French Pictures: Euro Country Photos & Faithful Reflections

A few years ago, I shared the vulnerable reflections below. My health was in jeopardy, I was experiencing painful pancreatic attacks daily, and it was difficult to smile. So many folks are suffering with various hurts (physical and otherwise) in 2021 and don’t know what to do with their pain. So we’ll revisit the journey, and I’ll also share a peek at my summer in a video I made just for you. While I’ve grown over the years and my courage has increased, my faith in humanity and the eternal is often shaky at best. Our global crisis has ushered in a tough season for too many families around the world. I’m aware you are fighting a battle. I hope French Pictures: Euro Country Photos & Faithful Reflections reveals something new to you. If it doesn’t, please know I am grateful for your faithfulness in reading me.

French country garden with bench and stone wall - Hello Lovely.

French Pictures: Euro Country Photos & Faithful Reflections

Summer 2021: Peaceful Moments Mostly at Home

Soulful Reflections

October 7, 2018: It’s a weary time for our divided country and culture as so many powerful shifts in consciousness, hierarchies, and values throw us off kilter and threaten to steal our joy.

Serene and peaceful breakfast dining room with farm table and Swedish chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diningroom #farmtable #frenchNordic #benjaminmoore #ashleygray
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you’re in the mood for peaceful decor.

No easy answers hide here within this sanctuary where I try to bring peace and inspiration.

Serene and peaceful breakfast dining room with farm table and Swedish chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diningroom #farmtable #frenchNordic #benjaminmoore #ashleygray
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you admire serene simplicity. French Pictures: Euro Country Photos as well as Faithful Reflections.

How could there ever be answers when the friend typing these words is so deeply in love with: the questions, the Mystery, the heartful-ness, and the wisdom to humbly juggle so much paradox?

Belgian linen slope arm dining chairs and small round breakfast table in serene kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #nordicfrench #belgianlinen #breakfastnook #slopearmchairs #serenedecor
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly pale and lovely.

Surrendering to Mystery

Yesterday morning upon awakening, my soul felt shrouded in darkness. Was it residue from social media yesterday? Poor sleep? Random chemicals interacting in the brain? A God who moves as He pleases and works within the nights of souls?

White French Nordic dining room with German antique grainsack and galvanized bucket of hydrangea on table - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchnordic #diningroom #frenchcountry #whitefrench #grainsack #hydrangea #benjaminmoorewhitesand
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you admire vintage European grain sacks. French Pictures: Euro Country Photos as well as Faithful Reflections.

I need not understand the precise mechanics of how or why blessed assurance departs.

If I could trust my medical team last week to anesthetize me and with scalpels and robots extract a digestive organ from my flesh WITHOUT MY UNDERSTANDING, AWARENESS, OR HELP IN THE MATTER, surely I can walk in faith on a dark day.

Beautiful serene shabby chic dining room with cane back chairs by Hello Lovely Studio. #diningroom #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #frenchcountry
Hello Lovely Studio…in case your jam is a little shabby and chic.

About the Darkness

My melancholy felt like cynicism, sadness, hopelessness, and negative self-talk of the variety:

“Is personal transformation even possible? Is higher consciousness born of Great Love and Fierce Grace truly attainable? We’re all so inconsistent and sucky at it…where are the models and mature ones to model for us with integrity how to transcend, how to make it stick?”

Beautiful serene shabby chic dining room with cane back chairs by Hello Lovely Studio. #diningroom #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #frenchcountry
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you need an idea for an everlasting rose (mine are silk ones I dipped in plaster). French Pictures: Euro Country Photos as well as Faithful Reflections.

And also this.

“Why all the unhealed pain and stone throwing? Do people even care about preserving relationships anymore? There’s too much fear everywhere. Too many pointing fingers.”

We all have such days. Our emotions, moods, and energy levels dip low in stressful seasons.

French script stenciled mirror in my French country courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…certainly a peaceful garden.

Here’s the thing.

