Heart And Home

Rebuilding Heart and Home, One Step At A Time

2011-11-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! How are all of you? Are you surprised to hear from me after such a long break? I thought I'd share a quick recap of what I've been up to these past six months. Many of you are aware that we lost our home during a storm this past March. I am so grateful to those of you who have been checking in with me during all this time, and I appreciate your kind, thoughtful messages of support. I can't lie and say this has been easy, but it is getting better every day.

If you hadn't seen it yet, go here to see the aftermath of the storm. This was our home, cut in half:

After that monster tree was removed from the inside of our house we had one week to empty the contents, and put everything that wasn't destroyed in boxes and into storage. Most of our furniture, rugs, books, art, bedding, drapes and many smaller, personal or decorative items were taken to the dump in a huge dumpster. That part was hard, let me tell you.

After nearly one month in a hotel, we finally moved to a rental house with rented furniture, rented dishes, rented pots and pans, rented towels, rented sheets and pillows. That part was weird and unsettling, and took some getting used to.

The past few months have been a whirlwind, and I have experienced confusing and conflicting emotions. While I was grieving for our lost home I was also filled with extreme gratitude for everything I still have, for the love and support of our friends and family, for our warm and comfortable new temporary home.

Actually, most days I was torn between feeling immense relief and gratitude, and enormous grief and guilt. I realized that, even after taking into consideration everything that had been destroyed, we still have so much more than so many other people in the world. And, I am alive and strong and healthy - that tree didn't get me, it just missed me by a few feet! There must be a reason I am still here, I hope to figure it out someday.

For now, I am plugging along, working on the rebuilding process. I have spent countless hours preparing loss reports for our insurance company. That part continues to be frustrating and tedious.

Inside, most of the walls were damaged or completely destroyed by the tree, the roof was torn in half the length of the house and the interior was flooded by rain for almost one week before we could secure it with a tarp. All the walls in these pictures, the ones with the blue tape on them, were eventually removed due to water damage. My favorite stone floors throughout the upstairs were ripped out in order to allow the subflooring to dry.

It was sad to see the house in this state, but after slow and steady progress, and I can finally glimpse the light at the end of a long and arduous project!

These are temporary posts and rafters in the living/dining/entry holding up a gigantic tarp to protect from further rain damage, before the floors and walls were removed. You can see the hole where the tree ripped into our house, along the ridge of the roof. Luckily, part of the tree came to rest on a berm at the edge of our property, or it would have continued to fall through the floor and to the bottom level of the house.

The carpet on the stairs was soaked through and molding. Not a pretty sight. Downstairs in our bedrooms and closets it was worse. Everything was smelly and squishy with water.

During the summer, we figured we didn't have a lot keeping us here. We couldn't start rebuilding until our engineering drawings were done, and then we had to wait for county permits.

So, we decided to head out of town for awhile. We went here:

London!

And here:

Brussels!

And here:

Paris!

And here:

Coburg!

And here:

Wurzburg!

We explored parts of Europe, ate delicious food,

saw the most wonderful sights, ate delicious pastries,

wandered through museums, ate delicious chocolate,

and I even had a chance

to spend time with my long-lost relatives in Germany.

Our trip was a dream come true for me.

I cherished every moment, and will remember it always.

(In future posts, if you're interested, I will put together a travelog for you!

I only took about 1,200 pictures,

plus all the ones my girls and husband took.

I think I have a few to share with you!

If you'd like to see some of them let me know.)

Anyway, when we returned from our time "overseas" the work began

to restore our house, to make it better than before.

We interviewed and chose a contractor.

We applied for permits.

We had engineering drawings made for a new roof and deck.

We have spent countless hours

pouring over brochures and websites seeking information about

windows, skylights, flooring, electrical work, plumbing,

heaters, water systems, bathroom fixtures, tile and stone.

We've changed a few things about the layout that bothered us before,

and I know this house is going to be better than ever when we're done.

I still have so many more decisions to make!

But, the project is coming along,

and we will be back in our home before too long.

New interior framing, awaiting skylights:

Part of the new roof:

We are still awaiting electrical work, then insulation and sheetrock.

At that point, I think the house will feel whole again.

Right now, it is all wood and studs, and tarps and plywood.

But, I do see progress, and I can glimpse the results, just barely!

In the meantime,

when I need a break I take long walks along the ocean.

Lucky me!

I do my yoga and pilates, and try to stay CALM.

Thank you for dropping by today, I appreciate your loyalty and support.

I am blessed by your continued friendship and kindess.

Stay tuned for further progress reports.

I will check back in with you again, very soon!

Until next time,

Heidi

I'm joining everyone at Metamorphosis Monday. Thanks!

You Won't Believe This, at Heart and Home

2011-05-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I realize it's been a long time...

I will admit,

since my Dad passed away in September

working on Heart and Home had become

difficult for me.

I felt like I had run out of things to write about,

and lost interest in DIY projects.

I was down in the dumps,

depressed and uninspired.

After my trip to Austria and Hungary things started looking up.

I was feeling a little better,

ready to start working on projects again,

ready to begin fresh with new ideas.

I was getting excited to plunge in, and pull out the spray paint!

BUT NO...

INSTEAD,

I'm still processing what happened to us near the end of March.

Daily, I remind myself

to stop and count my lucky stars.

Because, it really could have been much worse.

STILL...

This has been really difficult.

We are all shook up.

And sometimes, we are still in disbelief.

During a particularly nasty rain storm,

while I was in the kitchen

preparing my first cup of tea

(you know how I love my tea!)

determined to do nothing on that stormy day but

nurse my very sore back

and read

and relax,

and take it very easy all day,

suddenly out of nowhere

I heard a very loud crash of thunder.

Which was weird,

because we don't get thunder around here.

So, I was a bit puzzled.

Turns out, the sound I heard was the sound of

one of the trees on our property,

a 100' tall,

5' diameter, giant Douglas fir,

as it came crashing down into our house,

just missing me by a few teeny, tiny feet.

This is what happened to our home:

The entire thing was split in two.

Right down the middle,

all the way from end to end.

Our outdoor patio,

which we used for entertaining and dining,

and reading and relaxing,

no longer exists.

It was smashed to smithereens.

Almost everything on it was smashed flat.

Demolished.

The living room, dining room, entry, hall,
guest bath, family room, office, stairs

and the entire downstairs

where our bedrooms, sewing room and bathrooms are located

(including my "favorite spot")

were either structurally destroyed,

or severely water damaged.

This is a view from the side door,

looking back through the hall into the entry.

The wood planks used to be part of our cathedral ceiling.

That is the roof on the floor of my dining room.

Almost every piece of furniture,

and a great number of our books,

and the pretty decorative items,

and many of my favorite things

including Mr. and Mrs. Chin,

were destroyed.

Projects I had worked hard on over the years,

many that I shared with you here,
(including my favorite bookcase, and the slipcovered chair)

are gone now,

thrown away in a big dumpster.

Within minutes after the tree fell,

Local firefighters and officers from the sheriff's department

were on the scene.

They are amazing heroes,

and quickly rescued a very frightened Maggie,

who had been hiding beneath some furniture.

There was a very joyful reunion between the two of us.

The firefighters rescued all my photo albums,

and many of our cherished framed photographs,
and the important files.
All without me uttering a word to them,
or even knowing what they were doing.
They found my purse, and my keys,

and they knew just the right things to say to me.

Brave, calm, and kind,

they worked in the dark, in the pouring rain

to save what they could.

I will be forever grateful to them.

Immediately, three media vans descended onto our property.

Reporters and photographers

prowled the grounds,

looking for the best angle,

peering in the windows,

and interviewing the neighbors,

while I sat at the house next door,

shaking and in shocked disbelief.

The destruction of our home was big news that night, and the next day.

Photographs were in the newspaper again, just last week.

When this happened, my husband was out of town, on a business trip.

He Googled "downed tree house storm"

and, not even ten minutes after I called him,

he saw the pictures of our mangled house on his I-pad,

on his way to the airport in Budapest.

After a few days, the weather changed dramatically,

and we began the long process of accessing the damage,

determining the losses,

and getting ready to rebuild.

