Have you noticed all of the owl ornaments in stores this year? Owls are pretty common sights in Autumn and Halloween decor, but hanging on Christmas trees? Christmas trees that aren't "woodland" trees? I didn't expect them... and to be honest, they seem a bit out of place to me – for Christmas. Agree or disagree? If you disagree, I'd really love to hear your perspective! While thinking about "wise ol' owls," I remembered something I read recently... ...the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25 The really wise people we know? They can't begin to measure up... Perhaps we ought to look ... Keep Reading...
By
Grateful: Around the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving 2013 What will it look like at your house? Will you decorate with leaves? Real or faux? Will you use family treasures? Candlelight and colored glassware? Will your dishes be formal...or casual–or both? Will the Pilgrims join your celebration? Will conversation flow easily... or is this a challenging year for your family? When you think of everything for which you're grateful this year, what's the "bright spot"? I'm grateful to be here sharing this season with you again this year. I'm grateful for the new friends I've met this past year–both in real life and here in Blogland. You "imaginary" friends are some of the best! Thanks ... Keep Reading...
By
How to gently remove old paint from antique hardware – It’s easy!
This topic may not apply to you, but if you know anyone who refinishes furniture or lives in an old house, it may just be their "missing puzzle piece." They'll love you for forwarding this post to them. Better yet, share it on your FaceBook or Google+ page. You never know which of your friends are wannabe old house owners! Unfortunately, it's a common problem: perfectly good door or cabinet hardware that's been painted over. For years I used chemical paint strippers, but all the while I thought there HAD to be a more gentle–and hopefully easier–way to accomplish the task. Good news: There is! The hardware on this door was about as *rough* as the door itself, but the door is going in a BARN ... Keep Reading...
By
Too close for comfort…
Sitting across the room, Renaissance Man couldn't believe it. Obviously the hotel room was recently updated, so why didn't the designer replace the old leather ottoman? I laughed... because I realized what he didn't: The ottoman wasn't old; it was brand new The ottoman wasn't real leather; it was "faux" The ottoman's significant signs of wear weren't added over time; they were fabricated in the vinyl The designer thought the "lived-in look" would make guests more comfortable Did it work? Not really. Comfort isn't something you can fake. It either IS–or it ISN'T. As dark comes early for many of us these days, our minds turn to comfort. Dropping temperatures send us inside as ... Keep Reading...
By
Is Thanksgiving on your radar yet?
Thanksgiving is late on the calendar this year, but I know some of you are already making your grocery lists and planning your decorations. But some of you haven't even started thinking about Thanksgiving yet. Perhaps today you could use a little inspiration... Warm colors. Texture. Leaves. Nuts. Brass. Baskets. Pottery. Wood. The vintage Homer Laughlin plates are available in my Etsy shop...and there's still plenty of time to get them to you before Thanksgiving. What are your Thanksgiving plans this year? Family coming in? Going somewhere? Cooking for a crowd–or just a few? Dare I ask... When will you put up your Christmas tree? Before or after ... Keep Reading...
By
How to get a new pair of shoes for $2.99
Here's a quick tidbit for you on this Tuesday... Recently I needed to replace a pair of casual brown shoes. Fortunately, I found the cutest pair of Clarks for half price. Yea! But UNfortunately, they were a little more reddish-brown than what I like, so I hesitated–even at half price–because I don't want to spend money and then not wear them. Knowing how much it costs to care for orphans...and knowing their names...does that to me. Here's how the conversation went: Me: These are really cute–and comfortable–but I wish they were more of a chocolate brown... Sales clerk: Well, honey, you can always rub 'em down with some mink oil. Me: Mink oil? Where do you get mink ... Keep Reading...
By
How to have hanging ferns that are the envy of the neighborhood: Part 2
While walking "speechless" in the woods the other day, I came across some wild ferns–and was reminded that it's time to show you the "after" of the ferns Renaissance Man hung on our old house porch last Spring. You know... back when I asked you if your hanging ferns are the envy of the neighborhood. Those of you with eagle eyes will notice that the ferns are hung differently in the above pics. That's because their original position over several years was causing a problem that needed to be remedied...and it required painting the porch ... and moving the ferns. But "all's well that ends well," so the other day–before temps dropped into the 20s–I took a few After pics for you. Didn't Renaissance Man do a nice job? This ... Keep Reading...
By
What “speechless” looks like…
Renaissance Man and I can live anywhere in the world–as long as he has easy access to an airport. So why do we still live in a tiny little town in East Tennessee? I'll admit... Some days we ask ourselves the same question. But not yesterday. Yesterday reminded us... Driving in the "golden rain," we made a beeline for the camera... ...and straight out to the countryside. I can't put into words what we felt–or why we still live here... but I can show you. For you Mom... You who loves "interesting" logs. And for you, sweet Little Man... You who tells me your "favorite color is red". Next time I'll show you the ... Keep Reading...
