Winter Mantel

First To Change

from this...

to this.

I find it just as much fun to clear away the Christmas décor as I do putting it up.

My mind switches to a different mood, from one of festivity to one of serenity.

Our living room fireplace mantel was the first place I chose to transform the room once again, to set the tone.

I have been looking forward to using the large ceiling tin I found at the Country Living Fair last fall. I love the subtle colors and the patina.

The ceiling tin was my jumping point in selecting items for a serene setting and tone.

I noticed that the urns I had with the silk Magnolia flowrs had similar coloring to the ceiling tin – they were the first to be added.

Initially I added one of my favorite busts in the center, then added the other to see if I could pull of having both along with the urns – usually it is one or the other.

I played around with a few of my clotches until I came up with this arrangement.

 I added the fleur de lis paperweight to add color and texture as well as to complement the fleur de lis pattern in the lantern to the left.

I recently found this lantern at Michaels and like the balance it creates with the other lantern.

I put a linen table runner beneath it all to add a softened texture.

There’s a large nail in the brick that the tin did not cover so I needed something to hang there. I first chose a painting, my favorite, I thought it looked great, but it was a little too much for the spot.

I then chose this grapevine wreath to add to the colors and textures already included. Now it is done.

I like the overall look, to me it does evoke the subtle and serene colors of Winter.

I appreciate you stopping by this first week of the New Year! I am pretty excited about all the potential this year has before us.

I am sharing this post with these Delightsome blog parties: 
Metamorphosis Monday
White Wednesday
R & R Weekend

Wishing you a Delightsome week,

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Of Rose Lipped Maidens

And Lightfoot Lads

I’ve had that poem going through my mind these past couple of days. I have been thinking of the beautiful story, Out of Africa and the beautiful way it was portrayed.

I am drawn to the serene colors in this movie – the colors of Africa – the colors of the clothing – white and khaki.

The main reason this movie has been on my mind is the scene where Denys washes Karen’s hair by the stream. The image of the creamy pitcher of water being poured over her backwards bent head is a romantic version of what I’m going through now.

My circumstance is not so glamorous. Our water heater has been out for a couple of days. One of the downsides to living in a small rural community is lack of service. Actually – we’ve had a few things to go out at the same time – is three the charm?

We are taking it in stride – with a bit of a sense of humor.

As I heat pot after pot and kettle after kettle of water, my husband envisions himself taking a ‘cowboy’ bath.

I’d rather envision myself years back – in the beautiful countryside of Africa – a romantic Victrola playing in the background as cool river water rinses my freshly washed hair.

Closing my eyes – I can be there….

The kettle is whistling! Off I go!

Thank you so much for your visit!

I will be sharing this post with

The House in the Roses' Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Faded Charm’s White Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Garden

Rambling

on a warm November day

The sun warmed my back as I walked through mine and my neighbor’s garden. I have to admit, I really love his picket fence. The pink roses look so perfect alongside the hand hewed timbers.

Butterflies and bees were flitting about drinking in the last of the sweet nectar of each flowering blossom. It is a wonder to still see so many things blooming.

My neighbors, this bush is HUGE!

The cats were weaving their way between my feet wondering why the flowers were more important at the moment to me than they were. I paused a moment to feed them and was able to continue my ramble towards the Camellias.

Do you ever feel that the peacefulness and quietness of a garden were part of God’s original plan for us? Verdant and abundant in giving to us, gardens are such a wonderful gift.

Identifying these sweet diminutive rose still eludes me for the moment. 

I did take time this morning to take a nearly spent blossom – to remove all its petals and count them. There were between 120 and 150! 

I was quite amazed that so much could be bound in such a tiny, sweet blossom.

The Mexican Sage seems to be at its peak now, it attracts Clouded Yellow Butterfly each year.

La Marne is still covered in various shades of pink blossoms, they seem to begin a deeper pink as the weather turns cooler and fade to a soft pink before transforming into rose hips.

Pretty Lady seems to be breaking away with a happy exuberance – I purchased her last winter and am thrilled with her progress – I can’t wait until she’s a beautiful shrub filled with blossoms.

This is another mystery rose – why do I have so many? These were given to me by someone who rescued them from an abandoned garden and who later didn’t want these roses any more. Can you imagine that?!

This oregano is growing through the cracks of this planter. Last year I had them filled with herbs and transplanted them to another part of the garden earlier this year. I suppose some of the roots remained – I think it charming…my husband not so much.

This wind chime sits outside my kitchen window near my desk. When the wind blows I can hear its music – so peaceful and so pleasant.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting! I will be sharing this post with these Delightsome Blog Parties:

Outdoor Wednesday

White Wednesday

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