tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89558628078873749722024-02-24T01:48:52.150-05:00Busy at HomeAttempting to Live Out Titus 2Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-22038771698140525352011-07-07T11:15:00.000-04:002011-07-07T11:15:38.409-04:00Yellow & Blue by the Seaside<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO72g865iGM-GZ_Ps4s59ddl66Ts9oEHS6yLaiGANWs8jqUmy4FZM5xFWve1l5iH3j4kcY8PeZEHPv3tIkZP2snL756G8Ru5fhkEU7ioLnjQrnfDGLkO3wQvh7PXaDT-oLEXXc6KUJEP8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO72g865iGM-GZ_Ps4s59ddl66Ts9oEHS6yLaiGANWs8jqUmy4FZM5xFWve1l5iH3j4kcY8PeZEHPv3tIkZP2snL756G8Ru5fhkEU7ioLnjQrnfDGLkO3wQvh7PXaDT-oLEXXc6KUJEP8/s320/013.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We just returned from a visit to my parents in Pawleys Island, where we caught up with my sister and her family, participated in the 4th of July golf-cart parade, built sand forts, rode bikes, visited Brookgreen Gardens and the new Skywheel in Myrtle Beach, frolicked in the pool, and just relaxed. In the midst of all this activity, I managed to set a table with my mother's china.</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2526tLxkdJg_aRjVGsss8Uxz9fOiJGxUvWElc6a9DXbV8szZbZwdhR1L_PwMNwZkjRFY305IpqR5PcOfEiUEUxZfwReqQ8Vpvdj2jcl6b2_7WADBwBdSD_Ym7Gl3C2WI_AKPJmtNfwRc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2526tLxkdJg_aRjVGsss8Uxz9fOiJGxUvWElc6a9DXbV8szZbZwdhR1L_PwMNwZkjRFY305IpqR5PcOfEiUEUxZfwReqQ8Vpvdj2jcl6b2_7WADBwBdSD_Ym7Gl3C2WI_AKPJmtNfwRc/s320/007.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is Costa Azzurra by Lynn Chase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W3Rr2RbsiSGeVvI8_WHAgcIXvVMq0-Gjs_Ji14tQ-6URz5igc-7r38uAzsqMPR2sYcOZKmzkFG1hXo7W483CVblkUSkGMkR00zSLSFKWajRBrbrKtOdVtPFkCp9u6-eRlQ0LHKbYqKk/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W3Rr2RbsiSGeVvI8_WHAgcIXvVMq0-Gjs_Ji14tQ-6URz5igc-7r38uAzsqMPR2sYcOZKmzkFG1hXo7W483CVblkUSkGMkR00zSLSFKWajRBrbrKtOdVtPFkCp9u6-eRlQ0LHKbYqKk/s320/024.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love the little dragonflies buzzing about on the back of the china? There is such detail in this pattern.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMPRCR4_oU4mCjzj8MO1p9lqDA3mzPDx6CBULcO-TWlCZA5o2QASIGXdVDJ8AyO-11-zVMhLN3SsON0gDjR6MyOiHz9BR9Fto5xHT2mYZyRmah4_UxtiymSn_6p9gf1303VLGTx1evuE/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMPRCR4_oU4mCjzj8MO1p9lqDA3mzPDx6CBULcO-TWlCZA5o2QASIGXdVDJ8AyO-11-zVMhLN3SsON0gDjR6MyOiHz9BR9Fto5xHT2mYZyRmah4_UxtiymSn_6p9gf1303VLGTx1evuE/s320/023.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The coffee cup has a scene of seabirds in the midst of the yellow band.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI82oe4uEAk5tWXuuGsaaIHGKO-EVI7YHvC2oiTcuVe9BSV4eCLCNd1f81W6K-vlAaQkTqUpFLrbCb4zlJfYW3n0bkzw7xvY1_7b89JjdZTroD-he93qOGyW17UbtIqKfoYlLHtUzkmAY/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI82oe4uEAk5tWXuuGsaaIHGKO-EVI7YHvC2oiTcuVe9BSV4eCLCNd1f81W6K-vlAaQkTqUpFLrbCb4zlJfYW3n0bkzw7xvY1_7b89JjdZTroD-he93qOGyW17UbtIqKfoYlLHtUzkmAY/s320/015.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And look what is waiting for you after your last sip!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2duFsSha6Jyg4v5HIaaIzXsA0XWRGETOZEIYGqDy-jnJKeZrgyjeX8aI7rcu-42-pn3mLyy0E6MfGEcBG6DFcp8IC3YGOsHbgSAAynUV-wp84v4FTusoHmcIthuK75tuRzohvfnmaUw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2duFsSha6Jyg4v5HIaaIzXsA0XWRGETOZEIYGqDy-jnJKeZrgyjeX8aI7rcu-42-pn3mLyy0E6MfGEcBG6DFcp8IC3YGOsHbgSAAynUV-wp84v4FTusoHmcIthuK75tuRzohvfnmaUw/s320/014.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scallop shells adorn the salad plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVVsOr36WykWl_X3cTEGxCh3WupLpyrFjLDH2hL4lQfmx9eHQsOitDXXy3uQQhX6OtEHVddPZkddx_vrLkLbZfVn292wTvFQDxn9ddeosVamuIEvxr8iWpLeP4hp3d9RD8BefklIqNOU/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVVsOr36WykWl_X3cTEGxCh3WupLpyrFjLDH2hL4lQfmx9eHQsOitDXXy3uQQhX6OtEHVddPZkddx_vrLkLbZfVn292wTvFQDxn9ddeosVamuIEvxr8iWpLeP4hp3d9RD8BefklIqNOU/s320/016.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div align="center">The luncheon plate is graced with a starfish in the midst of other sea life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyprQ4wjkQwsqBRg5NxwhaapUXtAmxZ4VwJP5K_UgCXPZbC06-GxmILOugjH2XGt3aEPQNZSck_LH946-StANa9xPQEg4USi_cMy5Mr_0bbpGIke6okTmpyrRiXyi_sKrX2z1iYxF3j4/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyprQ4wjkQwsqBRg5NxwhaapUXtAmxZ4VwJP5K_UgCXPZbC06-GxmILOugjH2XGt3aEPQNZSck_LH946-StANa9xPQEg4USi_cMy5Mr_0bbpGIke6okTmpyrRiXyi_sKrX2z1iYxF3j4/s320/017.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scenes of sea birds alternate with scallop shells and vines on the rim of the dinner plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYqbsb9RK4_gqzuDc1vApjADoEz9SZfdsUmeKGz3Bft2GhVHMVckEijyHOvO69v9LjyGu2CFNM08SquuPoUO2NI7PEn_3mUxr4p1NRH5j-B8VXSmSvviiTtFQGUQq7ZZsQxS62kGuMmA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYqbsb9RK4_gqzuDc1vApjADoEz9SZfdsUmeKGz3Bft2GhVHMVckEijyHOvO69v9LjyGu2CFNM08SquuPoUO2NI7PEn_3mUxr4p1NRH5j-B8VXSmSvviiTtFQGUQq7ZZsQxS62kGuMmA/s320/018.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A crab, surrounded by shells, crawls across the bread-and-butter plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW2LAt-xbraiLxMy3OMJk6SRg9dsY1P_k0zMQrdSS50d4g9zyjY2Si0PvrI4P14MyE9fG1YV0rtOk1JY3j8uVUMiOuR2mHNEiML7QNdOXw7I7HMcnINbJ0zXy_Ig5KZ_DRMhaI2iwABU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW2LAt-xbraiLxMy3OMJk6SRg9dsY1P_k0zMQrdSS50d4g9zyjY2Si0PvrI4P14MyE9fG1YV0rtOk1JY3j8uVUMiOuR2mHNEiML7QNdOXw7I7HMcnINbJ0zXy_Ig5KZ_DRMhaI2iwABU/s320/020.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The stainless flatware is Dickinson by Reed & Barton. The yellow-and-blue placemats and napkins were from Pier One. I'm not sure where Mom got the cute pewter fish napkin rings.</div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6yTxMFAKzF7cXamBBM7_f3Tp9Ok5M0U7o2X1RfM6C6m-yQDMopn4ROawC1DaRxq05_A48AhE1bn2w_h2RDpd-32F60O3eyKaGRfAjgR4sTQ1UgLHEHoGkpzndp5UM9tPjePQpdZMP6E/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6yTxMFAKzF7cXamBBM7_f3Tp9Ok5M0U7o2X1RfM6C6m-yQDMopn4ROawC1DaRxq05_A48AhE1bn2w_h2RDpd-32F60O3eyKaGRfAjgR4sTQ1UgLHEHoGkpzndp5UM9tPjePQpdZMP6E/s320/009.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The tumblers are Longchamps by Cristal d'Arques.</div><div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTvn4VX-1g-PQ8jNYbSn770E5WOf-Yg1_jBlF3YM95_K8qrr3c13-LZ4ccpotvpNM7228LLCCqhvYKBR5dZUpLEm-Qb5kZdTSQJ7KG2V1-Sew8gmbjxVyAjo62n0I8lx4fsqr0RDEy6s/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTvn4VX-1g-PQ8jNYbSn770E5WOf-Yg1_jBlF3YM95_K8qrr3c13-LZ4ccpotvpNM7228LLCCqhvYKBR5dZUpLEm-Qb5kZdTSQJ7KG2V1-Sew8gmbjxVyAjo62n0I8lx4fsqr0RDEy6s/s320/008.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This beach scene hangs above my mother's dining table. It was painted by a friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7HVGaARF1e88r706k6SNcEI_5Vm413t4I51E4QpxNujX6e6UrYNXbGRMP2aWvYyoBM0-kA0lvbZOQ4DtlngNzMBlwvDKCjujO8o9IY98bex5FvkYnGGVYQpchyphenhyphenxCYXFQHrqK_LitfxQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7HVGaARF1e88r706k6SNcEI_5Vm413t4I51E4QpxNujX6e6UrYNXbGRMP2aWvYyoBM0-kA0lvbZOQ4DtlngNzMBlwvDKCjujO8o9IY98bex5FvkYnGGVYQpchyphenhyphenxCYXFQHrqK_LitfxQ/s320/012.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you look closely at the sand pail on the window ledge, you can see my mother's three grandchildren: my two redheads and their older cousin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOY0EY-0dX8ONYcPbKkNWAkznmso6HBvyJujEN_QIAtyImUxgIDVu2tfYUtJ5ki1tIsZXPv6oJlbdPiQr4EHjGK8628sGTvuy-QUTkUiEBeROcl2wJhT55sLcfvRkppWucQ3uebfFG80/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOY0EY-0dX8ONYcPbKkNWAkznmso6HBvyJujEN_QIAtyImUxgIDVu2tfYUtJ5ki1tIsZXPv6oJlbdPiQr4EHjGK8628sGTvuy-QUTkUiEBeROcl2wJhT55sLcfvRkppWucQ3uebfFG80/s320/011.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center">All in all, a cheerful summer tablescape by the seashore!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A6PW0G49kwSHd_Vxq_U46hUnqsxSJLxLAuLQPzISu5hA10KgUQ-maZoPHutMWWkp_A43EU8bJ29SWau3RCgn5snMF140wWbyJKkOLWRJJnpyGZCUV4oUrPbhjN6SJkNlI_ioEW0n0g8/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A6PW0G49kwSHd_Vxq_U46hUnqsxSJLxLAuLQPzISu5hA10KgUQ-maZoPHutMWWkp_A43EU8bJ29SWau3RCgn5snMF140wWbyJKkOLWRJJnpyGZCUV4oUrPbhjN6SJkNlI_ioEW0n0g8/s320/021.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For more tablescape inspiration visit Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/07/welcome-to-150th-tablescape-thursday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-22103617021321641992010-10-27T19:36:00.008-04:002010-10-27T20:27:59.805-04:00Happy Halloween!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_mJ011aGPX7JiVmwV_eo57mLt5V8wxkX_YQgOdr8JACOAPumYsxRBjv9cNZCMoF346KA5DOxCRSy9uifjYa7twRvGb2laZHmf62W1a2nYUDdHIjYbJ1qj6gabDorPVN9WuiVWt5PpGY/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532881543890895490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_mJ011aGPX7JiVmwV_eo57mLt5V8wxkX_YQgOdr8JACOAPumYsxRBjv9cNZCMoF346KA5DOxCRSy9uifjYa7twRvGb2laZHmf62W1a2nYUDdHIjYbJ1qj6gabDorPVN9WuiVWt5PpGY/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> This week's tablescape is a festive Halloween setting.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYzbMgIzkNETQM2__uv_asKSim04940t-koIl2q1q4N3KZ4IZHwEjFSEpiZv-tNEw8_cfJUIovTFrL7qqekQvhTDJfhByOYPJbZiW6rqJVa3vCWntnNh5LcL1owjAo6loUHW1FwhKxyw/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532878516958118770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYzbMgIzkNETQM2__uv_asKSim04940t-koIl2q1q4N3KZ4IZHwEjFSEpiZv-tNEw8_cfJUIovTFrL7qqekQvhTDJfhByOYPJbZiW6rqJVa3vCWntnNh5LcL1owjAo6loUHW1FwhKxyw/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> It started with these placemats, which were a gift of my mother. Cute, aren't they?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ7qfZFoDR1z5QvzhN8mT4Lu6uZaOkmj9U1Hq2fQGMW7ZolD3Lp57_-tt2sk-YvTYQRFIjHaKinsNyxZd9fDzeRx974CsbkwgKQDYRJ-u08DPdipoLK5gWUcnxM7aWn5WZO1v-AscSEI/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532880112311469298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ7qfZFoDR1z5QvzhN8mT4Lu6uZaOkmj9U1Hq2fQGMW7ZolD3Lp57_-tt2sk-YvTYQRFIjHaKinsNyxZd9fDzeRx974CsbkwgKQDYRJ-u08DPdipoLK5gWUcnxM7aWn5WZO1v-AscSEI/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> I used a plain black napkin with a black gingham ribbon for a napkin ring.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpYKPM4V3ytLE2qah_YBqqYbscTsA8Wd88uT6ygTrOuwiBrqKGGgnL3c6nQnsQnCF-6DBz9q9pIX5xaIpetPS0iSMZHfDvyFE4c-7a6pA2kEf1ZONM45CavvfiyMZvrLnLkqQP00zoVw/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532878537692199250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpYKPM4V3ytLE2qah_YBqqYbscTsA8Wd88uT6ygTrOuwiBrqKGGgnL3c6nQnsQnCF-6DBz9q9pIX5xaIpetPS0iSMZHfDvyFE4c-7a6pA2kEf1ZONM45CavvfiyMZvrLnLkqQP00zoVw/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> The dinner plate is Wedgwood's Nantucket Basket. The orange soup bowls were a purchase this year from Wal-Mart. The flatware is my everyday Oneida Easton, and the water goblets are plain glassware I purchased a few years ago from Wal-Mart.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxRRFxq4PaijwN7AUmIP6RelUiKHCXr9IF3_s70q2GctEywExUEHZph584LrhykpyvVRlnFSh1PtTDDu2Hp9tP6itEc3XRd4iimKpPGKoCpcaW38CpPM9WFQpcHO-spGL5LIVDD3dZwA/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532880130259904610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxRRFxq4PaijwN7AUmIP6RelUiKHCXr9IF3_s70q2GctEywExUEHZph584LrhykpyvVRlnFSh1PtTDDu2Hp9tP6itEc3XRd4iimKpPGKoCpcaW38CpPM9WFQpcHO-spGL5LIVDD3dZwA/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> The centerpiece was this Halloween lantern. It was a gift from my children for my birthday last year. My birthday is the day before Halloween!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1kylS_RAP4J1D4NOS8Uo7Qk4oFezOyLy04UmheuN50e7BWOFc6IIlZ38jSFxVf1aly-uGAMekA0_KWbF57lSMpNX75XXbC8pUzzew94dOFrWdU7itJOeTCI1i_sv8KPfwpvFJoenEx4/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532878523616645202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1kylS_RAP4J1D4NOS8Uo7Qk4oFezOyLy04UmheuN50e7BWOFc6IIlZ38jSFxVf1aly-uGAMekA0_KWbF57lSMpNX75XXbC8pUzzew94dOFrWdU7itJOeTCI1i_sv8KPfwpvFJoenEx4/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> This punched votive holder was a gift from my sister one year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsyClXsb5dj-z3xR5Ffs1i6XyGRQWHO3t6nGaXsdans-cOJnGYrkQYrB3f7SqiZWlAkJ5rw84bhoXGVTW_7SnDG0WWrojDtEL4YEYrmYT0Ei50BkYx2WeQSw2kwK11vMJ5kNty4S8nbQ/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532880107241439778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsyClXsb5dj-z3xR5Ffs1i6XyGRQWHO3t6nGaXsdans-cOJnGYrkQYrB3f7SqiZWlAkJ5rw84bhoXGVTW_7SnDG0WWrojDtEL4YEYrmYT0Ei50BkYx2WeQSw2kwK11vMJ5kNty4S8nbQ/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> This adorable black cat was a gift from the mother of one of my students back when I was teaching.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI3a0ER7q1bvPh4Z0To8ijkkOUVBglCddBKrxE4FAAU-f5N50AndCa8xe4iYHKvWYBbN2rPkY6vCr2PU57xlqjYs1ek5f6S48hV1ICufFlwhKyM30IWqdnvTTOC4NsmlGIzWVFc4aMVY/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532881556754420450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI3a0ER7q1bvPh4Z0To8ijkkOUVBglCddBKrxE4FAAU-f5N50AndCa8xe4iYHKvWYBbN2rPkY6vCr2PU57xlqjYs1ek5f6S48hV1ICufFlwhKyM30IWqdnvTTOC4NsmlGIzWVFc4aMVY/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+025.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is a shot with the hutch decorated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtP2vlvbHEABLioDR9uH_MJGVMdPB6qPCg7y1n4jL-Xx0CQjBd9A0hRsMnYzMRrT6WYNd_hfsvOsonEsKlxXcmDFC0KO3UqftO3YEffq-jUxs0YEc222kAMWnLHYDBmQhxT1yryqLv2A/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532881572111350978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtP2vlvbHEABLioDR9uH_MJGVMdPB6qPCg7y1n4jL-Xx0CQjBd9A0hRsMnYzMRrT6WYNd_hfsvOsonEsKlxXcmDFC0KO3UqftO3YEffq-jUxs0YEc222kAMWnLHYDBmQhxT1yryqLv2A/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+017.JPG" border="0" /></a>My children's treat bags hang from the knobs of the upper cabinets.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKaWTBRjcJl9QtQFRsG9KCS49c1O5UiGBwvXoO9_0T2ypzYd2HEtBdthw-Zn9N2mBaBx7V8siUVqyTzTuInCSnDb2-DNY2-sBnSQ3mVFIuknM64lrlG-g6AaWt79QE6lzd_8Q2oolNBU/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532881566860771938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKaWTBRjcJl9QtQFRsG9KCS49c1O5UiGBwvXoO9_0T2ypzYd2HEtBdthw-Zn9N2mBaBx7V8siUVqyTzTuInCSnDb2-DNY2-sBnSQ3mVFIuknM64lrlG-g6AaWt79QE6lzd_8Q2oolNBU/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+015.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our candy bucket fits perfectly in the niche below.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZqKthXJkXkBI9PXxIIIVqo2zmauJ9BkXSZggC3Z0gx4cdjO8n_-OGq178I7IjBWTCIbeUKDDCI8IquLhVdaZzoZqBpXEQkWNaQowiCBSFAu8kAwgAaku0m1EtHnMafhJL2X2IK1Gtbs/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532880125466654626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZqKthXJkXkBI9PXxIIIVqo2zmauJ9BkXSZggC3Z0gx4cdjO8n_-OGq178I7IjBWTCIbeUKDDCI8IquLhVdaZzoZqBpXEQkWNaQowiCBSFAu8kAwgAaku0m1EtHnMafhJL2X2IK1Gtbs/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsgLJm8yOrL00wTF9vjNh9winO0Ign8WMBDqNswPcBw-7bacdibsYDxznokwKAHlHRkJaPMtQGLS9WEj6QPhVB9aajoGY8gKn1dAGGUfeAE9-6vPxZd-c7jWO5BvBv47DhyDW61wos3k/s1600/Trunk+r+Treat+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532880120954491858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsgLJm8yOrL00wTF9vjNh9winO0Ign8WMBDqNswPcBw-7bacdibsYDxznokwKAHlHRkJaPMtQGLS9WEj6QPhVB9aajoGY8gKn1dAGGUfeAE9-6vPxZd-c7jWO5BvBv47DhyDW61wos3k/s400/Trunk+r+Treat+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> For more festive tablescapes, visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.<br /></div><br /></div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-73854594711320412010-10-13T19:45:00.007-04:002010-10-13T23:04:12.982-04:00Stratford Stage Goes Casual<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last week my new brown transferware took center-stage in a </span><a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2010/10/stratford-stage.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">formal setting in the dining room</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. This setting takes it casual for another <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2010/09/autumn-family-night.html">Christian Family Night </a>dinner at the kitchen table.