A Little Snow, a Little Fire, and a Whole Lot of Smokin' Going On

An eventful weekend in Nashville...

 

If snowflakes and smoke were indicators,

we were in for an interesting weekend.

 

Almost to my daughter's house, we get a call,

"Lit a candle....Christy upset...kitchen in flames...come quickly."

 

You can imagine the thoughts that went from, "Christy"  to "come quickly."

In half a second,

a mama's mind can't help but go there.

 

My baby girl's disappointment was more that

she "had everything perfect" and was "looking forward to showing us."

 

This mama was more concerned for her baby's safety.

 

It is amazing how things can change in a flash!

 

 

Charlie, our GRANDdog was scared to death,

it was snowing and I HAD TO DRIVE,

which scared my husband to death!

 

In the end, we got a little snow, a little fire,

and a Whole LOT of smoke.

 

We were still able to enjoy a weekend with family, see the lights at Opryland
through the eyes of our grandchid,

and got to see the house that was "perfect."

 

It really was...

 

Flocked tree of blue and bronze.

 

 

A closer look-sparkly blue star and garland with blue and silver berries.

 

 

I love the reflection of lights among the "snow"

covered branches and the bird.

 

 

Blue and white,

one of my favorite combinations.

 

 

A glittered white tree in a cloche.

 

 

Great vintage frame and chalkboard paint.

 

 

 

 

Sweet little nothings were scattered through out the house...

an evergreen branch here and there,

a snow covered church,

a ball of yarn,

pine cones,

hand-made coasters...

 

 

and vintage ornaments hanging from a burlap bow.

 

 

Maybe this photos of the room,

makes up for my being in the photo before:)

 

 

Their bedroom is my favorite.

 

The snow-covered church with brush trees

has a vintage look but were found

at T.J. Maxx a couple of Christmas' ago.

 

 

I love birds!

 

 

Old bottles and balls, were just little notions

that added to the perfectly displayed Christmas

decor of my daughter and son-in-law's home.

 

 

 

Oh, it could have been so much worse!

 

 

 

Thank you Lord, that you give us beauty for ashes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



One Last Christmas Tablescape

Not much decor for this chick this year.

 

I enjoyed a sit-down dinner at my brother and SIL's home.

 

Her place-setting included my Christmas china of choice-

Historical Georgia Plates.

 

 

A black tablecloth and red chargers made the transferware POP!

 

 

Cute little stockings made great napkin holders.

 

 

A centerpiece for the main table with a red hurricane,

 

 

A stone fireplace,

 

 

My mama's depression glass pitcher,

 

 

An old kerosene lantern,

 

and

 

FAMILY...

 

Having a wonderful Christmas time!

 

See ya next year!

 

Bonnie:)

 

 

 

 

 

 



Second Row, Piano Side: Christmas Eve

 

This is the second year without Mama and Daddy.

 

As the week of Christmas drew near,

I was filled with a holy reverence and Presence

as if God Himself had wrapped me in His light and love.

I heard a gentle whisper in my ear,

"I AM God With Us-Emanuel."

 

That gentle whisper has become a

voice that lingers with me, and
the tears or grief have been replaced with tears of joy
from memories of Christmas' past.

 

Christmas Eve for the "Second Row, Piano Side"family

was anything but boring.

 

We spent the evening with some of our cousins.

Our night of celebration somewhat resembled
the Fourth of July.

 .

Days before, Mama would cross the bridge into South Carolina

to buy firecrackers and sparklers.

The boys enjoyed throwing the "poppers, " and 

listening to the girls scream.

We lit sparklers, blue, red and green,

until every box was gone.

 

After dinner, we went riding around

"to see the Christmas lights."

We looked for the same decorated homes year after year

and checked the sky for Rudoph's bright and shiny nose.

 

We had our very own Santa living right next door.

Of course, we didn't know that he lived next door

until years later.

While we were out seeing the sights of Christmas,

Santa was busy unpacking boxes,

putting together bikes and a swingset or

whatever the big wish was for the year decade.

(The "biggies" didn't happen often and I wonder today

if the neighbors didn't have something to

do with it.)

 

A few minutes later our neighbors would visit

to see what Santa had brought.

 

Daddy would then read the Christmas story

and we'd gather 'round the piano

and sing carols.

