tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81959523381161111572024-03-13T04:17:06.634-07:00Northwest TexasDana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-8434476566696899672013-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:002013-05-11T11:25:08.215-07:00Changes In Attitude, Changes in LattitudeHello. I have reemerged at <a href="http://www.thestarfishstudio.blogspot.com/">The Starfish Studio</a>. You will find me there with regularity unless the sun is shining. Then you will find me in the garden.<br />
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I hope you will stop by.<br />
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<br />Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-61867051873906473292012-12-22T19:37:00.003-08:002012-12-23T10:00:32.274-08:00Lighted Garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is often said that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. The idea for this raggy lighted garland did not originate with me but rather with Holly Browning, the creative and talented author of </div>
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<a href="http://www.downtoearthstyle.blogspot.com/">Down To Earth Style</a> </div>
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Please spend some time browsing Holly's first-rate blog. I am always so inspired by her home decorating genius.</div>
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I am so fortunate to have an electrical outlet strategically placed just above the mantle. Could it be that the original builders of our house were thinking about Christmas when they did the wiring? The house was built by the original owner himself in 1952. I have had many houses during my 31 years of marriage but this is the only one with this cherished feature.</div>
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This was not a quick project by any means but I have to say that it was extremely gratifying. I used a strand of white lights on white cord and a ton of muslin of high quality that I found at a thrift store. The look was created by tearing the muslin into strips 1.5" wide. I then cut the strips into 7" lengths. Each strip was lovingly tied onto the strand of lights. You can find complete directions at Holly's blog.</div>
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Once again my Pottery Barn reindeer, which were gifts from my parents in 1993, are standing guard above our stockings. They are looking as regal as ever! Fortunately the candles are still available on Pottery Barn's website.</div>
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Yesterday I found a cute little package of gingerbread ornaments on my front porch. They had been delivered by a sweet friend. So I nestled them into my garland.</div>
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Thank you Holly for such a wonderful idea. I love my mantle more this year than I ever have.</div>
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Christmas is but a few days away. I hope your heart and home are ready.</div>
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Warm wishes!</div>
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Linking to <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/">SNS</a> at Funky Junk Interiors.</div>
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Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-30305399911426482832012-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:002012-12-22T13:09:44.507-08:00Photo Garland<div style="text-align: center;">
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Here is another of my favorite projects from this Advent season. This is a modification of a garland that was posted on <a href="http://www.dearlillie.com/">Dear Lillie</a> last year. I bookmarked it in hopes that I might be organized enough this year to create one for myself.</div>
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The success of this project depends upon the details~</div>
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I really like the wire cable I purchased by the foot from Lowe's. It hangs just right with no slack. It looks just a tad industrial, which for some reason I'm attracted to, and it was just $.27 per foot. And I especially love how my husband created the loops in each end of the cable because it looks so finished. Lowe's also sells the little metal pieces for crimping, which I hope you can see in the below photo.</div>
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I used color digital photos from the past twelve months, but I modified the color saturation using Picasa so that the photos are now black and white. I had to upload them to a photo processing website, <a href="http://www.mpix.com/">MPIX</a>, in order to have them printed as 3.5 X 5 inch photos. I was hoping to achieve a retro look; a sort of old <i>photo album</i> feel that was so prevalent during the first half of the prior century. There are not very many places to get this size print anymore but MPIX provides a myriad of size choices.</div>
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The photos are mounted on basic black card stock. I followed Dear Lillie's lead and used photo corners, and I especially like the metal bookplates with little labels that remind us of the date or event of each photo. </div>
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I think this string of photos looks better hanging in front of this green garland than it would have hanging alone or against a less festive background. I chose to use only one clothespin per picture because I felt it was a little more tailored. I didn't want the clothespins to be a focal point, but rather the photo itself.</div>
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My garland of memories is hanging above the kitchen sink. We spend the most of our holiday time in the kitchen, right? At least for us, the kitchen is the heart of our home so it's the best place to showcase special memories.</div>
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Thanks for having a look! Sending tidings of comfort and joy...</div>
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Linking to: <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch.</div>
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Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-52688743150584493952012-12-19T16:07:00.000-08:002012-12-19T16:07:48.089-08:00Romance Novel Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have two Christmas decor projects new to this year that have made me especially happy. The first is my repurposed (free and somewhat seedy paperback) book page wreath, which I am proud to share today.<br />
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I found some random giveaway books at our local quilt shop. (The content of the books appears to be a little less wholesome than the quilt shop's image). However, I am so happy to have found these particular novels because one of the paperbacks is appropriately yellowed. My wreath has a comfortable and attractive vintage feel thanks to the aged condition of the books.<br />
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I began by wrapping 1.5" strips of burlap around my wreath. The next step was to punch out the book pages and I used a 3" diameter scalloped punch. This is not a hard wreath to make but it is labor intensive. I spent the better part of a day working on it. This represents many hours of 'punch and glue'. However, I set my iPad on the table in front of me and happily streamed a variety of British TV via Netflix while I worked.</div>
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Despite the fact that I burned myself severely with the glue gun a couple of times, the wreath was well worth the effort expended. It blends nicely in my mostly-neutral decor and it's perfect as an all-winter-long-accent. </div>
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Remember~ coupons, coupons, coupons. A coupon for the 3" punch and a coupon for the wreath. And as I mentioned, the books cost nothing. My time was the biggest investment.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Linking to <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Wow Us Wednesday</a> at Savvy Southern Style.</div>
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Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-65233352487305999392012-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:002012-12-17T08:55:38.274-08:00Easy Advent Candles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you, like I, enjoy decorating with neutrals and naturals, you might want to try this easy-to-follow Advent candle project.<br />
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To begin with, a shopping list: I bought a case of 12 pint sized Mason jars at our local Ace Hardware, and one carton of Epsom salts at Walgreen's. In addition I bought a yard of muslin from Walmart for less than $2. I found tea lights at Dollar Tree.</div>
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To get started, I tore the muslin into 1/2" strips, length wise. If you don't like the selvage edge just tear it off too. You will need half as many strips as the number of candles you are making because you cut each strip in half. OK, so I'm serious. Cut a tiny slit in the fabric and then, "let her rip"!<br />
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Raggy is good!</div>
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Take the lids from the jars and store them for future use. Then tie a strip of muslin around the mouth of each jar. I used a very casual square not. The idea is to create a relaxed look so don't worry about making the knots perfect.</div>
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The next step is to fill the jars partially with the Epsom salts. Just fill to a level that is pleasing to you, and drop a tea light candle into each jar.</div>
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To make the tags and the numbers I used a die cut machine (Cricut). But you could alternately buy shipping tags from an office supply store and number them with a marker (my printing is not that good).</div>
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I have only days 20-25 on my counter because our son will be home during that week. My plan is to read an Advent scripture each night and then light the corresponding candle. On Christmas night, all 6 will be lighted. But imagine how beautiful it would look to have an arrangement of all 25!</div>
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Do I have the world's tiniest creche? Perhaps, but I love it.<br />
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Blessings~</div>
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Linking to: <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/">Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life</a></div>
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Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-51347598351340417192012-06-06T11:43:00.001-07:002012-06-07T07:51:51.954-07:00Bee Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I have been married to my wonderful husband for 31 years. (I could get really corny here and refer to him as my 'honey'). Anniversaries are a celebration of the blessings of another year together; and the sharing of love and devotion. Lavish gifts are not a requisite, but rather the expression of a mutual deep affection for one another.<br />
