by candlelight...

Our electricity went out last night.

Rumor had it that it would be 1:30 a.m. before power was restored.

By the remaining light of day, I gathered candles and hunted frantically for working flashlights.

By nightfall, we were comfortably settled in to enjoy a calm, quiet evening.

I think I'll just let these candles sit on the tray and light them now and then

when I want another calm, quiet evening

(and restock our flashlights' bulb/battery supply).
As happy as I am that power was restored,
there is something to be said for the peace and calm of an evening
without all the "artificial" pleasures that electricity enables.

the dark side

However light the current decorating trends may take us,

I remain charmed by the dark side.

Sitting in my rocking chair this morning before the sun rises,

 I am more at home than ever with my dark wood, candles, books,

and simple furniture.

 Accessories, recently re-curated, catch my eye

as I sit back with a fresh cup of coffee

to enjoy the dark side a wee bit before the day turns busy.

<~candles, mantel, plaids~>

Inspired by an enjoyable Holiday House Walk yesterday,

this morning I lit a few of the red candles I'd grouped on a silver tray.

 Later in the day, I gathered some red and white items

 and arranged them on our mantel.

 I decided to place the small, white ceramic tree I made either last year

 or the year before that inside one of many creches I have.

 

Three plaid tins add a little more color and fill in the empty spaces...

All I need is a plaid lamp shade.....hmmmmmm.  

Maybe a wide ribbon tied around it?
Speaking of plaid...I'll be wearing this to a Christmas luncheon today.

I found the cummerbund at a thrift store recently (I always check out the belts).
I think it makes a festive statement with this jacket
with its OWN plaid binding.

rescued, repaired & rearranged

 Rescued and repaired, the swan.

Red candles from years gone by, rearranged 

and placed on a silver platter.

Most everything in these photos was purchased at a thrift store!

This kitchen corner was rearranged when I placed my canisters

on the newly thrifted shelf.  I'm still figuring out what to put in the two rattan drawers.

 

 This evening I found some white ornaments to hang on the white tree
that sits in front of the window atop the gate-leg table found at a garage sale this summer...

 ,,,and on a shelf in the dining area of our kitchen,
this sweet nativity, a gift from a friend.