Monday, February 27, 2012

Monday Morning Musings








I am loafing so far this morning but soon will be off to do Monday morning chores... The laundry however is started and a couple rooms swept... As soon as I post I will be off to the world of dust bunnies...

Saturday Tom and I attended his grandsons basketball tournament in Archbold Ohio... Before we did however I ask Tom if we could stop in nd visit the antique shop... I saw many very nice objects but ony came away with a folder of religious sheets with some beautiful graphics and handwriting on them... I will use a couple for altered art and I believe I would like to frame the one... More thought needed to be given to what I would like to do. however... I spend a whole $1.00... a true thrifty girl... unlike the last time we visited the antique store in Defiance and Tom purchased the lovely pedestal table to hold the TV... When looking I really can't say I found anything I liked much better than what I already have...When being a thrifty chic I do believe we must remember we are not under any kind of pressure to redecorate our rooms of our home as we need a reflection of our personal style.... Achieving a relaxed elegance however takes alittle doing... It does not require a large pocketbook but alittle creativity... Developing inspiration and creativity can be self taught by being open to what we view... I cannot start from scratch as I have stated before due to the budget I stay on but I can add a few or take away a few for different appeals and appearancces... Soon my indoor space will not seem to be as imprtant as I will have full thoughts and desires on outdoor spaces... I have thoughs of hunting blue and white old dishes and china ... can be old crazed and chippy as I want them for outdoor use... hanging on privacy fence and digging into garden spaces... Even have thoughts of old blue cookware for tucking in plantings... Our new pool we had built last fall has a very deep blue lining and I think the blue accents will pop and still keep with the antique and vintage that decorated the other parts of our country home... I have used old garden and kitchen tools on the fence for many years now and think a change will be nice as I know it can be done for a small amont of money as we won't be parttaking of food on these dishes... All I need to remember is I do not have to spend a impressive amount of money to reach the goal I would like to achieve.. I should be able to do it on a very small budget.... Little details mean so much... Chain store purchases just recieve a thumbs down from me as it is not my style or passion... I personally usually have a first impression and I know that is not always a good thing but my first impression starts before I even enter ones home as to the love that dwells there... Curb appeal and a neat and tidy porch or entrance that says come on in even though it may be repurposed junk spells it all in my thoughts... Little treasures and lovely outdoor spaces just invites you in to see wht pleasures may be awaiting inside...

Ok I am off to do the maids chores... shes on break once again..... oh well she doesn't get paid anyway....



Thursday, February 23, 2012

" Plain "

As February continues and soon will give into March the quotation " In like a lion and out like a lamb" comes to mind... I am not quite as convienced that will take place this year but time has it's own little secrets...
This month of February has been a record year for me as far as reading books.. I have never completed as many books as I have this month... and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent ... Maybe the satisfaction comes with the enabling of having the time to do so or maybe just the wisdom to be like the Nike saying and " Just DO IT" There certainly was time time in my life for many years I would not have allowed myself this wonderful quiet time..but with the aging process I have so learned it is OK to breathe and enjoy the quiet moments and take them for ones self.... I stated earlier several of the reads have been Amish reads enjoying the scriptures quotations and linking them to everyday living...
Looking forward to the lengthening of days and thoughts of outdoor living... In Amish readings it is always quoted of them as being " Plain ".... I think my living and desires to be " Plain " according to English standards as when thinking of our friends I do not seem to acquire nor have the desire that some need to seek to acquire a form of happiness. All Tom and I's so called luxuries seem to be based at out home.. Of course our extensive use of TV and computers being top on the list.. I certainly love conviences of technology but I do enjoy many very simple things of yesteryear... Enjoying decorting in the past and keeping old family and holiday traditions are important... I really do not sit and long for more as I truly have more than ample enough to make anyone's life desirable... Examining my life and our way of living, yes, I have a few struggles but as a whole I have not a longing to be somewhere or someone else...
Lent started yesterday and with it a sense of peace for me... Accepting where I am in life and my knowledge to know there will be more grief to be endured but with it the wisdom to enjoy the moments and many of them will be spent with simple acts.... just a minute ago the sun came up and was shinning ever so bright warming the winers day at our little home in the country..... This alone is very enjoyable... Jah... maybe I am just a bit " Plain "...

" CELEBRATE THE HAPPINESS THAT FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS GIVING, MAKE EVERYDAY A HOLIDAY AND CELEBRATE JUST LIVING..."
Amanda Bradley


Monday, February 20, 2012

Looking Forward To A Garden Escape...