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I made Larry an e<i>xplosion box </i>as a token of that affection. Have you seen one before? Have a look inside mine.<br />
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Explosion boxes are a blast to make and equally fun to give. The concept involves layering pretty papers and loading the pages with special things of significance<br />
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I used a combination of scrap booking embellishments, old photos (which I resized, copied and cut), and favorite quotes from our dating days. <br />
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Scrapbook and craft stores feature so many cute add-ons like this.<br />
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I must say, at the risk of boasting, that the box is adorable and Larry loves it. Larry is a very practical sort (educated as a Mechanical Engineer). He rarely comes home with a frilly gift unless I am pretty forthcoming about my wants. I was pretty tickled when he made a special trip to Tuesday Morning, just to grab one of these~<br />
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YES! An electric pressure washer! And in addition, a <a href="http://www.roku.com/roku-products?gclid=CLub5ImqurACFegbQgodpHG-mw">ROKU</a> has been shipped. What a romantic devil. For our first Christmas he bought me a glue gun. Woo Hoo! Is our life beginning to sound a little like the old sitcom, <i>Tool Time</i>? <br />
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But let me conclude by saying with all sincerity that Larry has made <b>all</b> of my dreams come true for 31 years and I'm sure he forever will. I am a very blessed woman.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by~<br />
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Linking to <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/">Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style</a><br />
<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/">Open House Party</a> at No Minimalist Here<br />
<br />Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-15108289544583838232012-04-05T12:42:00.001-07:002012-04-05T15:23:49.329-07:00A Mixed BlessingA very dear, senior saint, who attends my church is moving to Arizona in early June. She and her husband are already in the process of dismantling their pretty home. Earlier this week we met at her house for coffee and a chat. Sadly, she has been recently plagued with memory loss; so much so that she didn't even remember that I was coming.<br />
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She has such a sweet spirit. My friend seems unaware of her disability and carries on seemingly unruffled. She conducts herself and her life with such dignity~ she exudes grace. We had a lovely time drinking coffee and sharing family updates.<br />
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Upon leaving, we agreed that I should take one of her favorite houseplants; a lovely shamrock. I was so touched. I was unsure of where to place it. If I <i>buy </i>a houseplant, my attitude is rather, "cest la vie". But when a plant is entrusted to my care I feel compelled to become a good steward.<br />
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Isn't this pretty?<br />
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{Yeah Baby!}<br />
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Lately I have been perusing (again) one of my favorite coffee table books, <i>Flea Market Decorating. </i>Even after a decade, this book is still my favorite compendium of style and budget. It's a coffee table book that is truly at home on my coffee table. Anyway, a stair balustrade pictured on one of the pages reminded me of something I have had stashed for many years~ an old newel post. I asked Larry to bring it from the basement.<br />
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After cleaning it up I resolved once again to use it as a plant stand. A plant stand with a {barley} twist perhaps?<br />
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Ah~ A sterling example of refined rustic!<br />
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Or should it be, rustic-refined?</div>
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Larry put one screw through the bottom of the galvanized bucket which holds it to the post. I'm a quirky gal and I like this look. I also like being reminded of my dear friend each time I walk through my front door.</div>
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I'm sad to say farewell to a lady whose faith has inspired me for a decade. But I am convinced that the move is for the best. She will soon be surrounded by family and friends of longstanding, and she will have more than 300 days a year of glorious sunshine. How can I not celebrate such a decision? </div>
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Our church is also a family and our doors are always open. If life brings them back, we'll be here for them. Therefore, I refuse to say, "good bye". I think instead I will simply say, "Until we meet again..."</div>
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And I bid you the same. Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Linking to <a href="http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/">Masterpiece Monday</a> at Boogie Board Cottage.</div>
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</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-26768744123769990392012-03-26T19:26:00.000-07:002012-03-27T10:02:02.814-07:00Springing To LifeIt only takes a couple of sunny days to put a little <i>spring </i>back into my step. I'm tiring of last season's colors and have been on a serious roll around the house; moving accents around and adding touches of spring vibrancy. It all started with these~<br />
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OK, so which came first? The designer chickens or the eggs?</div>
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I love these eggs for Easter. My house doesn't look good wrapped in 'cutesy'. Pinks, bold blues, purple... just not a good fit. So, after hard boiling, I decided to exercise a little creative license with the notion of Easter <i>basket</i>. I chose, instead, to once again put to interesting use the old Pier One hurricane.</div>
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So all of this just to tell you that from these eggs an idea for a new vignette was hatched.</div>
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We have this little ledge along side of our winding staircase. There is no utilitarian use for the ledge; it just evolved in a remodel of the stairs. The vintage Pottery Barn telephone reminds me of my grandmother's house. Her little house in a Los Angeles suburb was built in the 1920's. It had a cool telephone nook and an old phone with a party line! </div>
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Above the ledge I hung an original oil painting done especially for me by the mom of a lifelong friend. I grew up a few doors from my friend and her mom was very special to me~ and so is this painting. Aren't the colors beautifully airy?</div>
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I have always felt that the painting was perfect for a cottage by the sea.</div>
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And here is a view of the staircase~</div>
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Larry designed and built the stairs. They lead to our sleeping loft. <b>Ooh la loft</b>! The topic of a future post. </div>
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I hope you will avail yourself of all the lovely vignettes over at <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"> Marty's Table Top Tuesday</a> Marty's blog is always bursting with creative inspiration. I'll head to the loft and take a few pictures.</div>
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Thanks for reading along! Come back and visit me soon.</div>
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</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-59607382579567069812012-03-26T09:56:00.000-07:002012-03-26T09:58:12.820-07:00Vintage Bombay Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really like classically styled, Bombay Company home accents. I spotted this desk organizer recently at the Kiwanis' thrift store here in town. Despite its imperfections I liked the $3 price tag!<br />
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Some of the gouges were pretty significant. I bought a little can of wood filler which Larry was able to use as a patching medium. After thorough sanding we were ready for spray paint. By the way, if I use the word "we" it most likely means that Larry did the work.<br />
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Presto~Change-o! I am really pleased with this redo~<br />
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Stately!</div>
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A new message center on the kitchen counter complete with essentials~ pens, pencils, paper, emery boards and a spare pair of reading glasses. A home can never have too many pairs of glasses.</div>
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Thanks for visiting. Get more out of your Monday by visiting<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"> Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-52686787458196834152012-02-14T12:09:00.000-08:002012-02-14T12:09:07.825-08:00Longing for Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8CxGKwq21A/Tzq4YNUkLnI/AAAAAAAAQio/MOApN3ieOH8/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8CxGKwq21A/Tzq4YNUkLnI/AAAAAAAAQio/MOApN3ieOH8/s640/IMG_0183.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><br />
We haven't had an extreme winter but it has been appropriately wet. Soon the crocus will begin to emerge, the cherry trees will burst forth. The robins have already returned to the yard; a welcome harbinger of spring.<br />
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<img height="640" src="http://www.learningbeyondthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/gasl_terrarium_10.jpg" width="604" /> <br />
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Apparently terrariums are all the rage this year. I found this image on Google. I was inspired to to try an abbreviated adaptation and to share with you what I call the 'Grandmother of All Cloches".<br />
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Our local grocery markets are selling English Primroses. Primroses are very hearty perennials in the Northwest. In fact the primroses in my outside beds are already blooming! I bought a good supply of pink ones and planted one in each of the Dollar Tree cylindrical vases I had left over from Christmas decor. I embellished them with the ribbon that I used for my pink baby shower on Sunday. My mini-terrariums really boost my spirits on an otherwise gloomy day.<br />
