Secret Fairy & Stuff

A package from my Secret Fairy arrived late Saturday. Look at how lovely everything was. (I say was only because we have just about eaten all the chocolates!) Miss Sandra over at Stranger on the Earth must have seen all my little sheep because she sent me two to add to my family. They are the softest wool ever. So sweet. They look quite content with the rest of the flock, don't they? I love the card she made with a little fortune. Thank you Sandra!

I got my two big swaps out the door today. I'm so mental sometimes. Ms* Robyn's swap clearly said homemade HEART and somehow I got in my head, homemade FLOWER. I did a horrible job, and I apologize ahead of time to Mrs. Nesbitt. I hope she will forgive me. I don't know where my head was. (I think it's the smoke that's getting to me, giggle.)


I have stuff scattered about everywhere that I need to clean up tonight. Every table top is completely full of junk. What a mess. This is about how my brain feels of late.



In my cleaning up, I almost forgot to show you what I found at the antique mall today. (Shhh, don't tell the hub.) There are dozens of stalls there and you just never know what you may find. First off, as soon as I walked in, I saw these two Santons (the two larger ones in front). Raphi had brought me a bunch from his family in France, and I was so excited when I saw these two, sold as a pair, at a very cheap price! I don't think they knew what they were!! Right next door was this little box of doll house furniture. Look at this sweet ceramic bed and little straw boy and pillow. I put the dime up there so you could see just how small these items are.

Ok, back to work! (Who knows what else I have under these junk heaps!)

Ho Ho Hum

The after-the-Holidays doldrums are setting in as I begin to put all the fun stuff away. The kid wanted to keep it up a bit longer, but I was afraid after not watering the tree since before we left for Canada, it would be a danger pit in there. Of course, once the tree is gone, you may as well put everything else away too, right?

When I began taking all the ornaments off, along with the lights and garland, it was still just as fresh as a daisy. Now that's something! I think paying a little bit extra for a fresh tree being delivered to your door is worth it. It was such a pretty tree too. I hated seeing it this morning sitting on the side of the curb. Perhaps I'll see it again in the spring if I go and pick up some mulch from the county.

The whole place is a disaster. Boxes here and boxes there. The cats are having a blast. But, I'm tired of the whole mess. I just don't have the strength like I used to being able to lug them all downstairs myself. There was a day . . . Oh well. So, there they will sit, until the teenager gets time to move them. Since he prides himself on his weight-lifting ability, I've been letting him do it for the past several years. Yes, I have to listen to the complaining, but I am just unable to move them (filled) myself. After last year's little stacking (throwing) incidents and losing almost every one of my vintage ornaments, I think I'll wait downstairs for them and stack them myself. This seems the only way to get it done correctly. Like my dad used to always say "If you want a job done well, you have to do it yourself." (Followed with "It's a damn shame. hehe) You know, you put faith in kids and they just don't get it. I guess at 16 or 17, you couldn't care less if everything breaks. I don't know. I suppose the opposite sex has something to do with it also. Guys just don't seem to care. My guys don't, anyway.

The hub is sick with some more muk. His throat is killing him. Poor guy. He had to be in New Orleans earlier in the week, sick as a dog. He came home and went to the walk-in clinic around the corner to see if he had strep. Nope. Just a bad sore throat. Needless to say, this time, I moved to the guest room. I don't want it. No siree. He's had more than his share of sickness this year. He hardly ever gets sick. It's

normally me! I swear. He can have everyone in the office sick, not catch a thing but carry the germs home to me and get me infected. Go figure. This year, I rack my wellness to taking my vitamins (extra C), echinacea, golden seal and airborne every time I travel or I come in contact with someone who is sick. Knock wood, so far-so good. With mom in the house, I just can't afford to get sick. So, I pray, I stay well. Of course, I hope everyone else does too. The poor hub. I've been avoiding him like the plague. A good nurse, I am not. I wish I were more like this dear woman taking care of her poor patient.

I've had some special deliveries which have kept my spirits high. Look at what a little faery dropped off on Monday. I barely caught a glimpse of the sparkle of light and faery dust before I could open the door. Faery Paula from way over there (pointing East) sent the sweetest little package of goodies. Everything so smelly good. A raspberry scented pencil, yes, a pencil. I can't wait to sharpen it and take a big ol' whiff. It smells so good in it's little container. She also put some local chocolate in, which I always appreciate, of course. The sweetest little postcards showing her area of the world was such a joy to receive. I found it to be one of my favorite places in England. Look at the little sheep in the road! And the Cotswold faces! She is so lucky to be there. What a magical place the Cotswolds are. No wonder she's a special little faery, how could she not? Thank you Faery Paula! I squint and send you faery wishes!

And then there is Queen Vallen. Oh my. Queen V. must have seen a black cow flying my way. There, waiting for me upon my return from vacation was a lovely little package, all wrapped in rosy red roses. When I opened, it, there were such lovelies, I swear I squealed. Look at the beautiful rose pin! I have the perfect sweater to wear it on. She even managed to find a card that was meant for me. Wonderful Dresden cutouts waiting to motivate me and stickers and precious dried rose buds. Thank you my friend.

I have been busy, busy, busy and just downright tired. Tiz the season, ya know. The aftermath, more like it. I have been visiting some blogs and hope to get out there more to see what everyone is up to. Gotta keep up with the comings and goings of the peeps. What a wonderful group of people I have come to know over the past year. I feel very fortunate. My little "journal" for the boys has been more than that for me. I so enjoy reading all about you all and look forward to the year ahead.

How Beautiful

Another beautiful sunset in Franklin.

