Within walking distance of my old house is a beautiful old church, its members part of our community since before its official founding in 1867. The church stands stately just a couple of blocks up the hill from the Mossy Creek Historic District we're working so hard to revive. Unlike some churches of longstanding, this church makes intentional efforts to be welcoming... even if all that's needed is a quiet place to sit and reflect or pray. But a few weeks ago—in the middle of cold, snowy weather—neighbors around the church received their invitation. Their invitation to the table. Every family living within a mile radius of the church was ... Keep Reading...
By
A New Day for the Historic Mossy Creek District
You've heard the saying... The devil is in the detail. A few short blocks down the hill from my old house is the historic district of our small town. It's full of architectural detail! Unfortunately, there's also a whole lot of What the devil happened... and why? Our once-bustling downtown, graced with stately old buildings, was pushed aside by false illusions of progress. Back in the 1950s, a new four-lane highway was added on the south side of town—and one by one, downtown businesses were drawn away. Don't blame me! I didn't live here when the downhill spiral began... It's really quite a painful sight... It is in dialogue with pain ... Keep Reading...
By
Little Blossoms on the First Day of Spring
Hurray! Spring has officially arrived! Here's a little nudge to get myself started down the right path as this new season lies ahead. You're welcome to join me! Only a Little Blossom by Charlotte A. Perry It was only a little blossom, Just the faintest blush of bloom, But it brought a glimpse of sunshine To a dismal, darkened room. It was only a glad "Good Morning," As he passed along the way, But it spread the morning's glory Over the livelong day. New life, new beginnings, new opportunities! What does the arrival of Spring mean to you? ... Keep Reading...
By
Easter’s on its way…
Two and a half weeks until Easter I don't know your plans, but Renaissance Man and I are looking forward to having far-away family not so far away for a change! Even though my days between now and then are cram-packed busy, the recent Lenten Roses blooming in the garden helped me start getting in the mood for Easter. It seemed the perfect time to trade out the casual Winter tablescape for something a little more Spring-like. Lace and flowers and bird nests. Simple—and purple. And chippy paint. It lifted my spirits. I hope it lifts yours, too! Want more Easter tablescape inspiration? HERE you go! I'm so glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful rest of your ... Keep Reading...
By
Weekend Wondering…
Isn't it interesting how something so simple can bring back a memory? That's what happened the other day when I took this picture of a Shagbark Hickory tree at the farm. Oh, how I love the gorgeous Winter-turning-to-Spring blue skies in East Tennessee! I started wondering... Whatever happened to Adrian? It was 1994, and the elementary students were given the assignment: Write a poem about a feeling. Examples were given: love, joy... ... and the children began to write. All except Adrian. He wanted no part of that "mushy" stuff. No feeling poem for him! At the time, Renaissance Man and I volunteered at our daughters' school, and we happened to be there to ... Keep Reading...
By
Reaching…
This was my calendar page for the month of February. The month filled with ice, snow, cold—and grey skies. I reached... but nothing changed. And so I turned the calendar page to March—and left "reaching for the sunshine" behind. Over the weekend, East Tennessee was blessed with beautiful sun-filled days. Although stuck inside working on taxes, I felt my spirits lift as a neighbor cranked up his chain saw to trim trees. It sounded like Springtime! But this morning I woke to rain—and a week-long forecast for more—and I had to remind myself of the weekend's blessing. While out running errands, I didn't even notice the tiny reprieve in the rain until something ... Keep Reading...
By
Weekend Wondering… A conversation with myself
Writer's block. I rarely have it. In fact, I usually have so many topics I want to write about that I have trouble deciding where to begin. THAT's when I get blocked! But lately... Oh, I still have a ridiculously long list of topics to tackle, but lately I've had trouble getting motivated. My four-year blog anniversary quietly came and went (last Summer!), and I barely gave it a second thought. I certainly could write about my incredible journey in Blogland—because it has been incredible! I've met new friends... and discovered new things about myself. I've played in the dishes, restored vintage linens, created inspiration boards, written several series, and shared hope and second chances through ... Keep Reading...
By
Digging into the Blogger’s Tool Box
When I first started blogging almost 5 years ago, I barely knew how to crop a picture (much less take a decent one). I certainly had no idea how pixel size translated into what I'd see on my computer screen... or how to "make pics talk" by adding text to them. I also had no clue what a URL was. NOTE: If you aren't a blogger—or aren't the least bit curious about the "behind the scenes" of blogging—then feel free to take a pass on this post. Otherwise, let's press on together... Before we take that first step, though, I should mention that I do my blogging on a Mac, but most (all?) of the software I'll be mentioning is compatible with Windows as well. Fortunately, by personality—and usually by necessity—I'm a ... Keep Reading...
By
Looking for Springtime tablescape inspiration — and finding it!