We are not those emotions. Not our moods. We are not our opinions. Not our thoughts, not our darkness, not our wounds, not our disease. We’re not our income, not our addiction, not our occupation, not our political party or tax bracket. We are not our religion, not our good intentions, not our reputation, not our victimhood, not our work ethic, not our track record, not our productivity, not our past.

Eckhart Tolle inspirational quote about spiritual journey. #eckharttolle #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #faithquotes #spiritualjourney

WE ARE BELOVED SOULS

The other day, I shared what has helped me forgive myself in my physical weakness (my painful condition has kept me irritable for weeks). Maybe this will help you too.

Annie Dillard inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #anniedillard #personalgrowth #lifequotes

After my grey day yesterday, I was reminded of Henri Nouwen’s thoughts on identity and shifting moods. He writes:

“It is important to know that our emotional life is not the same as our spiritual life. Our spiritual life is the life of the Spirit of God within us. As we feel our emotions shift we must connect our spirits with the Spirit of God and remind ourselves that what we feel is not who we are. We are and remain, whatever our moods, God’s beloved children.”  -Henri Nouwen

Meister Eckhart inspirational quote about seeing God. #meistereckhart #quotes #spirituality #inspirationalquote #wisdom

As I marinated in a mixture of hopelessness and cynicism – I began to respond to the angsty funk in a less reactive way. I began to look for the INVITATION from God as one of his beloved children.

An invitation…to surrender, to daily transform, to experience resistance as a force to prosper me, and primarily to SEE the path leading to deeper FAITHFULNESS.

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio
Photo of Michele and Jo: Melissa James

When Light Comes

The invitation did not arise from sitting alone in despair, venting on the phone, or interacting online. It only became clear when my husband suggested a car ride into the countryside just before dusk.

Hello lovely grandkids: Pony and Eve.
My grandfurries

We discovered new wide open spaces neither of us had ever seen, and as the sun set, he made space for me to safely lament.

Faith, spirituality and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #faithquotes

It was his loving presence, nature, and relationship that helped me seek the grace to put on a new mind. The darkness did not budge, but the invitation shimmered like a full harvest moon in the night sky.

What a blessing that relationship so beautifully creates light where there was none! Light that feels so much like healing and wholemaking that I am convinced it IS indeed healing.

Pink garden roses in crystal vase. #frenchcountry #roses #floralarrangement #romanticdecor
Photo: Michelle Beckwith

The invitation set before us is always there like the moon.

When I choose to seek it and respond, I can release my mind’s duality and need to judge, dissect, find meaning, or decide. I can let go of my body’s desire for restoration and comfort.

And I can surrender my heart’s longing for emotional harmony.

Rumi inspirational quote. #quotes #rumi #inspirationalquotes #sufipoetry #poetry #spiritualjourney #soulquotes

Only then is my SPIRIT free to align with God (who is closer than breath and embedded in everything in this expanding universe including the beautiful moon).

Rumi inspirational quote. #quotes #rumi #sufipoetry #poetry #spiritualjourney #soulquotes

To respond with my YES to the invitation to deepen is to be ushered into the warm embrace of what is True, Real, Everlasting, Timeless, Beautiful, Holy, Sacred, Eternal, and Mysterious.

With my whole heart, I am sending you the peacefulness of a soul whispering

yes.

French Countryside Goodness to Uplift

What do French pictures of countryside and rustically elegant yet unfussy interiors have to do with any of these reflections anyway?

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Oh those French shutters and climbing vines as well as rustic details – Haven In.

I’m not sure I really understand the intricacies of the connection.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
The Flying Dutchwoman – crumbling stone, as well as weathered antique doors create a romantic sight in the Gulf of St. Tropez village of France.

That’s mystery for you!

French Country Decor Inspiration

However, I understand a little bit of the deeper meaning.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Chateau Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Because we need French garden inspiration too – Haven In!

After all, what you are observing here is history, age, timelessness, imperfection, weathering, and patina.

Provence retreat! Inspiring French country interiors, enchanting gardens, and rich architectural details in a historical and luxurious vacation rental from HAVEN IN. #provence #frenchchateau #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #architecture #european #counrtryhouse #havenin #rusticelegance
Elegant French country bathroom decor with terracotta tile floors, clawfoot tub, and also rustic wood beams – Haven In.

