Life as I know It

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San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Warmth of Love




Dear Friends,

Every day during the busy holiday season I look forward to reading cards and catching up on the goings on of good friends and family. Thank you, thank you for all your many kindnesses. Thank you dear herbal friend Nancy Heraud, Lemon Verbena Lady, for the unexpected trove of glorious, jewel-like jellies and jams. Nothing is better than something cooked or crafted with love.


How can it already be time to unpack our family treasures from the old green blanket chest? It feels like I tucked our favorite ornaments away only a few weeks ago, but it has been a year. The first things to come out are always our old stick sheep from the beginning of the 20th century.


Our old German stick sheep line the mantel. When the horrible San Simeon earthquake hit us in 2003, the sheep were all hurled across the room and onto the floor. Many of their ears are broken and legs are wobbly, but they've been a part of my life for almost 40 years. The children expect them to watch over our family.


The handmade Edwardian hat-topper is now our tree-topper. Imagine wearing a hat big enough to support a ten inch squirrel. I found this in an antique shop I always loved. Do any of you remember Millie Fairie's fabulous store in Cambria? I'll never forget it. I think I bought this guy about 35 years ago.


This little snowman (smaller than my pinky finger) is about 100 years old, and he is one of my all time favorites. 


Mary Margaret Klug stitched the Christmas hearts, my daughter in law made me over a hundred origami paper birds, my friend David Krause made the tiny walnut basket in the lower left. It has a gingham table cloth and is filled with berries. I included his walnut basket in my first book, Sunflower Houses, so this basket is over twenty four years old.


An early, clip-on glass bunny.


A tiny cotton Santa and above his left shoulder is the ferry boat that traverses the sea between Anacortes and Orcas Island where we once had a tiny cottage. Waiting for the ferry was always so exciting.


This is as close as Jeff will get to having the sailboat of his dreams!


Or maybe this is! This red canoe is in honor of the one we have in Maine. This canoe topped my 50th birthday cake and now always sits in a place of honor in our tree.


The little clip-on chicken is one of my favorites. I think it is from the early 20th century.
Corny as it is, the Santa face ranks near the top of beloved keepsake memories. This is actually a half of a mussel shell, which has been painted with Santa's face. Our friends in the Brewer family took us out for a memorable boat ride and picnic at the tiny Burnt Island Lighthouse out of Boothbay Harbor. I bought some of these from the girls who lived out there and tended the island. When I hang these on the tree, I smell the aroma of the firs, the sound of our feet scrunching through the shell-strewn pathways, and I see the play of clear Maine light across the blue, blue waters of the bay. 


I'm a sucker for little holiday stockings.


An old, clip-on bird ornament was a gift from Susan Pendergast, who also made the string/garlands of old glass ornaments. Another few origami paper birds. I love their flight across the branches.


I treasure all the handmade ornaments sent to me by Suzanne, Down in the Meadow, all the way from South Africa.


Out come the old Christmas quilts and the memories of blazing sunshine over vast fields of antiques in Maine, Massachusetts, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. And the stockings from Christmas Cove Designs, which Jeff and I will fill with small gifts for each grand.


And five little socks to be stuffed for the faerie mailboxes out in our garden. I know that the more grown-up grands are shaky about their belief in the garden faeries, but they still go out to check their mailboxes and many times find fanciful gifts tucked inside them.



So now the stockings are stuffed, the tree is finally hung with the memories of our lives, and we await the arrival of family and friends, which is really what this season is all about.

I send love across the miles, and remember, the days are already beginning to lengthen; they're loping toward spring time. Holiday blessings and the warmth of love to you all.


Believe me dear friends, one doesn't need to grow up!


LUCKY US! Timber Press sent an offer for a give-away copy of Marta McDowell's new book about Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life. This is a must read for anyone who loves Beatrix and for anyone who loves a garden. This book is amazing! Be the lucky winner, just leave a comment on this blog posting. If you're an anonymous commenter, please check back to see if you've won Marta's book.


Remember, don't grow up!

Happy Holidays!

Sharon

100 comments:

Donna OShaughnessy said...

Oh my goodness! I am so honored to be the first to comment and enter the contest for this lovely book. But even if I lose I will have won for seeing pics of your treasured ornaments was gift enough . Merry Christmas to you Sharon and thank you for sharing your artful life with us.

Feathers said...

