"The Angels", (translation from Spanish to English for Los Angeles), walk among those broken by the devastating fires that have ravaged their homes, businesses, schools, churches, and the unbearable loss of loved ones and pets. What has struck me through all the heartache is the sense of community and caring for neighbours. The tireless, heroic… Continue reading The Angels…
Author: jstout2024
Back to normal…
Even though I didn't have my usual full on Christmas set up, the house seems bare now that what was out has been put away for another year. It has, however, inspired me to move accessories around to create new vignettes for this "gap" season between indoors and outdoors...winter. My plan in November was to… Continue reading Back to normal…
A New Year…
Recently, I revisited a speech given by Ruth Bader Ginsburg on optimism. Even in troubled times, she was confident that when the pendulum swung as far as it could go in one direction, eventually it would swing back in the opposite direction. RBG was a champion of gender equality. Would she be as optimistic today?… Continue reading A New Year…
Do you believe in magic…
Whether your Christmas is a religious celebration or a time to spend with friends and family, you must agree that seasonal decorations and the lights that twinkle in your tree or the ones you see as you pass through your neighbourhood make it a magical time of the year. … Continue reading Do you believe in magic…
Red for Christmas…
I'm sure I've never used red as a theme for my Christmas decor before. But you never know when or what may strike your fancy and inspire you to take a new direction. That "something" is this tablecloth I found at the boutique run by a French blogger, Sharon… Continue reading Red for Christmas…
Simplifying Christmas Decor…
Charlie has been pretty good about not destroying the "Town Square" village I set up on the coffee table a few weeks ago. However, I've decided not to tempt fate by setting up the Christmas tree. This has saved many trips up and down the stairs hauling heavy boxes of treasured ornaments,… Continue reading Simplifying Christmas Decor…
Gardening in winter…
This is the view I have as I write this post. I think it's safe to say that winter has arrived bringing that special kind of beauty we don't see any other time of the year...I love it! Although we won't be in our gardens for the next 3-4 months, it's still possible… Continue reading Gardening in winter…
Playing House…
The first skiff of snow was the green light to start decorating for the holidays. Charlie is as naughty as the day we brought her home, which will dictate what style of decorating is logical and impossible. Anything breakable will have to be well out of her range! I've started with the almost indestructible… Continue reading Playing House…
Writing on the wall…
Does writing on walls bring back memories of your childhood? Most of us won't remember scribbling on walls with crayons when we were toddlers but if you are of a certain age you may have fond memories of writing on the chalkboard at school, unless you had a detention and had to write endless… Continue reading Writing on the wall…
Before the holiday season…
Before my house gets decked out for the holidays, I have work to do. I don't know if you ever get overwhelmed by the state of your home. Many of us look at our gardens and struggle with where to start or what to do next. That dilemma usually doesn't intimidate me, but put… Continue reading Before the holiday season…