Merry Decorating

Some lucky person will choose this unique door prize from Saturday's Christmas Open House at Plantation Antiques. It was an enjoyable day, watching people select Christmas gifts and treasures.

 

I still like this folk art reindeer from Kentucky. 

Three thrifting finds adorn my coffee table trunk -

the tray, bowl, and angel.

The alphabet printouts remain favorites on the mantel.

 When I bought this six dollar tree I had no idea where I was going to put it. But I'm happy to report it looks wonderful in the seat of the rocking horse my brother made for my firstborn. Four handpainted ornaments and tiny vintage balls get noticed on this slender, simple tree.

Found another sweet house at Burkes Outlet.

 

my writing desk with special mementoes

   Have a great week.

Christmas will soon be here!

Littles

Recently I shared this picture on Instagram with the caption:

Inside my secretary desk are finds, mementos, and gifts, bringing to mind persons, places, and past joys. The importance of little things is huge.

I truly enjoy searching out small treasures. This week's little finds were a brass bird and two pool balls with favorite numbers. 

My tiny chairs are back on the kitchen windowsill.  

 These clothespins are in a small bowl atop an old scale in the kitchen. Of course, I'm forever changing little things in the kitchen and in other areas around the house.

Peaceful Days

The nativity is prominently displayed. The tree is decorated.

The holiday vignettes are in place. Christmas cards are 

mailed. Most shopping errands are done.

 Therefore, I am relishing these remaining days of quiet. Soon there will be out-of-town family members and a great deal more noise and activity. But oh, I am so thankful for family, friends, and home.

 Sadly I dropped and broke this Santa figurine. Repaired him but the tiny bear in the stocking is minus one ear.

These small treasures on the writing desk shelves have big memories attached to them. The green boxes on the center shelf are new, thanks to a birthday

 gift card to Hobby Lobby from Olga.

 I have enjoyed sitting at this desk and addressing cards while listening to Christmas tapes. That's my old Panasonic cassette recorder from school days on the floor.

  

We moved Mother's bedroom suite into the extra bedroom/computer room. 

The twin bed was put in storage. Jo took the bookcase/desk unit to his house for Gunner's room. The idea to pile old bulbs around the squirrel came from someone I follow on Instagram(kelly.elko) With Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, decorating magazines and books there's a continuous supply of holiday ideas.

But the main problem I have is limited space for the layers of goodness.

Stay warm. 
Be thankful.
Anticipate Christmas joys. 
Keep traditions.
Believe in the miracle of His birth.

One Thing For Sure

When it's time to take down Christmas decor I will have a tough time finding all my regular stuff. I have tucked those things away here and there. But I'll think about that later. For now I'm enjoying the little treasures that have come out of hiding.

The little guys were here on Thursday. I like when they stray away from the cartoons and decide to start building. You can see in this photo where the church pew ends up since the tree takes up its regular place. I  have the nativity on the low table so the boys can see the manger and handle the figures.

 Another chalkboard printable is inside the secretary. I painted an old tan frame the fresh green color.  

I have been running errands this week and came across some delightful new finds and also secured a certain one that I had been watching for weeks. I'll share those later. Glad you were here and hope that  you'll be back.

Favorite Spaces

One of my Pinterest boards is titled Favorite Spaces. Just looking at the different places inside homes is satisfying. Here in my own home I have three nooks that bring me immense pleasure.

HOME ART STUDIO



 

Keeping things organized in the art area can be a chore, for I tend to drag out supplies and make a lot of clutter.    
 
 

A drawing on a Pinterest art journaling page gave me the idea to use a similar back pose for this canvas and to add WAITING at the bottom.   
 

WRITING DESK

 

 

 

  CLOSET NOOK 

 

A small desk fits into this space and allows me to write at night.

 

 

Books, pictures, and art surround me in this space and provide lots of memories. 

  closet bookcase of memorabilia 

 

 

 

Well, those are my three favorite spots that I feel lucky to have. But after viewing these photos I think I need to work on reducing my clutter. However, because almost every object has a personal significance, it will remain.  

 

     

et cetera

These two bears sit in the windowsill of my mom's room.

She won them at Bingo.

I told her they represent her and me. She has had a good week.

This is a work in progress at the school where I used to teach. Gee, after I retire the school gets an art teacher and now has beautiful murals inside and out.

These are staples around our house, especially when the grandkids are here.

This light gives off a nice glow near my writing desk.


This is my latest journal that I came across at Big Lots.

Older journals inside my desk

I am loving my desk!

Thanks for dropping by. It seems life is a big ETC these days...so much I want to do but lots of obligations and errands take precedence. Just the same I'm counting my blessings and praying for a special friend this week. May the doctors find answers to her health problem.