<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvRSRxUrvhrgGpI8qRJXePAJO-mXCCZHKVzE5ngCiJt9otRfYvErITAA34L_Cu4kxhhvUeY1vna00-zQLlMj_BaCKftHeW1Q5M4PLatKqipl5-dlR3pKNMfPRET3oYp4cfMFyrsXxksA/s1600/Stratford+Stage+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527682745968815122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvRSRxUrvhrgGpI8qRJXePAJO-mXCCZHKVzE5ngCiJt9otRfYvErITAA34L_Cu4kxhhvUeY1vna00-zQLlMj_BaCKftHeW1Q5M4PLatKqipl5-dlR3pKNMfPRET3oYp4cfMFyrsXxksA/s400/Stratford+Stage+024.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I used the same centerpiece as the </span><a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2010/09/autumn-family-night.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Autumn Family Night.<br /></span></p></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG94k36Ghs0Mke9ruvFvOK9eoPCufLj6jfWAisuqbFah_-fnFE1mPD89gQLN1ldvE1332iK39FnTlg2K2DaPfbNA5CVvosnvcXnouBR3_z_mZCPzigJEYntLYu2Owv71ulYRAC4_Spovg/s1600/Stratford+Stage+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527687375306732130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG94k36Ghs0Mke9ruvFvOK9eoPCufLj6jfWAisuqbFah_-fnFE1mPD89gQLN1ldvE1332iK39FnTlg2K2DaPfbNA5CVvosnvcXnouBR3_z_mZCPzigJEYntLYu2Owv71ulYRAC4_Spovg/s400/Stratford+Stage+023.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I started with gold damask-like placemats and napkins that I had picked up last year from Wal-Mart, along with the bronze maple-leaf napkin rings. I then added these gorgeous oak-leaf chargers that I picked up from there this year. I just love that burnished wood look, and I almost hate to cover them up with a dinner plate!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwMdwn2gRzlbetlvRrPN0bF_saZEe8ELFO4tuMxIWlZUrZKfYwhky7yQDMEIhrJBfyr_Kxo921YSeOe-rk8lZ8n0SM06VdYA-cOXXe8qlFIPwxUh0ns3YJGo0Tm3McIGtxav9bhZBWbs/s1600/Stratford+Stage+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527682757583995234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwMdwn2gRzlbetlvRrPN0bF_saZEe8ELFO4tuMxIWlZUrZKfYwhky7yQDMEIhrJBfyr_Kxo921YSeOe-rk8lZ8n0SM06VdYA-cOXXe8qlFIPwxUh0ns3YJGo0Tm3McIGtxav9bhZBWbs/s400/Stratford+Stage+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I was convinced, though, when I placed the Stratford Stage dinner plate on the charger.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOrM2YqeeG1lfPw9MU9yeeUCuEyBLWgZ_pvRbhj80KnsnF359IyxHGwWOSgqtc8jt5-FXlGbFrIq9t0_tG1ROIKzegPcWw96rNTbl7-VQKyCmRGL49FFoEILKx98uyy076ZvhvmIQZUk/s1600/Stratford+Stage+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527682742438753538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOrM2YqeeG1lfPw9MU9yeeUCuEyBLWgZ_pvRbhj80KnsnF359IyxHGwWOSgqtc8jt5-FXlGbFrIq9t0_tG1ROIKzegPcWw96rNTbl7-VQKyCmRGL49FFoEILKx98uyy076ZvhvmIQZUk/s400/Stratford+Stage+022.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Stratford Stage cereal bowl (used as a salad bowl) was added to the setting, along with amber iced-tea glasses in Fostoria Jamestown and Oneida Easton stainless flatware.</span><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQexfu0g1NByjxHYl5orrOwIe_m4c3wXhgBiflS1Tffp1ZYQkoESUCN8xHhDcfOIbTwen7GkKREdMcSYkpPrjrAd5xw1z9PdzvXVqLx0rIhJ6hy4Sno4qB1dJJXaz1I4EDse6AHe1Sl0/s1600/Stratford+Stage+028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527684473064091906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQexfu0g1NByjxHYl5orrOwIe_m4c3wXhgBiflS1Tffp1ZYQkoESUCN8xHhDcfOIbTwen7GkKREdMcSYkpPrjrAd5xw1z9PdzvXVqLx0rIhJ6hy4Sno4qB1dJJXaz1I4EDse6AHe1Sl0/s400/Stratford+Stage+028.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a shot down the table with the candles lit. </span><br /></p><p></p><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527684505923544386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR_DkRbP1CiQMlQd4KvPsPAbRzv5_aiqEEjzd7dLteYCq6ysaHWcjJyzvA_Eabgr3zXGa4oACtaqiuw7yVngl_mb3vRDYuOxOJdSm2yD8kwbwpTfOBVMMLCfeJjrCucFRxvJwpq85ovQ/s400/Stratford+Stage+034.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I just love the scene on this creamer, with its tudor house and an abbey tower in the background. I created a vignette for the sugar and creamer on the hutch.</span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uoeGgzbwMmnqrvpvxZbssSJAqMkYR3-1zdH3pA_uJpNhO61ahTMvooh9Y9EVxaH8e93-NxDnYIXQI3ITIewPDny4_2FuTqK_OXOBgdcxFNzcoeUZQc38ugAk8Djgk8ADEqW7solRxI/s1600/Stratford+Stage+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527684495658576018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uoeGgzbwMmnqrvpvxZbssSJAqMkYR3-1zdH3pA_uJpNhO61ahTMvooh9Y9EVxaH8e93-NxDnYIXQI3ITIewPDny4_2FuTqK_OXOBgdcxFNzcoeUZQc38ugAk8Djgk8ADEqW7solRxI/s400/Stratford+Stage+032.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I haven't been able to find the teapot in Stratford Stage, but I thought my brown betty teapot made a good substitute.</span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWEZOcO7QbxqvYtVdOUbSxARiOcTtEQ0C5_dE16tB-ANApBnI5UHJT4QnjZy_LRVO8A31IdDp090n7Zdzxu_-Lz_3Rlw8AsY739yHcn5g0SaKGzl7cHstipc6OmS3Al7IgnwLHfotYR4/s1600/Stratford+Stage+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527684504001337842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWEZOcO7QbxqvYtVdOUbSxARiOcTtEQ0C5_dE16tB-ANApBnI5UHJT4QnjZy_LRVO8A31IdDp090n7Zdzxu_-Lz_3Rlw8AsY739yHcn5g0SaKGzl7cHstipc6OmS3Al7IgnwLHfotYR4/s400/Stratford+Stage+033.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy Autumn Evenings!</span><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86RHUxbeqgdL7mw78lUwD922AK1WC_WoPc-l6CXcMTK-u_sA42QGtDji_YnlJFJbaZpdNKIMfflN4kktI_WGNSKof2u_ApBbkVXdpZoRx60VVLDGicRr6ns4AvhUbyyhmH_e8Ap1MpG4/s1600/Stratford+Stage+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527684482368241282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86RHUxbeqgdL7mw78lUwD922AK1WC_WoPc-l6CXcMTK-u_sA42QGtDji_YnlJFJbaZpdNKIMfflN4kktI_WGNSKof2u_ApBbkVXdpZoRx60VVLDGicRr6ns4AvhUbyyhmH_e8Ap1MpG4/s400/Stratford+Stage+030.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Be sure to join Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-tablescape-give-way-from.html">Between Naps on the Porch </a>for a ton more tablescapes!</span><br /></p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-36768118589143640232010-10-06T19:00:00.001-04:002010-10-06T20:01:08.407-04:00Stratford Stage<div align="center">A few months ago I got a great deal on a set of brown transferware for twelve, with dinner plates, bread plates, cereal bowls, creamer and sugar, platter, and serving bowl. The pattern is Stratford Stage by J. & G. Meakin, and it features scenes of a stagecoach among the English countryside. I have been saving it for some fall tablescapes. I have featured it in a more formal, yet still understated, autumn setting here in the dining room.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyG2Tz1Plgz_45VSVhi7muSSwV6Qajg2nPt6-XwZ5bHQVKiHpyif85KVTboj6I7fl8EE-0UlFnCDp7U8JkLbWcF1KW1yIg9hotY0hCkPDFPo2XtXHbqlwix8vNnX_3WigIkFNcPwKpho/s1600/Stratford+Stage+041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524340276643530194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyG2Tz1Plgz_45VSVhi7muSSwV6Qajg2nPt6-XwZ5bHQVKiHpyif85KVTboj6I7fl8EE-0UlFnCDp7U8JkLbWcF1KW1yIg9hotY0hCkPDFPo2XtXHbqlwix8vNnX_3WigIkFNcPwKpho/s400/Stratford+Stage+041.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a close-up of the dinner plate with its Tudor buildings, a church spire in the background, and the stage coach. The dinner plate rests on a silver beaded charger.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYefeNnAKIszm314TXQj_4PrhBJrodRe-8nkY5SPN6UFTjt72PiRXozk9EbtcDvOyRUpjKvGIPEaJGztP7xjSql2OCOvorfIYvCFXY2aQGsN0KS0TlEoVt4lK7YFqCdI5YBTOLZKDbeo/s1600/Stratford+Stage+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524337445706812626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYefeNnAKIszm314TXQj_4PrhBJrodRe-8nkY5SPN6UFTjt72PiRXozk9EbtcDvOyRUpjKvGIPEaJGztP7xjSql2OCOvorfIYvCFXY2aQGsN0KS0TlEoVt4lK7YFqCdI5YBTOLZKDbeo/s400/Stratford+Stage+036.JPG" border="0" /></a> The base for each place setting is a white linen hem-stitched placemat. A monogrammed napkin is placed between the charger and dinner plate. The flatware is Reed & Barton Tara sterling. The glassware is Imperial Old Williamsburg iced tea and wine goblets in brown.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHnl1RalMprAo3Fu3J1OV2Wjt8ofeSc9xpGX-XYyTH0FCJWrgtDpxqIN83w82tGNTXjzEzzMpNwTwv2cuYMlYFmeuxCBkLWU6WR-AQAO7bUbhXDMpgw5jEAME7crjXlwOnSMarzQMdtc/s1600/Stratford+Stage+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524337438441798482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHnl1RalMprAo3Fu3J1OV2Wjt8ofeSc9xpGX-XYyTH0FCJWrgtDpxqIN83w82tGNTXjzEzzMpNwTwv2cuYMlYFmeuxCBkLWU6WR-AQAO7bUbhXDMpgw5jEAME7crjXlwOnSMarzQMdtc/s400/Stratford+Stage+035.JPG" border="0" /></a> A butter knife rests on the bread plate. I love the charm of those Tudor buildings!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxb_qFrGh2gnDO2ndYWk33NUdwQdB4ja60nfhzV6PhA1s2S0-koZwPdFmfjGPhL4PzRvDJfe4AGNLwKrDr9JmQkAGHQW3KR9etPrBCsE37tdqEa_Lln_hGqI9AzDGijaSCbngynEmwTM/s1600/Stratford+Stage+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524337458281471506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxb_qFrGh2gnDO2ndYWk33NUdwQdB4ja60nfhzV6PhA1s2S0-koZwPdFmfjGPhL4PzRvDJfe4AGNLwKrDr9JmQkAGHQW3KR9etPrBCsE37tdqEa_Lln_hGqI9AzDGijaSCbngynEmwTM/s400/Stratford+Stage+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My mother gave me this wonderful pumpkin tureen a few years ago. I thought its brown stem, acorns, and vine tendrils complemented the brown of the china and crystal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquBfYgjItIcPIJy8F_PSp6Do-bCRDHVRZuAL64QYF69-8cAAyOkCWpUsrmS2yeBIKJTOFYWzgGG6rql7KWEJBJr55mezBqLgDh1lSYHfEu0qmsxNBYBToQUKSi9TjMjqAvYD4KynJJQo/s1600/Stratford+Stage+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524337468629270226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquBfYgjItIcPIJy8F_PSp6Do-bCRDHVRZuAL64QYF69-8cAAyOkCWpUsrmS2yeBIKJTOFYWzgGG6rql7KWEJBJr55mezBqLgDh1lSYHfEu0qmsxNBYBToQUKSi9TjMjqAvYD4KynJJQo/s400/Stratford+Stage+039.JPG" border="0" /></a> The coffee cups feature a wrap-around scene. Here you see the stagecoach.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1p2J4Ght-PUCOfy2NNYTArYum45V6VGzcU3cftJPz7gs19oBsV-1Kx_eNyhixb0wnC6TpKxf1Idr_DJfmL6bIGSX1rm9vke2T_16eRg-LLQFbtiiL1puHPPnehjmrafkinw0hm65ZN4/s1600/Stratford+Stage+045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524340296287337266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1p2J4Ght-PUCOfy2NNYTArYum45V6VGzcU3cftJPz7gs19oBsV-1Kx_eNyhixb0wnC6TpKxf1Idr_DJfmL6bIGSX1rm9vke2T_16eRg-LLQFbtiiL1puHPPnehjmrafkinw0hm65ZN4/s400/Stratford+Stage+045.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cows are grazing near a pond on the bucolic outskirts of a village.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipliHHpm8aeGZ0h6fb6arU7o_dO0qVliwkem5wkoT8LhwmG4xXovf-ZNZz5mCXp8_OBP9gUBPFLjZW6hvB0NOBi39SxawfZm3gAqbatXao0NylywovqjHneVhiFkkJEfYGtwO_BK01pw/s1600/Stratford+Stage+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524340292010296418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipliHHpm8aeGZ0h6fb6arU7o_dO0qVliwkem5wkoT8LhwmG4xXovf-ZNZz5mCXp8_OBP9gUBPFLjZW6hvB0NOBi39SxawfZm3gAqbatXao0NylywovqjHneVhiFkkJEfYGtwO_BK01pw/s400/Stratford+Stage+044.JPG" border="0" /></a> This scene of the cup is my favorite of the whole set. I think that English cottage looks so cozy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif19gT9oTMr2RVJooH9W5JCfSToX5CNOP1z774geJlEJSpWf3IhDVhf7_yrLGWdNBM4zSSeLzcUmwtDJjRaomTKrZlohEhTmDofNZQuOQkhd148cH7rSZGGrTIEYup0OvKH_eMJiX3mwc/s1600/Stratford+Stage+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524340279420387490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif19gT9oTMr2RVJooH9W5JCfSToX5CNOP1z774geJlEJSpWf3IhDVhf7_yrLGWdNBM4zSSeLzcUmwtDJjRaomTKrZlohEhTmDofNZQuOQkhd148cH7rSZGGrTIEYup0OvKH_eMJiX3mwc/s400/Stratford+Stage+043.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are the cups arranged on the buffet for some after-dinner tea. I was going to add the sterling teapot, but I didn't have time to polish it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpwAqm3HqPaWU8d2DxyNDhAmNivP54NkevFSes2g_y7Q5gSc7FNSvt0VVzKB4XPsJV1UJEeD716cQjhMbfHqI_ShAUjDRuFVdb2nJwOQBic62wQ-5EMLm-P8Cm52LNxyYC6Jj074JWwY/s1600/Stratford+Stage+046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524340297061987634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpwAqm3HqPaWU8d2DxyNDhAmNivP54NkevFSes2g_y7Q5gSc7FNSvt0VVzKB4XPsJV1UJEeD716cQjhMbfHqI_ShAUjDRuFVdb2nJwOQBic62wQ-5EMLm-P8Cm52LNxyYC6Jj074JWwY/s400/Stratford+Stage+046.JPG" border="0" /></a> Please join Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-to-111th-tablescape-thursday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a> for many more tablescapes. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoKuJOhRc85iopbS3bamnKbk_borXtOQ05WbQ1n4Ih0XVFkzAHXtVeslsVx68zSrL7cHNFD7YpqxOo-y-ik8fPuqbaDy9Hxd7-pg2hYz3OuBDmoQTky2c7eXWZ7TONalJnvN2KoWNaw4/s1600/New_size_125_tall-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525087302896589810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoKuJOhRc85iopbS3bamnKbk_borXtOQ05WbQ1n4Ih0XVFkzAHXtVeslsVx68zSrL7cHNFD7YpqxOo-y-ik8fPuqbaDy9Hxd7-pg2hYz3OuBDmoQTky2c7eXWZ7TONalJnvN2KoWNaw4/s400/New_size_125_tall-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-55551336264331389402010-09-29T10:54:00.005-04:002010-10-04T20:22:57.621-04:00Autumn Family Night<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DOWVe0xkMEvXfY9Wy4fptubV9zdtHWjLDi5slCBGW4gJB6ufgggAyhv6X4QPmhntVEYC7BNrpPHrBUU6oX8h2_hb5aAEpC_v9Yzn-vosSPBqa35A9_jtFvk4c1JdoP40oCJQiAiKDxI/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522351195797559026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DOWVe0xkMEvXfY9Wy4fptubV9zdtHWjLDi5slCBGW4gJB6ufgggAyhv6X4QPmhntVEYC7BNrpPHrBUU6oX8h2_hb5aAEpC_v9Yzn-vosSPBqa35A9_jtFvk4c1JdoP40oCJQiAiKDxI/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tonight's tablescape is a cozy autumn setting, just perfect for staying in with family. I have designed a curriculum for Christian Family Night for my church. It is based on the idea of turning off the TV, ignoring the computers, and letting the answering machine pick up, while we reconnect with our families and our faith. Everyone chips in on creating the meal (tonight's was meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, butterbeans, yeast rolls, and sliced tomatoes) and setting the table. Will helped to add ingredients and stir up the sauce for the meat loaf. Emily Anne helped to set the silverware and to arrange the fall leaves around and under the goblets/candleholders. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxDoVXFAVeN8gUnYMJwEMBaODdT1qz7sCibWDTxgOEUjeTvHYBUDhhD-TniVKpTD58oK91TuurTLDPR6a0Q8lKZ0EJ-yYSdNvaB6NfoMZFGF0zM7SBIKL2gM2zL0LTt9q6cqUWRqVow0/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522350336533082146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxDoVXFAVeN8gUnYMJwEMBaODdT1qz7sCibWDTxgOEUjeTvHYBUDhhD-TniVKpTD58oK91TuurTLDPR6a0Q8lKZ0EJ-yYSdNvaB6NfoMZFGF0zM7SBIKL2gM2zL0LTt9q6cqUWRqVow0/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+014.JPG" border="0" /></a>We light candles and read a special liturgy written by our pastor. Here it is by my husband's place setting.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiHhyrSIEuNUX2J8n6scVVc8JJjumnp63GI5wfvg635-bXRkrbXVF_jyKevrWtlOTDpPf7JmK8TLFN_vb4NQ4ECskDDPuuu7tumd5Qo7X-uC8DknMcoigUD4ZKe4vjW3KOvdP-JuPh_I/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522350348844524050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiHhyrSIEuNUX2J8n6scVVc8JJjumnp63GI5wfvg635-bXRkrbXVF_jyKevrWtlOTDpPf7JmK8TLFN_vb4NQ4ECskDDPuuu7tumd5Qo7X-uC8DknMcoigUD4ZKe4vjW3KOvdP-JuPh_I/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+013.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is a close-up of the liturgy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZzzGwoCxSYNQQaOyT1s8rYMPC2oywG1QY_UL5K897AqTXcfurGKVGTLzt3ClXaw6QlL1O7G9CAMOEN4vBz8iheKpOyp-JBVy2PoOLNC7wVSVMO2MisRT8vG1WR0yBkrwMtTz5qdSmiU/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522350354402144082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZzzGwoCxSYNQQaOyT1s8rYMPC2oywG1QY_UL5K897AqTXcfurGKVGTLzt3ClXaw6QlL1O7G9CAMOEN4vBz8iheKpOyp-JBVy2PoOLNC7wVSVMO2MisRT8vG1WR0yBkrwMtTz5qdSmiU/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> After we eat dinner, we pitch in for a quick clean-up of the kitchen and then do some family activity. It is usually a board game like Sorry! or Toy Story Yahtzee, but last night was cool, and we opted for a walk around the neighborhood. After the family activity, we light another candle in the living room and settle in for a short devotional. We use <em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-childs-story-bible/catherine-vos/9780802850119/pd/5011?item_code=WW&netp_id=157340&event=ESRCN&view=details">The Child's Story Bible </a></em>by Catherine Vos, and we read about the father who intercedes with Jesus for his sick son and talked about intercession. We then made a family prayer list of people we wanted to pray for. We stuck this poster on our refrigerator and will use it as a reminder to include these people in our prayers this week. We also use one of the drawers in the hutch to store Christmas cards we've received. Emily Anne and Will take turns choosing a Christmas card each night before the blessing, and we pray for the people who sent us the card. Here is the hutch decorated for fall.