My Place to Yours

Saying Bye-Bye to Google Friend Connect

2012-02-26T22:28:00.002-05:00


"Follow me" statue at the National Infantry Museum (Fort Benning, GA)

You know what? I'm just going to admit right here up front that this is a frustrating post to write. I'm conflicted about the topic and not even sure where to start ... but I think I have to address it. To you faithful visitors, this time it's not about poverty or neglected children. I know how I feel about those things, even if I am uncertain how to "make it all better." In some ways, this is petty and distracting, which is perhaps exactly why I have to write about it.

I'm a firstborn. I have a natural, God-given gift of leadership ... and a sometimes not so blessed (but thankfully less prevalent as I get older) "gift" of Bossy. Once I figure out how something needs to work, I'm ready to move forward and "git 'r done!" (Sorry; couldn't resist.) I CAN follow rules, though, and I CAN let someone else lead. I'm actually a model follower when I need to be. But I cannot stand being "yoyo-ed" by situations or people who can't seem to make up their minds. They go one direction (and I get full-speed behind them) ... and then they go another direction for no apparent reason. Give me a good reason, and I'll be happy to change courses with you, but show me your haphazard side, and I'm ready to walk away.

When I naively started blogging in July 2010, I did what many of you bloggers did. I added a Google Friend Connect (GFC) "followers" gadget to the sidebar on my blog. At first it was fun to see new faces added as many of you chose to follow my blog that way. Over time, as the numbers rose, it was hard to keep up with reading everyone's profiles and feel like I "knew" who my readers were. While it's true that I've had the wonderful privilege of actually forming friendships and "connections" with several of you through emails outside of Blogland, I'm afraid I don't actually know most of you. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a "following" of thousands like some of you have!

For that reason, one of the items I put on my Sally List was:
Start praying intentionally for blog followers.

(Add their locations to a world map?)

I was just getting ready to start a systematic method of looking at your profiles and praying for you when Google announced that at the end of February all of you who don't have Google accounts would disappear from my followers list. It's now the end of February. The scuttlebutt is that the whole GFC system will disappear before long. And all this after they just took away the wonderful Picnik photo-editing site that was working well for lots of us. Seriously, why?

So on Feb. 2 when Heather and Vanessa of At The Picket Fence told us all about a new followers gadget to replace GFC, it felt a bit like starting all over. If you visit here often, you know that I don't do "the usual things" to increase my blog followers. I don't tweet and I'm not on Facebook, and I haven't tried to monetize my blog by allowing advertisements. For those of you who want to do those things, that's great, but they haven't been important to me to this point. I have, however, worked hard to build an honest reputation as a blogger, and I'm forever grateful to those of you who have encouraged me by following on GFC or via email ... and so I added the new LinkyFollowers gadget.

A week later I removed it. Why? Because the whole concept of followers was distracting me. You see, while it's really not important to me how many followers I have, I'll admit that on occasion I do peek, and when every now and then the number goes DOWN, the human self-doubt kicks in, and I wonder if I offended someone. Maybe ... but the reality probably is that somebody said "enough" and started weeding out their out-of-hand blog roll. I've done that myself, and it's never anything personal.

I'll also admit that somewhere below the surface there's a creative, competitive spirit that wonders "what if..." I actively tried to grow this blog? I could rationalize and say I was doing it just so more people could learn about Hope Unlimited for Children (since it's related to why I blog in the first place) ... and that would be a fantastic thing. But it would be a side effect. When I started blogging, I did it to help me find balance and sanity because of the "instability" caused by Hope's presence. God has let opportunities evolve for me to share about the children of Hope, and I am so very grateful for that ... but I didn't start blogging so I could create a platform for some of the poverty and neglected children conversations we've had. I started blogging for me ... and to do tablescapes featuring things I was selling in my Etsy shop.

But along the way, I began to be impressed that it was time to de-clutter my life. The "things" were taking up too much of my time and focus. They were distracting me ... And so I'm actively working hard to simplify my surroundings. But in the two weeks since I removed LinkyFollowers from my blog, I've re-thought that choice ... and today I added it back. As of this moment, I have 263 GFC followers, and 14 of you have added yourselves to LF.

I'm grateful. You aren't part of the clutter. You're a good part of my focus ... because even though I may not "know" you, you're real. I've looked for and found the silver lining in the GFC frustration, and I've made a new commitment to myself. I'll make it to each of you. Since I'm "starting over" with the whole followers thing, I'm going to start working on that Sally List item. You see, LinkyFollowers gives a "featured follower" option, so no matter how many (or how few) followers there are, I can easily make a commitment to pray for whichever follower is randomly featured each time I get online. Just now, I prayed for Maryann at Domestically Speaking, and guess what? One of her posts was exactly what I needed tonight. Isn't God gracious?

So now you're going to hear me say something I'll rarely say.

Follow me!

If you're already following through GFC, I hope you'll add yourself to LF, too. And if you've never followed this blog before (or only follow by email), I hope you will now. Just scroll down the sidebar until you see the LinkyFollowers box. Click on "Follow Me" ... then follow the instructions on each screen.

I'll give you a few hints:
1) Don't use your full name if you don't want it visible on your profile. I used "Susan @ My Place to Yours" but you can even use first name and last initial.

2) Your "thumbnail message" is what people will see when they scroll over your picture. It can be the name of your blog if you have one, the same thing you put in #1 above, or anything else you'd like.

3) After you've set up your account, you'll have the option to pick a thumbnail picture ... something that is "you." It can be an actual picture of you, a favorite image, design, etc. You will pick it from the pictures on your computer, and you'll have a chance to crop it if you only want to use a small section of a larger picture. If you don't choose a picture, LinkyFollowers will use a generic pic, and you can add yours later if you wish.

Let me know if you have any problems. I'll do my best to help. If any of you want to follow LF then UNfollow at GFC, that's okay, too!

I've decided I'm actually kind of glad GFC is going away. I'm going to love praying for each of you when you're the Featured Follower! Even the leader in me knows there's a time for following ...

and there's the ultimate time for following.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

I'm linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Grand Inspiration

2012-02-22T16:08:00.006-05:00

Hello all! I don't know about you, but this is a busy week at My Place. Renaissance Man and I had the unexpected great fortune of taking a weekend vacation with our Little Man while his sweet parents worked to ready the nursery for his little brother ... and I've been behind ever since. Think I care? Nope!

The result of all my play time, however, is that I'm pulling out a tablescape inspiration board I put together (but never shared with you) last Fall while on our California-to-Tennessee road trip after The Big Event. (Check it out if you have no idea what I'm talking about!) I still think it's "grand," so I'll share it today.

Some of you will remember seeing the beautiful Aspen bark in this tablescape ...

Click HERE to see entire tablescape.

Well, just a short time before picking up that pretty bark, Renaissance Man and I were here ...


The Grand Canyon

It's hard to believe it was my sweet husband's first time to get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon in person ... since he's such an outdoorsy, vast expanse-loving kinda guy.

Scraggly tree pic especially for you, Mom!

He was inspired ... and so was I. The souvenir plate and cup aren't mine, but their colors were ~~perfect~~ grand, don't you think? Such gorgeous colors combined by the Master Artist himself ...

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint (1864)

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

I'm not much of a souvenir-picker-upper. Earlier in my life, I collected souvenir spoons, and Little Man and I enjoy playing with them, but I don't collect them anymore.

What about you? Do you buy souvenirs when you travel? What do you think about souvenir dishes?

I'll be partying at Between Naps on the Porch on Tablescape Thursday.
You, too?

Pretty in Pink? Not Always!

2012-02-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to My Place to Yours and the week after Valentines Day. How quickly 2012 is flying by. I hope it's been a wonderful year for you so far!

If you're a regular reader here, you'll recognize the above tablescape as one I did for a Valentine Dinner for a special group of ladies. "Pretty in Pink" was my go-to mood while planning the party. But I'll let you in on a little secret: Even lovers of pink have to admit that on occasion, pink isn't really pretty ... like when it's actually strawberry stains on vintage linens.

Via

Juice from the pretty strawberry fan garnishes on the ladies' dinner plates ended up right where they were supposed to: on their napkins. (Please forgive the smartphone pics and shadows. This post was a last-second thought as I prepared to launder the linens at the end of a long day.)

It's always nice to know exactly what a stain is. That's when I select the corresponding formulation of Carbona Stain Devils. In the case of berry stains (or coffee, tea, wine), it's Stain Devils #8, a powder added to hot water. I first told you about them HERE, but no, I don't get paid by the company to say positive things about their products.)

Here are the strawberry stains on bright white linen napkins ...

Immediately upon placing the napkin in the Stain Devils solution ...

20 seconds after ...

10 seconds after this picture was taken, even the faint pink spots you see here were gone.

Same thing on bright white damask napkins ...

Stains immediately started to lighten ...

20 seconds later, stains were a pale purple ... and totally gone very shortly after that.

Some of you would have laundered these linens then bleached them ... but do you know that bleach breaks down a fabric's fibers and makes your pretties wear out more quickly? Now that you know how easy it is to get out stains, perhaps next time you'll want to skip the bleach ... Your linens will love you for it!

