Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Family Tradition

When we were children and hung our stockings by the fireplace we didn't use fancy "store bought" stockings. We used socks. We didn't have too, we could afford to buy the stiff, decorative stockings with sequins and embroidery. But Mother and Daddy were more creative than that, they loved the quirkiness of the unusual, the silliness of the whimsical. So we used socks, all kinds of socks although the stretchier the better! We had quite a collection and I remember arguing with my brother on which stocking we got to hang! I also remember friends thinking we were a little odd, that our socks weren't charming but a bit strange. That didn't bother us, we knew that Our stockings stretched unbelievably and could hold a multitude of nuts, candy, and surprises! Over the years I have made our sock stockings as gifts occasionally and been pleased to find that they are now thought inventive and fun. Our family thinks they are wonderful and everyone knows where their sock hangs whether from the fire screen or the hall tree. They all have a designated spot and I dare say any of us would be quite appalled and disappointed if a stocking wasn't waiting with our name on it --there Would be consequences to pay!
Our Christmases have changed over the years, I guess that happens to most everyone. Sadly my brother is not here but we added two nephews, the husbands of my nieces. Another change is that we are all older. But some things never change--and that would be the socks! They are a family tradition!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Simplicity



I used to have roses surrounding me. My tastes have changed. I still love roses and rose fabric and rose prints but I crave simplicity. I want less, I want aged, I want natural. I also want a garden room, not exactly a potting shed because I don't care to "pot" in it, but nevertheless a charming little rustic place to put my collections of old garden tools, clay pots, rickety wood furniture, and yes, some rose printed pillows! I have just the spot only it's filled with a collection of junk rather than a charming collection at the moment. Next year! Really! I mean it!

Welcome In!



And here we are inside! See why I love working late? It's just a magical place to be.

Entrance to White Barn Upstairs

This is the entrance to my dear little shop--aka White Barn Cottage but always The Rose Garden to me. My workroom is still in the back of the upstairs and still crowded with all manner of floral stems, containers, seasonal flora and anything else I may or may not need. It is still my love. I haven't really decorated it yet, I always have the white "fairy" lights there but they look even more magical this time of year. The upstairs is my favorite room, apple green, black and white. Basic and shabby and inviting. Let's go in, shall we?

The Beginning of the Season

I've always loved the fresh scent of evergreen so therefore a fresh wreath is essential to me. We used to have real trees to decorate but even I, a diehard "fresh" lover, have to admit that artificial is easier. For one thing I like to get my tree up earlier than most and in the past have had to put up as many as three fresh trees. So these days I am content with going out and cutting all manner of greenery and constructing a huge, lush, fresh wreath for the front door. A birds nest is always nestled in and though it isn't the time of year for birds to have eggs an empty nest doesn't seem as festive! Top it off with a big red bow and some glitter and the front door is dressed for the Season!