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-xuVK7zgSwokTzMdSZbtgYhY6-ldaXgUFfOY87Hw84Yk2_QK4vMPQCTKsGuK2_1y4-GlFyVi5CJc_uEXOXTNAIaWkNnHTiB8fYJMSEd7JB0u8agCMOWEXtZ7nZFhhikIrqhiY3rUkRo/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522351187613034002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-xuVK7zgSwokTzMdSZbtgYhY6-ldaXgUFfOY87Hw84Yk2_QK4vMPQCTKsGuK2_1y4-GlFyVi5CJc_uEXOXTNAIaWkNnHTiB8fYJMSEd7JB0u8agCMOWEXtZ7nZFhhikIrqhiY3rUkRo/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now, on to the tablescape details!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9fI8xghR_Y-N534OfQbRsGTKLI-PRpuTZJh0DYy31VqvGezoKxVUzcHfze0p9ygXsje3xFQzs6Gz2MZ_RYguiGZHzm_QmzWVmFFSzZUpVGEw3pXEk2gKmYWoqwP5gecutaRMYNTeGIM/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522351180914114850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9fI8xghR_Y-N534OfQbRsGTKLI-PRpuTZJh0DYy31VqvGezoKxVUzcHfze0p9ygXsje3xFQzs6Gz2MZ_RYguiGZHzm_QmzWVmFFSzZUpVGEw3pXEk2gKmYWoqwP5gecutaRMYNTeGIM/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> The placemats and napkins were ones that I found at Christmas Tree Hill on our trip to Pennsylvania. It has been difficult to save them until fall! The plates are stoneware that my husband had before we were married, and I thought the yellows, rusts, and olives picked up the color from the placemats beautifully. The iced tea goblets are Fostoria Jamestown. I've shared before how my mother had these in pink and how they hold such great memories for me. I wish I had some in every color, but I am really enjoying the amber and the glow they give, especially in candlelight!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0vCuxhpGPfjvYupNZILCyU7LAezmpvZJ9CzRmCgLTuC1-g_7AZpOKZgnTWo3SkOD1DQH_Gzvlh6Y_LyxuuAFsSeQpfC74YmZIjr4Lve5kC_vwSsr1DhD9-iBpNNqD8ZF7RBNoS3nqME/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522350363939083954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0vCuxhpGPfjvYupNZILCyU7LAezmpvZJ9CzRmCgLTuC1-g_7AZpOKZgnTWo3SkOD1DQH_Gzvlh6Y_LyxuuAFsSeQpfC74YmZIjr4Lve5kC_vwSsr1DhD9-iBpNNqD8ZF7RBNoS3nqME/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found the maple-leaf napkin rings last year at Wal-Mart, which is also where I scored the pumpkin and gourd salt-and-pepper shakers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJz77Dsxx1ovXOiZqQtE4Jgpj4X9m63FSJatu9Gylx2LKIG81vMcwAB3i4YtEH8oHL8gQ-ShlNmI82WGyyL5-QKBop_QyUG4hVto0hAbF1qZYF-Ni4ZrpIfsKIqRa2Igth2C5QIhd99A/s1600/Autumn+Family+Night+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522350325163794706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJz77Dsxx1ovXOiZqQtE4Jgpj4X9m63FSJatu9Gylx2LKIG81vMcwAB3i4YtEH8oHL8gQ-ShlNmI82WGyyL5-QKBop_QyUG4hVto0hAbF1qZYF-Ni4ZrpIfsKIqRa2Igth2C5QIhd99A/s400/Autumn+Family+Night+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy Fall, y'all, and be sure to visit Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome-to-110th-tablescape-thursday.html">Between Naps on the Porch </a>for more autumn inspiration!</div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-32551185355532541752010-09-22T18:30:00.005-04:002010-09-24T00:57:46.478-04:00Apple PickingAlthough the mornings are beginning to feel quite cool, and the afternoons are not as oppressively hot as they have been, I am not quite ready to indulge in the autumn decorating that I love. As a prelude to the beautiful golds, crimsons, oranges, and browns of fall, I thought an apple tablescape was in order.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-jm93r7qbdbQz2DBiQTlCzFbU4xKZOARBsFuL8EOa73YiWAs7wU-yuvdUbyCkxZNKE_pxwxjAMr2aWguPjQV6qKf3hgSTcux6EY85s3UefJiQ82gpQV0X8S6IdEVV6D701lQd4-8fXA/s1600/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518014007443858914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-jm93r7qbdbQz2DBiQTlCzFbU4xKZOARBsFuL8EOa73YiWAs7wU-yuvdUbyCkxZNKE_pxwxjAMr2aWguPjQV6qKf3hgSTcux6EY85s3UefJiQ82gpQV0X8S6IdEVV6D701lQd4-8fXA/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Back when I was in teaching in public school, I received a plethora of apple-themed gifts. One of my favorites has always been this apple candelabra that my sister gave me. I love the dark russet colors of the apples dangling from the boughs.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmY2TdPHIyxF5ouOGgUbWv1A5E-GeY-O8k55KkhSqiEpPz1Us3A9DHksEx2vjtm5g87Jra8-mfmk59HuljwfFPh-ujoEdHYYYSBvEVcxIOOJc-5AHboPcpNRK5S5Zz1F74BAICLljU_E/s1600/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518031964980178754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmY2TdPHIyxF5ouOGgUbWv1A5E-GeY-O8k55KkhSqiEpPz1Us3A9DHksEx2vjtm5g87Jra8-mfmk59HuljwfFPh-ujoEdHYYYSBvEVcxIOOJc-5AHboPcpNRK5S5Zz1F74BAICLljU_E/s400/022.JPG" border="0" /></a> Anchoring the candelabra is a linen tea towel printed with apples that echo the dangling fruit.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmrrwSJLxWwbmc9_N8KcTThGBO8eYc7f0nFww9j4Sggy2wZhoMxMqEd-LP9xp6wtYP-WKW3zydjS-wEM29la9A-u-eP5CX-XMjXPCcV_zIUukFdk-8s2QZxuJgz-6xFKQGeETEKt4oVU/s1600/025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033248309762370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmrrwSJLxWwbmc9_N8KcTThGBO8eYc7f0nFww9j4Sggy2wZhoMxMqEd-LP9xp6wtYP-WKW3zydjS-wEM29la9A-u-eP5CX-XMjXPCcV_zIUukFdk-8s2QZxuJgz-6xFKQGeETEKt4oVU/s400/025.JPG" border="0" /></a>The china used is this setting is one of Franciscan's most famous patterns: Apple. My mother's mother was one of three sisters. My mother and one great-aunt had the Desert Rose pattern, while the other great-aunt opted for the Apple pattern. For some reason, my grandmother did not jump on the Franciscan bandwagon. I recently found these four Apple dinner plates and hope to add to this pattern.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkkDtWbWjj4wj9hMN3zQ2fRmbkwG6hXHe65pD-5mCDUE_08q72XMQqy8EphESrftcTr2XF_ChojyPA5vUneCqt6-ZqU8OU5jpHVM7nUJx0Ag71gEubL0CSfmrBvZg871S_gP6uD-zZX4/s1600/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518032838068318514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGkkDtWbWjj4wj9hMN3zQ2fRmbkwG6hXHe65pD-5mCDUE_08q72XMQqy8EphESrftcTr2XF_ChojyPA5vUneCqt6-ZqU8OU5jpHVM7nUJx0Ag71gEubL0CSfmrBvZg871S_gP6uD-zZX4/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a> The iced beverage goblets are Noritake Perspective.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFepMGFZ-0Yvo5v75RlZxGzlwBThIlO2wuJjzrnjQHcVZwS6OhBP8O5mlakQeQzc4NLtms9tVlJyMLAPwPH1WhuqH3rhuAvxECG54vy0aXei145lhSc4rDZOK_FBCkpmSVJ34imfH-_w/s1600/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518032414052969138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFepMGFZ-0Yvo5v75RlZxGzlwBThIlO2wuJjzrnjQHcVZwS6OhBP8O5mlakQeQzc4NLtms9tVlJyMLAPwPH1WhuqH3rhuAvxECG54vy0aXei145lhSc4rDZOK_FBCkpmSVJ34imfH-_w/s400/023.JPG" border="0" /></a> An Apple teapot, awaiting a creamer and sugar and cups and saucers, graces the hutch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNHFGHAt48DaaZl6ARmf2y5szF0FRBdKBSLpO4QBOTb3ECFYY_Gj22HgVmO2XqcA46wKGe3AC_tDwzIEJVlTSY-ThyqX9VB-qgIoibVLrghP-5BGnMuLNSyl_aZBSOTmaqnHxuBUCcF0/s1600/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518015923281333058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNHFGHAt48DaaZl6ARmf2y5szF0FRBdKBSLpO4QBOTb3ECFYY_Gj22HgVmO2XqcA46wKGe3AC_tDwzIEJVlTSY-ThyqX9VB-qgIoibVLrghP-5BGnMuLNSyl_aZBSOTmaqnHxuBUCcF0/s400/021.JPG" border="0" /></a> The flatware is Reed and Barton Tara.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TvGvCy7BP7jKSkHManHoKkH4bdXbVm5dqH7QLvJi01t6pYN-KqT9jJMxolJlxL2RBqzViAaokx9uMASXld_jNoA-5xHu2kle43St0_DkXXSVi5-KHwl5c0SsmgPbDb0vewtiv-UDQj0/s1600/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518015541663212994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TvGvCy7BP7jKSkHManHoKkH4bdXbVm5dqH7QLvJi01t6pYN-KqT9jJMxolJlxL2RBqzViAaokx9uMASXld_jNoA-5xHu2kle43St0_DkXXSVi5-KHwl5c0SsmgPbDb0vewtiv-UDQj0/s400/018.JPG" border="0" /></a> The cotton napkins echo the leaves on the china. The oft used straw placemats pick up the dark reds of the apples.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhFV68Kqnx9O66aGGKQ66ipD70ijpiXcG_no1tHAdOl6KNNhU8CzzKl95exGE1rU46kIuS2YgqffGB9_bVFjzAOAduCtGFOcTMOiMR18cuRnSyyF8QzxzF2sB-iLHJPYUIzeX9vuC7Bs/s1600/026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518033851051099186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhFV68Kqnx9O66aGGKQ66ipD70ijpiXcG_no1tHAdOl6KNNhU8CzzKl95exGE1rU46kIuS2YgqffGB9_bVFjzAOAduCtGFOcTMOiMR18cuRnSyyF8QzxzF2sB-iLHJPYUIzeX9vuC7Bs/s400/026.JPG" border="0" /></a> Be sure to visit Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome-to-109th-tablescape-thursday.html">Between Naps on the Porch </a>for more tablescape inspiration.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-2903890086332536942010-09-15T10:41:00.019-04:002010-09-17T07:47:54.942-04:00A Birthday Tea Party<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFf4SMJfdl2bOOir9uqGiVjdn5qKrxznWU0SH9tjm8BuptV30LIhpDWqfWACvGj4TqlgCA8gL_CCYcNHk7bkklzcltzFdLsjtzym_cQoS8YmPTe023LSOYF4atXh1cbEww0y3Stee3i0/s1600/052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517228861768111474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFf4SMJfdl2bOOir9uqGiVjdn5qKrxznWU0SH9tjm8BuptV30LIhpDWqfWACvGj4TqlgCA8gL_CCYcNHk7bkklzcltzFdLsjtzym_cQoS8YmPTe023LSOYF4atXh1cbEww0y3Stee3i0/s400/052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">My daughter turned 7 on Monday. She wanted to have a tea party for all of her friends and their dolls. We started with invitations and adapted one that a friend had made for one of my wedding showers. My friend had hand-painted rosebuds onto tea-dyed paper, but we opted for card stock and colored pencils. I drew a template for a tea cup and cut them out. I typed up the wording on the computer and let Emily Anne cut those words out and glue them into place on the invitations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1g_JkTirhnRtSRMp74LXSqN7nvxinsy5wlccmImcJBv2HZechAfhXqMEvwgEXkXbm2DA_1BgHBfXUzQcbWU68XS76litomCdYGw95xHdAFt6wziNCW3ZCIPAr-oawqKiVvRtjLrXXo/s1600/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517215919709053970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1g_JkTirhnRtSRMp74LXSqN7nvxinsy5wlccmImcJBv2HZechAfhXqMEvwgEXkXbm2DA_1BgHBfXUzQcbWU68XS76litomCdYGw95xHdAFt6wziNCW3ZCIPAr-oawqKiVvRtjLrXXo/s400/021.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center"></a></p>The outside hinted at the type of party we were throwing.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx98q29XgfmQDniOQPbjVY6dB2dxMNm0xMV9-pryM6RG5cBIJGL_OlMNqD1jvKmx0gyPxXpug4SYCk_9KJGRV_F7i0hA3H39CdFscqCzG0gDn5ZqYTtUtwXVm7wVwGzkDXhGo71I3A8tc/s1600/019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517216629940749298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx98q29XgfmQDniOQPbjVY6dB2dxMNm0xMV9-pryM6RG5cBIJGL_OlMNqD1jvKmx0gyPxXpug4SYCk_9KJGRV_F7i0hA3H39CdFscqCzG0gDn5ZqYTtUtwXVm7wVwGzkDXhGo71I3A8tc/s400/019.JPG" border="0" /></a>The inside contained a tea bag along with the details about the party.</div><br /><div align="center">Emily Anne customized different "china patterns" for each of her friends, depending on their interests and personalities.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhyfdZXurKZBO_4mx0ewevIxWMWKDbl6df1jFOfIOHrSSxkyayFFuU007FKDJvdecf0CuVQUDxX-_gZcADiRu5A36ptFSm3h5-Pzse7jMoIHMxwiQDuYaEMzHlUnZe14_e74V6vMt9gY/s1600/020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517219335480335938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhyfdZXurKZBO_4mx0ewevIxWMWKDbl6df1jFOfIOHrSSxkyayFFuU007FKDJvdecf0CuVQUDxX-_gZcADiRu5A36ptFSm3h5-Pzse7jMoIHMxwiQDuYaEMzHlUnZe14_e74V6vMt9gY/s400/020.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cjU6IUgFxNvkeCtLh23IPup27hc6ZVv5CRyu_pj3gw6bIWBVd7eIktdKhTLhSRU2LIL7ukbFnnVpBieDK7aep9yiLx77-8j0jTtoX4M6jdahl8R2Hw0rbu7rBYBgQaj7avTPqI0BYBE/s1600/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517219991016206866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cjU6IUgFxNvkeCtLh23IPup27hc6ZVv5CRyu_pj3gw6bIWBVd7eIktdKhTLhSRU2LIL7ukbFnnVpBieDK7aep9yiLx77-8j0jTtoX4M6jdahl8R2Hw0rbu7rBYBgQaj7avTPqI0BYBE/s400/018.JPG" border="0" /></a> Emily Anne requested that I make matching dresses for her and her doll Julia, and she picked out the material.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJfRzzlgzC11Eoojlr_T1a9ZDN41LklQyYg1yRANSEpMBYW7Qlch-hsuvkSH4uzmz0-a205LlX3ZGcSsrxGvwF-Dw_Zy4d3sG1lTMdwmlJ03_oXshGhWk4V8F-ak0_7o6ph1aTKOXSws/s1600/045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517217858247639490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJfRzzlgzC11Eoojlr_T1a9ZDN41LklQyYg1yRANSEpMBYW7Qlch-hsuvkSH4uzmz0-a205LlX3ZGcSsrxGvwF-Dw_Zy4d3sG1lTMdwmlJ03_oXshGhWk4V8F-ak0_7o6ph1aTKOXSws/s400/045.JPG" border="0" /></a> When the girls first arrived, they decorated straw hats for their dolls. Then, they placed their dolls around the dolly tea table, which was the living room coffee table draped with an old lace tablecloth and set with my daughter's toy tea set and some violet demitasse cups and saucers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TEkPcQY_QxQq010r8sIlt38s13BJa_7BbYCKwJqXooookg4MwRR7Uf57qS40ThaO34pGwlOXikmup_-G18G_L1Xv55iDLjH01rk7VFt3Rxh3Ft9gftDW5F6wuJKeHCMSaQSYIdoed8s/s1600/040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517222910357046082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TEkPcQY_QxQq010r8sIlt38s13BJa_7BbYCKwJqXooookg4MwRR7Uf57qS40ThaO34pGwlOXikmup_-G18G_L1Xv55iDLjH01rk7VFt3Rxh3Ft9gftDW5F6wuJKeHCMSaQSYIdoed8s/s400/040.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517223713623295586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKQ4MNfMIsua4JZz-H7eLVpPItznTt2GQXJhf4ijTBdEh2tCKTAmQipgiWLU_pBAeCh-KhcHLtGUbPfv2jyvjqrgCXMeA9Aj5w7xGR5TqGtwIajlN4yeXaN3-AruMb0VnVd_zt6m1iOM/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nApbVyEZU5j7rInHu9v1ly8MlyCojDAfXsSkODPcL2QkGOOrxSvVbxmusC1uWvTAfrVhWKAvl61MerB7_-mwFvSBfRvQnRe8QOeXLyrmZi4Kwny61pIOa9S-34_jBni1J1Y2fsgBK-g/s1600/061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517227421882818770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nApbVyEZU5j7rInHu9v1ly8MlyCojDAfXsSkODPcL2QkGOOrxSvVbxmusC1uWvTAfrVhWKAvl61MerB7_-mwFvSBfRvQnRe8QOeXLyrmZi4Kwny61pIOa9S-34_jBni1J1Y2fsgBK-g/s400/061.JPG" border="0" /></a> Up next was a game of Pin the Lid on the Teapot, followed by a treasure hunt that led the girls from clue to clue until they found a teapot filled with strands of pink pearls and fancy rings for their own tea party. A couple of kind mothers who had stayed helped lead the girls on the treasure hunt while my mother and I plated the tea treats and brewed the tea.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8VjiJpVcfutI1LX3idcplaKwa48__wRGzabHPa1T3It1RLCosy0D41MrYbU49POt0zOXbGDp4VZtLzqkZ-iX5zFrZomyhWv6mlMTtBrOYePf3o4LOs21O-ZfmoNiiR3bDL7-fn920l4/s1600/067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517221712152774082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8VjiJpVcfutI1LX3idcplaKwa48__wRGzabHPa1T3It1RLCosy0D41MrYbU49POt0zOXbGDp4VZtLzqkZ-iX5zFrZomyhWv6mlMTtBrOYePf3o4LOs21O-ZfmoNiiR3bDL7-fn920l4/s400/067.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">We plated the tea sandwiches, cheese wafers, and fruit kabobs on clear plastic plates that could be quickly disposed of once the girls had finished. I made the tea sandwiches (PB&J cut in the shape of stars, PB & Honey in the shape of flowers, and Strawberry Cream Cheese in the shape of hearts) and the fruit kabobs, while my mom picked up the cheese wafers at a local bakery. The teacup cupcakes (also from a bakery) and ice cream were served on the violet salad plates. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvy0V6z2hUuRUscK4ZtjOmJ8Hc4rPdq9FajtS_Q1XVISnot6MT4Iu8JMJpm5NpErCA3xJxngD0I4u1_TN082JGZcuxmiLrx4Ud38G_vUyIvFAA1Ysxw6toycfHNQqN43tJ8O_B2yrYKE/s1600/051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517226541020938434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvy0V6z2hUuRUscK4ZtjOmJ8Hc4rPdq9FajtS_Q1XVISnot6MT4Iu8JMJpm5NpErCA3xJxngD0I4u1_TN082JGZcuxmiLrx4Ud38G_vUyIvFAA1Ysxw6toycfHNQqN43tJ8O_B2yrYKE/s400/051.JPG" border="0" /></a>Harney & Sons Chocolate Mint Tea was served, along with pink lemonade. I had a table set buffet-style for the mothers, too, but I forgot to get a picture. Several of the mothers wanted to know where to get the tea, and I told them to order it from <a href="http://www.harney.com/Chocolate-Mint/products/226/">here</a>.