Tuesday, September 6, 2011

BEAUTIFUL LIVING~ BY INVITATION ONLY



Are you living BEAUTIFULLY? Fulfilled in the things you do... content with what you have...finding joy and purpose in your everyday life?

I recently visited my dear friends, the Mueller Twins, in their garden. I almost always find them in their garden when they are at home. I am drawn to them by their kind ways, manifested in their smiling faces and graciousness!



These "girls" are a perfect pair. Miss V and Miss V have never married... they are unclaimed jewels! And jewels they are! The live together in busy bliss tending their garden, working on their dried floral design business and hopping from one speaking engagement to another!




The twins have a secret! The illusive secret to a happy life. They love their life and who they are. They do not use the happiness meter of popular culture to tell them how they are doing! It comes from within. They could not tell you the first thing about current styles and trends... and are so much better for it! The chic and shiny would overlook them, for they are unassuming and delightfully authentic! 

They do not let outside forces dictate how they should live! They live by an internal compass deeply rooted and stalwartly grounded in their faith. They know truth and their truth is not found in the flashy things of this world!

They are happy, kind, giving and content! Their lives overflow with joy and it splashes on everyone they meet! Their felicity is contagious!  Partly because they know who they are and partly because they are innocent of what the world says they should be! How lucky, no scratch that, how blessed!

I deeply admire these independent women. They remind me to check the compass of my own life. To be myself... to love and to be charitable in spirit and satisfied... and to be grateful!

It is easy, especially in the community of "shelter blogs" to look at what others have or do and to compare! What should inspire and spark creativity can cause us to feed on our feelings of inadequacies...to look at what others have and be discontent. Blogs are full of the newest and latest and greatest. The most trendy, beautiful and chic. NOT that that is bad... as long as it does not fan the fires of bad reactions in us! We must ferociously guard against this root of unhappiness and dissatisfaction and embrace our own lives with gratitude and appreciation!

The Mueller twins are the pin up girls for living a beautiful life... just by being themselves! I hope you are living that beautiful life too!

I am happy to be a part of ...




Below are photos taken in The Mueller twin's magnificent gardens. Each flower is one they pointed out to me. The words are by William Henry Channing...




















Live the symphony that is YOUR LIFE!



Please stop by SPLENDAROSA. My dear friend Marsha has the link to the group of International bloggers who are participating in this once a month linky party.  How interesting to see how this poem is interpreted by others.







59 comments:

  1. TinaSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    How wonderful it is to have friends such as these! My mother had two friends that were sisters and never married. When I was younger, I didn't appreciate their wisdom, like I would now. They both passed away about 15 years ago...oh how I would love to sit and talk with them now.
    Your photos of their garden are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Beautiful interpretation Yvonne...very humbling...have a lovely day :)
    Catherine
    xx
    http://www.catherinerobinsoncashmere.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Belle Inspiration MagazineSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:15 AM

    What lovely ladies Yvonne. So many words os wisdom here - thank you for sharing this and reminding us of what is really immportant.
    Have a beautful week my friend,
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Johanna GehrleinSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    Hi Yvonne,
    I love you for this post. All the words are so true and we should frame them to read them every morning.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary @ Neat and TidySeptember 6, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    What a wonderful post, and every word is true. How terrific to be so strong that the popular culture does not bother them, and what a goal to try to attain. Thank you for sharing.

    This is a great blog; keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    What precious ladies! Thank you for introducing them and their beautiful life...such inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  7. debra@dustjacketSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    What beautiful ladies, and such a lovely post.
    xxx DJ

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Country NestSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    What a thought provoking post. The sisters have some beautiful gardens too. I love her house dress and apron too. She just looks like a warm fuzzy kind of lady. Your poem fit it all so beautifully. Have a happy day.
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  9. mzzbevSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Absolutely breathtaking. God's handiwork displayed in this beautiful garden through the hard working hands and big heart of the Mueller twins. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. LisaSeptember 6, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    I can't think of anyone better than you to participate in this wonderful endeavor. I have always loved these words, but hadn't read them in a while. This was the perfect time for me to see them and savor. Your post was beautiful and it made my day.
    Hugs,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pat@Back Porch MusingsSeptember 6, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Absolutely beautiful post. Lovely ladies, the twins and their garden are fabulous! Love this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. La Table De NanaSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    I am reminded of Tasha Tudor:)

    Beautiful post..I love everything about her and the gardens:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mid-Atlantic MarthaSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    What a lovely interpretation. Such gorgeous flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  14. RettabugSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    You have touched my ♥ & soul with this post today, Yvonne. So beautifully interpreted & portrayed & so beautifully photographed as well. BRAVO!!

