Thanksgiving Makeover at Sherry's

This is Sherry's living room.  Because she is budgeting, we couldn't just 'add' the dark hardwoods she wanted. But we did break the overwhelming expanse of blue and put an oriental over the carpet.  Before, the basket was not on the entertainment center.  We put it up there to add warmth and character. One of the main things we added to this room is our grandfather's (and we're pretty old) leasther chest that he used to travel with as a musician.  It is almost 100 years old and was just standing in her basement. In my opinion, it was a piece of history and art wasted.  Now, it's a coffee table that exudes charm and history.

Over the sofa is something I thought was sort of cool.  We took the wooden hangers out of Grandpa's old trunk and arranged them in a geometric way.  I love this!

Sherry's family room was also displaying an overabundance of blue carpeting.  Fortunately we had another oriental to add  here. Over the sofa in this room were family pics.  To add some whimsey, we put a carved, wooden "Love" sign.  It adds color, and in my opinion, a young, fresh look to old family photos. Above the mantel was a picture of Christ that meant a lot Dan.  It was really too small for above the fireplace so fortunately he let me put a most beautiful picture of Christ and mother that is an old piece Ashley, our niece gave him for Christmas last year.  Under that we put an architectural iron piece.  On the mantel itself are some beautiful pieces of pottery.

Dining room window and stained glass.  New curtains were added that add movement and a softer,  ethereal feeling.

In the hot tub room we added a crystal chandelier.  It really gives it the luxurious feeling that Sherry wanted.  It has sliding glass doors out to the patio.  We hung linen type curtains instead of the previous vertical blinds.

Wooden hangers about 100 years old.

No changes in the beautiful sunset...God is such an artist!

Love and peace to all.....

Thanksgiving and places I'll remember.

 Probably the last time I'll spend Thanksgiving in the home that my father built in the '80's; his pride and joy.  Dan, my brother in law is a chef for sure!  The feast that he lay before us was undoubtably the best! 

 My sister set the table with our great grandmother's Haviland china and embroideried table cloth.  The beauty of the setting was elegant!

Sherry is always fun hang with.

Bella in her glory!

Nick, my nephew, holding the gift for Sherry....

The next evening we had to have dinner at Gabatoni's.  It's a pizza place our father frequented. Because this could be the last time I visit the place where I was born, we had to go.  I mean, what's Thanksgiving weekend without pizza??? Gabatoni's has been around for over 30 years.  A little hole in the wall pizza place that is usually packed on weekends.

My sassy little neice Emily and her boyfriend Josh drove 18 hours to visit her momma, my little sister Debbie.

My pretty little sis Debbie.

In the waiting room at Gabatoni's my sexy husband said that he was comfortable being next to "Chuckie" (the clown in the glass box.) Every now and then 'chuckie' would light up and start

dancing.

After pizza, we went to a place where a band called "Emerald Underground" was playing.  It was an awesome sound. Phil and I stayed until the band left.  We danced and totally had the best time ever....Indeed a wonderful memory!

As I become nostalgic and sentimental...I do hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Our blessings are beyond measure...in good times and in bad times, there is something always to be grateful for.  See you next time!!!

A peek into a life of inspiration and beauty

It's officially fall! A time for nesting, nostalgia, a time to sit back and slow down and maybe look into what we're really grateful for.  As for me, I'm so grateful for beauty, art, and inspiration that makes this less than perfect world more beautiful.  I find this in people and their spaces, their families, their lives.  Because those things are just a reflection of their souls.  My daughter's soul sister, Cynthia is a woman of art, beauty and inspiration. Everything she comes in contact with, she leaves and they are just a little more beautiful.  Her 'vibes' sort of rub off on everything she comes in contact with. You know that I believe behind every good man is a better woman?  Such is Ronnie, her great husband has a heart  as strong as his muscle...and that's pretty darn strong.  Her family is as unique and beautiful as she is....Sada, Lucia, Rocky and Ruby.  I have snapped a few of Ruby who is just as her picture portrays her.  I won't even attempt to attach  adjectives; I'll let you do that.

As I wrap up my words to let you see these views, I am listening to Patty Griffin singing "Heavenly Day"...it is sooo fitting for these creative peeks into Cythinia's world.  In the meantime...scroll down and enjoy this lovely woman's space.  Be inspired!  How could you not be????

Gold leaves in all their glory...Cynthia's back yard.

Only a few months ago this was the place of hot, summer fun.  The remains are seen here...another season, another time...another ending, another beginning.

Ruby

Beautiful Cynthia

"Unless you become as child you won't even see the kingdom.........."

"in the mind of a child, you will learn how to see........" moody blues

Summer?  Just a memory now, until next year.............................