books

Welcome, Fall

~ Teresa ~ 2 Comments

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. ~F Scott Fitzgerald

picmonkey-collage-fall

Fall is the nesting season.

Pumpkins beckon us from roadside stands to celebrate.

A pot of soup slowly, simmers on the stove, the smell warming us with anticipation of the goodness that lies ahead.

Book lists are at the ready enticing us with words that will settle into our souls as we find comfort for the long nights ahead.

The first bashful leaves drift to the ground playing hide and seek with the squirrels who are scampering to fill their pantry for winter.

Striking blue skies make promise of colorful days ahead when the trees will glow like warm honey, then blaze into fire red before they settle around us like a warm brown blanket.

Cheers for touchdowns waft on the cool night air speaking of a camaraderie that is strong and true.

Flannel and Wool trickle back into our wardrobes begging us to coordinate cozy layers that will carry us into Winter.

Hot chocolate and Apple Cider are once again inked to our grocery lists so we’ll have warm companionship for the chilly evenings.

Lights flicker in windows, shining out into the streets with a greeting that says, at last, we have come home.  This is our time to nest.

Welcome, Fall, it is so good to see you again.

Nesting in grace,

Teresa

cropped-hutch

 

 

Prompted By The Nester

~ Teresa ~ 3 Comments

This Weekend Toss post is part of a Write 31 Days series hosted by The Nester.  Today I was inspired to take some impromptu pictures of vignettes around my house.  The Nester’s theme this month is Vignette Me so who better to be my inspiration for noticing the vignettes all around my home.

You can right click any of the images and open in a new tab to see a larger version.

Blue glass vignette in the kitchen.  You will  notice the roof of my little dilapidated garage showing through the window behind the blue bottles.  The blue vintage sugar and creamer set was a gift from my cousin.  The windows were found at antique shops.  the white ceramic vase with blue flowers in the bottom, middle photo is from Slovakia and was a gift from my sister when she lived there.
Blue glass vignette in the kitchen.  You will  notice the roof of my little dilapidated garage showing through the window behind the blue bottles.  The blue vintage sugar and creamer set was a gift from my cousin.  The windows were found at antique shops.  the white ceramic vase with blue flowers in the bottom, middle photo is from Slovakia and was a gift from my sister when she lived there.

 

Music Room vignette. 1. Looking through the doorway to the left of our small entry into the music room. 2. Chairs in the music room, with blue pillows, stained glass window and open door on the book hutch that found me. 3. chair by stained glass window, softened for effect.
Music Room vignette. 1. Looking through the doorway to the left of our small entry into the music room. Yes, I have a cows head hanging above the door.  She needs a name, any ideas?   2. Chairs in the music room, with blue pillows, stained glass window and open door on the book hutch that found me. 3. chair by stained glass window, vintage mirror hanging on door.

 

Vignette in the Living Room - Collections on Shelves: room - crocks, books turned backwards, bow ties from a friends estate and match boxes from my Dad's collection
Vignette in the Living Room – Collections on Shelves: crocks, books turned backwards, bow ties from a friends estate and match boxes from my Dad’s collection

 

Sweet Vignette in the living room of found objects: pink leaf dish (I heart leaves), sweet little birds, depression glass lid that has lost it’s container, pretty embroidered scarf, basket with doily and mirror ball.
Street Roll Vignette. Why yes, I have lived on all these streets! I decided I needed to embrace all the moves and give them a place of honor.  I like to think that our adventures in moving have taken us down roads less traveled, hence the title of my street roll.
Street Roll Vignette. Why yes, I have lived on all these streets! I decided I needed to embrace all the moves and give them a place of honor.  I like to think that our adventures in moving have taken us down roads less traveled, hence the title of my street roll.

 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Sunday Vignette: Reading lamp, table with Bible and devotional book. You can see my blue bottle tree through the window. The lamp is not my normal taste, but it came from the estate of a family friend, so I keep it for now.
Sunday Vignette: Reading lamp, table with Bibles and devotional book and a copy of A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman. The lamp came from the estate of a family friend. You can see my blue bottle tree through the window. Also part of the house next door.

