Bells, Bells and More Bells

Many years ago, shortly after Michael and I married, my mother told me I should start a collection of something.  I had never really thought about this and was at a loss as to what to collect.  After looking and thinking and looking some more, I decided I wanted to collect bells. 

My mother gave me my first bell, which came up missing with two others after our first army move.  She, along with family and friends have given me many more bells over the years.  I bought only a few in my collection but I love each and every one of them.  They're not only beautiful, but the sound is so sweet from some of them.

Have a fabulous Friday!!!

I'm linking up with My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful that these two, Michael and Shylee, made it home safely last night.  We are keeping this precious granddaughter for a long weekend and Michael was making the two and a half hour drive home with her when about half way, it started snowing and he slid off the road.  He hit a clump of bushes in a ditch that knocked out the window behind shylee.  Neither of them were hurt and in fact Shylee slept through the whole thing!  Oh, how my heart stopped when Michael called and told me what happened.  When they came home, Michael was carrying a half asleep little girl and I sent up a silent prayer of thanks.  The Jeep will be in for repairs but that's nothing compared to having them home safe and sound.  

What are you thankful for today?

Hot Tea Tickles My Fancy

I am a tea drinker.  I have never been a coffee drinker.  It's not for lack of trying though.  I've tried it every which way and I just don't like it.  If it tasted as good as it smells, I would be an addict!  Tea, on the other hand, is my hot drink addiction.  

These are my current favorites.  The chocolate mint tea is a perfect blend of sweet peppermint with a hint of chocolate.  It's my favorite tea for relaxing in the afternoon.  The Chai tea is the best one I have found.  It has just the right amount of spice and is the only tea I add milk to.  When I'm craving something sweet, I've found the peppermint to satisfy my craving if I make it slightly sweeter than usual.  I'm not much of a fruity tea fan, but the mango and peach white tea is the exception.  Not only is it full of fruity flavor, the aroma is heavenly.  When you come by to spend the afternoon, you can bet I'll offer you a cup of tea!

What is your favorite hot drink?

I'm joining Sarah at Yes, Teacher for Tickle Me Tuesdays.

Silent Sunday

I know so many people are really tired of the snow and I don't blame them.  You have to admit it makes for some really beautiful photos!  These were taken by my friend Penny at the St Louis Botanical Gardens.

Have a warm and wonderful Sunday!!!

I Couldn't Resist Any Longer

If you were to come visit me, you would see that I have many collections.  One of the more recent collections I started is teacups.  I love the delicate china and the beautiful roses and flowers that adorn so many of the cups.  I resisted buying them for many years because I just didn't need something else to keep up with.  If you collect anything at all, you know what I'm talking about.  When I came across this one, I couldn't resist any longer!  It really was calling out to me!

Those little feet and the stunning roses were irresistible.  I decided if I was going to start this collection, I would only buy unusual ones that truly gave me pleasure to look at.  Some are old that were found in antique shops, and some are new.  But each and every one of them truly make me happy!

Are you wondering about this one?  It's not my style and I wouldn't have chosen it myself, but I find it very inspiring!  My daughter gave this one to me for Christmas and I just love it!  

What do you have a hard time resisting?

I'm joining My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Thankful Thursday

Why is it we only talk about things we're thankful for at Thanksgiving?  I have so many things to be thankful for and I'm going to share them with you every Thursday.  Sometimes it might be the obvious, like my family.  Sometimes it might be something silly like Hershey's Kisses.  It's easier to focus on the negative than the positive and this is my way to focus on the positive!

Today I'm thankful for the internet!

I have been able to connect with friends I never thought I would hear from again and keep in touch with family who are spread out over the country.  I have a business online that I could never have in a brick and mortar store.  I can look up and get information on any subject I can think of.  I resisted it for a very long time and now I don't know what I would do without it!

What are you thankful for today?

Have a happy Thursday!!!

We Went To Charleston SC

To celebrate our thirty second anniversary, we went to Charleston, South Carolina.  What a treat that was on so many different levels!  We stayed at a beautiful B&B and did a lot of walking, shopping, eating and driving around.  The highlight of the trip was seeing our friend, Linda, who introduced us and we haven't seen since 1988!   It was also nice to be in a warmer climate for a few days!

There will be more later!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Silent Sunday

Have an awesome Sunday!!!

Thirty Two Years

December 1978

It's been thirty two years since Michael and I vowed to love each other for the rest of our lives.  What an adventure it has been!  It hasn't always been easy, but it has definitely been worth the ups and downs and the tears and joy.  There is no greater blessing than to have someone to share your life with.  And that includes the good, the bad and the ugly!

Happy anniversary to my wonderful and amazing husband!!

A Dish Towel Dress

Isn't she just the cutest?  And she's not even made out of a dish towel!  The customer wanted the skirt to be made of denim and it will be solely for decoration.  I love the ideas customers come up with!

Doesn't the top just look yummy?  It is "Juicy" from Alexander Henry.  It looks so fresh and clean and pairs perfectly with the denim.  This sweet little "dress" will be on her way to her new home later today.  I'm going to miss her!

Have a marvelous Monday!!!

Silent Sunday ~ Memories

Remembering when it was warm!

Have a wonderful Sunday and stay warm!!!

Stylish Blogger Award For You

A few days ago, Janet, from Nana's Sweeties, surprised me with the Stylish Blogger Award!   Thank you so much Janet!  Before passing it on, I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself.

My husband and I will celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary next week

The first concert I went to was Olivia Newton John

I am NOT a morning person

I was born on Mother's Day

I quit smoking 18 years ago this month.

Being a grandmother is so worth raising kids for

I've had a crush on Jon Bon Jovi for 25 years

I'm supposed to pass this on to 15 of my favorite blogs.  I read and follow so many wonderful, funny, touching and inspiring blogs and they are all deserving of this award.  So I'm passing this on to all of you.

Please visit Janet at Nana's Sweeties.  She is a grandma raising two of her grandsons and she has the most wonderful stories to tell!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Windmills of Change by valleykatdesigns

I haven't done this feature in a long time and when I found this quote on Facebook, I knew I had to share it.  Of course it might not mean as much to you as it does to me, but it's a good reminder for me since my word for the year is 'change'.

The 3 C's of life:  Choices, chances and changes ~ You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

One of My Favorite Things ~ Jigsaw Puzzles

For as long as I can remember, I have loved working on jigsaw puzzles.  My mother does too, and I can remember long periods of time when there was always a puzzle to work on.  My husband and daughter don't enjoy it but my son does and he gave me this one for Christmas.  It's from a painting by Carl Larsson.

There's just something therapeutic about working a puzzle.  I think it's because you have to focus on what you're doing rather than what you're thinking!  Sometimes, I can spend hours at a time fitting pieces together, and sometimes just a few minutes is all I can take!  And then there's that feeling of satisfaction when it's completed.  I'm almost there with this one.

And when this one is finished, there are plenty more to work on!

What's one of your favorite things?

Have a terrific Tuesday!!!

Silent Sunday ~ Snow Sculpture

images via google images

Happy Sunday!!!