* * * * *

What? You expected to see a final "after" with two stacks of pressed napkins returned to the linen closet? Ha! My napkins are beautifully clean ... and sitting on top of the ironing pile. I can't do everything, you know! Perhaps one day that ironing pile will serve as a Met Monday post. I'd love to see the "after" of it!

This week, though, I spent my extra time putting a few "Pretty In Pink" items in My Place to Yours SHOPPING. I hope you'll check them out. Just click on the mosaic to go there ...

Don't forget ... Valentines Day may be over in the some parts of our world, but there's still time to join the Valentine Project for young girls in Brazil. Won't you join me?

Click the button below to learn more!

I'll be linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

LAVISHED and ADORED

2012-02-15T18:03:00.006-05:00

Hello all!

If this is your first time to stop in for a visit, I'm so glad you're here ... and I hope you feel welcome and return often. If you've been here before, you're making my day by stopping in again!

As I've told you, one of the items on my Sally List was to host a Valentine Dinner for the ladies at our local women's shelter ... complete with tablescape, of course. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and when I started my Sally List, it was near the top. (What's a Sally List? Click on Sally to read about it.)

On Valentines Eve, I put a big check mark by that item, and I do believe a nice time was had by all. I set three different tables ... in three slightly different styles ... but all done in soft pinks and having a "sweet" romantic mood. (For more on "moody" tables, go HERE and HERE.)

I was so excited to finally be able to share with the ladies the gorgeous Theodore Haviland plates I won from a wonderful giveaway at Entertaining Women. Thanks again, Cherry Kay! You blessed me and allowed me to bless others ...

Table One

I'm afraid that the ladies at the shelter were a little intimidated at first (so afraid they'd break something!), but I'd anticipated that, and I believe I was able to quickly put their minds at ease so they could enjoy themselves. They certainly seemed to, and they were so very appreciative.

One woman said it was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her; she'd never sat at such a pretty table with such a nice meal. It was her first day there. She later told me she'd spent most of her life taking care of other people; now she had to learn to take care of herself ...

Another young woman said she didn't feel worthy ...

I don't know their stories, but I do know that the women wouldn't be living at the shelter if their lives had been "a bed of roses."

I also know how quickly a single choice -- our own or someone else's -- can change the course of a life.

The shelter isn't long-term, but while a woman is there, she receives encouragement, guidance, job skill training ...

She has a chance to make her own choices ... to wake up each morning and decide how to put one foot in front of the other.

Table Two

To catch a glimpse of Hope and a future ... perhaps for the first time in her adult life.

To address that issue of "worthiness."

I happen to think the ladies are "worthy" of every tiny little bit of love they received.

After all, it pales in comparison to the lavish way God loves and cares for me ... and you.

It was a blessing to be able to share a little "lavish" with the ladies. I was also blessed by a wonderful husband who helped prepare a delicious meal ... and a dear friend who provided dessert and her presence for the evening. Everything worked together to make the ladies feel special, and I'm so glad ... because that's exactly what they are!

GOD WOULD KNEEL DOWN by St. Francis of Assisi

I think God might be a little prejudiced.
For once He asked me to join Him on a walk
through this world,

and we gazed into every heart on this earth,
and I noticed He lingered a bit longer
before any face that was
weeping,

and before any eyes that were
laughing.

And sometimes when we passed
a soul in worship

God too would kneel
down.

I have come to learn: God
adores His
creation.

Table Three

Do you feel adored today? You are.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called

children of God! (1 John 3:1)

Menu

Marinated and smoked pork tenderloin

Wild rice with cranberries

Baby spinach with heart-shaped strawberries, feta cheese, toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette

Dinner rolls

Red velvet cupcakes

I'll be partying at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday, How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday, Blogger Spirit for Spiritual Sundays, and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.

Want to keep spreading the Valentine love?

Join the Valentine Project -- ongoing through April.

Click HERE to learn more

Do You Have a Paper Drawer?

2012-02-11T20:23:00.001-05:00

I have a friend who loves all things paper. Stationery, greeting cards, journals, cocktail napkins ... you name it. She named her business, The Paper Drawer. Perfect!

I, too, have a "thing" for pretty paper. I suspect some of you do, too! Several years ago when I began packing to move my paper "collection" into our newly-renovated old house, I realized that it had gotten a bit out of hand and needed to be contained. Fortunately, the previous owners had left behind a small trunk that was exactly what I needed. UNfortunately, however, it was UGLY. I don't have a picture of the "before," but it looked a whole lot like this ...

Source

One day I had the bright (and frugal/cheap) idea of using leftover tissue paper and Mod Podge to cover it. Now it looks like this ... sitting on top of two "extra" chairs so it's an easy height to access.

In the bottom are "boring" things like cardstock and blank envelopes ...

but the lift-out tray that sits on top contains all of my notecards and notepads. They're so easy to get to except when I stack things on top of the trunk, which I often do, but I'm working on that ...

It was a super easy project. Just clean the surface and let dry. Then paint on Mod Podge (I used a foam brush), crush sheets of tissue paper then unfold and lay on top of the glue. Add more Mod Podge on top and let dry. Be sure to do a better job than I did with the X-acto knife when you cut the paper away from the hardware. I was in a hurry!

I've had paper on my mind for two weeks now, and I finally got some pretty paper items listed in My Place to Yours SHOPPING. This just a preview. I hope you'll click the mosaic and check them out.

What about you? Do you have a "thing" for paper, too? Have you been busy making Valentines this week? (Thank you to the "more" of you who've told me you're making Valentines for the girls at Hope!) Where do you store your pretty papers?

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

I'll be sending sweet Valentine wishes ...

from My Place to Yours.

Joining Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

and

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Snippets of Love

2012-02-08T18:54:00.008-05:00

Source

My name is Susan, and I'm a hopeless romantic. That means, of course, that I'm also a wedding junkie. I love all aspects of weddings. The dresses, the flowers, the invitations, the music ... but especially the details. I once thought I'd go the wedding planner route, but thankfully I didn't, because while I love "all things wedding," I do not love the stress or "attitude" that so many people bring to the planning process. I could NEVER be a wedding planner. Helping my own daughters plan their weddings was a pleasure, and dabbling with friends' kids' weddings is a blast, but that is e.nough to scratch my "wedding planner" itch.

These days, if I can set aside the concerns I have about the exorbitant amounts of money people think they have to spend on weddings and simply enjoy the "pretty factor," I'm good. So, about a year ago when I stumbled upon a blog that would send me some daily wedding inspiration, I was hooked. The blog is called Snippet & Ink (love that blog name!) All of today's pics come from there.

This gorgeous tablescape arrived in my inbox earlier this week. It's from a real wedding, and these are only two of several tables enjoyed by wedding-goers. Just click the link below this (and future) pics to see more.

Source

Not every day's inspiration includes a tablescape, but I sure love it when it does! Since this week I'm busy working on my Sally List Valentines Eve Dinner for my local women's shelter, I've selected a few Snippet & Ink pretties that I hope will bring some St. Valentine's Day smiles to your face.

Source

The thing that "wows" me most about Snippet & Ink ... even more than the gorgeous tablescapes and flowers ... is Kathryn's fabulous eye for creating mosaic-style inspiration boards. This one's named Coming Up Roses. Notice that it includes the picture from above. I dream of creating tablescape (rather than wedding) inspiration boards like this ...

I'm inspired! Are you?

Source

And if you, like me, are prefering delicate pinks instead of bright reds this Valentine season, then perhaps this Blushing Beauty board is more your style. One more tablescape for you today, too!

Source

If you love tablescaping, do you also love wedding details? Is there something about "that" personality? I wonder ... What do you think?

Speaking of Love one another ...

I hope you'll join us!

Click HERE to learn more!

I'll be joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch,
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence, Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound and Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper.

Thanks for stopping by!

Is SPREADING THE LOVE on Your List?

2012-02-05T18:45:00.006-05:00

1. Work on writing project - making good progress
2. ~~Tablescape - pics and post~~ DONE
3. "If It's Paper" theme: ~~choose items~~, take pics,(started) add items to My Place to Yours SHOPPING
4. ~~Pay bills~~
5. ~~Send cards/notes to several people~~
6. Catch up laundry after having company - making progress
7. Work on Valentine Dinner plans for Samaritan House

This was my to-do list for last week, but I didn't finish it. (Debbie, you must be having a negative influence on me! Anybody else read the "list" post at Words On Wheels?)

The truth is, I felt more like Janette who went to the doctor (five years late) and got all sorts of hassle from the nurse about not showing up sooner. So she's not a sickly person. Good for her. Don't get me started on that nurse's attitude!

When Saturday morning's scratchy throat progressed to Thursday's full-blown sinus infection (complete with laryngitis), I knew I had to do something. Ha! Poor Renaissance Man was out of town and missed all of the peace and quiet. I could only wonder if I would have the same experience as Janette. I, who am rarely ever sick and hadn't seen a doctor for a sick visit in years. I, whose focus had turned from wishing away the persistent signs of illness to the one who was thinking "If it's paper" I hope it has a prescription written on it! So much for marking that item off the list this week!