What kind of Vignettes do you see in your home? They are practically everywhere if you just look for them.

Vignetting in grace,

Teresa

Trees and Roof-line Vignette across the street from my front porch. See? Vignettes are everywhere.
Trees and Roof-line Vignette across the street from my front porch. See? Vignettes are everywhere.

Click the images below for the Nester’s Vignette Me, Prompted to Write, or to check out other Write 31 Day participants.

The Nester who inspired me to check out my vignettes.
The Nester who inspired me to check out my vignettes.
My 31 Day series
My 31 Day series

write31days

Favorite Book (one of) – 31:30

~ Teresa ~ 5 Comments

For me to say I have a favorite book would be like asking Imelda Marcos to choose a favorite pair of shoes.  Although, I don’t think I have quite as many books as she did shoes, nor, do I think you can compare my love of books with her love of shoes.  I think the motives behind the love are different.  Still, you must get the point.  I could never have just one favorite book.

Some of my books in the book hutch that found me
Some of my books in the book hutch that found me

I love books, and given cash to shop I would more than likely spend the money on books rather than shoes.  Shoes wear out and go out of style.  Books are timeless.  A good book transcends time and is relevant throughout the ages.

This would be where I would now list a very classic book that has been around since forever, proving it’s timelessness, that all great literary persons have read and recommend.  Except, I am not.  The book I have chosen to talk about today would be considered shallow by a lot of book lovers.

It’s a romance novel; one of the few books I’ve read more than once, or even twice and will probably read again at some point in the future.  I love all manner of books. And if you browse my shelves you will notice everything – children’s, classics, novels, self-help, organization, home decor, hymn books, Bibles, bible commentaries, inspirational, devotional, spiritual growth, humor, history, poetry….Some of the books would be profound and some would be fluff.  I have a pretty wide range of interests. But, I have always loved a good romance.

I grew up reading Grace Livingston Hill and Emilie Loring Romance novels.  There were very few books that were mom-approved for my reading list.  Harlequin romance novels were off-limits, although I have read a few in my time.  My mom considered them not fit for my teenage mind.  I think some of them had a few bad words and too much kissing.

As I have gotten older the romance novel has interested me less, unless it is very well-written.  Which is why I think I still like some of the Emilie Loring books.  Even though they can be cliche, she still has somewhat of a classic style.  She has good description and she occasionally quotes snippets of classic poems, showing that she was well-read.  There is of course somewhat of a formula to romance novels, which is to be expected, but I think that was part of the attraction.  They provided a chance to escape for a while.  I could get lost in someone else’s life and imagine my life a little different, if just for awhile.

My favorite Emilie Loring book is Forsaking All Others.  It is about a young and upcoming stage actress who has become the guardian of her young nephew and for the sake of his health must give up her career and move to a better climate.  There is also a very young doctor who needs a wife to protect his reputation in a very gossipy dessert town. Throw in the older, mutual friend, who thinks marriage between the two would solve both their problems and you have the basic plot for a marriage of convenience that might just turn into real love.  Sappy, I know.  What can I say.  But there you have it. One of my favorite all time romance novels is Forsaking All Others.

A few months ago, I decided I needed to find a hardback copy of this book.  I found a first edition library copy at a reasonable price, so purchased it.  When it arrived I read the book again.  It did not disappoint. It now sits in the book hutch that found me waiting patiently to be loved again.

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My book hutch now, with a few more books than the first picture. Notice the copy of Shakespeare on the top shelf?
My book hutch now, with a few more books than the first picture. Notice the copy of Shakespeare on the top shelf?  I have other shelves of books too.

What about you?  Do you have a favorite romance book?  A favorite any book?  You can click here for more about my reading habits.