Loved seeing your tree decorations and reading the memories. Our tree, though small, is dressed in memories too, including a small cloth Santa with chocolate stains from very small hands of a special person. Wishing your Christmas to be full of love and joy.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Most people can tell I'll never grow up by my blog. I love toys and dolls and childrens books...all of the pretty things that I've always loved. You have so many sweet ornaments for your tree and I love all of your sheep...how beautiful! Merry Christmas my friend! Holiday hugs from Florida, your buddy, Diane

Elizabeth Ann said...

I love each of your special ornaments - don't you just love seeing them every year? Have a wonderful Christmas!

La Table De Nana said...

All I want to say is have yourself a Merry Little Christmas:-)
And your ornaments with the associated feelings..treasures indeed.

MEME said...

hello,merry Christmas! I would enjoy reading the book as I love gardens! thank you

Julie Marie said...

Oh dear cousin Sharon... you KNOW I will never grow up!... I just posted about being ten years old again... the years may say otherwise, but my heart will always be young... I love your beautiful tree full of precious ornaments, and overflowing with wonderful memories... and so enjoyed hearing the tales behind each and every one... I don't think I could pick a favorite one though... well, maybe the teensie snowman... or would it be the little clip on bunny?... how nice of your friend to send you all of those yummy jellies!... and I am sure your grandchildren will love visiting the fairies in your garden... please do not enter me in your generous giveaway... after seeing it on your last post, I ordered that book and am enjoying it very much!... I have a little Beatrix Potter Hill Top Farm of sorts set up for Christmas with all of my little figurines... wishing you and Jeff a very Merry Christmas... lots of love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of each beautiful vintage ornaments...of course the best kind.
Merry Christmas,
Jane D

Bonnie K said...

It is so good to have the memories. I can feel the love in each memory. Tomorrow after work I will head across the prairie to my parents. Not for the presents of the meal (although both are good). It is to see family and go on our traditional Christmas sledding party. Nothing says Christmas at our house like flying down a hill at 100 miles an hour, hitting soap weeds and trying to miss the drop off at the bottom. Thanks again for the book. I loved it and really needed it. Merry Christmas.

n/a said...

Hi, Sharon! What wonderful keepsakes you've collected; the sheep are adorable. Thank you for another giveaway opportunity; I've had my eye on this particular book and would be thrilled to have a copy. I just read the post at Birds, Bees, Berries & Blooms by the recipient of your previous giveaway (Susan's A Fine Romance, plus a copy of your Rosemary book)...lucky lady! Wishing you and yours and blessed Christmas.

Sharon in Alabama

Terra said...

Merry Christmas Sharon from my family to you and yours. Oh please do enter me as I love the subject of the book.
It was fascinating to hear the stories of some of your ornaments and to learn about the stick sheep.

Thea said...

Sharon, thank you for all the lovejoy you share with me throughout the year. Have a wonderful Christmas with your husband and family and I wish you a truly blessed New Year. love thea

Pondside said...

Merry Christmas, Sharon! Your house looks to be waiting quietly, ready for everyone to gather around the tree in the beautiful, serene room. I wrapped a copy of your grandmother's book for my partner in grand-mothering (daughter's mother-in-law) and thought of you. Though we've never met, there are many reminders of you in my house and in the houses of my children.
I wish you and yours all the joy and peace of Christmas.

kj said...

Aw Sharon, you're the first to usher in my Christmas Eve. I have loved seeing your treasures and memories.

I wish you a near perfect couple of days. JB and I are ready and cooking. The stockings are filled.

Oh one more thing. Thank you for your friendship. See you in '14

Love
kj

Annelies said...

Feeling a bit sleepless tonight...and so comforted by your darling post. Have a blessed Christmas, and thank you for the chance to win such a lovely gift. Beatrix Potter is a FAVORITE of mine. One of the sweetest memories I have was watching Miss Potter at the Palm theatre in SLO with my 90 year old Mum. We both sat there in complete quiet and were filled with enchantment. While we have never met, you have been a kindred spirit of mine for many years. Again, Merry Merry and I hope your New Year is filled with much joy. XXXX

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Lovely decorations Sharon. My favorites are the old ones - the snow man and the Santa waiting for the ferry. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sam

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I adore your sheep. I had an accident with one of mine who lost a leg this year, but I am determined to glue him back together!