Very chilly but the sun is shinning today here in NW Ohio. Tomorrow rain and snow in the forecast but we have had a great winter thus far...
I did not post much last week as I continued to nurse my cold...Many hours were spent reading, I read 6 books last week, and that is about a record for me ... I started and completed a Amish Novel yesterday... My daughter had purchased 3 Amish Novels for me for my birthday a couple weeks ago... I so enjoy Amish reads and love the passages that are inserted in with the writings, finding them just the inspiration I may need that day to spark the desire in enjoying all the moments in our daily offerings... I share my paperbacks but I do like keeping my hardbacks...I purchase most of my hardbacks from my book club...
Last evening we enjoyed a parish appreciation dinner at our church here at the ridge... St. Michael's Catholic.... Once a year all is invited to a catered dinner... last evening appetizers of many choices... main meal.. chicken, potatoes,green beans, noodles, a lovely salad, french bread, and many pies of your choice... A bar and beverages were also available... There was ample amounts of chicken left over for ones to take home so I have 2 very large pieces of chicken for us this evening for supper.. I will place it back in the oven and add noodles to bake with it... some potatoes and a package of corn preserved from our garden this past summer... Makes for a easie, peasie supper and I also had made fruit jello and placed it in the fridge earlier this morning...
I seem to be acting like a child when lately always thinking " Can I go outside".. Even though it is chilly I plan on putting on my sweatshirt and hood and walking around the cement around the pool in a bit... Last week I played freeze out in the house opening the doors and a couple windows with the desire to leave fresh air into my home... brrrrr... Just so looking forward to a garden escape...but patience is still required... I am off to finish some chores and visit some other blogs... Wishing joy to you ... Enjoy the precious moments....

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A Peaceful Calm

Today small tucks of Valentines trim will be taken down and some placed away for further use. A very simple but very delicious meal was prepared at home and shared and enjoyed by Tom and I. A pot roast of beef, carrots and potato's baked all afternoon and a home made carrot cake with cream cheese butter frosting and a scoop of vanilla ice cream later in the evening was enjoyed...
I think time for spring and a lighter decorating will soon come to mind as we travel through February into March. Thoughts of spring breaks for many and Easter will start to enter our thought.... For a couple weeks now I have been very content at home and very much of my time has been spent quietly reading several books.
Thoughts have been in my mind to redo a couple vignettes but the energy level is not there as of yet... I do realize I seem to arrange my home in the same approach I did when decorating and setting the floral and gift shop in retail... I think of objects as being props... Two of my most favorite simple props are old books and pieces of luggage... allowing very nicely for elevation... I do so love the look of very old books and the use of them not allowing objects to stand as soldiers or a whole a string of birds perched side by side on a electrical line... Different levels are definitely key to lovely vignettes... Thoughts of open doors and windows have also been in mind... The other morning I opened the patio door that takes you out to the back deck and within minutes realizing Brrrr ... baby, it's cold outside and those thoughts need to be compressed for a time yet... Many of our friends have opted for Florida and have been there or are currently there, but our winter has not been hard here this year... Besides my desires are never to travel or be away from home... I love the option of just laying my head into my own pillow and laying in my own bed at nighttime... never have had the desires for seeking accommodations elsewhere... I know may places have charming decor and unforgettable hospitality but I always feel that at home without all those high bills that come with being away.... it is quite nice to enjoy what we are already paying for... I also know these feeling are not shared by all and isn't that what makes the world go round... We all can do as we choose... not making it right or wrong... For me home is my peaceful calm...
Sending wishes to all to enjoy your day and all the simple little blessings that come with it.....

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love Is In The Air

A couple inches of snow fell over night here in NW Ohio but no blowing or severe conditions. Just a beautiful snow covered winter day. As I sit here quietly, still trying to shake this cold ... thoughts of years past and Valentines Day enter my mind... Remembering all the difficult days and the day itself in the floral industry is quite a challenge... how worn out I was for a week after.... All the Teddies and Teddy Bears, jewelry, and risky objects that would be asked to be tucked into flowers or delivered with candy... Thousands of roses would have to be cleaned and prepped for arranging or boxing... I have to share one of my memories that always is at the top of my list.....I have to smile but in no way was it funny... but the moral of the story is.... if you are going to order roses for your boyfriend.... DO NOT DO IT WITH YOUR HUSBANDS CREDIT CARD.... Yes my friends ... she was blonde.... and divorced with a couple months after that ... And of course the husband came in and wanted to know whom he had sent flowers to.... BINGO...
I have many stories but this one sits right at the top when I think back at the past Valentines Day...
Wishing you all a Happy Valentines Day and hoping you can spend time with loved ones.....

