A PARTY, A SNEAK PEEK, AND UPCOMING SURPRISE...

I have to say a huge THANK YOU! To all of you who sent me the sweetest and warmest and kindest get well wishes and prayers. The worst is over (bad reaction to both shot and antibiotics on top of trying to get well! Two allergic reactions at one time should not be allowed, aren't there rules about those kinds of things?) and I am starting to mend, enough so, that today I get to have a decorating day! I had to change my course of action and forget about planning out a new tree and display. I had my heart set on a warm white winter theme, snowflakes and feminine fluff like this...These are my favorite vintage gloves and I wear them every chance I get!
No such stuff. I had to make a decision between " want to" , " need to" , and " have to". It is not always easy to put aside our dreams or our visions when we set our hearts on them and then plans change. Like, a mouse eats your white tree, or you get sick, or you have a reaction to your medication which delays your recovery, or any number of other things that can, will, and usually do happen during the holidays. I learned something from this experience, what I set my mind and heart on are not always what is best or needful and sometimes the outcome of giving in and letting go can be a greater blessing than I can imagine. I imagined ice skates and snowflakes...And creamy dreamy wreaths, velvet flowers, and my grandmothers jewelery...
My holiday decor looks nothing like what I intended it to, and even better than I expected it to, and I can't wait to share it with you...on Friday. I got a little head start late yesterday afternoon and by days end what is done will be it, and I will move on to other matters. I did not drag out the bulk of bins and decided to turn my everyday decor into a bold holiday display, one big splash and hopefully a couple of small scattered touches in the dining nook and buffet serving area. Below are a few sneak peeks.

It wouldn't be my cottage if there were not a quill...Or a little songbird trill...It wouldn't be my cottage if there weren't a book...Or a little something with that shabby tattered look...Time is ticking...Although I'd love to stay and chat a while I don't want to delay my decorating day!

Oh, before I go I have to tell you about the party! Rebecca (A Re-Purposed Life) is having a birthday party and all the land of blog is invited! To join the party on December 18th post on a special gift you have made for someone you love. It can be anything, an ornament, a poem, a photograph, something you have fixed up or collaged or baked, its up to you. Post about why you want to give this person something special and show what you have made on your post, leave Rebecca a comment on her Dec. 18th post so she can visit. She will be picking out three of her favorites and handing out a gift to each of the three chosen because it is her birthday and she believes it is better to give than to receive. To take a peek at the gifts just click on the highlighted birthday party link above. I know there are some great ideas out there and I can't wait to see them!

I hope you day is filled with all the glory and goodness it can hold!

Blessings,
Sandy

P.S. I hope you will stop back my way on Wednesday to sign up for my holiday give away, I'll have the details and sign up posted then.