Things are moving very slowly.

The tree is gone, and so are two others that scared us.

A giant tarp on a temporary frame

protects the interior from further water damage.

There is a lot of paper work to complete.

It's a lot to take in, and at times hard to comprehend.

We are thinking this through carefully,

and, after living almost a month in a hotel
we are getting settled temporarily,

into a rented house that is not our home.

But it will become one to us in time.

The Cecil Brunner roses on the front arbor

were just starting to bloom when this happened.

They will bloom again next year around this time,

when we move back into our rebuilt house.

In the meantime,
I'm thankful to still be here,
to have celebrated another birthday with my family,
to have been given the chance to live my life the best that I can,
and to be able to see the beauty amidst the destruction,
in what was once our home,
and will be again.

Thank you for stopping by today,
I appreciate your visit!!
I will keep you updated on any new developments.
I hope you will check back in with me now and then.
Until next time,
XO
Heidi

linked to Susan's A Southern Daydreamer, for Outdoor Wednesday,
and at the Wednesday party at A Beach Cottage. Thanks!

Hello from Heart and Home

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends!

I realize I am long overdue for a post.

But, I have very good reasons for my disappearance from blogging.

You will not believe it when I tell you.

I can hardly believe it myself.

But for now, please be patient with me!

I will be back soon, with a story and pictures that will explain everything.

In the meantime, I miss you all!

I think of you often.

I hope you are well.

I hope you are happy

I hope you are enjoying a beautiful spring.

I will be back again soon.

Until then,

XOXO

Heidi

PS. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by Heart and Home while I've been away.

Thank you for the emails and the comments. I appreciate you and your continued support during my absence!

A Visit to Hungary, at Heart and Home

2011-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

How's it going?

I'm glad you're here,

I truly appreciate your visit.

I've been taking it slow

in case you haven't noticed.

BUT, anyway...

I'm back and

here it is: part two of my travelogue:

HUNGARY

We left Austria and headed east,
over the border into Hungary.

After jam-packed days spent
exploring the bustling city of Vienna, (see it here)

the peaceful Hungarian countryside was quite a change!

Expansive, green, and serene,

we drove through it for a few hours until we arrived
in the natural hot-springs area of Sarvar.

Everywhere I looked was something historic and

interesting to see!
I think it is beautiful, and a bit like stepping back in time.

Churches and ancient structures dot the landscape.

There are even former forts with former moats.

So much has changed here in the last 20 years.

Some of the roads we traveled on were very new,

and there was no record of them

on a map, or the GPS.

But, my husband's keen sense of direction got us to

where we needed to be.
I love being married to an Eagle Scout!

The road less traveled seems to be
in Hungary, on the way to Sarvar.

This was what most of the highways looked like.

No traffic, for miles on end.
The green fields stretched to the horizon in every direction.

We passed through many picturesque and charming small towns,

each with it's own beautiful church tower.

The architecture was very traditional, yet colorful.

This was just over the border, in the town of Sopron.

It's the home of Soproni beer,

and bakeries with my favorite poppy seed cake.

It was definitely worth the travel, the jet lag,

the driving and the cold weather,

to have a big piece of this apfel/mohnkuchen.

YUM!

I was a very happy girl.
While my husband worked long hours
an hour away at the factory,
I worked long hours getting massages, pedicures, facials,
and relaxing in the hot springs pools
at the Spirit Hotel in Sarvar.
Don't I look refreshed and revitalized?

Next time, I hope to see Budapest, on the other side of Sarvar.
But, in my opinion, this was the perfect first visit to Hungary!

Thanks for dropping by today.

I hope you enjoyed the sights of the Hungarian countryside!
Leave me a comment and let me know you were here!

Until next time,
xo
Heidi

I'm linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer
and Good Life Wednesday, at A Beach Cottage.
Thanks Susan and Sarah!

Wednesday Gratitude is on an indefinite hiatus.
Thanks for being patient!

Vienna, at Heart and Home

2011-02-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hello my blogging friends!

Thank you for your patience while I've been away,

I'm here to say a quick hello.

I hope you all are well, and that you had the happiest of holidays,

and that the new year has started out for you in the best way possible!

For me, 2011 has been momentous so far!

My husband and I recently returned

from a quick trip to Austria and Hungary.

He travels there regularly for business.

This time I tagged along, for not exactly a 2nd honeymoon,

but instead a much needed escape from reality!

We left San Francisco early for the 14 hour flight.

Three plane changes later...

...we arrived ready for adventure,

first in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Vienna!

Day and night, we explored the sights.

The snow from the storms a week earlier
was melted by the time we arrived.
We bundled up and walked for miles and miles in the cold winter air.

For me, it was love at first sight!

There is no shortage of excitement in this glorious place!

Urban, refined, sophisticated, and very romantic,

exploring Vienna was exhilarating

And any city that puts such a high value on a daily sweet treat
is my kind of place!

The "cafe'" break is a Viennese tradition!

There is a pastry shop on almost every corner.

There is always time in the afternoon

to have a * nice pastry, with lots of whipped cream,

and a hot cup of strong Viennese coffee.

...or a beer.

Afterwards, - time for more sightseeing:

St. Stephan's Cathedral in Stephansplatz, is undergoing renovations.

The front of the building is beneath photo-screen covered scaffolding.

Walking around Stephansplatz,
everywhere I looked
I found more and more things to love
about Vienna:

Beautiful sculptures:

Ancient Roman Ruins beneath the street:

*chocolate truffles, oh my:

Street corner flower stands:

*Wienerschnitzel und kartoffelsalat:

(YUM!, and no, I didn't eat all that by myself - we shared!!)

gilded altars, art, and statuary in huge cathedrals:

palaces open for exploring:

arboretum and gardens to wander through at Schonbrunn, the summer palace:

the folly at Schonbrunn:

churches and river boats on the Danube:

If you love art (abundant statues and fountains
can be seen throughout the city)
museums (too many to visit in a few short days),
history (Vienna is historically significant and a former Roman stronghold),
music (home of Mozart, Liszt and Strauss)
dancing (400+ balls are held annually in the city),
walking and exploring,(the center of the city is nearly car-free,
and the underground subway is fast, cheap and easy to use),
eating and drinking (see * above, Austrian food is delicious!)
you will love Vienna!

Vienna has a vitality and energy that is stimulating.

Everyone was friendly and helpful.

It brought me so much joy to stroll the streets,

watch the people,

and to simply be, there in the midst of everything.

I had a lovely visit,

and I'd happily return, anytime!

Up next: Hungary

Until next time,

Heidi

(linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer.

Thanks, Susan!)

Happy Holidays from Heart and Home

2010-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends.

Special Christmas greetings to all of you,

from Heart and Home!

Although it's been much quieter around here this year,

I have been

baking, and shopping, and decorating and wrapping,

and cooking, and singing,

and cherishing our time-honored German Christmas traditions

with my husband and daughters.

I want to share some of the spririt of the season with you today.

But, since I've been a bit short on words lately,

I hope you'll enjoy these from one of my favorite holiday songs:

"Christmas time is here,

happiness and cheer,

fun for all

that children call

their favorite time of year.

Snow flakes in the air,

carols everywhere,

olden times

and ancient rhymes

and love and dreams to share.

Sleighbells in the air,

beauty everywhere,

yuletide

by the fireside

and joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here;

we'll be drawing near;

oh that we

could always see

such spirit through the year."

(Vince Guaraldi)

Thank you for stopping by,

Wishing you and yours a most wonderful Christmas,

and the blessing of a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Until next time,

Heidi

In honor of my parent's anniversary, 12.23.52

Frankfurt Rathaus, Frankfurt Germany

Happy Thanksgiving, from Heart and Home

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

I appreciate your visit.

I am regrouping for the holidays,

taking some well-earned time off to spend with my family.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues."

Marcus Tullius Cicero

I am grateful for the time we've had together, here at Heart and Home.

I thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

I thank you for the inspiration and the creativity you've shared,

for the insight and wisdom,

and especially the humor

A joyous Thanksgiving Holiday

filled with the love and laughter of friends and family

is what I wish for you, my Heart and Home friends.