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Choices

Many years have taught me many things... One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the act of kindness...and consideration for others feelings... Placing "Labels" on others can be very harmful and hurtful...
In retirement it is so wonderful to live a extremely quiet life in the country. In so called real life, I actually talk very little, read and write allot... enjoying it very much... These are my little treasures and moments I allow myself...
Remembering today you can give more by building people up than you can by tearing them down... You gain, oh so much, for yourself and others by a word of kindness... whether it be a friend or a stranger... It is truly amazing what one person can do... kindness in your face.. kindness in your eyes.. kindness in your smile and most of all kindness in your actions......

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Winter Musings

As I continue through the week I find myself still very slowed down and avoiding contact with others { unlike the couple above} as I try to rid of the severe cold I have been experiencing.... only leaving my home for a hour and a half in over a week... I must say I am ready for the OHH LA LA to return into my life...
Ready for some lovely French inspiration and creating but the energy just isn't there yet... Maybe soon...
While I know I won't be a part of the culture, meeting people, eating at lovely sites, hunting Paris Flea Market's, I still have the little wants for tucking it in my home. While I remain very simple in my needs... desires for extravagant creep in every now and then... I think we do need this from time to time to add balance and excitement... So many times the smallest little piece or sampling of a luxe can make one feel so delightful... Dreams of garden are steadily becoming stronger as I travel through our winter months here in NW Ohio.. All the gifts that come from outdoor living... The desire to bring some flowers into my home... while I prefer they be fresh cut, I haven't got them in my budget so I will resort to taking some lovely hand tied silk buds I have stored... Maybe just a few buds right now as spring and Easter vignettes will take place in a couple weeks...Maybe a few lovely pink roses for Valentines day will satisfy the craving...
I still appreciate my love for Victorian decorating but do less of it being I live in a ranch style home... I did so much more when I lived in the church.... Old and lovely but yet the mix of not so perfect and beautiful... just like grandmother, children and grandchildren all living under one roof as a happy and loving family.... Loving all these together create a lesson and warm and cozy spaces and always seem to welcome back family and friends in my eyes.
As I have been writing this post I also have been enjoying my little acres in the country and enjoying 2 deer eat and playing across the field at a neighbors pond and small wooded area... I have viewed them several times this winter.. They seem to have taken refuge there for the winter... Just another perk to life in the country and nature in its raw pure beauty....

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Better Days Ahead

I haven't posted much the last several days as much of my day has been spent under the blankies in efforts to feel better and rid of a extremely bad cold... Today I am considerably better it seems, and it is nice as I can enjoy some hours of my birthday... Tonight we have plans on using a Christmas gift certificate given to us to have dinner at the new restaurant at the golf course in Defiance... I wasn't sure if we would have to delay that but right now it seems to be a go...
I snapped a picture to share with you of the beautiful antique library table Tom purchased for my birthday and Valentines day to hold the TV in the living room. Originally we had just cheaper TV stand and he feel in love with the library table so... I had no idea he would purchase this but it is very lovely... It came from Ft. Defiance Antiques in Defiance...If you get by Defiance stop and see Deanna and tell her Micky sent you and I am sure she will offer you a nice discount of something you may fall in love with.... This winter, knowing we wouldn't be doing any traveling... most all our friends are either in warm climates or just leaving to do so... I have just been focusing on taking a leisure approach to everyday living and enjoying my hours at home... Browsing through magazines and reading many books these days have taken place... Just total contentment with everyday offerings and even most chores seem easy when taking this approach...I think with a thankful heart... it is so very nice Tom and I are quite simple in our needs but they always still seem to have a touch of lux tho them... This spurs a good frame of mind... Yesterday afternoon, my daughter stopped by and had purchased 3 books for my reading enjoyment at the book store in the mall... I thought that was the sweetest gesture on her part...and it is so appreciated...
Tomorrow and Friday I am going to have to play catch up on chores that need to be done... due to my hours spend under the blankies...Hopefully next week some creative juices will once again start to shine through.... I am off to read some blogs... Blessings sent to all.....

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Alittle More Like Winter

This is what it looked like when I woke up this morning looking out into the front yard.... We have had a very mild winter this far here in NW Ohio.. It is suppose to get in the 40's yet today so some of this will disappear.... One swipe of the snow plow seems to have cleared the roads...
I have been rather under the weather with a chest cold and still not so good today.... Tom is off for a appointment for his taxes this morning.... He purchased a birthday and Valentines gift at the antique shop yesterday and may pick it up today... I will share with you next week when I am feeling better hopefully... Wishing you all a pleasant weekend.....