Dirt Road Adventures: Beach Trip, Thrift Store Deals, Week Two After Chemo & The Power of Prayer
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey friends,
Last week began with Brad and me staying isolated from everyone due to my immune system being compromised due to the chemo treatments. But once we had passed the critical period, we packed up and went to our beach cottage, where we got to spend some time with our beach friends. Although I was still weak and not 100% back to normal, I managed to do a little thrifting and enjoy outdoor dining.
I experienced many blessings and even a stronger belief in the power of prayer. I have shared all the details and my daily challenges in my Cancer Journal, and you can read my journey from diagnosis to present here.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Y’all know that you can’t keep me down for long, so I added three brand-new blog posts and updated several of my favorite projects last week. Here is a recap in case you missed it.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Hydrangea Arrangement & Twig Flower Project
Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do? Check out this DIY Hydrangea Arrangement in a twig vase tutorial. The arrangement is made with artificial flowers, but can be easily switched out for real ones while in season.
How To Style A Rustic Coffee Table With Thrifted And Budget Decor
Y’all know that I love using thrifted decor to style our farmhouse. Today, I’m excited to share some tips on styling a rustic coffee table using thrift store finds and other budget-friendly decor options.
Budget DIY Flower Lampshade For Wall Sconces With Air Dry Clay
Have you ever found your perfect home decor accessory only to realize it costs way more than your budget allows? If so, you’ll want to see this tutorial. This copycat DIY Lampshade is inexpensive and easy to make with air-dry clay.
Read More- DIY Flower Lampshade
Repurposed Garden Decor 20+ Unique Ideas For Your Outdoor Spaces
Y’all know I love unique decor ideas, and the garden is no exception. Repurposing and upcycling vintage and thrift store finds is my favorite way to decorate indoors and out. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite trash-to-treasure repurposed garden ideas to make your outdoor spaces really stand out.
READ MORE- Unique Outdoor Spaces
Budget Screen Porch Furniture Ideas: Thrifted Antique China Cabinet
Y’all, I’ve always wanted one of those 1920s Antique China Cabinets. However, since we downsized, we don’t have room for more furniture. But guess what, I found one at a thrift store for only $45.00, and I couldn’t pass it by. To my husband’s dismay, I brought it home and said, “I’ll find a place for it”.
DIY Rattan Cane Upgrade: Coastal Chic Cheap Cabinet Makeover
Do you like the coastal chic look of rattan cane cabinets and chests from Pottery Barn and other high-end retailers? With this DIY cane cabinet door makeover tutorial, you can easily upgrade almost any inexpensive cabinet.
Make It & I’ll Share It
Nothing makes my day like knowing I have helped inspire your creativity. Your comments are always welcome, and I love seeing your projects come to life. Here are a few from last week.
First, my friend Lorrie duplicated my Moss Birdhouse Tutorial, and my friend Patty shared how she took my advice about adding rolling pins to a crock from my Decorating Ideas Using Vintage Stoneware Crocks. I was uplifted to realize that I’m having an impact on your decorating choices.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- I love a good Pottery Barn look-alike, and my friend, Jennifer, nailed it with this Thrifted $6.00 Vase Hack.
- Using Dollar Tree Supplies is a great money saver, and Wendy’s DIY Wagon Wheel Patriotic Wreath looks incredibly high-end.
- You’ll love KariAnne’s tips for making faux greenery look more realistic.
- Think you can’t grow stunning flowers due to limited space? Check out Stacy’s Growing Showstopping Dahlias in Pots.
- I felt like I was experiencing a vacation as I read Ann’s Vintage Treasures and Icebergs Views in Newfoundland.
Thrifting Adventures
During my beach trip, I did just a little thrifting, and it resulted in this amazing find. I’ve never seen a Demi John with a wide mouth. The tag indicated it was from Germany, and when I googled it, I found that I had gotten a fantastic deal at $45.00. I’m eager to get it home and style it.
I had previously written a blog post about Thrifting in Wilmington, NC, and was contacted by the owner of a charitable thrift store that I wasn’t aware of. PAW’s Resale Shoppe turned out to be a treasure trove of used items from Pet supplies to designer home goods. The proceeds go to support animal shelters and rescue organizations. I was impressed with the shop and even snagged a deal on a food and water bowl for Rudy to use at our beach cottage. My only regret is that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet the owner, Rosie. See you next time, Rosie. For more information, please visit the PAWS Resale Shopper Facebook Page.
Resources: Shop This Post
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and well wishes. They are so appreciated as I prepare for another round of chemo on June 6th. All prayers are welcome, and I know that many are being answered.
So glad you got down to the beach for a little Vitamin Sea!!! The salt air works wonders!
Jennifer,
Yes, it does the soul good. Thanks for stopping by.
I just caught up on your cancer journal, it’s so good (although why you have to write it sucks!) Sending lots of love down to you & Brad. Happy Anniversary!!! 46 years is amazing!!
Jennifer,
Thank you sweet friend. I got very lucky and made the right decision 46 years ago. We were babies and so fortunate that we’ve grown together instead of apart over the years.
