Don't throw that Rusty old Jonque Away!

My view while enjoying my morning coffee on my back patio

We woke up at 5 a.m. to start our day, brewing coffee and preparing Laydee's food and medication before heading out for our morning walk by 5:20 a.m.  Sunrise was at 5:42 a.m. The civil sunrise (Dawn) is just before the actual sunrise and is marked by the time when the sky brightens and ground features become visible. Another hot day is in the forecast, and the humidity was noticeable, thanks to the sprinklers, which everyone has timed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., leaving a humid breeze in the early morning air. 

The morning sky was so visually appealing that I had to capture a photo - we don't get many fluffy white clouds in the summer. 

I fully embrace my weirdness. Over the years, many have called me eccentric, and that's fine with me.  One of my quirks is my passion for decorating with what others might dismiss as rubbish. When a cherished item starts to show its age and I can no longer bear the thought of parting with it, I jonque it. I like to think of it as giving new life to beloved treasures that hold memories, by turning them into whimsical displays that inspire imagination and spark conversation.

Here are a few that I've highlighted for today's post.

This weathered watering pot, with its rustic charm, still holds a sense of purpose. It's just there...

My favorite yards are far from pristine or meticulously manicured; instead, I cherish those eclectic cottage gardens that seem to whisper stories with every step. In these spaces, I find myself wandering, my fingers trailing along the textured surfaces of forgotten treasures, each one possessing its own unique narrative. I rarely purchase new shiny pots or yard decor, as they lack the timeworn beauty and character that I believe truly belongs in a rustic garden. It's the imperfections and histories of these pieces that breathe life into the surroundings, making each outdoor space feel warm and inviting.

An old painter's ladder, once a cherished tool of my dad, now stands quietly to the side, patiently awaiting its next chapter. In its earlier days, the ladder served as a charming display for vibrant pots of herbs. One year, I adorned it with decorative birdhouses, each painted in cheerful hues. Another season saw the ladder nestled amidst towering sunflowers, their golden petals reaching for the sky. With time, the ladder has grown increasingly wobbly, its weathered wooden rungs bearing the marks of age. Now, I find myself pondering its future—perhaps it will transform into a rustic trellis, supporting climbing vines, or maybe it’s time to gracefully let it lean against the fence, a testament to the stories it holds.

In this area, it's common for farmers and ranchers to showcase their weathered, rusted tractors as unique yard ornaments, each telling a story of days gone by. I don't lay claim to an old tractor, but I do have a rusty old smoker that once belonged to my dad - its worn surface is a witness to countless gatherings and cherished memories of dad smoking salmon.  I find myself at a crossroads, what to do with this piece of our history - whether to preserve it as a relic of the past or repurpose it in some creative way.

I find the rustic patina on it beautiful, and I envision filling it with vibrant inpatients that will bring it to life. However, I’m left wondering about the fate of the lid – how can I incorporate it creatively into the display?

Okay, I'm overthinking it❗

Naturally, my husband proposed the idea of transforming it into a creative rendition of R2D2, bringing a touch of whimsical charm to the project.

😁

Creative but not exactly the look I'm going for...and too much work. 

We'll see. 

The vintage metal drop-leaf table, once home to the clatter of an old manual typewriter, has now been transformed into a charming plant stand. Atop it sits a beloved figurine. This cherished piece elegantly enhances the display of vibrant succulents nestled within a family roaster pan, a trusty companion that has roasted countless Thanksgiving turkeys over the years - now a planter. 

This is Sir Shasta, contentedly fishing in the tranquil pond. He was a charming fixture here when we moved in.  Whether my dad crafted the Knight himself or it was purchased, it has become a treasured part of the pond area.  My husband took it a step further by handcrafting a fishing pole, ensuring that Sir Shasta has everything he needs to enjoy his time by the water, complete with a carefully threaded line ready for an afternoon of peaceful angling.

Isn't it humbling to know that we are not seen as junk or worthless in God's eyes! 

Instead, we are God's masterpiece, intricately crafted anew in Christ Jesus. We have been given a new heart and a revitalized spirit.  This remarkable metamorphosis invites us to live with intention, reflecting the beauty of our Creator in our actions and interactions.

Our identity has been completely re-purposed and transformed. We are new creations in Christ. Hallelujah. 

Ezekiel 36:26-27 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.