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">One of the girls' mothers was commenting on how brave I was to use my china and silver with the girls, but they were so well mannered. No one spilled a drop, much less a tea cup! Even if a cup had been broken, it would have been worth it to have captured this sweet seven-year-old smile!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyXu_CNVtV_l8ds8ffygjjc2oOStTxYODQaXy0ibAasi708gbDouS5KGo8q6UCJi2NjyZ3TFEf4bymNk9TTdENOSUmr7NM1qXuqfFhCB5v6BfR-813kKjiubemLKoppiIFyfT8kFTH00/s1600/072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517229771891000818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyXu_CNVtV_l8ds8ffygjjc2oOStTxYODQaXy0ibAasi708gbDouS5KGo8q6UCJi2NjyZ3TFEf4bymNk9TTdENOSUmr7NM1qXuqfFhCB5v6BfR-813kKjiubemLKoppiIFyfT8kFTH00/s400/072.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7HBhP5xIUxeCVCHgstHG6rnA_aRQxzNIPO-PLHNWEBjcSzNLKTmcY82OqvI7MAdB_JDVllsANILu0wSWrRKyCtbVpEFfcWDLxhEyfTwXrXAyH5iFDkUCgg1l-w3w6_4Uahgly9_qkzE/s1600/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517236051885383730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7HBhP5xIUxeCVCHgstHG6rnA_aRQxzNIPO-PLHNWEBjcSzNLKTmcY82OqvI7MAdB_JDVllsANILu0wSWrRKyCtbVpEFfcWDLxhEyfTwXrXAyH5iFDkUCgg1l-w3w6_4Uahgly9_qkzE/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBPfQI3E4SC3Ax6nS4mYgrvIhL3iOZjyGEwpiFiOCUCecWYrMeYvVWfuv_X1A4pqV7gOfnlzqMYnvJVX9qDz9vIj5GfCubWTg2MLHdfDKthXTThvs-amPumYTH-xmb_nhDvKqGbYGVC4/s1600/053.JPG"></a><br />Tablescape Details:<br /><ul><li>Violet Teapot, with matching creamer and sugar: Royal Crownford, Staffordshire</li><li>Violet Teapot with violet finial, dessert plates, and cups & saucers: Crown Trent, Staffordshire</li><li>Other dessert plates and cups & saucers and cream & sugar, Noritake Lila</li><li>Silver: Tara by Reed & Barton</li></ul><p align="center">Visit <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> for more tablescape inspiration!</p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-87589671969669228012010-08-25T19:53:00.009-04:002010-08-25T20:24:23.905-04:00Red Lantern Tablescape<div>Last week our family was vacationing in Pennsylvania. Amid days spent in historical Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Amish Country, and Hershey, I managed a trip to a store that I spotted that looked familiar. I had seen it discussed on some blogs during the Tablescape Thursday meme. That shop was <a href="http://www.christmastreehill.com/">Christmas Tree Hill</a>! I am so jealous of those of you who live near one of these havens of home decor! I managed to score a few purchases, one of which became the centerpiece of this week's tablescape.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02U1VjRdMijCbl4PaOhQoKJhd433G6eHwC9ssDmwEZwPa1DG_PEC4wVzxraSStFn7TVZEvj69gDIAds2U7G2OYkfSGZin59ZMh5E9HH4OT0EOwLn8Ii6ztwkKce1OahQWf_8sxU2X7tA/s1600/118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509502358508679970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02U1VjRdMijCbl4PaOhQoKJhd433G6eHwC9ssDmwEZwPa1DG_PEC4wVzxraSStFn7TVZEvj69gDIAds2U7G2OYkfSGZin59ZMh5E9HH4OT0EOwLn8Ii6ztwkKce1OahQWf_8sxU2X7tA/s400/118.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><p>This beautiful red lantern was half off! I think it will be so versatile, especially around the holidays, and I'm looking forward to using it in future tablescapes. For this one, though, it took center stage on top of an off-white placemat. The dark red matched nicely with my woven straw placemats and Queen's Rooster dinner plates.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3PbpDp3EHQMK2mWbHS5-_II32IO9vV3GVd0btTKJkfY9x91vL94wtonCRR_rMGLHlwQ4g3YraBrRTg-byXscSmWm1VT0m_kYpqQsqQIyrdqFZGdaRm88EjnVN-pER8yZ-mi_CO1mVxU/s1600/121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509503816594679186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3PbpDp3EHQMK2mWbHS5-_II32IO9vV3GVd0btTKJkfY9x91vL94wtonCRR_rMGLHlwQ4g3YraBrRTg-byXscSmWm1VT0m_kYpqQsqQIyrdqFZGdaRm88EjnVN-pER8yZ-mi_CO1mVxU/s400/121.JPG" border="0" /></a> The flatware is my everyday workhorse, Easton by Oneida. Off-white fringed napkins pick up the color from the candle in the lantern and the background of the plates.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo12eeCp2Q_hfsFTCIeVl-Q8wntOuHzGQAXH1XwRBlY7nX9z7iqU6mibx7TTyX6eQvXqHmHyKtlk5vb3Oq3eMmYuEnZ8fQStYwBY6B1dyw9zLszzvfM29_iOvDiaBy81H6_ia4H0fBmU/s1600/123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509504666866081010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo12eeCp2Q_hfsFTCIeVl-Q8wntOuHzGQAXH1XwRBlY7nX9z7iqU6mibx7TTyX6eQvXqHmHyKtlk5vb3Oq3eMmYuEnZ8fQStYwBY6B1dyw9zLszzvfM29_iOvDiaBy81H6_ia4H0fBmU/s400/123.JPG" border="0" /></a>The water goblet is Fostoria's Jamestown in Ruby.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVusd3eIDDzUa1KLZaRrkM3Z-p9FvX3wVUAZBZlQmSaXSqwiK6GJVQz_-41fgqC5qyy3EG5Eg6DFGIJNKzZdToxtQWACvRaBu6k13IKvdhwgVWiNws6h9qRSffbEonQotVdBWWyctxczk/s1600/120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509505116958125602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVusd3eIDDzUa1KLZaRrkM3Z-p9FvX3wVUAZBZlQmSaXSqwiK6GJVQz_-41fgqC5qyy3EG5Eg6DFGIJNKzZdToxtQWACvRaBu6k13IKvdhwgVWiNws6h9qRSffbEonQotVdBWWyctxczk/s400/120.JPG" border="0" /></a> My mother had this pattern in pink (to match her Franciscan Desert Rose) in juice glasses, water goblets, iced tea goblets, and sherbets. I have such fond memories of this pattern, and I love its swirl and shape. My mom and dad retired to the beach several years ago and downsized quite a bit. She told me this week that her Jamestown was sold at her church's yard sale for $1 a piece. I was sick to hear that, but someone certainly got a deal! I recently found some Jamestown iced tea glasses in amber on ebay, so keep an eye out for them in future tablescapes, along with some April Cornell linens from Christmas Tree Hill!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzCDD7anUp-irM7Njy3CB1fNHdk6adcOPwca7lxFnWfxoWRJr4VuqkTRKXjmzEGjG-hdMdNT3evaMuzzbKd3yKIU7nspH385a2QrVS5HBhkEoeeeT2ziPuVuyBFcM0ZJiCUqNY5vyLVI/s1600/119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509507233430221698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzCDD7anUp-irM7Njy3CB1fNHdk6adcOPwca7lxFnWfxoWRJr4VuqkTRKXjmzEGjG-hdMdNT3evaMuzzbKd3yKIU7nspH385a2QrVS5HBhkEoeeeT2ziPuVuyBFcM0ZJiCUqNY5vyLVI/s400/119.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Join Susan at <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch </a>for lots of tablescape inspiration, and those fellow tablescapers who live in Pennsylvania and Delaware, take a trip to Christmas Tree Hill for me!<br /><p><br /></p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-31240966245146216332010-08-10T11:06:00.013-04:002010-08-10T11:54:49.846-04:00Blue Willow Teapots<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaEScoNZ4_y7iOdE4fFMHspsBYmBAw0HOOss8JzPBemvZHz74d72IzBQn2LTKp9bDVdqMEhlV9wkyVCavYKM62NhjhjqQH8u9AixaGYsnvOJ0Ll0gyIR1HYpocrnY3ROZlKjtk51I_Wo/s1600/176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503799530980970450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaEScoNZ4_y7iOdE4fFMHspsBYmBAw0HOOss8JzPBemvZHz74d72IzBQn2LTKp9bDVdqMEhlV9wkyVCavYKM62NhjhjqQH8u9AixaGYsnvOJ0Ll0gyIR1HYpocrnY3ROZlKjtk51I_Wo/s400/176.JPG" border="0" /></a>These napkin rings were the inspiration for today's tablescape. I first encountered them at our breakfast setting at the wonderful inn where Joel & I spent our tenth anniversary, <a href="http://www.abingdonmanor.com/">Abingdon Manor</a>. I very highly recommend them for dinner and/or an overnight stay if you are traveling along I-95. Besides the inn's beauty and the delicious food, I fell in love with the charm of these Blue Willow teapot napkin rings.<br /></div>I found some of them on ebay and, upon receiving them, decided that a Blue Willow tea for one was in order.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503801627624713026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh41Oit6fYWqv3EmkgnFWLVYslqjwoxlN97fvVpaq0LqZI5pIvHtyc1NsYETxEmIAKQg_xHK2PW02GJ3RXkUlPgJQsHyhaFWN4eqsW-DIcEq5y_gi9K_Tb_evhaNTh_A_XLVYP9mTh4NU/s400/171.JPG" border="0" /> I thought this corner of the living room would make a cozy spot for tea.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUHdev254yvd-61fSwnkiYMxJ2BftBuO4f-BR8sLRC8KfnFZginriVgQ0BEzYy1N94IM-pSd9ZArI4y2BU-JmuAz4FgoSeuaR66VJ10Erv0fBjFHTSn4X04Z18kJ8WAaw38Xcz46AQlE/s1600/163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503802498252011650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUHdev254yvd-61fSwnkiYMxJ2BftBuO4f-BR8sLRC8KfnFZginriVgQ0BEzYy1N94IM-pSd9ZArI4y2BU-JmuAz4FgoSeuaR66VJ10Erv0fBjFHTSn4X04Z18kJ8WAaw38Xcz46AQlE/s400/163.JPG" border="0" /></a> I added one of my favorite pillows (a gift from my sister) to the wing-backed chair. I thought it was appropriate to the theme.<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503803349473954354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinChHedKxRyC-KCAj-vc4RXVL9g-w43WhdkhUTCT2e6ibEgSB0IYj1xTG-XVdsVJgw31phsp65gs2MRjiIEXZvPQxBdAhcvniMeq-zfiKqipMsAzLd1UExG1p7eyGwv5aMaAojjb6VfLc/s400/172.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Of course, the Blue Willow teapot lamp was perfect for lighting. I also added a bud vase of Emily roses.</p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkVkfyvMGPEH2sp9YSoaB8ytdMaR66Wav_teImIejrak8KRU4QcOTiDqJaVDQQ0KCv5HK1piHeHPdd3y12Sild8JN9LqfNLPsCyU572_hYnKDGuKRgFpuoAufL3OiJUN0Pv9MoOTFuVM/s1600/170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503805089592413810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkVkfyvMGPEH2sp9YSoaB8ytdMaR66Wav_teImIejrak8KRU4QcOTiDqJaVDQQ0KCv5HK1piHeHPdd3y12Sild8JN9LqfNLPsCyU572_hYnKDGuKRgFpuoAufL3OiJUN0Pv9MoOTFuVM/s400/170.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">One of my favorite things to do when I have a rare cup of tea to myself is to peruse books about tea. These are some of my favorites.<br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi0-ms-gcRYbc1lFLjUU2Mb6nlsbuHdU0VqABamIQQx73ryiPUuJE_BpZxtM8q1EDz_e-TeGgo9LZue3R8Qa4f0_EIXDBSIXrgwW45KRSApfQDezDa-oOq_XpFzy135ZW1OI6cI_tJPw/s1600/168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503805079994634434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi0-ms-gcRYbc1lFLjUU2Mb6nlsbuHdU0VqABamIQQx73ryiPUuJE_BpZxtM8q1EDz_e-TeGgo9LZue3R8Qa4f0_EIXDBSIXrgwW45KRSApfQDezDa-oOq_XpFzy135ZW1OI6cI_tJPw/s400/168.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. --C. S. Lewis</span> </em></div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2XoC9GJNeLbveKW-ZVIl2OdCbdHz-mOB60fOsz4VgBQvV6bL4VnRpqoUR9PB3f5xD9OkpNSD25hFx4zbfnWm5Sh74-apoxbLK2zeKq3Dp7K6VPVXdUr-TON9d8ppEMfFw-4wJGRZjNc/s1600/169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503805070907143698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2XoC9GJNeLbveKW-ZVIl2OdCbdHz-mOB60fOsz4VgBQvV6bL4VnRpqoUR9PB3f5xD9OkpNSD25hFx4zbfnWm5Sh74-apoxbLK2zeKq3Dp7K6VPVXdUr-TON9d8ppEMfFw-4wJGRZjNc/s400/169.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><p align="center">With a stack of books at the ready, I prepared the tea tray with a pot of Harney & Sons Chocolate Mint.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JfaXA4Z7PGxXLSKfLCtCvQzuA5OTlqqRDURS3zIsM2_EMd7hS9rbJ51_TvAt8y-Ha6bWFBZgU9JCh1eTuI4pktSw-37KgC0lBuPxOMuYk-hpOFZhc4IS3QAUNdH2h5LduL7KIt3_izY/s1600/167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503807336966566786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JfaXA4Z7PGxXLSKfLCtCvQzuA5OTlqqRDURS3zIsM2_EMd7hS9rbJ51_TvAt8y-Ha6bWFBZgU9JCh1eTuI4pktSw-37KgC0lBuPxOMuYk-hpOFZhc4IS3QAUNdH2h5LduL7KIt3_izY/s400/167.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p>I added a teacup and saucer, teaspoon, and butter knife.<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEyP_AxUDRb7_AVOIQd7l1lqeWBcw0TRH61siNIywGycB2Q0WlGY4-hecS9lm-qj667mJPyKYhWku6gzM2oK4q2oCeqz70dxpbv4BpY64LB2yWbhRxJMz_LLPUceDGhyphenhyphenZYkXPvnrjAk0/s1600/166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503809029352835410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEyP_AxUDRb7_AVOIQd7l1lqeWBcw0TRH61siNIywGycB2Q0WlGY4-hecS9lm-qj667mJPyKYhWku6gzM2oK4q2oCeqz70dxpbv4BpY64LB2yWbhRxJMz_LLPUceDGhyphenhyphenZYkXPvnrjAk0/s400/166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The final touch was a salad plate topped with a white linen hem-stitched napkin tucked into a Blue Willow teapot ring!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGVVBAwJ9tVDfECU600SbQuJlx2D_QTAKKN1YZledUxAFDsqBPqYqHeNWZNLRAREh5uU-oiZDfHYsZ8a2v5wnBEzgDYo-hXqAzO8I6XM0mixcCsGPcF7HvpFnlPgppnEl9LONse8h6oc/s1600/165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503809037562325522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGVVBAwJ9tVDfECU600SbQuJlx2D_QTAKKN1YZledUxAFDsqBPqYqHeNWZNLRAREh5uU-oiZDfHYsZ8a2v5wnBEzgDYo-hXqAzO8I6XM0mixcCsGPcF7HvpFnlPgppnEl9LONse8h6oc/s400/165.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Enjoy lots of table-setting inspiration at Susan's <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Tablescape Thursday</a>.Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-66596635347188765442010-07-28T20:50:00.000-04:002010-07-28T20:51:55.935-04:00Waverly Valley Plaid & Nantucket Basket<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKxrn_ovuar3JdWXXuOaf_ZV_0EZBb5YfXkPA9dmmrP6UNb5WLC8PDgdjiN8G8sXgsC7Z_uWSWScAOzOfMyoUuOqGL_4cD0ey9d1TwV6lDVv_0ivWBReYpViegI4SE8c514KZIHPuQnk/s1600/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498576847826471618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKxrn_ovuar3JdWXXuOaf_ZV_0EZBb5YfXkPA9dmmrP6UNb5WLC8PDgdjiN8G8sXgsC7Z_uWSWScAOzOfMyoUuOqGL_4cD0ey9d1TwV6lDVv_0ivWBReYpViegI4SE8c514KZIHPuQnk/s400/008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Today's tablescape was inspired by the sunny plaid that is used in my son's bedroom. I began with extra valances of Waverly's Valley Plaid used as table runners. The blue and yellow is so cheery!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT91d9UaIOjA2ZZWDXXp_aRaJENrfeHKpuFrU7yZ-FlwTUPKeS7e1K600kr3fZt-5fJYNRHZSqZlROg5wVt9TZTQ906xRHZPbhW8nG7Hp1jxCy0ygFDe7T2IfJOkR7Yd-epHj7bFdzlW8/s1600/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498578776965800162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT91d9UaIOjA2ZZWDXXp_aRaJENrfeHKpuFrU7yZ-FlwTUPKeS7e1K600kr3fZt-5fJYNRHZSqZlROg5wVt9TZTQ906xRHZPbhW8nG7Hp1jxCy0ygFDe7T2IfJOkR7Yd-epHj7bFdzlW8/s400/011.JPG" border="0" /></a> I then built a centerpiece using a salad plate, tea cup placed upside down, a bread plate and a creamer in my everyday pattern, Wedgwood's Nantucket Basket. I hope I didn't give my son any ideas about using my china to build towers!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwGFs_aOMZ8kvxhpU_Y-fHmTv5cr6GtF-gvkuvf94KQLj-ywSkNv3OvDkpsFxyQAKV1tKTAQV_UaR-PW_iu6_OTtcuOGdlggmdqNHWzYoUmPQRO3kbwfdk6iJ41rYgrGyV17bGFir2G8/s1600/009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498578757480078946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwGFs_aOMZ8kvxhpU_Y-fHmTv5cr6GtF-gvkuvf94KQLj-ywSkNv3OvDkpsFxyQAKV1tKTAQV_UaR-PW_iu6_OTtcuOGdlggmdqNHWzYoUmPQRO3kbwfdk6iJ41rYgrGyV17bGFir2G8/s400/009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Into the creamer I placed some grocery store flowers of yellow daisies and lime green mums, along with a yellow zinnia or two from the containers on the patio.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsILavuLf40a-wH1KVeXTZbaVrrMQTmpXaezAsM7iqHit7nmvXMcoC4n15AotefT6mbG6ZktPcQ0FZvCuqeK3-vsSVwJKb7gMjvnF3-qLvM16EiEWw18M6AqIEnoZioAlBGCurxcnZXk/s1600/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498576839117168802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsILavuLf40a-wH1KVeXTZbaVrrMQTmpXaezAsM7iqHit7nmvXMcoC4n15AotefT6mbG6ZktPcQ0FZvCuqeK3-vsSVwJKb7gMjvnF3-qLvM16EiEWw18M6AqIEnoZioAlBGCurxcnZXk/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /></a> A salad plate is arranged on top of a dinner plate, along with a bread plate for the place setting.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKRvsNw9jL0CCts40tgd1kbKczVVM87Ir4sEnQ9kPeXyvvRcMBEtxluR4mZPVVq6Q7oAMyR_Z2YiPbrliS7ahdae6-k0yLSB4KnPnf30FRMi1gXJYmLBSnKW3ajvcxngMrD92Q0KfeQc/s1600/006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498576827838991842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKRvsNw9jL0CCts40tgd1kbKczVVM87Ir4sEnQ9kPeXyvvRcMBEtxluR4mZPVVq6Q7oAMyR_Z2YiPbrliS7ahdae6-k0yLSB4KnPnf30FRMi1gXJYmLBSnKW3ajvcxngMrD92Q0KfeQc/s400/006.JPG" border="0" /></a> The flatware is my everyday stainless, Oneida Easton. The iced tea stems are just simple, clear glasses I picked up from Wal-Mart. The linen napkins, wedding presents, are bordered with a pretty swiss dot pattern.</p><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrS8R6LcroSOGtC1QTCdbQJdpcC4clAYv6y0Q-etrb868f_zGGnQ4jwvFk7mRhk586-ou4XCzP8TYDB6VIrE7iXIjDeg1hyphenhyphenOQJcmMpuWSYmVY0h5pAFoDUnEwyvUKOb_EuuohxWUrxCk/s1600/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498576825473289842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrS8R6LcroSOGtC1QTCdbQJdpcC4clAYv6y0Q-etrb868f_zGGnQ4jwvFk7mRhk586-ou4XCzP8TYDB6VIrE7iXIjDeg1hyphenhyphenOQJcmMpuWSYmVY0h5pAFoDUnEwyvUKOb_EuuohxWUrxCk/s400/004.