Because I Know You” — Comfort or Quiet Criticism

​ There’s a little phrase people use all the time that sounds harmless on the surface:

“Because I know you.”

Most of us have said it. Most of us have heard it.
But lately, I’ve been thinking about how differently those words can land depending on what comes before them.

There’s a big difference between:

“You’ll get that project finished, because I know you.”

and

“I put the money in your purse, because I know you.”

One feels supportive.
The other feels like a quiet criticism wrapped in familiarity.

The phrase “because I know you” should mean:
“I understand your heart.”
“I believe in you.”
“I trust your character.”

Instead, it sometimes gets used to point out what someone lacks.

• “I cleaned the bathroom because I know you.”
• “I reminded you because I know you.”
• “I handled it because I know you.”

What’s really being said underneath those statements is often:
“You’d forget.”
“You wouldn’t finish.”
“You can’t be counted on.”

And maybe none of that is intended cruelly. In fact, it’s often said casually by people who genuinely love us. But intention and impact are not always the same thing.

Knowing someone should not become a license to define their weaknesses for them.

I think the most beautiful use of “because I know you” is when it speaks life into someone instead of limitation.

• “You’ll figure it out, because I know you.”
• “You’ll make everyone feel welcome, because I know you.”
• “You’ll keep going, because I know you.”
• “You’ll do something beautiful with this, because I know you.”

That kind of knowing feels different.
It feels like being seen instead of being managed.

And honestly, this whole thought has made me stop and pay attention to how I use this phrase too. I know I’ve probably said it in ways I never meant to sound hurtful. But now I want to be more intentional with it.

I want “because I know you” to sound like confidence, not criticism.
Like encouragement, not assumption.

I want the people I love to feel known for their strengths, their kindness, their resilience, and the beautiful things that make them who they are — not simply for the things they forget or struggle with.

Maybe the real question is this:

When we say “I know you,” are we speaking from belief… or from assumption?

Because the people we love deserve to feel seen in a way that lifts them up.

And honestly, sometimes the smallest phrases carry the heaviest meanings.

A Little Bag, A Lot of Story

​

There’s something about slow stitching that feels like coming home.

This little bag started the way many of my favorite projects do—with a small pile of scraps and no real plan. Just pieces I loved… bits of fabric that felt too special to toss, little remnants holding onto their own quiet stories.

The base of this bag is actually from an old quilt that I carefully cut apart. I always hesitate before doing that—there’s history there, memories —but I also believe in giving those pieces a second life. Instead of being tucked away or forgotten, they get to be used again… carried, touched, appreciated.

 

From there, I just followed where the stitching led me.

I mixed simple patchwork with hand embroidery, letting each section evolve naturally. Some areas are structured, others a little wild—and I’ve learned that’s exactly where the charm lives.

And the truth is… you don’t need to be an expert to do this.

You don’t have to have perfect stitches. You don’t have to be skilled at embroidery. In fact, some of the best parts are the uneven lines, the crooked seams, the places where you can see the hand of the maker. That’s where the personality shows up.

Slow stitching isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

 One of my favorite parts of this piece is the closure—a handmade pottery button from my own studio. I love when my worlds overlap like that… clay and cloth coming together in something useful and beautiful. It feels like a signature in the softest, most personal way.

The finished bag is small, but it carries more than just things. It holds time. Quiet moments. A rhythm that’s easy to lose in a busy world.

I imagine it holding little treasures—lip balm,  a notebook, art projects or supplies, a bible, maybe a few found bits from the garden. Or maybe it’s just something to carry because it feels good to have something handmade close by.

Taking apart that old quilt and turning it into something new, felt a little like storytelling… honoring what was, while creating something that can keep going.

And maybe the best part is this—anyone can do it. You just have to start.

 How to Start Slow Stitching

If you’re curious about trying this for yourself, don’t overthink it. You probably already have everything you need.

Start with:

• A handful of fabric scraps (old quilts, worn shirts, linens… anything with a story)
• A needle and thread (whatever you have on hand)
• A small pair of scissors

That’s really it.

Layer a few pieces together and just start stitching. Running stitches are perfect. So are imperfect stitches. Let your thread wander. Add a little embroidery if you feel like it—or don’t.

There are no rules here.

You don’t need a pattern. You don’t need a plan. You just need a willingness to slow down and see what happens.

Put on some music, sit in a quiet spot, and let your hands do the work. It’s less about what you make and more about how it feels while you’re making it.