Eat, play, relax, and give thanks for all your blessings.

Be well.

Enjoy the warmth and the spirit of the coming days.

Until we meet here again, I will be thinking of you.

Until next time,

Heidi

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.--Estonian Proverb

San Francisco and Wednesday Gratitude #35 at Heart and Home

2010-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hello again friends.

How's everything?

I'm thinking about you!

It's Gratitude Wednesday.

If you'd like you can link your Gratitude post below.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

I'm always inspired when I see the Golden Gate Bridge.

I'm grateful for the wonder and excitement of a day spent in my favorite city.

I love the spectacular view from up here,

on the edge of Lincoln Park overlooking the Pacific ocean.

To me, it's thrilling knowing powerful ocean waves are crashing

just beyond the rolling hills of the golf course.

I'm thankful for a day spent browsing

at the beautiful Legion of Honor museum in Lincoln Park.

(check out the link for more info.)

The lion guarding the entrance is freshly power-washed.

Which is the only way to wash a lion, I'm sure.

After a busy day in the bustling city,

I'm thankful for a return to my quiet part of the world,

and my home among the redwood trees.

I'm grateful for the soft rustle of the wind in the treetops...

...and for the beauty of a full moon on a peaceful night.

Goodnight, my friends!

Until next time,

Heidi
linking to Outdoor Wednesday, thanks Susan!

Wednesday Gratitude #34 at Heart and Home: A Shared Meal

2010-11-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear reader-friends.

I'm grateful for you!

Link your Gratitude Post below, and thank you for stopping by today.

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." - Gerald Good

I know it's been awhile.

I haven't had a lot to say.

Thanks for sticking with me!

If I could I would have you all over for a nice fall dinner.

We'd sit around the table for a long time, and share our stories along with the food.

I'd set a pretty table for you.

I'd use fall colors, and make sure the stemware glistened in the candlelight.

What will we have to eat?

Something warm and hearty, this is the time of the year for comfort food!

It always brings me comfort to cook for the people I care about.

I'm grateful for the simple pleasure of preparing a tasty meal.

I am comforted by the flickering candles in the chandelier.

I'm thankful for the soft glow of the fire in the fireplace, and the glass votives on the table.

I am thankful for the warmth of my home on a cool Fall day.

I'm grateful for friends and good food,

and time spent sharing a meal together.

I am getting used to this feeling that envelopes me.

Grief is a strange thing.

One minute I feel fine, the next minute I am lost and lonely.

One day I have only happy memories,

the next day I am filled with sadness.

I am grieving the death of my parents,

and my choice to end contact with people who have been cruel.

I am working every day to regain my equilibrium,

and to get my life back on track after this major derailment.

Everyday I think of you!

I am pondering how Heart and Home fits in my life right now.

Finding the answer might take some time,

and so I am taking things slowly.

I am thankful for your support and understanding.

And, if we were sitting together around my table sharing a meal,

I would drink a toast in gratitude to you, my blog friends.

Until next time,

Heidi
also linking to Tablescape Thursday, at Between Naps on the Porch.

Wednesday Gratitude #33: the County Fair at Heart and Home

2010-10-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Has it been a week already?

That means it's time for Wednesday Gratitude.

Thank you for stopping by Heart and Home,

I appreciate your visit.

Link in below if you have a gratitude post to share.

The more the merrier!

“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.” -G.B. Stern

The simple things in life take on more meaning when life becomes more difficult.

I'm very grateful for my daily routine,

the kindness and support of my friends and family-in-law,

and the sweet memories of a day spent at the county fair.

Every year around this time we head to our county fair.

It's one of our favorite destinations,

and annual event we eagerly anticipate.

We look forward to the Fair's arrival in the week just before Fall officially begins.

We head out to the fair grounds,

I'm thankful for the long afternoon we spend enjoying the sights.

Our first stop is always the Harvest Building.

These pumpkins are huge!

They weigh hundreds of pounds a piece.

Think of the gigantic pie that could be made from one of them.

If you could get the pumpkin into the kitchen.

It takes cranes and tractors and fork-lifts

to move them from garden to fairgrounds.

Wandering into the Fowl Pavilion,

we're surrounded by a chorus of clucking, quacking and cock-a-doodle-doing.

This handsome fellow didn't look too happy to be stuck in his cage.

Possibly he was thinking about November,

or maybe he was just shy.

Either way, it took some convincing to get him to pose for his portrait.

This one, on the other hand, was another story.

I'm not a turkey expert,

but to me it looked like he was strutting around and showing off.

Well, there were a lot of good-looking lady turkeys in the cages all around him.

Can't hardly blame him for wanting to show his stuff

with such a captive audience around.

The hens didn't seem to notice him though.

They were probably used to his swaggering.

Or, maybe this he is a SHE?

I'm not sure.

Speaking of swaggering and strutting -

it's hard not to notice

the cowboys in their Wranglers!

The horse show draws a crowd.

Not a very big one at this fair, but still.

This is the place for those of us who enjoy

watching a cowboy or two,

running barrels and roping calves.

Showing us their rodeo-ing skills.

Wearing cowboy hats and boots.

I may have a small thing for cowboys, I'm not telling...
(I'm thankful I get my "cowboy fix" at the fair every year!)

I will admit to my love affair with nannies, billies and kids.

Have I told you I'm partial to goats?

Well, I am. All kinds, I'm not particular.

As long as they are goats, I love 'em.

Someday I might even get me one.

Look at that face!

And those big brown eyes.

He's a cutie!

Of course, goats at the fair always look their best.

All cleaned up, shampooed, brushed, and polished.

A well groomed goat is a happy goat.

For now, I am very thankful that I can take my time,

enjoying and petting these sweet creatures.

No goats at my house.

Yet.

The Swine Pavilion around the corner

is another favorite place to linger.

We can't get enough of the piggies.

We especially enjoy making oinking sounds.

Yes, we are very talented in the "pig-noises" department.

They don't seem all that thrilled to see us.

Underwhelmed at the very least.

Guess we're not as good at pig-talk as we think.

Now here's a booth that speaks every one's language.

Those are some extra huge pretzels.

As you can see, they come in nearly every flavor imaginable.

But we walked right on by.

What amazing restraint!

We had our hearts set on cinnamon rolls.

We get some every year.

It's a tradition we won't give up willingly.

Hot, fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls are the last thing we buy,

right before we head home.

The aroma in the car is so strong you can taste the cinnamon.

I'm so thankful for the deliciousness of

cinnamon rolls at the fair.

We stop at the rose garden,

and then the flower display where we inhale the scent of hundreds of locally grown roses.

These are roses at their finest, grown by local farmers in green houses nearby.

I'm grateful they are not shipped in from across the world,

grown on land cleared of rain-forest.

Earth-friendly roses, you might say.

Their colors are so brilliant.

I matched the color of my kitchen to one of my favorite varieties.

I am so thankful for the beauty these flowers add to my life.

After the flowers we check out the photographs and art, and the quilts and collections.

Next, it's time to see the commercial tents,

and then, finally, we get to eat fair food.

It's not a completely satisfying visit to the fair

if we don't partake in some deep-fried artichokes, and chicken on a skewer.

We are enthusiastic fair-food-eaters.

And, we are probably the only ones who don't head over to the carnival.

It's really not our thing.

We're not thrill-seeking, scary-ride riding girls.

But, we do enjoy the milder attractions,

and the traditions,

and the memories we take home with us.

We get the most out of our visit, every year.
I am so thankful
for the opportunity to spend the day with my girls at the county fair.

The end!

What simple pleasures in your life are you most grateful for?

Until next time

Heidi
Linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer. Thank you Susan!

Wednesday Gratitude #32 at Heart and Home

2010-10-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am back, in time and even a little early for

Wednesday Gratitude.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

I was touched beyond measure when I finally returned home to my computer and Internet access, and saw the comments and emails from all of you, my dear Heart and Home friends. My heart is full, thanks to your considerate thoughts and gestures, and my home is brimming with beautiful flowers and thoughtful cards and notes.

