Laurie Zieber

Wurd.

Laurie Zieber — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:59:14 +0000

This post is in response to the Just Write Campaign that’s going on over at Beauty For Ashes. This daily writing exercise focuses on a new word, just one word, that is pulled from a jar of words, written on paper, each day. This wonderfully talented, unusually authentic, hysterically clever, Mary Katherine Tyson is the woman whom I claimed as family almost immediately after meeting her, through her blog; because, well, I have always wanted a brave little sistah, just like MK, to call my very own, so I do. I call her my own, whether she likes it or not. I’ve received more than just adopting the little sister that I’ve always wanted, though. I’ve received friendship from a woman whom I admire; and, as an added bonus, she’s quirky enough to believe I’m normal, just as normal as she.

You should hop over, and introduce yourself to MK and while you’re there, Just Write.

The Word Is Joy. Wurd!

MK,
I apologize in advance. This is going to be long.

It’s those echoes…when God is speaking, and His message is heard echoing, among His people. I’ve been hearing those echoes lately, and I believe it warrants further exploration, with courageous transparency, especially if I – I mean, if one of your sisters in Christ who shall remain nameless – has a conviction to allow the Holy Spirit to change her, in the same way she received a new understanding about her relationship with God.

So here goes…

Because of a book we’re reading, my son and I have been exploring this topic of joy and other Godly characteristics that are seemingly elusive, relative to those who are involved in ministry (Really, that word includes all of Christ’s followers, as we should all be ministering to each other and to not-yet-Believers).

So, among other revelations that came from our discussion we concluded that

From our experience we don’t really understand this deep and lasting joy, and because we don’t really know what it means to abide with joy, regardless of our circumstances; we set our sights on happiness, instead. We settle for the pursuit of happiness, and we do what we think will create it.

Even after all the high-fives, the pursuit and acquisition of promotions, platforms, publications, and pop-culture ministry we’re disillusioned by the temporary nature of happy. We’ve exhausted ourselves in the pursuit of happiness, and we still don’t feel good about ourselves, so we settle again.

This time, we settle for pseudo-satisfaction and comfort. We try to be kind to ourselves, but we don’t really know how. We give it a go in insecure attempts at assurances that we didn’t fail as badly as whomever it is we compare ourselves to.

(At this point, we almost decided that we don’t really understand happiness, either.)

We kinda, sorta, maybe caught the tiniest glimpse of what lies between a bunch of us Christian ministry folks, who may not have a firm grasp on the meaning of joy, and the experience of an abiding joy.

Here is the list of phrases that we used to describe our understanding of the nature of joy:

Exists as a result of having received love, learning to love, and then, loving when no one is being/feeling lovable.

A result of understanding grace, experiencing grace, and extending grace.

Increases during trying and threatening circumstances.

Exists as a result of understanding purpose.

Endures through the lonely seasons of life, but is incapable of the belief that there are mundane seasons of life.

Is fueled by healthy relationships, and understands that an eternal perspective is essential to health. IE:GodPeople, PeoplePeople, PeoplePlanet.

Is present and occupies the same time/space with grief/mourning.

Is not limited or intimidated by the authority of God.

Is not limited or intimidated by human weaknesses, strengths, or lack of cooperation.

Does not occupy the same time/space with fear or with evil.

And then we saw.
The same words.

The ones that describe the nature of joy
are
the ones that describe the nature of God.

Doesn’t it always come back to this?
We know Him.
But, in our relationship with Him, we settle for happy and comfortable.
We are not satisfied. We have no abiding joy.
We need to know Him more.

Seek ye first…

Love, Laurie

Laurie Zieber — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:42:24 +0000

If you’re hopping with me down the bunny trail of my thoughts that started here,then, before I commence with Part Two…

Remember the list of the three things that I learned before the first grade? Well, I’m particularly pleased about the reading and the writing but; I’m really appreciative of all of it. Even though it’s not an exhaustive list, and setting a table, correctly, probably wasn’t one of the top three things my family believed was critical to know at that age; I did learn, and the skill has served me well.