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Now, the bell jar {cloche} <br />
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Ha ha ha. This is a big bell! On display next to it is my valentine from my sweet husband.<br />
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It's OK to 'heart' something on Valentine's Day. I heart Bombay Company and am so glad they resurfaced at a few stores.<br />
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Larry also bought me this cute little easel to display my lovely box.<br />
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I'm joining the collective creativity at <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/">Wow Us Wednesday</a>! See you there.<br />
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Hugs, <i>Dana</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-23743655367142003592012-02-13T23:28:00.000-08:002012-02-13T23:28:05.393-08:00Love Actually<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX2ggDG2uSg/TzoAesEPU-I/AAAAAAAAQgw/9NVF-u4NeZ8/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qX2ggDG2uSg/TzoAesEPU-I/AAAAAAAAQgw/9NVF-u4NeZ8/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="632" /></a></div><br />
Remember the old Pilsbury jingle, "Nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the oven" ? Well, that certainly rings true in our house! Decadence! Up close and personal! Larry will be in heaven.<br />
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Larry is getting up early to make me some very special pancakes which are acceptable on my very special (and restrictive) diet. So, I decided late this evening to create one final accent to make him feel special.<br />
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I have been interested in creating something with coffee filters; just something small to begin with. I didn't like anything I found online, so I decided to figure something out on my own. I am really pretty good at copying ideas from women more creative than I, and I usually don't have a whole lot of original ideas. I rather like my paper roses.<br />
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Start with these~<br />
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I like the unbleached rather than the pure white. <br />
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I very randomly cut the coffee filters into spirals and rolled them up to form roses.<br />
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I applied hot glue on the bottom of each rose so that they would hold together.<br />
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I used a few other things I had on hand~ some shreads that came in a box that was recently delivered and a Dollar Tree candle.<br />
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I layered everything in an old Pier One hurricane that I unearthed. Instant ambiance for our Valentine's breakfast. But while I was in the crafting mode, I made the cutest little card for Larry~<br />
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Awww. It's a day for warm fuzzies. I hope yours is filled with love!<br />
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Linking up with Marty at <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">A Stroll Thru Life</a>~Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-84855383935693895492012-02-10T16:55:00.002-08:002012-02-13T08:26:54.968-08:00Love Is In The Air!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUrH3qAREi4/TzW21NOaP0I/AAAAAAAAQfM/zyvfMuUOU-M/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUrH3qAREi4/TzW21NOaP0I/AAAAAAAAQfM/zyvfMuUOU-M/s640/IMG_0199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I don't usually decorate the house for Valentine's Day. It's not that I don't appreciate the sentiment~ but February 14th is such a fleeting occasion. Here today, gone tomorrow!<br />
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But since I'm having a baby shower on the 12th, a very<i> </i><span style="color: magenta;"><i>pink</i> </span>party to be sure, I felt it appropriate to add some touches of L*O*V*E to the mix.<br />
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I love layering beautiful papers when I create banners.<br />
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I have about 3 Scrabble games. I buy them at thrift stores whenever I can find them. I like using Scrabble letters to express my feelings. Though, it's not as if I'm ever at a loss for words!<br />
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My friend lent me her heart punch from Stampin' Up! I used it to craft a little heart garland. I then draped it over my all season stick-tree; a consignment shop find.<br />
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Here is one of the most labor intensive projects I have ever undertaken! 65 crepe PINK crepe paper camellias on a Styrofoam wreath which I wrapped with white gross grain ribbon! I do like it; so much in fact that I am going to leave it hanging all the way through Easter Sunday.<br />
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There's not a lot of overdone fuss for Valentine's Day. But there's just enough to remind Larry of how happy I am to be his wife. I guess Valentine's decorating will become a new tradition for me. I have to admit, it was kind of fun.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joining the party at <a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/">Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie</a>. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can also find me at <a href="http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-link-party.html">Dear Lillie's Valentine Party</a>. See you there~</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-44107724552162515432012-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:14:50.737-08:00The Tasteful Chanticleer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzZzJv1qKUU/TyX0QcK6o2I/AAAAAAAAQb8/oPZjA9p8Bis/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzZzJv1qKUU/TyX0QcK6o2I/AAAAAAAAQb8/oPZjA9p8Bis/s640/IMG_0137.JPG" width="478" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been staying with my mom in her home in Green Valley, Arizona for the past week. Green Valley is an oasis in the Sonoran Desert; an unincorporated community located about 35 miles south of Tucson, Arizona.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would describe my mother's lovely home as a soft vision of Tuscany. It is an ideal mix of European traditional and stately Desert Southwest; with a little whimsy in the mix. I am especially fond of her breakfast room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBON48Jd9Hc/TybBQ8ZZy0I/AAAAAAAAQdE/gwIDRNCO8G0/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBON48Jd9Hc/TybBQ8ZZy0I/AAAAAAAAQdE/gwIDRNCO8G0/s640/IMG_0159.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She has the most wonderful {Pottery Barn} server. It is small in scale and grand in color. This is one of the most perfect reds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-8h0pfwMU/TyX2bv2uRTI/AAAAAAAAQcc/R9X2P6VQ6Vw/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-8h0pfwMU/TyX2bv2uRTI/AAAAAAAAQcc/R9X2P6VQ6Vw/s640/IMG_0143.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom has <i>carefully</i> chosen the use of the rooster motif in this room. They proudly embellish the table runner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lQZ5jtES18/TyX4EEISzUI/AAAAAAAAQck/f7115vwckoY/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lQZ5jtES18/TyX4EEISzUI/AAAAAAAAQck/f7115vwckoY/s640/IMG_0144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and the upholstery on the breakfast room chairs. This is gorgeous fabric!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a bit of whimsy~ love the chair backs, don't you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hSvegTqbKs/TyX5RZh5AlI/AAAAAAAAQc0/WobeeMB1NOU/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hSvegTqbKs/TyX5RZh5AlI/AAAAAAAAQc0/WobeeMB1NOU/s640/IMG_0147.JPG" width="478" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom's colorful ceramic tableware is in my opinion the accent that pulls the entire room together. Of course I'm coveting the woven placemats and am designing a scheme to sneak them home in my luggage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thoroughly enjoy my mom and her wonderfully gracious home and wish I were able to spend more time here. I hope you have enjoyed these pictures; which are just a snapshot of her decor. The pictures were brought to you by my IPhone. Uh~ who goes on a vacation and remembers to pack everything but a camera?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Linking to <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">Tabletop Tuesday</a> at A Stroll Thru Life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just two more days of gloriously sunny weather and it's back to the Pacific North<i>wet</i>. It will be many months before I'm able to lounge outside in 75 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you there~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsfOFN0l-n4/TyX8i5Va-dI/AAAAAAAAQc8/WXVT0YqYrV0/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsfOFN0l-n4/TyX8i5Va-dI/AAAAAAAAQc8/WXVT0YqYrV0/s200/IMG_0139.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-51057319354499856462012-01-19T17:34:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:20:35.265-08:00Pillow Madness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSwfYxzFUkM/Txiq1oduM4I/AAAAAAAAQZg/o9L5dSaO_vs/s1600/P1070530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSwfYxzFUkM/Txiq1oduM4I/AAAAAAAAQZg/o9L5dSaO_vs/s640/P1070530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I have spent a little bit of time since the first of the year cleaning out and reorganizing the basement. I have plastic bins full of potential sewing projects down there~ yardage, trims, and pillow forms. Pillow forms~ what seems like a countless number. I would open unmarked bins with great excitement, only to find more pillow forms! All shapes, all sizes.<br />
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Are you wondering how I amassed such an inventory? Well it's taken a few years actually, but each time I drop donations at the Goodwill store I take a quick look around. If I see any seemingly quality pillows, regardless of the shape the fabric is in, I buy them just to get the form; especially if they happen to be on sale that day.<br />
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I recently challenged myself to master a sewing technique I saw on the blog, <b>Freckled Laundry</b>. This, by the way, is one of my favorite blogs. Anyway, I was determined to <i>ruche </i>a piece of fabric using elastic, and use it on a pillow I made with one of the many forms. I also challenged myself to use as many pillow forms as the living room sofa and chairs would tastefully accommodate.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">{<span class="st">Ruche~A ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin, or other fine fabric used for trimming women's garments.} </span></div><br />
