Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

Asking, Receiving & Moving Mountains

I asked and I received.  A lot! 

I put out the call for help.  My sheet music stash was very low and I needed more.  I had come up empty on Craig’s List and I wasn’t finding a large lot of what I needed on e-Bay, so I asked my readers and was overwhelmed at the response. 
I laughed and cried when I got this stack of packages from the post office yesterday.  No one who sent me music charged me for it.  They were so generous and encouraging in their notes!  I want to say a special thanks to the following ladies:
Sue, who said, “Consider this my very small way of saying thanks for all the interesting stuff you post.”
Michelle, who sent me a couple of books of popular marches.
Carrie from Alabama, who sent a beautiful music book from 1886!
Becky from Ohio, who sent a gigantic stack of music she found for free.  She expressed that her find was meant to be a gift to me, she just didn’t know it when she found it. 
Ellen from New Jersey, who also sent a huge box of music! 
And a thanks to Alice, who only lives about 15 minutes from me and offered boxes and boxes of vintage sheet music to me for free.  She left them on her porch and I picked them up today.  I was overwhelmed again at her note…
If you can’t read it, it says, “Marian – All these boxes are for you.  Mod Podge away!  Love your blog.  Alice.”  Isn’t that so sweet?
Look at how much she gave me!
…and it’s all exactly what I was looking for. 
I know there’s even more on the way and I am so thankful to all who reached out to supply me with tons of sheet music for my projects.  I really am touched. 
Thank you!
So, some of you may have noticed the new tag line on my header. 
“Move mountains in your home.” 

Some of you may also know that Miss Mustard Seed is a reference to a verse in the bible, Matthew 17:20, “…For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

When I was thinking of a tag line for my blog, this verse came to mind again.  Now, I am not intending to take things out of context and make the words mean something they don’t, but I love the symbolism in this verse and how I can apply it to my decorating and business philosophy.  I want my blog to be an encouragement to those who desire a beautiful home on a small budget. Those who are daring and resourceful enough to glue moss onto tennis balls to fill a Goodwill vase.  To those who will roll up their sleeves and paint that 1970’s dresser they hauled out of their neighbor’s trash (in the middle of the night, so they don’t embarrass their kids!)  To those who shop the drop cloth section to slipcover their husband’s “single days” sofa to make it pretty until they can afford something else. 

This blog is here to be a resource for those who want to achieve much with little in their homes. 
So, I have just one question for you… 
 Are you ready to move mountains in your home?
Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

you may also like

62 Responses

  1. With the tools you provide all of us…undoubtedly, we can move mountains in our homes and then put our feet up on the drop cloth ottoman and relax! Thanks for all you do and the expert tutorials you provide.

    Karen @ Garden, Home and Party

  2. Awww..That is just so nice! I have to admit my eyes teared a little to see the generosity of so many. Now, I know I can add sheet music to my garage sale list. Marian, you are so deserving of this. I know it takes a lot of time and work to maintain a blog that is as beautiful, encouraging and informative as yours!

  3. wow! i want some too! i have been looking for music paper. especially vintage looking ones. found scrapbook paper like it but still doesnt give the right effect since its so thick.

  4. Awesome Marian. That is one of my favorite verses, it is so true! I like your new tag line, I don't know if you realize just how many of us you inspire to decorate our homes. I know for myself, I always enjoy reading what you write, and I love your ideas. While your style is not always mine, I am sometimes able to take your ideas, and tweak them a bit to fit my style. If you want to see one such tweaked item, you can stop in at http://kensingtoncottage.blogspot.com. Keep it up! It really is amazing how people will share if you ask. You have some fabulous bloggers!

  5. I love people so much!! There are so many good, kind, amazing people in the world and often times their deeds just make me weep! (Or it could be the menopause, I'm not sure……..!)

    Nah, I'm going with the kindness of strangers touching one's soul!

    Anyway, love the outpouring of music for you!

    Oh, and by the way, guess what I'm sitting on RIGHT NOW!!!!!!????

    (Besides my big butt!?)

    Two parsons chairs! Hmm, I wonder where I got them?

  6. Yes, yes, yes! I am ready to move mountains in my home. You are such an inspiration! Thanks for the wonderful post. that sheet music is so funny! Aren't people awesome!
    Sherry

  7. You wow me on almost a daily basis. I have had a very large cabinet door sitting in my garage for a while. I knew it would be a sign but hadn't figured out what it would say… until now =) Thank you.

  8. I love to know there are still generous, thoughtful people still in the world. What wonderful followers you have.

    I love those music sheet balls – will you post a to-do for us not as gifted? 😉

    Love your blog!
    Tiff

  9. Wowzers! Now that is an answer to prayer for sure…look at all that sheet music!!! Very cool!!
    Bloggers are so awesome!!
    I definitely have some mountains to move in my home!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

  10. Like so many others have alluded to…thank you for posting this. It shows us how generous and wonderful people really are. Not to mention how much we all love your blog. Lori L

  11. Thanks for the encouragement. So exciting to see how God cares about all the little details in our life, and uses wonderful caring people to meet those needs!!
    Yes, mountains in life: I do have laundry to tend to, always a mountain there it seems. But I REALLY want to get that laundry room painted and sorted as it's supposed to also be my craft room! I WANT a NICE craft room!!

  12. Wow – what an incredible post. Thanks bloggers – Marian was so touched and you have touched her Mom too :). A big thanks for the incredible support each of you give her. It amazes us each and every day. MMS's Mom

  13. Amazing. I'm overwhelmed with the generosity of your readers right along with you. A very well deserved windfall. 🙂

    And your message is equally important. And one I needed to hear right when I read it. Thank-you! Again.