I adore your treasures. What a special Christmas house you have, Sharon! Loved seeing it.

I am sending you all good wishes across the miles...

Merry Christmas!

xo

Sheila

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you for the lovely tour of Christmas treasures. Now, if we could sit down for a cup of Christmas tea, I'd wish you and yours a merry time and a happy and healthy new year.

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the book! If not, I think I will have to order it forthright,
Jeanie

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Sharon ~ You have some wonderful ornaments and I enjoyed seeing them and your lovely home.

Lemon Verbena Lady blessed me with some of her wonderful jellies last year. They are so delicious and colorful.

Have a lovely Christmas and a fantastic 2014.

Thank you for all of your inspiration, and personally for the love and encouragement you sent my way this past year.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Happy@Home said...

What a special collection of ornaments! My favorite ornaments are the ones with memories attached. It's always so heartwarming to get to know them once again each year and be reminded of the special people who made them or gave them.
Your room looks so warm and welcoming. It is a good feeling to have everything ready and waiting for the joy to begin.
Merry Christmas to you, Sharon.
The book looks fabulous. I'd love the opportunity to enter the giveaway.

cheris said...

Oh, my English grammy loved Beatrix Potter and gave us all the books and a well-loved cookbook for children based on her stories. I can't wait to add this to my collection! Although I seriously doubt much of it will translate to my Central Texas garden. ;) It will be a fun read.

Melody said...

I love your decorations~ it's such fun to remember where each one came from as you hang them up...
Sending very Merry Christmas wishes to you ~
*fingers firmly crossed* for the wonderful Beatrix's Garden book! :))

Susan said...

Your tree is just how I imagine it to be...and I have some of the same ornaments from dear Suzanne hanging on mine as well! Merry Christmas, dear friend and hoping that 2014 bring you lots of love and joy, XOXO

Lili said...

There is something so comforting about seeing all of your treasured Christmas ornaments and all those glorious tiny sheep...I have come to look forward to seeing them on your blog already at Christmas too! It's so beautiful to see that all is prepared with so much love and I can imagine the excitement building for the arrival of all your loved ones. Merry Christmas to you, Jeff and all the kiddos! xoxo

Vee said...

What a sweet collection of Christmas decorations. My favorites are the sheep. I am feeling sad that they ever met with such misfortune. Sigh. Into every life... Merry Christmas, Sharon, to you and yours!

camp and cottage living said...

Sharon
Your tree certainly tells a story of Christmas's past and very special occasions in your lives!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year

Donna and Miss Spenser said...

What fun to see your various ornaments! I enjoy Santa ornaments...my 12 year old son gave me one tonight to add to my collection! The B Potter book looks wonderful...crossing my fingers! Merry Christmas!

Pom Pom said...

Your house looks great, Sharon! I've been looking at that yummy book!

Maritimer said...

Your home looks so inviting for the holidays. All the best to you and your family.

I am a Beatrix Potter fan and have my fingers crossed XXX

Anonymous said...

Homemade ornaments have such fond memories. Making ornaments for myself and for gift-giving has long been a favorite way for me to make those memories. Linda

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Merry Christmas, Sharon! I loved seeing your various Christmas tree decorations. They tell a story. :)

rebecca said...

How relaxing - to read some of the stories behind your unique & personal tree ornaments! And I "pinterested" your "sheep-on-a-shelf" photo. I hope I remember to look at my page before Christmas next year. I have an assortment of sheep that gathered at the base of a small tabletop tree this year - but I think a shelf is where I'd like them to hang out next year :)

Debbie said...

So enjoy your blog and love your giveaways. This book looks wonderful!

Pat said...

Sharon, love all your books and have most of them ..have met you at Herb Society of America book signings.im also a big fan of Beatrix potter but don't have this one...thanks for doing this

Carol said...

wow what a lovely giveaway!! Thanks for offering it. Beatrix Potter is one of our favs around here. I don't garden well, but i drool frequently over your book. This would be a great read and maybe inspiration i need to try some things. Thanks again for offering this book.
Carol

Nancy Baetz said...

Although it is fiction in many aspects, I love the Miss Potter movie, especially the Christmas Party! She was such an amazing artist, and all around wonderful person. Thank you for the glimpse into your Christmas decorations and traditions Sharon, and hope your Holy-day has been filled with the Love, and Joy, and Peace that only Christ can give. God bless you today!!I thank Him for the gifts and talents He has given, and for those such as you, that share them so freely. <3 Happy 2014!!