Thank you for your uplifting words, your prayers, and your good wishes. I appreciate all of you so much! I am so thankful and grateful for your gracious and gentle spirits, which lifted me up when I was at my lowest, and helped "light the flame" within me as I struggled to maintain my composure during what have surely been the most profound and trying weeks of my life.

I knew it would be sad and painful to say goodbye to my father.

These past few weeks have gone by, the days ticking off slowly, with a million details to attend to.
And now, all of a sudden, it's been almost one month.

I had heard that a death of a loved one often brings out the worst in some people, and unfortunately, we've found that to be true. Our grief has been compounded by several individuals who have exposed their darkest sides to us during our saddest days.

We have been the targets of reprehensible, threatening, opportunistic and profane behaviour.
Startling and surprising, even shocking, but sadly not unexpected, their actions have made these weeks more heartbreaking.
If I had any enemies, I would not wish this on them. Yet, I know I will get through it, and I'm so grateful for the help of my husband and my daughters, whose unwavering strength and love are a constant in my life.

And, as always in any days filled with painful emotions, there are moments of grace that shine brightly in my memory.

I am very thankful for this Air Force Honor Guard, which presented our family the United States flag after performing a solemn ceremony honoring my dad's 30 years of service.
"Taps" was played slowly and reverently, each note from the trumpet carried up into the sky by brisk breezes on a cloudless, perfect Autumn day in October.

I am grateful for the respect they showed my dad, and and for their service to our country, and for their ability to present themselves at their absolute best, for a man and a family they didn't even know.

They are so young and yet so serious, honorable and dutiful.

"Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road." -John Henry Jowett

The day of my dad's memorial was filled with moments of love and kindness, and the support of friends who traveled many hours to be with us.

As Daddy's first-born daughter, I have years and years filled with wonderful memories. It will take my remaining lifetime to revisit them all.

I can not explain it very well.
But somehow, knowing you would be here when I returned, made this all a little easier for me. Thank you so much for your friendship and support, and for your empathy and patience as I ease my way slowly into a regular routine again.

"No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."
- Francois Mocuriac

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

As always, link up if you have a gratitude post to share! Due to my slowed pace right now, and my state of mind (!) I will leave the link open for one week this time. Thanks for joining Wednesday Gratitude!

Broken Hearts at Heart and Home

2010-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends.

Due to the death of my dear Father,

who passed away suddenly on September 25,

I will be out of touch for the next several weeks.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Until next time,

Heidi

Life is eternal and love is immortal.

And death is only a horizon

and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our spirit.

Rossiter Worthington Raymond -1840 - 1918

Qui me tangit...at Heart and Home

2010-09-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

This brass bell

hangs on a post just outside our side door.

It's big and loud, and, when rung, can really get a crowd's attention!

The inscription in Latin, reads: "Vocem meam audi, qui me tangit".

Which loosely translated means: "Whoever touches me hears my voice."

That's right, I can read Latin. *

It's true, just the slightest tug on the chain sets this bell in motion.

The clapper rings loud and true on the brass.

The entire valley can probably hear it.

This is a reproduction, possibly of a ship's bell.

We use it to call our guests in from the side yard.

Our croquet games out there can get a little rowdy,

and my delicate voice isn't loud enough to get every one's attention.

But, the bell never fails.

When people hear it, they come running.

The clanging means "Dinner is served!"

Rowers, dragons, and an angel were used as decorative elements.

The angel seems to be a sentinel, keeping watch.

She sees everyone coming and going, in and out of our home.

She's been keeping guard here for over 10 years.

She's seen a lot.

If she could talk I wonder what she'd say?

Above, I noticed the Japanese maple is changing colors.

This is the coldest spot on the property,

and the first to show signs of the new season.

Soon all the leaves on this tree will have turned red,

and then, it takes just one or two days for them all to fall to the ground.

All the branches will be bare.

Fall is here, winter on the way.

Another cycle of nature, complete.

"Alius curcumtitus natura perficio". *

And, because it's Show and Tell, I'll show off a little:
"Il ciclo della natura, completo."
Parlo un po d' Italiano.

Until next time,

Heidi

*To translate your own phrases into latin, go HERE. It's fun!

Linking to Cindy's Show and Tell. Thanks Cindy and "Felice Compleanno",
and to Southern in My Heart's Inspiration party.
Stop by and when you do tell them Heidi sent you!

Inspiration and Creativity, at Heart and Home

2010-09-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

I met Susan Liddy at the SITS seminar in San Francisco. She impressed me with her warmth, her elegance and her professionalism. I was thrilled when, a few days later, she asked me to write a guest post for her site Aspire Life Coaching.

Susan suggested I write about inspiration and the creative process, something I have been familiar with, and struggling with, and in awe of my entire life.

It took some time for me to figure out where my inspiration comes from and what inspires me to get going and get creative.

But, I did it!

I'd be so honored if you'd pop over to Susan's blog and read my guest post.
Let me know what you think about it. You can leave a comment there, or come back here.
Either way, I'd love it if you'd share your thoughts, and I'd be very interested to know what inspires you.

And, for something completely different, take a look at some quick fall decor, and Wednesday Gratitude #31, by clicking here.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

For more information about Susan Liddy, check her out at:
http://www.aspirelifecoaching.org/
http://www.secretstoultimateliving.com/
http://www.aspiringfempreneur.com/

Her Book: www.secretstoultimateliving.com/ebook

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

2010-09-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

“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

Heidi

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

Thanks, Cindy!

How to Paint a Mural and Win Bonus Points, at Heart and Home

2010-09-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Here at long last is an actual PROJECT that I completed recently.

Daughter #2 had been begging me to paint a mural in her room.

I put her off as long as I could.

We finally got to work and created an "art installation" that

makes the room sunny and bright all the time.

More important, it made my daughter happy.

And I got a few extra hugs for my efforts.

That made me happy.

First, we repainted all the walls in the room.

I told her if she taped I would paint.

I came home from the store and the room was ready to go.

Blue tape was everywhere.

I couldn't back out of my commitment!

So...

The walls went from pink to a soft butter yellow.

I used the Home Depot paint with the primer in it.

It worked great, one coat and the pink was gone.

We used a satin finish, and the acrylic paints for the mural just glided on.

I got instructions from my "client":

Paint the sun,

Paint a tree

Paint birds,

and many flowers.

Make it fun!

Make it bright and stylised!

Use unusual colors!

Sheesh, bossy.

I told her I would do my best.

I painted the sun, looking sunny.

I painted tulips, and lavender, and sunflowers growing in a field.

I didn't use true perspective, or realistic colors,

or try to be botanically correct.

It was fun!

And yes, pigs were a special request.

I should have charged her extra.

We had a few creative differences when it was time to paint them.

It seems the artist and the client weren't exactly communicating.

There may have been a few heated discussions about little piggies.

A few got scrubbed off, and painted more than once.

But,

we finally agreed on these.

They look happy and silly and not too realistic.

A real-looking pig is not good in a bedroom,

or so I've been told.

My very discriminating client knows what she likes,

and what she wants.

As an adult that trait will be very beneficial.

Now, it leads to a few verbal exchanges, if you know what I mean.

We don't always see eye-to-eye.

But we always work it out.

There are three swine in the room.

Cartoony-swine, but all the same

it's too bad the lavender isn't scratch and sniff.

The hummingbird would like that, too.

The sun is looking benevolently out over the hills,

Is it rising or setting?

We still haven't decided.

I don't think it matters.

I'm just glad my client was satisfied.

The room's all back together now.

The bookshelves are back up, the furniture in place.

John, Paul, George, Ringo and Harry are back where they belong.

And let's not forget that great looking chandelier (see it here)

that I fixed up for her awhile ago.

Everything looks pretty good.

Growing up, did you have a bedroom that showed your personality?

When I was young I didn't have the room I envisioned for myself.

There were a lot of constraints about what could and couldn't be done in base housing.

Years later, finally living in a home my parent's owned,

I was able to express myself in my decor.

I went a little crazy.

Wild, brightly colored, flower-patterned vinyl wallpaper,

and bright white and yellow furniture everywhere.

Posters of Mark Lester and the Monkees.

