almost finished

 I saw something similar in a magazine while browsing at Barnes and Noble the other day.  My husband went to work building one for me out of scrap wood.

This morning, my father put the first coat of paint on it.  While it dries, I am considering the options.  I'll likely opt for a light distressing and a final waxed finish.  I already have ideas of what to place atop this sweet pedestal...

a little here and a little there

I'm a bit random with my Christmas decorating.

Starts and stops and no clear plan.

Candles and traditional Christmas music contribute much to the general atmosphere.

These are a few of the most recent (and random) pieces I've added...

And my husband created a new base for a damaged nativity stable

I must not have been able to pass up last year.

It houses unrelated figures and suits me just fine!

A simple tree made of weathered wood

sits atop one of our wardrobes among red trees.

And so it goes.

A little here and a little there...

the rustic-er the better

My new favorite magazine...

Actually given its size and price ($19.95)

it's more like a book.

It's FULL of rusticity--

and for me currently, the rustic-er the better!

 Here is one rustic piece of ours 

sitting on our front porch.

I'd love to have an entire room full!

balls, boxes and bowls

 The long-neglected task of dusting began early this morning.

 It wasn't so bad as I alternated it with a cup of coffee.

 Beginning in this corner, I planned to work my way around the room.

 Progress is slow.

 I stop to photograph my recognition of all things wooden--

 balls, boxes and bowls.

Each one a favorite.  All thrift store or garage sale purchases, I'm certain.