Kate said...

Loved seeing all of your ornaments and the stories behind them! Christmas memories are the best. Look forward to winning this book!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon, enjoyed the "tour" of your lovely tree.....can so relate since our tree holds memories of children, grandchildren,travels, and love between my husband and me! Since I just found out that I didn't win Susan Branch's tea set give away and my optimism knows no bounds (lol:)....here I am hoping to win the BP book!
Happy 2014 from Helen N

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Nancy Baetz brought up a good point. The movie Miss Potter is a MUST SEE for those of us who love her.

I think I want to see it again. This will be my third time, but I love every minute of it.

S

Donna@Gardens Eye View said...

Sharon what lovely Christmas decorations...Hope you had a Merry one...and what a surprise to see the book as a giveaway...Beatrix is my favorite from when I was a very young child...how lovely it would be to win!!

Anne@BackyardTreasures said...

Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing with us. The book would be a welcomed addition to my gardening library. Thank you for the chance to win.



schmorga said...

Wow! What a beautiful Christmas house. Love the tree and all it's memories. The lambs are so cute. I look forward to reading this wonderful book. Can't wait. Thank you.

debijeanm said...

Well, if I don't win it I will for sure buy it as it looks wonderful!

Yardfranny said...

Peter Rabbit is my all time favorite creature and winning this book would be a joy. Thanks for the opportunity. Linda Belcher

dc said...

Wow, I just asked my library to order it but would love my own copy. Thank you!!

amy said...

Enjoy your blog and articles. I love this book and would love to win it for my niece.

Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love everything you do Sharon….for years I have read your stories to students, and done enrichment activities with them. Thank you for the educator at heart which you are - encouraging and teaching future generations about Nature and the benefits of our natural world!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love everything you do Sharon….for years I have read your stories to students, and done enrichment activities with them. Thank you for the educator at heart which you are - encouraging and teaching future generations about Nature and the benefits of our natural world!

torchy said...

I love your clutch of antique ornaments, the stories they hold, the memories they create. I. Love. Beatrix.

Cathy LaFever said...

Have a wonderful day, Sharon! :)

Gert said...

I hope you had an amazing Christmas. What a wonderful post...love all your ornaments!! So special!

I would love to win this Beatrix Potter garden book!

Blessings,
Gert

sue (seedlady) said...

no veggie ornaments? I have a carrot and a pickle, but that's it. I do love reliving the memories of older ornaments--some go back 40 years or more. I remember the people who gave them or whom they represent and it warms my heart. I love the serene look of your home; mine is always slightly (or not so slightly) out of control, like my garden.

Jude Whelley said...

This post made me swoon. And Beatrix Potter possibility... swoon some more :>)

Judy in WV said...

I would love to win the book!! I would cherish it as it is meant to be. I enjoyed your Christmas blog with the history of your ornaments. I, too, have ornaments with "a past." I love to get them out each year and hang them carefully on the tree. HAPPY 2014.

Anonymous said...

Love your Xmas post and each story of your ornaments. I too have all your wonderful books Sharon. Love anything Beatrix Potter - particularly her figurines. I am an avid gardener so would love this new book! Jayne.
jadiaz3@verizon.net

sapphire said...

Love Beatrix Potter and this would be a wonderful gift.
diamondruff@gmail.com

Carla Greenan said...

I love your cosy living room, and all of your books :) I read on FB that you are writing a new book. Any hints for this anxious fan on what it will be about?

Happy New Year,
Carla Greenan on FaceBook

Merry Steinley said...

Love Beatrix--love to garden!

Bobbi Rightmyer said...

I would love to have the recipe for the lemon verbena jelly - it looks wonderful! I would also love to win the book give away.

Mary Anne Helms said...

Sharon what a wonderful Christmas collection!! I love to decorate with ornaments that remind me of events in my life, Besides the lovely hand-crafted ones, I have a collection I acquired in England and Denmark. would love to own this book as Beatrice Potter is a long-time favourite. Happ New Year!! I also love Maine and used to live in Newport, RI

peg said...

What a wonderful giveaway! Who wouldn't adore a copy of this book! Merry Christmas and a happy 2014!!!! (already thinking about my garden for next spring!!!).

peg said...