Anyone besides me getting stir crazy? Today the Country Girl side of me kicked in, and I stole Renaissance Man away from the office long enough to take a quick drive out to the farm where we're (still) planning to build a new-to-look-old farmhouse. Someday... this will be our snowy-day view from the porch. This farm is only about a 10-minute drive from the century-old house we renovated—and currently live in—but the minute I step onto the property, it's like stepping into an entirely new world. My spirit calms... and time stands still. I'll have to remember this flat rock come Springtime. It's the perfect place for a tablescape, don't you think? It reminds me of ... Keep Reading...
By
QUICK-CHANGE WINTER TABLESCAPE: From Fancy-Pants to Casual
Brrrrrrrr A few weeks ago when I did this fancy-pants Winter tablescape, I had no idea Old Man Winter was still planning to stop by for a visit. He'd thrown some chilly days our way, but mostly he was MIA—until this week. First came the ice... (almost an inch of it!) ... and then the snow. Since so many of us are tucked inside on these cold days, it seems like the perfect time to quick-change the "over the top" dishes in my last tablescape and replace them with a look that's comfy-casual. Check out the changes: Wood-look charger Wood napkin rings Plaid linen napkins Everyday Mikasa "Italian Countryside" dinner plate Trade in the pearl-handled flatware Favorite ... Keep Reading...
By
Do Mardi Gras and Creative Caring go together?
Today is Mardi Gras. I'm not a fan. You'd think having once lived in Louisiana for six years, the celebration might have "taken" with me, but it didn't. In my view, the best thing about Mardi Gras was my girls getting a few days off from school! Otherwise, I just never got into the parades and parties—even the family-friendly ones. For starters, this color combo does not do it for me. YUCK! Although, I must admit: the history of the colors is interesting... The official Mardi Gras colors were chosen in 1872 to honor the visiting Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia whose house colors were purple, green and gold. Purple symbolizes Justice. Green symbolizes Faith. Gold ... Keep Reading...
By
The Result: Cleaning my vintage silk treasure
When it comes to vintage linens made of SILK, every linen collector I've ever known has taken the same approach: Love 'em "as is"—or leave 'em behind We all know cleaning vintage silk is best left to the professionals... and we know the likelihood of getting out all of those vintage stains is slim. So when I recently discovered Mama's Miracle Linen Soak, I was intrigued to read that it was okay to use with silk. Really? I've been looking for years for a product that would clean vintage silk—and it didn't exist—and so in my downsizing I got rid of almost every little piece of silk I owned. But I did still have one little silk treasure I could try to clean... Although I'm not a fan of faux ... Keep Reading...
By
Valentine’s Day Tablescape Inspiration
Just a quick post to send a little Valentine's Day love your way... while my little silk treasure is soaking. I'll let you know how that goes—hopefully tomorrow. This inspiration board includes some of my favorite Valentine tablescapes from years past. To see the original tablescapes, just click on these links. Key and pearls; green goblet: With Thoughts of Spring: A Valentine's Day Tablescape Cherubs; heart ornament: A Nod to St. Valentine Dancers: Shadow Dancing with St. Valentine Feather boa and lace: Lavished and Adored During this love-focused season, please join me... ... Keep Reading...
By
New Gal in Town: Restoration Linen Cleaner has competition!
This is a post I NEVER thought I'd write. If you're a regular here (thank you for that!), you know I have a thing for vintage linens. I even wrote an entire series on How to Care for Vintage Linens & Lace. Many times I've recommended to you my favorite all-time cleaner for vintage linens: Restoration Linen Cleaner. And many of you took my advice... and got your dirty old linens cleaned up and back into circulation. Still glad about that, aren't you? Well, I recently came across a new linen care product: Mama's Miracle Linen Soak. The "behind the scenes" story appealed to my sentimental side because Shelley Stewart, the face behind Mama's Miracle, is simply a daughter continuing—and sharing—her ... Keep Reading...
By
Eye catches value in 19th-century painting
Two things I love: auctions—and cathedrals It's no wonder this story caught my eye... I'll give you the abbreviated version, but if you want to read the long one, it's right HERE. In 2013, Christie's sold this oil painting of Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows for $5,212, believing it to be painted by a follower of famed artist John Constable. A mere 569 days later, it was sold again, this time by Sotheby's—for $5.2 million How can that be? Although the rest of the story has yet to be written, it seems that what some in the art world are calling a "gargantuan gaffe" by Christie's was discovered by staff at Sotheby's. According to the Sotheby's website, the canvas was heavily ... Keep Reading...
By
The Promise of an Early Spring
I don't know what the ol' groundhog saw where you live, but here in East Tennessee, he did NOT see his shadow... so an early Spring is on the way! I say... Bring it on! Did you know... Although they spend most of their time on—or under—the ground, groundhogs (also called woodchucks) can climb trees! Here's one Renaissance Man and I discovered at our farm in August 2012. Can you believe I waited this long to show you? It was definitely a first for us! If you're curious about other little-known groundhog facts, check out THIS site. Some of them are kinda sweet... So tell me... Will Spring be coming early to your neck of the ... Keep Reading...
