Friday, November 16, 2012

Peaceful Evenings

Yesterday I went to tour the farm that will host our brunch next month.  It was great to see the location; I immediately knew how the service and dining tables need to be organized, and how the table tops can be styled.  Arriving back home, I took a few rough snaps to send to Raquel and our hostess; pressed burlap runners will be topped with winter greens from the hostess’ garden as well as my own.  A pop of red Toyon berries will provide color and a little Christmas reference.  Lots and lots of paperwhites will add to the fragrance of the greens~

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Rather than toss the few cuttings I had gathered, I put them in a small glass and started to organize the coffee table in the living room for the Holidays~

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Sentimental objects from around the house are coming together to fill the tray~

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To start, an old French candlestick that I have yet to clean, and my grandparents’ rosaries~

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Now that this little corner of the house is clean and cozy, I’m also feeling very motivated to get back to playing my harp, which I have played in fits and starts over the last two years but not at all, not even once, in the last nine months with my parents’ health issues.  Enough….now it’s time for me...

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So now, every night after I get my parents to bed, I am spending more than an hour on easy tunes (especially now, Christmas carols) and “ladders.”  Funny that though I played piano and violin as a child, I feel like I’m really starting over from zero.  It reminds me of so many people who have told me that they have completely forgotten any of the French that they had learned at an earlier age…use it or lose it….so now I am determined to keep at my music and like French, to learn it well enough that I won’t forget it.

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Honey is one of my groupie; she especially loves it when I sing along and doesn’t care if I miss a note or not….

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She’s right at my side, since it’s extremely difficult to play the harp while a dog is sitting on your lap…

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Miss Biscuit….less so…..she’s more interested in investigating if there might be a mouse under the sofa~

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Since Mom has use of her arm again, she’s helping me with some light cleaning each evening, and also providing me with a little moral support as I cook and clean every evening.  Soon the tree will be up next to this fireplace, and we will sit here every night for several hours.  While we love summers outside, we look forward to holiday evenings around the tree in this living room all year long.

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Wishing you some lovely & peaceful evenings as all the holidays approach.

8 comments:

  1. Looks like you are getting ready for the Holiday's.... It is fun isn't it!
    I love this time of the year...
    Have a beautiful weekend
    xo
    Gail
    http://www.casualloveselegance.blogspot.com

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  2. Your living room looks so warm and cozy! A little harp music doesn't hurt! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plans and ideas for the brunch.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    XO,
    Jane

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  3. Andrea your living room with the harp, the fireplace and Candles glowing, the berries; just beautifully inviting!

    I think you should play the harp for events; can you play my favorite Claire de Lune?

    xoxo
    Karena
    Special Giveaway from Scalamandre!

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  4. Beautiful and peaceful. I am happy to hear that your mom is feeling better and that you have some time for yourself. You have inspired me to take up my violin again, I have not played in sometime but I always loved it.

    Looking forward to following along on your Farm to Table party. I wish I lived closer to help out, it looks like it will be a beautiful party.

    I purchased four of those pumpkins myself anf have made a huge batch of soup.

    Enjoy your weekend, Elizabeth

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  5. Can't wait to see the final photos of the event. This is a wonderful time of year and fun to prepare the home and enjoy.

    All the best,

    Sheila in SF

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  6. Thanks really what is should be all about...peace. How lovely for your parents to be surrounded by music from your harp. We are going to Mammoth...just eight of us for Thanksgiving. Will be cosy. Your sister's place is looking great.

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  7. I am very impressed by your ability to play the harp. As usual, your photos are beautiful and anything you style is always fabulous. Gros bisous

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  8. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your parents are continuing to get well. Looking forward to hearing about your trip to France and your big event.

    Have a wonderful weekend, elizabeth

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