    I would love to wander through the Mueller twins' gardens & touch the hand of God in every flower.

    Hugs,
    Rett

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    What a gift to live a life by your own light and follow your heart. Lovely post, Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Susie @ Step inside my homeSeptember 6, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Such thought provoking words and beautiful quotes. The flower pictures are stunning! Thanks so much for yor inspiration today! Susie

    ReplyDelete
  17. MarigeneSeptember 6, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Yvonne, what a lovely post.
    They do not let outside forces dictate how they should live!...we should all grasp this, we would be so much happier in life...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.September 6, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Yvonne, What a lovely post. I would love to know the twins. We could all learn a lot about a well lived life from them. Beautiful images. A single bloom says so much. Have a great day. Mona

    ReplyDelete
  19. JackieSeptember 6, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    One of your most inspiring posts yet!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure they could teach us so much!!!It sounds like their lives are a thing of beauty just as their garden is!

    ReplyDelete
  20. PinkGrannySeptember 6, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Thank you for such wonderful thoughts and pictures. I am having my first cup of coffee with you and it has been uplifting.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Liz @ Sit With Me In My GardenSeptember 6, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Very touching Yvonne. It's the simplicity of life that seems to be what we all yearn for yet find hard to achieve. In the end we can't take it with us, but while we are here we should enjoy this beautiful earth we live on. Indeed flowers do make me happy and these beautiful flowers are a great example of why I love them so!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear LillieSeptember 6, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    What lovely women and what a beautiful post!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Barbara F.September 6, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Yvonne, I can really relate to this post, that is one of my most favorite quotations, I saw it on another blog recently, and I find myself going back from time to time to re-read it. Good for these twin sisters, they have inner peace and happiness, that is what is most important. They are an inspiration. xo,

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnnSeptember 6, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Dearest Yvonne,

    This is so timely,as yesterday I was feeling sorry for myself and wanted more. I have been so blessed by God with a wonderful life and this just brought it all back.

    Thank you and God Bless you,
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jane, Naples, FloridaSeptember 6, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    Yvonne, That is by far the most
    beautiful post I have ever read
    on any blog! Thank you so much!

    Jane
    Flora Doora

    ReplyDelete
  26. DixieSeptember 6, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Your post today has brought me out of lurkdom. I have visited your site daily and am always inspired, but this post really touched my heart. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yvonne @ StoneGableSeptember 6, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Dixie, I am so happy you commented! I hope you will participate more often. You are always welcomed at StoneGable!
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnnSeptember 6, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    What a wonderful, thought provoking post! I find so much more enjoyment from this kind of post that is relevant to our walk here on earth as opposed to what you titled "shelter posts". I had never heard that term before but realized that I often skim through those kind of posts looking for something of value and finding only fluff. Thank you for your insight. Blessings, Ann

    ReplyDelete
  29. Alycia NicholsSeptember 6, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I LOVE people who march to the beat of their own drum!!! Happiness comes from within, and I am thrilled to see these ladies have reached deep down inside to pull all the happiness out of life they can stand!

    ReplyDelete
  30. LPCSeptember 6, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    That apron! To have a garden like that! Ah. I love my little one so much. Thanks for picking this topic for the blog party today.

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownSeptember 6, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Oh Yvonne, that is just what I needed to read today. Thank you for that lovely post and for sharing the lives of these sweet sisters with us. How grounded they must be. Today I'm going to think on these things...on being grounded in who I am, whose I am, on sheltering myself and my family from so many outside voices, on drawing close to the One who truly defines me. Thanks for a lovely call to meaningful meditation!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Pinky at Designs by PinkySeptember 6, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    Geesh, I just wrote a comment and it disappeared! Ok, here we go again. This beautiful post touched my heart. I know you thought this out for awhile. Beautifully written, my friend! The picture of one of the ladies brought back MEMORIES of my Grandmother in her housedress and apron. What a sweetie she was!!!!! Your photos are magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for this beautiful post! Talk to you soon! XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  33. JennySeptember 6, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    This is a beautiful blog and post. I live in Holland part of the year and there are gardens like this everywhere. They're not the national ones but everyday people's. People here live this way and it is gorgeous, wet and cold to a Texan. xo Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  34. Chatty CroneSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    I was directed here by Corgis In The Garden and I'm glad she sent me.

    I loved your message today about the two gems.

    How I wish the world could learn their view.

    And the flowers are gorgeous too.