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>All in all, a summery tablescape for these very hot days! How does Imperial Chicken, alongside salad with tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, and garlic cheese biscuits sound?</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LAtD1GOB1cnzZ8pqpiafthhCGnBKuiXFUZ5L1Y5TmBLW0RVNwZDwzCQCHgLSQpI1L7I5tQifMaXJKOH2JhlGezKkLwep2P-VUfYcelRMXiy7tP_-UW9bCvzlrQOoSOYSeEGIPtISmOY/s1600/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498576818485050674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LAtD1GOB1cnzZ8pqpiafthhCGnBKuiXFUZ5L1Y5TmBLW0RVNwZDwzCQCHgLSQpI1L7I5tQifMaXJKOH2JhlGezKkLwep2P-VUfYcelRMXiy7tP_-UW9bCvzlrQOoSOYSeEGIPtISmOY/s400/005.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Please join <a href="http://www.betweennapsonthe%20porch.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> for Tablescape Thursday to see lots of creative table settings!</p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-61928694019278604702010-01-27T20:00:00.004-05:002010-01-28T07:17:58.809-05:00Violet Valentine's Tea<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-neGii58gKUh2Z-x2oQ7nawkB8_Mwjtbfa3WNMGH1ZHZcUH9v1-nPirD_nDRmIVq2cCmbTkcLyvGGzQc1rIhvlrDVWLsFpFOSX2P6RefBC5y9wFzZcrw14vLwSvxPzxz-3NvswjyIdc/s1600-h/066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430334536524875010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-neGii58gKUh2Z-x2oQ7nawkB8_Mwjtbfa3WNMGH1ZHZcUH9v1-nPirD_nDRmIVq2cCmbTkcLyvGGzQc1rIhvlrDVWLsFpFOSX2P6RefBC5y9wFzZcrw14vLwSvxPzxz-3NvswjyIdc/s400/066.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center">Inspiration for today's tablescape came from these vintage valentine postcards. Knowing how I loved violets, my husband gave me these postcards while we were dating. Wasn't that sweet?<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF-vsa67eYVv_emasRn1oZDQsjy6RpK0LX0p-YKath5kjOW4S0dCehimKw8KoDBl30sIeZx8Ez8edRAXPHQpci5p9tG2x7b3NYXX8oh2fedB0izVaQk5FX_RHWDoV3lntI96Rzup2m4w/s1600-h/068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430334546076110754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqF-vsa67eYVv_emasRn1oZDQsjy6RpK0LX0p-YKath5kjOW4S0dCehimKw8KoDBl30sIeZx8Ez8edRAXPHQpci5p9tG2x7b3NYXX8oh2fedB0izVaQk5FX_RHWDoV3lntI96Rzup2m4w/s400/068.JPG" border="0" /></a> My love for collecting violet china began with spotting this tea set in an antique booth in the Charleston Market. It caught my eye because violets were my sorority flower. Did you know that the Victorians attributed modesty and faithfulness to violets?<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wn0tUn2pJem5Reh8fwGCGB-Qnw79lkjoPMeHYZxf4c8VLOR2bnlsZlKghoYOPsA-n0FKwomSMHwK291eaRGnMkyy2B-PJ_BlsRRBUGOdy8kKAPQL1eLPFjHYNLRq0G3qQ5pdo4tvY6g/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430334551780783746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wn0tUn2pJem5Reh8fwGCGB-Qnw79lkjoPMeHYZxf4c8VLOR2bnlsZlKghoYOPsA-n0FKwomSMHwK291eaRGnMkyy2B-PJ_BlsRRBUGOdy8kKAPQL1eLPFjHYNLRq0G3qQ5pdo4tvY6g/s400/025.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is another violet teapot that I was given. It has the same pattern of the violets bound with a white ribbon as are on the dessert plates and cups and saucers. All of these pieces were found at different times and are stamped with different manufacturers. To the left of the tea pot is a violet tea strainer I was given. I love loose tea and like having these as not all tea pots have built in strainers. Two tea pots makes it possible to offer two varieties of tea. Would you prefer Harney & Sons' <a href="http://www.harney.com//Valentines-Blend-Loose-tea-in-4-ounce-tin/productinfo/80005/">Valentine's Blend</a> (with chocolate and rose petals) or their <a href="http://www.harney.com/Indian-Spice-Loose-tea-in-4-ounce-tin/productinfo/44235/">Indian Spice</a>?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoICJ59x4rZb-eaAfO71nYT5HsbBFth0rOXoF-CYvDTv2TsM_velu9FLVC0jk_j8FWJcC4t5VkUXs8Gjz0XR4nnB7fR_KhUyNYzA6QSj27FP3cKdfFqNzsnfVKoEPopNxBkmtvfCIXvE/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430334557257802930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoICJ59x4rZb-eaAfO71nYT5HsbBFth0rOXoF-CYvDTv2TsM_velu9FLVC0jk_j8FWJcC4t5VkUXs8Gjz0XR4nnB7fR_KhUyNYzA6QSj27FP3cKdfFqNzsnfVKoEPopNxBkmtvfCIXvE/s400/026.JPG" border="0" /></a> The lace tablecloth reminded me of doilies pasted on homemade Valentines.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuhWSh4mSQhk9ad2Yf_TU8XGjxXQIzLBfIFUZSo9ykIZIcXvAfBmZIMpEFNLytX2v9xMNSNSknZtbs-iP8s3jQLOctJVPQP8SBnIJ43SW0hEM3DmQFgOe26sMAVOxJeI4dsBMzFBKCYs/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430342887480152642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuhWSh4mSQhk9ad2Yf_TU8XGjxXQIzLBfIFUZSo9ykIZIcXvAfBmZIMpEFNLytX2v9xMNSNSknZtbs-iP8s3jQLOctJVPQP8SBnIJ43SW0hEM3DmQFgOe26sMAVOxJeI4dsBMzFBKCYs/s400/032.JPG" border="0" /></a> The dessert plates looked a little lost on their own. I tried my formal dinner plates underneath them, but the platinum trim clashed with the gold trim on the violet plates. I pulled out some antique violet handkerchiefs and draped them over the dinner plates.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FGAtzPpxJZbiWolSrBFbW5mvWK1wob-33gYX_QZRgQT69RCFaMDLt1PPaidpK-KE4dWMkDqjFSlvQZHR86UGAnLanI5h6-2xW2vxk8UycVvCVWuFqLjscUWFmf-AYR9L09gYaA3IQbQ/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430334566280095426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FGAtzPpxJZbiWolSrBFbW5mvWK1wob-33gYX_QZRgQT69RCFaMDLt1PPaidpK-KE4dWMkDqjFSlvQZHR86UGAnLanI5h6-2xW2vxk8UycVvCVWuFqLjscUWFmf-AYR9L09gYaA3IQbQ/s400/023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The different handkerchiefs add a certain charm, don't they?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXAQ42HiTql5PI8vwE03U2B6d-64oN1a3szUk8Cuqp7-yX7Igs_bUdc-JRIdf-xAZ3FCraEANgFK-hiQlDn9i1AeD5awzsnM8vqaJ5Ip-gm2GElGqnHb19j3RjvqZzuAgKZ-eego3f1U/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430342870146736482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXAQ42HiTql5PI8vwE03U2B6d-64oN1a3szUk8Cuqp7-yX7Igs_bUdc-JRIdf-xAZ3FCraEANgFK-hiQlDn9i1AeD5awzsnM8vqaJ5Ip-gm2GElGqnHb19j3RjvqZzuAgKZ-eego3f1U/s400/028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I added a Waterford Araglin Traditions iced beverage glass for those who might like some iced water. I had to substitute wine glasses at two of the place settings (because of the Great Thanksgiving Smash-up of 2008), but since this is a mix-and-match tablescape, I think it works.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtRP3yVPsLngjDoz7s7FGikOn2FCMFh8eU2ZAq51s_S5jx-6Rx9tSKoN6DcRv3-ZsIpZk8Ry-CFHwOUVNGmVEH0V8qyziyhII9z7qPSni5RSikIYKS_7_oACS05uabujNwDnv9A1dz6Y/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430342877800628610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtRP3yVPsLngjDoz7s7FGikOn2FCMFh8eU2ZAq51s_S5jx-6Rx9tSKoN6DcRv3-ZsIpZk8Ry-CFHwOUVNGmVEH0V8qyziyhII9z7qPSni5RSikIYKS_7_oACS05uabujNwDnv9A1dz6Y/s400/030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The violet cake plate was a birthday gift several years ago from the great-aunt whose china I inherited (You can see the tablescape I created with that china <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunday-family-dinner_14.html">here</a>.). I think it makes a great pedestal for the vintage Valentines.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SdkSm-YElPrsuqRXOSbZPzzjYdql4-NQ9eCrrbymx5ims602Knt-aeni31k6U1xqjEbxA72F9WVBSl-NrsB926GxNv-XYR1EpYRwxZMq5R7eol9x7qiE35JZc-MdLuYN5-xJNbZ8Eoo/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430349474244064146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SdkSm-YElPrsuqRXOSbZPzzjYdql4-NQ9eCrrbymx5ims602Knt-aeni31k6U1xqjEbxA72F9WVBSl-NrsB926GxNv-XYR1EpYRwxZMq5R7eol9x7qiE35JZc-MdLuYN5-xJNbZ8Eoo/s400/024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2scbPkp2_eQqdGSPttgC8ARJ1HfVVQ-aoCIRMYYqRHBfE6tDkpnd9NJ7PjiGhsU3EPKhXwRjo7vASq3Jc3Yx-9nt13iqa02mFGPwVNDN0I7LPfzeH9_51-b-UcNr6HNF3E1gDdEU-68M/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430349479845042610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2scbPkp2_eQqdGSPttgC8ARJ1HfVVQ-aoCIRMYYqRHBfE6tDkpnd9NJ7PjiGhsU3EPKhXwRjo7vASq3Jc3Yx-9nt13iqa02mFGPwVNDN0I7LPfzeH9_51-b-UcNr6HNF3E1gDdEU-68M/s400/071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />For more tabletop inspiration, be sure to visit our hostess Susan.<br /></div><br /><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/TT-2.jpg"/></a></center>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-83809554860090055172010-01-21T06:00:00.001-05:002010-01-21T06:00:01.854-05:00Toile & Checks<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vdXLZlDKqNyCid-7iAr93QBI-qdF2zBN005yBi_2Q2JhsMTjXnWPC6GASNVll3csUknMJy7KtQKMn1CMC-aNbkT0lpA4rYPAJB3o4MqK0ntD5lCP3Fmb55xdw5J92vrFY8X90A74JHU/s1600-h/044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427350223850602450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vdXLZlDKqNyCid-7iAr93QBI-qdF2zBN005yBi_2Q2JhsMTjXnWPC6GASNVll3csUknMJy7KtQKMn1CMC-aNbkT0lpA4rYPAJB3o4MqK0ntD5lCP3Fmb55xdw5J92vrFY8X90A74JHU/s400/044.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today's tablescape is on the breakfast table in the kitchen. I used my Blue Willow china along with a piece of toile material for a runner and blue checked napkins.<br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRwmfaoFUkCoqzmsmX_WtEnWBeTv0eymj_iDjSFSE3kEuPMx2kCLckMsUzYACrgi_oiAwiIUW5XlfTO9HigDai0cN2xAfoaK_ivttUvrzLUQ4nZOM2dzM7zuAusWsSRLZO3zbjoxI_J8/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427348454553098498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRwmfaoFUkCoqzmsmX_WtEnWBeTv0eymj_iDjSFSE3kEuPMx2kCLckMsUzYACrgi_oiAwiIUW5XlfTO9HigDai0cN2xAfoaK_ivttUvrzLUQ4nZOM2dzM7zuAusWsSRLZO3zbjoxI_J8/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /></a> I used Blue Willow bowls placed on top of my everyday wedding china: Nantucket Basket by Wedgwood. This pattern is so versatile! I had picked out Nantucket Basket even before I was engaged. Why wait to eat on nice dishes until you're married? My family members were kind enough to give me pieces for my birthday and Christmas until I was able to finish out place settings for twelve with wedding gifts. </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC5dVlDYxi1paj0kvla39EiY7uCbXeS-_67N0sznwUyKmI8aGjvQR-iYUqtrRiwbFLm_3SQVYN4BhKZCqKXU9b9n8PXoGkBT5Djz5EuJGQEpyJEuHIQJpIYAhfjt8Azlt6EWptLAEGQw/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427350229964494322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC5dVlDYxi1paj0kvla39EiY7uCbXeS-_67N0sznwUyKmI8aGjvQR-iYUqtrRiwbFLm_3SQVYN4BhKZCqKXU9b9n8PXoGkBT5Djz5EuJGQEpyJEuHIQJpIYAhfjt8Azlt6EWptLAEGQw/s400/045.JPG" border="0" /></a> I've really enjoyed my Blue Willow pieces, too. You can read about my find <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2009/03/look-what-i-got.html">here</a>.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielWvNmryFPEpJ38BlCPqokJqXRPUJXB2bBZ5vlWiWlRHiRNK67mlrVGq7RyE183QJYwwypdcXYexZcSokoTLljMVb5gt4_x7b-Ldz9TT9mrW2L1v4rj-6o_sxCCWiwT3f5nlNN76Uk88/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427350242312080146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielWvNmryFPEpJ38BlCPqokJqXRPUJXB2bBZ5vlWiWlRHiRNK67mlrVGq7RyE183QJYwwypdcXYexZcSokoTLljMVb5gt4_x7b-Ldz9TT9mrW2L1v4rj-6o_sxCCWiwT3f5nlNN76Uk88/s400/048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmQl0m9ksJOezQkUDZGhv5um4BmmRstpoE6lnRBw-F1fFj8pRigRDdLeIB62Qal_cbYEwAQqwd4koSpv7sjW9e4nLlZo-a2g3xBy9T0_oPC4XEbfAipCXdqa5ln8MRYUPaARMH_PpEQc/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427350235373535778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmQl0m9ksJOezQkUDZGhv5um4BmmRstpoE6lnRBw-F1fFj8pRigRDdLeIB62Qal_cbYEwAQqwd4koSpv7sjW9e4nLlZo-a2g3xBy9T0_oPC4XEbfAipCXdqa5ln8MRYUPaARMH_PpEQc/s400/047.JPG" border="0" /></a>The stainless flatware is Easton by Oneida. It is our everyday flatware. I like the simplicity of the design and how the notches echo the wicker rim of Nantucket Basket.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX9Vh8xV0p46O1WBn8gKAbPSSzfhqcRCvZ1aWciZxc4avQeQX1zEKx483EaH1Ng6V5Haem1B6Bdx2u6nRPaNIplGA8lAeu2a1omoD4xaoSapzry6HoqRJE9XRWBWfxJGj4Ue3q4IZ8pc/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427348460213522914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX9Vh8xV0p46O1WBn8gKAbPSSzfhqcRCvZ1aWciZxc4avQeQX1zEKx483EaH1Ng6V5Haem1B6Bdx2u6nRPaNIplGA8lAeu2a1omoD4xaoSapzry6HoqRJE9XRWBWfxJGj4Ue3q4IZ8pc/s400/043.JPG" border="0" /></a> A January meal calls for a warm cup of tea after dinner, don't you think? What about Harney & Sons chocolate mint?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oqZdcXz8sFbquE5kjerXD6nJQgm9JwNvsOD5H1_iM-W-tI4Vtc5dl0zOT0sx-mX1JO9-3jb9nQTBSfN6Fu8kV83A5clvzDbkuyLAFmz_slbV_vMDNRBg7YDNMETbAOKnDuX8hfU2VxI/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427348446380376626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oqZdcXz8sFbquE5kjerXD6nJQgm9JwNvsOD5H1_iM-W-tI4Vtc5dl0zOT0sx-mX1JO9-3jb9nQTBSfN6Fu8kV83A5clvzDbkuyLAFmz_slbV_vMDNRBg7YDNMETbAOKnDuX8hfU2VxI/s400/041.JPG" border="0" /></a> The covered casserole I've used as the centerpiece of this setting is usually displayed in the hutch. I'll be using it today to keep chili warm. A Blue Willow serving bowl temporarily has taken its place in the hutch.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1mV2_k0UjxCf1JiUqNlRUAd94xXJiZRy43vBZszmogsE8cQAzfeDjhK5d7-hG2J-ZmtIeaRQMsKayWMupBZO9Hih8uDPX-BagFocXVdMlb2Fwwaru8tRHgr1MmDdHsWH7n0W8iARnzs/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427348437704310322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1mV2_k0UjxCf1JiUqNlRUAd94xXJiZRy43vBZszmogsE8cQAzfeDjhK5d7-hG2J-ZmtIeaRQMsKayWMupBZO9Hih8uDPX-BagFocXVdMlb2Fwwaru8tRHgr1MmDdHsWH7n0W8iARnzs/s400/038.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love checks with the toile. It has such a French Country feel.</p><div align="left"><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7SUXmKsCT0px5sxa02SgXyoDIty2i6-8xLDwSGDuWLd8UhTS2zcZff52OoyHs78zsXQV9XcDlmjb-sGCuE0pyn2sYUQZzql4mrutt5Vuvx7tdikNMBNLJIuArK0sIQBDxxq_wVlPXwk/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427348434067461090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7SUXmKsCT0px5sxa02SgXyoDIty2i6-8xLDwSGDuWLd8UhTS2zcZff52OoyHs78zsXQV9XcDlmjb-sGCuE0pyn2sYUQZzql4mrutt5Vuvx7tdikNMBNLJIuArK0sIQBDxxq_wVlPXwk/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dinner Plates: Nantucket Basket by Wedgwood</p><p>Cereal Bowls, Cups & Saucers, Butter Dish, Covered Vegetable Bowl: Blue Willow by Churchill</p><p>Water Goblets: ?, a boxed set from WalMart</p><p>Flatware: Easton by Oneida</p><p align="center">Be sure to join in on more tablescape fun at Susan's!</p><p align="center"></p><br /><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/TT-2.jpg" border="0" /></a></center>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-36958381037098624752010-01-14T07:00:00.007-05:002010-01-16T10:22:07.533-05:00Sunday Family DinnerThis Christmas I received a wonderful gift: a set of my great-aunt's china. When I was a girl, Aunt Dotsie always hosted my mom's side of the family on Thanksgiving. These dishes bring back pleasant family memories.<br /><br />The pattern is Noritake Lila, and it has feminine and delicate pink roses and green ferns. It was produced from 1964 to 1973. They have silver trim and will mix and match beautifully with my Lenox Fedral Platinum.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TDxWcEKCSFQo9NBXha3Q4GoYiAqHGS20uU0hA_rR1WaoqevTWPhyhAN0vSfwral2mSe6pnxc2MmBTut8vcBfb9KDiCHABzuQFwq5d6LydiYVuK57XkGy_TOGCzKRnsPlmpaVtbmxo68/s1600-h/1-8-10+083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424552211957499394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TDxWcEKCSFQo9NBXha3Q4GoYiAqHGS20uU0hA_rR1WaoqevTWPhyhAN0vSfwral2mSe6pnxc2MmBTut8vcBfb9KDiCHABzuQFwq5d6LydiYVuK57XkGy_TOGCzKRnsPlmpaVtbmxo68/s400/1-8-10+083.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love having a formal dining room but with young children, we don't use it that much. I thought it would be nice to have a formal Sunday dinner with my new family china.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdq3jth7dfaj1eGmfWs-7TZBpBxZb0JkbR8TlJ42uIo5gVBS1u1vlKWRnbSmJE-dKXJN4mIMo1rh0R72Ce82HFljSknU3ud67ak4PDZdY0PLivqpISchk2Zausx9cJjsdfnvDAoZL5_k/s1600-h/1-8-10+079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424552229517136290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdq3jth7dfaj1eGmfWs-7TZBpBxZb0JkbR8TlJ42uIo5gVBS1u1vlKWRnbSmJE-dKXJN4mIMo1rh0R72Ce82HFljSknU3ud67ak4PDZdY0PLivqpISchk2Zausx9cJjsdfnvDAoZL5_k/s400/1-8-10+079.JPG" border="0" /></a> For the centerpiece, I layered a platter and an oval vegetable bowl in the middle of the table. I had seen a couple of flowers on my camellia bushes and envisioned a bouquet of pink camellias anchored in oasis in the vegetable bowl, but the two blossoms I had seen had turned brown. There were no more flowers, but there are plenty of buds, so I hope to have some in a few weeks. Look for them in another tablescape!