Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Past and Presents Redux

Christmas this year came and went so fast, I hardly had time to catch my breath. In fact, while I was straightening up today and thinking about taking things down, it occurred to me I hadn't taken any photos of anything! Not that I did all that much this year, but I do try and take a few photos so that the next year I can recall what I did. At my age, the old memory bank needs all the deposits it can get and that's one of the beautiful things about blogging...it's my journal and photo album all rolled into one!Jodie girl, these two photos are just for you. I took one with the flash on and one with it off. What do you think? I'm trying my best to dispel the rumor that an old dog can't learn new tricks and Jodie's doing her best to help me sit up, beg, and fetch! I already got shake down pat! This is just a small portion of my mercury glass collection. Jenn bought me the leaf at the front of the mirror this year for Christmas. I found the Madonna at TJ Maxx...imagine that! She was hidden in ladies lingerie, but I can hear mercury calling me from ten miles away!
The gorgeous tree made from vintage jewelry was handcrafted by Liz and purchased by Cat Daddy for moi. It was an early Christmas present and I just love it!
Simple, huh? My daughter-in-law didn't know minimal was even in my vocabulary!
Another one of my fun additions was Mr. Kool Yule that Laurie Anna included in her Twelve Days Of Christmas giveaway! I was the first winner...yay me! Speaking of LaurieAnna....she had to have surgery today, so if you would, please go by and leave her a note. She is just one of the sweetest people on the planet and a prayer for her speedy recovery would be so appreciated. She is such a giving person and now would be the perfect time for us to give back to her with our prayers.
Another sweetheart that I have met through blogging is Pam at Frippery. Do y'all remember back in September when I was begging for help in finding bittersweet and hydrangeas? Pam went in her own back yard and cut me the most beautiful chartreuse colored ones and mailed them in plenty of time for me to use at Zapp. Hydrangeas are wonderful and keep forever...just take a look. Yep, those are the same ones!
The gift that just keeps on giving!
When I look at them, I can't help but smile! Thanks so much Pam. You not only helped me out in the fall, but in the winter as well!
I've also told y'all I am not above stealing when I see an idea that I fall in love with. Case in point...Liz and Fran took a minnow basket, filled it will vintage ornaments and then uplit the whole display. Talk about wow factor!
Nothing would do until Little Debbie found her own basket...with help from ol' C.D. I didn't get out my vintage ornaments this year, but I did place an old church and house inside with a few mercury balls, lighting and plugged it in! Not as beautiful as the girls', but still...not bad for a thief.
Before I call it a day, I want to say a thank you to a comment that was left by someone (I won't embarrass her) who doesn't have a blog. I just want YOU to know how much I appreciate your sweet remarks. Everyone who takes the time to leave me a little note will never know how much it means to me. It makes my heart sing to hear that you feel at home here...that's what I aim for and sometimes wonder if I hit the mark. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who take the time...I really mean it!

On that syrupy note, I think I'll sing my swan song and shut it down for the night! I hope you enjoyed seeing what little bit of decorating I did and what beautiful gifts I have received in the form of friends. Sadly, in a few days it will all be in boxes (except for the mercury glass) until next year. SIGH!!!

28 comments:

The Green Pea said...

Debbie I am so happy that you had a wonderful
Christmas with your family. Hope that you have a wonderful and healthy New Year too! sandi

sweetpea said...

just gorgeous, darlin', just like you.

love ya,

shelley

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I'm loving your blog...so...I thought I better just follow along! Hope you have a HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Malisa said...

How did you have time for all of that? If I remember, you have been a busy girl this year! Of course, my memory isn't too good anymore. Speaking of...who are you? :)

Tardevil said...

Your decorations are beautiful...can't pick a favorite. Saw some mercury glass on clearance today at Target...candlesticks, if you're interested.

Unknown said...

Beautiful! :-)
Tami

Debbie's Garden said...

Its all just beautiful! the simplistic colors are very calming. You've definately had a big year!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Love all your simple decorating, it looks really pretty! Happy New Years to you and CD!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Debbie, your home looks gorgeous!!! I love what you did with the hydrangeas and the touch of red. You are tres' talented lady! Of course we already knew that. So glad you shared your decorations with us. Hugs, Pam

Lee said...

Everything looked so perfect... I had not seen a little vintage jewelry tree... what a neat idea. I didn't post my living room Christmas decor...I am glad you did, I really liked all of it. Just beautiful.
I have enjoyed knowing you this year, Debra,
Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Lee

Dixie said...

Deb... I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you down to French Lique next December 1st to join in my trashy Christmas decorating party... just me and you and a couple of bottles of vino... oh... and bring some good stuff to decorate my farm house with! (if you don't mind)...

