Dirt Road Adventures – Weekly Recap Plus, An Unexpected & Scary Bump In The Road
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,
I’ve been hesitant to share some sad news with you. I even thought about keeping it a secret. I’ve always kept my blog positive about home decor, thrifting adventures, and DIY projects. I wanted it to be a place of happy thoughts. But I’ve had so many people ask me how I found out that I felt you should know that I’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I’ve decided to share my news with you so that it may help you or someone you know. Please know that I plan to keep new projects and home decor at the forefront of my blog. However, each week on Dirt Road Adventures, I will share my weekly cancer experiences on a separate page.
This past week, I’ve shopped for a wig, had a biopsy, and a port for Chemo installed in my chest. If you’d like to read my Cancer Journal, all the details can be found there from my diagnosis to the present. I’ll update the journal each week and give you the link if you’d like to follow along. Click – MY CANCER JOURNAL
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
In addition to doctor appointments, Brad has also been working on opening our pool for the season. Unfortunately, after working on it for several days, we had to call in the professionals and finally got it running.
In addition, pollen season is behind us, and he is removing the screen porch covers. I cleaned the front porch and added some patriotic touches around the front doors. Check out all that you may have missed from last week.
In Case You Missed It
Creative & Cheap: DIY Raised Garden Bed Ideas For Any Space
Dreaming of fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs, or vibrant flowers right outside your door? You’re not alone! But the thought of expensive materials and complicated construction can often put a damper on those green-thumb aspirations.
Make A Rustic Candle Lantern: Easy DIY Dollar Tree Project Under 3.00
Do you like using a rustic candle lantern in your decor? Did you know you can easily make a DIY Dollar Tree Lantern that looks similar to one I recently saw in the Ballard Design catalog? By using a Dollar Tree garden fence and wooden box, you can recreate this style for under $3.00, saving over $100.00.
5 Things To Know To Host A Fun Low Country Boil Party: Pro Tips
Hosting a Low Country Boil Party is easy and fun. It is a casual gathering and a relatively inexpensive party to host. Here are the five things you need to know to host your Low Country Boil Party.
DIY Rustic Flower Arrangement With A Thrifted Candle Holder
When shopping at thrift stores, I always purchase inexpensive candlestick holders. And I never have a problem finding a use for them. I recently added a rustic flower arrangement to one of my large candle holders. It turned out so adorable and was easy to make.
DIY Dollar Tree Patriotic Decor: Easy Porch Basket Wreath
Can you believe it’s time to pull out our patriotic decor? Memorial Day is just around the corner, and the 4th of July will be here before we blink an eye. I just recently scanned the Dollar Tree aisles for red, white, and blue decor and found some great deals.
How To Make A DIY Metal Wreath: A Trendy Anthropologie Hack
If you’re looking for a way to get the Anthropologie look without breaking the bank, this tutorial will help you make a similar DIY metal wreath. Their Pollinator Iron Wreath inspires this simple project with a few changes.
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
- My friend Jennifer created this stunning, budget-friendly woven wall decor.
- I can’t wait to try Stacy’s Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe.
- KariAnne’s Spring Mantel Tips are stunning.
- This Easy Raspberry Parfait Recipe from Kippi caught my eye. It looks delicious, and I can’t wait to try it.
What’s In My Cart
I’ve not had much time to shop this week, but I did add a few items to my cart.
- I purchased these shoes and they are so comfortable. I love the color.
- I also picked up this handbag. It’s adorable but I can’t decide if it’s me! What do you think?
- I’m loving this black cardigan sweater. The texture and buttons are stunning.
- I ordered these collared dickies so I can added them under tops for summer.
- I wasn’t sure about this Houndstooth Jacket when I first received it, but since wearing it, I love how it dresses up an outfit.
- I’ve got this cute small bag in my cart, but haven’t purchased it yet. It may be too small for me. It’s 5.5 x 7.5, and my iPhone is 3.25 x 6.5. What do you think?
Thank you for stopping by today and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you next week.
Dear Rachel,
I enjoy your blog very much! It’s informational and interesting, and has really beautiful graphics. I’ve always been impressed with how many good friends and family you seem to have. They will be your source of strength moving forward. I wish you all the very best, Rachel and look forward to many great blogs!!
Carol,
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! I am very blessed and I am not taking that for granted. I appreicate you for following along and look forward to sharing many new ideas with you in the future. I hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day!
Wow Rachel! I’m so glad you found it and know you will kick it to the curb in record time! Love you lots!!! xoxoxo
Stacy,
I appreciate this so much! I have faith that all will be behind me by Christmas this year.
Thank you for sharing we will pray for a full recovery. In the mean time we will create and decorate the best we can and with your help we will prevail through it all. As for the handbag it would look good with many colors and fits Spring/Summer. The houndstooth jacket is classic, love it, ML and hugs.