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZgBD68MgZnN1omnN5gbFV6SbgfLHUd67wU_gdR55trUTfV-EkycEUC71dOdG1pt1ty6-ZjvC473zSC9H5ue5PfaLINPjdkkLjGQYVOp3sy9ptDdhISyfSzfJs0TZ3FKAN7q0Ygd9AFM/s1600-h/1-8-10+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424554743006890194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZgBD68MgZnN1omnN5gbFV6SbgfLHUd67wU_gdR55trUTfV-EkycEUC71dOdG1pt1ty6-ZjvC473zSC9H5ue5PfaLINPjdkkLjGQYVOp3sy9ptDdhISyfSzfJs0TZ3FKAN7q0Ygd9AFM/s400/1-8-10+070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The linens that I used for this tablescape were a gift from my mother last Christmas. She gave me a tablerunner and twelve napkins embroidered with an H for our monogram. I have two other sets of white linen placemats, but I thought that I would turn four of these napkins on the diagonal to highlight the initial.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq_NTkTpTA3zsV08DJRqO8iot1SGKsb2VeEN-7ibc-MXJAJFlGgKnkLL07pgUbeJEaWtWzqUBd_00KLaxRp63MPxE9ls12b5xek0SerGktLDF13cF49F8MehoAFZO6WIXvjfB0vrZnKE/s1600-h/1-8-10+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424552217880003746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq_NTkTpTA3zsV08DJRqO8iot1SGKsb2VeEN-7ibc-MXJAJFlGgKnkLL07pgUbeJEaWtWzqUBd_00KLaxRp63MPxE9ls12b5xek0SerGktLDF13cF49F8MehoAFZO6WIXvjfB0vrZnKE/s400/1-8-10+081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The crystal candleholders were a wedding gift. They were recently used in our advent wreath. The sterling salt and pepper shakers belonged to my grandmother.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7wGIiAsZhHJzDunuk3qJtzBW7mHj4EngSnSOFR-1ZLPLLgsin-xs4TNB_r7DqgGmpHKJDoctF6YH0HI6qNU-mFbHmcmPdcDY0tAdyZwRFo0VSVLRhXcLTBdw6wasBdC41Dhvpekn1L4/s1600-h/1-8-10+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424552205171123698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7wGIiAsZhHJzDunuk3qJtzBW7mHj4EngSnSOFR-1ZLPLLgsin-xs4TNB_r7DqgGmpHKJDoctF6YH0HI6qNU-mFbHmcmPdcDY0tAdyZwRFo0VSVLRhXcLTBdw6wasBdC41Dhvpekn1L4/s400/1-8-10+069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The crystal clarets are Araglin by Waterford. While replacing my crystal in the china cabinet after Thanksgiving dinner in 2008, a glass shelf fell, and all but three of my Araglin goblets shattered. I am slowly replacing them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp5tGxVu4oKHffkb-uOVndJO80KvwuLy0jE17Cefsaj1nOAhXBfpKZtQxOQPhhE6mnFqswCc0154Le60E4hvv7XhrOS0KqGEAdTPG0EoLkPCuQHShGJDat4C4BSSUqNKj7tBCdHtYSAQ/s1600-h/1-8-10+070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424557929712049954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp5tGxVu4oKHffkb-uOVndJO80KvwuLy0jE17Cefsaj1nOAhXBfpKZtQxOQPhhE6mnFqswCc0154Le60E4hvv7XhrOS0KqGEAdTPG0EoLkPCuQHShGJDat4C4BSSUqNKj7tBCdHtYSAQ/s400/1-8-10+070.JPG" border="0" /></a> The sterling pattern is Tara by Reed and Barton. This is also my mother's pattern, and I knew that I wanted to register it, as well. While I was still working, I found a great buy on place settings for twelve on Ebay, and I bought it. I have never regretted it!<br /></p><p><br /><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/TT-2.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br />For more creative tablescapes, visit Susan at <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/</a>. <p></p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-59886982037712484032010-01-08T14:05:00.004-05:002010-01-08T16:09:43.207-05:00It Skipped a GenerationI am reading through the Bible for the third time this year. For the most part, I look forward to the truths that God reveals to me through His Word. However, when I see that my chapters for the day include genealogies, I am ashamed to say that I tend to dread my Bible reading. All the repetition of those "begets," seems boring. I came across one of those chapters in my reading this week, and I was none too excited about Chapter 5 of Genesis, which lists the generations from Adam to Noah.<br /><br />This time, though, something different struck me in this list of fathers and sons. This is how the pattern normally works in this chapter:<br /><br /><em>Seth lived one hundred and five years, and became the father of Enosh. Then Seth lived eight hundred and seven years after he became the father of Enosh, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died.</em> Genesis 5: 6-8<br /><br />For six generations, these men's lives were written to the same pattern: they were born; they grew up and had children; and they died. In the seventh generation written, though, there is an aberration in the pattern:<br /><br /><em>Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.</em> Genesis 5:21-24<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECRwcFKCLV9wXInbpstPg5Thffi2PrrbFkJEhkK71wAgPN7CUcPbzHhAgLGda6VEO5Jcx8CwxBesq036hPM5L4jEtisIBXY-vS96uGYx1_GgwcXBVdNlfkdrZmQR6Wjc5TDsKlHSwavM/s1600-h/Enoch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424478129040148786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 84px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECRwcFKCLV9wXInbpstPg5Thffi2PrrbFkJEhkK71wAgPN7CUcPbzHhAgLGda6VEO5Jcx8CwxBesq036hPM5L4jEtisIBXY-vS96uGYx1_GgwcXBVdNlfkdrZmQR6Wjc5TDsKlHSwavM/s320/Enoch.jpg" border="0" /></a>Enoch breaks the pattern. He doesn't just live; he walks with God! In fact, he is so in tune with God that God doesn't allow him to die. God simply takes him to heaven. Wow! I wondered in the midst of this lineage what impact Enoch had on his descendants. What must he have taught his sons and grandsons about walking with God?<br /><br />His son Methuselah had a l-o-n-g life span, but the verses describing his life don't describe him as particularly God-fearing; they pick up the same old pattern, as do the verses describing his son Lamech. Lamech's son, however, was Noah, and do you know what the next chapter says about Noah? I won't hold you in suspense:<br /><br /><em>But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah <strong>walked with God</strong>. </em>Genesis 6: 8-9<br /><br />When I saw the same words used of Enoch to describe Noah, I was awestruck with wonder at the way God uses God-fearing people to influence future generations. I also wondered what happened to Noah's father Lamech and grandfather Methuselah. They had to have witnessed Enoch's walk with God and his righteousness. Why didn't they also walk with God?<br /><br />Despite not being described as "walking with God," Methuselah and Lamech must have talked about Enoch. What family stories were passed down about Enoch's character, his beliefs, his good deeds? I would love to hear the story that was shared about his being taken by God. In any case, as I read this list of generations, I saw a great-grandson influenced by his great-grandfather's righteousness. That great-grandson then went on to obey God against his common sense and was found to be the only man worthy of saving in the flood.<br /><br />These "boring" genealogies this week have inspired me to be a legacy to future generations, to not merely live, but to walk with God.Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-5933314004348488212009-04-09T08:24:00.006-04:002009-04-09T09:28:37.792-04:00Thirstin' for the Word Thursday--Easter Edition<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AFwbxLFgzZ0PlieUEB5bUyBCdfZkokwK-ZVihZlPwy_-V1rebSqYWGwZ0vQ0L_87k7rd89wmpeIRJZUmEy1LD2BKoV8tGygh3Oq7uB9rbYQqljUzhPQkNhrHyJL2j6qs-g_jpBHzQ8s/s1600-h/Thirstin+for+the+Word.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322667566727386770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AFwbxLFgzZ0PlieUEB5bUyBCdfZkokwK-ZVihZlPwy_-V1rebSqYWGwZ0vQ0L_87k7rd89wmpeIRJZUmEy1LD2BKoV8tGygh3Oq7uB9rbYQqljUzhPQkNhrHyJL2j6qs-g_jpBHzQ8s/s320/Thirstin+for+the+Word.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." (John 7:37b)<br /></span><br />Feeling a bit parched? Searching to quench that thirst with an iced tea or Diet Coke? Dive into the Word for real refreshment!I try to be diligent in my Bible reading and am often rewarded by God's speaking to my heart through particular scriptures. I pause and sometimes even write them down. The reflection usually ends there, however. Now, I would like to pursue the verses that God lays on my heart by pondering how He wants me to apply these verses in my life.<br /><br />Here is what spoke to me this week: </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">Acts 2:22-24</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Peter spoke these words in his first official sermon, one which resulted in large numbers of conversions. This short passage contains several phrases that speak deeply to me.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><br />Peter says that Jesus was handed over to be crucified by "God's set purpose and foreknowledge." These words boggle my mind as I consider that it was God's overarching plan for His Son to be killed. It was the only way to save us:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eteranl life.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">John 3:16</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The next phrase pierces my heart rather than my mind. "[A]nd you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing him to the cross." No, we were not part of the mob yelling, "Crucify him!" Nor were we one of the unlucky Roman soldiers who hammered the nails through his body to the cross. We were not even one of those who walked by, mocking, "You saved others. Now save yourself!" Yet, our sins bear witness to our responsiblity in Jesus' death.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR9tKxDnHnYdzywOzcDTRIhr89gaxYViCbuF1gL3ShgoguEnyMF-xczuR8b-EfdzYIjQU-nd5NLQYUDaU1h6HuCyu3MGlejI1FF2pjLr0PY8-snhgxu7rRE8SzVoKGEdwdbI9AaitM_4/s1600-h/089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322678102600628210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrR9tKxDnHnYdzywOzcDTRIhr89gaxYViCbuF1gL3ShgoguEnyMF-xczuR8b-EfdzYIjQU-nd5NLQYUDaU1h6HuCyu3MGlejI1FF2pjLr0PY8-snhgxu7rRE8SzVoKGEdwdbI9AaitM_4/s320/089.JPG" border="0" /></a>Early during the Lenten season, I cut two crosses out of construction paper and lots of small colored pieces to make a mosaic on top of the cross. The children glued these on to the crosses, and then I asked them for some examples of sin in their lives. We wrote these sins on the mosaic "tiles," and then hung the crosses up in the playroom/schoolroom. Our sins on the crosses serve as a visual reminder of our participation in Jesus's death.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Although Jesus was killed, "it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." Through Him, it is impossible for death and sin to keep its hold on us! Tomorrow, when we read about Jesus and the empty tomb, we'll cover the sins with paper flowers to show that Jesus covers our sins. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Lord, fill us with the joy that Your disciples felt when they realized that You were raised from the dead! Help us truly to understand what this means for our lives, here on earth and in eternity. Thank You for Your plan to save us, and for Your willingness to humble Yourself and endure unimaginable pain on our behalf. Amen. </div><div align="center"><br />So, what verses have spoken to you this Holy Week? Pot those verses on your own blog, along with how you see that God wants you to apply them in your own life. Then, provide your link below so that we can all drink from one another's wells of scripture.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div></div><br /><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=cellyb&postid=09Apr2009" type="text/javascript"></script>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-88762702252604413102009-04-02T06:00:00.002-04:002009-04-02T06:00:00.389-04:00Trust and Timing<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYj4y6z1rS7RNHRLrY9c7nPkIj0ROKWIXNh4_vWzlJb6UM3b8L3sPBx90kUZvGAZqLOzjYQ2e-F_Ik4POpN0ue735wqjhzPMqvukahZJMXXv2Vjh5Iw0rmME9jdRXzmUARvHtnXLpGoc/s1600-h/Thirstin+for+the+Word.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319911418586948290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYj4y6z1rS7RNHRLrY9c7nPkIj0ROKWIXNh4_vWzlJb6UM3b8L3sPBx90kUZvGAZqLOzjYQ2e-F_Ik4POpN0ue735wqjhzPMqvukahZJMXXv2Vjh5Iw0rmME9jdRXzmUARvHtnXLpGoc/s320/Thirstin+for+the+Word.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#006600;">If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." (John 7:37b)</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br />Feeling a bit parched? Searching to quench that thirst with an iced tea or Diet Coke? Dive into the Word for real refreshment!I try to be diligent in my Bible reading and am often rewarded by God's speaking to my heart through particular scriptures. I pause and sometimes even write them down. The reflection usually ends there, however. Now, I would like to pursue the verses that God lays on my heart by pondering how He wants me to apply these verses in my life.<br /><br />Here is what spoke to me this week:<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice."</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's annointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives," he said, "the Lord himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay hand on the Lord's annointed."</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">1 Samuel 26:7-11</span><br /><br />This passage illustrates why David is called a man after God's own heart. Saul has demonstrated over and over again that he is David's enemy. He has hurled a spear at David and tried to pin him to a wall on multiple occasions. Saul has sent him into battle hoping he would die. He has ordered his son, David's best friend, to bring David to the king so that he could kill him. He has had eighty-five priests killed because one had the audacity to help David by giving him bread and a sword. He utilizes his tremendous army to try to hunt down David and his men. In the midst of these circumstances, David has the perfect opportunity to rid himself of his enemy.<br /><br />David, however, doesn't take that opportunity. Why not? He has the assurance that God has chosen him to be the king of Israel. In fact, he had been annointed by Samuel years before. He has shown himself ready for the challenge by killing the Philistine giant Goliath when no other Israelite had the courage to do so. He has defeated the Philistines, Israel's great enemies, over and over again. When it is obvious that God has left Saul, "In everything [David] did he had great success, because the Lord was with him" (1 Samuel 18:14).<br /><br />David had every earthly reason to take Saul's life. In fact, he wouldn't have even had to lift his sword against Saul; Abishai is eager for the job! David, however, has enough trust in God to leave the problem of Saul up to God. He reverences God and those whom God has annointed. He knows that one day he will be king, but he trusts God enough not to force his hand.<br /><br />Can we say the same thing? I know that there have been many times that I have had little reason to initiate something, and yet I plunged in to attempt to speed up God's timetable. The results were not good.<br /><br />The next time I am tempted to rush things along, I will remind myself how David trusted God and God's timing.<br /><br />So, what verses have spoken to you this week? Post those verses on your own blog, along with how you see that God wants you to apply them in your life. Then, provide your link below so that we can drink from one another's wells of scripture.<br /><br /></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=cellyb&postid=01Apr2009"></script>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-90819031856806596192009-03-27T15:46:00.006-04:002010-01-16T10:22:50.423-05:00Look What I Got!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3b-5vHWJoraknaAxzyJBlPHPt0PgmSJEawk5W4RqE-hyOpvEEgh9VLcvXBroTkiME2wdgAiQZ18vDeSf-LGNTKYVDtcKVSQ2uNL7-Zxzw2JCKedP9OV5sn5Z32u7yejgoYNtPqWgQwk/s1600-h/09+212.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317958012177744130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3b-5vHWJoraknaAxzyJBlPHPt0PgmSJEawk5W4RqE-hyOpvEEgh9VLcvXBroTkiME2wdgAiQZ18vDeSf-LGNTKYVDtcKVSQ2uNL7-Zxzw2JCKedP9OV5sn5Z32u7yejgoYNtPqWgQwk/s320/09+212.