Such beauty takes time!

Encouraging Words to Lift Our Gaze

And we are so often in a rush for comfort and healing, yes?

Faith quote: It is well with my soul even when it is not well with my circumstances - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #faithquotes #psalm36 #soulquotes
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT WELL WITH MY CIRCUMSTANCES

Perhaps the distressed finishes, wear from age, and even the maturity of the trees open the eyes of my soul.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
In case you need French garden inspiration too…Haven In.

The daily grind and modern cultural woes can draw our attention away from timeless beauty.

So I gaze, not so much with a hunger to acquire or even experience, but with a reverence for things aging gracefully.

Blossoming Hope

Let’s face it. We’re all aging with different perspectives and mindsets.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
The Flying Dutchwoman…hello lovely Gulf of St. Tropez indeed.

I’m no longer interested in making it look easy or glamorous. What feels more authentically true to me is that aging demands a new reliance upon fierce grace.

Pema Chodron quote: gloriousness and wretchedness. #pemachodron #quotes #spirituality #faithquote #zenquote
GLORIOUSNESS & WRETCHEDNESS NEED EACH OTHER. ONE INSPIRES US, THE OTHER SOFTENS US…Pema Chodron.

Such grace does not arrive in pretty packages with tidy bows on top.

Provence retreat! Inspiring French country interiors, enchanting gardens, and rich architectural details in a historical and luxurious vacation rental from HAVEN IN. #provence #frenchchateau #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #architecture #european #counrtryhouse #havenin #rusticelegance
Haven In – this historic chateau near Provence France (Villa St-Saturnin) is located in the heart of the Luberon National Park near the medieval village of St-Saturnin-les-Apt

In fact, so often I don’t even recognize grace as it arrives. It is only with a bit of distance, I can see that what I pointed to as a curse, was in fact, a gift of grace.

Words of Hope & Direction

Romans 12:9: cling to what is good - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #scripture #biblequotes #romans #faithquote
CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD. Romans 12:9.

Here’s the thing about getting centered in goodness: it can begin with the small things.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
The Flying Dutchwoman…hello romantic exterior indeed.

Noticing the goodness of a blooming flower or the attractive developing patina of an aged pot can be a starting point.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Haven In – South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…lovely indeed!

The sparkling wonder in a child’s eyes can be a starting point.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
The Flying Dutchwoman…in case you admire South of France magic.

The way the breeze blows your hair just before the rain comes can be the start too.

When Shadows Come

Walt Whitman inspirational quote: keep your face toward the sunshine. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #waltwhitman #encouragement #hopequotes
KEEP YOUR FACE ALWAYS TOWARD THE SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS WILL FALL BEHIND YOU – Walt Whitman.

Collecting goodness can bloom into quite a flourishing bouquet.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
The Flying Dutchwoman…in case you admire rustic French exteriors. French Pictures: Euro Country Photos as well as Faithful Reflections

Because when we begin to sense there is a common thread running through it and even holding it all together, something remarkable happens.

C. S. Lewis quote about dreams and goals and age. #hellolovelystudio #quotes #inspirationalquotes #cslewis #encouragement
YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL OR DREAM ANOTHER DREAM – C.S. Lewis.

Grace helps us to see that we too are a part of such goodness.

Provence retreat! Inspiring French country interiors, enchanting gardens, and rich architectural details in a historical and luxurious vacation rental from HAVEN IN. #provence #frenchchateau #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #architecture #european #counrtryhouse #havenin #rusticelegance
Haven In – Old World charm as well as breathtaking gardens in this South of France paradise retreat.

We’re made of it; we hail from it, and we are journeying closer to it each day.

French Country Design Loveliness

Living in a spirit of unknowing is not for the fearful or the certain.

I’m afraid the most religious people I know also seem to be the most fearful.

