Thanksgiving Greetings and a Mantel I Almost Forgot

Friends, wow, I almost forgot to share pics of my Thanksgiving mantel. I like to keep a visual diary of what I do each year but I've been in a bit of chaos with packing away "fall" and transitioning to more Christmas décor. 

ReUnited...

I have a meager collection of mix and match small vintage ironstone pitchers and creamers, that I started about 15 or so years ago. Like all my collections, they are congregations of "old things" that I value, not for their monetary value or rarity, but because they are sentimental and visually pleasing. The wonderful concept of "collections" is that a single element may not have much impact, but when you bring several pieces together, the "group" takes on new life.

 

Around the Bend and Into the Past...

I know most of us believe in the term "Serendipity".

ser·en·dip·i·ty

ˌserənˈdipədē/

noun

1. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

   "a fortunate stroke of serendipity"

   synonyms:

   (happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke;  luck, good luck, good fortune,fortuity, providence;  happy coincidence "the consequence of serendipity is sometimes a brilliant discovery"

This little occurrence by chance wasn't by chance at all,

and it started for me about 23 years ago.

Small treasures...

I've felt a little frustrated these last few weeks on the unpacking front. We accomplished alot last weekend in the garage organization, but now box after box awaits my attention. I can't do much of it on my own since I have to wait for Hubbs to be around to lift the heavy stuff. We've made so much headway, but then I look at what seems mountains, and it's easy for me to get overwhelmed. 

An Irish Blessing...

I've always been partial to St. Patrick's Day. The heartfelt sentiments of an Irish Blessing, the beckoning of ancient castles, and lush green hills. The celebrations of friendships and family loyalties, the good wishes and prayers for a blessed year. There may have been a little Irish from my mother's side, so today I'll celebrate the Irish, and send a blessing to all of you.

A little gift...

We spent yesterday over at the old house packing, like we have for the last several weekends, and I'm sure for the next few months... I have to say it's slow going. The house is a mess, we're working hard but the pace is just tedious. When it's quiet and I'm working by myself my mind starts to wander and I think about what was happening last year at this time. What was I doing, and what was I blogging about? What was taking up my focus, was I "happy" and appreciating each day? Did I realize that in just a few months I would be in the middle of this seeming chaos?

Today was a little sad for some reason, I took out bird seed for the locals, but there were only my two little cardinals that came down to feed. I miss the birds and even the rotten squirrels that hang around and gobble everything up. I miss my daily routine, I miss my view from the kitchen window, that kept me up on what was happening with the weather and who was hanging out at the feeder. Even though I'm looking forward to the good things that are coming, I'm realizing that it doesn't hurt to hold those things from the past close to your heart.

I looked back through my photo gallery and here are some pics from exactly a year ago today. Funny, I didn't show this little needlework piece at that time. It didn't seem all that interesting, just an unsigned little work that wasn't particularly artistic or "good". It has been hanging on my kitchen wall for at least 5 years, and I've read it many times, but today looking back and seeing it in a photo, it spoke to me in a more meaningful way.

 This is what was happening exactly a year ago, a terrible day of snow and sleet, and some hungry little critters.

See my little girl friend under the wagon?

It was really coming down and she was taking shelter from the storm.

Goldfinches, Purple finches, Wrens, and Bluebirds.

One of my sweet girls enjoying the view with me.

Just wanted to share this day with you, just wanted to share that little thought with you; that each day is indeed a gift. We might not know the importance of it at the moment, but looking back with a different perspective, we see that it truly is a blessing. And maybe, hopefully, in a year from now, I will look back at yesterday and see that day for what it really was.

If you haven't entered the Give Away with French Bleu Vintage, then click here. Adrian has so many beautiful things in her store. She's giving away a $35.00 Gift Certificate and has a 25% sale going on storewide. Hope you'll run by for a vist.

 joining in on these great parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Make it a special day,

xoxo,

From Me to You on New Year's Day

I'm looking forward to what the New Year will bring, and looking back on all that I have walked through this last year. You have been with me everyday, whether you realize it or not. Thank you for being there.

"In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps".

Proverbs 16:9

May your New Year be filled with a multitude of blessings from above.

Sending love and gratitude for your sweet friendship,

Christmas Blessings

painting by William Adolphus Bouguereau 1903

Matthew 1:22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means, God with us".

May you know Him as the Savior,

Merry Christmas,