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The kids and I met Joel today at Pizza Hut for the lunch buffet. After lunch we stopped by the grocery store to pick up some juice , half-and-half, strawberries, and grapes. When I walked into the produce section, I passed by the display that usually holds some type of promotional items. I paused and then walked backwards to look at the Blue Willow china that Bi-Lo was offering for the next few weeks. Three-piece place settings of a dinner plate, cup, and saucer were being offered at 2 place settings for $5.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzAe-NVA1WiffYDhrneN1S8Wa-1VZi5FShmYs3rllKxPDncUUIAXZpwOwnjKsxp55_1QVDsF1CFARi7w9kSz0jCGqQv0aoJT98vL67JULr-Je7s5LRUHQMdmAA09rMCs9iPUTJyAJRP8/s1600-h/09+211.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317958018346327810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzAe-NVA1WiffYDhrneN1S8Wa-1VZi5FShmYs3rllKxPDncUUIAXZpwOwnjKsxp55_1QVDsF1CFARi7w9kSz0jCGqQv0aoJT98vL67JULr-Je7s5LRUHQMdmAA09rMCs9iPUTJyAJRP8/s320/09+211.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I deliberated and then figured out that I couldn't beat this price anywhere. When I reached down to put some of the place settings in the cart, I saw that there were no more boxes out. Emily Anne and Will were getting restless, so we moved on to pick up our items. I asked at the cash register if they were out of the Blue Willow place settings. They found some more in the back, and I got six dinner plates and six cups and saucers for fifteen dollars. What a deal! </div><div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFMlvqnMmSjm6H3-YfI5Llwt4VWT3NzLkYhcZ6arOWBTv2Q8SZsbBIdN5OTmqu0DTUgMzA-SHISHBqAgzj-Rftuy_S2SeI87VpiRrlFGVyVzt2WMP19bFAX-n32zETVNyj4iCnJULoZw/s1600-h/09+210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317958012978065682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFMlvqnMmSjm6H3-YfI5Llwt4VWT3NzLkYhcZ6arOWBTv2Q8SZsbBIdN5OTmqu0DTUgMzA-SHISHBqAgzj-Rftuy_S2SeI87VpiRrlFGVyVzt2WMP19bFAX-n32zETVNyj4iCnJULoZw/s320/09+210.JPG" border="0" /></a> I couldn't wait to set my table with it when I got home. In fact, I was so eager that I didn't even iron my placemats (just ignore the wrinkles and turned up corners). I love blue-and-white china and decorate with it in several rooms throughout our house. The bowl in the center of the table is a piece that I borrowed from the living room, emptied it of potpourri and plopped in some apples. This china also matches a favorite lamp of mine in the kitchen.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdoPvhs0XSB6E6VuuPQZ4p901IPP6zuHRbIwu_gtslOPiTzvQlhCR5E9L0sQZSshR5dFhL8IcIZIxn_QnUAdFQ2RT-gdbP6DpEcBjR7fB-Ia-yMXeXhIBHuqqPpgqe8wazq0fcH3LIRY/s1600-h/09+214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317958022414740882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdoPvhs0XSB6E6VuuPQZ4p901IPP6zuHRbIwu_gtslOPiTzvQlhCR5E9L0sQZSshR5dFhL8IcIZIxn_QnUAdFQ2RT-gdbP6DpEcBjR7fB-Ia-yMXeXhIBHuqqPpgqe8wazq0fcH3LIRY/s320/09+214.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I do have a twelve-piece set of Wedgwood Nantucket Basket that we got when we got married that we use for every day. Now that the children are getting old enough to eat from real plates (as opposed to plastic dishes)though, I think I'll feel a little safer with them using this Blue Willow. I'd also love to mix and match the Blue Willow with the Nantucket Basket. The Blue Willow salad plates would look so cute with the Wedgwood dinner plates!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The display posted what pieces would be offered at special prices which week, but the kids didn't allow me time to jot them down. I thought I could find them online, but was unsuccessful. I'll just have to make a trip sans children so that I can write it all down and figure out what pieces I'd like to add. I especially have my eye on a teapot in this pattern!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Do you know the story behind the Blue Willow pattern? Here is the story that was on the insert in the box:</div><div></div><div><em>Once there lived a very wealthy mandarin who had a beautiful daughter named Hong Shee, who fell in love with her father's secretary, a man named Chang. To keep them apart, the father imprisoned his daughter in the palace. One day she escaped, and the two lovers raced over the bridge to a waiting boat. They managed to elude the mandarin, reach the boat, and sail away. A storm developed; the boat foundered; and the couple were lost at sea. It is said that two love birds appeared immediately thereafter . . . .</em></div><div><em></em></div><em></em></div><div><div></div><div>If you look closely at the first picture in this post, you can see the palace, two figures on the bridge, a boat, and two birds. </div></div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-88397220618235221152009-03-25T23:52:00.005-04:002009-03-26T12:52:46.264-04:00Hearing Voices<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcnfkFjfovZZthN-MOZU32opyWetOluJMfKozQVTVbcg3nyDC8FcXjMcaQhGRwM0zhPM0UIyXUZu1RV8pRYlXl2Bg4QLIO4EJAWajJvmt9UHMAXgFezbsQgrS18a_AdLC8RrktqDZRG0/s1600-h/Thirstin_for_the_Word.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317339544540833410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcnfkFjfovZZthN-MOZU32opyWetOluJMfKozQVTVbcg3nyDC8FcXjMcaQhGRwM0zhPM0UIyXUZu1RV8pRYlXl2Bg4QLIO4EJAWajJvmt9UHMAXgFezbsQgrS18a_AdLC8RrktqDZRG0/s320/Thirstin_for_the_Word.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#006600;">If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." (John 7:37b)<br /></span><br />Feeling a bit parched? Searching to quench that thirst with an iced tea or Diet Coke? Dive into the Word for real refreshment!I try to be diligent in my Bible reading and am often rewarded by God's speaking to my heart through particular scriptures. I pause and sometimes even write them down. The reflection usually ends there, however. Now, I would like to pursue the verses that God lays on my heart by pondering how He wants me to apply these verses in my life. </div><div align="center"><br />Here is what spoke to me this week: </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.<br />Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."<br />Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.<br />The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.<br />The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">1 Samuel 3:1-10</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663300;">Have you ever wondered if you were really hearing God's voice? I know that I have. Especially when I have a decision to make, I second-guess myself and try to figure out if the voice I hear is actually coming from God, myself, or the enemy. Oh, how I wish that I had someone like Eli to tell me if I were really hearing God's voice!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I read the above passage this week in my Bible reading. I am always amazed how God sends reinforcement of ideas that He has caused to jump out at me when I spend time in His word.<br />When I picked up my church's newsletter yesterday from the mailbox, Pastor Phil's weekly message was titled "Listening to the Voice of God." It contained a checklist developed by Pastor Roger Barrier on how he discerns the voice of God and ended with the question: "How can we better tune our ears to to hear the quiet whisperings of the Spirit of God?" Pastor Phil also encouraged us to read John 10:1-5:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I thought it was so interesting that both of these passages deal with recognizing God's voice. Samuel, because he did not know God, had to rely on Eli to tell him that it was not a human voice he was hearing, but the Divine. John's passage states that the Good Shepherd's sheep know His voice and are able to discern between it and a stranger's.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Although I may not have an Eli to help me to determine whether what I'm hearing is truly coming from God, I do have a way to know God's voice. The more time I spend in His word and in prayer, the easier it will be to recognize Him when He speaks to me. I long to say like Samuel, "Speak, for your servant is listening!"</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, what verses have spoken to you this week? Post those verses on your own blog, along with how you see that God wants you to apply them in your life. Then, provide your link below so that we can drink from one another's wells of scripture. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=cellyb&postid=26Mar2009" type="text/javascript"></script>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-79536053935542477692009-03-24T06:54:00.005-04:002009-03-25T13:22:23.846-04:00She Speaks . . . To Me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AYQH-Z1XxFVC5qUiLnyklHcy6J-FM_WYAK7-JsXOTItBBRfaHBSALtEEG-5nCc9X5-7maTMPtuB6xMFcLZ_cW-VV8Jcchamz6ZEoHH2dZwdK6SwdEz8GJexqP2go6w3Aks8iv2Xc3go/s1600-h/She_Speaks_Button.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div>Have you ever used the phrase, "It just speaks to me!"? Whether it's a gorgeous fabric that suits your personality and would be perfect for your den "mistreatments," a book that a friend has loaned you that had the perfect message for you at this moment in your life, or a blog whose author seems like a best friend although you've never met her, we all have experiences that simply "speak to us." Here is one of mine.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AYQH-Z1XxFVC5qUiLnyklHcy6J-FM_WYAK7-JsXOTItBBRfaHBSALtEEG-5nCc9X5-7maTMPtuB6xMFcLZ_cW-VV8Jcchamz6ZEoHH2dZwdK6SwdEz8GJexqP2go6w3Aks8iv2Xc3go/s1600-h/She_Speaks_Button.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316738097550574402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AYQH-Z1XxFVC5qUiLnyklHcy6J-FM_WYAK7-JsXOTItBBRfaHBSALtEEG-5nCc9X5-7maTMPtuB6xMFcLZ_cW-VV8Jcchamz6ZEoHH2dZwdK6SwdEz8GJexqP2go6w3Aks8iv2Xc3go/s320/She_Speaks_Button.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Lysa TerKeurst announced on her blog this week that she is hosting a <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/2009/03/she-speaks-scholarship-contest-for.html">contest for a scholarship to a conference </a>sponsored by her ministry Proverbs 31. And the name of this contest? Why, She Speaks, of course. Geared for those women interested in sharing God's story in their lives, it has three tracks: one for Women's Ministry leaders, one for speakers, and one for writers, including bloggers. </div><br /><div>As I read over the descriptions of each track, the first question under the Speaker's track jumped out at me: "Do you hunger for the Word of God and long to teach it with authority and excellence?". This question spoke to me, and I felt my spirit rising up to shout, "Yes!" God has been awakening in me a longing for his Word over the past year or so, leading me to take part in Bible studies, lead a Bible study, and create a weekly meme called "Thirstin' for the Word Thursday" on my blog (You can see some of the posts by clicking on the link in my sidebar).<br /><br /></div><div>With my foray into the blogosphere, I was thrilled to see that there are sessions that feature such bloggers as Melanie from <a href="http://thebigmamablog.com/">Big Mama</a>, Sophie from <a href="http://boomama.net/">BooMama</a>, the <a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/">Nester</a> (Do you think we could convince her to do a session on her famous "mistreatments"?), and her sister Emily from <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting at the Sky</a>. Each of these bloggers has spoken to me through their posts, and it would be an awesome opportunity to receive their advice on blogging face-to-face. I would love to learn ways to increase my readership so that more and more people could be encouraged to share their encounters with God's and His Word.<br /><br /></div><div>In addition to seeing the sessions for speakers and bloggers, I was also excited to see sessions for writers. I have always loved reading and writing, and from the time I was a child, I have had the conviction that someday I will write a book. I have the idea for a book related to my decision to homeschool percolating in my head (and I even have the title). These session descriptions have inspired me to continue to brew this idea and filter it into a book proposal.<br /><br /></div><div>The Women's Ministry track also spoke to me because last year I helped to plan a women's retreat for our church. You can read more about that retreat <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2008/09/spa-for-soul_04.html">here</a> and <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2008/09/spa-for-soul.html">here</a> (pre-retreat) and <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2008/09/rejuvenation-at-womens-retreat.html">here</a> (post-retreat). I even developed <a href="http://cellybbusyathome.blogspot.com/2008/08/spiritual-pedicure.html">one of my Thirstin' for the Word blog posts </a>into a session that I led at that retreat. In fact, I suppose that this session was my first speaking gig!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>With these three different tracks and my varying interests, how could I choose which track to take? I shouldn't have worried; although an attendee signs up for a particular track, she will be able to choose from sessions from all the tracks. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The description of this conference really did speak to me. It was a voice confirming God's call to me to share what He has done and continues to do in my life. It was an exclamation encouraging me to hone my skills to better serve His glory. I can only imagine what attending the conference in person would have to say to me.</div><br /><br /><div>So, does She Speaks . . . to you? If so, find all the information at the <a href="http://www.shespeaksconference.com/index.htm">conference website</a>.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-32475361129657177932009-03-24T06:42:00.004-04:002009-03-24T06:50:59.582-04:00Thirstin' for the Word Thursday Is Back!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKhQNksBGyEnhuq270b7XCspqxe0T7TGs6FCoL9OWD0DDAc9XR3sGA2CDjrWy_yzNNGRo5OqG0waOGttWiRZuvrzNCjrQip8jEP3z51gp462IaWTWca5d9Z63KrsLAlfmKHfanPhiF40/s1600-h/Thirstin_for_the_Word.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316704041808781890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKhQNksBGyEnhuq270b7XCspqxe0T7TGs6FCoL9OWD0DDAc9XR3sGA2CDjrWy_yzNNGRo5OqG0waOGttWiRZuvrzNCjrQip8jEP3z51gp462IaWTWca5d9Z63KrsLAlfmKHfanPhiF40/s320/Thirstin_for_the_Word.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#006600;"> "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." (John 7:37b)</span></div><div align="center"><br />Feeling a bit parched? Searching to quench that thirst with an iced tea or Diet Coke? Dive into the Word for real refreshment!I try to be diligent in my Bible reading a nd am often rewarded by God's speaking to my heart through particular scriptures. I pause and sometimes even write them down. The reflection usually ends there, however. I would like to pursue the verses that God lays on my heart by pondering how He wants me to apply these verses in my life.</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">After a hiatus of several months, Thirstin' for the Word Thursday will be re-inaugurated this Thursday on March 26. Join in by posting on your blog thoughts about any verses that jump out at you during your Bible reading time this week.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Are you new to Thirstin' for the Word? Check out previous posts under the sidebar category "Thirstin' for the Word." We'd love for you to join us!</div>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-58519839571499314382009-02-13T08:52:00.003-05:002009-02-13T09:40:51.203-05:00Homeschool Mom's Night OutWhat a great time we homeschool moms had last night! I am so grateful that God has led me to these encouraging and fun ladies! There were about ten of us last night. We enjoyed soft drinks and tea and coffee (thanks to our wonderful Keurig machine), as well as delicious mexican dip and tortilla chips, mini quiches, crudites, crackers and cheese, brownies, and blueberry bread. While we were eating our refreshments, I couldn't get anyone to sit down, but it was fun just mingling in the kitchen. After eating, we adjourned to the den (pictured below), where the program portion of our evening commenced.