Anais Nin inspirational quote - live out the confusions. #hellolovelystudio #anaisnin #inspirationalquotes #encouragment #struggle #quotes
YOU LIVE OUT THE CONFUSIONS UNTIL THEY BECOME CLEAR -Anais Nin.

Unknowing requires an uncommon openness to all of reality and deep humility.

Lovely French Farmhouse kitchen design by interior designer and editor of Milieu magazine, Shannon Bowers. This European inspired sophisticated kitchen features an antique stone sink, rustic wood open shelves, and a neutral palette. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitchenideas #interiordesignideas #interiordesigner #refined #rusticdecor #European #antiques
Shannon Bowers via Milieu magazine…hello lovely indeed.

Because without such childlike humility, our hearts grow hardened and easily offended.

Nature’s Wisdom in Full Bloom

The French countryside invites me into a more relaxed milieu.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
Provence Exterior Design Inspiration from The Flying Dutchwoman. French Pictures: Euro Country Photos as well as Faithful Reflections

Beautiful gardens do this too. We slow down and remember there is a world of beauty right under our noses.

Audrey Hepburn quote about planting a garden and hope. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #gardenquote #audreyhepburn #hellolovelystudio
TO PLANT A GARDEN IS TO BELIEVE IN TOMORROWS – Audrey Hepburn.

We remember how life is truly a gift, however fleeting.

Provence retreat! Inspiring French country interiors, enchanting gardens, and rich architectural details in a historical and luxurious vacation rental from HAVEN IN. #provence #frenchchateau #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #architecture #european #counrtryhouse #havenin #rusticelegance
Haven In…hello romantic French bath indeed.

And we soften into a more surrendered posture, mirroring what the earth teaches.

Lovely French Farmhouse Decor Finds

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…certainly lovely indeed!

Of course what I’m describing (and describing imperfectly!) about personal connections between French country beauty and spirit may be how you feel in the presence of a particular art form.

Rumi inspirational quote - look past your thoughts. #hellolovelystudio #rumi #quotes #spiritualquotes #faithquotes #christianity
LOOK PAST YOUR THOUGHTS SO YOU MAY DRINK THE PURE NECTAR OF THIS MOMENT…certainly lovely from Rumi.

Listening to a particular passage of music may do it for you. Sometimes I describe it as ‘getting my soul set free.’ There are just too many distractions in modern life where the soul gets bound.

Fantasy Country French Dining Room

While my own sensibilities lean toward neutral interiors, I admire the way others use color as mood enhancement.

Can you imagine what buoyancy this green dining space must evoke?

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence…hello lovely indeed!

Thank you for sharing all these colors with me. For reading these stream of consciousness thoughts with such tenderness.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
Provence Exterior Design Inspiration from The Flying Dutchwoman.

As I sit here, my fingers typing, my eyes often closing, I never know just where the words will land.

Kindness quote about its power - old Turkish proverb. #quotes #hellolovelystudio #kindnessquotes #inspirationalquotes
KIND WORDS WILL UNLOCK AN IRON DOOR – Old Turkish Proverb.

So I open myself to a trustworthy energy and do my best to get out of their way.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Haven In – in case you admire Old World style.

It’s maybe more like being a window than an unchanging, finished painting.

Provence retreat! Inspiring French country interiors, enchanting gardens, and rich architectural details in a historical and luxurious vacation rental from HAVEN IN. #provence #frenchchateau #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #architecture #european #counrtryhouse #havenin #rusticelegance
Haven In – certainly a heavenly view.

Encouraging Reminders

I invite you to allow yourself to glimpse the unnamable goodness in the beauty you see here and around you on your daily journey.

French Country interior design inspiration from a classic kitchen with blue and white decor! Stunning traditional style kitchen with light blue painted cabinets, hammered brass hardware arch window over farm sink, and waterfall marble island. #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #traditionaldecor #interiordesign #dreamhomes #kitchenideas #decoratingideas #timeless #blueandwhite #bluecabinets #frenchcountry #farmsink
See this kitchen!Lauren DeLoach…hello lovely indeed.

And I invite you to begin to see that you are a part of the beauty; made of the same divine stuff.

