still here

 

 Yes, I am--

 still here... 

older AND stiller.

 Still loving wooden objects

but listing (and selling) these old croquet balls.

 These golden, stackable tables came to me from my parents' home

three years ago.  I still haven't used them.

So they are listed for sale now...

I will miss them.  But not really.

A gentleman will pick these five miniature plates up

this afternoon while we are attending the pony parade.

(Maybe I'll post photos of the parade here or on

my other blog which is updated more frequently these days...)

This is what I'll wear to the pony parade--

thrifted pink top and an even older thrifted black skirt.

(I don't visit thrift stores as much as I used to,

but I still wear thrifted clothes!)

Yes!  I'm still here!

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...

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. 

shelves

In a corner of our living room

behind a vintage rocking chair,

sit a couple of stacked shelves.

Treasures fill them....

Of course, everything is second- or third- or fourth-hand.
Except for a rare dusting and an occasional addition of a thrifted child's Golden Book,
very little has changed over the past couple of years.
It's comforting somehow...

evening shadows

 ...evening shadows in our kitchen

 have a way of exposing flaws

 while at the same time

 comforting and covering the cares and stresses of the day.

 Patterns and wood grains blend

and sleep sends its subtle invitation.

(Everything here had a life with someone else before coming to us...
usage and years add character and a patina
that cannot be achieved overnight.)

farmhouse french

 Recently at Cedar Hill Ranch, Anita (whose style I GREATLY admire)

 posted eight budget-friendly ways to add Farmhouse French

flavor to one's home.

 Until looking at her suggestions, I had no idea WHAT my style was

 besides Unmistakeably Eclectic!

 But now, I'm thinking I'm not so far from Farmhouse French.

 I don't need much urging to bring out my wooden bowls and ironstone.

 And I have baskets and chippy/peeling paint...

 ...and I even have some toille-patterned pillows!

 Now, if I can just educate myself about French furniture and

find me a piece or two at one of my Favorite Thrift Stores....

...I'd REALLY be living the Farmhouse French  home style!

Be sure to check Anita out!  I'm pretty sure you'll find her blog

as delightful as Anita seems to be herself.

Oops!  Almost forgot.  This piece of silver with Christmas candles
still on it will have to stand in for the piece or two of silver
that Anita says are part of Farmhouse French style.

 You notice that I'm not ready to show you how it all fits together
just yet...That's the challenge for me.  Getting it all set up.

favorite finds from the past few days

 ...and inside, these beautiful illustrations...

I'm also enjoying a bunch of wonderful gourds - decorative;

and a couple of butternut squash - edible - and currently in the crock pot

with onions, an apple, and some turkey sausage.

A simple and tasty autumn meal...

 and this ENORMOUS sweet potato!

 It will provide meals for several days.

The sweet potato, gourds and squash were all gifts from friends.

We are blessed, and we know it.

Friday's Foray

 Yesterday's forays found me hunting....

 and gathering;

 shining and polishing.

 Even when I don't find that much,

 I return home 

happy and content.

For the scoop on the birdbath below,
and so much MORE, click on the picture!