Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Blissfully Simple




Waking to dew filled mornings and this morning a light rain here in Ohio are daily reminders that fall has started to set in... As The work crew continues their very hard work and near completion of the pool in the back yard... They are packing the sides this morning and will be dropping the liner and filling the pool later this afternoon and pulling out by evening according to Shelby...
My thoughts remain positive about keeping things simple in my life... This will include fall and Christmas this year... Knowing fully it doesn't take very much to liven up a room with fall and Christmas touches... Much of the spirit lies in our attitude toward it all itself... The filling of simple glass jars and bell glass cloches with pumpkins leaves berries nuts or baubles or beads can be very striking... Using a old aged silver tray for a base for little vignettes is stunning.. Mirrors and trays are both lovely ways to start a foundation for a display...
If you are on a tight budget as I am usually myself.... and we just received the bill for the pool this morning and Tom is off to get into his savings as it will be 5000.00 more than expected on original estimate.... and we stayed very modest... I will try not to add to extra spending in any way.... Nature itself can be a very thrifty way of adding a lovely look with the use of cones, berries, nuts, branches and just searching for lovely items laying and growing around you... Another way of adding a soft romantic touch of course is with the clear Christmas lights... This addition can start with fall decoration and be transferred into Christmas with the addition of different trims... I love the idea of using the lights early as you don't have to be placing them when it gets super cold outside... There seems to me to be something magical about the clear Christmas lights.. they are soft but yet brilliant that can welcome you as well as your neighbor and friends....
" Blissful Simple" can be easily achieved in my thoughts by using timeworn objects of the past and adding that touch of bling... Create the atmosphere I so delight in surrounding myself in....
Last evening we had a beef roast carrots and potatoes for our supper and sliced tomatoes and I made more so I had left overs..also my son and my X ate with us as they were here when it was supper time.... I am about to go to the kitchen and place a large kettle of vegetable soup on to simmer for a couple hours for our lunch today... I have it all chunked up and went to the garden and picked green beans and will be adding some sweet corn ... I love the idea of being able to serve several meals from a main meal... Again the idea of keeping it simple works in many different areas... Sending you best wishes as we travel into a holiday weekend and the ending of summertime on our area....




Monday, August 29, 2011

Monday Morning

Snowflakes.. Jeanne d Ark





Gushy....... update.....






Monday Morning.... the sounds and sights of giant iron yellow streaks can be hear this morning as they travel by on route to schools in our district as it is the first day back from summer vacation..
Sounds of very large work crews continues in our back yard area as the crews continue with our pool construction.. Shelby is telling us the pool will be completed and filled with water by weeks end... The crew has amazed us with the amount of work they complete in a days time.. The outlining patio and pool surround has been completed with the cementing.. They are doing the brushing now... Cement has been poured on the floor of the pool...



As the pool nears completion I am thinking of placing fall decorations out on porch sometime this week... I have had fall and Christmas on my mind as of late... This weekend I went online and found a wholesale house that sold glitter snowflakes and I purchased 4 dozen for under 20.00 including shipping.. I am not going to be bringing most of by Christmas out of storage this year... no village or pink balls ect... I have decided to just simplify and enjoy this year... The use of snowflakes will create a winter wonderland as the use of snow and glitter and bottle brush trees will complete the wonderland... I already have many bottle brush trees and snow so will use existing objects... Just a winter wonderland appeal... Very simple but with a designers touch of which I possess. I know I can make it pretty and I have so learned to make life more simple is also to make it more enjoyable..... This lesson has defiantly come with age.....








Friday, August 26, 2011

Home

As the schools prepare in our area for children to return on Monday and vacation ends, pool construction continues under cool breeze and blue skies and dew laying on the landscape... at our little country home sitting on acres surrounded by corn fields on one side and soy bean field on the other... The outdoor fun being constructed for future enjoyment make the indoor chores a easier part of life... The addition in this pool I didn't have as one of the features is the large step down steps entering into the pool... we just had 2 ladders before as they didn't offer these 35 years ago... The steps and under water lighting { being installed as I post} are 2 features I desired...
The peaceful setting surrounded by corn and bean fields framed with lovely shade trees provides a spot of private retreat with a level of country charm... A modest place we call home... Life in our back yard area is all about comfort... making simplicity combine with substance...
I often think about people and all their different dreams and wants.. I have friends from every walk of life... Some have wishes for nothing but the finest.. some have not many wants and have lived in the same home for years upon years and seem to be very content... Some have moved 5 times in the last 15 years or so and purchased all new belongings and still seem not to have found contentment...
In my quiet quest for the want of comfort I do believe Tom and I have succeeded.. Would it be sweet to have other new things... sure.. but it is going to enhance our true happiness. " No".. With the aging process I think you are able to figure this all out.. In the end result..... "Things are just things" and truly do not buy happiness.
When all my running and chores are completed this little country home is what I love the best... surrounded by wonders is my little nest known as home...