The point was this…everything that was prioritized by my family became part of my value system, too. I didn’t realize the significance of that, at the time.

Part Two

Even before the craze of bold prints and bright flowers during the 60′s; a similar style was well branded, and eventually, the artist’s work was recognized by her trademark drawing; an abstract ladybug accompanied by her signature.

She was Vera.

Vera Neumann.

Vera’s signature and ladybug appeared, side-by-side on women’s clothing and scarves, on tableware and table linens, on draperies and bedding, and I don’t even know what else.

Every Vera product was printed with designs from her original art. Her creations were known for color, composition, and a style that was unique, happy, and felt free.

Maybe that’s why, during the 1952 restoration of

The White House,

Bess Truman chose Vera’s Jack-in-the-pulpit fabric to

decorate the third floor solarium?

Who knows?

I do know that, quite likely, my grandmother

purchased the Vera stoneware, that now is mine;

because she read that Bess Truman had.

Quite likely. Really.

The set of stoneware is from the Vera for Mikasa collection and the pattern is Field Flowers.

I remember Grandmother’s table; perfectly set, with these plates, and the linen napkins to match;

as she prepared to serve her infamous Eggs Benedict for Sunday brunch.

(By the way, it’s a bitter-sweet memory.

I love these plates but I despise Eggs Benedict!)

This is the other set; the set that my mom gave to me.

The pattern is called: Fancy Free. It’s by Lenox China and

I know, for sure, why my mom chose this pattern.

It has personal meaning that is connected to the butterfly and 2 Corinthians 5:17

I know, because she told me.

Which brings me back to my story…

As I sorted through my collection of vintage dishes, I found myself with wondering questions about their original owners…

Why did she choose this pattern over all the others?

Who helped her to choose?

Like my mom, did she choose this pattern because it held personal meaning?

Did she follow someone’s rules of style or did she choose a pattern that made her feel happy and free?

I wonder if she knew

or,

if it mattered; that her china would be part of a lifetime of memories that

her children or her grandchildren would hold dear?

I wonder if, she made her choice,

with thoughts of who would inherit them,

in her mind?

Did you?

Do you think that’s silly?

Laurie Zieber — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:55:40 +0000

I have to tell you about an experience I had last week that unexpectedly connected some pieces of my past to… who I am.

I want to ~~bore you~~ tell you about it because something really significant was created because of it.

But I have to tell you in parts…in order of how it came to me.

So, here’s…

Part One.

Bright colors, bold patterns and whimsical flowers, painted on everything, from our clothing to those abandoned bunkers, on the beach in Galveston that the hippies turned into housing; those wild prints are just part, of what was wonderful, about growing up in the late 60′s and 70′s.

I can not remember a single home from my childhood that was decorated from a neutral palette and I will always remember; the day that the new carpet was installed in my parents bedroom; wall to wall in lemon yellow–so mod!

During the lemon yellow carpet era, there was also a chandelier; it hung above the glass table in the breakfast nook and I loved it! In fact, I’d be tempted to trade one bossy ShihTzu to have it hanging in my home, today!

(kidding. Just kidding, Muffyface)

So, last week, when I was sorting through some vintage treasures, deciding which, would become part of the Sugar Britches inventory,

I ran across a couple of dinnerware collections that I inherited.

One, is from my mother who, I’m thankful, is quite lively and the other, is from my paternal grandmother, who is now deceased.

I really adore special tableware.

Plates, glasses, cups, saucers, platters, flatware; I love them all. When they’re mis-matched, I love them more!!

Here’s where the first connection was made…

Family values, just like family valuables; are passed down, from generation to generation.

Some value systems are intentionally and ceremoniously passed down in the way that family valuables and heirlooms are bequeathed;some are passed down and received, without pomp or circumstance; maybe, even, without words. Regardless of how ceremonial; valuables, values and priorities, are all handed down, and they are what the next generation will consider to be valuable and will guide the next generation, as they decide what has no value. This is how it is done; whether they realize it, or not.

