WELCOME FALL!
This is a beautiful wreath picked out for me by my 2 dear friends, Shirl and Tina.

My front foyer…

I love fall, and enjoy all the decorating possibilities that go with it. I happen to really enjoy seasonal decor and don’t mind pulling it out and packing it back up. Some of my favorite treasures I pack up with the decor. That way, I don’t tire of looking at them. OK…let me honest here. Actually, sometimes I forget what I have, so when I pull it back out, it is just like having something new! It’s amazing how I can surprise myself without even trying! Now, those of you that are laughing…JUST WAIT!!!

This is a fall tree that is filled with mercury glass ornaments. I have it sitting on an antique clawfoot table that belonged to my in-laws. The table sits inside my rear foyer. Last year, I was unable to go with Tina and Shirl on our annual Fall Fling. Don and I had a trip to Hawaii during that week. And, we just HAD to go!!:) Anyway, knowing how I would want to decorate this year in the Creek House, Tina and Shirl spent much time picking out beautiful mercury glass acorns, leaves, and pinecones. And, some other beautiful pieces, as well. We know each other so well, I just gave them my money and said, “shop for me.” And, they did an excellent job. It is sort of hard to see here, but this is not a Christmas tree. It is a small woodland tree that I use for differing collections. Sometimes it holds my flock of birds and birdhouses…and other times it may hold a gathering of beckyard critters.

This is an overview of the dining room and looking into the den…and some close-ups of the pieces. As you can tell…I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY DINING CHAIRS!!!! This does not make me happy. One day…

I bought these last week while Joy and I were in B’ham. They are made of resin. The tall one is 33 in. tall, and the small one 18 in.

Wooden candy corn…very cool!

This is the coolest pumpkin. I bought it last week in Birmingham at a home decor shop in Homewood. It looks just like it is made of wood. So I was surprised when I picked it up that it was not heavy. It is made of a resin material, but if you only looked at it, you’d swear it was old wood. Beautiful…but could only afford one!

Here is a cupboard that is in my kitchen. I think I enjoy this piece of furniture more than any other piece in the Creek House.

This display is on the top of a wall cabinet, next to my sink. The lamb is a special birthday gift from Alex. This is not a seasonal display, but just thought I’d share it since I had my camera out.

And, now, to the outside. I love fall…the colors, the leaves, the cooler weather. I am always ‘itching’ to get my summer things put away, and get out my fall things. However, the weather here in South Alabama will still be very hot for a good while. It’s in the 90’s this week! I guess I can just look at the pumpkins while I’m in the pool!
Here is a full shot of the outside firplace.

And, here is a close up of the mantle. Nothing new here, just things collected over the years. The wreath is made of very rusty tin.

Here is more outside decor…

This is a wonderful piece of iron wall art I got for somewhere outside. Isn’t it great? It is, however, perched upon the back of my porch chairs. Anytime I mention ‘hanging’ something…Don starts twitching! He has some major aversion to nails. I have had to hang all the things inside when he was away. But, when I mention putting a nail into the mortar wash on these brick…he starts sputtering and spewing and turning all shades of red. I will, however, get this hung. I don’t know quite what I’ll have to do to convince him, but it will get hung! 😮

Now, Mom did love fall color also, so, of course, we had to be sure she had some, too. Here Joy and Pop are tidying up around the marker. We just got it in place this week. (Joy is going to LOVE this picture!)

And, here is a close up of the flowers we chose for her.

I have a few more pieces to place outside…along with the ‘blessings’ sign…but mostly, I can sit back and enjoy until it comes time for the BIG decorating season!

HAPPY FALL, Y’ALL!

My sweet, oldest son, Adam, is so much like me. We struggle with things, especially when they don’t go the way we think they should. We have great and wonderful plans, which would make the whole world a happier place, but for some reason,people decide to go their own way…and mess everything up. We also believe that things should go the way they are supposed to…and when they don’t…it tends to make us very uncomfortable and hard to live with. This is the way we are built, and we both try very hard to keep our emotions in check. We tend to ‘worry’ alot, which God says we should not do. It is hard for us to ‘rest in God…and we know we should.

He has had such trouble with his eyes this summer; several surgeries, major emergencies twice. Last week they said everything was great…and tonight, he has had a set back that is hard to figure out. He is getting to the point that he wishes he had never started the process. And, I understand how he feels.

Hang in there, my son. I believe that God had this surgery in His plans for you. I believe that He intends to give you good eyesight. You can do this…even though it is taking so much of your strength. Remember that when we are the weakest…God can be the strongest. I love you…Mom
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Notes for Adam from the book:

FAITH IS NOT A FEELING
By: Ney Bailey?Ķ

Ney was in a flood where it was uncertain whether she and her friends would survive or not. This was her prayer: ?

Now, what do you suppose could be the back story to this picture? Why is this man on top of this peak? And, why is it that he finds it necessary to go ‘next door’? Is he going to make this jump? What is he carrying?

Come on and tell me what you think. I’d be interested to see if your thoughts are different than mine.

PS…There is no right or wrong answer that I know of. This is just some random picture I came across some time ago. So, your guess is as good as mine!

I find myself at such an unusual place these days. So many thoughts…so many feelings…coming from every which way!

I suppose this is just a normal passage of life, but one I have never experienced. Losing a parent has changed my perspective on many things. It’s not as if I have a whole list of things that have changed or will change…but I suppose I just notice them more.

I think I have finally begun to get over the shock that came suddenly at my Mom’s death. I know I will never get over the sadness and the missing her. But, life does go on, doesn’t it? If we let it. If we continue to embrace the days and look for the blessings they hold. If we look ahead and make plans for the future. If we look at the people and things that God puts in our path, and really try to see the purpose of such. He always has one, you know.

We enjoyed our family gathering last Saturday. We made lots of pics…but not with MY camera. So as soon as I get them, I’ll share with you. We laughed and talked and made plans. Joy and I are going to take Pop to NC to visit our family there. And, we are all so excited over the coming birth of my niece’s baby. How exciting it will be to have a baby in the family! Adam is well on the way to getting good vision, and they will be moving into a new (to them) home very soon. The trouble with Adam’s eyes have slowed the process of their moving. He will have room for a studio there, and he is very excited about that. And, I have a trip with Tina and Shirley coming up in a few weeks. And, a baby shower for Tara.

Looking forward to events further down the calendar page has always been fun for me. I love making plans for trips and where we will stop, and what we will see and who, and what things to take, etc. It’s the ‘looking forward to’ that is one of the best parts of any travel plans. The ‘being there’ is great too…the travelling (especially by car)…not so much.

I am just rambling on here about nothing of any interest to anyone, but myself. So, I will just mark this post down as a document to my thoughts and feelings on this first day of September, 2009. As a reminder to myself that I am healing, and I am learning. As an affirmation to any readers that God is good and brings about His healing in His time. It is not finished yet, the healing, that is, but it will be. And, that’s all I need to know.