Guess what? When I checked in, miserable to the bone, the doctor's receptionist noticed the date of my last visit and had the nerve to say, "Oh. You must be one of those who doesn't like to come to the doctor." One of THOSE? Yes, she did. DUH! Who does like to go to the doctor? Thinking of Janette, and knowing I was not alone in experiencing this world of sometimes-tactless healthcare "professionals," I took a deep breath and slowly, with all the eloquence of a manly frog, croaked, "Noooooo, I'm one of those who rarely needs to go to the doctor." Then she popped off something like "lucky you" ... and then said she needed to take my picture. You have GOT to be kidding, right?

Finally, doctor visit behind me and medicine in hand, I went home and did nothing ... for the rest of the day. Nothing.

Energy? What energy?

I wish I could tell you that the major writing project I've managed to make progress on the past couple of days (between cat naps) is something really exciting involving tablescaping with Southern Lady or vintage linens with Victoria, but it's not. It's a committee project for church; tedious but important.

"If It's Paper," however, had to get put on hold until this week, along with finalizing the Valentine Dinner plans. I'll just continue that shop theme for another week and post it all asap. I hope we all have a more productive week ahead of us -- and that it will be a delightful one as well!

One more thing ...

I know I blogged yesterday about the Valentine Project for the girls of Hope Unlimited for Children, but you all continue to amaze and bless me with your response. You've got until the end of APRIL (if that makes no sense, check it out HERE). Thanks, also, to all of you who have shared the project on your blogs! And a special thank you to Vicki at Joyful Expressions and Curly Willow Collections at Etsy for making this awesome blog button for our blogs! Totally unsolicited ... just using her gifts for a good cause ... it arrived in my inbox this afternoon. Love it!

I hope you'll grab the button (whichever way you like it) and add it to your blog --even blog about it. In fact, I think I'll add a linky. It will be up from now through April so you can blog whenever and as often as you like. Link up your post(s) so we can all read it! I'll link the ones I already know about.

Thanks for helping spread the word! Let's show Blogland what bloggers sending love looks like! Remember, it's really more than "just a cause." It's the lives -- and futures -- of young girls. Now THAT'S a metamorphosis!

I'll be joining Metamorphosis Monday

at Between Naps on the Porch.

Valentines of Hope

2012-02-04T20:38:00.003-05:00

Happy weekend, friends! Several of you have blessed me so much by contacting me this weekend about the Valentine Project for the girls of Hope Unlimited for Children. (If you don't know what that is, it's not too late! Just click the link above to read about it on Renaissance Man's blog.) You've been working on your Valentines ... writing blog posts about the project ... organizing groups of friends to help you. Oh, how excited the girls will be when they receive your sweet gifts of love! Thank you for caring.

Here are the answers to the main questions I've received ...

1) How old are these girls?

Most will be in the 10-17 age range.

2) What language do they speak?

How will they know what I write?

The girls speak Brazilian Portuguese. (Yes, that's different from Portuguese ... and I had no idea about that until Hope Unlimited entered my life!) A few of them know English, and many more of them are working hard on their English! Don't worry... It's fine to write your Valentines in English (whew!) because they will be translated.

But if you want to throw in a few familiar (to them) phrases, try these ...

Sua amiga (Your friend)
Com amor (With love)
Deus te abençoe. (God bless you.)
Você é uma menina linda! (You are a beautiful young lady!)
Saiba que você é amada. (Know that you are loved.)

You have no idea how much your seemingly insignificant little Valentines will mean to these girls. You simply have no idea ...

Thank you, friends!

By the way ... saiba que você é amada.

Sua amiga,

Susan

Running behind this year? No time to do this before Valentines Day? No problem! Brazil's Day of Love isn't until early June, so as long as your Valentines are received by the end of APRIL, you'll be fine. How 'bout that? You're actually AHEAD of schedule now!

Please send your cards marked "Valentine Project" to:

Hope Unlimited for Children

P. O. Box 2707

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

JOIN BLOGGERS FOR HOPE ...

Sending Valentine love to "the least of these"

I hadn't planned to, but I think I'll link this to Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper and Spiritual Sunday at Blogger Spirit. Let's get the word out!

Shadow Dancing with St. Valentine

2012-02-01T15:56:00.007-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has told me you'll be making Valentines for the girls at Hope Unlimited for Children. (Some of you have already started!) Others of you plan to gather friends and make it an "event." Bless you!

Don't know about the Valentine Project? Check it out HERE.

I've received other letters from readers this week, too. One potential new reader told me that the recent widening of this blog makes it hard to read on her computer screen ... to the point where visiting here isn't a fun experience. (My words, not hers.) Did that cause a problem for any of the rest of you? I'm going to try a slight reversal in my size, but I'd really like to hear from you before I do. Are you having to scroll back and forth (yikes!) to read this? Were you before? Your input, please! If you're having problems with my width, will you please tell me how wide your computer screen is and which browser you use?
Update: I've adjusted the blog width, so hopefully it's working for everyone now.

Another of you wrote with a request: Would you kindly let your fellow bloggers know that the coming 'heart day' is ST. Valentine's Day; not just Valentine's Day ... no one would say Happy Patrick's Day when it is well known as ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

She is absolutely correct that Valentine was a saint like Patrick ... and absolutely correct that most of us (myself included) tend to shorten the name of "heart day" to Valentines Day. But, guess what? It's actually possible for BOTH to be correct. (I can't believe I'm actually doing this.) This is where the English lesson comes in. If, when we speak of "heart day" we are referring to the person Valentine, then St. Valentine's Day it is. However, because St. Valentine is connected with those wonderful cards we all know and love called Valentines, it's also correct (IF referring to the cards rather than the person) to say Valentines Day. (Notice that in one case there's an apostrophe in the word Valentines ... and in the other there's not.) I suppose if St. Patrick had become associated with shamrock-shaped cards, we'd be sending Patricks instead of heart-shaped Valentines.

Nevertheless ... I personally tend to split my focus between the person and the cards as evidenced by last year's tablescape:
A Nod to St. Valentine

And today, I'm dancing with St. Valentine. I was inspired by the "feel" and colors of this antique Bavarian handpainted bowl.

I pulled similar colors from these Karolina of Poland china plates.

Anyone familiar with this maker?

Then I found a little softness in the palest pink linen tablecloth overlayed with embroidered tulle ... and a few (sadly faux not fresh) rose petals scattered about.

I then shopped the house for a softly-colored centerpiece and found the perfect vase ... still holding peacock feathers from where I plopped them after my Breakfast At Tiffany's tablescape (last August). I surprised myself and left the peacock feathers ... and I love them because I always think of feathers as elegant and romantic ... and after all, I was aiming for a softly romantic tablescape.

And now we aren't just dancing ... we're shadow dancing!

I just love the way the peacock feathers cast their wispy, ethereal shadows over the table.

It only seemed appropriate to add two love birds ...

And an antique necklace of soft pink beads ...

Shadow dancing ...

The more layers ... the more shadows.

I'm afraid Cupid is a little busy at this time of year, but he was kind enough to introduce me to some of his musician friends. Now we have music for our dancing ...

Can you believe he gave me instructions to meet them at a thrift store? I was more than happy to do that, and they've played lovely music in my home ever since.

Since I only wanted to use the single plates (rather than layering and covering them up), I decided to layer the chargers. That little trick provides more texture ... and more shadows!

Another little trick I used this week is using very straight-sided elements to balance the curvy/scalloped ones. These simple goblets ...

... allow the sweetly scalloped edges to get all the attention.

What do you think?

Shall we dance?

I'll be joining Karin and Madeline at The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday (Welcome back, ladies!), Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday. I hope you will, too!

I've also been busy working on my Sally List.

How's your Sally List coming?

* * * * *

The Tablescape Backstory ...

Linens: auction

Vase: auction (available; contact me if interested)

Peacock feathers, rose petals, and candle bling: Hobby Lobby

Silver chargers: Big Lots

Glass chargers: auction

Karolina plates: eBay (available; contact me if interested)

Love birds: gift (late '70s)

Antique necklace: belonged to my maternal great-grandmother

Angel band napkin rings: thrift store (available; contact me if interested)

Stainless: Oneida "Michaelangelo"

Bavaria serving bowl: auction (available; contact me if interested)

Silverplate trivets (under candles): auction

China saucers (under candles): part of cup/saucer set - auction (available; contact me if interested)

Glassware: auction (unused/more available; contact me if interested)

Growing Up Valentine: Rites of Passage

2012-01-29T22:43:00.004-05:00

All around Blogland (and in the "real" world, too) I've been seeing Valentines. You, too? It's that time of year! I've also been working hard this week filling my new online shop with A Variety of Valentines. I hope you'll check it out.

As I worked this week, I thought about Valentines Day and my own growing up years. I suppose my earliest memory is of giving Valentines to my friends at school. The list of friends' names that the teacher sent home ... and addressing a card for everyone in the class. Decorating a shoe box with a slit in it to serve as a "mail box" for collecting the Valentines. You, too, perhaps?

Available HERE

Hearts and Cupid became favorite "early" Valentine themes ...

Available HERE

And the conversation hearts were always fun!
I stopped buying them when I stopped knowing what half of the sayings meant! (I know. I'm showing my age.)

Available HERE

In my (now called) "tween" and early teen years, the "day of love" coincided with diary entries and puppy love crushes.

Available HERE

Eventually, pretty chocolates ...

and pretty flowers ... and dating entered the picture.

Available HERE

Dating ... that human courtship ritual filled with social activities and relational assessment. That critical time in young life when choices affect the future. When conscientious, caring parents pray their children have listened.