Diana,
Thank you for lifting me up! I appreciate you for following along on my journey. Have a blessed week and I hope your Mother’s Day was great.
My prayers and well wishes while dealing with and recovering from the cancer. You are such and positive person that will help you in this journey. So many of us that follow you will be there with you! ❤️
Brenda,
I am so blessed to have so many cheering me on! This message brings tears to my eyes! I appreciate you and your kind words of encouragement! Thank you for taking the time to message me and I hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day!
Rachel… thank you for sharing your journey. I also beleive in the Power of Prayer. I know it does help and you have heard it been said before…the Lord works in mysterious ways.
Take care and immerse yourself in the love and support of your family, friends and professionals who are helping you. I also love your reading your blogs. God bless!!
Lorri,
Thank you for these encouraging words. Yes he does and I know his plan for me is a positive one. I appreciate you for stopping by and I hope you have the best Mother’s Day!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!
Shelley,
Thank you so much! I appreciate all your prayers! I hope you have the best Mother’s Day!
Rachel, Sending “oodles” of healing prayers and wishes your way! You are so right – positivity is so important as you heal and recover! Thank you for sharing your journey – it is surely going to help many as well as being therapeutic to yourself. Looking forward to more beautiful ideas and inspiration from you.
Barb,
Thank you for this! I appreciate your for sharing and for your encouragement. It helps so much that so many are praying and cheering me along this journey. Have a blessed Mother’s Day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you….keep those positive thoughts…
Katt,
Thank you sweet friend. I appreciate all your positive thoughts and prayers. I hope your Mother’s Day was amazing and have a blessed week.
I’ll be thinking of you and sending up positive thoughts and prayers. Be strong.
Teddee
This mean the world to me. Thank you for lifting me up with your positive throughts and prayers. Bless you and I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
God sometimes answers prayers by giving grace. The prayers for a mistaken diagnosis weren’t answered because things happen that we don’t like. However, He gave you grace by the outpouring of love from strangers and friends. You will also learn the love of those around you and how much they will sacrifice to help you. He is always with you. Let Him give you peace and let those around you to give you service which will bring them some peace.
Denise,
Yes! Thank you for these encouraging words and message. Bless you! I hope you had a blessed and wonderful Mother’s Day!
We will all be there as you walk through this journey, You will not be alone. Prayers coming your way! and after this journey to bet it, we will look forward to how you fought and WON.
Harper,
Thank you for these encouraging words. I’ve got so many wonderful cheerleaders out there lifting me up and cheering me on. Bless you and I hope you’ve had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Your story is not an easy one to share, I know. But in the sharing you have accomplished several things. The first is that you will find an army of people who care and will support you. Secondly when we share burdens, it lightens our personal load. Most importantly, you are helping someone who has just been given difficult news and faces the uncertainty that you have experienced. Your words will be of great meaning to these people. Your plan is in place and that feels a little bit better, I’m sure. As soon as you start your medical treatment, you will have fewer questions and this understanding of your journey brings a certain calmness. I always remember my dear friend going through chemo and radiation for breast cancer years ago. She said, “This is doable.” Nearly 20 years later she is healthy and raising two grandchildren! God bless you and bring you strength and healing!
Chris,
Thank You for these encouraging words. So many have reached out with success stories such as this and I appreciate it so much. I also appreciate your encouragement for sharing this journey. It’s hard to share but hopefully it will help someone else along the way.
Thankyou for sharing your life with us Rachel. I read your journal before leaving a comment and you’re in the right place. I can tell God is leading you and holding you in His hands. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this, but I know you’ll come out stronger with a testimony of God’s amazing love and grace. I’m praying for you and your family. Sending a big hug and blessings for you to feel God’s presence. Deb
Debra,
Thank you so much for stopping by! I still can’t believe how everything is falling into place so quickly and I know the power of prayer is working. I appreciate your encouragement and hope you have a blessed week.
My Dear & Precious Friend, Rachel!
Thank you so much for sharing with us. I know it’s hard for you to share when you are going through so much. However, I am so glad that you did. We will be lifting you up to God, in prayer, each and every day. He knows all about you and He loves and cares about you — and we do, too. It is always difficult to get news of cancer. It just makes you think about so much. You also feel so numb.
Rachel, I want to encourage you to just take one day at a time. I went through Stage 4 Breast Cancer in 1995 at age 47. I found my lump myself. I had a team of 4 doctors at the Cancer Foundation and they were wonderful. I always remember my doctors sitting down with my husband and I and I will never forget the encouragement they gave us. They assured us that they would look after me to the best of their ability but that it was important that we both stayed positive in our thinking. They told me that even though at times I might feel like giving up that I had to keep thinking positive thoughts and pray, pray, pray.
