Hello, hello! When last we met, I’d been washing pinecones (kind of an odd thing to do, huh?) and you all had some fun responses! I told you I’d be using those freshly-cleaned beauties in this week’s tablescape.
And I gave you a little peek at an atypical winter tablescape. No cold, snowy feeling here … So what was my inspiration?
I enjoy walks in the woods once the weather turns cool. Underfoot … the rustle of leaves and the crush of fallen nuts. Overhead … the soft swish of breezes in the trees. All around … the sounds of birds and scurrying wildlife. Dominant colors of grey and brown pair with amazing textures … and the mostly barren earth takes on a beauty all its own. Wildlife and textures and colors … My inspiration this week.
I’m just going to let you look this time —
so you can let your mind wander …
so you can let your mind wander …
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.
Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.
~Raymond Inmon
My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing.
~Aldous Huxley
After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.
~George Macauley Trevelyan
Thoughts come clearly while one walks.
~Thomas Mann
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
~John Muir
Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.
~Henry David Thoreau
Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.
~Wallace Stevens
Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird.
~Jules Renard
After dinner sit awhile, after supper walk a mile.
(English proverb)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
(Micah 6:8)
When’s the last time you took a long walk … just because?
Pinecones: East Texas 30+ years ago
Antler sheds: West Texas through the years
Pheasant feathers: South Dakota (2007)
Acorns: East Tennessee (2 years ago)
Aspen bark: Northeastern Arizona (recently)
Centerpiece basket: Local overstock store (3-4 years ago)
Macrame centerpiece: vintage; auction (many years ago)
Napkins: vintage; auction (several years ago)
Plates: Royal China “Overture”
Chargers: Wal-Mart (last year)
Glasses: Dollar Tree (last year)
Pearl-handled flatware: antique; auction (last year)
Spoons: Oneida “Michaelangelo” stainless; estate find
Candle stands: auction (years ago)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’m joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. You can, too!
Love your center piece, like all your items from nature even your washed pine cones. Very creative, Laura
Gorgeous tablescape! The centerpiece is fabulous!
Your centerpiece is incredible! I’ve never thought to “wash” my pinecones! They look lovely. Susie
So glad to know someone else picks up natural mementos with table in mind when traveling. You have put them to such beautiful use.
This is just so exquisite Susan! I love how it captures the essence of this beautiful world of ours during this season. We do lots of walks as a family (in every season!) but there truly is something unique about winter walks…the air is so fresh and crisp. I love that Micah verse and haven’t heard/read it in awhile but felt like it was balm for my soul. Thank you for sharing this with us today! 🙂
Vanessa
I love every little element on this table, Susan, especially the pieces of bark! Beautiful!!! When we bring nature to the table, it is always bound to turn out perfectly because that’s a part of God’s work! Funny…my best girlfriend and I just went hiking today! We were out there for about an hour and a half in some woods about 2 miles from my house. I had never been out there, but my neighbor – an avid hunter – told me I might be able to find some deer antlers out there. We didn’t find any, but it was still fun to just be out there in the fresh air. (Well…maybe not so fresh, really. A LOT of animals poop in the woods! I never thought about that before! I will have to burn my shoes! 🙂
OOh your washed pinecones are sooo pretty. I love the feathers with them. I totally love your style, this table is amazing. The quotes are so lovely and the perfect accompaniment to this post.. xo marlis
What a stunning centerpiece and your flatware is beautiful!!
Okay, I have to admit that I’ve never even thought about washing pinecones…they are so pretty…NOW I get it! Yesterday it was 65º. This evening we had a driving snow storm, and we already have an inch in some areas….though there doesn’t seem to be that much outside my door. Time for a great winter
tablescape, methinks. Thanks you for sharing your gorgeous design…I may have to pull out my pheasant feathers! Cherry Kay
Dear Son and I LOVE to go for walks with the dog, and have been grateful for the mild winter… that is up until TODAY! We just received our first real covering of snow today, complete with school delays and snow plows everywhere.. Oh well, we knew our good luck couldn’t hold up forever! (0; LOVE your beautiful table; and maybe with the exception of jewelry, shoes, and pocketbooks, homemade is always best, if you ask me! LOVE your beautiful centerpiece!… Have a great weekend! ~tina
Love all the natural elements you’ve used especially the pine cones. I love going for walks and your quotes about walking hit a chord with me. The Henry David Thoreau quote strikes a particular note as I often find walking gives me inspiration…
What a beautiful post. We have a house out in the country (mississippi) and I love to go for walks and often just sit in the deer stand with my camera. I can sit for hours.
Your tablescape is fabulous. My hubby has alot of antlers out in the shed and now I have a way to use them. They would look wonderful on the table there. He does not want me to “girl up” the house in Mississippi to much. LOL
Lovely post, Susan, with wonderful quotes! Your table, with items collected from walking all OVER the place, given your list of sources, looks wonderful! All the natural elements “play well” together. I think I need to go for a walk in the woods. . . .
Hi Susan, what a lovely, lovely post, so close to my heart! I agree wit the quote that a good walk in the woods is “church”! I had not heard that one before. Thank you for the link to the Brazilian group that rescues children. Send me an email and tell me how your are involved or heard about them.
I can’t decide what I like more, the table or the quotes! You also happened to use one of my favorite Bible verses. This table is as lovely as its inspiration. I couldn’t agree more with you on that. My favorite part is the beautiful centerpiece.
I had to go back and read the washing pine cones post. I commented there about both the pine cones and your wonderful words on my recent blog post. I just loved that and thank you.
I’m ready for some sunshine and Sallies at my place. First, I probably need to wash pine cones, though.