Available HERE

But what happens when there were no conscientious, caring parents? When a young girl is abused ... or prostituted ... by her parents? When she's taught that her only value is as a sexual object? How can she possibly understand what true love is?

That is the reality for most of the girls at Hope Unlimited for Children. The concept of dating and marriage, love and family, evoke feelings of confusion and guilt and fear. But their story doesn't have to end there ...

In Brazil, the Day of Love is in early Summer. On that day, surrounded by godly women who love them, the girls at Hope Unlimited are taught about true love and purity and what it means to be of value as one of God's highest creations ... and loved by their Creator. As part of their celebration, each girl receives Valentines that show them they are special. Valentines that come from people who took time to make a few extra Valentines for someone they don't know. People like you and me. It's a very small act that has a huge impact on the way young girls think of themselves ... and how they face the future.

If you'd like to join me in making Valentines for the girls of Hope, you can be certain you'll bring happy smiles and growing confidence into a young girl's life. It can be as simple as making a couple of extras when you write Valentines to your loved ones ... or you can make an "event" out of it and involve your Sunday School class, ladies Bible study group, mission group, civic organization, Girl Scout troop, sports team ... parents of daughters.

Send your Valentines marked "Valentine Project" to

Hope Unlimited for Children

P.O. Box 2707

Los Alamitos, CA 90720

All Valentines received between now and the end of April will be translated and shared at the 2012 Day of Love celebration.

To read more about the Valentine Project, click HERE.

Thank you in advance for caring!

I'm joining Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch ... then I'm headed off to work on this week's
Theme of the Week at My Place to Yours SHOPPING.

The theme is If It's Paper ...

This Non-traditional Table: Is It Your Style?

2012-01-25T22:59:00.002-05:00

Thursday again already? I knew it was going to be a busy week at My Place, but boy has it flown by! I've been working hard on my second online shop: My Place to Yours SHOPPING. If you stopped by here in the past few days, you know that I'm choosing a different theme every week to decide which items to list. Here's a peek at some of the things I'm working on this week ...

All of these pretties (and lots more) will be listed in the next few days. Anything catch your eye? If you missed it, I hope you'll read my last post about DOILIES to learn more about my new adventure. I also hope you'll help me spread the word!

Besides all of that busy-ness, I've been blessed with a visit from Little Man and his Mommy ... with more company coming in tonight ... so I haven't had time to tablescape this week. Instead, I'm going to share with you a very non-traditional table. I'm curious if it's your style ... or not.

Here's the setting:

I'm running errands in Knoxville, an hour away from home. It's lunchtime, and I'm on my own ... but I don't like eating in public by myself. Something about sitting at a table all alone feeling conspicuous. So instead, I stay in my car and eat lunch in a parking lot ... only to find that I am by no means alone.

On my right ...

Behind me ...

That white car across the street, too? Uh-huh.

Further down on the right, too.
They must have come early. I know ... because they found a shade tree.

So did the car way down there on your left ...

For someone who enjoys setting a pretty table, then sitting at it for a meal and memory-making with family and friends, I've sure spent a lot of time in my life eating lunch in the car. Seems kind of silly ... but I've been this way all my life, so I don't think it's about to change now. Besides, I actually like the quiet ... or listening to the radio ... or reading a book.

How about you? Every now and then, is the center console of the car enough of a table for you -- or is that not your style? Please leave a comment and tell me. I'm very curious ...

I'm linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.
If you want to see a pretty tablescape this week, you'll have to follow me there ... since you didn't get one here!

I hope you'll stop by My Place to Yours SHOPPING and take a look around. There are some pretties already there ... and A Variety of Valentines will be listed by the weekend.

Well, Hello, Doily

2012-01-22T17:31:00.002-05:00

Welcome to My Place to Yours! If this is your first time to stop by for a visit, I hope you enjoy yourself and come back often.
If you've been here before, I'm happy you've returned!

When last we met, I was layering and sharing the warmth of a simple, cuddly-soft Winter tablescape ...
and I used vintage doilies for one layer of texture.

Click here to see the entire tablescape.

You may remember that I said doilies are NOT old-fashioned -- and that we should talk about that sometime. Well, I already knew that I was going to do this post today (I'm occasionally organized like that), so here we are.

Let's talk about these beauties ...

As the story goes, doilies were named for Mr. Doily (sometimes spelled Doiley or Doyley), a 17th century London merchant who sold cloth and dry goods. Talk about leaving a legacy! That guy's name became a household word and is still going strong. Initially, doilies were made primarily to protect beautiful wood furniture from scratches. For the most part, their size determined their use.

"At that time custom decreed the service-plate doily be exactly twelve inches in diameter. That was also a popular size for small centerpieces. ... For those times when tablecloths were not used, doilies were made to be used under each piece of the place setting. The correct size for the bread and butter plate doily was eight inches. ... Three doilies, for the frappe', bullion, and finger bowl, were all the same size - seven inches. The correct size for the water set doilies was ten inches for the pitcher and five inches for each tumbler. Carafe doilies could be either nine or eleven inches depending on the size of the base. The doily for the oblong celery tray was supposed to be nine-by-fifteen inches while the one for the bread tray was made eleven-by-sixteen inches. When a doily was made for the bonbon tray it always measured nine-by-twelve inches. The olive dish, usually made of cut glass (if one could afford it), was ten inches in diameter. ..."

Frances Johnson in Collecting Antique Linens, Lace & Needlework

Did you get all that?

I found it interesting that Johnson went on to say that when doilies were not being used in their intended "service" role on the table, it was suggested they be placed on the shelves of china cabinets and cupboards to better show off the china and glass stored there. Hmmm... I think Blogland already got that memo, don't you?

My own history with doilies began the day I was born. Rare are the memories of my maternal grandmother when she did NOT have a crochet project going ... and quite often it was a doily. (I shared her crocheted snowflakes with you last Winter.) I have several beautiful doilies and a tablecloth that she made ... and I use them.

But for many people I know, this was more common ...

Over the past few years, I've been very happy to see the resurgence of the crochet doily. (Cue music.)

Well, well Hello, Doily,
Well, Hello, Doily,
It's so nice to have you back where you belong.
You're looking swell, Doily,

We can tell, Doily,
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong.

While the sweet little piece of history is still used by many of us in the "old-fashioned" way, there are some fabulous new-fangled ideas circulating. Have you seen these?

Besides this post, there's another reason doilies have been on my mind this week.
I've decided to open a second online shop ...

... and to help me find routine and focus for listing all of the stuff from my stash, I'm going to pick a different theme every week. This week's theme was DOILIES. (You guessed that, did you?) Crochet ... embroidery ... whitework ... linen ... lace ... pairs ... singles ... sets. Some are small ... and some are large enough to call "dresser pieces."

This big push to de-clutter is a Sally List project, so I'm serious about sending fabulous finds ... from My Place to Yours. I hope you'll enjoy looking. I'll also appreciate it greatly if you'll help me spread the word on your blog, Facebook page, Twitter ... however you social media-savvy people do it. (SHOPPING blog buttons are available on my sidebar if you'd like to take one.)

Now, I hope you'll leave a comment and tell me about you and DOILIES. How do you use them (or do you)? Do you like colored pieces? Do you have a favorite style (crochet, embroidery, tatting, etc)?

Then, I'd love it if you'll click on the SHOPPING at My Place tab at the top of this blog and read all about my newest shop.
You'll also see what my Week Two listing theme is!

I hope you have a great week. Mine's going to be BUSY!

I'll be joining Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and

Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Layering the Warmth ... Sharing the Warmth

2012-01-18T14:16:00.004-05:00

Brrrrrr! It's been cold at My Place lately, and we've had to layer the clothes when we take our walks. I'm not crazy about layered clothes. Too bulky! I do, however, LOVE layering the dishes!

I'm featuring pinecones again this week, but the look is totally different from last week's tablescape. These little Harker Pottery accent plates I found in an auction box last Spring were my inspiration. I've been waiting a long time to use them! I think their "pen-and-ink" look is gorgeous.

It's a simple, warm tablescape on this cold day ...

A warm, snuggly textured throw makes a great tablecloth ...

A simple soup tureen evokes thoughts of warmth, too ...

Aaaahh, here are those layers I love ...

Notice all the linear elements in this tablescape.

The berries in the border of this Wedgwood plate made me think "Winter" ...

so I centered it on the table ... added a vintage crocheted doily for more warmth and texture ... and then placed the tureen.

I never pass up a chance to add layers of texture to a Winter tablescape. Vintage doilies are a great way ... and they're NOT old-fashioned. Let's talk about that soon ...

Look at the texture in these twiggy napkin rings ...
Love it!

Winter cold ... Warm homes

Aren't we blessed?

Here's a novel idea ...

Let's not just count our blessings. Let's share them!

Click HERE to see why this is my favorite charity.

I'm partying at Between Naps on the Porch.

It's Tablescape Thursday!

I'm also joining the Cozy Home Party at Cozy Home Scenes.