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Making The Best

"THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE DON'T HAVE IT ALL...... THEY JUST MAKE THE BEST OUT OF WHAT THEY HAVE".....................................





It seems my life as of late has become busier that I am comfortable with... I am ready to slow down the pace... I lay in bed with many thoughts running through my head and have once again decided in my mind and wishes to enforce the desire to slow down and live and enjoy at the pace I want... I feel not the need to run or purchase something everyday... Only take the extra special time to enjoy what is offered to me... If I do not make this happen it is all my fault... I have promised myself once again to enjoy all the treats I have at my access and not to let them pass me by... Taking the extra time when dressing to go to town or a event to take out jewelry and embellish my appearance instead of letting belongings lay in storage... I purchased it ... use it... Dump a ton of oils into my bath water and enjoy the pleasure... { and then call the plumber..LOL} Enjoy surroundings although they may not be a resort.. Making food serving extra special... Taking time to really enjoy time with family and friends ... not making excuses or not enjoying the moments... At the time the sun is setting take time to enjoy the beauty... As a peaceful retreat of our home makes it a place you want to be... this also is enjoyed much more if you do not allow yourself to get behind... We ourselves can allow this kind of experience... Be wise enough to allow it... Create a satisfying life and make the best of what you have...


UPDATE..... Last evening and into early morning house... storms roared through out area with tornado warnings in effect... The digging was one big mud hole this morning filled with water from the storms... The large machinery bucketed it out and is digging away and the boys are stomping in the mud making their way around working.... The rains haven't appeared all summer and we wanted to avoid them during this period but I guess God is answering our prayers we prayed for all summer... We forgot to include the dates in our prayers... However, I will not let this dampen my spirit... I was going to add a picture this morning of the digging and mess but it would have been a really DIRTY one... LOL.....







Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Destruction Has Begun




Yesterday was spend pumping out 800.00 dollars worth of water into a ditch that runs beside our home.... it was rather painful as we now know that 800.00 worth of water has to be hauled in once again in a couple weeks and new chemicals added once the new pool is completed... The crew pulled in at 8:00 this morning and the second pic is all the destruction that has taken place in about 3 1/2 hours.. I am totally amazed at the amount of work they have completed and already 4 dump trucks full has been hauled out... It has been a very noisy morning however.... I tried to stay busy by preserving by freezing tomatoes and green beans for soup making this winter when the snow flies... Will keep you posted with pics once the new pool starts taking shape... It will be interesting to watch the process.....





Monday, August 22, 2011

Last Dips Taken... Fall Echos

What seems to be a very long weekend has departed with many thoughts and stories shared by many and many of us agreeing, yes, we have become our mothers.. Saturday evening after arriving home I even had turned into my grandmother as I went to bed before the sun had completely set.. No matter what the square footage when we are tired we want to return to our little have for rest and peace of mind...
This morning is damp and cool as the temps were around 50 degrees but the sun has come out to warm the chill and charge our battery... Signs of fall are echoing everywhere and thoughts of dipping in the water have not even entered my mind... the fields and landscapes are going through change... School children in our school district { Northeastern Local... Tinora} are capturing their last week { many at the Defiance County Fair} before going back to school this coming week on Monday to further their educations...
I am feeling the urge to scatter some fall decorations around as I usually do in September till the last week of October when the scatterings of Christmas starts to take place... Autumn colors are always a warming and welcoming sight for myself as it is one of my favorite times of the four seasons we have here in Ohio.... This summer lacked enjoyment for me as I didn't handle our high 90 to 100 degree temps very well that broke all records ever... My garden is trying to bear it last offerings.. The cucumbers are drying up as well as the greens beans as they struggled through a very dry season... The sweet corn stalks have been chopped and rotated into the garden soil as it wasn't as good year for sweet corn for us either... Yesterday we purchased peaches from a local orchard and I have to say they are just delicious and to be enjoyed with delight... Seasonal varieties of peaches and apples should be enjoyed for the next couple weeks... Farmers within a month or so should be making ready for the giant horses to go to the fields for harvest for undetermined yields as the summer was hurt with our lack of rain... Scarecrows and pumpkins... along with dried cornstalks and other ready fall decorations will be visible soon... many porches and yards will be filed with these Autumn pleasures... All these treats have become popular through our heritage and years past...
Well I must say goodbye for most likely a couple days as my home is in need of some attention.. laundry... garden produce to be attended... porches and decks cleaned.. pillows must be plumped among many other little chores... Being away from the home for a couple days and leaving things unattended has made chores mount up...
Tomorrow is another busy day as I have "fun day" for ladies golf league in the morning and in the evening a jewelry party to attend at a friend Kay's home.... Then hopefully my obligations will be less as I have to focus on other things pending... that need to be completed... Tom has himself booked solid and will not be under foot for the next couple weeks with golfing events... Sending blessings and best wishes for a couple days for posting will not most likely take place tomorrow...