<span class="st">Here is the link, in case you would like to see the source of my challenge: <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2011/08/ruched-ruffle-video-tutorial.html">Ruching Tutorial Freckled Laundry</a>. Jami can teach you so much better than I.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st">And here is my pillow~</span><br />
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<span class="st">And another look~</span><br />
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<span class="st">Super-love this shirting flannel with a hound's tooth pattern that I bought on close out at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I bought all they had and I wish I could have gotten more.</span><br />
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<span class="st">I also went crazy with burlap pillows with my trademark white burlap roses.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">I made 4 of the burlap pillows with three rosettes per pillow! Making 12 rosettes in one sitting got a little repetitive, even a tad boring, so I watched a CSI: New York marathon while I worked. I have such an affinity for burlap pillows that I decided to give one of the pillows to a special young friend. She has just recently moved into her first post-college apartment. I'm not sure whether we have coincident decorating taste but I decided I couldn't go wrong with a pillow in <i>shades of neutral</i>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w21nd0anJkg/Txi4buvcPVI/AAAAAAAAQaY/0wKv0upBZqc/s1600/P1070516-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w21nd0anJkg/Txi4buvcPVI/AAAAAAAAQaY/0wKv0upBZqc/s640/P1070516-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="st">The chocolate brown sofa <i>cover</i> was a gift from Larry this past fall. It is covering an IKEA sofa I serendipitously snagged from a garage sale. The sofa cover was in horrible condition but the sofa itself was perfect and so worth the $50 asking price. Curiously, this very sofa, <i>Ektorp, </i>had just been featured on the most elegant blog, <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a> . It surprised me so that an upscale interior designer would write about an IKEA sofa. And suddenly, to my delight, I stumbled upon the Ektorp a few days later. I must admit to loving my sofa all the more because it was spotlighted on such a gracious and gorgeous blog. </span><br />
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<span class="st">However, the sofa was lacking dimension and clearly needed embellishment. </span><span class="st">Wool plaid pillows to the rescue! I found this remnant of wool at a local philanthropic thrift store quite some time ago. But it is just another great find that I had forgotten all about until last week when I was rummaging around the basement. I am so pleased with the textural combinations at now at work on the sofa. I have mentioned before that I use a variety of deep reds in my house and the autumn hues in the plaid really pull the living room together.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IE_4bw4H-9s/TxiyBv8xb3I/AAAAAAAAQaQ/eCFJit6uQk4/s1600/P1070526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IE_4bw4H-9s/TxiyBv8xb3I/AAAAAAAAQaQ/eCFJit6uQk4/s640/P1070526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="st"> </span><br />
<span class="st">Today I finished my final living room pillow. Well, is anything ever final? But I've made seven pillows since my resolve to<i> ruche </i>and I am very proud of myself. All seven are even hand stitched closed and sittin' pretty.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">So proud am I that I am linking to these parties in the days coming up~</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/">Air Your Laundry Friday</a> at Freckled Laundry<br />
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<a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">Feathered Nest Friday</a> at French Country Cottage<br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.houseinroses.blogspot.com/">Show Off Your Cottage Monday</a> at House in the Roses </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">Grab a cup of coffee and do a little blog hopping. There is so much inspiration on stage there. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">Thanks so much for dropping by. The National Weather Service claims the snow will be gone by tomorrow night so visiting will be easier than ever.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">Warm winter wishes until we meet again!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"> <i> Dana</i></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-89343294674202353952012-01-15T18:58:00.000-08:002012-01-15T20:14:56.110-08:00Adjusting the Focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLNs2txFvF0/TxN-2VlesBI/AAAAAAAAQYw/AY4pSESDevQ/s1600/P1070485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLNs2txFvF0/TxN-2VlesBI/AAAAAAAAQYw/AY4pSESDevQ/s640/P1070485.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><br />
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I am a woman that has a hard time staying 'on task'~ seriously. I rarely go from a figurative point A to point B without one or more detours. Let me give you an example. I have very high maintenance hair, thus a very time intensive morning routine. What that means is that I wash and blow my hair dry every single day. This has been my daily habit since my mother stopped putting it in pin curls each night before bed (and that was a very long time ago).<br />
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Why is it that if I have a morning appointment, let's say 9ish, I have to set my alarm for 6:00, even if the appointment is only in town; 8 miles from home? And even with three hours to prep, why am I rarely on time? The answer is that I am so easily distracted. I get in and out of the shower in a timely way but beyond that I can't seem to keep moving in the same direction. I'm just not terribly sequential-- Like a perennial in my garden, I never stay planted in one spot for very long.<br />
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I will provide an illustration. I can't dry my hair without a cup of coffee. So I take a break to brew a second cup. While I'm waiting for the coffee to brew I remember something I've been wanting to search on Google; most likely something trivial. I head for the computer. But while en route something catches my eye that needs attention. I once again change direction. Finally, coffee in hand, I head back to the bathroom vanity with a renewed commitment to my hair. But wait! I suddenly remember the aborted Google search! And away I go. By the time I finely pick up my blow dryer, my hair is so dry I have to wet it again! Do you catch my drift? Or should I ask, do you see how prone I am to drift?<br />
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On February 12th I am hostessing a baby shower for quite a large number of women from my church. One of our younger moms is expecting her fourth child. Yikes! As you know, I am a mother of one.<br />
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Anyway, on yesterday's to-do list was to make <i>Save The Date</i> cards to distribute to each lady attending church this morning. I had a busy day and so my project was delayed until after dinner. All day I had been thinking about my circuitousness; about how easily I am 'called away'. I decided to practice being different-- to work at better focus.<br />
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Here is a pictorial step-by-step of my effort~<br />
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First I formatted my invitation using Word. I actually formatted 4 invitations per 8.5 X 11 page.<br />
By doing this I was able to get 4 invitations per sheet of card stock.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HxNpfnlyMM/TxN7qpT0irI/AAAAAAAAQYg/xUgs7RZPV7w/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HxNpfnlyMM/TxN7qpT0irI/AAAAAAAAQYg/xUgs7RZPV7w/s200/22.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I printed them all out without leaving the room even once. And then I cut them out~ <i>all</i> of them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97vTJkGmUe4/TxN-cOmd7uI/AAAAAAAAQYo/Q_bqs8wsmXU/s1600/P1070480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97vTJkGmUe4/TxN-cOmd7uI/AAAAAAAAQYo/Q_bqs8wsmXU/s400/P1070480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You see, my normal MO would be to cut a few, punch a few holes, tie a few bows, cut a few more... in a very inefficient manner. I would probably have left the crafts table a few times in the process as well; to chat with Larry, get a drink of water, check out Facebook, whatever. If you can imagine some lively circus music playing at this point, you will understand the speed at which the carousel in my mind normally spins. But last night? I <u>made</u> myself stay seated.<br />
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TA-DA!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-adX6y0r0sYc/TxOBTfaH1FI/AAAAAAAAQY4/-g9BLa2R-I4/s1600/P1070479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-adX6y0r0sYc/TxOBTfaH1FI/AAAAAAAAQY4/-g9BLa2R-I4/s400/P1070479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I cut all the ribbon without a pause.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBQKOGoi2RQ/TxOBeO_LKEI/AAAAAAAAQZA/HvniX61OXYk/s1600/P1070483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBQKOGoi2RQ/TxOBeO_LKEI/AAAAAAAAQZA/HvniX61OXYk/s400/P1070483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then punched all of the holes! Without leaving the room. </div><div style="text-align: center;">P*R*O*G*R*E*S*S !</div><br />
And finally I embellished each card with a pretty bow~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDJFG83WQXQ/TxOCcJ7qGXI/AAAAAAAAQZI/imIoNH2NlmY/s1600/P1070478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDJFG83WQXQ/TxOCcJ7qGXI/AAAAAAAAQZI/imIoNH2NlmY/s400/P1070478.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
OK, so I stayed on track. I took a baby step. But I will tell you, this change is going to take some practice. Old habits truly die hard. I've been wondering though. How essential is it that I change? I mean our uniqueness, our <i>essence</i>, is made up of many traits; or perhaps quirks; pixels if you will. Could there be something about the way I approach projects that positively impacts the outcome?<br />
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Maybe some folks travel life with great success on a very straight path and maybe others, like I, tend to zig-zag. After all, life isn't about the destination, right? Maybe the fun is in the getting there. And I really do have fun.<br />
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Well, I successfully completed my Save-The-Date cards and I even remembered to take them with me this morning (that in and of itself is worth celebrating). And I must say, they were a huge hit among the ladies at church.<br />
