My Grama's Soul

Like many of you, I start decorating with Christmas things the day after Thanksgiving.  We are in a much smaller home now so I cannot put out as much as I have in the past. But....I do manage to set out a few of my favorite things....many I have made....some are things I have had for many years. The wonderful old santa photo is actually the front of a magazine cover dated from the 1920's.  My adult children didn't want many of their dad's things when he died...so I kept a few of the things I thought were special.   The brass candlestick actually was an anniversary present to my in-laws for a important  wedding anniversary.  Both of them passed on many years ago...and no one in the family wanted this set so I kept it as a remembrance. Here is the other candlestick and a wonderful Red Lion amaryllis purchased at our local Trader Joe's a few weeks ago. Both of these little trees are made with vintage bulbs and things I have h...

CUTE HUH???? MERRY CHRISTMAS xo Jo

Dear Santa ~~~ I've spent 65 Christmases with you.....yep sixty-five......and I know I've asked for a lot over the years.....but this year, I want to keep it simple. Just one thing on my list this year. Can you please fix it so people begin communicating VERBALLY again. No....not on a computer, or texting or twittering and tweeting.  Not facebook or answering machines: press one for English......two for Spanish.....or blackberries or blueberries.... (O:(O:....but actual face to face conversations. A phone call here, a nod hello, a simple thank you, a warm smile and a kind how are you....actually making eye contact. This is all I'm asking for Santa....I know you are so very busy this time of year...but as someone who has been a faithful believer for 60 plus years...I know you won't push my request aside. BTW......we have great  cookies HERE this year!!!  LOL  I figure a little bribe won't hurt. (O: Christmas sparkles to all, Jo

  I have posted before about my love of reusing and repurposing something around my home. This year.....instead of putting up the BIG tree we put up a small one .... so I had tons of Christmas Balls left over. Since they are so beautiful and sparkly I decided to incorporate them in my dining room chandelier.....added a bunch of ribbon and some beaded garland...and instant make over. Yes.....those are old iron bed springs you see.  I love mixing up funky with grand....it always brings me a smile. How about you? Hugs to all, Jo

Well, Thanksgiving is over.....had a great visit with friends....ate too much....so now on to the next project. For years we have had a wonderful helper who has decorated our tree....she and her helpers work a good part of the day getting both the inside and outside of our home ready for the holidays.  She can use the income......and WE can use the help. Well.....this year....she had a hip replaced...so NO helper....which means that my sweet soul mate and I have to put up the decorations.  We started this weekend.....we did not put up the big tree....just the little guy.  I have forgotten how much enjoyment I get out of decorating my home for the season. We have had someone help us since the mid 90's...so it has been a while since we have had to do this ourselves. Since I have not done this for so many years....I really did not know how many lovely ornaments actually adorned our tree.  Today I was able to see each one and choose the one's to place upon the ...

Today I'm joining Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Christmas Friday....she has an amazing group of ladies who are displaying some amazing Christmas ideas....pop on over to see them...her button is on my side bar. The above vintage shoe form was found in a funky little shop in Montana.....Called Red Neck Chic.... It appears to be and old boot form size 8 1/2.....WITH THE CLIENTS NAME ON IT of Russell.....  It also was labeled with a file number so the boot maker would be able to find it easily in his stock.....can you imagine going today to the shoemaker and having a CUSTOM PAIR of boots made just for you.. Ahhhh...days gone by. There is a small hole in the top probably where a rod would hold the form in place...I simply put a little tree star in the hole and added a little ribbon as a sort of anklet....repurposing for Christmas....I like that. Have a sweet day dear friends, Jo