    Love,
    sandie

    ReplyDelete
  35. Patricia @ ButterYumSeptember 6, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Blessed indeed - and quite lovely. The whole post mirror's their beauty. Thank you for such a touching post.

    :)
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
  36. The enchanted homeSeptember 6, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and inspirational post. I feel lucky to have been part of this too.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jacqueline @ HOMESeptember 6, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    Absolutely beautifully done Yvonne. I love these two women who live their life as they want to, and don't subscribe to the materialistic world. I am one of the ' By Invitattion Only' gang and am proud to be a member alonside all of you. XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  38. Rattlebridge FarmSeptember 6, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Hi, Yvonne! You're so right! This is a sister post. I drank up every word and image and felt such peace.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Miss CharSeptember 6, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Beautiful photos Yvonne, the girls have a inspiring garden. How wonderful they share it with others. These ladies sound like such an inspiration to everyone who runs out the door each morning headed for work, school, car pools, etc. Great message to all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  40. desde my ventanaSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    A wonderful, wonderful post and interpretation of the quote a great lesson of life.

    Hugs from Spain to you.

    Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  41. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)September 6, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Yvonne, thank you for the beautiful post, and link, words of wisdom to live by. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  42. On Crooked CreekSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Yvonne,
    Breathtaking beauty in the garden! Blessings abound in this post!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  43. MoSeptember 6, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    This is absolutely the most beautiful and uplifting blog post I have ever read. Thank you so much for such wonderful words and pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  44. CarolynSeptember 6, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Yvonne,
    This is a beautiful post-thank you for these words of wisdom!
    I know I would love these wonderful ladies.

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  45. poppilinnstudiosSeptember 6, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Thank you for a lovely post Yvonne. Beautiful ladies, everyone should strive to be authentic. Very inspirational.
    -Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  46. under spanish mossSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about these two lovely ladies. So touching!!
    Angela and Renee

    ReplyDelete
  47. Tammy at Tammy Loves DishesSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    What a beautiful post, Yvonne. The photos of the Mueller sisters' flowers are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Pat@Life At Lydias HouseSeptember 6, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    What an absolutely wonderful post! We could all learn so much from these beautiful sisters!

    ReplyDelete
  49. ToniSeptember 6, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Beautiful reminder.....people and how we perceive them and love them and they us is the true STUFF of life.....all the rest is just "pretty decorations" but not eternal! Could you share the source of your quote? Thanks....loved it. Toni

    ReplyDelete
  50. Styling by Coty FarquharSeptember 6, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Dearest Yvonne,
    I absolutely love everything about this post. Isn't wonderful to see such beauty.

    Thank you for your beautiful note you left for me this morning. I know you and I have a lot in common with the way we both see the world. It would be wonderful one day to meet you.

    I do look forward to what Marsha has planned for the next months ahead for all of us.
    With love,
    Coty xx

    ReplyDelete
  51. JoySeptember 6, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    What a beautiful post full of wisdom! Beautiful words and photos~very inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Meine Dinge FrankaSeptember 7, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    Hello Yvonne,
    thank you so much for your nice comment.

    I love thc image of the old lady in her garden.
    Contentness.

    ♥ Franka

    ReplyDelete
  53. The French HutchSeptember 7, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Yvonne, what a lovely post. These dear ladies have a special gift, that of being a twin. They know how blessed they are to have one another. Your photos are beautiful and shows what a splendid way of life these ladies have. Thanks for a great post.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  54. quintessenceSeptember 7, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Lovely - what an incredible duo surrounded by such beauty!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. GailSeptember 7, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Right on- the basis from which they live is how we each should live our own true path.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anita at Cedar Hill September 8, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Wow, I wish the twins were my neighbors. I agree that happiness has nothing to do with what is happening on the outside. Mother Teresa said that some of the happiest people she knew had the least reason to be so. It's a choice, and I choose happiness, I choose LIFE.

    ReplyDelete
  57. SplenderosaSeptember 9, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Ahhh, Yvonne...your post & Vicki's are quite similar, and I am so inspired by what each of you have said. I love sparkle & glamour, but I know you know that inside of me there is a warm fire of love which I could not extinquish. Simplicity in all forms is an important thing, loving each other is the most important. Beautifully done, my precious friend. Thank you SO much for diviating from your usual beautifulness and joining us. Sending love from the high seas off Alaska.....

    ReplyDelete
  58. jamieSeptember 16, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    What an inspirational site! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  59. KarenAugust 14, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    Oh, how blessed you are to have such women in your life!

    ReplyDelete