Since S*N*O*W is the talk of the town around here, it seems like the perfect time for a quick-and-casual Winter tablescape. And a quick-and-casual Winter tablescape calls for fun-and-casual snowman dishes! And a snowman, of course! Is S*N*O*W the talk of the town where you live? By the way... If something seems a bit familiar about this centerpiece, then this isn't your first visit to My Place! I'll show you why that is—and show you the key to a quick-change centerpiece—early in the next few days. Sign up to receive new posts via email so you won't miss it! In the meantime, please stay warm and be safe! Join me at How Sweet the ... Keep Reading...
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OMG
OH MY GOD In this world of social media and "shortspeak", that's what OMG stands for: OH MY GOD This is the first—and almost certainly the last—time I will ever write it. As with many other of today's common phrases, it strikes me as a flippant, tossed-around expression that has little if anything to do with God. That really bothers me. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. (Exodus 20:7) But today... OMG Today it's my heart cry... Oh, my God. MY God. The one who created me, loves me through every one of my good and bad choices, and will not leave me or let me down no matter how bleak the circumstances. The one who's proved himself faithful for all of ... Keep Reading...
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The END of Life as we know it…
This post first appeared here January 16, 2012. Last January I reposted it—to give myself a check-up on how I'm doing. For some reason, I feel compelled to reprise it again this year. Perhaps you'll benefit, too. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. I can't help but wonder ... Is the opposite true, too? Is it possible that life in its truest and best form actually BEGINS the day we stop being silent about things that matter? The day we give voice to someone who has none ... When we value the life stories that came before ours ... ... and let the generation after ours be born to tell theirs. When we stop worrying about awkward ... Keep Reading...
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Winter Magic Tablescape
After a much warmer than usual December here in East Tennessee, I decided I'd try to speed Winter along by adding a few icy touches in the dining room. I'm not a big fan of Winter (except for its beauty!), but if it will just come, we can move on to Spring sooner! I decided to keep this Winter Magic wreath. It was so much fun to make, and since it's "all about Winter", it's now found a new home. Its colors inspired today's tablescape... I just made a few simple changes to THIS centerpiece and moved on to the next season. A little faux snow sprinkled around adds a nice touch of Winter elegance to an otherwise casual ... Keep Reading...
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How a Google search extended a legacy: The stained old blanket
On New Years Eve, I received an email. The subject line: Getting stains out of an old blanket As I clicked on the email, I was sure it would be another (always welcome!) email asking for "how to" advice—but it wasn't. It was a success story! And Kim—a total stranger—wrote to say thank you. Made my day! Kim had discovered one of my posts via a Google search (thanks, Google!)—and then followed my linen care instructions all the way to CLEAN! With her permission, here's the back story... I had a baby blanket (that had never been used but had been in storage for 18 years) that was made and given to me by my grandmother to put in my hope chest. I wasn't able to have kids, so in the chest it ... Keep Reading...
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Old house reveals another secret
Happy New Year, dear friends! I wonder what lies ahead in 2016... Without a doubt, if the past is any indication, we'll look back this time next year and stand amazed at how the year played out. Today, even with all of the puzzle pieces spread out in front of us, we can be sure there are "unseens" that will join the picture. There's more influencing our lives than meets the eye... Recently while cleaning house, I spotted something on the floor. When I bent down to pick it up, I realized something was stuck under the baseboard. Something I'd never seen before. In case you're a new reader here (welcome! and I hope you'll stop by often), I should tell you that Renaissance Man and I purchased an uninhabitable old ... Keep Reading...
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Foreshadowing
Sometimes Life blindsides us—and then we look back and see pieces of the proverbial puzzle that we hadn’t seen before. Ever had that experience? ... Keep Reading...
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Pilgrimage to Bethlehem
It was December 2013 when a dear friend called from Louisiana asking, "Do you know where I am?" A quick mental check told me it was the second weekend of December, and so I answered with a wistful smile, "You're in Bethlehem." I was right—and I was flooded with memories of a time past when Renaissance Man and I were in Bethlehem, too. Over 18 years ago, while living in Louisiana, I was asked to brainstorm—dream out loud—with a small group of church members about a unique way to tell the story of Jesus' birth. Some churches do Christmas pageants; others do live nativity scenes. We envisioned something more. Much more. We envisioned a full-scale recreation of 1st century Bethlehem where guests become pilgrims—and part ... Keep Reading...
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An Unlikely Holiday Tradition … and a last-minute gift idea
It may look like the most unlikely place ever for a holiday tradition, but it's a great one! If you ever find yourself in the little town of Mineral Wells, Texas in November or December, you really should drop by The Box Factory. At first glance—and second—it's really unimpressive. But don't give up. During the holidays there's a treasure trove of goodies right under your nose. It was boxes that Sister asked Mom and me to pick up for her. She was working on a project—and lives more than two hours away from The Box Factory. But she was in luck. Mom and Dad live in Mineral Wells, and I was home for a visit... and then going to see ... Keep Reading...
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East Tennessee Voices
This isn't the post I planned to write today. I had another one running through my head, but this one crowded it out... Did you watch The Voice finale? If you did, you saw Jordan Smith and Emily Ann Roberts claim the top two spots. Those two were all the rage around here today! Every local news channel and radio station was talking about them because they both have East Tennessee ties. Emily Ann is a student at Karns High School in Knoxville, and Jordan (who hails from Harlan, Kentucky) is a student at Lee University—just down the road in Cleveland, Tennessee. We couldn't be more proud! But you know what I love most? Not only did those two amazing voices get much-deserved recognition, ... Keep Reading...
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Casual Christmas Tablescape
Happy holidays to all! Before leaving home on a recent trip, I put together a quick tablescape. It's: easy casual festive versatile (potential themes: Santa, rustic, country, woodland) uses traditional Christmas colors Wanna see? Set of Debbie Mumm salad plates—in 4 different designs! Punches of red glass: red goblets (Steinmart online sale years ago) and flocked red "velvet" votive holders (Dollar Tree years ago) Easy-peasy centerpiece: reclaimed wood tray, pinecones, vintage ornaments and sprigs of holly and pine. Seagrass placemats and wood napkin rings complement the wood tray and the slightly "rustic" vibe. Dinner anyone? Do tablescapes ... Keep Reading...
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Running in Circles: The schedule of a vintage ornament wreath artist
Hello all! Did you think I disappeared? It's been far too long since I've been here—and I've missed you!—but trust me when I say I haven't been sitting around eating bonbons. :-) Some of you will remember when I shared how to get creative with old ornaments. And when I got a little crazy making wreaths... I sold a few on eBay, but they're so fragile—and packaging/shipping costs so much—so I decided to try to find a new venue for selling them. You know... get "all in" or get out! I wanted to try once more since making these beauties brings me pure JOY—and because every wreath has a bit of a theme going on. And if you're a regular here, you know how I LOVE ... Keep Reading...