It was quite the hip space.

Or so I thought.

But, no pigs, anywhere!

Until next time,

Heidi

linked to Metamorphosis Monday, at Between Naps on the Porch.

Hi Susan, and thanks!

also: The Girl Creative

Cottage Instincts

Making Monday Marvelous, thanks ladies!

Pigs inspired by "If You give a Pig a Pancake", by Laura Numeroff

Dinner and Gratitude (#30) at Heart and Home

2010-09-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I'm so glad you're here.

After that walk on the ocean cliffs (go check it out here),

you're just in time for

a hearty ranch house dinner, with margaritas!

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus

It's nothing fancy, but you're always welcome.

Gather around the table set for a casual meal.

It's a lovely, almost crispy Fall-ish early evening.

(still not officially Fall until Sept. 22 at 11:09 PM - according to WikiAnswers)

Autumn-y colored linens, rush chairs, hand-painted rooster plates.

Margarita glasses.

Margaritas.

Well, for some of us anyway.

The rest can drink sparkling limeade.

I'm thankful for spontaneous celebrations.

I'm always thankful for the pleasure of a shared meal.

I'm thankful I can set a pleasant looking table in my own home,

and serve abundant, tasty, healthy food and drink to my loved ones.

You already know candle light is on my list of things to be thankful for.

And these little polka-dotted votives make me smile!

See what I mean.

They're cute, right?

I'm thankful for the simplicity

of the blue and yellow and white color scheme,

and the ease of choosing

from among my favorite linens, dishes and flatware.

I love mixing it up with patterns, textures and colors.

I'd rather have a few favorite items that I use regularly,

than an overwhelmingly huge stash of things stuffed in the cupboards.

The exception apparently being my desire

to own one zillion candles in every shape and color

as long as they are white.

Well, a girl's gotta have a hobby.

Excuse me while I go light the bar-by.

It's almost time to start cooking dinner.

Around here we use real charcoal,

in an old Weber that's been part of the family

for a very long time.

Not very high-tech, or high-end, or glamorous.

Kinda like me.

I'm thankful I don't have to worry about those things

among the people I love.

And that simple pleasures bring me joy,

every day.

What are the simple things that make you smile?

I'd love to know.

Until next time,

Heidi

Linking to Tabletop Tues. Thanks!

La Selva Beach and Heart and Home

2010-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Welcome back to Heart and Home, and thanks for stopping by.

I spent a delightful afternoon

at a "new-to-me" store PATINE,

in the teeny-tiny downtown of La Selva Beach.

I finally left close to two hours later,

after poking around,

checking out all the wonderful reclaimed ticking linens,

candles, jewelry, pillows, scarves, lanterns and more.

I had a great time talking with Dani, co-owner of the business with her husband.

I will tell you more about Dani and PATINE in a future post.

And show you pictures, too.

In the meantime, you can find out more HERE.

After my shopping expedition I continued on out of town.

I came upon this at the end of the road:

On one of the most glorious days of the late Summer,

the sun was sparkling on the water like diamonds.

For a little while I had this part of the world to all to myself.

Peace and tranquility free for me to enjoy as long as I wanted.

The temperature of the air was so perfect I couldn't feel it on my skin.

I love days like this!

The sunlight glistened off the gentle waves.

The beach was nearly abandoned.

For miles in each direction I could count only a handful of walkers with their dogs.

Railroad tracks seldom used

provide symbolism for my feelings this afternoon.

I'm on my way somewhere, but to where exactly?

Who knows.

I felt the urge to join the group of children playing in the surf,

But there was no obvious way down the cliffs to the shore.

I think this part of the world is kept a secret from the rest of us

by those who are in the know.

I can't blame them.

I would want to have this quiet place to myself, too.

I would divulge it's location to only a few chosen,

special ones, dear to my heart.

People I know and trust to keep a secret.

I can't take you there,
But I can share this place with you today.

Enjoy the harmony and the beauty of the ocean,

on one of the most perfect last days of Summer.

Until next time,

Heidi

2010-09-11T14:13:00.001-07:00

In Remembrance

September 11, 2001

Wednesday Gratitude #29 at Heart and Home

2010-09-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! You're just in time for Wednesday Gratitude.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

I spent three great days with my husband, sans daughters.

Daughters spent three fabulous days sans parents.

For us: no fancy hotels or room service.

Instead:

a long walk,

dinner and a movie,

a baseball game,

an air show.

All wonderful.

For them: time at the dorm and in the city.

Shopping, cooking, talking, reading.

Watching movies.

Eating, giggling.

Two sisters, doing what they do best, together.

Sometimes simple weekends are the best.

We all returned home happy.

It was a good weekend!

I'm very grateful for those three days.

And now, I'm back to the daily routine,

I'm feeling particularly grateful for Guadalupe and his team.

They stopped by the house this morning with their squeegees and soapy water,

and worked some magic on this house.

Eleven exterior French Doors.

Four interior French Doors.

25 BIG windows.

Four skylights.

All are clean, sparkling, and spotless.

Perfect.

Daughter #2 came home from school this afternoon and said the light looked different.

Said the rooms seemed to glow in the sun.

That everything looked "crisper".

I noticed it, too.

That bright, brilliant, fall-ish sunshine, streaming through the windows.

NO fingerprints, no dust, no streaks.

Ever notice how clean windows make the whole house feel fresh?

It's lovely!

I'm very thankful for the clean, clear views.

I'm thankful I didn't have to climb up the ladder myself,

armed with buckets and rags,

but instead know a nice man and his three nice helpers,

who will take care of that chore for a reasonable fee

and leave with a smile and a handshake.

And give me the gift of sunshine and shining glass.

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton

What are you grateful for today?

Link in, and let us know!

Until next time,

Heidi

ps. all pics taken through windows! see what I mean by clean?

linking to Outdoor Wednesday, thanks Susan!

Fall Hydrangeas at Heart and Home

2010-09-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

These are the final days of summer.

The weather has been the nicest yet, with fog-free mornings and warm breezy days.

Around here it's the best time of the year to head to the beach,

but don't let the out-of-towners know that.

It will be our little secret.

In the garden, plants need to be pruned, oak leaves swept up,

and acorns cleared off the steps and the deck.

The pots of hydrangeas from the Summer are past their prime.

I cut all the stems and put them in a vase to dry.

Now they will be Fall Hydrangeas.

I have baskets around the house containing dried bunches from years ago.

When I move the baskets, hydrangea petals rain everywhere in little petal flurries.

I'm adding new stems to the collection so I can let go of some of the really old ones.

I'm afraid they will eventually turn to dust, like a moth's wings.

I really don't need any more dust in this house, if you know what I mean.

Maggie doesn't like to dust, either.

She is not a very big help around the house.

This dog gets a free ride around here, that's for certain.

I guess being cute counts for something.

I'm wondering if these blossoms will hold their color.

They are the prettiest green and gold,

and somewhere in that bunch

are a few pale blue reminders of spring and summer.

Everyday right about now

the afternoon sun streams through the skylights,

bathing the entryway in warmth and golden sunlight.

I always look forward to this time of year.

After the excitement of back-to-school,

we all chug through the next few weeks.

Earlier bedtimes, alarm clocks,

packed lunches and homework take some getting used to.

The weather is warmer than usual, and the days are still long.

Then, all of a sudden, there is a snap in the air

and it's time to pull out the heavy throws and brocade slipcovers.

Seashells will soon be replaced
with pumpkins, gourds and dried wheat, as the weather turns cool.

Time to let go of the warm weather and embrace the chill in the air,

the falling leaves and the scent of burning wood.

Time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and celebrations.

Time to start baking delicious apple treats,

with apples picked in the orchard across the way.

I've collected a few new recipes, for apple cakes and crisps and crumbles.

I'm looking forward to some quality time in the kitchen,

peeling and chopping and sifting and stirring.

And tasting.

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Until next time,

Heidi

Linking to Show and Tell, at Cindy's

Wednesday Gratitude #28: Time at Heart and Home

2010-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

TIME for Wednesday Gratitude

Link up if you've got something to be grateful for!