Details:

Tablecloth/throw: Sonoma Home (auction)

Chargers: auction

White dinner and salad plates: Gibson "Claremont"

Accent plates: Harker Pottery "Pine Cone"

Soup tureen: unmarked (antique shop)

Black/white plate: Wedgwood Queen's Ware "Morton Old Hall" (auction)

Flatware: Mikasa "Italian Countryside" stainless

Goblets: Dollar Tree

Candle coasters: auction

Napkins: Dillards (store closing sale)

Napkin rings: The Christmas Store

Doilies: vintage (various auctions)

The End of Life As We Know It ...

2012-01-16T21:31:00.001-05:00

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I can't help but wonder ... Is the opposite true, too?

Is it possible that life in its truest and best form actually BEGINS the day we stop being silent about things that matter?

The day we give voice to someone who has none ...

When we value the life stories that came before ours ...

... and let the generation after ours be born to tell theirs.

When we stop worrying about awkward situations and show hands-on caring to people whose futures are uncertain ...

... who feel like they're carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders ...

... who work from paycheck to paycheck -- hoping to make ends meet.

People who have no paycheck -- or home -- and for whom the ends don't meet ... and never will.

When we stop silently snubbing people who make poor choices ... and start showing compassion and encouragement and offering hope for a brighter future.

Read the rest of the story ...

The day we quit ignoring hard truths -- like the fact that hundreds of thousands of pre-adolescent girls are forced into prostitution every year. Are we really going to remain silent?

Silent ... about little ones held captive in situations beyond their control ... while we experience freedom?

In fact, are we silent about that, too? Do we silently respect our protectors ... or are we quick to say aloud how much we value their service and their sacrifice ...

... and the many unsung, often unknown, sacrifices of their families.

Are we so busy with our own lives that we forget the stresses and challenges of young husbands and wives? Is there encouragement we can offer ... if we'll just break our silence?

And young families ... Those sweet little ones grow up, and sometimes the "sweet" turns bitter and exhausting ... and young parents need the prayers and listening ears of those of us who have already been down that road. And sometimes they just need a babysitter ...

It used to be the norm for families to value relationships and teach morals ...

For students to actually receive a worthwhile education ... while giving and getting respect. And teachers could count on the support of parents rather than the blame ...

"Work ethic" used to mean something ...

And faith was the cornerstone of all that was right in our world ...

In some circumstances, the proverbial saying, "Silence is golden" is true ... but not in any of these. Tears of hurting people flow in silence because many of us have been silent far too long, and our world ... and churches ... and families are now experiencing the consequences of our negligence.

Isn't it time we break our silence? Isn't it time we pay attention and give credence to things that truly matter?
Isn't it time we started living ... making a difference ... instead of going through the motions?

What changes are you going to make ... today?

What research are you going to do ... now ... to learn the facts about a "silent" topic?

Whose world is going to be better because you decide to enter it ... and give them a voice?

Maybe this is something for your Sally List ...

It's definitely on mine.

I considered turning off comments ... but decided against it.
IF you leave a comment, I hope it's because one of these areas has struck a chord with you, and you're going to start trying to find your voice. I'd love to know what "silent" topic is tugging at your heart. But please... I can't bear to read any, "We need to do more for those poor people" comments. We've said that ... and done too little ... for too long.

I've decided to link this post to Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence.

ATTENTION: Blog Comments Expanding

2012-01-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wind, rain, snow, sunshine ... We've had it all the past few days where I live! How about you?

Today's post is about a seemingly tiny little change that Blogger made to its hosted blogs last week. Did you even notice?

Blogger has finally gotten threaded comments!

If you know what that means, you may be as excited as I am. But if you're saying, "Huh? What are threaded comments?" well, I'll tell you. Better yet, I'll show you ...

Here's a screen shot of the first few comments on my last post. (Sorry, I have no idea why it's so fuzzy.) See the little words Reply and Delete under each comment? The Delete isn't always visible; it depends on if you're the blog's owner, the comment's author, etc. Doesn't matter.

Pay attention to the Reply. (Grin!)

Let's imagine that Susie at Step inside my home commented that she'd never thought to "wash" pinecones -- then asked if I washed mine with soap or just with water. I could reply directly to her comment so anyone else who might have the same question could read it, too.

Do you see the potential problem? If Susie never thought to return to that post, how would she know I answered her question? I mean, seriously ... It would be just awful if she lived the rest of her life not knowing how to wash pinecones, don't you think!

Here's the solution for the times you want to leave a question for a blog owner OR for another commenter ...

When you hit Reply, a comment box will pop up. Leave your comment as usual, BUT be sure to click on the Subscribe by email link below the comment box. Then, whenever someone replies to your comment, you'll receive an email. Now, isn't that handy?

This is exactly what I needed last Summer when I hosted the Vintage Linen & Dish Auction to celebrate my first year of blogging. It would have been much easier for you all to know when you'd been outbid!

Not every Blogger blog will have this option, but at least now if you start seeing Reply on some of them, you'll know what it means.

As always, I love reading your comments -- but now I also hope you won't hesitate to ask questions or get clarification on something I didn't make clear. (You're probably not the only one I've confused!) And in case you're one of those wonderful blog readers/lurkers who has never commented? Click HERE to read how to leave a comment on my blog. I'd love to hear from you!

If you're a blogger and want to know more about this comments option, a Google search for "Blogger threaded comments" brings up LOTS of hits -- or you can look HERE at the one I chose. Worked for me!

I'm linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

A Walk on the Wild Side

2012-01-11T20:32:00.002-05:00

Hello, hello! When last we met, I'd been washing pinecones (kind of an odd thing to do, huh?) and you all had some fun responses! I told you I'd be using those freshly-cleaned beauties in this week's tablescape.

And I gave you a little peek at an atypical winter tablescape. No cold, snowy feeling here ...
So what was my inspiration?

I enjoy walks in the woods once the weather turns cool. Underfoot ... the rustle of leaves and the crush of fallen nuts. Overhead ... the soft swish of breezes in the trees. All around ... the sounds of birds and scurrying wildlife. Dominant colors of grey and brown pair with amazing textures ... and the mostly barren earth takes on a beauty all its own. Wildlife and textures and colors ...
My inspiration this week.

I'm just going to let you look this time --
so you can let your mind wander ...

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.

Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.

~Raymond Inmon

My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing.

~Aldous Huxley

After a day's walk, everything has twice its usual value.

~George Macauley Trevelyan

Thoughts come clearly while one walks.

~Thomas Mann

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

~John Muir

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.

~Henry David Thoreau

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

~Wallace Stevens

Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird.

~Jules Renard

After dinner sit awhile, after supper walk a mile.

(English proverb)

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

(Micah 6:8)

When's the last time you took a long walk ... just because?

Pinecones: East Texas 30+ years ago
Antler sheds: West Texas through the years - Several sheds available in my Etsy shop
Pheasant feathers: South Dakota (2007) - Available HERE in my Etsy shop
Acorns: East Tennessee (2 years ago)
Aspen bark: Northeastern Arizona (recently)
Centerpiece basket: Local overstock store (3-4 years ago)
Macrame centerpiece: vintage; auction (many years ago)
Napkins: vintage; auction (several years ago)
Plates: Royal China "Overture" available HERE in my Etsy shop
Chargers: Wal-Mart (last year)
Glasses: Dollar Tree (last year)
Pearl-handled flatware: antique; auction (last year)
Spoons: Oneida "Michaelangelo" stainless; estate find
Candle stands: auction (years ago)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'm joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. You can, too!

WARNING: Authentic Blogging Gets Ugly

2012-01-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the second week of 2012! I hope your new year is off to a great start. It's been a touch and go week at my house: Everything I touched had to go somewhere! That's the kind of year it's going to be while I'm de-cluttering and downsizing and organizing ... and I'm loving it!

Yesterday I started thinking about my tablescape for the week and decided to use pinecones ... because the only pinecones I used during the holidays were little ornaments on the woodland tree in Renaissance Man's study ... and I missed seeing the pretty bigger ones.

I keep a basket of pinecones in the study year-round, so I went to my easy-reach stash and grabbed a few. And then I looked at them ... and saw dust and cobwebs. Yikes!

It's no wonder. I can't remember the last time I really looked at that basket.

But according to my "touch and go" mantra for the year, I'd touched 'em ... and they sure could NOT go back into the basket until something was done about the nastiness.

I put them in the kitchen sink and sprayed them down with the sprayer.

Do you know what pinecones do when they get wet?

They s l o w l y close up ...

As they dry out, they s l o w l y open up again.

I love pinecones!

Aren't they pretty ... now?

I hope you'll stop by later this week for Tablescape Thursday.

I'll have an atypical Winter tablescape to share with you ... and these beauties have a starring role.

So tell me...
Did you use pinecones in your holiday decor this year?
Do you prefer them au naturale or embellished with paint or glitter?

Please join me for Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Thanks for hosting, Susan!

Gee, now I'm feeling lazy because the basket holds lots of pinecones ... and I only washed these five.
I wish that little voice in my head would go away.
...OK, OK, I hear you! I'm going!

You know, sometimes "authentic" blogging can be a pain!

Can You Name This Style?

2012-01-04T20:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to My Place to Yours and a brand new year of playing in the dishes. If you're a new visitor, I hope you'll feel very welcome ... and come again often!
If you're a longtime friend, I'm very glad you're back.

