I thought of you last Fall when this pair of antique courting couple brass girandoles sold in my Etsy shop. While packing them to ship, I realized I'd never used them in a tablescape. So–in October–I put together a quick romantic Valentine's Day tablescape to celebrate young love and old mature love. All it took was a few simple elements: Antique lace Gold-encrusted Lenox china (a mixture of "Stanford" and "Hanover" patterns) "Pops" of red Roses – white (purity, youth, innocence) and red (respect, courage, passion) Young love to mature love... It's a beautiful thing to observe – and to experience. Many of us have been blessed to witness our own parents' and grandparents' relationships – and to learn from their choices, ... Keep Reading...
The Study: Old House Renovation Story
Welcome back for the continuation of my old house renovation story. When last week's chapter ended, I had welcomed you into my home, shown you the Living Room, and we were standing right here in front of these century-old pocket doors. They lead to Renaissance Man's study. Sometimes I call it his Trophy Room. If you have a problem with hunting wild game, you might want to skip this part of the story... but you'd also miss one of the best renovation decisions we made. Your choice. The first time I looked behind these doors, I saw a very dark room with a great old light fixture and filthy–once pretty–draperies. You can't see it in this poor excuse for a picture, but there was ... Keep Reading...
#RiskRejection: Unsubscribe if you must
Have you noticed? RISK has been a common topic here lately. Even before Amy Sullivan issued her #RiskRejection challenge – and I accepted it – risk was already happening. I guess without intentionally choosing one, RISK has become my word for 2014. Throughout the month of December, as I wrote my daily Themes of Christmas series, I'll admit: My heart wasn't completely in it. Oh, I enjoyed writing those posts – because I always love playing with themes – but I was distracted. Distracted by impending risks. My very first post of the year spelled it out: That’s where I find myself here at the beginning of 2014: stepping into the unknown. . . . the more I watch God work in lives of desperate children, the ... Keep Reading...
