This is another Instagram photo that I’d also like to share here in this space. Real Life, my friends. Lots of little rugs for Scout, Don’s guitar on the loveseat, Scout snoozing, air conditioner still in the window, assorted clutter on the kitchen table.
But I love the golden light. When the sun pours in the windows here, it’s truly lovely.
And look at this!
The geranium plant that was hanging on the porch is still blooming! I brought it indoors and it’s gorgeous red blossoms are really adding some cheer around here.
This is the time of year when I can no longer garden, when I can’t take a quick picture of whatever is blooming at the moment, so I hunker down and concentrate on the inside of the cottage. I start to nest in earnest; gathering, collecting, rearranging. I think we all do – at least those of us who live in wintery areas of the country.
But I haven’t done one bit of Christmas decorating yet. Not one. We’ve barely talked about presents. It’s the way it is this year.
Speaking of presents, Don has a great friend who is a fellow musician. His name is Fran. I also know Fran and he’s a great guy. Remember those donuts I love so much that are made fresh every day in our neighboring town? Well, Don and Fran often meet at the donut shop for coffee and donuts and talk. I benefit from these meetings because Don brings me a chocolate glazed donut. Heaven.
Anyway, yesterday Don came home with a donut and little bag and said that Fran had sent me something – something that was on his mantel that he thought I would like. (Don told me that Fran occasionally reads my blog, which surprised and delighted me.) Fran knows I love pottery, and this was what was wrapped up inside of that bag:
This beautiful little piece of cobalt blue pottery. It looks like it might be a cruet of sorts. Isn’t it lovely? There’s no mark on the bottom. I love the graceful curves and the elegance of the design.
I was so taken by this wonderful surprise. Thank you, Fran, for thinking of me and sharing this little treasure. I will think of you every time I look at it.
Aren’t people wonderful?
Book Review of two books by M. J. Arlidge on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Friday.
What a beautiful bit of pottery and such a kind gesture from a friend!
I agree on all counts, Linda!
Such a pretty cobalt blue piece of pottery. That was a very thoughtful and very nice surprise. The geraniums are wonderful. Have a wonderful day!
Hugs
You too, Nancy!
A lovely thought and an equally lovely gift. The colour is gorgeous, but I have a particular weakness for cobalt blue planters.
Your home looks so pretty and cozy. We are preparing for even colder temperatures and more snow. We did a massive grocery shop last night as our road will likely be impassable for the next week. I found the mountains of sweets and discount decorations everywhere a bit over the top. We cleaned house and put up Christmas decorations last weekend, but less is more in my world.
In my Christmas decorating world, less is more also! Stay safe, Barbara. It sounds like there’s going to be a lot of snow!
Thank you! Since I walked to work this morning the snow has been coming down very heavily – let me know if you’d like some!
Ummm…no. I’m sure we’ll get our share in the not-too-distant future!
I love the reflection of your home in your lovely new piece of pottery! The cobalt blue is very pretty indeed.
Such a rich color! Thanks, Sue!
Your home is very cozy and I love how your priority is making it safe for Scout. :-). Mandy’s geraniums are still blooming on her porch here just outside of DC! It was 68 degrees here yesterday! We’re flying home to predicted snow Sunday night. The pottery is beautiful and gives hope for the generosity of mankind.
Blessings,
Betsy
It’s been very warm here, too. It’s supposed to be 61 here today! I know it won’t last, but it’s certainly making us smile.
I just LOVE your posts!! I will be re-organizing and cleaning my house the week after Christmas to start the new year out fresh….I think that’s why I LOVE the change of seasons here in upstate NY because I have rituals to keep up with. If I lived where it was gorgeous outside year round, I would NEVER be inside..LOL….I wish we had snow for Christmas but it looks like it’s not coming….Love your blog!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mamey! I’m glad you enjoy dropping by the blog.
You’re right – it looks like snow just might not happen in time for Christmas. But you never know!
What a pretty piece of pottery but even sweeter by the gifting from a friend of Don’s. I love the pop of red from the geraniums! It has been a crazy week with something every day! Next week is all about relaxing and enjoying the lead up to Christmas. I want to take Tiger on our annual shopping for his parents gifts. I get such a kick out of letting him pick gifts for his parents, and this year we will add his sissy! I also swear Scout said GMA yesterday!! Hope your day goes well. How is the ankle?
hugs,
Linda
I hope Scout did indeed say that! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? The ankle is getting better. I’m walking better all the time. We’ve put off IKEA until next week because, let’s face it, there’s a lot of walking that has to be done in that place. I’m going to give it a few more days before we take that trip.
The pottery is gorgeous…course I’m a sucker for anything cobalt blue! A beautiful gift! Your place looks lovely! Love what sunlight does to an interior. We will probably set up the tree this weekend. My son leaves for London on Sunday… but he will be back in January, to start the visa process. We decided to have a low key Christmas this year…low key not only on decorations, but presents as well. This seems like the perfect Christmas to hold each other tight…and count our blessings. Enjoy your day! ;)
Is he going to move to London, Donnamae? I’m envious! Low key makes sense to a lot of people this year, I think.
Yes he is! His wife got a job there…can you believe that? After the holidays…he has to come back here. His wife has to work there 6 months, only then can he apply for a spousal visa, so he can live there with her. Then he has to find a job himself. We are thrilled for them…and hopefully there will be at least one trip to visit them. We’ll have to save up our pennies! ;)
How wonderful! You definitely have to pay them a visit when they’re there!
