Random thoughts on a rainy, overwhelming Saturday morning:
Did you know that a rainbow is actually a circle?
Truly.
I read that this week and it gave me hope.
When you look into the sky and see that amazing meteorological phenomenon created by tiny water droplets dispersed in just the right way so that light shines through in brilliant colors like violet and red and yellow and orange…
…it’s actually a miracle.
A miracle that never ends. A hope. A promise. A brilliant display of life and joy and celebration after a storm. Yes. A storm. An overwhelming, overpowering storm with thunder and lightning and storm clouds that roll in as the skies darken and force you to run for cover because the day is so dark and full of despair. At that moment it seems like everything is pouring down all around you and your soul shivers from the magnitude of it all. You watch the rain pelting down and wonder if it will ever stop.
And then?
The storm ends. The rain slows. The lightening goes away. The thunder disappears and the sun comes out and shines so brightly through the raindrops that a masterpiece is created.
Truth? In the middle of these dark times, THERE IS HOPE. There are people stepping up in ways they have never stepped up before. There are neighbors taking care of neighbors. There are mask-sewers and food pantry fillers and teachers who create parades for their students and free-meal deliverers and people who are giving all they have to make someone’s day a little brighter. All around us there are incredible, amazing, awe-inspiring stories of individuals putting others before themselves.
And one day? The storm will pass.
And the rainbow will come out.
Not an ordinary rainbow. A brilliant, full-circle rainbow that will shine even brighter because the storm was so fierce.
And so on the darkest of days when I want to crawl up into a ball and hide?
I’m focusing on that rainbow to see me through.
I love you, friend.
Together we CAN.
Together we WILL.
And now? Let’s distract ourselves with a few ideas and inspiration.
I’ve been searching for something to decorate my table for spring and I think I found it.
I love this arrangement—except I’m going to use white pots with saucers underneath.
You can learn how to paint these lilacs with watercolor.
Or you can download it as a free printable.
See the instructions and the printable here.
If you are looking for a project?
This is the post for you.
Here are 40 ways to improve your home for under $100.
Can you tell the difference between real and faux flowers?
I thought I could.
See if you can here.
And in random news this week:
This guide to baking substitutions
These simple tips
This kitchen
These pancakes
10 ways to style a coffee table
These shutters
This chocolate cake
5 questions to ask yourself when picking tile
These spring desserts
I think I’m joining this book club
Love navy and white
This adorable cottage
And in case you needed a rainbow picture for today…
…here are some amazing rainbows in the darkness.
And one more for the road.
If you want to create art today all you’ll need is an old book.
See the DIY here.
happy random Saturday to you
What a great reminder of Gods creation- the rainbow. A symbol God gave Noah thousands of years ago. Thanks will catch on. for always being a bright spot for all of us, and for being REAL. Dome folks here are putting a red ribbon on their mailboxes as a sign of HOPE and support of Medical workers. Maybe it
You are always such a ray of sunshine! Thank you. With the Lord, we can have faith, hope and trust. Stay well Sweet Lady!
You are my rainbow. I love rereading your first book, You’ve Got This. I keep it out on my coffee table.
Have a beautiful weekend!!!!! 🌈🌈🌈
Hey KariAnne, Just saw stirrup pants on sale a Soft Surroundings Outlet - thought of you!!!! I'm off to find some potting soil in our garage - going to start geraniums and ivy plants for outdoors - since I won't be spending much time in garden centers - have to fill my flower pots with something! #workwithwhatyouhave!!!! 👏👏😘
Love the plants -- and you reminded me that repotting is something I can do while physically distancing (I even have supplies on hand!) Thanks so much for sharing my spring cleaning tips today, KariAnne!
I made Joanna’s pancakes for dinner last night. Delicious! Also made fried apples to top the pancakes along with the toasted pecans.
Beautifully written blog today! Much needed by ALL! Thank you so much!
I just plain love your blog. To open the email to see this inspiration to remind me of the rainbows and then everything else too!!!!!!!!! Thanks for uplifting my random Saturday:)
You are a blessing to all of us who read you. Know that you are loved and admired and in our prayers for a happy healthy spring.
Wonderful features, as always, my friend! Have a blessed weekend!
This is highly distractable! Yay, Im glad! I especially love the water color tutorial. I've been painting more often and think this would be a lovely project to do. Thank you! Happy almost Sunday, friend. I'm praying for you right this minute!
Wonderful blog today!!! Helping us to keep our chins up. I needed that!!! Keep 'em coming, Karianne!!! Love you!!!
Thank you dear KariAnne. I’m feeling so overwhelmed, and your reminder of the hope that awaits blessed me more than you can know.
We have the 518 Rainbow Project going on here. Folks put a rainbow in their window or elsewhere, and the local children (and adults) watch for them. Today one of my students was featured with the chalk rainbow she had created in her driveway.
Love the rainbow idea. Maybe I’ll paint a rainbow a pit it in our window. Blessings.
Oh Karianne, did you know that Friday April 3rd was National Find a Rainbow Day?!? I'm going to save this beautiful post with my calendar reminders for that day next year because what amazing and inspirational words look up at the sky and search for the colorful rays of hope in it! As always thank you & lots of love from NC!!!
Such a beautiful message to share. For some reason I flashed back to being a teen in the 70s...rainbows were a symbol you saw everywhere. Simpler times. Happier times. And how right you are....there is nothing like the feeling of witnessing a rainbow...even the air smells reborn. I've been so frustrated watching the behavior of hoarders and people who disregard isolation, all the fear and suffering seeming to big to handle. You have reminded me that we all get caught up in the storm in one way or another, But when it's over we all take a step out the door to see the rainbow and stand there in awe of a divine creation. And we ALWAYS share that moment with others who are near. If we focus on what we can do for each other we can help minimize fear. I can't tell you how this has touched me this morning. Thank you so very much. Stay safe everyone.
This was a very pleasant distraction, especially that kitchen!! Thank you. Be well. xoxo
Thanks for the weekly wrap up! Just managed to get to it today! Loved all the ideas.
Hello! Praying that you and your family along with all of us who follow you and our families will say safe and healthy. Liked, very much, the plant arrangement. I especially love Rosemary. If I can get some plants/herbs I’d like to do a similar grouping. Right now, we can’t go anywhere, just staying home. I live in Michigan. Blessings to everywhere.
KariAnne, I don't know how I missed thanking you for this lovely post! I loved reading about the "rainbow"! You, are our rainbow! You are the ray of sunshine that appears after the storm! You continue to be so encouraging in these days of such uncertainty. You are truly making a difference in the lives of a lot of your readers. Bless you, for this. You have such a positive attitude and everyone benefits from this. It is my prayer that many will be able to have the faith and comfort that only God can give in these days we live in at the moment. Bless you, dear friend!