 

This year, similar to Christmas' past,

we enjoyed the music of the season,

(as well as a little "I'm a Believer" and "Play That Funky Music.")

laughed and sang along

as my brother led.

 

 

The future generation follows close behind.

Sarah, my niece is learning to play,

 

 

and my great nephews,

already have "real" guitars of their own.

 

 

Parker has a blue one!

 

 

And Uncle Bruce made sure that

my big boy got to play along.

 

 

My Connor man was so excited!

 

 

Next year, big boy, next year!

 

 

It was all about the little ones as it is

year after year.

 

 

The little ones look up to the big boys

with awe and amazement.

 

Traditions, though different, remain

and we will continue to pass on the legacy of love

to the next generation.

 

(We are a music family.  I'm gonna name drop here at bit...

Dave Haywood with Lady Antebellem is my first cousin's, son.

Dave's grandfather and my mom are brother and sister.

Back in the day, his dad and my brother and other cousins

got together around the old pop belly stove and played their guitars and sang.)

 

Merry Christmas!

May God Bless You This Christmas Eve!

 

Bonnie:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Sentimental and Vintage Ornaments

It's my day off and Santa is about to make a delivery-

a new sofa.

 

When my kids moved away,

I got rid of the sectional that covered my entire

SMALL SPACE living area.

 

My daughter has it figured.

We've had 5 sofas in the past 8 years- (LOL)

 

all of which were second-handers

and weren't the most comfortable.

 

I brought home another about 2 weeks ago

because the last one broke the weekend of Thanksgiving

(Thank God!)

It smells like the bed of an animal

and would probably be just right for a huge dog.

 

That did it! 

My husband said, "This has got to go!"

On the outside, I'm saying,

"We just can't do that right now,"

On the inside, I'm jumping up and down.

 

That's why the new sofa.

 

So while I waited for Santa,

I trimmed the last tree.

 

It's only special to me

because it's filled with special memories

of my son's childhood

and a few vintage ornaments thrown in.

 

 

I added the ribbon to fill in the holes.

 

 

My baby boy made this when he was only 3 years old

and a student a Sister's Baptist Church Kindergarten.

 

A great idea to do with your children.

 

A jar lid- $0

A piece of lace- $0 or 25 cents depending on where you shop

A piece of a paper and some markers-$1 (at the Dollar Store) 

Your little one's thumbprint and a memory that will last a lifetime-PRICELESS!

 

 

Hallmark ornaments of

baseball heros.

(Yes, my son loves baseball.

Our vacations were spent at a ball field

in Little League tournaments.)

He played college ball all four years.

Yes, we are proud!

No sacrifices there!

We loved every minute of it!

 

 

One of four vintage ornaments

that I got for $1.50.

 

 

A GA Bulldog, of course!

 

 

Another vintage love-

a Toy Soldier among other

throw-aways from a friend.

 

My GRANDbaby (1 year old)

will be here day after tomorrow!

He can take down the whole tree,

I don't care!

Just to know that

he'll be "Home for Christmas."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Second Row, Piano Side: The Church Christmas Plays

Growing up on the Second Row, Piano Side,

afforded me many opportunities to see

the making of a great Christmas production year after year

up close and personal.

 

When I say production, I'm talking Lights, Camera, Action!

 

My mom wrote a play that was produced year after year

on the front lawn of our church.

  

Many months before the stage was set,

Mama and her many assistants

assembled together

actors and actresses with speaking parts

to record parts on a reel to reel recorder.

I'm talking movie reel!
 

 

The voices were familiar and the parts were the same

year after year.

 

I was always a "little" angel in the play,

(who got her tail tore up nightly

at rehearsal.)

Yeah, some angel, huh?

The part never did fit quite right:)

 

I dreamed of being Mary.

Although I never got to play the BIG part,

I was center stage on my own platform.

 

Hearing the words, night after night,

I recited the story of our Savior's birth.

I wrapped my baby Jesus in swaddling clothes

and laid him in a cardboard box manger.

Everything was in unison as each part
was played out on the front lawn of
Sandersville First Church of the Nazarene.

