Wednesday Gratitude #31, and Blue and Brown at Heart and Home

“To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” -Albert Schweitzer

Thank you for being here for

 Wednesday Gratitude!

Today I'm thankful

for the slight chill  in the air this evening, as the weather turns to Fall.

I'm thankful for the sun streaming through the windows late in the afternoon,

and the long shadows and changing leaves.

But, I'm not ready to redecorate the living room for autumn, not yet.

It's still warm and summery during the day.

I'm thankful I have extra space in my house

to store all these very important accessories!

A few Fall-ish items are just what's needed

 to ease us into the season.

And, since I'm joining Cindy's Blue and Brown party today,

there's some of that around, too.

Blue and white are the basics in this house.

I love the combination, and it works so well with just about any other color.

It's only natural to add a little brown, for Fall.

I collected a bunch of orbs for the mantel.

What are they for?

Does it really matter?

I like the way they look!

Their spherical shape is echoed

in this bunch of dried Love-In-The-Mist.

I gathered these in my garden

and left them on the hammock in the sun to dry.

Brown leather cushions

 and a striped woven table runner say "Fall" to me.

I'm leaving the painted sisal rug in here for a few more weeks.
(For the how to go HERE)

It's too early to bring in the dark wool one,
but soon enough we'll be glad for the extra warmth on our feet!

Year round, white candles are a staple in this house,

I always keep plenty on hand.

I love using lots of cushions to make things nice and cozy!
I whipped up these burlap ones this weekend.

They have a knife edge with a double row of black top-stitching.

I decided not to monogram them, but may change my mind.

For now I think they look nice just the way they are.

Sometimes simple is best, in my opinion.

Speaking of simple:

Here's Maggie, in one of her favorite spots.

I wonder what she's thinking about?

She's probably thankful for her sunny nap-spot,

 her bowl of food, and the bacon-flavored treats she gets when she's good.

At least, those are the things I'd be thankful for, if I were her.

As for me, I appreciate all the pleasure I get from this home,

 the joy I feel making it warm and cozy,

and the happy anticipation I have for the coming season.

Until next time

XO

Heidi

Linking to Cindy's Cottage Instincts, for the Great Blue and Brown party.

Thanks, Cindy!