Strange Times

 

September came and went.

Usually I love this time of the year, but circumstances have lessened the joy of this month.

On Instagram I've been participating  in The Quest Is The Best alphabet challenge, hosted by a dynamic woman named Melissa Parks aka megillicutti. For the B letter I shared some of my bookmark collection. Family, friends, and students have given me lovely bookmarks over the years. The first two on the left are my oldest ones from long ago Sunday School teachers and are kept in a Bible my parents gave me. The bookworm was made by my daughter when she was a youngster. The green case is the perfect size for those little treasures.

One of my very first treasures  -

this old mug.

I have had it since the 1970's.

Ah, those colors.

They make me smile as do those years of youth.

New Season

 Changing decor has helped my mood. Usually fall is my favorite time of the year, but the fall of 2020 is very stressful.

My friend Kim brought me the orange beauty on the left this week. The green one she gave me last year. Because she shares her pumpkin creations with me, I wanted her to pick out any paintings she might like and take them home. So happy she chose these two.

 

Angels continue to be one of my favorite painting subjects. I see different personalities in each one.

Hard To Imagine

 I can't imagine how horrible it must be to see whole towns wiped out by fires and to lose everything. Plus the terrible tragedy of losing family members. Will the turmoil of 2020 ever stop?

I'm going to shift gears and share little bits of daily joy.

These two succulents on the front porch are thriving much to my amazement.

I was unable to leave this statue behind at Goodwill. It was a lovely find for four dollars. Although made of light material and not old, it still spoke to me. I noticed the folds of her garment, her hands, the tender embrace and expression.

Did some painting on familiar themes of little houses and country churches.

Starting to pull out autumn decor...love the colors in these pumpkins. They were made last year by a sweet friend.

Change

 That's the one sure thing about life. There will be CHANGE. Many changes are exciting while others are sad.

Changes in home decor are much easier to handle. I've been switching around pictures AGAIN.

After picking up some health papers in Covington I had extra time to spend on the square. It seems the storefronts are always changing between my visits.

 

I had heard one store had left the square and relocated near the railroad tracks. I paid that business a visit and enjoyed browsing.

 You know me by now. The thrill of the hunt usually turns up little treasures.

Haeger pottery piece from What A Deal on Court Square East

Two wooden finds from Upscale Antiques & More on E Pleasant Ave.

Birthday Surprise

 I kept this surprise hidden under the bed until this morning. I was not sure Corkey would like it, but when I first saw it I thought of him and the cows he used to have.

I made a second trip to this shop at Charlene's in Hall, TN, to check on it. I told myself if it was still there, I would take the plunge and bring it home.

 It's a large canvas with a very vintage look.

He likes it! It is on our bedroom fireplace mantel.