Sunday, November 11, 2012

Keeping It Simple



Life has been hectic and busy lately-
with little time for all the fun stuff.
 
(Like blogging!)
 
 
So I am keeping it simple by just saying HI
and sending a little message and pic for you today!
 
 
I also wanted to show off this gorgeous
 artisan pedestal stand I found! 

 
 
 


 
I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone,
for both body and mind.
 
~Albert Enstein
 

 
 
And I ask you:  who can argue with certified genius logic?
 
 
 
Thanks for your visit!
 
 
~Michele




Saturday, November 10, 2012

Pretty Pink Flowers on China

 
 
 
I absolutely love everything about fall.
 
But I needed an eye break
 from pumpkins and acorns and turkeys and leaves.
 
 
But just a tiny respite though,
because I have a lot more autumn to share
before the Christmas season takes over!
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
Today I just wanted to share some pretty china florals.
 
I really needed to see show you some pretty PINKS.
 
And pretty florals are never really out of season, are they?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is a very close up of a recent treasured find.
 
I recently found a small sweet vintage set of china
 
4 dinner plates
 4 bread plates
4 fruit bowls
 
 in this pretty colourful floral pattern!


 






I also found this wonderful Bavarian china dinner bell.
 
How I would love to haved lived richly in a lovely manor house 
to ring for tea with this pretty bell anytime I so desired.
 
 
(Yes, I am channeling my Inner Downton Abbey!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

And I have this thing for antique hand painted
 salt and pepper shakers too.
 
Just look at these lovelies!
 
 
 
 


 




And I love they say VERSAILLES on them -
have you been to that amazing Palais?









 
It is one of the most exquisite things I have ever beheld
when I was able to see it in the late 1990s.
 
 
 
 
Google image: Hollandtour.org
 
 
 
If you haven't see it yet be sure to put going there 
 on your bucket list, as it is absolutely astounding!
 
 
So........
 
What other travel dreams might you have on your list?
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~
 
Thanks for your visit!
 
Have a blessed weekend, friends.
 
 
 
~Michele
 
 
Linking:
 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Tea Time Works Miracles



I know you can completely understand when I say I
 "had one of those days."
 
 We ALL have them now and then.
 
I am just exhausted.
 
 Maybe I just overdid it yesterday,
and with voting day and the nervous tension that can go with it,
well. I slept rather poorly.
 
And it's left me in a bad mood bit of a funk today!









So today's afternoon tea break was really needed!
 
To sort out my priorities and unwind.
 
To open my eyes and soul
to the blessing of being free....
 
and to be able to see this
amazing and beautiful Autumn day....
 
....and to let my worldly cares slip away.
 
 
 
 


 
 

I made a huge pot of tea, took a handful of cookies
 and took my own little tea party outside.
 
To dwell on all the things for which I am thankful.
 
To think about how much I appreciate
 these unique and truly beautiful tulips my
wonderful husband recently gave me.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To take a moment out of this crazy busy life to
truly thank God for all the blessings
 bestowed onto me.
 
 
To spend a quiet moment to sincerely give thanks.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Whew.......tea time.

 
Really does work miracles sometimes, doesn't it?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It was getting chilly and the shadows were getting long,
but by golly I NEEDED to get outdoors
 and take in the fresh air and oxygen into my lungs
 for some clearer thought.

 
And don't worry, nothing is wrong, I promise.
 
Just knowing you are there and sharing tea with me
makes everything all better.
 
Thank you for stopping by.
 
I needed it.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
Hugs!
 
 
~Michele
 
 
 
 
Linking:
 
Tea Cup Tuesday - Martha
 
 
 
 
 




Prayers for our Nation & World

With the election over, Americans turn to God in prayer—
for our nation, our government, our government officials
and the entire world.





 
 
A Prayer for Government

Father, a handful of courageous men
in danger pledged their lives, fortunes and honor
to proclaim a nation whose citizens’ rights
were based, not upon the nod of king
or ruler, but upon creation at Your hands.

Grant to our administration a ministry of service to all, not the few.

To our Congress, the upholding of public interest
not merely a welter of competing private claims.

To our judiciary, a wisdom in interpreting law
grounded in principle, not expediency.

Pour Your Spirit out upon our people so that they
may become active in the affairs of government
that they may not confuse dissent for disloyalty
that they may use their mighty power for the healing of differences among nations
with justice and mercy and love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Prayer for Government Officials

Merciful Lord, bless our country.
Enlighten with your grace the President
of these United States and all who bear
office with the President, that in all things
we may be governed in justice and equality.
Grant us not only such outward prosperity
as is your will, but, above all things, such faith,
hope and charity that your name will always
be glorified in our midst.
 


 

        
 
 
                                       
 
 

A Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, you have given us this
good land for our heritage. We humbly ask
you that we may always prove ourselves a
people mindful of your favor and your will.
 
Bless our land with honorable
endeavor, sound learning and pure
manners.
 
Save us from violence, discord
and confusion, from pride and arrogance,
and from every evil way.
 
Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people
the multitude brought here out of many
nations and tongues.
 
Endow with the Spirit of wisdom those to whom in your name
we entrust the authority of government, that
there may be justice and peace and home,
and that through obedience to your law
we may show forth your praise among the
nations on earth.
 
In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble do not allow our trust in you to fail.          
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    



A Prayer for the World

God of all, make us aware that you want all
nations to be your one family.
 
Help us to be concerned about the welfare
of every individual you have put on this earth.
 
May all nations allow themselves to be guided
by a common standard of justice and truth,
while respecting the rich variety of many
cultures.
 
Hasten the day when wars will cease and people will live
in tolerance and peace because they have learned
to respect all life.                                               
Images: Google
Prayers: St. Anthony Messenger Press
 
 

                                         







 
 
 
 



 



 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Blue Monday Around the Nest




 
 
If you haven't yet checked out Smiling Sally's blog
 for BLUE MONDAY, you should soon!
 
 
I don't have much blue - my mother loved blue
 and owned too so much blue that I kinda got over it
 when I was young......
perhaps it's just too cool a colour
for my decor.
 
 I do love the colour though, especially WEARING it,
I just can't live with it all around my decor.
 
 I am most comfortable around muted neutrals - 
green, brown, beige and white with a little black
and sometimes burnt orange for "pop."
 
 Warm earthy colours.
 
(But you already knew that, didn't you?)
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 
Every so often I find I do find some blue
 around here to share on Blue Monday though!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
An old art-deco creamer milk jug pitcher






 


 
 
 
A 3 tier silverplated server with blue glass bowls






 
 
 
Sweet antique painted kissing angels
 



 
 

 

              Have a great week, everyone!
 
                                         ♥
 
                                                                                                   ~Michele

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Pinking and Announcing!




 
Well time sure got away from me and I am late announcing
the winner of the Pink roses and Ribbon
 little votive candle giveaway I announced in October!
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The winner is KERIN from the blog Always Fixin' Never Sittin'
 
Kerin, please send a private email
to let me know where to send it!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you all who participated!
 
And most especially let's continue our prayers for FINDING A CURE!
 
 
 
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and takes time out for a nice pretty cuppa!
 
 
~Michele
 
 
How Sweet the Sound
 
 
 

Friday, November 2, 2012

Autumn Eye Candy


 
 


Wordless autumn "peeks" around our nest






































































Thank you for visiting!

 
 
~Michele




Linking:

Open House * Show and Tell Friday * Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday * Favorite Things