Yep...back to normal.

Hello friend!  I told you I would be back to my old posting habits!  I've been busy though.  I am in the process of decluttering more.  I started last year and it was a slow process because I would do one closet and then not do anything else for a few weeks.  Anyhow...it will get done eventually...maybe.

So, back during Blogmas, I showed you some of the things I found at the thrift store and said I would be back to post what I actually bought.  This is that post.

I picked up this picture.  The picture, itself, really isn't my style but I love the rustic frame.

The corners have these metal pieces that I call reinforcers.  They may simply be for looks but they also hole the frame together nice and tight.

The picture is sweet but it wouldn't go with anything in my home.  If you like it, and want it, I would be happy to mail it to you.  Let me know.  Oh and yeah...Grandma's are just antique little girls...and I'm getting more antiques by the second!  Aren't we all!?

I grabbed these two spools of Christmas ribbon.  Certainly not for the ribbon that is on them because that stuff is flat out ugly!  I liked the vintage spools and used them in a Christmas vignette.  I may use them somewhere else but I will wind some prettier ribbon on them if I do.

These book just jumped off the shelf and into my basket so I had to bring them home!  They may have had some help jumping but I'll never admit it!  I've seen the movie, "Under The Tuscan Sun" but I don't think I've ever read the book.  Should be a nice way to spend a cold, dreary day...if our weather ever changes.  I'm still not complaining about the wonderful weather we've had!  It's been wonderful and certainly has kept my S.A.D. at bay, for the most part.  Anyhow, I wanted, so badly, to read the Little Women Christmas Dreams book but if I'm honest, I just wasn't in the mood to read.  Too much drama surrounding our kids and trying to figure out if they were coming or not and if I even cared if they did.  Long story that needs to be thrown in the shredder!  BOOKS!  That's what I was talking about!  I absolutely love the Gooseberry Patch books!  I will snatch one up in a heartbeat.  I don't know that I actually use the recipes much but they are so pretty and I have found a recipe or two that have become favorties.

Remember that big rack of vinyl records I posted about?  These are the ones I got.  I bought myself a small, portable record player for Christmas and didn't have a single record so when I found that rack, and the price was only $1.00 each, you better believer I dug through every one of them.  I didn't find too many that I liked but these will do until I find the ones I want.

If you are of a certain age, you might remember the boxed album sets that Reader's Digest "presented".  That was how they introduced things back in those days..."Reader's Digest presents, this thing or that thing".  There was a large box of these sets hidden under a shelf by the books.  I naturally dug through it.  I found this set and of course had to get it since I love folk music...well, vintage folk music...not this new crap.  I loved the cover, too!  Can't you just hear that young man seranading his sweetheart!  Oh, those were the days, were they not?

Now this record, here, I have no idea what the music is because I didn't and still haven't looked to see.  I just fell in love with the cover.  If I don't like the music then I might use the picture for a craft project.  Who knows, it may end up being my favorite.  We'll see.

Last but not least, and perhaps my favorite thing I bought that day, is this little resin mushroom.  The cap is a bit sparkly and the little darling was all alone on a shelf and I felt bad for her so she also jumped into my basket...with help.  I have a little cubby shelf she will look cute in.

Well, that is my pre-holiday thrift finds.  I have been thrifting since then and will show that trip and purchases soon.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope to see you again soon!

Shalom,

Pam

January Ideas

Hello friend!  I so glad you stopped by.  

I never make resolutions or pick a word of the year.  If you do, that's great but I end up failing miserably with resolutions and never remember what word I picked or maybe a few weeks down the road, the word is irrelevant.  I really never have done the resolution thing. I don't need that kind of negativity!  

I do have a notebook where I jot down ideas and projects I would like to do throughout the year but that's mainly for fun!  If it happens, YAY ME! - if not, OK!  LoL. Anyhow, with that being said, I have a few lists for you!  Some journal prompts, bucket list...just fun stuff!  Let me know if you try some of it!

There are a few things on these lists that I am definitely going to be doing...and some I will try to do.  One is to get new glasses or at least go see if I need a new prescription.  I will go for a walk every day even if it is only down to the mailbox at the end of the driveway...and that may very well be as far as I make it but I'm doing it!  For sure I will be feeding the birds and germinating seeds...Oh and buy used instead of new!!!  I don't think it's a secret that I am a big fan of doing that anyways.