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Well, many thanks for reading through my ramblings. I hope I've given you a few fun things to ponder. I have many fun baby shower ideas competing for time in my head. I plan to share more of them with you as I directly or not-so-directly proceed through the party preparations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhccBh2DzQ/TxOHR1XSfMI/AAAAAAAAQZY/zpTv5ybSW1I/s1600/P1070477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhccBh2DzQ/TxOHR1XSfMI/AAAAAAAAQZY/zpTv5ybSW1I/s200/P1070477.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Until Next Time~<br />
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<i>Dana</i><br />
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Linking to <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Made By You Monday</a> at Skip to My Lou and <a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/">Make it Monday</a> at Brassy Apple.Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-22554728043738945262012-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:002012-01-09T17:45:44.236-08:00Unintended Consequences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Remember this~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSZxa9q-3bI/Twoc3hDHm_I/AAAAAAAAQWw/HxLxeLe1ctU/s1600/P1070171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSZxa9q-3bI/Twoc3hDHm_I/AAAAAAAAQWw/HxLxeLe1ctU/s400/P1070171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've already boasted that I have Christmas all neatly packed away. But what I didn't tell you is that I had a huge, "oooops" in the process of <b>un</b>decorating. My beloved magnolia painting, an estate sale <i>score</i>, fell off the mantel. Ouch! It's my fault, really. I never bothered to fasten it to the wall because I liked the casual (albeit transient) "leaning" look. That is to say, the painting was only leaning against the wall.<br />
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It goes without saying that Larry, the puppy, and I were all greatly startled by this event. It was reminiscent of the earthquakes we lived through in Los Angeles. One casualty of the fall was a Waterford crystal hurricane. If you look closely at the above picture you can see that I used to have two. And something that saddens me even more, though the dollar loss is not as significant, is this footed bowl (pictured below)~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNyrbbadEyY/Twoe77jnL0I/AAAAAAAAQW4/J5IbWaQcnLU/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNyrbbadEyY/Twoe77jnL0I/AAAAAAAAQW4/J5IbWaQcnLU/s640/IMG_0080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kez5IFDLTk8/TwofBPB0QCI/AAAAAAAAQXA/h8vC5TBI1Mw/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kez5IFDLTk8/TwofBPB0QCI/AAAAAAAAQXA/h8vC5TBI1Mw/s640/IMG_0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hey, when I break something, I do it in a big way. My bowl was planted with paperwhite bulbs and it was perched on the hearth below, sadly, in the path of the falling hurricane candle. So when the crystal shade fell from the mantel, it torpedoed the bowl of paperwhites. The bowl took a direct hit and the crystal was shattered. (We are still sweeping up shards of glass and neither of us dare to walk through the living room without shoes.) Waaaah! I love this bowl. OK, it may be from Target, but I still love it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE9Cs3obFGM/Twogmhvsp1I/AAAAAAAAQXI/G_ZtRTdgIfU/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE9Cs3obFGM/Twogmhvsp1I/AAAAAAAAQXI/G_ZtRTdgIfU/s640/IMG_0088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well, out with the old, in with the new. A mantel makeover was in order. The big-bad magnolias were banished to our bedroom~ where they actually look very beautifully at home. And in its place is a stunning panoramic photograph of a cascading mountain stream. And yes, it's hanging securely on two picture hooks. It was taken by a good friend of ours, David Engle. His work is of local renown in Los Angeles area galleries.<br />
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I encourage you to visit <a href="http://www.davidenglephoto.com/">David Engle Photography</a>. David's creative eye is remarkable. David is among the best of the best in the arena of landscape photographers, and we are so blessed to have two of his panoramas gracing our home~ hand-signed no less!<br />
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The panorama obviously anchors the mantel-scape. To further frame the photo I brought out a few other things that I enjoy as focal points. As I've mentioned, my decor always drifts towards the autumn shades. I never think I'm making a conscious decision to use the golden hues and deep reds. It just happens. Shall I get a bumper sticker that says, <i>Autumn Happens</i> ? Well, perhaps not.<br />
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Here's another view~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qO73sTciYtQ/TwoksMSfuwI/AAAAAAAAQXQ/sGXmA-zLjmI/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qO73sTciYtQ/TwoksMSfuwI/AAAAAAAAQXQ/sGXmA-zLjmI/s640/IMG_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Cool, huh? And look! My footed bowl is sittin' pretty. I just couldn't bring myself to throw her away, so I just turned her other cheek (or something like that). From my present vantage point on the sofa, you cannot even tell that the bowl was ever damaged.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JO1CzwKa8c4/Twos6BTc-cI/AAAAAAAAQXw/4mNtL8TQEiM/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JO1CzwKa8c4/Twos6BTc-cI/AAAAAAAAQXw/4mNtL8TQEiM/s640/IMG_0107.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />
How fortunate that there is a fleur de lis on each side of the bowl! I am considering filling the bowl with small-sized containers of ivy and an abundance of Spanish moss. The ivy will grow in indirect light and nicely camouflage the damage. Well, that's for another day and another post.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xm7nvJgFZk/Two1ubYy0zI/AAAAAAAAQYA/U99oLylhllc/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xm7nvJgFZk/Two1ubYy0zI/AAAAAAAAQYA/U99oLylhllc/s640/IMG_0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I especially like my aged, red books. These two are from a bound collection of Winston Churchill's World War II letters. Upon our son's departure after Christmas, I found that my other two had mysteriously disappeared. Hmmmm. Well, I was lucky enough to have bought the books for $.50 apiece! These shades of red compliment the panorama nicely and really highlight all the reds in the photo.<br />
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Lastly, I would like to showcase my tower of nesting boxes. I got the set years ago at Bombay Company. Remember that store? I loved shopping there, especially in the 'scratch and dent' section. One of my boxes actually has a discolored lid, so I paid a greatly reduced price.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdQAf-zlnyM/TwosF3nrqDI/AAAAAAAAQXo/5UjJb-zIM-Y/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdQAf-zlnyM/TwosF3nrqDI/AAAAAAAAQXo/5UjJb-zIM-Y/s640/IMG_0106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
How stately! I like the height of the tower because it adds balance to the generously proportioned bowl on the other end of the mantel.<br />
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Thanks for visiting today. How are you spending the second Monday of this new year? You might check out <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at <i>Between Naps on the Porch</i>. And tomorrow I will be linking up with <i>A Stroll Thru Life</i> for <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">Table Top Tuesday</a>. I hope you clear some time in your Tuesday agenda to wander over to Marty's. There is always so much loveliness happening in the blog world!<br />
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Blessings on your day~<br />
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<i>Dana</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S2iYi4oBEM/TwoxcGMU90I/AAAAAAAAQX4/6jJy7hxh_rU/s1600/P1070401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S2iYi4oBEM/TwoxcGMU90I/AAAAAAAAQX4/6jJy7hxh_rU/s200/P1070401.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dallas</i>, the face of Northwest Texas </div><br />
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Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-26699279109009162742012-01-02T12:32:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:32:16.408-08:00Thoughts Of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been forcing paperwhites for many years and this is the first time they have failed to bloom before Christmas. I have not given up hope! They are forming buds and I should have blossoms by next week. It's sort of a post-Christmas surprise to help beat January blues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctn_AVQwZ6Y/TwIPIaKSJ5I/AAAAAAAAQWc/9DWWifw7kQ8/s1600/P1070364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ctn_AVQwZ6Y/TwIPIaKSJ5I/AAAAAAAAQWc/9DWWifw7kQ8/s640/P1070364.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Almost 15 plastic bins full of Christmas decor neatly packed and stored away for next year~ Yay! All vestiges of Christmas are now out of sight; except for the <i>Joy </i>banner. I felt like keeping it around awhile longer as a reminder of how blessed my life is. I have been pondering the notion of joy today {New Year's Day} I've been thinking about the concept of joy versus <i>fun</i> or even <i>happiness. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am certainly not a philosopher but it seems to me that<i> </i>joy is a deep and abiding emotion. It is not fleeting nor anecdotal. It is not superficial nor synonymous with instant gratification.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="ssens">According to Meriam Webster, <i>joy</i> is defined as, <i>t</i></span><i><span class="ssens">he emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires<b>. </b></span></i><span class="ssens">Is it heresy to argue with a dictionary? Because I strongly disagree with this definition.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQg-CahDVsA/TwEl1qi3yXI/AAAAAAAAQUw/gJlc8hvvg0s/s1600/P1070330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQg-CahDVsA/TwEl1qi3yXI/AAAAAAAAQUw/gJlc8hvvg0s/s640/P1070330.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If asked the question, "What brings you joy?", what would your answer be? Probably not something materialistic or expendable, right? More likely your answer would involve something animate or alive, because in my experience true joy is almost always rooted in relationship; be it spiritual, family, friends, pets, or even a profound encounter with the natural world (ask any avid gardener about this).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So late this afternoon I had the good idea, though last minute, to set a special table for Larry and me as we start yet another joyful year together. I gathered things that are of special sentiment to us~ his mother's china for one. I was lucky to have been given all 12 place settings plus every serving piece you can imagine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used an old mattelasse bed coverlet as a tablecloth. I love its pure-white essence and the texture it adds to the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD1I7IRxFUk/TwEr6KC0ApI/AAAAAAAAQVU/k6PVHAvkA0o/s1600/P1070335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD1I7IRxFUk/TwEr6KC0ApI/AAAAAAAAQVU/k6PVHAvkA0o/s640/P1070335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I embellished the napkins with some gold ribbon and tucked in a favorite picture. Yes, I was once a brunette!