Decluttering has been an ongoing project around here for a while. That’s because I’m moving at an absolute glacial pace without any real hope for improvement in this lifetime.
While motivated to not suffocate under the weight of my own stuff, I’m stymied by two things:
I realized this week that I own so many black socks there is no reason to ever again wear an uncomfortable pair of socks. Slidey socks are unwelcome here.
Scout isn’t all that helpful. I emptied this fabric box earlier this week and he has laid claim to it. He seems to believe it’s the nicest box he’s ever set paw in and hasn’t been receptive to my suggestions that we move it. We certainly can’t give it away since he’s discovered the creature comforts of having a fabric box of one’s own!
I did drop off a carload of donations a couple of weeks ago and have another bag started already. Progress is progress, I guess. Even if it is slow!
Sometimes graffiti is just graffiti and sometimes it’s a profound message. This one reads “what a blessing it is to yearn for your own memories.”
I hope you think about that the next time you’re sad for another time. I know I will.
It’s Thanksgiving Day in America and I have spent some time today studying vintage postcards and images on the internet. This image popped up on someone’s Pinterest board about vintage Thanksgiving. You should go look at their many pins over there. They have some good stuff.
This lady reminds me of my grandma. You can bet her stuffing didn’t come from a box and you have to wonder how many children were rocked to sleep in those strong arms. “Grandma will find you a cookie,” I can hear her say.
Look how joyful she is!
When you are a cook and a caregiver, feeding your family is a blessing and joy so Thanksgiving must be a truly happy day for those folks.
As for me, my sugar cookies are homemade as is the butterscotch filling for my pie. But don’t tell anyone….. the pie crust is from the frozen food section! I’ll make the crust from scratch next time.
Wherever you are, I hope for at least a while in your life you had someone like this lady who brought this level of joy to feeding their family.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
This has been an annoyingly not very good week and there’s no sign of relief. If I could, I would just go to bed and stay there still Saturday. Since that is not the world I live in I push on just like everyone else having a not very good week.
Meanwhile, someone who is also having a challenging week seemed to recognize that I was hanging on by a thread yesterday and offered me the sweetest little gift.
It’s a Little Debbie Christmas Tree!
I hadn’t had one in years and it was a delightful treat on a sour day.
That’s the thing. In a world that seems to only take take take, a small gesture can have a big impact!
Happy whatever day this is! I hope you’re having a good one.
As you’re planning your shopping this season, consider supporting small businesses that provide a special experience while you shop for things you won’t find anywhere else.
I stopped by Stella’s Mercantile after my hike Saturday and was delighted to see they are decorated for Christmas. Life sized nutcrackers flank the front door that’s always painted a festive red.
Step through those red doors and warm greetings abound in a space that feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. This building operated as Fout’s Store for generations until I was a kid and I have fond memories of the old wood floors and fixtures. They’ve done a great job of holding onto the historic charm of the space while shifting their focus to local artists, candy makers and others who make things.
Here you’ll find paintings, plants, quilts, jewelry, and so much more. There’s fudge and candy, bread and cinnamon rolls. Don’t forget the cinnamon rolls.
There are so many goodies to enjoy and gifts to take home for yourself and for folks on your list.
One of my favorite memories from this place when I was a kid was going there for bulk Christmas candy. They currently have bulk candy in jars on the counter so you can take home a few pieces or a whole bag!
Check out the vintage tinsel tree that belonged to the grandparents of one of the owners.
I like a place that gives me an experience rather than just a thing. You feel something when you walk into a place like Stella’s. You feel the history, the community and charm that have made it what it is today and I think that’s way better than a big box store where no one thinks to greet you and no one cares that you get that special thing that makes you smile.
I bought myself a Christmas gift Saturday and the owner remembered that I had missed out on getting something similar earlier this year. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me.
They’ll have Santa on Saturday, December 13. What a fun environment it would be to meet Santa!
I have written about Stella’s before. I hope you’ll take a minute to read that story. Also, I wrote about the old Fout’s Store at Christmas. I hope you’ll read that one too.
It’s a special place. Go visit. Support their efforts to give local people a venue to sell their things and to breathe new life into a historic space. I think you’ll like it!
However, if you’re not in Vinton County, Ohio this Christmas, be sure to support local businesses near you!