Friday, August 19, 2011

Living The Life You Love

After traveling through the journey we call life for 70 years ow, it is not easy to always live the life we love... Not being from a family that came with many silver spoons... I have learned to substitute many wants with many small tidings ... Lavish was never available to me... Reflections however in what I believe in are put into place however... Learning the understanding of what is truly important has been acquired like lessons we learned in school... Living the more simple life has developed into my fondness desires... I am grateful for what blessings has been bestowed onto me these past years and not really that envious of others decisions... Tom and I have made simple decisions almost all of the time.... once in awhile we step somewhat away from what we think to be right... Our decisions may not be so desired by others but they seem to work for us... We have some lovely acreage to stroll in and call home with no desires of having a second place to call home... One home is more than good enough for us.... As many ladies are offered diamonds as their best friend... some cheap piece of junk will most likely spark me and turn into a treasure... It seems like a gentle person with love in their heart can make your world a extra special place to be... Objects and days gone by speak to me... especially not enjoying the challenges we face today... Seeming everything has become to analyzed when all it really needs is some good common everyday sense... As for adding color to my life.. I guess I just turn to nature for doing so.. The lovely surroundings offer a peace and contentment when walking upon them and when using them for inspiration for color in one's home and everyday living...
In my teens after my father passed away it seems many classmates were strutting in new clothing and I had my little closet of 5 blouses... one for every school day and 3 skirts to change them off with... and was always seeking embellishments of some kind to change them abit.. I find myself still having that desire today... not so much in my clothing as I am a blue jeans strickly gal... but in my everyday surroundings of my home... I dress my home as I use to my paper dolls I would create and sketch... It was my favorite pastime as a child... Seems as a child I was always practicing art of salvaging and it has continued through the many years... I consider it adding charm and character and it just comes natural... The simple taste of the country is a sweet memory of times past as I peer from my large picture window and watch the neighbors scurry and make ready to head off to our county fair.. The camper they will stay in went a coupled days earlier... and the loading of the horses are awaiting... along with other projects ... Remembering the years spent doing the same things brings back some of those simpler moments... Finding the later years... unbridled I still enjoy watching others make ready with their families... and making their memories...
Having contentment and a certain amount of wisdom makes something beautiful happen.. especially when you are willing to be accepting of the ways things are.... Sending blessings.... This afternoon we will be off to Toledo to go to The Distillery to visit with very old friends that are in from Arizona and tomorrow I have a class reunion birthday celebration for all our 70th birthdays to attend... At this time I believe Sunday may be a day of rest as I enter into another week with other events... all creating the memories and the life I love...