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-il1H_kZHiDY/TwEs11i4JoI/AAAAAAAAQVg/S1iMelGJz10/s1600/P1070344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-il1H_kZHiDY/TwEs11i4JoI/AAAAAAAAQVg/S1iMelGJz10/s640/P1070344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wine goblets have been with us for our entire 30 years of marriage; we picked them out together when we became engaged. We bought the salt and pepper shakers at the Smithsonian Museum in some decade gone by. It's hard to believe that after 7 houses, most of which were complete makeovers, this salt and pepper duo is still gracing our table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1sXrnx8cPM/TwEudwkzI1I/AAAAAAAAQV4/0lBYXvWaVD4/s1600/P1070333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1sXrnx8cPM/TwEudwkzI1I/AAAAAAAAQV4/0lBYXvWaVD4/s640/P1070333.JPG" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Larry bought this brass flatware with rosewood handles in Thailand long before I was in the picture. He gave the set to me when we got married. It was such a sweet gesture and it still warms me to think about it. And oh my goodness, what a set it is! Dinner forks, salad forks, soup spoons, tea spoons, large knives, appetizer knives, salad tongs... get the picture?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCEjR8YL9i0/TwEwADrZk9I/AAAAAAAAQWE/u16KDcbKRHg/s1600/P1070337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCEjR8YL9i0/TwEwADrZk9I/AAAAAAAAQWE/u16KDcbKRHg/s640/P1070337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="ssens"><b></b></span></i><span class="ssens"><b></b></span><i><span class="ssens"><b> </b></span></i></div>As an extra touch I found Scripture to support my concept of joy. After printing, I mounted them on pretty paper as an accent for our place settings. An alternate idea would be to find some lovely poetry. Google to the rescue! If you really want to add a little romance to your dinner table, wander over here~ <a href="http://www.sonnets.org/love-sonnets.htm">Love Sonnets</a>.<br />
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2011 was a tough year for me. I lost my dear friend, I lost my dog, and hardest of all, I lost my dad. I had a host of health challenges and a myriad of clinical tests. But it was also a year of blessings, as each year seems to be. I have come to believe that there is joy to be had, even when good fortune seems to be beyond our grasp. I have resolved in this new year to let joy guide my days, come what may. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.<br />
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Blessings to each of you in 2012!<br />
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~<i>Dana</i><br />
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I am joining Marty at <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">A Stroll Thru Life</a> for Table Top Tuesday. Enjoy!Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-79961259928159917102011-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:002011-12-25T14:21:11.059-08:00Joy To The World!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTzofFe0Yd8/TvegGc3zQTI/AAAAAAAAQUY/4xEmCdw74Cg/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTzofFe0Yd8/TvegGc3zQTI/AAAAAAAAQUY/4xEmCdw74Cg/s640/IMG_0082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-91965507247053549422011-12-23T19:29:00.000-08:002011-12-23T19:57:54.460-08:00Some of Blogland's Best ChristmasWhenever I have indulged in feelings of adroitness with regard to my decorating efforts, I seem to wander into blog wonderland; lovely spaces created by women much more talented than I. The amount of creative genius circulating about the blogoshpere is honestly staggering.<br />
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Usually blog posts are self-focused snippets of our domestic journals in concert with a series of snapshots by which we hold our reader's attention.<br />
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Having been thoroughly humbled this season by a countless number of incredibly gifted blog artisans, I decided that today was a day to redirect my focus by showcasing a few of my most enchanted discoveries. There is no one idea that surpasses another among the photos I am about to share. I have highlighted them in no particular order. In fact I could spend countless days simply re-posting loveliness and lamenting the fact that the ideas were not mine .<br />
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Thank you for browsing along. I hope you are as inspired by these photos as I have been over the past several weeks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlaXEt9xV2M/TvP8Adx8MpI/AAAAAAAAQTE/7nc-JO_csAU/s1600/Stairwell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlaXEt9xV2M/TvP8Adx8MpI/AAAAAAAAQTE/7nc-JO_csAU/s400/Stairwell.JPG" width="265" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://canadiancottage.blogspot.com/">Canadian Cottage</a> shared her reworked stairwell. And this tree skirt~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsCfTAKiiuM/TvP8kmE4AJI/AAAAAAAAQTQ/3iyB5nbntZw/s1600/Tree+Skirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsCfTAKiiuM/TvP8kmE4AJI/AAAAAAAAQTQ/3iyB5nbntZw/s400/Tree+Skirt.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Incredible!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW3VpF0rFV4/TvP9YNYlqOI/AAAAAAAAQTc/z4B9AAbxGEE/s1600/Master+Bedroom+006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW3VpF0rFV4/TvP9YNYlqOI/AAAAAAAAQTc/z4B9AAbxGEE/s400/Master+Bedroom+006-1.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This master bedroom, created by <a href="http://www.downtoearthstyle.blogspot.com/">Down To Earth Style</a>, is enviable. Gorgeous in any season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvIAhBYNt74/TvP_Y-asiDI/AAAAAAAAQTo/wkdJOZU2uyI/s1600/Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvIAhBYNt74/TvP_Y-asiDI/AAAAAAAAQTo/wkdJOZU2uyI/s400/Mirror.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Courtney, at <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a>, has lavishly bedecked even her bathrooms! Oooh la love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPK1Cymy-cY/TvQBdpyKfjI/AAAAAAAAQT0/nzlAC15yKmk/s1600/Stocking+Dear+Lillie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPK1Cymy-cY/TvQBdpyKfjI/AAAAAAAAQT0/nzlAC15yKmk/s400/Stocking+Dear+Lillie.png" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know I have burlap love. I especially like the way <a href="http://www.dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/">Dear Lillie</a> accented this stocking with a petite boxwood wreath!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.wordpress.com/">Thistlewood Farm</a> stole my heart with her use of so many textural elements in her Christmas decor.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These trees are only one example~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KC8LFbbYeYA/TvQDGfdXmJI/AAAAAAAAQUA/6ZdQwBmdGfw/s1600/Thistlewood+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KC8LFbbYeYA/TvQDGfdXmJI/AAAAAAAAQUA/6ZdQwBmdGfw/s400/Thistlewood+Farm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, though I could easily keep going, a feature from <a href="http://theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/">The Old Painted Cottage</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBkxDeCS7tE/TvQIUEep6DI/AAAAAAAAQUM/shK2Z64K798/s1600/diningtable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBkxDeCS7tE/TvQIUEep6DI/AAAAAAAAQUM/shK2Z64K798/s400/diningtable2.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture: Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Idea Issue</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love, love, love the use of naturals and the combination of the white table and the black chairs! No wonder BH & G spotlighted this amazing cottage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well I feel a need to stop here. My head is swimming with new ideas for next year. I hope you enjoyed this little cross section of great style. Perhaps next year when you begin to think once again about decking your halls, you will find these blogs and others to be a valuable resource.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Time to finish last minute Christmas gift details, so I'll just say, "It's a wrap".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings on your day~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <i>Dana</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-81856049894830310382011-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:002011-12-22T17:27:14.577-08:00Sewing Seeds of Joy~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Bishop Threesome loves Christmas stockings. We have many sets; so many in fact that I can't ever put them all out at the same time. Filling them all is a challenge for any Santa. Luckily for him there a few timeless favorites (such as peanut M & M's and chocolate covered cherries). It wouldn't be Christmas morning without a little candy.<br />
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Here is a set of three made by me when we were on a road trip in our motor home. I took my sewing machines and all of its accoutrements and sat up late one night-- stitching into the wee hours~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwgySQHeLFU/TvPP8I4_X7I/AAAAAAAAQSs/8inpoRFbMN4/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwgySQHeLFU/TvPP8I4_X7I/AAAAAAAAQSs/8inpoRFbMN4/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">These are hanging on our china cabinet. No room on the mantel!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBrGslPYzl8/TvPMWU3gmTI/AAAAAAAAQRw/Fut_xVo4gHk/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBrGslPYzl8/TvPMWU3gmTI/AAAAAAAAQRw/Fut_xVo4gHk/s640/IMG_0050.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The fun is in the details! I used anything I could find at Dollar Tree, with the addition of a few trims I had the good sense to take with me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEjpQJ3xOrg/TvPMqCqqGvI/AAAAAAAAQR8/mo87qpqwtQg/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEjpQJ3xOrg/TvPMqCqqGvI/AAAAAAAAQR8/mo87qpqwtQg/s640/IMG_0049.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Of course, Mrs. Claus needs a stocking too. I had a little scrap of remaining fleece and some trim. Here's a feminine adaptation~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHGLHgGSaLE/TvPNGengijI/AAAAAAAAQSI/HIjBk8KDWL4/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHGLHgGSaLE/TvPNGengijI/AAAAAAAAQSI/HIjBk8KDWL4/s640/IMG_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Uh oh! There's not much room in here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfKmwm-Fdc4/TvPThKmxVPI/AAAAAAAAQS4/u0NMvM4cBHU/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfKmwm-Fdc4/TvPThKmxVPI/AAAAAAAAQS4/u0NMvM4cBHU/s640/IMG_0061.