Spring is finally in the air here in East Tennessee, and Renaissance Man and I have been getting out of the house every chance we get! Over the weekend, we took a drive in the country and passed this wonderful farmhouse. I couldn't resist taking a picture for you ... and yes, I was "seeing circles" and thinking about shelter! I asked myself what kind of table I would set this week if I lived in an old farmhouse in the country ... and I decided this house called for a traditional mix of blue and white dishes. Some of you have seen this table before, but with fields being plowed, skies turning bluer, and daffodils smiling, it's a good time to share it again. I hope you enjoy ... Keep Reading...
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Because …
Happy Easter! Last Sunday I shared with you a palm branch-laden cross ... and told you the palms would be replaced with flowers on Easter. Isn't it beautiful? Our church members bring whatever flowers are blooming in their yards and add them to the cross ... in celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and the eternal relationship he offers to each of us. Because Jesus didn't stay in the tomb, my life is full of joy and hope ...even in the hard times. Because he died for me, I am never separated from the love of God. Because he lives, I can face tomorrow ... and whatever it holds. Do you know this song? Because He ... Keep Reading...
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An Angel’s Perspective on Easter …
A few months ago, I shared An Angel's Perspective on Christmas. If you didn't see it (or want to refresh your memory), you may wish to read it now and then come back ... because this is Part 2 of the story. Characters: Finney - new resident in Heaven Zyor - Finney's guardian angel Elyon - Creator of the universe, God Michael - archangel The angel who viewed Christmas as "the heart and soul of the cosmos itself" continues... "And just when we thought Elyon could not surpass this greatest miracle with another, there came the greater one." Zyor stood, and his voice trembled, not only with awe, but now with unmistakable anger. "That little hill, where little men were permitted to do unspeakable things to ... Keep Reading...
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BUNNIES AT THE CROSS: An Offensive Easter Tablescape?
I'm wondering... Does this picture offend any of you? I really do want to know. As I was putting together this tablescape, I started with the tulips and bunnies, adding the cross almost as an afterthought ... which is odd because the cross is never an afterthought when I think of Easter. In fact, without the cross, there IS no Easter. As I reflected, I realized my Easter tablescapes always have either a "religious" or a "Springtime" theme -- never both. When decorating, vignettes have always been either/or. Hmmm ... Working on this Easter table, I found it interesting that what came to mind was the first time I saw a Christmas nativity set with Santa at the manger. I don't mind telling you it was a bit off-putting for me. I did ... Keep Reading...
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Between Seasons …
Lenten Roses and Daffodils in the snow We woke up this morning to a beautiful dusting of snow here in East Tennessee ...and I couldn't resist taking a couple of "between seasons" pics to share with you. How's the weather at your house? Are you still snowed in ... or has Spring finally arrived? Join me for Mosaic Monday at Little Red House. ... Keep Reading...
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Palm Sunday Blessings
Today is Palm Sunday. In churches across the world, the story is read of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem at Passover ... and songs of Hosanna are sung. The great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!" John 12:12-13 This is one of my favorite Sundays because it's Part One of several transformations. In our church, the children walk down the aisle waving palm branches as the choir and congregation sing. When the first child arrives, the cross is bare ... but as each child's palm branch is added, it is transformed into a ... Keep Reading...
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A Little Birdie Told Me …
It's the first weekend of Spring ... Enjoy! I'm joining Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound. ... Keep Reading...
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The Fabric of Our Lives …
I discovered a new-to-me blog this week. It "reached out and touched me" ... perhaps because I have two grandsons ... or perhaps because I read a few posts that grabbed this mother's heart. (They'd have grabbed my heart if I were a dad, too ... or if I only had daughters.) Click pic to visit Blue Cotton Memory I also discovered a new online company I think you'll love ... Click pic to check out Pressed Cotton This tablescape is my favorite from their site -- but I had a really hard time choosing! What's your newest discovery? Leave a comment and share it with us! You know I love a good theme, but I can't decide if it's a good thing -- or kinda ... Keep Reading...
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Completion of a Cross-Country Move
Hello, hello. I hope you've had a fun and festive St. Patrick's Day weekend (unlike me ... because I'm totally boring when it comes to this particular holiday). Back in January I told you that Renaissance Man and I (and a couple of fantastic helpers!) were sprucing up the inside of this old building in preparation for a cross-country move ... and I promised to show you some befores and afters. Today's the day. While the rest of us tackled a few final tasks, Renaissance Man flew to California, loaded up the office, and drove the 2500 miles back to Tennessee ... in two days. Some of my "before" pics were taken the very first time I set foot in this space ... before the previous tenants moved out their stuff. Others, as you'll see, ... Keep Reading...
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SIMPLY ST. PATRICK: A Budget-friendly Tablescape
You've probably heard it said that a person often decorates with the same colors they wear. That's not always true for me ... but this week it sure isn't! I don't have a single green thing in my closet. Pinch me if you must. On top of that, I passed along virtually all of the few green linens and dishes I had during my 2012 Year of Downsizing. Still ... for a "lover of all things Christmas," you'd think I'd have more Kelly green stashed somewhere, but I don't. So what is this gal to do when I feature tablescapes on my blog --and St. Patty's Day's a-comin'? Hmmm ... I first thought about doing an elaborate, all-white, Irish linen tablescape showcasing a stunning shamrock plant as the pièce de ... Keep Reading...
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Little Readers: Inspired by Baby Jane Austen
Welcome to a new week! Let's make it a good one, okay? Have you seen the Jane Austen board books for children? I hadn't until a few months ago when I visited Daughter the Younger. She began reading when she was four years old and -- thankfully -- hasn't stopped since! Of course she would discover these books for her little ones ... And of course she's putting together the cutest little reading space in her house ... and Jane Eyre is helping her. As Jane counted 10 BOOKS, Daughter the Younger thought, "Hmmm" ... then started designing. Then, this Nonna got invited to play, too! I pulled out my Silhouette cutter, downloaded her design, cut it out in vinyl, put it in the mail ... and now a Baby Jane-inspired bookshelf ... Keep Reading...
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Gripe or Gratitude: My Choice … What’s Yours?
Happy weekend! I'm soooooo glad it's finally arrived -- even if we do lose an hour Saturday night. To see another pink sunset, go HERE. Here at My Place, it's been one of those weeks. I got up Tuesday morning finally ready to spend a day ... one day ... tackling some put-off-far-too-long projects. Nothing too difficult, but things that needed my full attention. 1. Update computer operating system 2. Troubleshoot printer/scanner 3. Update financial software 4. Finish taxes Easier said than done! Not a single thing was as simple as it should have been. Not one thing. Warning: Do NOT update your Mac computer to Mountain Lion if you still want RSS feeds to come to your inbox because they won't ... Keep Reading...
