A Different Holiday

The last few days have been sobering, haven't they? I have debated with myself about whether to blog at this painful time, and like so many others, came to the conclusion that staying away wouldn't change anything. We spent a weekend of reflection and sadness, and also extreme gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for. And now, ready or not, Christmas Eve is a week away, and those of us who are so blessed will be with family and friends. If I could be with every one of you I would gladly do so, but for now, all I can do is share my life and read about yours in return.

We have been through a difficult few months here. Maurie's sweet Mom passed away on December 1st, at age 87. She had suffered a series of strokes, and had declined rapidly since November. She was a truly devoted Mom and Grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was having her family all around her. She enjoyed good health for most of her life and traveled almost the entire the US with Maurie's Dad and their local Farm Bureau, where they were both officers for many years. She worked for the Welfare Department, and was a tireless volunteer for several organizations, well into her late 70s. Maurie and Abby were fortunate to have a wonderful visit with her this summer, before the first stroke. It's a memory they will treasure forever. 

All of a sudden, priorities have shifted here. We just got a tree last night, my house is still full of boxes, and we're behind on shopping and wrapping. But you know, I'm more certain than ever that those details will work themselves out, while we reflect on what is truly important this year. Right now my man is in bed with a horrible cold, so I'm making homemade chicken soup. My kiddo is surfing Pinterest instead of cleaning her room. And it will all be okay.

So many projects and repairs that I had planned to obsess over won't be seen to this year. Things will NOT be perfect at Opulent Cottage! (Not that they ever are!) Rather than stress about it, I"m taking a simpler approach -- camouflage! It's worked around here for years :) This cabinet won't be refinished in time for the holiday, so I hung this sparkly snowflake to distract from its unfinished top. 

Like the crack in our arch (seen below), which likely will not be repaired and repainted before the holiday. In the past, I would never have allowed this photo to be seen! But now, these trivial details just don't seem so important. I hope to create lasting holiday memories in this dining room this year, wall cracks and imperfect furniture and all.

I know that so many of you feel the same way I do right now. My wish is that you treasure this holiday season, and savor each special moment. Let's all hold our loved ones close, and spread all the joy we can. Thank you for always being here, my special friends. You all mean more to me than I could ever say.

Love to you all,

Andrea

Joining:

Nita's Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life

Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Brenda's Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Comments

[Judy Clark]

Andrea - A beautiful post. Makes us all realize that we have gotten so far away from the true meaning of Christmas.

Your cabinet is gorgeous - love all of the white tureens. I have a collection of those also. But then, what don't I have a collection of? ha

Blessings to you and your family.

Judy

[Shenita]

Andrea, what a sweet post. The past few days have put a lot of things into perspective for a lot of us! We are just enjoying our girls being home; and they are just as happy to be here! Your decor looks great; and all of those little things really don't matter! Just enjoy your family!

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

Nicely said, Andrea! And finished or not, I think your cabinet looks beautiful.

[Gail]

Beautiful post Andrea! Christmas Blessings to you my friend, Gail

[Katie Mansfield]

Love the crack in the arch and the snowflake "camouflage". The tragedy Friday puts it all in perspective doesn't it? Enjoy your family.

[SwedishCornerDownUnder... Pernilla]

Very festive! Happy Holidays :) Seasons Greetings from Australia ~Pernilla

[Brenda Kula-Pruitt]

Perfectly and eloquently said, Andrea. It is all so very sad and senseless.
Brenda

[Sanghamitra]

Very festive and beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

Happy Holidays and Warm Seasons Greetings from Singapore~Sanghamitra.

[Sandra @Beneath this Roof, Within these Walls]

Condolences on the passing of Maurie's mom. She sounds like a loving and giving lady. I know she is sorely missed.
Your home looks lovely. Homes that are "perfect" are not very comfy, to my way of thinking. Who cares if the top is unfinished, or if there is a crack? What is important is the love that fills your home. Put those things aside, and just enjoy. Time is so short, let's not waste it in the pursuit of perfection, when happiness is so much more important! Blessings and joy.

[Sharon]

Great post. Truthfully, I like the cabinet with the orangey looking top and I don't even see the crack you are talking about. I prefer bloggers to be real and show warts and all, it's easier for the rest of us. I have posted pictures of myself with no make-up and crying even with the most unflattering look on my face, but it's real. We do have so much to be thankful for. My heart goes out to all those mama's whose babies are not coming home, it's just unbelievable. We have no idea what they are dealing with right now, it's so very sad. Sending love and prayers their way...

[debra]

A beautiful heartfelt post. Prayers with you and your family as you'll be missing that wonderful mom and grandmother and of course all of our prayers and a piece of our heart are in Newtown this week.

Don't you worry about your wall cracks. Christmas is here every year and when my family descends I figure they are lucky that I cleaned the bathroom! :) No one ever looks at anything but the FOOD come dinner time anyway :)

[Kimberly]

So sorry to hear of your recent loss.
Your hutch looks very festive even if it's not completed yet!

[Cathy@My1929Charmer]

Stopping by from Kim's, you have some really pretty soup tureens. I so wish I had a place to display, been on the lookout for a hutch for a while. Sorry about Maurie's Mom. Hope you have a good holiday!

[Marty@A Stroll Thru Life]

I love your wonderful display with the tureens, so pretty, what a great idea. I so agree with you, God Bless and may you have the best Christmas ever. Hugs, Marty

[Karen]

Andrea,
I am so glad I found you tonight. This is just what I needed hear. It made me tear up. I have been stressing out because I haven't had time. You are so right. It just doesn’t matter...like the hutch. You just have to make the choice to see the pretty snowflake and everything else falls into place. I REALLY needed this reminder tonight. New follower!
Karen

[Hope @ Fairhope Supply Co.]

When things are orderly and beautiful, it gives us a sense of peace. Very true with these photos.

Great job - just beautiful.

[Romantic dinner recipes]

I think such a nice post. Thanks for the share.