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"

-William A. Ward

I have a funny relationship with time, and

I've been watching the clock a lot lately.

I'm very grateful for the abundance of time I have to take care of things.

But, with hours stretching out in front of me every day,

it seems I take more and more time getting started on the things that are "important".

It makes me feel guilty,

and then, it feels like I'm playing catch-up with the clock.

I imagine time takes on a completely different meaning

when you've been faced with life-altering challenges,

like illness or loss, or some sort of natural disaster.

I imagine you would never take time for granted

having beaten cancer,

or survived a flood or hurricane that took everything away from you.

That time would have stood still while you were in the midst of the storm,

and flown by much too quickly while you were battling a disease.

Counting the days knowing you could never get them back.

I'm grateful I've never really had to experience anything like that,

and that I don't know what time feels like in those circumstances.

I'm truly grateful.

Although I've lent my support for most beloved ones who've been there, done that.

And those times were precious to me, though slow, and hard, and long.

I wouldn't trade those days for any others.

Because they showed me what I was made of,

and showed me what it takes to really fight the big fight,

and that time keeps rolling along, day after day.

Spending days like that helped me realize how precious time is,

and how much I regret wasting it.

AND, being late, and making others wait, is a form of wasting time,

in my opinion.

I often find myself scrambling around at the last minute,

taking care of that "one last thing" to do before I head out the door

Do you do that too?

Why do I think that right before I need to leave

is the perfect time to add the last load of laundry to the wash?

Why do I always see the little out-of-place-items that need putting back in their places,

right when I'm running out the door?

Or notice some inane task that could have been done any time,

and feel the need to complete it just before I head out?

I do that more often than I'd like to admit.

And then, I'm usually just a bit late getting to where I was heading.

Sorry about that.

Is it just me, or is this some sort of "last-minute mania" that only affects people who have a guilty conscience about how they spend their time?

I don't know.

Here's the guilt:

There are so many things I should be doing with my time.

I have a list a mile long.

I just haven't been all that inspired to get started on those things.

I've been thinking, maybe I need a new list!

My new list could contain only things that I really love to do.

What would be on your list,

if you had all the time in the world?

What are the things you would want to do, if there were no restrictions?

I would really like to know!

I think that's the trick to making peace with how we spend our time.

Less guilt, more accomplishments.

Spend it in the pursuit of happiness.

Spend it being happy.

And then, PAY ATTENTION.

Because:

I've heard time flies when you're having fun.

Until next time,

Heidi

I'm linking to:

Welcome Wed.

Wobble over Wed.

Follow Me Wed.

Strawberries and Tea-Time at Heart and Home

2010-08-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Strawberries and Tea-Time

I have a lot more spare time available to me now that everyone is back in school.
It's a perfect opportunity to sit back with a friend and enjoy a cup of tea.

I've never been one of those people with gobs and gobs of girlfriends.
I've made only a few very special friends over the years.
I call it my "Circle of A-Listers".

Maybe I'm picky, or hard to please.
I know I'm reluctant to fill my life with idle chit-chat and less than meaningful conversations.
I'm not very good at small talk.
Actually, I really dislike it.
Being well versed in it is something that could probably come in useful to me every now and then.
I suppose there's an art to conducting small-talk really well.
And I'm learning to do it better, for when the need arises.

But, I like to spend my time with people who really matter to me, who know me, and allow me to get to know them.
I like us to talk about things that matter to both of us.
Doled out equally with things that make us laugh.

Over the years I've been lucky to form friendships with a small group of truly wonderful women with whom I share similar thoughts, taste and ideas.
Then there are the others, the women who are nothing at all like me.
I think I love them even more because of it!

All of these are women with big hearts, wisdom beyond their years, immense kindness, and the ability to offer support when it's needed, or a shoulder to cry on.
They are good for fun too, and enjoy an adventure every now and then.

These are true-blue friends, and it's not everyday that you find someone who will stick with you through thick and thin.

I cherish the people in my life with whom I can be honest, and share my heart-felt thoughts.

Even when those thoughts might not make a lot of sense, or are less than cheery.

I know my friends always try their best to understand me, and support me, and perhaps even point out the obvious to me, when I might have missed it.

I feel blessed to be able to express my greatest happiness and my deepest sadness with them.

I can just be myself with them, and I don't have to take out my "company manners" for our visits.

Even though I like to do just that, to make them feel special.

I''d love to be able to sit down for a visit with all the friends I've made over the years.
Wouldn't that be an interesting group?
I would want to include my youngest childhood buddies, and friends from high school with whom I've lost touch.
People who've come and gone in my life, and were special to me way back when.
New friends, who've just recently come into my life.
And all the dear friends I've been lucky to have known for a very long time.

Strawberries warm from the garden, and a fresh pot of tea await us.
We could sit together and linger in the afternoon hours that, for now, are mostly empty of demands.

For awhile, we could relax and share stories of how we spent our summers, and share the hopes and dreams of our lives for the coming fall.

Who would you invite to sit with you, if you could invite anyone from your past?

There is just the right amount of time for a heart-to-heart talk, without feeling rushed by the clock.

The school day has just begun and the afternoon is stretching out before us, open with possibilities...

Today is a gift, to be shared with a good friend, or two or three.

Good friends, good talk, strawberries, and a pot of tea.

Until next time

Heidi

Linking to: Blue Monday, Making Mondays Marvelous

Tabletop Tuesday , Three or More Tuesday

and these fun Tea Parties at:

Lady Katherine Tea Parlor

The Plumed Pen

Silken Purse

Wednesday Gratitude # 27: A Miracle Party and Sunny Mornings at Heart and Home

2010-08-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." - Henry Ward Beecher

Welcome to my Pink Saturday addition to the Miracle Party taking place today!

Read on to find out more about Colette, and how you can help

others, by simply leaving a comment.

Unlike the foggy mornings I usually wake up to

during the summer months around here,

the sun was streaming

through the windows today, bright and early.

It looked so pretty with the sunlight shimmering on the crystal and glass,

and bouncing off the flower petals.

I felt really grateful for a bright beginning to the day.

I'm trying to be more aware, and to notice and appreciate the little moments in life that bring me joy.

That is one of the reasons I started

Wednesday Gratitude.

Some days, I'm just not feeling it.

I know I have so much to be grateful for,

but it's easy for me to fall into the "woe is me behavior"

when things aren't going exactly my way.

That's not something I'm proud of, and I'm working on it, everyday.

I guess it's human nature to see the bad, as well as the good, in life.

I'd just like to notice the good more often.

(Like the brilliance of the color of these alstroemeria lilies:)

I know we all have moments when we're not feeling the joy.

I'm thankful that, for me, most of the time

my down moments are no big deal.

But some of us face days and months and years

of HUGE, life-threatening, life-changing challenges.

How we choose to face them speaks volumes about our character.

And sometimes, we just need a little help from a friend.

My friend Kelee, at the Katillac Shack,

has decided to use her creativity in interior design to help others.

Kelee is an amazing women!

She's sweet, and funny, and talented, and most of all,

loving and supportive.

Recently, she was able to pull off an incredible feat for a friend in need.

Colette was battling cancer,

living in a run-down, depressing rental space that was anything but healing.

Kelee was there, with open arms and ideas, paint and fabric and love.

She got together with some other amazing people

with Guidepost magazine as a sponsor, and Design Gives Back.

Kelee helped transform Colette's sad sick-room into a space filled with light and beauty.

(You can see the transformed room at Kelee's place

starting on August 27.)

Now, she wants to be able to do it again, for someone else.

Everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend like Kelee.

The MIRACLE PARTY is August 27 - 31

Stop by How Sweet the Sound , Country Wings in Phoenix,

and the Katillac Shack.

Each comment you leave at those sites will earn $1 for Design Gives Back

For more of the story, go to the Katillac Shack.

Help provide another healing space transformation.

Just by leaving a comment,

and, you will also be entered in a drawing for fabulous prizes

(art! magazines! and a sewing machine!).

I'd be so grateful if you'd drop by the Katillac Shack

to support Kelee and her work.

And send a comment and a hug to Colette,

who, although she was given only a 5 -15% chance,

beat the cancer and can wake up smiling at the sun, every day.