And if your stitches are uneven or your edges aren’t straight… you’re doing it exactly right.

Back in Bloom — A Beautiful Day at the Derby Car & Flower Show

 

After a long hiatus from blogging, I can’t imagine a better way to return to Lady Gone Green than by celebrating a day filled with flowers, community, classic cars, and heartfelt memories.

🌸 The Flower Show

I became a member of the Derby Garden Club several years ago. I’ve always felt the garden clubs were for old ladies and here I am one. I’ve seen many beautiful displays. However, this is the first one I’ve been pretty involved in and this one felt especially meaningful. It was my first time entering a flower show! I have always felt intimidated. With the help and encouragement from my friend and mentor Shirley, I am sure I made my grandmothers proud!  Not only were we commemorating 70 years of gardening, educating, and beautifying our community, but we did it with such enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork that it felt like a true blooming milestone.

The room was bursting with color, handmade pottery, carefully nurtured plants, and artistic arrangements. The dedication from every member — from planning to set-up — was inspiring. I’m proud to say that all of my entries received ribbons, including a Best of Show for my beloved succulent. 💜🌿

🌼 The Team Behind the Beauty

It truly took a village. Our club members worked tirelessly to pull off something unforgettable — arranging, labeling, decorating, and cheering each other on. The spirit of the day reminded me why I love being part of a garden club. It’s not just about the plants — it’s about connection, shared wisdom, and joy.

🚗 The Car Show

My own 1965 Corvair was in the shop, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to enter anything — but thankfully, My son Charlie’s vintage pedal car was ready to roll. It has taken this Momma years to restore this old car. It was a beautiful display and such a fun tribute to mid-century design.

Special thanks to Regina, who helped me register cars and manned the tent with me under the hot July sun. We may have been melting, but at least there was a breeze and plenty of good company. ☀️⛺️

🖌️ Ironing Board Ladies — Garden Art with Personality

One of the most charming and creative highlights of the show? The handcrafted ironing board garden ladies — designed and decorated by members of the Derby Garden Club. Each one had her own style and flair, from polka dots and pearls to overalls and flower pots.

These whimsical creations greeted visitors at the entrance and added a touch of humor and heart to the celebration. They’re proof that a little imagination can turn anything — even an ironing board — into art. 🌸🧤🧺

🎉 A Day to Remember

From handmade vases filled with wild blooms to antique tractors gleaming in the sun, the day was a perfect blend of old and new, craft and care, and roots that run deep in this community.

It feels good to be writing again — and even better to be surrounded by people and passions that continue to grow. 🌿

Easy Tomato Soup

   OMGosh, this is the best soup ever!!! I threw a jar of my home canned tomatoes in the bullet with some basil, blended up, poured it in a pan, added cheese rind, salt, pepper and a little bit of milk and heated it up! Quick, easy, and so delicious! 

     I should really fix this more often. I generally always have the ingredients on hand. It is such a quick easy meal and great alternative to the processed soups in the cans. 

    

                              

                               

                             

   Enjoy with a fresh glass of iced mint apple tea!

 

From Bed to Garden Bench

 

I have seen so many benches made from beds on Pinterest. I pin a lot of different ideas, however this one was not going to let me rest. The old bed frame hanging out in the garage was nagging at me.

What a simple idea, and it turned out to be quick and easy to build. I first cut the footboard in half. I now had 2 identical pieces that I could use for the sides or "armrest". I attached them to the back or "headboard" with some heavy duty screws. I built a frame of 1 x 4's the length and width of the seat and attached it with screws.

I filled all the screws holes with wood filler and sanded them down. I used a deglosser on the entire piece. I let the deglosser dry. Normally it is dry in 10-15 minutes. I painted the back with a chalk paint made from Behr "Elephant Skin" Ultra paint /primer and Plaster of Paris.

I used my Cricket to cut out vinyl lettering and placed it on the back. I choose a bird pattern and the words "Gardening tills the soul" as I wanted to place it in the garden. I then covered the entire piece with a slate blue color of chalk paint. When the paint was dry, I removed the vinyl lettering to expose the "Elephant Skin" colored lettering.

I purchased a 16" wide board for the seating and painted it in the Elephant Skin gray. When completely dry, I appled a Minwax Spar Urethane for indoor/outdoor use.

The bench is not in it's final resting place. However I am loving the look and happy with the repurposed bed!

 

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