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-t30HARO6I/TvPOHp-S0TI/AAAAAAAAQSg/-jEmgbVByaI/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-t30HARO6I/TvPOHp-S0TI/AAAAAAAAQSg/-jEmgbVByaI/s640/IMG_0058.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From tip to <i>toe</i>, I hope your Christmas is perfect!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Join me at <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">Feathered Nest Friday</a> at French Country Cottage. You'll find lots of grand ideas for your own nest and there is plenty of Christmas cheer to go 'round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joyeux Noel~ </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <i>Dana</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-66321673676983749392011-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:002011-12-22T15:49:40.368-08:00Our Charlie Brown Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txro0elpS-g/TvIYjRiHV1I/AAAAAAAAQQQ/eEwDR0uliuo/s1600/P1070257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txro0elpS-g/TvIYjRiHV1I/AAAAAAAAQQQ/eEwDR0uliuo/s640/P1070257.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I've told you before that we like a little rustic in our Christmas decor. We started a new tradition last year by bringing in a branch or two from the pine trees (which have become void of needles). I like to loosely wrap the twigs with a bronze organza-like fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IOrGiZD4wA/TvIadhnee2I/AAAAAAAAQQY/uMohb6COR_k/s1600/P1070236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IOrGiZD4wA/TvIadhnee2I/AAAAAAAAQQY/uMohb6COR_k/s640/P1070236.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x2-XOAoME0/TvIa1NTrhsI/AAAAAAAAQQg/7nBTabisB80/s1600/P1070247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x2-XOAoME0/TvIa1NTrhsI/AAAAAAAAQQg/7nBTabisB80/s640/P1070247.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We hang only very special ornaments on this tree. Most of them have come from my dad. Each year for many years he bought me a little something special.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CYDM8z3QOc/TvIbxj_MQxI/AAAAAAAAQQo/9u_cfbEjDd8/s1600/P1070250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CYDM8z3QOc/TvIbxj_MQxI/AAAAAAAAQQo/9u_cfbEjDd8/s640/P1070250.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have also been treating myself to one antique piece each Christmas. I like older ornaments from Germany and Austria.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RT6jyKfcN8U/TvIcNY3gZcI/AAAAAAAAQQw/BvjccTwU4hA/s1600/P1070255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RT6jyKfcN8U/TvIcNY3gZcI/AAAAAAAAQQw/BvjccTwU4hA/s640/P1070255.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Occasionally a <i>non-vintage </i>ornament is thrown in the mix. Here is a glass replica of our sweet little dog, Dallas.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDaA_0rAnCQ/TvIdK85lfOI/AAAAAAAAQQ4/3c-0asc5B2M/s1600/P1070248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDaA_0rAnCQ/TvIdK85lfOI/AAAAAAAAQQ4/3c-0asc5B2M/s640/P1070248.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my new mercury glass treasure. It is most likely from the 1940's.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuO7kSe8Eio/TvIfijXRDeI/AAAAAAAAQRA/7jMVLZq-BG4/s1600/P1070259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuO7kSe8Eio/TvIfijXRDeI/AAAAAAAAQRA/7jMVLZq-BG4/s640/P1070259.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Our Charlie Brown tree towers above this generously proportioned Christmas-green leather chair. There's not a Santa alive who wouldn't love to rest here. Speaking of Santa, I hope he remembers to leave a new camera under our tree. I mean really. No aspiring blogger should be handicapped by old technology, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHaASlKGJYI/TvIg5VCQy3I/AAAAAAAAQRQ/eF93jtfisk0/s1600/P1070233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHaASlKGJYI/TvIg5VCQy3I/AAAAAAAAQRQ/eF93jtfisk0/s640/P1070233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Run on over to <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/">Handy Man, Crafty Woman</a> and take a leisurely stroll through all the wonderful ideas featured there.<br />
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And for another Christmas box full of inspiration, check out <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/">Wow Us Wednesday</a>, hosted by the gracious Kim of Savvy Southern Style. <br />
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May you find love and joy beneath your tree~<br />
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<i>Dana</i>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-50361637191092075152011-12-17T11:23:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:47:32.227-08:00Out of the Box~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6u-RkVs2eY/TuwSEkOBT6I/AAAAAAAAQO8/RLSDLuEywa8/s1600/P1070195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6u-RkVs2eY/TuwSEkOBT6I/AAAAAAAAQO8/RLSDLuEywa8/s640/P1070195.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Oh yeah. When it comes to Christmas my tastes are more than a little eclectic; maybe even all the way to quirky. I like traditional, refined rustic, folk art and even a little retro.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Put it together and what've you got..."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">A whole lot of Christmas! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last night, while Larry struggled with installing a new-to-us wood burning fireplace insert (for which he's been on an incessant prowl), I decorated one of our Christmas trees. This tree is out of the box~ literally. And I love it. She's a slimline, 6 foot aluminum beauty!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOV_uBZFGzg/TuwVe1OEAuI/AAAAAAAAQPE/NK0CbBYZVg8/s1600/P1070201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOV_uBZFGzg/TuwVe1OEAuI/AAAAAAAAQPE/NK0CbBYZVg8/s640/P1070201.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was just getting started, as you can see.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was a preteen in the mid 60's, my next door neighbor and friend Diana had one of the first ever aluminum trees. I really thought her family was cool. They even had the multi-colored light wheel to go with it. Do you remember any of this? Are there Baby Boomers among us?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We, on the other hand, had either a green tree off the local lot or a green tree that was heavily flocked white to resemble snow. I grew up in Southern California and a flocked Christmas tree was the closest thing we had to a white Christmas. I loved the night my dad finally announced that we could go tree shopping. There was a tree lot on a nearby corner and we would peruse each aisle. My dad would pull tree after tree out for our inspection. I was the impatient one in the family. I would have bought any of them. But my dad was discerning and we would shop until we found the perfect tree~ perfect height, full and fragrant, perfect price. Then we would take it home and he would cut a few inches off of the trunk, stick it in a pail of wet sand and then send me off to do homework.<br />
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Oh how I hated waiting 24 hours to decorate our tree. I would beg him to let us set it in the house that very night. But my dad has own little ritual and he didn't deviate from it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our Christmas trees were lovely. When I was a very young girl we used the large colored lights and an array of glass ornaments. Nothing needed to match; its beauty was steeped in tradition. On the night we decorated the tree, my dad would set out our reel to reel tape recorder~ a beastly, boxy piece of equipment~ and he would play the only Christmas tape we owned; a collection of traditional carols sung by a large choir of rich voices. As I recall the tape began and ended with a gorgeous rendition of <i>Carol of the Bells. </i>Occasionally the tape would break but that didn't matter. My dad just taped it back together. Oh how I loved that tape~ and how I felt as I listened. I will never forget the intense feelings of joy that seemed to be unique to the Christmas season. It's a feeling that I believe all adults long to recapture. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I got older my mom's taste changed. Our trees were more dressy; usually white with small white lights and all gold balls. They too were beautiful. My family loved Christmas~ family, food, friends and stockings hung above the fireplace. I have such a reservoir of warm memories.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My aluminum tree represents these memories. The sixties-ness of it speaks to me of my upbringing--my nest--a simple life free of worry. Mine was a life wrapped in the loving arms of my dad and my mom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncOAVCeecb0/TuwbXSdpYHI/AAAAAAAAQPM/_UcsA740yGI/s1600/P1070196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncOAVCeecb0/TuwbXSdpYHI/AAAAAAAAQPM/_UcsA740yGI/s640/P1070196.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have my own assortment of vintage ornaments to hang upon my 6 feet of tin foil. None of them came from my family so I've had to buy them as I can find them. Now that older ornaments are becoming popular once again, the prices are creeping up. I'm sorry that I don't have any heirloom ornaments but that doesn't really matter. Their vintage evokes all the warmth of Christmases past.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the boxed sets I've had the good fortune to stumble upon. Some still have original price tags from stores such as Woolworth's and Montgomery Ward. One of the price tags says .05! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c7yHK1J82g/TuwbxWTof2I/AAAAAAAAQPU/XTZ_RbOsAts/s1600/P1070197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c7yHK1J82g/TuwbxWTof2I/AAAAAAAAQPU/XTZ_RbOsAts/s640/P1070197.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This box lid is precious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Well here she is, resplendent with ornamentation. I love her shape. It seems perfectly designed for the corner of our sun room~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP_AShOtJJ8/TuzhqdjqkSI/AAAAAAAAQPk/J5suLH2cdNI/s1600/P1040222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP_AShOtJJ8/TuzhqdjqkSI/AAAAAAAAQPk/J5suLH2cdNI/s640/P1040222.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Folk art snow men gallantly stationed aboard our retro pink ladder,<br />