As far as the things I will try to do... I want to learn how to eat to nourish my body and not to simply eat for survival.  I have been dealing with some health issues that seem to be a mystery to both my doctor and myself so I am going to work on food intake (which I don't eat much of since I had bariatric surgery 12 years ago) and drinking more water.  I am really going to try practicing a bit more self-care and getting support when I need it (which is hard to do in this era of my life).  Not that I have a hard time reaching out and talking but there just isn't anyone for me to reach out to but I'm going to try.  Writing/sending handwritten letters and cards is on my list as is Blessing others more.

Well, that is the plan anyhow...we'll see how long it lasts because...life, you know!

Love you to pieces!  Hope you will come back soon!

Shalom,

Pam

That's a wrap Part Dos!

 

Thank you, friends, for sticking with me in 2025 !  I pray 2026 will be filled with many blessings, peace, hope and joy...for all of us!  

Grace & Peace,

Pam

And that's a wrap!

Hello friends!  

I did it!  I managed to post every day up to Christmas day!  Whew!  I am going to take a few days off but I will be back in January!  If you've been here this whole time, I can't thank you enough!  You are loved and appreciated more than you know!

If you haven't been here, I have listed all the days of Blogmas over on the right and I will leave it there until I come back.  

I pray everyone had a blessed and safe Christmas!  God bless you!

Grace & Peace,

Pam 

Blogmas -- Day 25

 THE MESSIAH HAS COME!

The Christ Candle is white, symbolizing purity, just like the spotless Lamb of God. It reminds us how the birth of Christ fulfills all the prophecies regarding the Messiah. It reminds us to anticipate and long for Christ’s return. It reminds us to be light in the darkness, to be the light on the hill proclaiming Christ is Lord! This candle reminds us to keep Christ in our hearts.

 

I am the light that has come into the world so that everyone who believes in me will not live in the dark. John 12:46

 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:5-7).

Friends, one day soon, Jesus, the light of the world, will return to the earth and God’s promise will be fulfilled.  Peace, justice and liberty will be forever ours if we have been born again!  If you don't know Jesus and would like to know more about the love He has for you, please reach out to someone who who walks in light and truth.  

If you don't have anyone, by all means, email me at [email protected].  I would love to share what God has done in my life and how I am assured of eternal life through the salvation of Jesus!

May the light of Christ fill you with joy, hope, peace and love!

Grace & Peace,

Pam

When we believe in Jesus, the light who has come into our world, we are forever changed. We no longer live in darkness. Because his light is within us. We in turn, are lights in this dark world. And yes….the darkness can not overcome HIS Light!

This is what Christmas is all about!

The LIGHT has come!! Jesus…Immanuel…God with us. Now and forever.

Blogmas -- Day 24

Hello sweet friends!  Welcome to Blogmas -- Day 24!  

It's Christmas Eve, Y'all!!!  

I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite Christmas poems/books.  

"Cajun Night Before Christmas".  Oh you've all heard "The Night Before Christmas" but I bet you ain't never done heard nuttin' like 'dis!  LoL...

There is even a coloring book to accompany the book!  I had no idea!  I may have to get that!  I do like me some coloring!

Down below, I am linking to a Youtube video of the book being read by a Sho' 'nuff cajun.  You may or may not be able to understand it so I'm putting the words here so you can read along!  

Cajun Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas an' all t'ru de house,
Dey don't a ting pass Not even a mouse.
De chirren been nezzle good snug on de flo',
An' Mama pass de pepper t'ru de crack on de do'.

De Mama in de fireplace done roas' up de ham,
Sit up de gumbo an' make de bake yam.
Den out on de by-you dey got such a clatter,
Make soun' like old Boudreau done fall off his ladder.

I run like a rabbit to got to de do',
Trip over de dorg an' fall on de flo'.
As I look out de do'in de light o' de moon,
I t'ink, "Mahn, you crazy or got ol' too soon."

Cux dere on de by-you w'en I stretch ma'neck stiff,
Dere's eight alligator a pullin' de skiff.
An' a little fat drover wit' a long pole-ing stick,
I know r'at away got to be ole St.Nick.

Mo' fas'er an' fas'er de' gator dey came
He whistle an' holler an' call dem by name:
"Ha, Gaston! Ha, Tiboy! Ha, Pierre an' Alcee'!
Gee, Ninette! Gee, Suzette! Celeste an'Renee'!

To de top o' de porch to de top o' de wall,
Make crawl, alligator, an' be sho' you don' fall."
Like Tante Flo's cat t'ru de treetop he fly,
W'en de big ole houn' dorg come a run hisse's by.