Until, someone along the line, intentionally examines it, finds it to be outdated or outlawed and then rejects the old value system and replaces it with another.

Before the first grade I was taught to read and write and coordinate an outfit with cute shoes. I also knew how to set a table correctly before I began the first grade. Before I graduated from high school I was confidently creative in decorating and I had begun to develop my own style.

The style was mine; but the rules of style (as in, what’s in good taste and what’s not)…the rules of style, were handed down from my mother and my grandmother and they were non-negotiable; as was, the correct placement of salad and dessert forks.

Are you with me?

Try to contain your excitement. Tomorrow, I’ll be back, with part 2.

Laurie Zieber — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:46:29 +0000

Laurie Zieber — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:24:44 +0000

I stumbled across this drawing by Mike Baker while I was searching for an example of a french stencil today. I’m not sure how the french stencil relates to the drawing of our lady here but when I saw her there was an immediate connection. We are kindred spirits.

Her name is…Oh, never-mind, I’ll just cut and paste Mr. Baker’s description for you:

Minnie “Boom-Boom” Mahoony was the world’s greatest juggling, sword – swallowing, tight – rope – walking, daredevil of the 1890s.

She was also known to wrestle gators and climb skyscrapers. Rumor had it that she studied under Houdini, learned martial arts in Peking, and worked as a spy for the U.S. government. While flying biplanes in WWI, she disappeared somewhere over the Bermuda Triangle.

And there it is...my life in cartoon-illustration.

Since the Sugar Britches grand opening June 2nd I’ve been preparing for the next market.

I’ve been juggling the ~~swords~~ repair, reupholster and repaint of various pieces of flea market furniture and drawing a few sketches of my own– that’s how I decided to adorn the walls of the Sugar Britches building on my worn-so-thin – hope-it-holds-together shoe-string budget.

I’m also hoping they’ll draw the buyers’ attention to the vintage frames I’ve repaired, re-stained, and repainted.

Let’s see… Oh! I spent one Saturday afternoon wrestling Pink Flamingos on The Mountain and negotiating with a hot, thirsty and tired second grader for one more costume change before she went on strike like the top model she could be… if she wanted to be a top model, that is.

That photo shoot was well worth the time it took to fight off the wild Pink Flamingos.

(they always try to hog the spotlight, ya know)

It really was a beautiful view of a mother and daughter relationship–I wish everyone understood the responsibility of parenting through that lens.

Last but not least, ~~I’m trying~~ I will leap one more building in a single bound and be all set up by July 27th for the first ReThink Point event ever to be held on The Mountain in Canton, Texas.

Seriously, I could not be more excited about this event or about the overall purpose of ReThink Point events. Please follow the blog for ReThink Point events if you have any interest in retreats that will help you stay far, far, away from your breaking point.

There are only 100 spots available for the July event. If you’d like to attend with a group of 5 or more, send me an email and I’ll give you a rate so delicious you’ll think it’s your birthday!

The dates for the next Canton market are June 30 through July 3. Of course it will be hot outside but the deals on The Mountain will be hotter.

Book a room at the The Mardi Gras (the coolest Bed and Bath on The Mountain) and enjoy the luxury of opening a cold one and putting your feet up anytime you feel the urge!

So, dearest reader… if there’s any hope that I’ll be able to keep all these swords in the air I must get back to business now.

Watch out for wild Flamingos and I’ll see you on The Mountain~

xoxo,

Boom-Boom

Laurie Zieber — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:28:54 +0000

Laurie Zieber — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:33:50 +0000

It’s a week for momentous occasions…

Sugar Britches opens on The Mountain in Canton, Texas on Thursday. The famous First Monday Trade Days is open every month on Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of the month. First Monday attracts shoppers from all over the nation. Oh, and today, is the first day, of the last year, of my forties.

Happy Birthday to me.