Until next time

Heidi

Remember to LEAVE A COMMENT HERE, TOO!!

Don't be a lurker! I love to hear from you.

(And, if you like what you see, subscribe or follow along with Heart and Home.
The buttons are on the sidebar)

linking to Works for Me Wed., Wobble Over Wednesdays, Welcome Weds., Follow Me Wednesday, Pink Saturday, and Show and Tell Friday, (and I'm going to let Wednesday Gratitude run a little longer this time, until August 31. Share your stories of gratitude and inspiration! All others will be deleted...thank you!!XOXO)

A Day With the SITS Girls, at Heart and Home

2010-08-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday I spent the day in San Francisco,

at the Westin St.Francis Hotel.

I was with 100 other blogging women.

We were all in town for the SITS Girls Bloggy Boot Camp.

I didn't get many pictures of the 100 other women,

or the speakers, or the food.

There were too many things to do, and too many people to talk to.

I got a little nervous, and I forgot.

I know you'll forgive me.

From the conference room when the fog cleared,

there was a view down to Union Square.

Typical of San Francisco summer weather, the fog cleared around 4:00.

Just in time to see the festival wind down and the crowds disburse.

The building with the arched windows on the right is the Marriott Hotel.

That domed tower in the center is very pretty.

Too bad I don't know what it's called.

I'll have to get back to you on that.

The meeting took place way up high, on the Imperial floor, in fancy Victor's.

Not on the ceiling, but isn't it interesting?

Inside, the view was clear, but the temperature was chilly.

Frigid actually.

You would think they could afford to heat the place,

considering what they charge to stay here!

We were all shivering by the time the meeting was over.

A frosty and very wide awake bunch.

Here are a few of us, hoping to warm up,

and getting ready to eat lunch in in the beautiful Alexandra room.

It was freezing in here too, but lovely,

and there are fabulous 360 degree views of the entire city

when there is no fog.

And when the frost clears off the inside of the windows I imagine.

Is it just me, or do you think it's weird to put the food on the tables

before everyone is seated?

I'm just curious.

But I've got to admit our lunch was tasty!

Dessert was very delicious, too!

That got eaten before I remembered to document it,

you just have to trust me.

Getting ready to go again,

we're taking our places for the second half of the meeting.

We listened to some interesting talks about all sorts of topics,

from blog security, to ideas about monetizing our sites.

Tiffany Romero, co founder of SITS Girls,

who is very pretty, BTW,

and Ted Rubin of Open Sky, gave us some info.

I particularly enjoyed Kristy Campbell's writing tips.

She was a sweetie to talk with, too.

And has such beautiful red hair.

I've always wondered how I'd look as a redhead.

Hmmm. That's something to think about.

I wonder if I could pull it off.

I think I have the temperament for it, for sure.

That could become one of my changes, for the future.

After the event, I went into the lobby and rested my tired self on the sofa.

Actually, I leaned w a a a y back and got my feet up a bit!

It felt so good!

That's when I noticed how ornate the ceiling is in there.

All these years I've been running inside the hotel
to use the very nice ladies' lounge

or ride the glass elevator to check out the the view,
and I don't think I've ever really looked up.

Anyway, I got very comfy, had a nice chat with some out of town visitors,

and enjoyed some good people-watching.

There was a big party happening in the bar.

Some people really should not wear strapless dresses.

Or 5" heels.

That's all I'm saying about that.

It was a day well spent.

The things I learned helped me clarify my thoughts and feelings

about Heart and Home.

I feel more confident about some of my decisions now.

AND:

I met some nice women, and shared blogging tips and stories with them.

Even spent a little time in the lounge with a couple of Michelles.

Bright, young, beautiful women

who are just starting out in the world of blogging.

And I learned a few things about attending a blogging conference.

Like, bring business cards. (Who knew?)

And wear a winter coat.

At least I felt stylish in my comfortable new "Penelope"* shoes.

Until next time,

Heidi

*If you haven't already, check out the movie. Then you'll know what I'm talking about.

Heart and Home: Bye-Bye Baby

2010-08-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Who is this little girl with the big blue eyes and the golden curls?

Can it have been longer than just yesterday when

she was climbing into my lap and begging me to teach her how to read?

It doesn't feel that way to me.

How can the days and months and years have passed so quickly that

all of a sudden, just like that, it was time to hold her tight and whisper good-by,

acting strong and calm and in control while fighting back tears so as not to worry her?

Instead, I cried buckets of them on the drive home.

What will it be like around here without her smile and her sweet attitude, and her helpful, kind, gentle spirit?

Who will update me on all the latest movies and books, and keep us all entertained with her stories and observances and insights?

How will her sister manage without her best friend near every day to offer her love and advice and guidance?

Who will notice when I'm down and need a hug, or have a crick in my neck and need a good back rub?

The rest of the gang around here is really going to have to pick up the slack in order to fill this girl's shoes while she's away.

Saying good bye to my very best friend - my first born beautiful daughter - as she left for her great adventure was one of my most difficult moments.

The day had been weighing heavily on my heart for months, and now it's already here and gone.

We were off early in the morning taking her and a car loaded full of things she couldn't live without to her new temporary home in the dorm, at the school where her life will change and she'll live and learn and see the world in a way that would never be possible here at home.

I'd like to have packed myself into one of the boxes and snuck along for the adventure.

Because I know when she comes home next summer everything will be different, that she will have changed in ways I can't even comprehend, and that she won't ever be my little girl again.

But I am so very proud of the young woman she is, and excited to meet the women she will become.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

PS. I'm off to SITS Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco on Saturday! I'll be taking lots of notes, and pictures, and trying hard to remember everything to share with you when I get back. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, and spending a fun and informative day! I have fabulous new shoes just for the occasion. Wish me luck!

Carmel, and Wednesday Gratitude #26 at Heart and Home

2010-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

"No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has emerged from the kingdom of night." -Elie Wiesel
I'm back with my new attitude, and just in time for Wednesday Gratitude! Thanks all you lovely lovelies, for the kind words and the support.

I am amazed your willingness to offer insight and guidance, and by your wisdom and humor.
I am grateful for the great fortune of your friendship.
I am taking all your advice to heart.
Thank you!

Yesterday I took my girls for a short drive down the highway, for lunch, window shopping and a meander down the rustic roads of Carmel.

I picked out two of my favorite homes, just a block from the beach.

I could have shown you at least 100 more that I'd move into in a heartbeat.
There are so many cozy cottages, and gorgeous haciendas, California ranch style, and modern seaside homes that it's hard to pick a favorite.

We're guessing these two are in the $2.5 - 3 million price range.
At least.

I will take them both.

This park in the middle of town is quiet and green, surrounded by manicured trees and bouganvilla.
It's a sort of escape and a dose of reality compared to the extravagances of the shops in town.

Strolling through the pretty boutiques can take the better part of a day.

And let me tell you, these places are pricey!

Who is spending that kind of money nowadays?

Not me.

It is fun to look, and get ideas, and daydream.

This shop rekindled my dream to get back to my painting one of these days.

One year ago I pulled out my watercolors.

They are still sitting right where I put them.

Because I started Heart and Home that very same week.

And since then I've been spending a lot of time with you ladies!

But I think I should take some time for other pursuits, too.

I used to have dreams about my paintings, when I was painting every day.

I really enjoyed messing around with the colors and compositions, and looking at things in a different way.

Anyway, I also love spending time on the beach on a foggy, hazy day.

We ended our visit to Carmel doing just that.
The beach is right at the end of main street.

This is the Pacific Ocean, and the waves crash on world-famous Pebble Beach.
In the distance you can see more of those multi-million dollar homes that crowd the cliffs along the shore.
Those green patches are the Pebble Beach golf course.
La-dee-dah.

And what do you think of this powdery white sand?
It's totally different from the sand on our beaches on the bay.

Let me tell you, although it doesn't look like much in this picture, it's a good work-out climbing that hill!
Especially after eating Thai noodles and curry for lunch.
Which we did, with gusto.

I'm contemplating my future!
Which looks bright by the way.
I'm getting cheerier every day.