Sunshine, flowers and a gift…sounds like a good day Claudia..our Air conditioners are still in the windows too….
I can’t really help Don carry them yet, so we have to wait. But it’s 61 degrees here today, so maybe I should turn it on….(just kidding.)
Don’t you just LOVE little unexpected surprises? They’re the best, I think – just flat-out the best. I love your little piece too – very unusual shape plus I’m a sucker for cobalt blue. I read somewhere long ago that cobalt blue pieces are usually worth more because of their rarity too. My mother collected Depression glass, casually at best, but after that we always looked for cobalt glass that she could afford, and it WAS really scarce! And she wasn’t a wild fan for it anyway. She preferred the clear glass, and that pink “Miss America” pattern, and the light greens too. I have her gorgeous Miss America 3-part relish dish now – on my coffee table with Hersheys kisses in it. Have a good weekend! ?
Would you pass me a Hershey’s Kiss, please? I’ve got my ankle elevated or I’d get one myself!
Why, certainly! Please help yourself to all you’d like. If you eat ’em, there’s less to tempt meI LOL. ?
xo
My Geraniums are blooming as well. It makes me so happy to see them. Heard 2 people in our neighborhood mowing their lawns this week. Yesterday when we were shopping in Madison there were people in shorts. CRAZY! Supposed to be 60* again on Sunday. These days truly are diamonds. I firmly believe it will be a shorter winter. Someone told me it will be a much shorter spring as winter will tack-onto the other end. Oh, I do hope THAT isn’t correct!! Have to take each day as it comes, I guess.
Smart to put off IKEA for a few days. That walk IS a long one. Going during the week it will likely be less busy, too.
That cobalt blue piece is striking!! What a very kind and generous gesture. THOSE days are diamonds, too ~ when friends seem to just know what we need and when to be there.
Have a great weekend.
Well, I don’t think I’m ready to mow the lawn, but it’s sure been nice! We’re praying for a mild winter for Scout’s sake. She can’t navigate well indoors, let alone outside. We do our best to clear snow and ice in her little corral, but it’s still a challenge for her.
I dread the snow and ice for fear of falling, too. Just seems like it is always the beginning of so many problems when we hear of people falling on the ice. I look like the Michelin Man as I waddle along when there is that junk on the ground. So happy I haven’t had to do that dance yet this season….and I will pray for the same for sweet Scout ~ so she has it easier for navigation as well in her little corral. ♡
I wear those things on my boots – can’t remember the name – that protect you from ice, that give a grip – Trax? I wish there was the same sort of thing for Scout.
Your cottage is so cozy. I could live in it, but my craft stash will probably have to live elsewhere! The geranium is giving a beautiful non-seasonal burst of color that isn’t winter color (poinsettias, amaryllis). Ironically, my new garden will probably be planted in January or February. I’m being assured that El Niño will help my plants establish. Gotta trust my landscaper. Love the cobalt blue pottery. Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors, so rich. What a reminder of a friend’s generosity! Have a wonderful day, Claudia.
My craft stash takes up a whole closet and several baskets and a cupboard. And that’s still not enough space in this tiny cottage!
What a wonderful friend Fran is!
I know those days of watching a dearly beloved companion dog settle into what is to come. It is humbling to watch these beautiful creatures accommodate to life as it is instead of fight against it, still enjoying eating a good meal and lying where the sunshine falls across them.
She handles it with grace – she must be sore a lot of the time from all the spills she takes. I am in awe of her. I felt the same way about Riley. They are my teachers.
What a beautiful gift indeed! Friends really are wonderful things to have aren’t they and we are so lucky when we do. xx
We sure are, Amy. Thank goodness for them!
Claudia, I love the light streaming in. The flower blooming this late in the year. What a sweet gift. So nice to be thought of isn’t it. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
It is very nice, Susie. Have a great evening!
I love the first photo of your home with the light streaming in. Looks so home-y and comfortable. What a nice man to send you such a lovely gift! Perfect for your pottery collection.
He is a lovely guy and I was totally surprised by the whole thing!
Love the photo of your home in its “everyday clothes” and the little blue piece of pottery is adorable. Now after reading the comments I am hungry for chocolate and must go scour the cupboards for a crumb. Merry Christmas!
Chocolate is always tempting, isn’t it? Merry Christmas to you, Lynn Marie!
What a great gift from a wonderful friend! Have a great weekend.
Love,
Judy
You too, my friend!
Christmas is all about magic and wonder, and it all starts ( and ends too, I suppose) with the wonderful people in this great big world. What a sweet and unexpected gift, this is what it’s all about… (LOVE) Hugs to the “three” of you…Happy Christmas ….
We have to remember that there are really great people out there – with all of the heartbreaking news we read every day, we have to remember that. Happy Christmas to you, Bonnie.
Yes, Claudia, there are lots and lots of really nice people out there! Lucky you to have found some!
“Good things happen to good people”
Aw, you’re very sweet, Nancy. I am blessed by friends, that’s for sure!
Such a lovely, comfy space, just as a home should be. The pretty blooms are cheery. I love geraniums but they just don’t last in this environment. What a truly lovely gift and nice to know that Fran reads your blog. That cobalt blue is gorgeous.
Isn’t it a lovely color?