I tell you, I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends online (and elsewhere too, of course!). I received a package today from Shelley and Beth. Enclosed were beautiful home-made Christmas cards and lovely ATCs. Now, Shelley has just started making ATCs; and it looks as though she's been doing it all her life! Take a look! Of course, the picture doesn't do it justice. Then take a look at her card she made. It is just so pretty. Thank you Shelley!


Then, there's Beth's. Her ATCs are always so special. This one has pearls and glitter and is just beautiful. Then, her card. Such talent out there, I tell you! Thank you Bethy! Beth and I are going to get together soon, and I am SO looking forward to that!!















Earlier in the week, I recieved a wonderful set of cards from Kansasrose! Look at these marvels! I love them!! Of course, my fav is me in the Swiss Alps. If only I looked like that!! hehe. Thank you, thank you, thank you, KR!


The light over the kitchen table is looking so fun and festive, thanks to so many friends. If you look closely, you'll find a wooden acorn and hand-made Merryville angel from Mrs. Staggs, lovely peace cranes from Lorna, faery stars from Paula, a beautiful crystal star from Shelley and who knows what else may see peeking through all that Christmas garland! Is it not the best? It is simply magical. I am enjoying it so thinking of all of you at this special time of year.

Two last (random) shots. Dave, zen like, on the kid's lap. Too sweet. I want some of whatever he's taking! That is way too relaxed!

And Roo Dog was bad. Doggy Santa is watching you too, don't forget!

Christmas Time at Rosa's

Well, I think everything is set for Christmas. I sent out all my packages, finished shopping and the house is as decorated as it's going to get. I'm done early this year! Really! I am!

Today was a cloudy day, so you can tell some of these pics are from previous days when it has been gorgeous outside. We've had unusually mild weather. No complaints.

I've been receiving some wonderful goodies in the mail. First I received my stocking swap from Sombra. Look at all the wonderful goodies stuffed in the stocking! It was a lot of fun doing this. Thanks Sombra and thanks Peggy for pulling it together!

Next came a surprise package from Merryville! What sweet treats the box contained. Mrs. Staggs sent me one of her lovely hand-made snowmen. It fits right in with my little town.

Too sweet!Next came a surprise package from Merryville! What sweet treats the box contained. Mrs. Staggs sent me one of her lovely hand-made snowmen. It fits right in with my little town. Tucked inside the box was a special little snowflake. How precious! She also sent me this lovely little wreath which I have hung on one of my doors. I can't believe how talented that Mrs. Staggs is. (I think living in Merryville has something to do with it.) As promised, she sent a copy of The Snowman Story we all pitched in and wrote. It was wonderful seeing it in hard copy. What a wonderful idea. Thank you Lena for everything. It was such a lovely surprise.

Then, I received a very special package from far away lands (England) where little elves and faeries live. A little box full of magical trinkets were sent from my Secret Faery Paula. Do go and visit her blog. It is so lovely. When I first opened the box, magical faery dust came out in a poof! It was so much fun, I felt like it was my birthday! (Told you I keep on celebrating!) First, I came upon a little booklet in which my faery wrote the sweetest little note and drew such a lovely sketch for me. Those faeries sure are good with pen and pencil. There was the prettiest string of peace doves attached to an old brass bell. I have hung it under the light near the Christmas tree. I'm waiting for new angels to ring the bell. And then there were these little stars, as if just fallen from the faery sky, all hand stitched and as shiny as a silver bell and a music cd that has a beautiful compilation of new Christmas music. Thank you Faery Paula!! I feel as special as special can be.

Think I've o.d.'d on decorating. This is enough until after Christmas and the sales. I sometimes add a couple of new items before Ukie (Ukrainian) Christmas on January 7. We'll see what's in store this year. But for now, this is it! I may move some things around and stuff, but for now, this is it! I love it though. I love coming home and just relaxing (yea right) and enjoying the sights.

Even the fish are in the spirit! Tiny bubbles . . .


And the powder room has a special tree, grin.

Another manger scene. This one is from South America. I've had it since the teenager was a baby. (I have a gorgeous one that friends from Mexico gave us, but I never put it out this year. It's made of clay and is beautiful . . . but I couldn't decide where to put it where it wouldn't get knocked over and broken.) This one is quite sturdy! And this is the entire one I started on our honey moon and have added to over the years. The pewter one I picked up somewhere in my journeys.















Now, this is one of my favorite areas at Christmas. My front hall has all of my Krinkles going up the stairs and hiding in the garland. (Mind the dust, please!) The cats have done a number on several of pieces (the ostrich has no head to hide in the sand and so forth) and glue doesn't even do the trick any more. I guess her feathers were just too much of a lure for them. Gotta love that Patience Brewster! (Is that not the best name for an artist?) So far so good this year, unlike poor Mrs. Staggs whose Miss Luna has attacked the reindeer! Oh deer!





















Animule stockings. I had already misplaced (lost) the rest of my lettering before we got Bev and Dave, so they are known to Santa as B & D, only. It gets the job done. He knows who's been naughty and nice.

I am so looking forward to getting up tomorrow with nothing to do. I have some wrapping to do, but no more shopping and no more trips to UPS! I did my last visit today. I sent a little package off to a friend and included this! Oh Ulla!! Ulla has finally opened her Etsy shop and includes little kits to make some of the wonderful classes she teaches! Yahoo. I got this and another GREAT ornament kit. I did this one last night. I absolutely love it!! (Even added more embellishment, as if it needed it!) Ulla, you're the bestest! Sure wish you had a shop in Nashville!

Well, it's bedtime once more. I had to go out today and buy myself a new pillow. I've been having terrible neck pain because my pillow has somehow gone flat on me. (Heavy head, I guess and I admit to being a pillow snob. Oh yes, a true Princess and the Pea type, indeed!) I can't wait to try the new one out tonight! Doesn't that bed look delightful? (Minus the pea, of course!) Nitey nite.