Highlights

 I thought I'd share a few May highlights. Mother's Day was certainly special. I got to spend it with my daughter and granddaughter.

Of course, most days here at home are quiet and ordinary. But that's nice, too.

Late one night I decided to move the family photo albums to a new location. For several years they have taken up space on the tall bookcase in the entry. Luckily they all fit in the bottom cabinet of the hutch with the years visible. I no longer print a lot of photos since everyone keeps pictures on their phones.

Gunner, Nick, and Lucas came by the other day, and I told them of the new arrangement. While sitting on the floor, they pulled out a few albums and had fun looking back at their young selves.

Time spent outside has been very rewarding. May is a perfect time to appreciate the  beauty of  flowers and to relax in the swing.

Browsing the aisles of this store, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Tuesday Morning made for an enjoyable May outing.

Lovely hand dipped candles were displayed so well I had to stop and admire.

This book arrived in the mail. It was an online order from Barnes and Noble, thanks to a gift card. 

I made a recent purchase with Christmas on my mind. I saw this set of books with a low price tag and thought the red color might be good for Christmas decorating.

 

A Few Bookcase Favorites

Of course, there are many books on the shelves. But personal memorabilia
are on display, too. I feel sure I have shown these before.

The brown candle holder was a gift from Xenia King who was once my dear mother-in-law.

This is probably my favorite piece, a 1970 Austin reproduction.

I found her when I attended college in Jackson,TN.

 A find from Bojo's Antique Mall

Sadly this Memphis antiquing landmark closed several years ago.

"Is It Really Santa?"

 Lucie Attwell figurine

Hallmark Days of Childhood

Willow Tree Heart and Soul

Schedules and Plans

If I could develop a regular schedule I believe I could get more done. I seem to be wasting precious time. Motivation and drive have shriveled. Is it because of my age? Do I feel that my most productive years are gone? Do I know what I really want to accomplish anymore?

I hope to spend a certain amount of time in this space every day.

One goal is to be more creative.

After packing away Christmas items I've been bringing back other decor.

Leaves and acorns are always favorites of mine. 

Another goal is to read more books.

Plan to start a new painting now that I'm feeling better.

Another Day

How are you? Is it cold where you happen to be? This little plant in my utility room window reminds me that warmer days are coming.

As many of you know, my mother's health continues to decline. Every time the phone rings, I dread answering it. To have a loved one lose their memory is absolutely heartbreaking. It gets harder and harder for me to watch as my mom's personality disappears.

 

 

Also her physical condition is extremely fragile. I appreciate and admire the aides and nurses who care for Mother and all the other elderly patients. Watching them lift and move weak patients is amazing;they do such a smooth transfer from wheelchair to bed. 

 

 

I believe January is one of the best months for reading. I am glad my love of reading was nurtured years ago when I was a little girl. I remember what a thrill it was when the bookmobile would stop in front of our house in Swartz, Louisiana. Now I probably have too many books, but I can't part with many of them.

 

 A few have special significance.

 

 Some have been lovely gifts.

Some were inexpensive finds at stores like Goodwill.

 

Speaking of finds, I chose this tin pail recently to use as a wastecan in the guest bedroom. Each side shows children climbing trees and swinging...reminders of my own childhood.

 

 

 

Days of Quiet

A homebody is what I have been for several days.

 

Reading has been a part of my quiet days. I enjoyed Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio and Friends Forever by Danielle Steel. These were two paperbacks I came across, and they proved to be good summer reads. The book Jesus Calling was a gift and has proven to be a real joy. I read from it each morning. This devotional is by Sarah Young and gives a message for every day of the year. She writes in the introduction, "These messages are meant to be read slowly, preferably in a quiet place. I invite you to keep a journal to record any thoughts or impressions you receive as you wait in His Presence. Remember that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. May He bless you with His Presence and Peace in ever-increasing measure."

Wishing you comfort and peace,
Sandy

 

 

Bargain Hunting

You never know what you will stumble across when treasure hunting. Recently I was at a thrift store that stocks mostly clothes and books. However, on the floor in one corner was a group of framed pictures. The painting below was worth the two dollar price. The fruit basket had been done by a young artist in 1971. Rather than the art subject it was the information on the back that prompted me to buy the oil painting. What was she like? Did she continue to paint or give it up? 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Another find was a Haeger piece of pottery for four dollars.
White and cream pottery pieces are hard to resist. I like them for useful containers and for their beautiful forms. 

Finally at Goodwill among their decorating and craft books was this special treasure. I had no trouble parting with three dollars for this book.  So many exquisite photos and wonderful ideas. Some of them I had clipped and saved from past magazine issues.

If you are a treasure hunter, you already know the fascination and thrill of a trip to the flea market, antique shop , or thrift store.

Books and magazines

There are books that I delve into again and again. Two are below. They offer  page after page of good stuff.

The same is true of a select group of magazines. I refer to them time and time again. Today while buying groceries I checked out the magazine aisle. I gave in and bought this

...even though I told myself the other day when I first spotted it and glanced through its pages in the store that I wouldn't pay the price.  Good thing it's a keeper!

Addicted

I think I now have an addiction to inexpensive forgotten treasures. These finds usually turn up at antique malls, thrift stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and yard sales.

The little standing lamb was too sweet to leave behind. With three lambs I have the start of a collection. Actually I think I have a few more packed away with Christmas boxes. 

This dark wood plate I debated about in my mind, but the quote by Helen Keller was the deciding factor. Also liked the tree and bench in the scene.

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller 

The horse clock continues to run, and I am getting used to it on the wall.

These two prints I have had since the  1970's. I never tire of the storefront or the bookstore.

I am reading a good book that I don't want to end. It's a story of enduring friendship. 

I have another Kristin Hannah book to read after this one. I'm also pouring over the pages inside this Country Living decorating book.  

Autumn days are meant to be enjoyed so let's you and I remember to take the time to savor the sights, smells, and activities of fall.