Okay... truthfully.... BELLA-BEAUTIFUL!!!

Sue said...

I'm TOTALLY stealing the minnow basket idea for next year, I love it! And I love ALL of your other festive decorations. I took mine down yesterday, except for the tree and outside lights. I've been working so much lately, I wanted to take some advantage of "time" and got busy!! Again, great photos. Take care.

red.neck chic said...

Oh......it's all just as gorgeous as you are!!! I think WE are all as lucky to have YOU as a friend!

Now, I'm looking for mercury glass.... if I find something way cool I might think about sharing...LOLOL Jenn did good and don't you just love the lingerie department? LOLOLOLOL

Have a great day!!!
xoxo
robelyn

vintage girl at heart said...

Oh that Mercury Madonna....love it so very sweet and I cannot believe you found it in the underwear section...what were you doing there anway!!??:))
Your Home Christmas decor is so fabulous...it is better than any magazine layout.
Love the minnow basket of course!!!! And your display is so charming and twinkly and sweet!!! Oh and the Hydrangeas sent by Frippery how very wonderful of her and for you that they do last forever!!
And jodie has me rethinkin' the old picture takin' thang too.
Have a wonderful and Blessed New Year if I don't see yo ubefore then!!

FILIGREE MOON said...

Lovely and amazing! Thank you for letting us peek into your diary, Debbie. The mercury glass display is beautiful, I have a leaf similar to yours - they are fun to stand in the opening of a bottle, with a little tacky stick to stabilize. Adore the simplicity and colors in your decor! ~ Angela

WhisperWood Cottage said...

So elegant! Love the mercury glass!! And the hydrangeas? Divine!!

donna baker said...

Oh my gosh, tell me what vitamins you're taking. Everything looked so beautiful. I love the caning on your dining chairs. I love mercury glass too and found a madonna and child to give my daughter for Christmas.

Bonnie said...

Hi Debbie, loved looking at your Christmas decorations. Glad you and your family had a wonderful one.

Happy New Year, Bonnie

Laura said...

I just want to say that you are the bestest edifying person I know.

the truth from me to you-

Laura

Your Christmas decorating is wonderful.

delighted heart said...

Looks wonderful! I had to add that new word to my decorating this year too...minimal! And recycled from the wedding! Maybe I can get a few pics posted this week. My computer is not cooperating these days...keeps turning itself off right in the middle of what I'm doing...no warning or anything! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and many blessings for the New Year!
Hollar when you come this way!
Love ya!
Patti

Lauri Evans said...

Absolutely beautiful Deb, I love the hydranges, you are so the decorator.......Can't wait till I see you guys again. Lauri@chippys

Debra@CommonGround said...

Everything looks beautiful dear Debbie. love seeing "inside" your home! Your table is lovely! Don't you just love those hydrangeas? They still look just as gorgeous as they did back in the fall. What a sweetie Pam is! Have a wonderful New Year's week.
hugs,
Debra

Attic Rat said...

Have a super, fantabulous 2010!

Happy hunting,
Teresa

btw, your Christmas tree is LOVELY!

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

Talk about a Wow factor, girl, you sure did it! I love your decorating, especially the mercury glass (TJMax, on the madonna you say...hmmm) and the wire basket is the best! You sure know how to put it together...and those hydrangeas just top it all off. I still have some that I stole ..er ..guess borrowed doesn't really apply here does it...okay, so I stole from a hotel that we stayed at in Minnesota. We were outside at 10 p.m. clippin just as fast as we could...hey, it was late fall and they would die so anyway...right? Any way I have them all year long in my livingroom,,they're such a happy flower!!
Gale

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Okay, you've made me cry. Deb darlin, you are just something else. I've told you this before, but your writing is so beautiful. It's always a joy to visit your lovely page. Happy New Year my friend. ~LA

Cindy said...

Your tree is gorgeous!!!!!!!

-c
yapping cat

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

I now have a new appreciation for mercury glass Debbie...I love your collection! You have such beautiful pieces..."real" pieces, not just a ball or a star, etc. Know what I mean? That Madonna is gorgeous! I'm going to have to keep my eye out for "real" pieces like that.
And after hauling Pam's hydrangeas all over God's green earth...they still have petals on them? They are still gorgeous!!!!
I do have to confess though, I'm just getting off the floor from the syrupy post...we should be thanking YOU for taking the time to ALWAYS make us smile and we have a good time everytime we knock on your door here...Thank YOU!!!
everything vintage

Cassie said...

Love your Christmas decor! Truly classy and elegant!!