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A Farewell Get Together

The labor of cleaning this pool is about over ...This evening we will host a farewell cookout with 2 other couples as we mill around the existing pool for what will most likely be the last time.... This old pool of 35 years has seen many a pool parties enjoyed by young and old and have some stories it could tell....Good thing there wasn't any built in cameras..LOL Tonight we will be roasting hot dogs... potato salad and baked beans.. cucumbers... tomatoes... relishes and dessert and card playing will be enjoyed by all....
As times will be marching on and all good things age I many times wonder what makes us be inspired to hunt for treasures and become so delighted and so intrigued with them... I know most of the time we all love new things but with age I have learned to be very content with existing things.... There becomes a time when you make decisions as to antiques or vintage to spend your money on... Generally antiques are considered to be more hand crafted and 100 years or more in age and more expensive to purchase while vintage is not as old and not really nearly as expensive as a rule... many lovely vintage items are available in shops and markets and sales and will marry well with antiques or everyday belongings... I enjoy making them all a family as I have a big mix of all... When purchasing something.. make sure you truly love it otherwise it is not worth any expense.. Don't purchase objects you really don't have room for... Cluttering can take some the individual wow factor away from a unique object ... where marrying in vignettes is much more pleasing to the eye... and showcase items of interest...
As time has been filled I have slowed on getting more objects around for my garage sale and Tom has suggested we take it into September after all the heavy equipment and trucks have completed there running in and out while the new pool construction takes place... As It will give me more time I fully agree and thoughts of maybe parting with more objects will take place... All my items will be small in size as it will just mainly be decorating items... I am not parting with furniture... I will just be content with what I have.... I am off to prepare some baked beans for later baking and making some caramel corn for much later snacking.... If I get this all completed it will be a lovely afternoon to take some time in the sun and enjoy old time with our departing pool....



Monday, August 15, 2011

Passing Moments

The past week was filled with events and not much time spend on caring for the home.. I feel a bit like this little person stranded upon the chair...Yesterday was the church festival and after completing working my shift I spend the rest of several hours with my children and little granddaughter Olivia... On my what a fun time was had by her.... and she went home with a bunch of goodies...
Today I must make a trip to town as my meds have run out... Tuesday if ladies golf league.. just tomorrow and fun day and the league will be over for this year... Wednesday afternoon we are having two other couple over for a small cookout and a farewell to the pool party with cards later... Friday we are traveling to Toledo to visit with friends that are in from Arizona... We are meeting at The Distillery for dinner and conversation... Saturday is my class reunion celebration for all our 70th birthdays and I am surprised how many are coming... The other days I must make ready and sift through the house for more items to be priced for my sale.. Seems the sale keeps getting shoved aside for other events...
I miss having time to be creative and resourceful.... but the desire still remains.. I usually rely on creativity to make my home have some charm... Not having a large amount of money to spend doesn't mean you can't have nice things as I have stated before.. Fabrics as well as clothes can always be layered and embellished. and items can be re-purposed into desires one of a kind items.. The other evening one of the gals at the jewelry party loved the runner I had made on my table that I had sewed a remnant piece of grain sack and a vintage table runner cut in half together... I love it also... and it was created with just stuff I had laying around my home... One of a kind creations are wonderful... Many one of a kind creations end up coming from scouring thrift stores and estate sales.. finding tarnished silver.. mis-matched dishes... vintage jewelry.. chandeliers and parts... and many other worn items...
Embellishment can be a simple but plush upgrade to a existing object or item.. It can end up on a pillow..purse..jacket..picture..only your imagination can be your vision.. There are no real rules... you can make your own with what in your eyes are lovely together... I am never intimidated by thoughts or words of others as I decorate for my own style and taste... I care not for mass produced items from catalogs or stores and do not wish them on my home... The unexpected is much more desirable and creative in my eyes.. Trash to treasures.... Nothing like finding your own ole rusty trash and turning it into your treasure...
I must depart and accomplish some chores before heading to town for meds... I have several chores that went undone this weekend and now must be attended...Hope to find time to pop in on your blogs maybe later this afternoon or early evening...




Saturday, August 13, 2011

A Busy Weekend

I arose very early this morning... I think I heard Tom shuffling around the house at 6:00 making ready for his golf outing this morning... A kettle of green beans freshly picked from our garden and bacon is simmering on the stove top for tomorrow nights eating after coming home from our church festival.. sliced cucumbers have been made and placed in fridge also for enjoying...
Today in a couple hours I will going to the Elks club with my sister-in-law to meet up with Tom and her hubby to have lunch after the golf outing.. Later in the afternoon we have been invited to a 70 th surprise birthday party that is a outside outing... Tomorrow is the festival so the weekend has become a very busy one...
The warmer is can be felt in the mornings such as this morning and the evenings as the chill has filled the air... County fairs in the area are in full swing as the kids make ready for returning to school.. As the season changes I also make a few changes in the decorating.. When left in one spot over a couple months things become tired looking to me... Changing little sections works best for me as too large of projects of change become confusion...Make sure you don't make your projects so large you don't feel a sense of accomplishment... I love the little projects that can be completed in a morning or much less than a day...
I am off to look in on some of your blogs and make ready for the day... Till Monday... sending best wishes.....