By
Life Cycle of a Damask Tablecloth
Life Lesson #31: When you reach a point of no return, accept it. Sometimes in life, there really is a Point of No Return. It's true for vintage linens, too, but it takes a really long time to get there! I'll show you what I mean... The Life Cycle of a Damask Tablecloth I began life as a large, dinner-size tablecloth; pristine white. My owners love to host dinner parties, so for many years I was fortunate to sit quietly at the table, listening to all sorts of interesting and lively conversations. Eventually, I became a bit worn from forearms rubbing me against the table edge, and the lady of the house asked that I serve at luncheons instead. Of course, I was happy to do so...even though it did require a ... Keep Reading...
By
Why Today is better than Someday
Life Lesson #30: Don't trade Today for Someday Apparently it's human nature. Vintage linen collectors know it's a fact. We've seen it many times. Far too many times. Unfinished projects... ...or finished ones–unused. New pretties... untouched and unloved. Never removed from their package. Original tags still on them... Waiting for–what, exactly? Someone to want them? To use them, perhaps? Someone to rescue them from their original boxes–storage stains and all? I can't begin to tell you how many times I've looked through the estate of someone now gone from this world who left behind box after unopened box of beautiful treasures. Sometimes the boxes even have a date on them, and ... Keep Reading...
By
Cure Discovered for Restless Hearts
Life Lesson #29: There's a cure for a restless heart It's an uncomfortable feeling when a heart is restless. When fear or uncertainty...grief or anger...disappointment or disobedience overwhelm the heart, the body loses. So does the mind. The daily routine becomes cluttered and unclear. Ugliness and distress crowd the path. If only there were a cure for the brokenness... Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord; and our heart is restless until it rests in Thee. ~St. Augustine My heart gets restless when I'm too busy for God. When prayer is an afterthought and quiet times of listening to God through his Word are neglected. When my focus is "me" and not Him. St. Augustine ... Keep Reading...
By
How to recognize the trap of accumulation
Life Lesson #28: Accumulation is a choice Vintage linen collecting often starts quite innocently; at least it did for me. I picked up two little doilies at at estate sale 20+ years ago. Total cost: $3 They weren't stored away with my few family linens but rather tucked into little vignettes in the living room bookcase–and enjoyed every day, their delicate, lacy faces adding a touch of beauty to the mundane. It was the early days of marriage with little money to spend on "unnecessaries", and I was very content with my new pretties. Fast forward many years... While visiting Daughter the Older in England, I found myself in a charity shop digging through a huge collection of gorgeous vintage linens. They were ... Keep Reading...
By
Little Lacy Treasures: What are you?
Life Lesson #27: Nothing is insignificant The subject was a random one–the ginseng harvest in Tennessee–but it led to a discussion of the universe's many yet-hidden creations still to be discovered. When I think of the vast expanse of space, the variety of plants and animals, the intricacy of the human body, I am in awe. This "detail person" cannot begin to grasp even the complexity of things we *do* know...let alone the surely many, many truths still to be discovered. And so I am thankful for the seemingly "insignificant things" because–whether I understand them or not...or even know them or not–they still work together to form this wonderful gift of life as I know it. Several years ... Keep Reading...
By
Time’s A-Ticking… Good or Bad?
Life Lesson #26: Use time wisely Time... Best friend–or worse enemy. Depends on how I use it. If I'm not careful, Time has a way of flying right by me. How did we get to late October already? Isn't it nice on the rare occasion when you can just while away the day–without a care in the world? Every day... 24 hours... Use them wisely! Have a great weekend! Make it count... I'm attending the Board meeting of Hope Unlimited for Children. Sure would appreciate your prayers... What about you? Any special plans? The calendar towels are available at Loondance: Every Cupboard Tells a Story on Etsy. Cindy would be happy for ... Keep Reading...
By
Unexpected change in life direction?
Life Lesson #25: Be versatile At one time or another, it's happened to all of us: We've faced an unexpected change in our life direction. At those times, it always helps to be versatile. Sometimes it's easier than others... Vintage linens have taught me a lot about being versatile. I once owned this lightweight Summer coverlet, but it never got used–until I decided it was the perfection tablecloth for a ladies luncheon. And this vintage coverlet became a shower curtain at the hands of its owner. Thinking outside the box... In our master bedroom, there's a single tall window. This linen tablecloth in my collection was exactly the look I wanted. Seeing it every day is a ... Keep Reading...
By
Do you read etiquette books for fun?
Life Lesson #24: Good manners are always in style! Like some of you, I've been known to spend hours reading an etiquette book. I'm especially intrigued to see how some "good manners" have stayed the same for a very long time while others have evolved–although I'm not sure always for the better. Simple table napkins always bring to mind good manners. By the way... Did you know that one of the earliest references to a table napkin was in the late 1300s? Lest you think I'm one who considers it rude to stray a bit from the etiquette book–Heavens no! But I am someone who very much appreciates good manners and knowing when–and when not–to follow the suggested rules of appropriate ... Keep Reading...
