Walk around the garden

A new year is dawning

  Happy New Year y'all.....   

Tonight the calendar goes from 2020 to 2021.  We will add a new baby puppy on this day.  Can't believe we lost 2 of our beloved dogs this year.  Well, what started out as loss is ending as gain.

This is our wonderful Lily.  She is 18 months old and has no idea her baby sister is arriving today.  LOL

We celebrated Christmas in a very peaceful, thankful way this year.

I remain committed to keeping my blog as a normal homemaker writing and taking pictures.  I am not joining in the "professional"  movement.  I do believe there is a place for women like me to share online.  Anyway, I'm still kicking and wanted to say hello to anyone that is still following along..

Happy New Year friends..

Love,

Mona

Flowers and Dishes

What came first?  my love of flowers or my love of dishes?  kinda like the chicken and the egg.  I have always loved both for as long as I can remember.  I plant my flowers with a thought to how they will look in an arrangement on the dining table.  I think about the dishes that I can use with thm too.  It's all a part of homemaking.  Making things beautiful and comforting and harmonious.

I bought these gorgeous plates several months ago and have waited until just the right combination of flowers were bloming in my garden.  And the wait is over for the first round.  These dahlias are just starting their long gift of blooms.  One little tuber will make many flowers and last until frost.  The main one in this arrangement is Otto's Thrill, probably my favorite dahlia.  It's the big purple/pink one.

all that you see was thrifted except the bowls and they were bought online

this cream and gold vase belonged to my Grandmother Lewis

My goal in life is to spread beauty.  It is too easy to look around for the negative and the ugly.  There are always flowers and pretty china.  When I set about putting all of this together, no matter what my mood is.. By the time I am done, I am in a good mood..  Focusing on something good and beautiful really does lift my mood.  Not always easy to do but I try.

Put something pretty on your table..anything..no matter how small.  Make the effort and I promise you that it will pay off.  Even my husband really enjoys eating a meal surrounded by a pretty tablescape.  Who was it that said we eat with our eyes?  well, give them something pretty to eat..

During all these up and down times I have to make the choice to intentionally do things like set the table.  I am not able to get myself there every day but at least most days are ok..

I hope y'all find something here inspirational...
Love,
Mona

Mid Century Modern

This table setting was so fun to do. It was inspired by some Rosenthal crystal that I just happened to discover while looking for some parfait glasses on ebay. I am in love with their square bases and beautiful crystal. They are Linear Smoke by Rosenthal. I have had these white dishes and this stainless flatware a long time. They are actually the exact dishes and utensils that were in my childhood home. We lived in an ultra modern house. the original mid century modern. I still have such a fondness for that period as you can see by my table. Maybe I am a minimalist somewhere deep down in my soul. LOL that was real funny..

My daylilies seem to set off the tablecloth and help with the sleek, linear inspiration. I hope you enjoy the pictures and get some ideas. I am pretty happy with the way it all came together. Thanks to all of you for your many, many encouraging comments.. just makes my day..

 

Bridal White Iroquois Ben Seibel plates

Sabrina by Reed and Barton stainless

Linear Smoke by Rosenthal crystal

Pewter chargers

Fisher sterling goblets

teak centerpiece with Terrariums by Syndicate home and garden

Linen table cloth by me..

The daylilies are blooming and the garden is beginning to mature. It is a glorious time of year to find something beautiful to focus on. Search for that beauty. You will find it..

Thanks for stopping by,

Mona

What if?

What if I started blogging regularly again...  I often think about writing again..  Maybe I will just try it out and see where it goes.

I do have an awful lot of life that I could share with y'all.  After all, my blog vision was to share what goes on in a home that most folks don't see.  My Mama used to ask me all the time.  What do you do all day???  in a very condescending way.  LOL  I never run out of things to do.  It is never boring around here and I definitely like to make everything pretty.

Elevate the everyday is a phrase I have been repeating often..

Here are a few pictures of my daylilies that are blooming..

Let's just call this a trial run..  I just feel the need to spread the beauty.  to elevate the everyday.  to share what is good and hopeful..

I hope you have enjoyed the flowers.  Until next time..
Love,
Mona

Lily's birthday and Memorial Day

Hey y'all..  It's Memorial Day weekend and it's also our puppy Lily's birthday today.  She has been nothing but a good decision for me.  First a few pictures of her throughout the year and then the patriotic table I set for us.

the first time I met Lily

her spot

                                                                                   

still her spot

she bonded well with the others, we have lost 2 of these since Lily came to live with us

                                                                             

                                                                             

apparently she yawns
 a lot.  LOL

                                                     
   

She is absolutely adored. Best dog I have ever had and I have had a lot of them.  Her temperament is funny and spunky. She can hold her own with the two boys that are twice her size.  

Oh, Lily, how we love you.. 

Happy Birthday girl..

Have a good and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Love,

Mona