One of my very favorite things to do is to sit here,
and enjoy a dinner with family and friends.
It doesn’t get any better than this for me.
Some people dream of going on a special trip, or becoming rich or famous,
I dream of dinners on my back porch, with a gentle breeze and the sun setting over the trees in the distance.
I read once “Someone is content with less than you have,” and I thought that is so true. I have realized that the things I enjoy most, sitting on my back porch with friends and family are the same things that most people can afford to do, even if they are on a very limited budget. Sure some people don’t have a big porch, but I think the trick is to enjoy what you do have.
Some women spend money on fancy jewelry, or cars; I buy chairs and plates, just so I’ll have enough when we have guests.
And so, I live my dream as often as I want, without leaving home.
It’s so simple and yet so brilliant. Be happy with what you have.
Choose to enjoy life. Make every day a celebration.
That’s why I try to have fresh flowers on the table as often as possible, and use my silver every day. When I brew a cup of tea, I select the prettiest cup I can find.
I want every meal to feel special, and I want my family and guests to feel celebrated.
So simple. And I have learned my lesson about comparing my life to others. I don’t any more. There are two people I am thinking of, that seemed to have a pretty ideal life, and later I found out that both of these women had a bad situation, of which at the time, I was unaware.
So, I decided that there is always someone who will be
wealthier,
skinnier,
prettier,
smarter,
and more talented than me.
So what can possibly be gained by comparing my life to others? In the end, God gives us all an opportunity for happiness.
Recognize the plates, flatware and such?
I used them for our wildflower party.
If you missed those posts, you can see them here.
Anita,
This is so true and good advice.I am so thankful for what is really important and that is my family.Yes I enjoy pretty things.But in the end it does not matter if I paint this or that.What matters is the time I spend with the people I love.And the gifts that God has blessed me with.Your photos and setting are lovely.Happy 4th of July!
((((((Hugs))))
Anne
Anita, I love this post! Such wonderful reminders and so much truth that life is often what you make of it. Love the part of not comparing. There is so much hurt in this world that we don’t always see on the outside.
Thanks for this inspiring post!
Mary Alice
Simply brilliant! For sure.
You and I are on the same page Anita. I love that quote that someone else is content with less than I have — so true. We can’t afford a big house or expensive trips but I am grateful each day for God sparing my husband’s life a year ago. We enjoy a simple life and it is a joy. Thank you for sharing your lovely porch with all of us!
I couldn’t agree more.
I hope you are having a very Happy 4th of July.
great post Anita! Love your table setting!
What a lovely spot to have dinner–I love those blue napkins in particular! And I do the same–I use my good silver all the time. I appreciate what you had to say in this post. Have a happy 4th!
So true! I feel the same way. The simple things in life can bring more joy than an expensive trip or object. Love the table setting! Enjoy the 4th with your family.
~ Sarah
So very true!! Have a great holiday!
Love this post, Anita! Your table is so pretty and I could so relate to all of the things you said. Being at home with the people I love is where I am the happiest. I love that I’m not the only one that would rather have something new (or old and shabby) for my home than fancy cars or expensive jewelry. Thank you for sharing such a meaningful post! Happy 4TH!
Love this! It’s very easy to forget the simple joys in life.
Also, if my back porch looked like this I’d want to spend most of my time there, too. SO gorgeous!
Awesome post, Anita.
Lovely post Anita! I share your love of your porch and of the simple times at home. We are sooo busy right now, but I love knowing that I’ll be content in my home when things slow down for us.
Well said my friend. We are a lot alike. I so want to make my home a haven for my family and friends. You are doing a beautiful job of that!
Learning to be happy with what you have and being grateful for it are hard lessons to learn. But once learned, they are invaluable. Happy Independence Day.
I so agree. When we were SO YOUNG and just starting out, I never DREAMED I would have what I have. I am so blessed and I am grateful for my life. We aren’t rich, or have a huge house etc. but we have each other and 2 wonderful kids and a GOOD LIFE….and our health, which now is the most important thing to me. Hope you had a great 4th. XO, pinky
Such perfect things to ponder upon…such profound truths. Such lovely things to enjoy….I think the way the toile napkins show through the plates is so charming! Lovely post.
Hi Anita, there is so so much here in this pretty little post!
I’m with you… having people around us that we care about and enjoying them is the richest feeling in the world. But I must say that having them on your lovely back porch would be wonderful too!
Great reminder to count our own blessings and not look at others because the joy in those blessings will slip out of our hands!
Deut. 30:19~ WOW! What a God… what a life giving God!
May you have joy and lots of it today!
Anita,
Simple pleasures…I’m right there with you, dear friend! My Mission Statement for my (former)business reflects exactly what your post says,”Every occasion of life is reason to celebrate.” Thank you for being His messenger today!
Fondly,
Pat
Anita, this is such a beautiful post and written so well. I love it because it’s exactly the way I feel too. And it’s what I try to teach my children.
Your family and friends are very lucky indeed!
Such awesome wisdom. I am so glad I found your blog….encouragement of the most important kind:) Blessings~~Shine
What a beautifully written post. Thank you for sharing.
A lovely tablescape on your porch and great words to live by. Thanks for sharing this lovely post today.
What a beautiful post, Anita! I can’t imagine anything I’d enjoy more myself. Your love of collecting dishes and chairs shows your heart for friends & family and your gift of hospitality.
I joined you as Kathy B.
Please come by. your always welcome, http://www.southernmadeintheshade.blogspot.com.
I love this post! What a great reminder on contentment.
Your table is beautiful and I love the clear plates over the linens. I would love to dine with you there.
This may be my favorite post you’ve ever done. 🙂 I love the sentiment and the photos. Amen and amen.
-Revi
The message was as beautiful as the tablescape! Thank you!
What a great philosophy! Love your pretty table too!
lovely post, anita:) and the tablescape is very charming–love the clear plates!
You hit the nail on the head. My life is the stuff that dreams are made of! My husband IS my prince on a white horse riding to me to scoop me up in his arms STILL after 41 years! Thanks so much for reminding me of Carly Simon’s song. blessings, k
Beautiful post! In both words and pics!
Hi Anita,
I love the twisted silverware and the crown I got from your shop. I was thrilled to see new items for sale today when I went to shop. I have set a reminder timer on my computer to check back weekly.
Thank you for all you do, for all of us, your family and friends.
You are a blessing.
Susan H.
So happy to hear that Susan!
Anita you are so very right,our family should always be important to us,after all they are a blessing from God. The table setting was very lovely and i know how much your family means to you,it’s in the words you say.Hope you had a wonderful day with them.
This philosophy is wonderful. However, if you are older and live out, it is difficult to have friends you can visit or visit you. I know I am blessed, but I surely get lonely sometimes.
I’m sorry Julie. I hope you get some company soon.
Beautiful post. You have blessed me in so many ways – one of them celebrating every day and using “the pretty stuff ” – need to do a better job of getting out the pretty stuff.