Friday, August 12, 2011

A Calm Lovely Day

I don't believe there will be gardening today as I have awaken this morning to feel just a might bit sluggish after the jewelry party held in my home with my daughter last evening... All in all it turned out to be a fun time surrounded by a few of Starla's friends and my friends who were all willing to be dazzled by the jewelry and warmed by the laughter... My daughter and I earned just a few dollars under 400.00 of free jewelry so I will be supporting a couple new looks soon...
The sun is shinning brightly this morning as the day promises to reach temps in the mid 80's.. Sunday is our church festival of which will take all of the day up... I already know I will be very tired when arriving home...
A couple loads of laundry will be done today and a few things out of place from the party will be returned to their proper places... Plans to hopefully lay in the sun for a half hour or so this afternoon as my tan has started to fade from not being in the sun during all those 90 degree days we received... Then tomorrow I plan on doing some more pricing of objects that I choose to part with on my upcoming garage sale...
I have hopes that all enjoyed their evening out last night.. I know many times a evening or afternoon at a friends home can be quite refreshing... Several of my friends have inviting homes with whites and creams, vintage furniture, laces, grain sacks or elegant furniture... but I still find the romantic touches are the ones that send me into total enjoyment.. Romantic is not created with passing trends or latest styles.. it is for me one of a kind treasures or objects that make it so totally special... It is the art of gathering together pieces and objects that are visually pleasing that create this appeal.. I think many times we worry about if it goes while if you stick with things you love... it will work... The key is to combining your displays and not splattering them all over in individual places... Objects speak more when they are in grouping just as we do as a family... One of the biggest ways of adding ambiance and romance is through what we choose for our lighting.. Oh please... not a bear bulb or a ceiling fixture... Twinkling soft shades and sparkling chandeliers improve your rooms looks and appeal and add the instant comfort you so want... You can have the most romantic room in the world but if you don't have the lighting right it will not do it justice... Remember when the use of old and worn... it would be brutal under bright lighting... Soft and candlelight is always flattering just as a girl's best friend is the little black dress...
I am off , my laundry is calling for some attention and folding to resume it place back in drawers and closets... Bidding you all a lovely weekend with many blessings.... as we are cruising right into it...


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Summer Days Fading ..Fall Stepping In

The past week our area has recieved some blessings in the form of showers and the landscapes have begun to respond to them.. After many weeks of brown, burnt, and brittle grass between you toes when walking barefoot, the grass and landscaping is greening and coming alive once again.. The temps have cooled down from the 90's and above to wonderful temps and gentle breezes... what a lovely treat.. I am cleaning today as I prepare for the jewelry party my daughter is having here tomorrow early evening...


I will make ready for the use of my outdoor spaces in case some want to sip a glass of wine or iced beverages out on the decks by the pool... It is most likely the last gathering of friends before the arrival of thee work crew and the demolition of the existing pool to make ready for the new one... This is scheduled for not later than the 28th, maybe earlier... The water from this pool will be pumped into a close to our home ditch ... After the completion of the new one at least 6 loads or more of water will be brought at about 80.00 a load and new chemicals will have to be placed to insure winterizing... I cannot believe the water will be comfortable for swimming enjoyment but I have been wrong many times before... Most likely it will be just made ready for pumping down and winterizing once we find that all is working well... We knew this would have to happen to be able to complete the process of a new pool ....


Tomorrow will be spent baking a few desserts and some tea sandwiches for our guests tomorrow evening as we enjoy what is proving to be the ending of summer and moving into fall... If time allows I would like to ride the back roads and collect large bunches of queen anne's lace { found along roadsides and open areas.. It may also be placed in containers with a few drops of food coloring and it will take on the color of the water.} Ok.. For the farmers reading I know it is a weed and wild carrot but I think it is lovely... and oh, so budget friendly...
Hopefully with soft lighting and a fantastic sunset a lovely evening of conversation can be enjoyed by all. { Let's not forget a lovely piece of jewelry to enjoy, also}
As I view not a maid or hear anyone to accomplish my tasks I must part and continue cleaning... and await the arrival of my daughter tomorrow to help with last minute preparations...