Dear, dear Rachel, I’m so glad you felt good and could get away to your beach cottage. I’ve followed your journal and want you to know you have one more prayer warrior. You are so fortunate to have Brad with you on this walk. Just from reading your blog for a few years I know he is so supportive of your projects and will be your rock during this battle. I wish you the absolute best and will be praying for you and following your journey. God bless you both!
Bonnie,
Your encouraging words means so much to me. I appreciate you for following along on all my adventures and most importantly I appreciate your prayers. I hope you have a blessed week.
Thank you for the update. You are a trooper! And Brad is the best. Prayers for your next treatment on the 6th.
Peggy,
I’m so thankful for your prayers. It’s getting easier everyday and I know next Friday will be another set-back but I’m gearing up for it and feel it be easier than the first one. I appreciate you so much.
Totally love Wendy’s patriotic wheel wreath such a great idea. I have never heard of a Paws resale shop what a wonderful idea. I’m going to get raffle tickets. I’ll have fun and the money will go to a good cause. Win/Win. I’ll continue to pray for your healing Rachel, prayer works.
Diana,
Thank you for stopping by and your prayers are so appreciated. Yes, Wendy is so creative. I hope you have a blessed week.
Glad you were able to get some sea breezes and thrifting. Praying for you and I know prayers are answered. Great find on demijohn. Congratulations on anniversary! I married young but this year makes 53 yrs and going good.
Nancy,
Congratulations on 53 years. I know we will be celebrating ours in a few years. I appreciate your prayers and know that they are beging answered. Gearing up for the next round of chemo and praying it’s a little easier. I hope you have a blessed week.
Loving your updates on your journey through Chemo. Having been on the same journey with my Mother many years ago, she passed after 5 years. (I wish she would have documented her journey in this way.) I know the treatments have come a long way since she passed in 2008. She always said she envisioned PacMan eating away at the cancer cells and Chemo days we called Juicing Up PacMan for more attacks! Her bad days were a day or 2 after the Juicing Day. But the other days, she kept a routine…up at 6 am and down for the night at 10:30 pm. She did take a nap or rest for an hour after lunch to recharge.
She like you, kept busy and sometimes I even questioned her. She continued with her committee projects and volunteering at church, working in the yard, and lunch with my grandparents once a week. She was involved with a group at church who would take sandwiches, chips, and water to the homeless teens in her city on Friday and Saturday nights. They would minster to the ones who wanted it and try to offer places to go to get them off the streets and back on the right track. This, and working the pumpkin patch in October every year were a couple of the things I questioned. But she said this was God’s work and she was not going to let others down.
You my friend have all my prayers for an easy journey. Don’t be afraid to take the down days when your body is telling you it needs rest. Relax and enjoy the quietness and solitude when called for. Blessing to you for allowing us to go on this journey with you and to your husband for being a great caregiver. And of course that sweet faced pup!
Tammy,
Thank you for sharing about your mother. It sounds like she was very strong willed and handled her journey with grace. I appreciate you for following along and I appreciate your prayers. I hope you have a blessed week.
Hi! Dear Friend!
So happy that you were able to get to the beach! How nice that you were able to out for lunch with your friend. You looked so cute in your outfit. Your blue and white blouse is so pretty. The demijohn you found at the antique shop was such a great find as they are so expensive here. So happy that you found such a difference with how you felt on the trip home. We continue to pray for you, Rachel, that you will feel God’s healing and His arms wrapped around you. We are praying that your next chemo goes well. Just keep going one day at a time — although I know this is hard to do some days. My dear and precious Dad always reminded me to always get up one more time than you fall down! Dad was such an encouragement. I knew that what my Dad shared with me always came straight from his heart. My Dad went through WWII and lost a leg as a result of being wounded and laying on the battle field for hours. He never talked about this with us 3 girls but he sure shared lots with my dear hubby. We knew that Dad suffered a lot with having an artificial leg but he never complained. Dad did more with his life than most people do with 2 good legs! The book you have from Harris Faulkner is such a good read. Also, that cross that your friend gave you is so special. Rachel, that is such a nice picture of your dear hubby holding Ryan. We pray that you and Brad will have many more wonderful years — Happy Anniversary! Always remember how special you are — and how loved you are! We thank God for you, Rachel!
Mary-Ann,
What a sweet message and loved hearing about your dad. What an amazing story of overcoming all obstacles. Yes, the book is so filled with amazing stories about survival and never forsaking God. I’m about half way through it. I appreciate your prayers so much.
Thanks for sharing Rachel, thinking of you!
Ann,
You are welcome and thank you!
Rachel,
So terrific to have your weekend adventure to enjoy. Glad you all could get away and sea breezes are healing and therapeutic for sure! I so admire how you are juggling all this and I, along with many others, continue to lift you up in prayer. I’ll be thinking of you especially on the 6th. A couple of years ago, my sons, both Army Infantry Officers, were in Ranger School at the same time. It was a long, chaotic and nerve wracking period as a mom and many hours were spent in prayer. I loved Psalm 34:4 and hope it might comfort you as it did me!
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Cheering you on from Texas Sweet Rachel!
Katy,
Thank you for this message. It’s so true. I was having a melt down about getting my head shaved and through my prayers I was given peace and understanding. The chemo is killing my hair so that means it’s killing the cancer as well. It’s a win, win. I pray your son’s are safe and doing well. There’s so much worry with our children. Bless you for all your prayers.