If you're like me, different blogs evoke different emotions in you. Some make me laugh; some make me cry; some inspire my creativity; some challenge me. There's one blog that causes me to relax and slow down every.single.time. It's Cabin & Cottage. While it's true I was already working on this post when I saw Jacqueline's The Year in Tablescapes, I guess "borrowing" her idea still makes me a copycat blogger. I told her immediately ...

Other than the "year in tablescapes" idea, however, our posts have very little in common because Cabin & Cottage is the epitomy of a beautiful "white" blog ... and this one isn't. Jacqueline's gorgeous white dishes and vintage linens. Her masterful way of combining elements into beautiful vignettes, and her photography that is so amazing I can only dream of ever achieving something so stunning. I love it all ... but white would just never work at my house. Maybe in a very small, self-contained space ... but the reality is, I visit Jacqueline when I need a dose of calming "white." Thank you, Jacqueline for sharing such beauty with us all!

My Place to Yours: Tablescapes of 2011
What fun I had playing in the dishes last year! My tablescapes aren't as easily recognizable as Jacqueline's, but these are my personal favorites. Does that mean they define my "style" ... and does that style have a name? I have no idea. Any suggestions? (Click on any title to see the original post.)

January

Winter Memory

February

A Nod to St. Valentine

March

Daffodils & Blue

April

A Royal Heritage

May

Family Treasures

June

Heart-Stopping-Beautiful China

July

He Loves Me ... He Loves Me Not

August

Breakfast At Tiffany's

September

A New Friend at My Table

October

Autumn Tablescape Inspiration

November

There Are Dishes I DON'T Like ...

December

Seasonal Simplicity

Do you have a favorite?

This one's still my all-time favorite. I hope you'll check it out!

The Very BEST Tablescape Ever

I'm partying at Between Naps on the Porch. It's Tablescape Thursday!

How to Have Personalized Glassware Without the High Price

2012-01-01T20:57:00.024-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I can't begin to tell you how much I've looked forward to this new year! The past few years have been so full of crazy schedules and projects and stresses that somewhere along the way (8 or 9 months ago) I stopped in the middle of what I was doing ... looked at Renaissance Man ... and slowly said,

"2012"

He probably thought I'd finally lost it, but then I calmly explained that I'd decided 2012 would be the year I was going to take time to re-group ... before I really did lose it! I was going to do what I wanted to do ... like checking things off of my Sally List (how's yours going, by the way?), maintenance projects (they can only be put off so long when you live in an old house!), cooking more and eating out less, working on my Etsy shop, downsizing/simplifying ... and DIY projects. Then he understood. He knew I'd been holding it together for a really long time, and so he simply but graciously said, "Help me get through 2011 ... and 2012 is yours."

I'll admit that as soon as we got Hope's 20th Anniversary Celebration behind us last October, I started inching toward 2012, trying hard not to run. I enjoyed a relaxing holiday season which included Sally List projects and a head start on some much-needed DIY time -- and what turned out to be perhaps my favorite project ... so far.

I made a set of personalized glassware for my youngest daughter whose glasses were broken in their recent Army-mandated move from Georgia to North Carolina. I wanted her to have something nice for everyday until she has time to choose her own. She loves birds (or as she says, "peeps") ...

and these glasses made her smile!

What is it about etched glass that is such a draw for many of us? Sometimes it features a delicate vintage pattern ...

Sometimes the emphasis is more subtle ... yet boldly personal.

Available HERE

Sometimes the etching is more of an engraving ... and very elaborate.

See these glasses in tablescapes HERE and HERE.

If you like the idea of personalized glassware but don't have the budget for the pricey pieces -- or perhaps you just want something fun for everyday -- you can make your own with just a few supplies ... and only a few bucks.

I started with a set of 8 Libbey glasses with weighted bottoms from Dollar Tree.

Then I selected a design to use for my stencil ... sized it to the glasses ... and cut 8 of them out of a thin vinyl.

Since I have a Silhouette cutting machine, I chose a pre-made design from the Silhouette online store -- but you can use any design you like. There are pre-made ones available or you can do what I did years ago and trace a design onto clear contact paper then cut it out with an X-acto knife.

I adhered each stencil to a transfer paper (bottom layer in this pic) ...

... then removed the vinyl backing.

Carefully pressed the stencil in position on the glass ...

... then slowly peeled away the transfer paper.

I used a special hooked tool (or you can use an X-acto knife) to remove the parts of the stencil to be etched. I also added a piece of painters tape (masking tape works, too) in areas where my design was close to the edge of the stencil; I didn't want to etch any of the glass that wasn't part of my design!

A layer of etching cream ... a 5-minute wait ...
and a quick rinse under running water.

The hardest part was deciding what design to use!

I was excited about giving the plain glasses a new look, but I wanted to be sure my choice was a good one ... since it would be permanent.

Hmmm... Kind of like deciding what to write on my "clean slate" this year ... in 2012 ... when my choices matter ... and affect the rest of my life ...
and everyone around me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

* * * * *

How about you?

Do you have any personalized glassware --

or would you like some?

What design would you put on yours?
I hope you'll leave a comment and tell us!

Join me at these fun parties:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Show-Me-How @ It's a Blog Party!

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

How to Make Your Holiday Linens Love You!

2011-12-30T09:57:00.001-05:00

Christmas celebrations are passed ... and I suspect some of you have vintage linens you had hoped to use at Christmas ... but you never found/made time to get out the storage stains before the holiday rush. Maybe next year, right?

May I offer a suggestion?

(It's also called The Voice of Experience.)

Now is the perfect time to take care of those stains ... while schedules are still offering a few slower-paced days than usual.

It's also the perfect time because I've just found a way to lower the price of my all-time favorite linen cleaner. It's called Restoration, and it's available HERE at My Place to Yours on Etsy.

You can read the testimonials on my sidebar -- or you can just see for yourself ...

Still not convinced?

Hankie available HERE.

Seriously ... Isn't it time to take your vintage pretties from Blah to Beautiful? I'm here to help you do just that, so feel free to email me with your stain questions (and send pics if you like). We might even feature your "nice save" in a Met Monday post once you and Restoration have worked your magic!

What? You don't have any heirloom linens, but you've always wanted some for your holiday table? No problem! Just email me with your table dimensions and tell me what you have in mind. I'll see what I have in my "stash" that you might like -- or I'll keep my eyes open and help you find something before next Christmas! Don't delay ... because we all know how time flies!

Have a wonderful and safe time bringing in the New Year ... and I'll see you Sunday night with what may be my favorite DIY project ever!

Oh, and don't forget ... as long as it's postmarked by December 31, it's not too late to mail an end-of-year gift to your favorite charity. This one's mine ... and HERE's why. Click on the logo to learn more about Hope.

2012: A Clean Slate

2011-12-28T17:59:00.004-05:00

I always love the week between Christmas and New Years. If I'm home without company, I take down Christmas decorations and start the new year with not only the proverbial "clean slate," but a clean house as well. If, however, I am blessed to have after-Christmas company or am traveling, that just has to wait a little longer. This year, it has to wait.

After a quiet "table for two" on Christmas Day, Renaissance Man and I drove to North Carolina to visit our youngest daughter and her family (aka Little Man and his parents). We're playing and working on some DIY projects they wanted to tackle, so today's post is a tablescape inspiration board -- because I've had no time to tablescape! (I hope to show you some DIYs soon.)

This week, my inspiration was a vintage card I saw on Etsy. I hadn't realized I was ready for some "softness" after weeks of the "heavy," vibrant (but beautiful!) colors of Fall and Christmas. Apparently I was.

Source

So instead of the glitz and sparkle of a traditional New Years tablescape, I took a detour -- and this is where it led ...

Clockwise beginning at vintage card: New beginning ornament, floral plates, monogram H stemware, King's Crown claret wine goblets, "Red Dazzle" tablescape, vintage linen mosaicwork towel

As 2011 draws to a close, do you find yourself thinking you wish it wouldn't end ... or that you're soooo ready for it to be over -- because it's been a VERY long year? I've felt both ways through the years. Where does today find you?

However you feel, 2012 is just around the corner ... and

I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!

People Like Youby Joanna Fuchs A brand new year!
A clean slate on which to write
our hopes and dreams.
This year:
Less time and energy on things;
More time and energy on people.
All of life’s best rewards,
deepest and finest feelings,
greatest satisfactions,
come from people--
people like you. Happy New Year!

Best wishes for safe celebrating as you bring in the new year!

Won't you join me for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch AND
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound?

The Carpenter and the Staircase

2011-12-25T20:57:00.002-05:00

Have you had a good Christmas? At our house, we've been celebrating the birth of God's son and our Savior, Jesus. How amazing it is to think that, for reasons I can't understand, the Creator of the universe loved me -- and you -- enough to send His only son into our fallen world of humanity ... and in the form of an innocent, dependent child no less.

I always marvel at who God chose to be His son's earthly parents; a young girl and a carpenter. God must have seen really special hearts in those two. Hearts that were both compassionate and strong. Hearts that could recognize miracles while providing earthly love and protection ... yet could endure danger and gossip and immeasurable pain. Just a young girl and a carpenter ...
Mary and Joseph.

While in Santa Fe on a recent trip, I heard the story of another carpenter. I was visiting the Loretto Chapel, a beautiful old Gothic-inspired chapel that sits at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail. Patterned after King Louis IX's Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878 and served as the place of worship for the Academy of our Lady of Light (established by the Sisters of Loretto in 1853).

