Focus on the Stars - My Decorations

 Welcome to my front door. What can I say, but I am thoroughly enjoying my little abode in this apartment complex. At the end of this corridor is a dog park/play area to run in.

Step inside.

The family gallery is just inside the door.

The door ahead is the office, which is messy.

I won't be showing you that as it is just computers, desks, and bookshelves.

Turn left into the kitchen and living space.

This is where it is beginning to feel like Christmas.

There are two trees in here, my little silver foil tree sits on a vintage child's chair.

Take a peek outdoors on the patio. I am not sure you can tell, but that clay pot is holding our tomato cage (upside down), wrapped in lights and a bow on top. It's our outdoor Christmas lights that twinkle at night.

Here is the main tree with a family antique quilt underneath. In front is my reading/napping chair, which I found at an estate sale many years ago. It is 100 years old and sooo cozy.

The large cabinet I found at a farm auction in Kansas about 50 years ago. It was built before the Civil War. It is where I store my china and accessories.

Since I don't have a mantle now, the window will have to do for my little village of trees and cottages. The JOY on the cabinet usually stays out all year just because I love the bling.

Here's a closer look at some of the tree decorations.

Here's the butterfly I added this year.

The clothespin ballerinas came from the time my daughter and I took ballet many years ago.
Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the twinkle and delight in my world this year.

I hope you are surrounded by twinkle and delight this holiday season.

Sending love,

Marilyn

 Yesterday a friend and I kicked off the holiday season with teatime at Pomeroy Farm.

The drive through the countryside was a delight. The food was delicious. And the festive decorations put us in the mood for celebrating.

Just outside the tearoom was this beautiful apple tree. I just had to snap a picture.

Included in teatime was a tour of the old log house. I thought you might enjoy seeing a few sights from the house.

Fascinating that even the ceiling had wallpaper.

Pomeroy Farm is about an hour north of Portland, but the drive was beautiful through the countryside. It is a historic farm that has special events throughout the year.

Sending hopes that your Christmas season is full of delight and surprises.

Marilyn

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

For me the kickoff to the Christmas season is the holiday show at my favorite antique mall in Portland. This post is showing most of the pictures I took this year at the show; so, it is picture heavy. I thought you might enjoy. It is indeed beginning to look like Christmas. Next week I will share my apartment pictures. Stay tuned!

Since I have downsized I don't really purchase, just taking pictures; but these butterflies fascinated me, and I did sneak one big butterfly on to my tree this year. So far, my "live-in gardener" hasn't noticed it. Now how can you avoid one large butterfly in this pretty green color? Just saying!

This wedding dress reminded me of my mother's wedding dress. The fabric even felt the same. I used to love playing dress up as a young girl in her wedding dress.

Now why didn't I smile? I was in my happy place.

I love, love the sparkle and shine of Christmas.

There seemed to be quite a few deer hiding here and there.

If I needed a chair, I could have been tempted by this yellow chair. It would brighten any room.

And sending best wishes of NOEL as we enter the season of JOY!

Love,

Marilyn

Focus on the Stars, The Wonders of the Season

 

Pull up a chair, let's sip a cup of tea and embrace this day of Thanksgiving. It can be a magical time of wonder or if watching the news, a time of terror. Let's hold on to the wonder of the season and be thankful. We will notice the warmth of sitting by the fire, wrapped in a cozy blanket and something warm in our hands. As we walk outside, we will notice the sounds of crisp leaves being stepped on or the sounds of the wind. We will tuck our hands in cozy mittens and our arms in a favorite warm coat.

Could this be the cozy coat or something simpler? Found at a local antique mall but didn't come home with me. I think I have simpler tastes. Just a quilted, puffy coat will do.

We will notice the simple things, like a paperwhite sitting on my kitchen windowsill.

Whatever path we take, always take time to notice those things of wonder and joy.

Sing a song of Thanksgiving and Rejoice at the simple, small things in your everyday life.

I am thankful for you and you. Thank you for stopping by. Have a most delightful week.

Sending love,

Marilyn