    Donna

  14. Marian, you are a true inspiration. I have been following your blog for a while. Thank you for the encouragement you give to so many in their dreams to move mountains in their home and beyond!

    AND, I want to know about German glitter!!

  15. haven't commented in awhile—life has been too busy for blogs! but I read this post and was so happy for you. glad to see you got what you needed!! 🙂

  16. Thank you for the inspirations. You blog accomplishes the goal of showing people (like me ) that I can have a stylish home w/ creative personal elements on a tight budget. Thank you again.

  17. It's so heartwarming to see how generous people in this world really are. Far too often, we hear about the negative things when in reality there is so much more good in this world. Thank you for sharing the good!

    Also, I love the message of this post. I'm currently in the stages of reorganizing our home. I can't wait to get it done because having a more organized home will free up so much more time for me and it will create a much less stressful environment for everyone. However, at times the task is so daunting it overwhelms me. Your message of moving mountains in our homes encourages me to keep at it. With great faith, anything is possible.. Thank you for the reminder.

    I'm so glad you got all of that sheet music ~ you deserve good things!!

    God Bless You,
    Kathleen

  18. miss mustard seed –

    thank you for being such an inspiration. you encourage so many to get their creative juices flowing…including me! i am fascinated by your blog and am so thankful that you take the time to share your tips with the world. i LOVE what you do with "drop-cloth" and must admit that i have used the same trick for 6 chairs of my own. thank you thank you thank you! also, just want to mention how encouraging it is to read the bible verse you shared. i'm so glad that God gave you this passion. you are amazing!!!

  19. What a great post, Marian! That is so wonderful that you received all of that sheet music! What special friends! You do inspire us all!

  20. well Miss Mustard Seed……I am a Mustard Seed as well……I also have used this name for over 30 yrs. and have seen mountain on top of mountain moved many times…..though my decorating style is different than yours (I am more primitive!) I still check with you daily….you inspire me & challenge me day by day….oh those little seeds just keep us goin' don't they?……we are so blessed…look at how many lives you have touched, have stepped up to the plate with little sheets of music………oh what a story my dear!!!!…many blessings~Denise

  21. No mountains in south Louisiana, but I am trying to move creative doubt and fear. I would say that is the mountain for me. Glad you are doing so well. You are my new favorite blog. I have been reading about your endeavors and can't wait for the next post to see what you are doing next.

  22. Oh my goodness ~
    What precious blessings each and
    every one of those friends are ~

    Your post brings tears to my eyes
    and reminds me of how we
    are so truly blessed beyond what
    we can even imagine ~
    Thank you Jesus for this promise !

    xoxo
    Lori

  23. Definitely believing to move some big mountains right now…my verse I'm clinging to at the moment…

    "I am still confident of this: I WILL see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

    Thanks for the encouragement!!

  24. Miriam, I love your blog and the fact that you almost always share something new every day. You and I share my first cup of coffee in the morning after the dogs are fed, of course!
    I'll bet there are some great graphics on some of those music books you can use for other fun projects too. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
    Elaine in Nor Cal

  25. We can feel your heart in your posts, Marian, and I believe this explains your response.

    And as far as moving mountains, you are correct in thinking that your little blog inspires (at least me)in numerous ways. Thank you.

  26. Thank you for the much needed smile that just warmed my heart on this cold, wet autumn day. So glad you received your much needed music sheets to keep on creating your magic!

    Deborah

  27. The world is full of kindness- but more than that- also you also reap what you sow. You have been so very giving on so many levels, encouraging others, sharing you life with us. Who gives shall receive !!!!! I wish you many happy hours with your music sheets and your projects.

  28. You know what I think, if more people asked for help they would get it, and if you get some help help someone else in return. I love that you share your faith and I am inspired to do the same.
    God Bless you!
    Becky

  29. Love this. I'm new to the blogging world and am finding so many lovely people out there, just like you. It makes my day every morning to read my comments, and all the other blogs I follow. It restores my faith in humanity. 🙂

  30. Whoa! That music should last you about a year based on your current production. I am surprised that you are surprised. We all love you. I noticed someone said "step up to the plate" I would love glass plates with music decoupaged on the back. Large cookie platters would be nice. Also cheap glass vases with sheet music on the outside. When are you going to post the glitter letters' instructions? My Mom has Alzheimers and she really enjoyed doing Michael's Halloween crafts the last two days. She was very active her whole life, so I think she would like making glitter letters. Say hi to your Mom. Maybe someday she could post how to raise a creative child. Ann

  31. what a beautiful message. The only way to receive is to give. And its looks like you have give a lot, and all is coming back to you…see. God Bless.

  32. I'm that shameless dumpster diver who is proud to brag to my less thrifty friends about free furniture that I've redone. And I'm the one who makes curtains & slipcovers out of drop cloths.

    Thank you for your blog – It really is inspiring for someone like me who thinks that there is so much more satisfaction out of getting exactly what you want in your home without spending much money than buying a matched set. Oh, and I had a sheet music decoupage idea that I thought of doing myself but I know it's never gonna happen – I think you should do a piano. I'm just sayin'.

    Thanks! Erin

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories

Looking for more encouragement?

Lucketts Spring Market 2026

Before I share my Lucketts recap, I wanted to let you know my next original art sale is Wednesday, May 20, 20206, at 1:00 pm Eastern.  For those interested in early access at noon, you can sign up HERE. On Thursday night, we packed our van with oil painting supplies,

Read More

Lucketts Spring Market Wish List 2026

I’ve reached that tipping point in my life where I feel like I probably have enough stuff.  No doubt, I passed that point years ago, but hunting for antiques and just the right piece for my house is still so much fun!  I have noticed I walk out of more

Read More
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This