Random 5 Friday

I'm doing a happy dance. Nancy @ A Rural Journal is back with Random 5 Friday.

Okay, I'm in. Here are my randoms for this week.

#1 -  Create.
This is where I've spent most of my days this past week -- at my sewing machine.  While we continue the search for a home of our own, I have to say I do enjoy this large room I can call mine. This is where I sew, write, and pursue other fun projects. Some day I'll show you the rest of my creative space.
 
 
#2 - Reality Check
I racked up some hotel reward points that were useable for magazines.  (Can you believe they still print those?) I ordered Martha Stewart Living, which came this week. It's the Christmas issue. One of the features is "Our Finds - Gift Guide", which is the staff's picks for Christmas gifts that we're supposed to rush out to buy. Sooo, let me get this straight. There are people who actually would pay $650 for a bird bath to give to someone for Christmas? Seriously?


#3 - Christmas Décor
Um, I hate to admit this, but I'm probably the only home and garden blogger on the planet that didn't decorate for Christmas. Now, I love Christmas. And I love decorations. Honestly. I've spent hours admiring all of  the Christmas Home Tours in blogland. But we're between homes and I just can't get excited about dressing an apartment with festive attire right now. I did manage the Christmas runner and tabletop tree, though. And I'm displaying this handpainted holly plate I found at a thrift store. (After looking at the $650 bird bath above, my $1 plate should help you regain your normal breathing pattern.)


#4 - Patience
Three months ago I ordered a chair from a local furniture store. Being a rather instant gratification kind of person, I'm surprised at my ability to wait this long. It was worth it, though. The chair arrived yesterday, and I couldn't be more pleased. It's beautiful, comfortable, it reclines, and the fabric looks even more perfect than I imagined it would when I chose it. It reminds me of the French bentwood hoop armchairs of the 1930's. Perfect. (Ahem, notice my husband's easel and art hodge podge in the background? Can you see why we need an actual h o u s e   w i t h  a  s t u d i o?
 
 
#5 Speaking of art. . .
I'll be attending my husband's art show at a local gallery tonight. Here's a photo of one of the paintings in the show: Peace on Earth. Isn't it heavenly? I love it.
 
 
 
If we don't connect before Christmas Day, I pray you'll have a blessed, peaceful, love-filled day. For us it's a time to celebrate our Savior's birth. He is the source of our joy, and what makes our home A Joyful Cottage, wherever we are.
 
Love and Hugs,
 
 
Celebrating with all my friends at Random 5 Friday.


20 comments

  1. Your husband's painting is lovely! It looks so peaceful, so the name fits perfectly.

    And that chair is very pretty! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! :-)

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  2. What a great day at your blog for my first visit! I learned so much about you in this post. I've spent several hours at my sewing machine lately too.

    I've enjoyed getting to know a little about you. I'm becoming a follower so I'll be sure to come back!

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    1. Thank you, Sherry. Nice to connect with others who sew and craft. Thanks for commenting and following. I'll return the favor and look forward to seeing what you share.

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  3. You two make quite the creative and talented pair Nancy! As it should be.

    Wishing you a blessed holiday xo

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    1. Thank you, Miss Nancy. I hope you are richly blessed during this wondrous season. Hugs.

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  4. Dear Sweet Nancy, this is such a sweet and charming post. I'm sure that the perfect house will come along and that you and your talented husband will have space to enjoy and create. I love the colors and the quilt squares by your sewing machine, very pretty. They match well will your new chair. I agree it has a nostalgic look about it and it looks very comfy, too. I'm with you on the birdbath . . . are there actually people that wasteful. I would be embraced, but that's me. Anyway, I truly enjoyed your post and if I don't get back here before Christmas, do have a wonderful day and a great time at the art show.
    God bless you.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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    1. Thank you, dear Connie. I always enjoy your visits, and the comments you leave. They encourage me and make me glad I started blogging. God's blessings on you and yours.

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  5. Nancy, your husband is quite a talented guy! His painting is so beautiful, it makes me wish I was at that spot....and I don't even like snow! I do however really like your pretty plate and no, I would not be buying that birdbath either! I wish you the best of everything in the new year and want to thank you for all your wonderful words every time you visit my blog. They truly are a gift! Merry, Merry Christmas! Kim

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    1. Kim, you are one of my special blessings this year. So glad we've connected through this crazy thing called blogging. It's so much fun to step into your cyber home and see what you're up to. I always come away inspired, and lifted up. Cheers and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas. :)

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  6. Your husband is very talented. I love your chair and your thrifted plate. I was just thinking how many bags of groceries you could buy for someone in need with $650 :)
    Have a very loving happy Christmas. B

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree completely that $650 would be better spent helping someone in need. God bless you.

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  7. wow, such creative juices are flowing around here on your blog. that is so fun. i always enjoy seeing what everyone is getting into over the holidays. so great!! Merry Christmas! ( :

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    1. All this creating keeps us out of trouble, Beth. LOL. Merry Christmas to you, too. Enjoy every minute!

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  8. Oh I love your random 5 Nancy! I'd take that $1 plate any day over that $650 bird bath. I here you about patience. We ordered our sectional for our family room and it took 3 months also. Loving it and worth the wait! Your husbands art work is breath taking! I am so glad you shared it with us! Have a very wonderful Christmas!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thank you, Jann. I know you'll have a beautiful Christmas with your family. xo

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  9. Well worth the wait on the chair. Perfect recliner for an apartment.
    Merry Christmas Nancy.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Joan. And Merry Christmas to you, too. May it be filled with joy and peace. :)

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  10. What an awesome painting! Well done!
    That chair is perfect!!! love it.
    I want to start sewing again .... I pulled out my old Sears sewing machine. By old, I mean it's 28 years old!!! Should I have asked Santa for a new one? LOL
    By the way, I have a crush on the table your sewing machine is on!
    Merry Christmas!
    diane @ aug's blog

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    1. Diane, I was in a quilting class last month where one of the women brought her newer sewing machine. After the first 2 classes she switched and brought her old (20 years, I think) Sears Kenmore machine. She said she liked it better. So, if your machine is working well, you may have exactly what you need. I learned to sew on my mother's White treadle sewing machine, and would love to have it now. Not just for decoration, but to use! (Yeah, I'm weird that way.) Regarding my little white table that I use for my sewing. . .I like it, too. I should repaint it or something but I'm too busy sewing right now. Enjoy this wondrous season!

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