Dirt Road Adventures: I’m Back
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,
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 4 weeks since I wrote my last Dirt Road Adventures. I went into my surgery thinking I’d be back to my blog within a couple of weeks. However, after almost 4 weeks, I’m still struggling to regain strength. My appetite is still touch-and-go, and I’m needing a lot of rest throughout the day.
I’ve had moments of inspiration for Fall decorating, but the physical act is still beyond my abilities at this point. Thankfully, I had the energy to put together several projects before my surgery, and I’ve been sharing some of my old favorites. I hope they are inspiring you in your fall decorating.
So many prayers were answered, as I came through a difficult surgery, and it was a success. I thank God for watching over me, for being with the surgeons and my care providers, and for continuing to help me overcome the effects of the surgery. As I heal, my remaining chemo treatments are looming over me. I will say, I dread the idea of starting again. However, I know they are necessary on my road to recovery, and I am confident that God will see me through those difficult days.
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I hope you will share my journey with your female friends and family. To view the full journal, click here: My Healing Journal.
This diagnosis blindsided me, and the hope is that my story will help someone get an early diagnosis or encourage someone going through a similar situation. I’ve been blessed with amazing care and an outpouring of prayers. I appreciate every message I’ve received. If you didn’t get a response from me, I apologize. Some days, even reading the messages was a struggle, and some of my responses failed to get typed. Please know that every word of encouragement was a blessing to me.
I could not have survived these last few weeks without Brad’s constant support. He read and tried to respond to many of your messages. He never left my side while I was in the hospital for 10 days. He has continued to care for me and try to keep my spirits up since we have been home. He has also done an amazing job documenting my journey and keeping things running smoothly on the blog.
I praise God for bringing me back to this point in my healing. I’m praying for more good days and the ability to get through the remaining chemo treatments. I pray I can implement some of my ideas for Fall decorating and look forward to sharing them with you.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Although I only shared one new blog tutorial last week, you may have missed some of my favorite Halloween and Fall ideas. Below are all the updated and latest blog posts I shared last week.
In Case You Missed It
Creative & Cheap Dollar Tree Halloween Table Decoration Ideas
I’ve always loved Halloween, but I rarely decorate because I don’t want to spend a lot of money on decorations. However, I then discovered Dollar Tree Halloween decor and picked up many great items for my Halloween Table decorations. I
Cheap And Easy DIY Halloween Centerpiece Using Dollar Tree Decor
Looking for Cheap Halloween Decoration ideas to celebrate the season? How about a Witches Brew Centerpiece?
DIY Lampshade Makeover: No-Wrinkle Napkin Decoupage Guide
Are you tired of your plain lampshade? Are you ready to transform it and create a unique custom lamp? You can easily upcycle your boring shade with this simple lampshade decoupage guide.
Best Fall Front Porch Decor Ideas: Budget-Friendly 2024 Tour
Looking for fall decorating inspiration? Join me on my 2024 Fall Front Porch Decor Tour. See budget-friendly front porch decor ideas that are unique and creative.
How To Upcycle Dollar Tree Halloween Candle Holders For Chic Decor
Hey friends, it’s Fall decorating time, and I’ve been back to Dollar Tree! This time, I grabbed some clear glass Halloween Candle Holders. But instead of the cheap look, I knew they could be transformed into something chic and modern.
DIY Fall Wreath: Cheap & Easy Tin Can Craft With Dollar Tree Florals
Are you ready for a cheap and easy Fall wreath tutorial? Welcome to making a DIY fall wreath with rusted tin cans. You can create this easy and inexpensive recycled tin can craft using inexpensive Dollar Tree materials.
Easy DIY Fall Leaf Garland: Old Book Page Fall Decor
Are you tired of the same old fall decorations and looking for a rustic, cozy DIY fall garland? It’s time to get creative! This old book page craft will show you how to transform worn-out books into beautiful, eco-friendly DIY fall leaf projects.
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
- KariAnne always has the most clever ideas, and I love these ways to use Monograms to decorate your home.
- Wendy’s Twine Pumpkins are adorable and so easy to make.
- I’m eager to try CoCo’s Pear Spice Simmer Pot.
- I’m getting tired of PJs and can’t wait to start dressing again. This article inspired me for Fall shopping.
- Have you ever tried a Pumpkin Dump Cake? Stacy’s recipe sounds amazing and so easy.
- Want a beautiful garden year-round? Check out Kim’s – 9 Tips For a Fabulous Flower Garden When Transitioning to Fall.
- My friend Jennifer made the cutest Mossy Witch Hat Topiaries. And they look easy to make.
- I’ve always wanted to make a DIY Faux Indian Corn Wreath, and Kim’s is just adorable.
What’s in my cart!
Although I haven’t shopped much in the last few weeks, I’ve seen a few interesting items that I’ve added to my cart.