Sharon! What a great giveaway! Who wouldn't love a copy of this book? Already dreaming about the garden......Merry Christmas & a wonderful 2014! xo

Anonymous said...

Sharon, that walnut basket is my favorite of your ornaments. very clever.
Jennie Brooks

Carol Michel said...

I love to see old, treasured Christmas decorations. And thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. I already bought it and love it so if you draw my name, please re-draw so that someone else has the opportunity to win it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for the wonderful tour of your christmas decoration memories. i was so humbly touched by all the love in your memories of friends and family.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2014,
Mary Jane
PS We are a lovers of everything Cambria and of the central coast of CA.

Beth said...

I think "decorator" trees are so boring and love trees full of memories, like yours and mine. I especially love the ornaments my children made long ago, and i like to line up their first shoes next to the fireplace. It looks like you had a special Christmas...we are over in the States for Christmas and having a fabulous time. The Beatrix Potter book you are promoting looks wonderful.

Love,
Beth

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful essay. My friend Laurel has been making me an ornament each year since the mid-80's. I have an entire tree devoted to a wonderful collection of memories. I would love the Beatrix Potter book! I seem to have an affinity to Beatrix's - B. Farrand was deeply involved with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Joanie Hoffman said...

Merry Christmas! Your tree is lovely, and I love the tiny snowman the best! Thank you for this giveaway! Happy New Year!

RobinL said...

Oh my, I love garden books, and I sure hope I am the winner!

Carla Greenan (facebook friend :) ) said...

I loove that last line "remember, don't grow up."

I so agree Sharon :)

~ Carla

Nellie said...

What a wonderful giveaway!

I love your traditions and hope you have had a wonderful Christmas with family.

Nellie said...

I love your traditions! What a wonderful tree with all those meaningful ornaments!

This is a wonderful giveaway!

Sending wishes for a memorable Christmas season.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Merry Christmas, Sharon! I liked looking at your special memory ornaments. I believe I have the same little Christmas stocking ornament that you do--it was one that hung on my Mother's tree when I was a child and I kept it.

Your Beatrix Potter book give away looks so special! I'm hoping I'm the lucky winner ;)

Happy and healthy 2014!

Christina said...

I spy a Dala horse on your tree, too! When we visited my cousin in Dalarna, we stopped by the workshop where they make Dalahästar.

Thank you for the chance to win a copy of BP's Gardening Life. Looks like a lovely book.

Dan said...

This looks like a wonderful book. I have been a fan of Beatrix Potter for many years and appreciate this opportunity to possibly win. Sharon, I have been a fan of yours for a long time too and am so pleased to be able to keep up with you through Facebook.
This will appear on my husbands google account.
Laurie

Evelyn Vincent said...

Lovely tour of your ornaments Sharon, you have a charming collection <3 smiles

Anonymous said...

I will always have the joy of a child in my heart. Thanks for the beautiful Blog. Happy New year!

Anonymous said...

“I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense.”
― Beatrix Potter, The Complete Tales
And what child's Life would be complete without Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Mr. McGregor, and our dear Peter! I read Beatrix Potter to my first graders and they were in such awe of all of the characters and their adventures. Me too. Year after year! Thank you Sharon for showing us your Christmas treasures. I remember those antiquing days and miss them. I do remember Millie's shop and your shop, was it at the station then, right nearby. Wherever you were you made your space a special world. Fondest of memories. Enjoy your five grandkids. unbelievable. Congrats to the lucky person who is gifted this delightful book. hugs M.

Dawn Y. said...

Sharon, your treasured ornaments are just lovely. It was such fun to peek at your Christmas tree. Wishing you a wonderful New Year ahead!
Dawn Y.

Shelley Crist said...

Your ornaments are absolutely lovely. I hope your holidays were filled with joy and we are all blessed with most wonderful new year!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Love the memory stories of your special Christmas decorations.
This was the first year I did not put up a tree. But still many Christmas plants and decorations sitting about. Can remember when my mother did this and I thought it was awful. 1/3 of family close by and everytone else far away with their celebrating.
Miss them all and maybe it will happen again that all of us can be together and the biggest tree I can find will be in this cottage:)
Take care and if I do not win this book - I am going to buy it :)

AmyOuchley said...