Although the Academy closed in 1968, and the chapel is no longer consecrated by the Catholic church, Loretto Chapel remains open to the public as a private museum ... still drawing worshipers from near and far.

Inside is a beautiful Gothic altar ...

Stunning gilding ...

frescoes ...

and stained glass ...

Purchased from a studio in Paris, the beautiful stained glass made its way from Paris to New Orleans by sailing ship ... then to St. Louis, Missouri by paddle boat ... finally making a long trek by covered wagon over the Old Santa Fe Trail.

But I was telling you about a carpenter, wasn't I?

Well, amazing as is the story of the windows, it pales in comparison to the legend of the Miraculous Staircase.

As the story goes, Loretto Chapel was built with no access to the choir loft located 22 feet above. Upon consulting with local carpenters, the Sisters of the Chapel were told that the only solution was to build a ladder; any form of stairway would cause the loss of too much seating space.

Can you imagine climbing a 22 foot ladder wearing a nun's habit? Surely the Sisters couldn't either, as they were simply unwilling to accept a ladder as the final solution. Instead, they began praying a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.

According to the legend, it was on the ninth and final day of prayer that a stranger arrived at the Chapel looking for work. He brought with him a donkey and a toolbox.

The man told the Sisters that if they would give him total privacy, he would build them a staircase.

Several months later, an elegantly-curved double helix-shaped staircase rose 20 feet above the ground floor of the Chapel. Constructed using only primitive tools, wooden pegs, and water, the stairway made of non-native wood stood ready for use ... with no apparent center support. Nothing short of a miracle.

But before he could be paid or even thanked, the stranger-turned-carpenter disappeared. His identity was never known. Legend says that perhaps it was
St. Joseph himself who built the answer to the Sisters' prayers.

As originally constructed, the elegantly-curved spiral staircase had no wall attachment and no railing.

Christmas season upon Christmas season has been celebrated in the presence of the beautiful staircase. Unlike the unidentified carpenter in the legend, the name of Jesus, the carpenter's son, has been proclaimed.

His miraculous birth to a virgin ... and His sacrificial death over three decades later on a wooden cross.

But in my own life I see some similarities, too, between Jesus and the stranger in the legend. Like the carpenter, Jesus "shows up" when I pray ... even though it may often seem like the 11th hour, when I'm about ready to give up. He desires to meet my needs, just as the carpenter wanted to meet the Sisters' need for a staircase. Also like the carpenter in the legend, Jesus sees beyond a situation's apparent limitations and limited resources ... working in my life as the Master craftsman that He is to build function and purpose and beauty in a ~~place~~ ~~life~~ heart that was once only an empty void.

Whereas the mystery carpenter wanted privacy to do his work ... not Jesus. He wants me right beside Him, close enough to feel His heartbeat. He wants my availability and cooperation. He wants my Focus ... not my leftovers. He wants me to learn. He wants me to find rest for my soul. He wants the same for you ...

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Source

I'm joining Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

The Light of the World ...

2011-12-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

L u x A u r u m q u e

Lux,

Light,

Calida gravisque pura velut aurum

warm and heavy as pure gold

Et canunt angeli molliter

and the angels sing softly

Modo natum.

to the new-born baby.

The angel said... “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord."

(Luke 2: 10-11)

The words of the angel still ring true. There's no cause for fear. Our Creator gave each of us a gift in the form of a baby. His birth is cause for celebration and joy. The Messiah, the Lord, is born!

Merry Christmas to each of you!

SEASONAL SIMPLICITY: A Lenox Holiday Tablescape

2011-12-21T19:22:00.003-05:00

It seems from your comments on last week's Berry Pretty post that many of you love red berries as much as I do ... So let's continue the theme!

You can imagine how I felt a few years ago when I spotted four 5-piece place settings of virtually unused Lenox Holiday china at an estate auction. I'd never owned any fine Christmas china (and I'd long admired the beautifully simple holly pattern of Holiday), so I was excited when I got it for only pennies on the dollar. Obviously, it's the perfect choice for today's berry-theme tablescape.

When using gold-rimmed china, you can either turn UP the ritzy/glitzy factor ... or turn it DOWN. This year I'm enjoying simple, so I turned it down.

A large pedestal stand with a gold charger laid on top. A vintage ribbed glass bowl with a candle and hurricane globe set inside. Sprigs of fresh holly surrounding both the candle and the bowl, giving it a tiered effect.
(It doesn't get any easier than that!)

Holly + Candlelight = Seasonal Simplicity

A few small figurines add a touch of vintage charm (as opposed to the vintage kitsch in THIS tablescape).

I like how these antique Crescent & Sons gold-encrusted plates give your eye a place to rest. Hmmm... I guess there really is such thing as too much holly!

Antique glasses with gold-encrusted rims ...

The clear ribbed glass charger complements the ribbed glass centerpiece bowl -- and keeps the place setting from getting too fussy. (Imagine what this would look like with a gold charger ... much "heavier" and formal.)

The bouillon soup is a Lenox Hanover piece.

Inexpensive gold flatware pairs with a simple beaded tassel ornament-turned-napkin ring ... continues the linear/ribbed element in this tablescape ... and provides the final touch of traditional Christmas festivity.

Merry Christmas to each of you ...

from My Place to Yours!

I pray your holidays are happy, your celebrations sincere,

and your travels safe.

I'm partying with Susan for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

2011-12-18T21:11:00.009-05:00

Children add a special *sparkle* to Christmas, don't they?

I loved watching the twinkle in Little Man's eyes recently as he helped decorate the Christmas tree in "Poppa's room." He loved putting the brass ornaments and antlers and pheasant feathers on the woodland-theme tree.

I'll admit it ... and if you are kind enough to visit My Place very often, you already know: Children hold a special place in my heart. Their kindness and innocence and common sense are so refreshing ... and I've always thought that the most important job I ever had was raising my daughters. I'm not a perfect parent (who is?), but I'm a darn good parent -- and grandparent -- and I take that role very seriously.

So where am I going with this? Well, you're reading a post I've been writing in my head for the past few months. It's one some of you aren't going to like. You may not understand where I'm coming from. You may even get angry. I hope you'll hear me out. I'm really struggling with something ...

One morning while running errands, I turned on Hallerin Hilton Hill, a local radio talk show host in Knoxville. I like that I never know what topic he's going to tackle ... and that sometimes he's pretty gutsy. Well, on this particular morning, he was asking the question: Are you a pet owner or a pet parent? I listened as caller after caller gave their answer. Suffice it to say that some of their responses I couldn't stomach. I turned off the radio ... but their words wouldn't go away.

Now before you decide that I don't like pets, let me show you something. This is Tigger. His ninth life ended last January, and I'll admit that I've really missed seeing him snuggled under the Christmas tree this year. Our dogs were always outside pets ... but this little guy often got special treatment. Usually because he demanded it!

When I put together dresses for the Wedding Closet project I told you about, he insisted on being right in the middle of everything ...

He was lovable like that. When he died, I cried with the rest of the family ... and I cried alone. But I did not lose a child; I was not his parent. He was our pet, and we were his owners ...

Continuing to run my errands, with the talk show discussion still haunting me, I stopped by T. J. Maxx. (I know. Hard to believe, isn't it?) Heading straight to the clearance section, I was enjoying myself immensely until ...

With tears in my eyes and a huge lump in my throat, I couldn't get out of the store fast enough. My mind was screaming, no, No, NO! Dogs ARE NOT children with fur! Pets ARE NOT children ... no matter how much we love them.

When did pets stop being pets and become "children?"

Please ... Scroll slowly through these pictures and LOOK at them.
How did we let this happen?

Am I the only one who thinks there's something

really wrong here?

Slow down, please. Look ...

Yeah, I know it's Christmas, and this isn't a very festive topic ...

But the home where these pooches live will have a tree with presents ... and a nice Christmas meal. They'll even have stockings hung by the chimney with care. Won't they?

... At what cost to the children?

These are real children.

They're alone and hungry and exploited ... while we sit back and act like they don't exist.

This is NUTS! Did you know it's estimated that Americans spent $47.7 BILLION on pets last year? In a similar time period, $60 billion was spent on weight loss (and just look how that fixed the U.S. obesity problem).

But what about the children? Surely we spent more to help them ...
Nice try. Bad news. We didn't. The entire amount we gave to children's charities was approximately 1/2 of what we spent on pets. In fact, last year just under $291 billion was given to ALL charities (and that includes animal charities).

It's like our society is spinning out of control ...

and we're failing our children.

What's wrong with us?

Do we think if we just ignore the problem, it will go away?

If we ignore the next generation, we're not responsible for what happens?

Oh, please don't stop making contributions to children's charities at Christmas! There are many wonderful organizations that depend on end-of-year gifts. I know we at Hope Unlimited for Children certainly do. In fact, we have to raise 40% of our entire budget during the last three months of the year.

But can you and I afford to let a holiday gift suffice as our valiant once-a-year effort on behalf of the "poor" children? Does that "take us off the hook" (or assuage our guilt) until next Christmas? What's happening to our world's children in the meantime?

I know the number of children who need us is overwhelming. Believe me, I do! But we must never forget that every one of those millions of children is
a story yet to be told. Every one of those children needs someone like me ... or you ... to help them write Hope into their life story.