Like dat up de porch dem ole 'gator clim!
Wit' de skiff full o' toy an' St. Nicklus behin'.
Den on top de porch roof it soun' like de hail,
W'en all dem big gator, done sot down dey tail.

Den down de chimney I yell wit' a bam,
An' St.Nicklus fall an' sit on de yam.
"Sacre!" he axclaim, "Ma pant got a hole
I done sot ma'se'f on dem red hot coal."

He got on his foots an' jump like de cat
Out to de flo' where he lan' wit' a SPLAT!
He was dress in musk-rat from his head to his foot,
An' his clothes is all dirty wit' ashes an' soot.

A sack full o' playt'ing he t'row on his back,
He look like a burglar an' dass fo' a fack.
His eyes how dey shine his dimple, how merry!
Maybe he been drink de wine from de blackberry.

His cheek was like a rose his nose a cherry,
On secon' t'ought maybe he lap up de sherry.
Wit' snow-white chin whisker an' quiverin' belly,
He shook w'en he laugh like de stromberry jelly!

But a wink in his eye an' a shook o' his head,
Make my confi-dence dat I don't got to be scared.
He don' do no talkin' gone strit to hi work,
Put a playt'ing in sock an' den turn wit' a jerk.

He put bot' his han' dere on top o' his head,
Cas' an eye on de chimney an' den he done said:
"Wit' all o' dat fire an' dem burnin' hot flame,
Me I ain' goin' back by de way dat I came."

So he run out de do' an, he clim' to de roof,
He ain' no fool, him for to make one more goof.
He jump in his skiff an' crack his big whip,
De' gator move down, An don' make one slip.

An' I hear him shout loud as a splashin' he go,
"Merry Christmas to all 'til I saw you some mo'!"

Enjoy the video!

Once again, I thank you so much for stopping by!  Please leave a comment below and I'll see you in the next one!

Grace & Peace,

Pam

Blogmas -- Day 23

Hello, dear friends!  Welcome to Blogmas -- Day 23!

Today, would have been my parent's 64th wedding anniversary!  I miss those two so much!  It never really goes away...the sadness.  But it has gotten easier but this time of year tends to be a little harder.  My Mama loved Christmas!  It was her favorite holiday!  All the lights and decorations would make her so happy!  She was like a little, giggly girl during Christmas!  

My Daddy loved Christmas, too, but he was more about the food!  LoL...well, what can I say!  I get pretty excited about food, myself! 

In honor of my parent's on their anniversary, I thought I would give you a tour of my decorations, simple as they are.  I don't decorate like I once did but it is what it is and I know my Mama would be just as excited about my minimal decorating as she would be over a house decorated to the nines!

I think this is my favorite decor this year.  Simple but it fills a blank space, on this wall, just right.  I might keep it like this for winter.  I'll change the ribbon, florals and put Winter reading books out.  

Ignore the cluttered shelves!  I have very little storage in this little house and I try to fit as much as I can in all the nook and crannies, however they will fit!  Anyhow,  the garland I made this year and the stockings are probably around 25 years old.  I don't use them every year which is why they look new, I suppose.  The basket holds the remotes and the wooden bown usually has a candle and greenery but I though the ornaments were pretty.  Of course, when you don't have a fireplace you find one on Youtube!  LoL...it works.

I had to buy a new tree this year.  It's ok...not really what I wanted but I wasn't going to pay those outrageous, tarriff bloated, prices for the one I did want.  This one will do but I think next year I might get a 4ft tree.  A big tree seems a bit much for just me and my Mister!  Our livingroom is small and I always have to take furniture out to make room for the tree.  I'm old, Y'all!  That takes a lot out of me!  I don't know...maybe - maybe not!  I do love how it is decorated this year, though.  The red and the gold just fits Christmas, doesn't it.  

These are really old as are the some of the gold balls.  They're glass, which I don't know if you can even buy glass ornaments anymore.  I've had them for a good 20 years and I bought them at a garage sale, so who knows how old they really are.  I remember the lady said all the stuff had been in storage for a lot of years.

I showed y'all this sweetheart.  He is the little sheep that I bought from the teen girls at a Farmer's Market.  I can't get over how cute he his.  Hmmm...he might get a new ribbon and stay out of the storage box!  We'll see.  I love him so much though.