PS. My sister-in-law lost her Mother this week and I just wanted to say a couple words to remember her...
" Lets give thanks to our heavenly Father.. for our angels standing by.. Cause it's so wonderful to have someone who rushes to dry each tear we cry." Linda Grazulis








Monday, August 8, 2011

Times Past And Happy Endings



As I peer from the large picture window of my home this morning I see the landscape changing from the lack of rain and dryness although we did have a couple nice showers the past few days... Things are starting to acquire a fall look with many weeds and ditches all dried and the corn is tasseled... the change is evident... Sometimes I see to be thinking of times past... Can this be my age and knowing that most of my life has been lived... Is it the unknown that makes it somewhat uncomfortable at times when we allow our minds to wonder... knowing that our nation may not be as strong as it once was and thinking of what is to come with our children and grandchildren... when all this occurs I must know that when it get tough.... that's when the tough get going....

I long many times for the world to be more aware of what occasions really were celebrated for and what they really mean.. I know many of you younger readers and bloggers will not understand what I am trying to portray but I can certainly tell you that there was a time in America when people, places, and things meant more to us... not just our possessions....

You know " the fonz" { Henry Winkler} days were just the best ever that I remember...more relaxed but very hard worked for survival... society was certainly not so accepting and God was still allowed in to schools... I have my thoughts and beliefs but do not go around trying to shower them on everyone but my secret thoughts are " shame on you" for passing some of the rights and not concentrating on what could be a crucial to our nation... I find myself rather sickened by many things our society has accepted... seems like we have allowed all the rights to the wrong things... I am saddened deeply by the recent loss of US soldiers that are fighting for our country.. As they fight I sometimes feel we are letting them down in what they are fighting for...

Sometimes thinking and remembering wonderful simple pleasure of the past brings me the most happiness... Am I living in the past... most defiantly not... It is just a pleasing place to go visit for awhile and certainly good on the budget... I love most of the modern technology, well most of the time when it isn't on melt down.. The conveniences are wonderful most of the time... but still should be in moderation.. It doesn't hurt us to have to tug and pull abit to keep ourselves strong in mind and will.

This morning is damp and over cast as I am about to work on chores... This week for me has a couple events to prepare for... I am hosting a jewelry party at the request of my daughter. Starla, in need of a place to hold the party... I need to make a list of things to be completed for that... Sunday will be our church festival at St. Michael's Ridge Catholic Church of which I will be working and socializing and the complete day will be spent there....

Schools in our area will be soon back in session as many changes occur for families... Although some dread the thought I always thought it was much better when the children we on a daily routine and planning for where, when and what... Hum, it takes me back to remembering the good old days when one would walk 2 or 3 miles or more just to get to school come rain.. snow... or sunshine... We didn't know any different and I believe it was what made it all good.. Sending you all thoughts and wishes today for " Happy Endings"....




Friday, August 5, 2011

Treasures That Are Staying With Me

My favorite wall in m home, filled with many little collections...


My very old pie safe 1868 did have several items removed from it but these remain.....


I removed a couple objects from the fireplace mantle....I will be keeping the vintage chocolate boxes and will purchase another similar if I ever find any... I always have my eyes trained but haven't seen any in years.... A 8 year old friend of Tom's youngest grandson was here swimming this week and they came in to talk and he was asking about all the objects in the house... One of the things he asked about was the boxes... He wanted to know if those were me when I was young.. I must have looked mighty old to him but when I explained fine chocolates candies were once placed in those boxes for gift giving his eyes got very big... I love it when the young are interested in learning about the past....






I did find a few hatpins that I priced to sell as I decided to only keep the best of the best and a couple holders....






Of course my cloches and tiny treasure for changing and filling are staying... Also my perfume bottles I am saving the best of the best I have and some have been priced...









A few goodies that set in the very large picture window in the living room.....











Little treasure that were cleaned and place in a small cloche and sit back on the mantle...














A silver compact and a very lovey silver coin purse and mirror will be staying... I love the little coin purse...