guard the growing inventory of gifts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBqqR-INkKc/Tuzk9l7J8RI/AAAAAAAAQPs/HawGtmWO3Yc/s1600/P1070210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBqqR-INkKc/Tuzk9l7J8RI/AAAAAAAAQPs/HawGtmWO3Yc/s640/P1070210.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWf97jdwFDY/TuzlKIgvCQI/AAAAAAAAQP0/591ZVslvMl8/s1600/P1070211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWf97jdwFDY/TuzlKIgvCQI/AAAAAAAAQP0/591ZVslvMl8/s640/P1070211.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This guy is under a lot of stress!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I totally gave myself over to nostalgia last night as I trimmed the tree. And then, while I listened to Johnny Mathis singing "Oh Holy Night" (as only Johnny Mathis can), I began to wonder if our son looks fondly back on the Christmases of his childhood. Or at 29 is he still too busy looking forward? I wonder too if Larry and I have created enough tradition. And did we provide the <i>stuff</i> of which precious memories are made? Or did we just provide 'stuff"? Perhaps as a young, single man he has yet to think about these things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not going to ask him though. Not just yet. One of these days he'll have his own family and as he goes about the business of establishing new family traditions maybe his own good memories will occupy his thoughts for a time. I like to think so anyway.<br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHMVFZPc78/TuzlZm-ww7I/AAAAAAAAQP8/KX65dVo-Hjw/s1600/P1070212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHMVFZPc78/TuzlZm-ww7I/AAAAAAAAQP8/KX65dVo-Hjw/s640/P1070212.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJuZOnn0iGA/TuwheaegmcI/AAAAAAAAQPc/5OTy4Ef5ZlE/s1600/P1070203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJuZOnn0iGA/TuwheaegmcI/AAAAAAAAQPc/5OTy4Ef5ZlE/s640/P1070203.JPG" width="612" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">May your hearts be filled with profound joy! And may all your Christmases <i>right.</i><br />
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Thank you so much for dropping by~<br />
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<i>Dana</i></div>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-55582422536352955862011-12-15T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-15T13:04:25.184-08:00Holiday Sparkle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All that glitters is not gold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIhvJrTarHE/TupQ-Om7CsI/AAAAAAAAQNQ/gwp7p2xMOBk/s1600/P1070190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIhvJrTarHE/TupQ-Om7CsI/AAAAAAAAQNQ/gwp7p2xMOBk/s640/P1070190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Everyone has a task on their 'to do' list which they consistently push to the bottom. On my list it's polishing silver. I love silver and I want it to shine. But for some reason I resist committing time to such a monotonous task. But as we've all heard it said, "No pain, no gain". So yesterday I undertook what has become in recent years a semi-annual chore.<br />
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Here is part of my inventory~<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK6OVFkzeaM/TupRijPV34I/AAAAAAAAQNY/I1S1R-b6PaQ/s1600/P1070165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK6OVFkzeaM/TupRijPV34I/AAAAAAAAQNY/I1S1R-b6PaQ/s640/P1070165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIXhCBQiY6g/TupRn8FXAUI/AAAAAAAAQNg/JkZu0iTJlpM/s1600/P1070166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIXhCBQiY6g/TupRn8FXAUI/AAAAAAAAQNg/JkZu0iTJlpM/s640/P1070166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Look at this Deed Box! Vintage Pottery Barn showing its age.<br />
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These pieces are daunting and yet there's more! I have had all of this PB silver for almost 20 years. I can't believe how fast the years fly by. At Christmas I think the passage of time becomes the most evident, as we seem to mark time with holiday memories.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow..." </div><div style="text-align: center;">This lyric always makes me cry.</div><br />
Well, more on point, I worked and I worked and I'm here to tell you that my home is positively sparkling!<br />
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How about a little preview?<br />
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My set of PB reindeer, a gift from my mom and dad, have been Christmas fixtures upon the mantle for nearly two decades.<br />
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Stocking holders all in a row.<br />
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Look at the Deed Box now! And, check out my silver plated mirrored coffee table! I found it at a model home sale for about $20. What was I thinking? Now I have a table to polish too!<br />
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Another view~<br />
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Wow! Suddenly I'm feeling a Christmas glow! I hope you are too!<br />
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Until we meet again~<br />
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<i>Dana</i><br />
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Tired of the holiday bustle? Use a little down time to browse all the creative ideas at <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/">A Glimpse Inside</a>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-90852465598840411062011-11-20T15:45:00.000-08:002011-11-20T15:45:06.263-08:00Small Space Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h2x-hl4OA4/TsmDuj9WPbI/AAAAAAAAQK4/tSUWlRNM4as/s1600/smalllivingnytimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h2x-hl4OA4/TsmDuj9WPbI/AAAAAAAAQK4/tSUWlRNM4as/s640/smalllivingnytimes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When we made the decision to move to Fidalgo Island about a decade ago we realized that in order to have the lifestyle we were seeking we would have to downsize. We went from relatively large Midwest housing to small cottage life with a large view. <br />
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No, the above is not my house. But sometimes it feels like it.<br />
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We only have one child, but as my mom has pointed out, Larry and I have as much stuff as a family of 6. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I like my things. I am decor-driven. But a 1500 square foot cottage won't hold everything and we were forced to pick and choose. <br />
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This little loveseat survived the cut. It came from my folks and it has worn many outfits during its 30 year history with my family. It has been upholstered twice and slip covered twice. It's cute and classy and I like having it in our home. But finding a spot for it was a struggle until I had what I consider to be a great idea. I decided to use it in our sun room/dining room as a banquette of sorts.<br />
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I moved it by myself one day recently when I was in the house alone. There is truth to the expression, "where there's a will there's a way". Once I made up my mind to have it in the sun room there was no stopping me. I then maneuvered the table, another Bishop heirloom, in front of the love seat. The look is just right.<br />
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The pass through from the kitchen was created by removing the old window from this once exterior wall. I am going to brag about Larry now and tell you that he added the sun room onto the back of our house almost entirely by himself. I really like the way he trimmed out the pass through.<br />
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We had some friends over for dinner on Friday evening so the table is set festively.<br />
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I found this old silver candelabra among my mother in law's things years ago. It has such a comfortable vintage quality.<br />
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Though sometimes it seems like we live in a box, I have found that forcing myself to think outside of it, that is, to rethink traditional, has yielded a few creative and pleasing results. There are many quality books written about living large in small spaces. Even retailers such as Pottery Barn have begun to feature ideas for smaller footprints. After all, if home is truly where we hang our hearts then life is less about square feet and more about loving where we live.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by. Whether you live in a castle or a cottage, may it be filled with the warmth and coziness of friends and family as you celebrate the beautiful traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday.<br />
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May blessings abound~<br />
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Dana<br />
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Post Script: For some really great idea-browsing, visit <a href="http://www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/">Masterpiece Monday</a> at Boogie Board Cottage and <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">Tabletop Tuesday</a> at A Stroll Thru Life.Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195952338116111157.post-84254394111410916262011-11-12T13:52:00.000-08:002011-11-12T13:52:52.959-08:00When Sadness Takes Up ResidenceI have been away from my blog for some time now; I was derailed by swift and unexpected grief.<br />
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At the end of September my beloved dog Beanie succumbed to old age. Anyone who has allowed themselves to give their heart away completely to a pet understands the depth of my sadness.<br />
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And then tragically, in the wake of Beanie's departure, my dad, for whom I can not even begin to adequately express my love and devotion, slipped into a coma and subsequently left our midst. My sense of loss is profound and the pain is deep.<br />
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Recently a very old friend penned these words to me~<br />
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<i>Just when I thought I was doing better, some reminder came along and knocked me flat on my back. It was painful. And I never get over missing my parents...it doesn't go away. I just get used to it.</i><br />
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Grief is tricky business. Just when I think I am beginning to brighten, a little thing will trigger tears.<br />
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I'm sure that tears will eventually ebb and I will be warmed by the countless good memories of my relationship with my dad. There is such rich history with him and I will never tire of recounting all the ways he impacted me and all of the reasons I valued him.<br />
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But for now I am somewhat shackled by emotion.<br />
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My dad loved to know that I was writing and he encouraged me to pursue writing as a past time. Now and again I would write a short-short story and share it with him. Or I would deviate from the topics of house and garden to blog about something of a slightly more complex nature; mostly because I thought he wanted me to. He was my father, my friend and my biggest fan. And I can only hope he knows how much I miss him.<br />
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<i> </i>Dana Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633408642283118508noreply@blogger.com7