Reading in grace,

Teresa (Sadie Grace)

Random Favorites – 31:3

~ Teresa ~ 4 Comments

I’m feeling a little arbitrary today.  Some of my favorites at random…

1.  Scent of a new book

2.  My husband’s hands when he plays the piano rockys hands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  The twilight hour

4.  Sound of words when spoken by a true word lover

5.  Wind that gentles the leaves just before the rain

6.  Daydreams

7.  Long naps

8.  Black and White photos that need a home

9.  Touch me then try to leave cream

10.  Seeing what’s around the next bend

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Living in grace,

Teresa (aka Sadie Grace)

What I Learned While June Sped By

~ Teresa ~ 4 Comments

What I’ve learned in June.  A reflective list of realizations, some new, some rediscovered.  Join the party hosted by Emily over at Chatting at the Sky and see what others are sharing about June lessons.

1.  I like cool spring days better than hot, humid summer days and we were blessed with several of those early in the month.

2.  Hydrangeas need lots, lots, lots of water.  They wilt at the first sign of too much heat.  But they are beautiful and worth the extra maintenance.  I hope the one I planted this month survives.  And I hope it retains the beautiful blue color.  There is much I don’t know about Hydrangeas yet.

800px-Hydrangea_macrophylla_-_Hortensia_hydrangea

Source Raul654

3. Speaking of high maintenance, my brother would rather I call him once with a list of all things going on, instead of calling him randomly.  Then he can get back to me.  Whatever!  Today’s list for him (a list within a list if you will): I love you. How is your foot? Have you seen Dad’s new building yet? Aunt C is in the hospital. Aunt K is in the nursing home. B is going back to Texas for a week and then she’ll be back here for a while. Come see us sometime. Tell T and the kids we love them. If you need me I’m only a phone call away! Come to church with us sometime. So, when I called him, he actually answered. Turns out I’m supposed to mail the list every Friday.  I just might do that.   I know he loves me and I think he was just joking about the list.  Bottom line – he doesn’t like to talk on the phone.  I don’t either, but I do like to keep in touch with my brother once in a while. So, I call him sometimes.  He’ll get over it.  If I didn’t call he’d think I didn’t love him anymore.  And, a list is very efficient, the call lasted less than five minutes.

4.  I did not learn this in June (I’ve always known), but was once again reminded that I love my sister and I love having her home from Texas, she fills in some gaps that are missing when she is not here.  I think I’ll lasso her, tie her up and keep her here.  Can you tell I’ve been catching up with McLeod’s daughters on Netflix?  Sisters are a gift to be treasured.

5.  They killed Claire McLeod off on McLeod’s daughters.  I know this is old news to most people who remember this show. I just discovered this last night and I’m still in shock. She was the pivotal character.  I hope I did not spoil this for anyone, I realize I may not be the only one ten years behind.  (it was just as depressing as Matthew dying on Downton Abbey – oops, hopefully you already knew that).

6.  I should remember that if you attend church business meetings, you will be elected to be the clerk or something like that.

7.  I’m discovering that as much as I love people, I really need a lot of quiet time to reflect and regroup.

8.  I like the idea of owning a first edition book over the idea of selling it for big bucks.  That is a true book lover.  I also have too many books, but I did not learn this in June.

9.  I read lots of blogs in June rather than doing a lot of writing on my blog.  I came to some conclusions that I’m formulating into a post.  I’ll share my thoughts once they are in line.

10. I’ve been seeing that depression is a topic that we need to speak out about.  I have some thoughts brewing about this too that I want to write about on my blog.

11. I’m so over all this equality stuff.   I will not share my thoughts on my blog. There are already too many voices out there espousing opinions.  OK, I will say one thing:  God knows the truth of everything and he knows his designs and plans.  I need to trust him and follow his lead.  OK, two things: words have meanings and those meanings should not be changed.  It is what it is. That is all I will say.  You have to choose your own opinion about all this stuff.  Hopefully you will do that prayerfully.

12. Prayer, even in the little everyday things is vitally important.  It builds our faith. Praying daily helps prepare us for the bigger issues.  It makes us more grounded when they come. And come they will.

13.  After 29 years I love my husband more than ever.  We celebrated our marriage this month – not a new thing I learned, but a good reminder of where we’ve been on the journey to where we’re going.

So, what have you learned or re-learned in June?  You can link-up here to share , or if you want to read what others have learned, just pop on over and read some of the other blogs.

Learning in Grace, Sadie