The Stockings are Hung....it's Christmas time soon!!!

This is the time of year that your sewing speed determines your income....well, sort of. Decorators are calling, individual clients are calling....people are getting their homes ready for entertaining...it is really a fun time...and, then, the week before Christmas, Bobby and I push everything out of the way and hide our "work stuff" so that we can host a little family meal for a few of us...and...boy, would I love to be getting my house ready, too!

Bobby and I are planning some ideas for our house-and I hope maybe next year will be the year....our family is growing and I want to be able to host a family gathering or two....so, that is our plan...could there possibly be enough time to get it done before next year? But, for now....I will do my best to finish the dining rooms and family rooms and bedrooms I have promised...and, really, the weeks get faster and faster the closer it gets to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I've included some photos of our "nook" space at "On the Square Antiques" in Troy. We have added a few vintage Christmas decorations to go along with the club chair and ottoman that I slipcovered in a cottage style floral Waverly fabric, prewashed and dried...also a valance in matching and coordinating fabrics-great for a home office or craft room. A few black painted side tables and a black cupboard with hand painted detail on the doors are also included in our Cottage and Cabin booth in Troy.

I have added some cabin style Christmas stockings to our spot inside Old South Antique Mall in Dothan...these are made from a charming tattered vintage quilt and burlap, and backed with cream homespun. I will take special orders on stockings using your quilt or fabrics of your choice...call soon!! And, Happy Decorating!!!

A Special Song...

A great beginning to my day...a friend with a delivery of "wine ice" and gifts wrapped in vintage wrap-and inside, vintage Holly Hobbie Christmas glasses, a Mary Engelbreit sewing caddy with a vintage needle card tucked inside...later in the morning, calls from my daughters...and late in the afternoon, a visit from my son who surprised me with a bouquet of fall colored daisy mums and a card...what a great visit, and we ate cake!!!!

But just after noon....I had not heard from Mom or Dad-I thought perhaps they were being sweet and letting this day pass quietly-as I wished. My Mom had asked to take me to lunch, but I had some deadlines of course with this date being so close to Thanksgiving...so, we celebrated instead at their home with a super meal last week-with gifts and all, so it was not really a big deal about today...although, Mom had mentioned that Dad had called my sister and sang "Happy Birthday" to her the week before..........well, was I jealous??? Maybe....but, I really am so happy that Dad is doing so well without his oxygen...his health has improved and all seems good. So, call it "jealousy" or "just glad to have him here to talk to", I wanted my song, too...

Anyway, I called Mom (to ask for my song)...and, she immediately put Dad on the phone-

He sang! I cried...it was perfect!

I have another friend who perfectly described my "bubble"...she said that I loved life in my "bubble world", and she is right...God has truly blessed me with a wonderful husband and children, a brand new grandson, a super terrific family, the best of friends, and a life that I love living and look forward to each day. I thank Him for the continuous work and jobs he provides for me and my family...and for blessing us with talents and artistic abilities that we use to support ourselves. In today's world, with so many people without jobs and hurting in other ways...I know that I am truly blessed...and I have truly lived a charmed life. And, for this, I am thankful. And thanks, Daddy, for singing for me...