Friday, December 28, 2012

Just a Bit Longer

I admit it.  I enjoy the tree even more after Christmas is over, during that little window before New Year's.  We are, after all, waiting for the epiphany, so why not keep the decorations up a while more?

And here in Maine we've had loads of snow . . . with more predicted over the weekend.  Time to light a fire, turn on the tree, and enjoy a bit more sparkle.


Here's a closeup of my pinecone garland.  I showed you the wreath a while back, but the garland was fun to make, too.  I wired cones to a long length of chain I found at the craft store, then I added keys from my ever-growing vintage key collection.  Especially pretty are the brass ones, I think.  I ended up loving this garland so much that I doubt I'll take it down after New Year's.  It will make a lovely winter decoration even after the rest of Christmas is tucked safely away.

We spent the day today painting our condo in preparation for new renters.  Here's hoping the next ones will be better than the last.  We are having to refinish the floors, replace the carpets, and paint all the walls, to name a few things that they ruined, but on the upside, the place will look gorgeous when we are through.  I'm trying hard to focus on the blessings to be found in even the most trying of situations.  They are always there, and perhaps it will be my New Year's resolution to discover them with a bit more grace and patience than I have in the past.

Thinking of you, my friends, and hoping you enjoyed a beautiful Christmas.

15 comments:

  1. oooh, love the garland!!!
    I have to remember this for next year.
    Wishing you a Happy New Year!
    xx
    callie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes your house looks so inviting. Enjoy the cosiness from the snow.
    And blessings, yes we must start listing them methinks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cait. The more I think about the blessings in my life, the more I am amazed by them.

      Delete
  3. Thank you so much, my friend! We did take a break from condo painting. Lunch with my mum today and then Netflix streaming tonight during a snowstorm. More painting on Tuesday, but for now, just chilling with the kitties!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your garland is beautiful, Gigi and your home looks so comfy! Enjoy sitting by that fabulous fire with your loves. Happy New Year, sweet friend! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New year to you, too, my wonderful friend. May it be your best yet. xo

      Delete
  5. Merry Christmas Gigi! It's been so long since I've popped over for a visit - sadly work took priority this past year and my beloved blogging fell by the wayside, along with sneaking peaks at my favourite sites. I'm so envious of your snowy Christmas... while it's been lovely to duck down to the beach every afternoon here in Sydney, there is part of me that would give anything to be snuggled up in front of the fire! I took down our tree today... so sad :(

    Angela x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your note, Angela! I so hear you about blogging this past year. Mine was neglected, too, as were visits to all my favorite spots. Looking forward to stopping by your place in the New Year. May 2013 be a magical one for you! xo

      P.S. A little warmth sounds good to me right now! :)

      Delete
  6. Hello my GIGI!!!!!
    I love your cosy home. One of these days I will show up on your doorstep with a basket of cupcakes and my camera! LOL (You are after all, a fast six hour drive away)
    I hope you have the greatest year. Another year of us blogging together, as it seems to be the only true and free form of expression lately that isn't marred by greed or profiteering. (sp? lol)

    Much love to you, and I wonder...have you chosen your word? I haven't. Still working on it.
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are the best, G, and you know you are ALWAYS welcome!!! Here's to poverty and blogging! lol. Big love to you, my friend! xoxo

      Delete
  7. I just wanted to pop by and wish you the happiest new year. May your 2013 be full of blessings, laughter, and happy surprises. Thank you for being a blog friend and a joyful part of my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you, Relyn. Happiest and Healthiest New Year to you and Jeffrey and Sloane. xoxoxo

      Delete
  8. Beautiful tree and sparkle of the fireplace. Love the pinecone and keys, definitely they should stay up. I have a mitten garland I think I will leave up through the winter also. Enjoy tucking into the warmth and sparkle of the new year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks you, Marilyn! I agree with you about your mitten garland. I will definitely enjoy literally tucking into the New Year, especially as I'm a bit under the weather. Happy New Year to you, my wonderful friend! xoxo

      Delete

Thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment! I love hearing from you.