From the Front Porch: Memorial Day Edition
Hello from the front porch, sweet friends.
Welcome to the Memorial Day Edition of this weekly series.
Thanks so much for spending time with us today.
How are you?
Several years ago, we were on our way to church when we got on the subject of mistakes.
“What was the last mistake you made?” my nephew asked.
“I don’t make mistakes. I encounter growth opportunities,” S said.
Then my Dad piped up and said, “I don’t make mistakes either. I’m given opportunities to clarify my mission.”
My brother-in-law said he viewed mistakes as a scientist would, trying to prove or disprove a hypothesis, viewing them as stepping stones.
One of my sisters thought mistakes were challenges that hadn’t been overcome yet.
My therapist always reminds me mistakes are simply “miss takes” and then tells me to visualize the clapperboard on a movie set and to “Take 2” as many times as I need for as long as I need.
She also says, “If you’re not failing, you’re not growing,” a lot.
So, this week, I want to tenderly remind you that most mistakes can be overcome with genuine reflection and acknowledgment.
Beating ourselves up doesn’t help at all.
And more often than not, once we sit with it a bit, we can reframe the misstep, failure, regret, or setback as a valuable life lesson.
A lesson in persistence, resiliency, grace, and refinement.
May you be bold and brave, wildly capable, and beautifully fearless.
As always, I’m cheering you on as you do the things only you were created to do.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- A Countryside Home Oozing with Charm and Character (via Lark & Linen)
- This Home Has the Cozy Feeling of a Full Bookcase Without the Busy Look (via Apartment Therapy)
- A Light and Airy Farmhouse Tour (via Camille Styles)
- An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage (via My Scandinavian Home)
- This California Cottage is filled with Scottish Charm (via AD)
- This garden, via House and Garden, is next-level magical. Wait until you see the house that goes with it!
- Speaking of magical, I can’t stop thinking about this flower studio from Studio LeClercq.
Seasonal Inspiration: Festive Memorial Day Ideas
- Have you seen Emily’s patriotic mantel yet? It’s gorgeous! (via LeCultivateur)
- I love all the patriotic decor ideas, Amber put together, too. (via Follow the Yellow Brick Home)
- Rachel’s post 15 Primitive and Vintage Patriotic-Inspired DIYs is filled with inspo. (via The Ponds Farmhouse)
- Have you seen Cindy’s DIY Scrap Fabric Flags yet? They’re adorable. (via DIY Beautify)
- Anna’s DIY Flag Holders would be the perfect complement to the flags, too! (via Sky Lark House)
- These DIY Patriotic Mason Jar Candles from Eleanor Rose Home are totally genius.
- Love the simple farmhouse details in this Patriotic-inspired Home Tour via Old Salt Farm.
- May is such a busy time of year, and it’s very easy for summer holidays to sneak up on us. If you’re pressed for time, you’ll love Kim’s patriotic container ideas. (via Perfecting Places)
- If you loved Bomb Pops as a kid, you’ll want to try Nicolle’s festive recipe. (via Our Tiny Nest)
- Don’t miss Elizabeth’s 10 Easy and Delicious Memorial Day Desserts! (via Pinecones and Acorns)
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- Want to be Happier? Science Says Do These 11 Things Every Single Day (via Inc.)
- 4 Habits You Need to Quit to Feel Good (via Intelligent Change)
- 13 Magnesium-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet (via Vogue)
Style and Travel Inspiration:
- Memorial Day Outfit Ideas (via My Chic Obsession)
- 7 Spring to Summer Beauty Trends (via Who What Wear)
- The Best Holiday Homes to Rent in The UK (via CN Traveller)
Encouraging Words…
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
Patriotic Holiday Decorating Ideas
DIY Patriotic Grain Sack Runner
Tips and Tricks for a Festive Patriotic Tablescape
Festive Patriotic Ideas Blog Hop
Shopping Notes…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- Tablecloth 27 colors available, depending on size
- Flags
- Star Streamers (I have the gold and pink ones)
- Bag 7 colors available
- Dress 26 colors available, depending on size
- Bunting
- Flag Cardigan 3 colors available, depending on size
- Pillow Covers 6 colors available, depending on size
- Bows
- Flag Sweater 6 colors available, depending on size
- Table Runner 20 design themes available, depending on size
- Olive Wreath
- Sandals 11 colors available, depending on size
- Olive Branches
- Linen Dress 8 colors available, depending on size
- Banners
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.
We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
What an encouraging message! When I have the chance, I will share these thoughts on mistakes with my students. Thanks for being so transparent and sharing! Have a great time at Loblolly!