Frank Lloyd Wright quote about passion and success. #flw #franklloydwright #quotes #inspirationalquotes #personalgrowth
YOU HAVE TO GO WHOLE HEARTEDLY INTO ANYTHING IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE ANYTHING WORTH HAVING – Frank Lloyd Wright.

Because you are.

Rustic Elegance

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Haven in…certainly enviable storage indeed.

And if you admire timeless beauty as I do, maybe you will begin to recognize the ways in which time lovingly enhances a thing. How moving backwards would surely subtract a layer of evolved loveliness since “fresh” is a relative term.

For evolution is always a gateway to the new and the fresh.

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
Romantic inspiration from France – The Flying Dutchwoman.

So we can welcome it without fear.

French Country Decor Inspiration

I wish you hope if your days are less than hopeful.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Château Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
Chateau Mireille – Haven In

And I wish you endurance as you move through problems and fresh trials.

Rustic and elegant: Provençal home, European farmhouse, French farmhouse, and French country design inspiration from Chateau Mireille. Photo: Haven In. South of France 18th century Provence Villa luxury vacation rental near St-Rémy-de-Provence.
In case you admire a lovely French staircase – Haven In.

I wish you eyes to see the beauty all around, and…

Rustic French Country Doors in Provence and gorgeous curb appeal with climbing vines, crumbling stone, and weathered age. Photo: The Flying Dutchwoman. #provence #southoffrance #exteriors #weathereddoors #rusticdoor #frenchcountryside #summerinfrance #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frontdoor #sttropez
Oh the charm – The Flying Dutchwoman.

Peace to you right where you are.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

For more French Country and French farmhouse style goodness, find my PINTEREST BOARD HERE, and repin away! Also, visit this and this.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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28 Comments

  1. October 8, 2018 / 1:29 am

    Wishing you a speedy recovery. Bon courage.
    I hope the beautiful photos you collected made you feel as zen as they made me feel.

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 9:11 am

      Merci, friend. While delicious food cannot yet soothe me, dreamy countryside zen will do. 🙂

  2. Linda
    October 8, 2018 / 7:37 am

    What beautiful pictures to calm an anxious mind. It has been one year to the day that we escaped a California wildfire with just our dogs. We lost everything of 50 years of marriage. We are very thankful but have had many anxious moments. We have resettled near our daughter and grandchildren. We are only looking forward.

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 9:10 am

      Looking forward is such an important reminder to us – and what a journey you have been on this year. With so much loss, I can imagine the heartache and uncertainties you have navigated. Escaping fire with only each other and managing to recover gratitude is surely transforming – I am so grateful you have made this space more beautiful by blessing it with your story of hope. Peace to you as you continue to heal and grow.

  3. Alice Genzlinger
    October 8, 2018 / 8:17 am

    God is in control! Romans 13:1

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 9:03 am

      Peace to you this morning, friend. xox

  4. Connie
    October 8, 2018 / 8:33 am

    Highly inspiring on a very dreary day in my little corner of the world. It brings much needed sunshine! 🙂

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 9:02 am

      Thank you for sharing the beauty with me – the sun is peeking through my clouds this very moment and your light is coming. xox

  5. Teresa C
    October 8, 2018 / 8:34 am

    Thank you! It’s the positive thoughts that fill us with hope. I always feel invigorated when I click on Hello Lovely to read your words and take in the beauty of the scenes of life.
    God bless you, dear
    T

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 9:02 am

      It’s lovely to have you here, T. xox

  6. Kathy
    October 8, 2018 / 9:58 am

    The images are beautiful and your words leave me speechless. I will read them again and again!
    Peace to you, Michele!

    • michele
      Author
      October 8, 2018 / 11:44 am

      I’ll take speechless – thanks for the encouragement and for reading, friend.

  7. Sheila in SF
    October 11, 2018 / 12:05 am

    Michele, your resolve and words of faith and encouragement are helping me right now as we all struggle with a relative’s serious illness.
    You are truly inspiring. Peace to you everyday. Love your blog.

