Fun Finds

Due to the lovely weather on Saturday I headed out for a day of browsing and shopping. At the Raleigh Goodwill store I came across this canvas. I liked the dreamy quality of the flowers. There was no signature, no date...maybe the piece was even unfinished. But something about it held my attention. So for three dollars I gladly brought it home.

At the Antique Gallery I found another reading child to add to my collection. The little statue is quite heavy.

At Tuesday Morning I chose a magazine holder and a storage box.

At Hobby Lobby I stayed the longest, hoping to snag something new and exciting for the house. But it didn't happen. Instead I stocked up on some art supplies, thanks to Lauren's Christmas gift card.

Sometimes treasure hunting is the best form of therapy. 

Thoughts and News

The light snow in our area was disappointing. School kids had hoped for much more. I had hoped for a more lovely covering of white. But I would not want the blizzard amounts in the Northeast.

Spice wouldn't let me get a good pose.

Pinecones keeping their snug closure in the snow

And now NEWS which was delivered yesterday over the telephone by my excited daughter. She's engaged! She said she couldn't stop looking at the beautiful antique ring Justin gave her on Thursday night. It was wonderful to hear the happiness in her voice. 

Until next time know that I wish you well...

Where Should It Go?

Do you remember this?

At the Christmas Open House Sale I bought the architectural piece I liked so much.

Well, it has not been easy trying to find a spot for it. For now it rests above the front

window with a brass owl looking out over the room.

With the probability of snowy weather on its way, I plan to be inside reading.

Of course, before too long I'll be itching to browse booths at an antique mall.

Cold Days and Nights

This little kitchen is big on service, activity, and pleasures.

Admittedly it's not my dream kitchen, but it's too late in life to stress about that now.

  

  

 Coffee or Tea

That is a major decision around four 0'clock.

In the kitchen are favorite things such as bowls, scoops, and pitchers.

We were out in the cold this afternoon checking on gas heaters. Corkey wanted one next door in the apartment. 

Hot coffee never tasted so good!

Not Sure

I'm not sure I'm using my days in the best way. To keep going is all I manage on some days. Do you ever feel guilty for wasting time? I know I do. Today I'm thankful for beauty and delight in everyday surroundings. Sharing a few of my favorite things...

We hosted a dinner party the other night, and one of the guests presented us with this pot of lovely tulips. How wonderful to see these blooms in January!

This cane chair sits near my bedside. It was one of the first antiques I ever bought. It was purchased at Granny's Antiques in Henning, TN. Too bad that place is no more...like so many other stores I once knew and visited. 

The pillow has three cameo pins - one I had, one was Mother's, and one was Aunt Geneva's.

 Nick used my heart-in-hand stamp. I liked his color selection and decided to frame this stamp art.

 Recent stop at Lucy's Flea Market provided this find with

cream color and gold lettering.

 So glad I made the decision to get this mirrored cross. It's one of my favorites.

Do you have favorite things? Would love for you to share in the comment section.

Rain

On this rainy day I'm still puttering with decorating ideas. By the way, here's the magazine with the bubble wrap painting idea.

Decided to use more green on the den mantel. Wanted my one green Ball jar
 to be seen.

like the crown on this green bottle

I wonder if snow flurries are on the way.

Stay warm and cozy!

Slow Start

I'm off to a slow start this January. Once Christmas decor came down...what then...? I still can't figure out what I want to use for displays and decorations.
However, I'll share a few changes.

I wanted to find an oil painting with cows in a peaceful pasture or by a stream, but alas, I had to be happy with a dog painting for Corkey. It was a Christmas surprise, but he claims I bought it for myself. Well, the price was just too good to not buy. The handsome frame was worth what I paid. I thought thirty dollars was a bargain.

oil painting on bedroom mantel

Years ago my friend Carla bought this sign at Kirkland's in Jackson. I envied hers and searched for one of my own.  It took a very long time to find another. In fact, it was Carla who stumbled across it when we were shopping At Carriage House Antiques during our November reunion days in Jackson.

 I decided to hang the sign in the kitchen near the back door.

This magazine rack was made by my dad. I had been using it over in the art nook, but now it's in our den near my easy chair. It needs to be painted, but I'm hesitant to change it. 

Speaking of art, I finally got the paints out to try a technique I saw in a magazine.

Using cardboard scraps and bubble wrap I have a new abstract painting.

I'm still trying to come up with something for the den mantel. It needs a complete makeover. Maybe inspiration will strike when I least expect it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy New Year

Another year is before us. 
Blessings to you and yours
as we start this leg of our 
journey.