I really appreciate that, Susan, thank you so much. Sometimes it takes just one or two quick sentences to help you reframe mistakes or regrets. While I’m definitely still a work in progress I’m always thankful when people pass little nuggets – like your Friday scriptures – along. It really does make a difference! Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
Wow, CoCo! Thank you so much for all the good stuff here and in all your other newsletters. I am enjoying my morning cup of tea as I work my way through all the articles and links. I am so glad I found your blog! And thank you for your thoughts on how to handle “miss takes” and growth opportunities. That’s so helpful. Also, I want to encourage you to not be hard on yourself. You are clearly a gifted and giving person, and you are making the world a better place. Rest in that, and treat yourself like you would treat your bestie. 🙂
Thanks so much for all you do through your beautiful blog and website.
LeAnne, a new and big fan
Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, LeAnne, they are greatly appreciated. I just read (and loved) your Mother’s Day post. All those container gardens, churches, bridges and buildings of the local architecture were beautiful. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful nudge not to be so hard on myself, I definitely needed to read that this week. Big hugs, CoCo
Happy Summer kickoff to you, CoCo!! Enjoy this time off…hope you can relax and unwind with your mom!! Lots of love to you, friend!
Thank you so much, Rachel, I really appreciate it! Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday weekend as well, CoCo
So excited you get to spend the summer at Loblolly! Can’t wait to see what you’ll be working on! I bet your Mom is so excited! I hope you have a relaxing week of vacation! Enjoy!
My Mom is so excited she probably had the car packed and all her outfits ready to go last week, Donna. Thankfully, her expectations are high but reasonable because there is so much to do! Hope your weekend is a fun one, CoCo
CoCo
I loved your conversation about mistakes. It’s much easier to let them crush you than look for the positives! Thanks for the clarification. You are so sweet to share my bedroom tour. You are the best. Have a wonderful time with your mom. I’m spending a few days next week with my daughter as well.
You are so welcome, Rachel! I’m happy to share your creative ideas any time. They keep me motivated and inspired. I love that you guys are getting together this week too and I know you’ll have a blast. May your time together be richly blessed, CoCo
I think I will have to pick up that book – Living the simply luxurious life by Shannon Ables. I’m all about that and the cover looks darling. I am amazed at all you find on the internet and so glad you do. If not, I’d miss out on so much! Love that garden, the farmhouse, the cottage… all of it! Thank you for sharing our Pinterest Challenge and the sweet words along with it. That was one of my fave challenges. Happy Memorial Day friend. XO
I love that book, Cindy! While there are no pictures in the book, Shannon has such a beautiful way of capturing simple elegance with her words. She also has a fabulous blog, and social media pages under the same. She inspires me all the time to slow down and enjoy the little things! Your Pinterest Challenges are always so much fun. I love to see how everyone puts their own spin on things. It’s so cool! I’m excited about our LOL coming in June as well. Sending you tons of hugs for a happy weekend sweet friend, CoCo
Enjoy every minute of your week off. This is a great post. It got me realizing I have to commit to things that are for me.
My John, Peanut, Reeses and my blog.
I need the blog for me and I need to figure out how to do that.
My life isn’t the same as everyone else.
I physically can’t begin working early am and things take longer
I have to commit for me. I have guilt because Peanut is sick.
Wish me luck. I have the tools to help with writing.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Cindy! It’s so important to take care of yourself and the things you most value like your family. It takes a while to find the right blend, especially in a hustle culture like blogging, but once you find the sweet spot and define what success means to you it makes a world of difference. Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
I always love your posts. So much fun to read. Thank you so much for the feature. I sure appreciate you. Enjoy your summer. Hugs and blessings to you.
You are so welcome, Renae! I loved the way you put your own spin on Cindy’s Challenge. You guys are such a great group and I learn new ideas from you all the time. Hope your weekend is extra special, CoCo
I love that your whole family openly talks about mistakes or “miss takes” and how they re-frame them. I think talking with others about mistakes makes them seem less overwhelming and unbearable. Less like “gosh, I am such an idiot” and more like “well next time I can do ___ differently”. Our mindset about mistakes is what allows us to continue to move forward in our imperfect manner and still make progress.
On a separate note – I now realize that I need a European Manor complete with a pond and blooming clematis as well as my own flower studio with a beautiful old sink. Not sure how I am going to break this news to Mr. SLH…
COCO,
WOW!! I so do love everything that you pack into a post…They make me think and analyze what I want to do especially when you post your To Do Lists and bucket lists…. Such inspiration…I love the Miss takes….Good one… Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comment!!
I hope you have a great weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb
I can’t believe we are halfway through May and “flag season” is only 2 weeks away. Why does the time between May-Oct vaporize so quickly? Thank you for sharing my DIY flag holder. Can’t wait to dive into the links you shared!!
You are so welcome, Anna, they’re perfection! Big hugs, CoCo