    • michele
      Author
      October 11, 2018 / 8:57 am

      It is a great encouragement to hear this, and I am thinking of you and yours navigate this difficult time together. Thank you for the peace, don’t we all need it with each new day and the new cares which arise? Sending you light from my happy heart. xox

  8. Stephanie McElreath
    October 11, 2018 / 1:45 pm

    That was so beautifully written! What an incredible perspective you have shared. It makes me more grateful for challenges we face! Thank you for being that positive light!

    • michele
      Author
      October 11, 2018 / 11:05 pm

      I appreciate the kind words – thank you for reading and peace to you.

    • Amy
      August 23, 2021 / 11:09 am

      Another post full of Grace & encouraging words of truth…soothing to the soul as we can all relate to suffering of some sort in our lives. Amen to your words that faith is not a feeling…such a great reminder! There’s a word picture I heard before that illustrates your point so well: picture a train & the engine is God’s word, the caboose is your feelings and the coal car in the middle is our faith. We must CHOOSE to put our faith in God’s word(the engine) and not in our feelings which are so often not true(the caboose)- in order for the train to run correctly. You can’t run the train by the caboose, baby!! As we place our faith in God’s Word (the truth) then our feelings will fall in line in time like the caboose. Loved your summer video & seeing your grands & the foxes again…I spied Meomi which is our fav wine! Thx for sharing The Flying Dutchwoman & Haven In…I got lost in their photos. Praying you are experiencing relief in your health situation and that it will continue indefinitely, friend!

      • Michele
        Author
        August 23, 2021 / 1:37 pm

        What a gift to be joined on this journey by you. Your faithfulness to the blog and friendship is such a lovely layer of beauty for someone like me who is often lonely and lost within a competitive web. Thank you for this picture of the train and giving us rich food for thought. Oh that I might grow in wisdom and be given fresh eyes to see the caboose for what it is and isn’t. Peace to you, Amy. xox

  9. October 15, 2018 / 7:35 pm

    Michelle, I’m a little late catching up here but I have to say…Inspiring! Thank you for making my nights when I get to visit Hello Lovely. And Thank You…for being you. For being so courageous. For being inspiring. For keeping the faith.

    • michele
      Author
      October 15, 2018 / 8:30 pm

      Thank you for paying it forward and making my night, friend! Peace to you and thank you for the kind words. 🙂

  10. Carryn
    September 21, 2019 / 9:40 pm

    Beautiful photos and lovely inspiring phrases to help us through our days. We in Australia are heading towards summer and our bushfire season so we have sympathy and understanding of Linda’s and others loss. I loved the saying from Audrey Hepburn and “keep the faith” . God’s blessings to you all.

    • Michele
      Author
      September 22, 2019 / 4:23 pm

      Thanks so much for reading with tenderness and for the blessings – wishing you grace and peace as you head into summer. Best to you and yours in Australia, Carryn. 🙂

  11. Deborah
    August 26, 2020 / 9:00 am

    Thank you for your deep, meaningful and inspiring thoughts. Lovely photos from a truly lovely woman. Wishing you lots of happiness and sunny days ahead.

    • Michele
      Author
      August 26, 2020 / 5:23 pm

      So grateful for your visit today and the kind uplifting words. Peace to you, friend. Right where you are.

  12. Carmen Billing
    September 2, 2020 / 1:03 am

    such a long time has passed since you wrote those amazing & lovely words. I pray that this now finds you healed in body & spirit. God Bless You. Several years ago I went through a deeply traumatic episode in my life when I thought I never wanted to wake again. I would love to have read your comforting words then, however, I did survive…a little tattered on the edges perhaps & a different person to before….but your words have encouraged me now & I will certainly not forget them. Thank you

    • Michele
      Author
      September 2, 2020 / 10:34 am

      Sending peace and warm thoughts and gratitude for your kind words. I’m so happy to hear about the healing which came to you. My body has not healed, and my circumstances are not rosy. The future remains unclear, but my heart is at peace, my soul rests in the mystery which I have come to trust and love. xox

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