are what I call "blanks"—decorative items just waiting to be personalized. While I'm not a Cricut pro, I love crafting the occasional vinyl quote or design to make a piece truly one of a kind. Finding these blank canvases at the thrift store saves me money and gives me an excuse to unleash my creativity.


A Touch of Creepy Charm

Maybe it's my Halloween-loving heart, but I have a soft spot for eerie, offbeat artwork. Creepy little pictures add a unique vibe to my home and keep things from feeling too predictable. Whether it's a vintage portrait with mysterious vibes or a dark, moody landscape, these pieces bring character and a bit of edge to my space.





Embracing My Style, One Thrift Find at a Time

Redecorating my walls with thrifted treasures has been a journey of self-discovery. I'm curating a home that reflects my personality by blending cheap frames, metal accents, and even a touch of creepy charm. Check out your local thrift stores if you want to shake things up in your own space. Who knows? Your next perfect piece might be waiting for you on a dusty shelf.


What's your favorite thrift store find? Let me know in the comments or share your decorating tips—I'd love to hear them!

On the Creek blog is proud to be a part of the T&J Maintenance family - turning houses into homes.