I cleaned and sorted yesterday right into the early evening hours... I thought I would share with you the objects that will be remaining with me... I know you are thinking... what did she remove? I did take many little objects out... clean or prep and price them for selling... The wall in the living room I have featured is really full but I love that wall and it really isn't that hard to care for... It is easy dusting.... And only a few of my vintage and antique purses made it to the pricing block... I am hoping my daughter will want the purses as she knows I love them... She will be getting her degree for RN in about 9 more weeks and they hopefully will buy a larger home the next couple years and I hope to help her furnish it down the road as I downsize more... She and hubby both love antiques and prims... I do love the feel of the charm of the old objects around me even though it is more work to give them the TLC and keep them fresh... And I have to remember I will not be having funds to replace many objects once I have rid of them nor do I really want to do to the amount of work it takes.... I do really love the stories that many objects of the past tell us and it a talent to use some of these items for re purpose.... Hoping you enjoy your day as I am about to fill my little sup with one more cup of coffee and off I go to select more treasures to part with... Blessings sent to you all......
















Thursday, August 4, 2011

Parting With Some Treasures




We received some rain over night late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning..not nearly as much as we would have liked but we will consider what we did receive a blessing... I am going to do some picking and choosing the next few days of objects I have on display to say goodbye to and part with and place them on my sale for another to treasure... I have already put this sale off far to long this summer already due to the excessive heat... I am just going to have to work through it.. I sincerely want to simplify and quit buying of which I have done.... { does make posting somewhat harder if you are not buying all the time and sharing your treasures or junk} When I have my sale I made a promise to myself I would not re buy unless it was something I just couldn't live without and I can't eat antiques so...... I just cleaned and priced a candelabra with some crystals and a large antique celluloid box with a Victorian bar pin and a vintage pair of opera gloves tucked in it... and a lovely old glass decanter is being cleaned and ready for a price on it...

I have cleaned out one corner this morning and am now on a short break to post and am sharing a pic with you of a couple of the small objects I decided not to part with but rather place them on glass so cleaning doesn't have to occur every other day.... I placed in my very tall jar { of which itself is very hard to clean but I still love it so it stays... {It is the length of my whole arm to get down inside to clean so a real challenge.... } a Victorian bar pin or brooch... a cameo vintage compact... a vintage decorative comb in a case.... and a lovely old Victorian photo of which is one of my favorites ... The lid to the jar has a vintage rhinestone brooch secured to crinkle ribbon... I will have a hard time choosing little objects to part with as I love changing out my glass cloches with these little treasures... I must make a decision to part with some of these however in order to make my cleaning easier as I am finding it harder to give them the TLC...
The sun has decided to come out as it is getting into late morning so that means the heat will be accompanying it... but there is a nice breeze going through the house right now.... Well wishing you all a lovely day as I am off to clean and find objects to part with....

Monday, August 1, 2011

Charmed

With a forecast of 95 degrees I have been out early watering what plants have managed to survive the summer and not dried up... Garden production is way down this year also... as we continue to suffer from a lack of rainfall and excessive heat... wishing we could have some of the flooding waters of early spring... scattered over summer...
Much of my time yesterday was spent in the living room ...dining area.. and kitchen that have air conditioning available...
I wanted to take a few minutes this morning and read some of my favorite blogs but ran into Internet service problems so that didn't happen and the reason for late posting today... The blogs I frequent and love to read offer home, life, loves, happiness and yes, sadness.... as they are all part of life itself... Reading trials of others sometimes give me, will power, inspiration and reminds me to support family and friends and to sustain.. Reminders that we need to get going when life gets tough...
Have you ever wondered what is truly in your genes? Why we are so strong in our likes and dislikes? As most if us struggle to live the American dream and enjoy benefits of our labor, it seems to becoming much harder... Many enjoyments are reverting back to simple pleasures... When we have never known more it seems much easier than having to give them up once you have had them...
Not have a large budget as always ... I must crush my desire to visit a antique shop or travel, today.. Knowing it is going to be extremely hot I usually have a desire to just run away to someplace cold... I may just have to go to the rec. room and get out scraps and glue and create some altered art.. I wonder if life will revert back to the point when sharing recipes from one's kitchen could pass the time of day and produce many good meals for our families from our kitchens.. It is obvious a good recipe can produce more than the talks in government...
Even though we may not have it all, there is always one thing that always works... CHARM is real!!!!! It works.. Charm is an empowering thing.. a very gentle flirting like we always used on our daddies.... CHARM always makes one feel good about themselves.. But remember when using CHARM, you have to mean it or you won't fool anyone.. We can't fix one's problems most likely but we can listen and let one share... I believe we so this in blogging and that is why I am now off to be charmed by others...
Wishes for something wonderful to happen to you today.....