I bought this pretty bird when my granddaughter was a baby, so 15 years ago.  It came from Garden Ridge which is now At Home.  Garden Ridge was much better!  Anyhow, she is losing some of her sparkle so I think I will give her a modest makeover.  There is a smaller bird somewhere on the tree but I haven't really looked for it.  My grandson probably put it on the back of the tree.  Who decorates the back of the tree!?  Well, my grandson, that's who!  Probably not more than one or two ornaments back there but if there are any at all, he is the one who put them there.

Of course, there are several handmade paper ornaments scattered around.  I've told y'all about my love for paper, glue and scissors!  Naturally I would have paper ornies on my tree!

Although these paper cones have candy inside, for the grands and my Mister, I think they would be lovely with a sprig of holly or pine in them.  Maybe next year I will make more and do that.  Oh!  There's the little birdie!  She didn't get banished to the back of the tree, after all!  

These pretties aren't old...well, maybe 3 - 4 years old but not more than that.  I picked them up at a thrift store a couple months ago.  I think they are so pretty and fit nicely with the Mini-Victorian theme this year.  I would like to find more some day.

And of course, my sweet little angel.  I told you about her, back on Day 16.  If you missed it click on the picture to read her story and how special she is.  

My home will never be in the pages of a magazine, nor will my Christmas decorations, but I guarantee there are two people in Heaven who would think it is all the best they've ever seen!  And that's all that matters to me, today, in celebration of their marriage and the life they made together!  Happy Anniversary, Mama & Daddy!  I love and miss y'all...B-I-G!

Friends, thank you for joining me in celebration and honor of my parents!  Please leave a comment below so I know you were here!

Grace & Peace,

Pam

Blogmas -- Day 22

Hello friend!  Welcome to Blogmas -- Day 22!  

Today's post is nothing special, honestly.  I decided to spend my Saturday visiting thrift stores and I did buy some things but there was so much in those stores!  I think people are donating a bunch of stuff to make room for the new they will get for Christmas.  Fine by me!  

There was some Christmas items but mostly just things that you would find any other day.  

I saw these beautiful etched glasses and immediately wished I had an occasion to use something like that.  I don't and they would just live in a box until next Christmas or winter so I passed on them but they were so pretty!

I thought this would be cute for a bookshelf filler.  There was a lot of detail and that little bee is precious.  I had to pass, though.  *sad face*

There were so many throw pillow.  Just look at that little ducky!  I just now noticed those light blue pillows!  I don't have a use for throw pillows though.  I love them but so do my dogs! 

 

I don't know about you but I could get into some island time!  Just not the pillow.

I love the bold colors in this pillow but it isn't my style.  I bet somebody who loves bright, boho decor will love it!

Oh my goodness, there was a ton of books and old vinyl!  Yes, I looked at each one...Oh yes, I did!  LoL

This item looks to be quite old...not an antique, by any means but still old.  The Santa rocks as music plays when it is wound up.  I wasn't too sure about those elves, though.  They looked kind of sketchy to me!  

A few years ago, I would have been all over this lamp!  I still like stuff like this but not enough to look at it every day!  Cute though!

Isn't this teapot just gorgeous?!  I wish my granddaughter still lived close because we would definitely have a Christmas tea party and this would have been perfect!  I almost wish I had gotten it but again, it would have lived in a box until next Christmas and I already have too much stuff living in boxes!  I hope it goes to a wonderful home where there are Grandma and Granddaughter Christmas Tea Parties!

A very timely set since it's winter...I mean, it's winter somewhere but we are having temps in the 70's!  I'm certainly not complaining but we won't be eating soup for Christmas since it is supposed to be near 80*!  I loved the set of four and feel like there should have been a cup tree to hang them on.  I probably should have bought them and gave them to my daughter because she eats soup year round.  

I did buy some things, as I said, but I think I will wait until after the holidays to show those to y'all.  I'm sure this post was boring enough, for you!  LoL...humor me!

As always, I appreciate you stopping by!  Please leave a comment below so I know you were here!

Grace & Peace,

Pam

BLOGMAS -- DAY 21

Hello Friends!!!  I am so happy you are here!  Welcome to Blogmas -- Day 21.

It's Sunday which means I will only be sharing pics I've found around the internet.  It is the fourth Sunday of Advent.  The Advent of Love.  

Oh my friends!  Can there ever be a more perfect love?  Never!  Jesus loved you so much that he died for you.  Willingly!  Perfect love.

Thanks again for joining me for Blogmas!  I am so blessed by you!  Please leave a comment below!

Grace & Peace,

Pam