Each person had a role to fill-
Mary, Joseph, The Choir of Angels,
the Shepherds, the Wise Men,
the Innkeeper, and even the live animals.
(Mary even came to the stable riding on a stubborn mule one year!)
 

The story was real to this little girl

on the Second Row, Piano Side.

I sang the sweet carols daily

and anticipated nightly rehearsals

the week before Christmas.

 

The night finally arrived
as everyone in the community
came to witness 

the greatest story ever told.

 

Only it wasn't just a story.

It was a presentation of the birth of our Redeemer, our Savior,

Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God,

Emanuel-God with us.

 

The Wise Men followed a star.

 

 

My journey to Jesus has been a mix of twists and turns.

I asked Jesus into my heart as pure and innocent

5 year old.

As Daddy gave the invitation,

I tugged on mama's dress and asked if I could go forward.

I view that day in living color.

 

When I was 12 years old, I came home

from camp horrified that this sweet Jesus

that I had come to know as a baby

would return and take some people away and leave others.

Separation from my family was enough to turn me around.

 

For years I literally walked this journey with much fear and trembling.

 

This Christmas I am experiencing the birth of the Messiah

in a NEW LIGHT.

 

I've been thinking about this story...

 

Mary and Joseph saw the Glory of God (The LIGHT)

as an angel appeared to them.

 

The Wise Men followed a STAR-another great manifestation of LIGHT.

 

The Shepherds were awakened by a GREAT LIGHT as the Glory of the Lord

shone 'round about them and

angels proclaimed "good tidings of great joy."

 

As a little girl, my daughter sang about that LIGHT... 

 

"I see a star, a bright and shining star

See way, up there it is so very far.

Where it goes, I wonder who will know

How it twinkles, how it glitters

How it lights the night.

How it twinkles, how it glitters

How it lights the night."

 

Hoping that this Star that WHO appeared one night long ago,

will appear to you today bringing HIS LIGHT to you this Christmas.

 

From My Heart to Yours,

 

Merry Christmas:)

 

BTW, the tree above with the STAR???

It is filled with old ornaments

from my baby boy's (he's 27)

childhood.

 

Stay tuned for the trimming of the tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Christmas Through the Eyes of a Toddler

As I eagerly anticipate Christmas with my children,

I am filled with excitement.

 

To experience the joy of Christmas

through the eyes of a toddler,

will be more than my heart can contain.

 

His busy little hands are touching everything.

He toddles awhile until he realizes that

he can move faster on all fours.

 

He is a sweet boy.

 

He reaches for the lights on the tree,

touches ever so softly

and then off to another adventure he goes-

like Mommy's kitchen cabinets

with pots and pans and spoons-

better than a real "live" set of drums.

 

His room His dad's old room is all ready for his arrival.

 

 

My mama's ceramic tree now finds a place

among my Christmas treasures and will one day

find it's place among my children's treasures.

 

 

Mr. Vintage Santa will welcome him.

 

A couple of years ago while shopping with my DIL,

I spotted Mr. Santa.

He was out of my $5 budget.

I said, "No, thank you."

 

To my surprise, he was under the tree

Christmas morning.

He will be Connor's one day for sure.

 

 

Today was the first time in months that I have been pickin'.

I was so excited to snag these vintage coasters

for a whoppin' 25 cents

 

 

and a vintage card decoupaged to a little cardboard basket

  for 25 cents.

Both were waiting for me at the local Salavation Army.

 

 

As happy I am that I will have the joy

of holding my sweet boy and watching

him teeter about from room to room,

I am saddened that some will not have this pleasure.

 

The horrific tragedy that had not escaped the

families in Connecticut

will mark Christmas for us all.

 

As I look at my baby,

I wonder what his and my future grandchildren's

world will be like.

 

I can only trust the One who came to earth

so that He may sympathize with our pain,

that He may identify with our weakness,

and that He may comfort us as we mourn.

 

Jesus...Emanuel..God with us.

 

As He now holds those children in his arms,

may their mommies and daddies,

teachers and friends,

feel His embrace as they face the lonely painful days ahead.

 

As we hold our children,

may we remember to pray for those who can't.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hometown Christmas: An Open Door, A Christmas Tree and a Sleigh Full of Presents

Nothing says, "Welcome to our hometown," better than an Open Door..

or maybe

 

a new door with a vintage look,

decorated with "Silver Bells."