The charm of Christmas memories is one of the most important parts of Christmas for me. We all have our cherished items. Can you believe that some people go out and buy new ornaments every year? I think Beatrix Potter also focused on the simple, beautiful things of life. She loved her rabbits and her garden and then she loved her sheep. It's been a wonderful year for me and my swamp rabbit, Swamper.

Unknown said...

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and that the new year will be merry and bright. This book is on my must read list and I would love to get this copy!

Anonymous said...

“I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense.”
― Beatrix Potter, The Complete Tales
And what child's Life would be complete without Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, Mrs. Rabbit, Mr. McGregor, and our dear Peter! I read Beatrix Potter to my first graders and they were in such awe of all of the characters and their adventures. Me too. Year after year! Thank you Sharon for showing us your Christmas treasures. I remember those antiquing days and miss them. I do remember Millie's shop and your shop, was it at the station then, right nearby? Wherever you were you made your space a special world. Fondest of memories. Enjoy your five grandkids. unbelievable. Congrats to the lucky person who is gifted this delightful book. Maybe they will get some of Mr. McGregor's gardening tips! hugs M.

Patti said...

What very special ornaments and decorations you have to fill your home with... so lovely. The mantel full of sheep is my favorite. I'm glad they made it through the earthquake!

What a fantastic book!! Great for bedtime reading!

Abby said...

I adored her books as a kid. I still have my huge anthology of her stories back home in my bookshelf. My grandma even made me a tape of herself reading the stories to me so I could listen before I went to bed. :) I'd love to learn more about her life around gardens and how they influenced her.
And I love all the special ornaments you have on your tree. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I LOVE Beatrix Potter and I didn't know about this book! It looks wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win it! Loved reading about your Christmas tree ornaments!
~ SusLee

Anonymous said...

Sharon,
Christmas ornaments are like old friends - each year they become more precious!
Miss visiting with you, Diane Rowles

Anonymous said...

I love anything and everything to do with Beatrix Potter. Have you read Susan Albert's books? I am an avid gardener and a fan of both you, Susan and Beatrix. Would dearly love to have this book to add to my collection. Thank you so much for all your wonderful, inspiring blogs and Facebook entries. Love you.

Dee Nash said...

I love seeing your home over the holidays. All those small things chosen with care. I have a Christmas quilt hung over the rocking chair by the door. It comforts me with its presence. Love from across the mile.~~Dee

Vicki Boster said...

Sharon- it is our traditions and our treasured ornaments and decorations that make Christmas so special and personal to us all. We also have family heirlooms -- not valuable in cost-- but priceless in love. Your home is lovely for the holidays and I can feel the spirit of love and celebration from your photos. Thank you for sharing all the things that make your holidays so special--
Xoxo
Vicki

amyk said...

Oh! This would be pure joy to win! A love for gardening AND Beatrix Potter all rolled into one! Lovely. Blessings, Amy Kneen

cher said...

love all the wonderful ornaments. so lovely and charming..

cher said...

wonderful ornaments and charming blog. I remember Peter Rabbit being the only story as a child. I loved it and still do. someday I will do the walking paths of Beatrix Potter country!

Unknown said...

Thank you for all you share! I truly enjoy reading your blog!

Teri said...

Sharon...How wonderful it was to take a small visit through your house and your tree today. The holidays are over here at my house but no matter what, that special feeling that is present at Christmas time is always in my heart. Your ornament collection is wonderful. It is the meaning that each one brings that really makes it special too. I didn't realize that you had a cottage at one time up in the Orcas Island area. We have vacationed there a few times and it is one of my favorite places. Thanks for making such generous offers to everyone all the time. You are a gem! Happy New Year to you Sharon.

Teri said...

I don't know why but this is my third try to get a comment to appear. For some reason, I am not seeing it on your blog. But, if this works this time, please know that I thoroughly enjoy looking and reading your blog. Your style is contagious and warm. You are blessed as well as those that follow you to be part of such a loving, blogging community.

Linda Cassavant said...

so love your site Sharon. Have loved Beatrix Potter my entire life. My children were brought up with all the delightful tales. Would love to win the book for my grandchildren. So thoughtful offering a copy. Thank you!

Beth said...

I don't get to read blogs much anymore (time, time, time) but I follow you on facebook and saw your post about Beatrix Potters garden book. Wow! It sounds amazing. So, I'm commenting on the chance of getting it.