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU55cPudMECv0Y02h5IhWHXCQ1shGq4X8RkGYZZhsjqGiaWbifLdkOYhxN4X108SArJstJj7DVMgM4Clhw-Xb92MoC6vQmjaszGquUyF8U8ZCZo0e7rcgUQP4U7jIkmfhVyfcoLUIhFxg/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302281386781623778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU55cPudMECv0Y02h5IhWHXCQ1shGq4X8RkGYZZhsjqGiaWbifLdkOYhxN4X108SArJstJj7DVMgM4Clhw-Xb92MoC6vQmjaszGquUyF8U8ZCZo0e7rcgUQP4U7jIkmfhVyfcoLUIhFxg/s320/017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Faith Markle got us started. She is a mom who has homeschooled several children all the way through school; her youngest is a senior this year. Faith has such a gentle spirit and is also wise and knowledgeable. Many of us homeschool moms benefit from this true Titus 2 woman. She had us put our names in a bowl to draw for which mom would share about her family. Sharon LaFreniere spoke, and I was interested to learn that she is originally Canadian and has been in the US for about 13 years. I didn't know that, but I could hear her accent in her "out"s and "about"s as she continued to talk. She and her family enjoy riding their horses. Sharon shared how her family has moved from an unschooling approach to a slightly more conventional route and what curricula she explores. It was so nice to have this sharing time because at co-op, we mothers don't always have the chance to really get to know one another, as we are all teaching a class or volunteering in a class or keeping up with our kids.<br /><br />After an open sharing time where we had the chance to ask questions or share concerns or celebrations about our homeschool journey, the presentation began. Cindy Blackwell shared her knowledge of the impact gender differences make on learning styles. I was excited about this topic because I have already seen how differently Will and Emily Anne approach learning!<br /><br />Cindy shared that from birth girls hear better than boys. Therefore, boys prefer teachers who are louder, whereas girls prefer softer-spoken teachers. There are also gender differences in vision. Boys are more attuned to motion, where girls are more attuned to color. I remember several times where I've tried to encourage Will to use more color in his drawings, and I probably looked right over any action that he was trying to portray!<br /><br />Stress affects boys and girls differently, too. For example, if you scold or fuss at a boy, his heart rate goes up, his adrenaline is increased, and <em>his attentiveness increases</em>. Stress, however, causes girls to shut down. Boys also prefer cave-like atmospheres, which is why you often may find them under the table! Girls prefer warmer environments (74 degrees F is optimal), while boys are more comfortable when it is cooler (59-65 degrees F). </p><p>Joanne Ludwick, who has two daughters, made the point that there are learning style differences even among the same gender. We went on to talk about how much more kinesthetic most boys are and that they need to be moving or doing something with their hands as they learn. Faith made the great suggestion of making play-doh letters or cookie dough letters that they can shape into letters and then eat when making the alphabet. I will definitely be trying that with Will!</p><p>Julie Watkins then shared my greatest take-away of the evening. She encouraged us to look at the gifts that God has given our children and not to neglect them or to push them to the side to try to fit in all the curriculum or even to try to do what other homeschool families are doing. She stated that God blessed our children with these gifts in order to help Him achieve His purposes, and we should not squelch them in our attempts to get everything done that we think needs to be achieved. Moms also made the point that these gifts help our children to learn. For example, a child who loves to sing will often learn best by making up songs about the subject matter.</p><p>After a touching prayer time where we prayed for each other's requests, we ended the night feeling encouraged and renewed. Most of us will see each other today at the homeschool group's<br />Valentine's skating party.</p><p>I hope that you have a great weekend and a meaningful Valentine's Day, realizing that Christ loves us with an unsurpassing love.</p><p align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"><em>But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</em></span></p><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Romans 5:8</span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight . . . .</span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#006600;">Philippians 1:9</span><br /></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-65730647688625056962009-02-12T16:40:00.006-05:002009-02-13T08:52:12.446-05:00Do You Like to Entertain?I am hosting my homeschool group's Mom's Night Out tonight. It has been so long since I hosted a shindig. We've had only one other time where we've hosted people other than family, and that was at our first Thanksgiving at this house. We didn't have even all of our furniture moved over then. I think that I've been avoiding having people over because there is still so much that we want to do this house to make it our own, but are waiting because our other house hasn't yet sold (God has blessed us with a great couple who is renting, though!).<br /><br /><br />I have had so much fun getting ready for tonight, though. Here are a few snapshots of what I've done.<br /><br />Here is the foyer. The camellias in the front yard were in bloom, so I picked a big bunch and have used them throughout the house. My mom always had camellias when I was growing up, and I love being able to decorate with them. Three bushes had deep rose blooms, and one bush had candy-striped flowers, which were perfect for this close to Valentine's Day! I put a small glass inside a blue-and-white china cachepot and arranged the camellias in the smaller container.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QMg0oPyJdM4n87IENwV4XFqTcLdHq0itTul8UBLkoCrkgRvuPODljYM3C0D05CwzRwlBecZgZz2pJ7ndPVcJO1gj9XbwGwITPd9tGN9f2LHjXfzxieiSd8BP5Wra74fZnEntGMegk1g/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302045668774979634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QMg0oPyJdM4n87IENwV4XFqTcLdHq0itTul8UBLkoCrkgRvuPODljYM3C0D05CwzRwlBecZgZz2pJ7ndPVcJO1gj9XbwGwITPd9tGN9f2LHjXfzxieiSd8BP5Wra74fZnEntGMegk1g/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is the dining room. I arranged camellias in a silver teapot we received as a wedding present. I don't have china laid out on the table because at Mom's Night Out if you serve as hostess, you provide only drinks. Isn't it nice that others volunteer to bring refreshments and the hostess doesn't have to get the kitchen all dirty?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7bfF4AzdHaRUFtMdDtZrCE8fQpkPAmH1fNor_wEAdYYA_J3Tz71WKz659B4F_O7E_HEsTsclKWZNA2Wmc_t92W8OtpaUxXx0vPlng6gTUSvdf-t9ce53VHsub-BvcBOzUFm1Bz_8Lp8/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302045663331554082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7bfF4AzdHaRUFtMdDtZrCE8fQpkPAmH1fNor_wEAdYYA_J3Tz71WKz659B4F_O7E_HEsTsclKWZNA2Wmc_t92W8OtpaUxXx0vPlng6gTUSvdf-t9ce53VHsub-BvcBOzUFm1Bz_8Lp8/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the little set-up where we'll serve ourselves refreshments. I set out my Nantucket Basket dessert plates and created a vignette with Valentine's candies and my Southern Living plate. I wrote "You are loved!" on it with white board markers and wove Valentine ribbon through it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYnSLoWCETDE8ueWJJWCLDCra08jnIEqJycVkkr7MVrJ1TxeJyyIElnh2DGenGC_toH5YJ6rhEx2mZIdhB-9z37G_GNz0nM7RDGzFEjI4S2dHEfqN5TuF9XC8TxewFAzN9Jbiw0HobMs/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302045646985617202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYnSLoWCETDE8ueWJJWCLDCra08jnIEqJycVkkr7MVrJ1TxeJyyIElnh2DGenGC_toH5YJ6rhEx2mZIdhB-9z37G_GNz0nM7RDGzFEjI4S2dHEfqN5TuF9XC8TxewFAzN9Jbiw0HobMs/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Here is the centerpiece for the breakfast table. I just folded a piece of pink and red fabric with hearts and laid a platter on top. Then I took various sized goblets and arranged them over gumdrop hearts and scattered some heart beads left over from one of Emily Anne's craft projects.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAsonjnZsRFY3m55urePabpuyvFVRPmYaPZ87uirUNzN56CZgKjwMCOP8mN84O3nC4aX-WF2EsmaGGSO_uTxaa8rv5oT9iubhNd9YevQBqGiKG-2ToBwy3CeCeqcjZExMucgmVRqepmc/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302045650761981714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAsonjnZsRFY3m55urePabpuyvFVRPmYaPZ87uirUNzN56CZgKjwMCOP8mN84O3nC4aX-WF2EsmaGGSO_uTxaa8rv5oT9iubhNd9YevQBqGiKG-2ToBwy3CeCeqcjZExMucgmVRqepmc/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><divhere></div><br />><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmZn3SLTbjwDqubfqIDmPOKFliiez1X96Ht8tpY_y5h2myc1HqTkkw3gmdB6Jh-WJxiwG9fzhvfCQFENIOP_gccy7R3cbINk1doac1HD98t17oWWqjnojhUWUk9PFdanI-uglCoAC7OA/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302045657069514642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmZn3SLTbjwDqubfqIDmPOKFliiez1X96Ht8tpY_y5h2myc1HqTkkw3gmdB6Jh-WJxiwG9fzhvfCQFENIOP_gccy7R3cbINk1doac1HD98t17oWWqjnojhUWUk9PFdanI-uglCoAC7OA/s320/012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a picture of the living room. I've done a good bit in here to try to dress this room up. You can see a before picture here. I mistreated the windows a la the Nester, and the fabric has really helped to warm up the room. I also picked up that big palm in the corner for $11 at my grocery store. I put it in a big cachepot I already had, and it made a tremendous difference in cozying this space.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCStvlP03ywHB3CGsUS-CgbsCXjz-uVAyAQx-gGrWdejkO1Sr2GDWXbR0bgsEaZkTaVFBT9gjnLxyt0qg6HXXq2uJSI_sG7Y8KkUHBRkrxsu4gwQG0_umshkpYip3p92FT-h4DjrcZQ2w/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302276428510242930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCStvlP03ywHB3CGsUS-CgbsCXjz-uVAyAQx-gGrWdejkO1Sr2GDWXbR0bgsEaZkTaVFBT9gjnLxyt0qg6HXXq2uJSI_sG7Y8KkUHBRkrxsu4gwQG0_umshkpYip3p92FT-h4DjrcZQ2w/s320/016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a shot of another corner that I've filled with a tilt-top table and some forced tulips in another small planter. It's a nice touch of spring.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6Af_1HAKdjTxFT13Vddn6k8SMQB-zTyCfZyEYBr3_UbrxYteTSHMMUloo2NnSG9k49kxMc4QgN2QFDo2o3K-1T0SDi-UzXGdW-aeNso051iBVRQoVJCalvTExcHotfCykWpdVVe1Dek/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302277909447570898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6Af_1HAKdjTxFT13Vddn6k8SMQB-zTyCfZyEYBr3_UbrxYteTSHMMUloo2NnSG9k49kxMc4QgN2QFDo2o3K-1T0SDi-UzXGdW-aeNso051iBVRQoVJCalvTExcHotfCykWpdVVe1Dek/s320/015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whoops! There's the doorbell. I'll let you know in my next post how it goes.Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-81448169523524043052009-01-14T16:06:00.003-05:002009-01-14T16:29:48.120-05:00Week 2 of 52 Books in 52 WeeksTwo books down, and fifty to go . . . .<br /><br />This past week's book was <em>The Constant Princess</em> by Philippa Gregory. I picked it up because it was one book of historical fiction on Katherine of Aragon that I had not read.<br /><br />First, I will say that I enjoyed the information about Katherine's childhood. I haven't come across what her life was like as a young girl with her parents Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. However, because of the license I felt that Philippa Gregory took with the rest of her life, about which I had read before, I'm not so sure that I should trust this information about her childhood.<br /><br />I enjoy historical fiction because I like history and I love how imagination can bring to life someone from the past. However, bringing in too much imagination for the sake of a more interesting story is not my cup of my tea. I felt that Gregory's portrayal of a lying, incredibly ambitious woman was at odds with the facts of Katherine's life. I couldn't shake the feeling as I read this book that Gregory wrote an entertaining book with an unusual plot simply because it went against the grain of most books about Katherine and was therefore guaranteed more interest. It was not a satisfying read for me.<br /><br />The book for Week 3 of 52 Books in 52 Weeks is <em>Hind's Feet on High Places</em> by Hannah Hurnard, which was recommended to me by <a href="http://www.purewells.blogspot.com/">my sister</a>.<br /><br />Happy Reading!Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-16730839314953643902009-01-08T14:02:00.002-05:002009-01-08T14:27:42.508-05:00Reading Fine in 2009In my homeschooling journey, I've found the message boards at <a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/">The Well-Trained Mind </a>(named for Susan Wise Bauer's inspirational and thorough book on classical homeschooling) invaluable. K in Cal from the boards came up with a 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge, and I've pledged to take part. Here are the rules:<br /><ul><li>Read an average of a book a week - 52 books in 52 weeks </li><li>Re-reading a book counts--as long as you first read it before 2009 </li><li>School related books don't count (unless you want them to) </li><li>You can start reading on 1-1-09 at 00:00:01AM</li></ul><p>The book I've finished this week was <em>Pilgrim's Progress</em> by John Bunyan. Despite being an English major and having an M. Ed. in English Education, I'm embarrassed to admit that I've not read it in its entirety before. My intention in reading it was two-fold: to complete the reading of a classic and also to inspire me in my spiritual journey. It is amazing to me that the allegory and language did not seem stale to me; in fact, the allegory helped me to see that the journey of the Christian faith is a universal one. Although our individual pitfalls and Sloughs of Despond and captivity in the giant Despair's Castle and battles with Apollyon are each unique, it gives me comfort that every Christian does go through these all. In that comfort I find the freedom to release myself from any discouragement or condemnation I may feel and venture on to the Celestial City! <span style="color:#006600;">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).</span></p><p>My book for Week 2 of 2009 will be a lighter, historical-fiction book. It is <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Constant-Princess-Boleyn-Philippa-Gregory/dp/0743272498/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231442309&sr=8-1">The Constant Princess</a></em> by Philippa Gregory and is about the life of Catherine of Aragon.</p><p>Happy reading!</p><p> </p>Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955862807887374972.post-86773562342319531942009-01-04T16:46:00.003-05:002009-01-04T17:10:22.006-05:00Back into the Groove<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1mL4YAFyyyjBAZXj6n6a-wj8N6cR9z4SND8ga5t-XbU2AglOy_BNshsOuI5xEjppIyoeFoTVVAmABfiFWX6ekkcTb-7ELO88S8ZwYRmuQ3RmIJwuXhiZVhSOt8Wd7VnZAWk05vKgtE0/s1600-h/mpm3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287559908240923026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1mL4YAFyyyjBAZXj6n6a-wj8N6cR9z4SND8ga5t-XbU2AglOy_BNshsOuI5xEjppIyoeFoTVVAmABfiFWX6ekkcTb-7ELO88S8ZwYRmuQ3RmIJwuXhiZVhSOt8Wd7VnZAWk05vKgtE0/s320/mpm3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>After a relaxing few weeks without schedules, we are ready to get back on track, not only with getting back to work and homeschool, but also with regular, planned meals. <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">Organizing Junkie </a>has a whole list of people's plans if, like me, you need some inspiration.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Without further ado, here's our plan for dinners for this week:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Monday:</strong> Spaghetti with garlic bread and salad</div><br /><div><strong>Tuesday:</strong> Herbed Lemon Chicken Breasts over rice, green beans, honey-glazed carrots</div><br /><div><strong>Wednesday:</strong> Fellowship Supper at church</div><br /><div><strong>Thursday:</strong> Hamburger steaks with gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob</div><br /><div><strong>Friday:</strong> Shrimp -n- Grits with salad</div><br /><br /><br /><br />In homeschool this week, here's what we're planning to study:<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Bible:</strong> Moses & Mt. Sinai, The Ten Commandments, The Golden Calf<br /><strong>Math:</strong> The next five lessons in Saxon Math, which include subtracting zero from a number and subtracting the same number from itself, as well as measuring<br /><strong>Handwriting: </strong>Practice in handwriting will include the Ten Commandments, to reinforce memory work<br /><strong>Phonics: </strong>This week's lessons include beginning consonant blends<br /><strong>History:</strong> We will be beginning <em>The Story of the World</em> with the Introduction to History and Archaeology<br /><br />Have a great week!Celly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06607978138662352563noreply@blogger.com0