 

I love this little shop.

It is filled with all kinds of eye candy.

 

 

A mantle decorated with evergreens,

dim lighting,

galvanized buckets to hold two Charlie Brown Christmas trees,

ribbon, bulbs, and bows

make me feel like

"Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire."

 

 

"Oh, Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches."

Al Woods of Warthen Lane Interiors

knows how to fill those branches.

The checked and burlap ribbon gives it that

Farmhouse look

that I LOVE!

 

 

However, it wouldn't be Christmas without

 a little glitter and glow.

 

An antique sleigh is filled with gifts and ready for

"Children all nestled and snug in their beds, while

 visions of sugar plums dance in their heads."

 

Nothing like the songs and stories of Christmas

 to put me in the mood for some

hometown shopping.

 

Hope you'll join me,

Bonnie:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Hometown Christmas: Big Bulb Lights and The Gazebo

Nothing like the feel of home.

 

I have been working out of town for the past month. 

 

I love my job and the people in this small community are

just good down- home folks.

 

They have a pretty little town and it is all ready for Christmas.

 

But I must confess, I miss my small town.

 

 

The Gazebo stands in the center of our hometown square.

 

 

Familiar decorations from Christmas pasts

line the street lights.

 

 

A Christmas tree with big bulb lights stands

in the middle of it all.

 

 

Love these!

 

 

The Lite-a-Lite Tree Ceremony, hosted

by the local Pilot Club

is the kick-off for the Hometown Holiday events.

Before the busyness of the season,

we pause just a moment to

remember those we love and

those we have loved and lost.

 

The county courthouse is a great backdrop

for it all.

 

 In our hometown local businesses are open on Christmas Eve

and music plays in the air, 

"while shoppers rush home

 with their presents."

 

It's sad that we are busy running back and forth to the larger

cities for bigger and better gifts.

 

I still like to shop at home

and you won't get that

warm, hometown feel at Walmart.

 

I'm glad I remember more simple times.

I'm glad I still live in a Mom and Pop kind of town.

 

Merry Christmas from my hometown to yours,

 

Bonnie:)  

 

 

 

 



Hometown Christmas: The Country Buffet

The Shepherds, a Southern Gospel group from

my hometown, have a new single out.

 

Hometown Christmas

 

It's one of my favorites.

 

Thought I'd share some photos from my hometown.

 

I will post the words to this Christmas song

in upcoming posts.

 

 

 

Mama's kind of cooking at

The Country Buffet

on the square in

Sandersville, GA.

 

We eat there after church most Sundays.

 

MENU:

SALADS

Macaroni Salad

Pasta Salad

Potato Salad

Green Pea Salad

in addition to a

Tossed Salad Bar

 

Veggies:

Green Beans

Butter beans (you may call them Lima Beans)

Cream Corn

Cream Potatoes (the REAL thang)

Rice and Gravy

Squash Casserole

Sweet Potato Souffle

Dressing

 

Meats:

Fried Chicken (THE BEST)

Roast Beef

Fried Fat Back (only in the South)

Fried Pork Chops

 

Breads:

Rolls

Thin and Crispy Lace Cornbread

 

Desserts:

Apple or Peach Cobbler

Chocolate Delight

Cake (a different one every week)

Home baked cookies(Sometimes)

Ice Cream (Always)

 

Lunch Served Daily

 

 

The old rusty bike is a permanent stay.

It's basket is filled with all kinds of goodies

depending on the season.

 

 

The owners, Neil and Penny Pittman

have a love affair with antiques.

They love auctions and are especially fond of

old pottery.

They have a special way of displaying small town

history inside the store.

 

My friend, Olive of Olive Out photographed and blogged about

 The Pittman's Sleigh last Christmas.

 

They have a catering business, as well and

are famous in our neck of the woods.

Even Honey Boo-Boo showed up one Saturday. 

 

In our Hometown we always say,

"Merry Christmas."

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Country Buffet.

 

More of my Hometown to follow.

 

Bonnie:)

 

 

 

Find this plate at Geo. Quarters

along with other great Christmas gifts.

 

Today I purchased "A Dog Named Munson"

and a Mint Spruce Bean Pod candle.

 

My home smells like Christmas.