I have a wonderful family who supported us in every way. My Dad and my hubby always came and sat with me through every chemo and radiation treatment. I know it was hard for him to see his oldest daughter going through all this. My Dad was always so encouraging! He always told me that if I fall, I have to get up one more time and keep going!
We were so fortunate to be a part of a large community church and to know that they were all praying for me — and Nelson too — because it is so hard on the spouse to walk through these times with you.
We were also blessed with many wonderful friends who were there for us. It meant so much.
Rachel, I know that your dear hubby and family will be there for you. Let them do things for you even though it’s a little hard for you to see them helping you when you are so used to doing things yourself!
I will look forward to going through your journey with you and you will be in our prayers for a complete recovery.
Keep thinking positive! You can do this! God bless you, dear Rachel.
Mary-Ann,
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story with me. Another success story to add to my growing list. I don’t feel confident and brave every moment but encouragement and support like yours helps to lift the fears. This is going to be a long week with so many appointments and my Chemo treatment so it’s a little scary but I know I can face whatever is to come. I appreciate you and always love hearing from you. I hope you have a blessed week.
I’ve been praying for you, Rachel, and will continue to do so! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. ❤️
Kim,
I really appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement. Thank you for stopping by and lifting me up.
I was so impressed and moved by your post sharing your disconcerting news. I don’t know how many people would go so quickly to thinking of how you could help others through your experience. It is a true testament to the kind of person you surely are. The timeline of your story and how quickly you have been able to schedule the help and resources you need to get you started on your journey to restored health is nothing short of miraculous. Definitely some unseen hands at work here. I feel sure those same hands will continue to guide you through this and the undisputable fact that you are such a can-do, resourceful personality will also see you in good stead. Besides your friends and family, there is a wide community of people you have never met in person, including myself, who will be pulling for you every step of the way. Thank you for sharing and may you be blessed with the strength and grace it will take each day to see you through this fight.
Win,
This brings tears to my eyes! I am so blessed to have this community of people, all over the world who are cheering for me! And you are right, I’ll be starting my first treatment 3 weeks to the day I first got that phone call. Prayers were answered because the waiting is the worst. I’m ready to battle is and get on with my life. I appreciate you for lifting me up with your message and I hope you have a blessed week.
Thank you for your bravery! As always you are an inspiration not only with your many talents, but now your wish to share your successful journey with other women . Blessing and prayers to you and to Brad!
Cindy,
Thank you for your kind words! I don’t feel brave every moment but encouragement and support like yours helps to lift the fears. This is going to be a long week with so many appointments and my Chemo treatment so it’s a little scary but I know I can face whatever is to come. I appreciate you and hope you have a blessed week.
I have followed your blog for quite awhile, thanks for being creative and honest about your cancer. I too will be thinking of you. Take care.
Patty,
This means so much to me! I appreciate you for following along and for cheering me on. Have a blessed week.
Rachel, You are a brave and amazing woman. My prayers are with you. Thank you for being brave and willing to share.
Angie,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I’m so blessed to have you cheering me on and your prayers means so much. Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a blessed week.
Bless you, you are on the right track with your wonderful husband’s support and your positive attitude. Thankfully cancer is no longer a death sentence it once was. Prayers received from strangers will help with Devine Healing, we will pray for you.
Heather,
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so blessed with so many wonderful people like yourself cheering me on. You’ll never how much it means for you to share with me. I hope you have a blessed week!
I’ll be praying for you every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your journey as it helps me know what specifics to pray for each week. Because of your lovely blog I feel like you’re a dear friend and I’ll be praying for you in that capacity.
Jeanne,
What a sweet and wonderful thing to say. I’m so glad you feel that way. I’m so blessed with so many cheerleaders that are praying and cheering me on. Your prayers are so appreciated and I look forward to sharing more projects and decorating ideas with you. Bless you for these uplifting words. Have the best week.
Adding my prayers to all the others who are lifting you up, Rachel. You are one of the strongest most talented and creative people I know. I’m so proud of you for sharing your journey and experience with us. I know it not an easy decision. I have complete faith your journal is going to help and encourage as many people as your blog does. Cheering you on and sending you so many hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people like yourself cheering me on. Your prayers mean the world to me and many have already been answered. I appreciate your message and I hope you have a blessed day.
Rachel, I am getting caught up on your blog and reading your newsletter. My heart sank reading your post. Please know that I will be praying for you every single day and will get my prayer warriors at church to pray for you as well. Thank you for being honest and sharing your journey. You are loved by some many. Hugs to you sweet friend!
Tammy,
Thank you so much for these kind words and encouragement. I appreciate you for adding me to your prayer list. It means the world to me and I have been so blessed with many prayers already being answered. I hope you have a good week and god bless.