If the idea of "millions" overwhelms you and leads to inaction (aka doing nothing because you don't think it will make a difference), then try this.
Think ONE.

Think ONE ... then do something about it ...

ONE gift today to help ONE child.
ONE gift in January to help ONE child.
ONE gift in February to help ONE child.
. . .
I recently overheard an 82-year-old friend say, "It's not easy to break a good habit." Think about it ...

I'm glad your pet has you as its owner because I'm sure you take good care of him. Will you take my challenge?

* Whatever amount you spend on pets this Christmas -- spend at least that amount on a needy child. *

* In 2012, keep a record of all money you spend on your pets. Set aside (or go ahead and give) at least a like amount to a reputable children's charity. *

No pet at your house? No problem! There's still at least ONE child who needs you ... Won't you help make the difference for ONE child today?

Choose your favorite children's charity ... or click on the link below and join me in supporting mine.
The children need us all!

Join me for:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Blue Monday at Smiling Sally
Mosaic Monday at Little Red House
Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Pic sources:
Child holding bowl

Versace pet bowl

Dog house at Austin Barkitecture

Cat bed

Dog beds

Dogs on tricycle
Child holding doll

All other pics in this post were either taken by me or are used w/ permission of Hope Unlimited for Children.

WAITING FOR THE SUN ... The Coming of the Light

2011-12-17T14:57:00.001-05:00

My internal clock was still on Eastern time ... but I was on the West Coast for The Big Event ... when I had an Advent experience. That was two months ago. Waking long before my alarm, I walked to the window of our 24th floor hotel room, and this is what I saw. In person, it was absolutely stunning.
Catching my breath, I reached for my camera.

A new day was trying to dawn, and for me it was going to be a very busy one ...

but I stood there in awe, just waiting ... waiting for the sun ...

while below me commuters, oblivious to the beauty overhead, fought the early morning traffic ...

parking lots filled up with office workers ...

and passengers on airplanes prepared to land. Oblivious.

Yet as the day continued to dawn ...

and office buildings filled with staff ...

the thick clouds overhead began to silently break up ...

pouring more light onto the earth below.

Shadows began to disappear ...

and the world became grey rather than black ...

while yet another plane full of early-morning travelers prepared for landing. Oblivious.

The city awoke ... clueless to the beauty overhead.

Wheels down. Prepare to land. Get off the plane. Hurry to the taxicab, the meeting, the next flight. Oblivious.

Fewer clouds. More light.
I'm still waiting for the sun ... but thinking about what the world was like over 2000 years ago when a weary couple was waiting for the birth of God's Son.

His birth had been foretold ... but how many people were truly watching and waiting? How many were wrapped up in their own worlds ... oblivious?

How many today ... at this season of Advent ... have missed the Sonrise?

If you didn't miss it, I'm really glad! But take a minute to ask yourself the same question I asked myself: Am I truly watching ... anticipating His return ...
waiting for the Son?
I hope you're remembering the Reason for this season.
Nothing else really matters, does it?

I'm joining Spiritual Sundays at Blogger Spirit and

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper.

Berry Pretty

2011-12-14T19:10:00.001-05:00

They have names like Pyracantha, Privet and Possumhaw.

They come in a wide variety of colors.

Click post pics to enlarge them.

They slip quietly (but quite noticeably) into our decor in late Summer ... and stay there throughout the holidays ... and into the Winter.

I especially love the red ones!

They're a favorite holiday motif that's been showing up on our Christmas cards for many years ...

... and gracing the pages of our magazines.

Southern Living

They have no problem jumping right in the middle of our Christmas decorations ... both inside and out.

They dress up our mantels ...

And at our house, they even show up on our stockings. Little Man's train is the most recent one I've made ... but we'll need a new one next year. Little Man has a little brother on the way!

Their pretty faces brighten up our linens ...

Tablecloth (bottom right) available HERE.

... and our dishes.

Holly glasses available HERE. Victorian Santa plates available HERE.

Sometimes they're just the thing a tablescape needs to make it "pop!"

Tablescapes (left to right): Ivory and Gold, Presidential Open House, Quick Change

They're berries ... and I think they're Berry Pretty. How about you?

Do you use berries (faux or fresh) in your holiday decor?

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

The Love Letters

2011-12-11T18:23:00.006-05:00

The conversation began several months ago when Renaissance Man's mother was here for a visit. I learned that my 91-year-old mother-in-law has a collection of love letters written by her grandparents ... in 1888. Actually, the first letter was written December 16, 1887 -- 124 years ago this week.

Frances, asked if I would help her divide up the letters between her three children. I told her NO. I couldn't stand to think of treasures like those getting separated! However, I said I would make a nice set of copies for the boys -- and her daughter could have the originals. She liked that idea and said she would mail the letters to me. NO again! Let's keep them where they're safe until I can come get them in person.

Because she's virtually blind, I also told her that the next time we were together, we would get out the letters and I would help her decipher them -- then make a large-print manuscript for her to read whenever she wants. She really liked that idea!

So last Memorial Day, while in Texas, I not only walked through rose garden and cemetery as I shared in previous posts, but I kept my promise to "work on those letters."

What fun we had! Sitting at the dining table in her oldest son's home, I sorted the letters, admired her grandfather's beautiful penmanship (much better than the grandmother's!) and struggled to "make heads or tails" of a few sentences.

As I read the letters, I transcribed them ... often stopping to listen to story after story of people and places they recalled. How I hoped for something "juicy" with which to shock my prim-and-proper mother-in-law, but alas ... The letters were really quite tame, almost juvenile in places ... kind of refreshing in its own way.

As it turns out, the letters were written over a 10-month period while young Ada Langley was traveling around Texas visiting friends. William Wright was farming ... and waiting for her to come home to marry him. She hadn't lived long in the "lonesome place" in East Texas she now called home, and it seems she was having such a fun time being away (except when she had the mumps - and then the measles) that she didn't seem any too eager to return. In fact, though Ada vowed her love for William, we laughed and wondered if today the two would have ever gotten together. He kept trying to set a wedding date ... and she kept putting him off.

But Ada finally promised she was "coming home if I have to walk all the way ... to stay forever and forever Amen!" Her last letter said she planned to arrive the fourth Sunday of August. She and William were married one week later on September 2, 1888. Ada was 18 years old; William was 30. Together they had three daughters and two sons before William's untimely death at age 41.

Although I've already given Frances the transcribed letters, I decided that I'd make a photo book of the letters for her for Christmas. I put that project on my Sally List. Yesterday was the day. Letters were scanned. Text and pictures were added.

The photo book was ordered. I hope she loves it.

Do you write love letters ...

or have any old family love letters?

Has anyone ever written a love letter to you?

If you think not, you're mistaken. The most truthful, beautiful love letter ever composed has your name on it. The pleasure of a relationship with you is requested ...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Believe and receive.

Experience the ultimate Before and After ...

Suggested reading: Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I'm joining Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch,
Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence, and Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.

More Sally List projects going on at My Place this week.

How about you? Click Sally and tell us what you're working on!

Ho Ho Ho ... A Vintage Christmas Tablescape

2011-12-07T21:03:00.016-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday!

This week I've been in a Vintage Christmas mood, and today we're going with the fun, kitschy side of vintage Christmas. My inspiration came from these little flocked Santas. You either love 'em ... or not! (Little Man's Mommy thinks they're "creepy." Personally, I think they're fun, and I've played with them for years, but I've decided that this is the year to start cleaning out a few things. This post will serve as my "scrapbook" for memory's sake... and they're now available in my Etsy shop. The link is at the bottom of this post along with links for many other things you'll see in this tablescape.)

This tablescape was the perfect time to pull out "all things vintage" ...

Dishes ...

and linens ...

... including this handmade tablecloth.

It's very large! Think of the work that went into making it!

Vintage ornaments in a vintage sleigh ...

Vintage napkin rings ...

Vintage glasses ...

Even vintage Christmas books and magazines, too ...

And vintage Christmas cards ...

Of course I had to add this vintage angel candleholder and another sleigh ... since I had them.

And these cute little candle huggers.

I really did have a jolly ol' time putting this table together for you this week ...

Since this is a "scrapbook" post, I tucked in this vintage picture, too.
Yes, Little Sister. I'm afraid we're now "vintage!"

And since I included that picture (for you, Mom!), I reeally couldn't resist including this favorite Christmas picture of my own once-little girls.
(Since I'm scrapbooking...)

I never get tired of seeing the traditional colors of

red and green

at Christmas! Do you?

I hope you're having fun during this holiday season.

I also hope you're remembering why we celebrate ...

These "personal collection" items are now moving from My Place to Yours ...
They're AVAILABLE NOW in my Etsy shop. Just click the links below.

Used in the above tablescape:
Flocked Santa ornaments

Flocked waving Santa

Vintage European glass ornaments

Victorian Santa dinner plates - set of 5

Beverage glasses - set of 7

Juice glasses - set of 8 (w/ second almost identical set available)

Angels candleholder

Pair mice candle huggers

Poinsettia napkin rings - set of 6

Tablecloth with felt appliques

A few more vintage Christmas items I'm offering at Etsy:

Vintage Christmas Cactus tablecloth

Vintage Wilendure Christmas tablecloth