What a wonderful time Christmas is.   

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the love we have within our families.  

We don't see family members enough during the year it seems, but thankfully we do somehow manage to get together for this most special of holidays.  

Our family had a warm and wonderful Christmas Eve together opening gifts and watching the joy on  children's faces.  On Christmas Day our extended families enjoyed a delicious meal, a little Dirty Santa, and a fun evening of board games.  

It makes one wistful for more times wrapped in such a loving and thankful mood.  

Ah well... real life returns and with it, our hectic schedules, 

and we again become remiss in our family duties.  

We should all strive to spend more time together, whether for special occasions, 

or just because its Saturday 

so we can enjoy this warm and wonderful feeling year round.  

Love to all, and a Blessed and Happy New Year. 

Bella Rustica Vintage Barn Marketplace

The mansion at Milky Way Farm, impressive

Loved the mini dress form with her jewelry and doorknob finial

Should have seen all the creative minds at the Bella Rustica Show, wow, overload.  Too bad you can't buy one of everything.  Should have seen the midcentury aqua camper, it was tooooocute.  Look forward to going again next year.

Found these beautiful roses on Pinterest and just had to look at them a little longer.  The colors and their arrangement are just gorgeous.  Flowers and gardening just make me happy and give me a little respite from life's little pressures.

Had a fun and wonderful day at work again today.  I changed jobs about a year ago; after spending many a spring and summer day wishing I were outside playing in the garden or going antiquing instead of working, since starting this business, that is no longer a concern for me.  It is a rare day that I think of things I would rather be doing than working.  Its a nice feeling being happy and productive at work.  I get to do what I like, meet great people, and enjoy each day as a new adventure.  The only negative if there is one, is that there is simply not enough time to do all the things that need doing, both creatively and domestically.  I'm sure I am not the only person that feels that way.  Some days I feel I have a handle on things, next thing you know, payroll is due, merchandise needs pricing, the car needs servicing, and the garden could use a decent weeding.  But I am thankful to have the opportunity to be self employed and spend my time doing the things I love.

Time sure does fly, can't believe its September already.  Sometimes it seems to just slip away, slowly, like clouds across the sky.  Sometimes it zooms past, leaving a dusty trail.   Doesn't seem to be enough time to do all the things that need doing, never mind the things you like doing.  But we find a way and enjoy life every day and are thankful.

Love magnolias, they look so fluid, so peaceful, like a wedding dress dancing in the breeze

Love the flowers, wish they were mine, the urn too