- Our favorite salt and pepper grinders finally wore out, and we were happy to replace them with the same brand. The Russell Hobbs lighted grinders work wonderfully and look stylish on the countertop.
- Brad ordered this new pool cover and his favorite barbecue rub – Rudy’s Rub.
- I’m considering this set of adorable wooden risers. They are so cute and affordable.
- I also like these fall grass stems for fall planters.
So good to have you back, even if for a short while. I hope your managing to get through everything. I am taking encouragement from you, I am at the starting point, still doing biopsy’s and waiting to see which way we will go, I know it won’t be easy, but I hope to find strength from God. Stay strong Rachel and be well.
Thankyou for this wonderful post, till next time, be safe. xx
Janette,
I’m so sorry you have this journey ahead of you. It’s not easy but with God’s help and a positive attitude you can endure. Please keep me informed and I will pray for you. Thank you for your support.
So glad you’re back and able to post a blog. Thanks for the inspiration. Continued prayers as you heal.
Marcie,
Thank you for your prayers and support. It means so much to me. I appreciate you!
The decoupage lamp shade is inspiring because I could never keep wrinkles from happening. Now that I can
I’m doing it though I need to pick up some that are pretty. LOL I am so pleased you are starting to see daylight and feeling more hopeful. Everyday may not be great, but with patience and God all things are possible. Hang in there and rest when you need to and eat what you can and remember to laugh. Sending big hugs and prayers for healing.
Diana,
You are so kind and supportive. I look forward to your messages and you’ll never know how much I appreciate you! Thank you for always leaving words of encouragement. Have a blessed day.
Welcome back, Rachel !!
Missed you bunches! But so glad that you
took the time so that you could heal and get your strength back… what a journey this has been for you, sweet friend. When you don’t have the strength, God will carry you. Praying for your complete and total healing daily. Think of you often, anytime you need to take time off to rest and recover. We will all be here when you get back! We just want you to get better… Tell Brad, he’s doing an awesome job! Thank him for keeping all of us updated. You two are just the sweetest couple. Give Rudy a hug for me. have a blessed day as you continue to get stronger.🥰
Kim,
What a sweet message. You are so kind and I appreciate you and your prayers more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for lifting me up and your continued support.
So good you are back! What fortitude you have. Thanks so much for the link to the faux fall grass. I have been grousing about the lack of realistic looking faux grasses and am ordering this for some of the pots I intend to make for my balcony. All the best and fast healing to you!
Teddee,
Thank you for your kind message. I appreciate you for lifting me up with your continued support. Have a blessed day.
Hello Rachel!
So terrific to hear from you & Brad! Each daily email is in turn a daily reminder to keep you both lifted up in prayer! I know many people are praying for you and I envision prayers across the country lifted up with you as the focus! So proud of you Rachel. This is hard and you are very brave.
I very much enjoyed your porch tour from 2024 which was lovely and full of ideas for my porch!!! Thanks for that! Take care and know we are cheering you both on!
Go Rachel, GO!!!
Hugsnlove,
Katy
Katy,
You are my cheerleader! Your messages always lift me up. You’ll never know how much I appreciate your continued support! Have a blessed day.
Hi Rachel. It’s so nice to have you back. I’m glad to hear your treatments and surgery are going well. Although they are understandably taxing. Brad sounds like he is being very supportive. Thank you for sharing so many great ideas for fall!
Anna,
Thank you so much for your kind message. I appreciate you for following along on my journey and your continued support. Have a blessed day.
I’m so glad you’re back! I continue to pray for you daily, Rachel. God’s got you! Thanks so much for sharing my faux Indian corn wreath. Praying you have a good healing week ahead with amazing energy! ❤️
Kim,
You are so welcome. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. I appreciate your cards of encouragement. I appreciate our friendship so much.
I continue to pray for you daily, Rachel. You are my hero and such an inspiration. Please thank Brad for doing such an amazing job keeping us all updated while you weren’t able to. I’m truly amazed at how you’ve managed to keep your blog going. You are going to inspire so many through this journey, and I know God will use you in incredible ways.
Thank you for sharing my post today—it was so kind of you.
Wendy,
Thank you for this sweet message. I appreciate your support and prayers. Have a blessed day.
Welcome back, Rachel! I just finished your healing journal and I so appreciate all the updates Brad gave throughout the process as well. I’ve been able to pass along some of the things that have worked well for you and to encourage others on their cancer journey with your scriptures and positive words too. You are in the midst of a beauty for ashes moment and I’m thankful you’ve taken us along for the ride so we can learn from you and support you as well. It’s such a beautiful gift! Thank you for sharing my simmer pot recipe. I really appreciate it! I’ve loved taking a look back at your fall and Halloween decor. It feels like reconnecting with a friend! Sending you so many hugs and adding my prayers to the thousands of people who are lifting you up, CoCo
CoCo,
Thank you! Your prayers and encouragement are so appreciated. Thank you for supporting me by sharing some of my ideas on your blog. Have a blessed week.