See?
I'm squinty, and almost happy.
I guess a day shopping and walking on the beach was just what I needed.
I'm grateful for the time I spent with my daughters, enjoying a little escape from the everyday routine.
I love taking the time to drive somewhere special with them.
I'm grateful we get along so well, and have fun together, sharing conversations, eating, laughing, and window shopping.

I'm grateful they still want to spend the day with their mom!
And that they think I'm cool, and they will share their shoes and lattes and advice and humor and good natures with me.
I'm very grateful I'm such a lucky girl.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer. Thanks Susan!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes at Heart and Home

2010-08-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's been one week.

With no inspiration, and even less motivation

I've been doing a lot of nothing these past seven days.

Nothing and everything, because I think I've gotten closer to finding some truths for myself.

Most of you told me that the most important thing to do with life getting me down was to just be in the moment, and to allow myself to really feel the feelings that came up.

So, that's what I've been doing these past seven days:

being in the moment,

and feeling.

Well, trying to feel, anyway.

I've been confused about what exactly my feelings were. Or are.

And being in the moment has never been one of my strong points.

But, I think I've gotten closer to some answers.

That's a good thing, right?

I read "Eat, Pray Love".

I saw the movie.

It took Julia Roberts ( Elizabeth Gilbert, actually)

an entire year to figure it out.

I think I'm doing pretty well,

having spent only one week working on the same thing.

Without leaving the country, or abandoning my family and friends.

Without taking a 15-years-younger lover, or joining an ashram,

or having a nervous breakdown.

I've kept things running pretty smoothly around here, considering,

and still found some time to think.

I've decided that things will get better, but,

despite all the uncontrollable changes in my life,

there are even more things that need to change.

I need to change, that I will seek and embrace change.

Even though I (mostly) fear it.

We all know that nothing stays the same.

Well, everything seems to be changing around here.

With our eldest leaving home, and the youngest starting high school,

I'm pretty much working myself out of a job,

and staring at an empty nest in just a few years.

It's freaking me out.

Plus there's the whole aging process to deal with.

Don't get me started on that one.

And of course, some other things, big ones that are difficult and emotion packed.

But, now I'm writing a list.

On it are the things in my life that need to change,

and things about me that I need to change.

Things that I can control.

Changes that I will seek and embrace.

Blah, blah, blah.

This is not easy for me.

I'm going to start by losing those extra 15 pounds

that have literally been weighing me down for the past years.

I think I need to feel and be lighter,

to feel more like my old self, in order to find my new self.

To get back into fighting shape, so to speak.

So I can tackle the next item on my list, and on down.

Change, change, change.

I so appreciate your support, and all your kind words.

Thank you so much for sharing your own moments

of doubt and difficulty, and enlightenment with me.

Thank you for your encouragement.

Thank you for being you!

I'm pretty sure, after I get through the next week,

inspiration and motivation will be right around the corner.

Stay tuned!

Until next time,

Heidi

LIstening to My Heart, at Heart and Home

2010-08-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I've shared anything new with you. And it will probably be awhile longer.
Because:

Sometimes, when life gives you lemons it's really hard to make lemonade, like everyone says you should.

I feel like I've been given my share of lemons lately, and trying hard to make the lemonade, but with very little success.

Sometimes, instead of changing my perspective, and seeing the bright side, and letting go of expectations, and turning the other cheek, and living and letting live, and the myriad ways of behaving like a grown-up and living with grace when it feels like life is smacking me in the face, I'm overcome with the childish and very strong desires to stomp feet and act horribly and be generally witchy and nasty and unlovable.

Or to cry and run away and be alone.

I really hate it when the nasty, horrible side of me wins and slams the door and sticks her head under a blanket and tries to hide, while the grown-up side of me is nowhere to be found.

That usually happens when I feel myself slipping under the weight of TOO MUCH, too much of everything, but mostly too much of the hard stuff hitting home all at once, like what's been going on around here.

At those times, I am weak, and foolish, and a big baby. Behaving like a grown-up feels beyond my capability.

At those times, I usually don't know what hit me until it's too late. Usually I can't see beyond the hurt or disappointment, or the fear, or the feelings of betrayal
.
It takes some time, but then there is always regret, and finally a longing for peace and understanding, and quiet and calm.

That's where I'm at right now, trying to find the calm.

I need to quiet my brain and listen to the wisdom of my heart a little.

Or is it the other way around? I don't know.

Do I need to stop feeling so much, and start letting my brain get involved more often? I can't imagine anyone advising me to think less, and feel more.

I'm one of those people who've always believed that things only got sweeter when the heart was involved.

I don't know if I've got that part right. I carry my heart out in the open, and don't trust my brain as much, although I know I'm intelligent. It just feels more right to go with my feelings than my intellect, most of the time. Which may be the problem.

I need to find a good middle ground. Something that feels right for me. Oops, there I go again with the feelings.

I'm getting better at this, really I am. But, obviously, I still have a lot of work to do. You'd think I'd have it figured out by now. At least, I thought I would. I'm in my 50's, for heaven's sake. How long does this take, anyway?

Please don't misunderstand me. Right now, everything in my life is not a big dramatic crazy-fest. But I'm feeling the pressure enough that I need some time to digest it all, and to get used to some things and figure them out.

Then, the next time life hits me with a big bag of lemons (and I know there is always a next time) I want to find the part of me that knows how to be honest and true without letting myself down, and without feeling the need to hide. And to be able to make the lemonade, no problem.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Beach Concerts and Marini's at Heart and Home: Wednesday Gratitude #25

2010-08-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy day, welcome back!

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton

I'm thankful for one of the fun perks of living here on the coast, which are the free summer concerts at the beach every Friday night.

The beach in front of the Boardwalk fills up with people for the evening shows. I'm thankful for people watching, which is at it's very best on Friday nights!

When the sun begins to set, the music begins, and the crowd has a great time singing along to the oldies but goodies.

Greg Kihn, The Tubes, Papa Do Run Run, Eddie Money, The Temptations, Herman's Hermits, Starship, and The English Beat, among others, have all played free concerts at one time or another.

It's fun to put down a blanket, eat a hot dog and some fries, and take a trip down memory lane listening to the music. We usually have to convince the girls that yes, this band really was popular in it's time.

How did people listen to music way back in the 70's and 80's anyway, before i-pods and CD's?

When the concert ends, we brave the crowd for a trip to Marini's Candy on the Boardwalk. It's the perfect way to end the evening, if only to window shop.

But, we rarely leave empty handed.

Just look at all this lovely sugar!!

I'm thankful for Marini's,which has been making popcorn and candy on the beach since 1915. They make delicious Salt Water Taffy, and recently introduced Chocolate Covered Bacon, apparently something the world has been waiting for.

My husband is a true bacon connoisseur, and he's sure that chocolate and bacon do not belong together. I say, to each his own.

My loyalties waiver between Rocky Road, Candy Apples, and Pecan Turtles. For me, making the right decision takes some serious thought.

After sitting in the cool evening fog watching the band, waiting in line for our candy, and walking back to the car in the dark, I'm thankful it's time to call it a night.

I'm thankful for the evenings we spend scrunched together on our beach blanket listening to the music under the light of the moon, the sound of the waves, the boardwalk rides, and the crowd providing a colorful backdrop to the main event.

Until next time,

Heidi

I'd be happy to have you join Wednesday Gratitude, share whatever makes you happy and makes your heart sing.

Linking up is easy, but please link a post that shares something you are grateful for, and tell us why! Remember to link back to Heart and Home in your post. I will start deleting links that aren't approptiate to the meme to be fair to others. Thanks for understanding!

I'm linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer. Thanks, Susan!

Heart and Home: And the Winner Is...

2010-08-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Did you have a good weekend? Are you still enjoying summer, and trips to the park or the pool or the beach, and long, long days, and flip-flops and iced tea and watermelon?

I'm glad you stopped by today, and I'm happy to announce the winner of Heart and Home's One Year Anniversary Giveaway.

Thanks to all of you who entered with comments, and many big thank yous to all of Heart and Home's new followers!

I'm honored and pleased that you chose to add H&H to your reading list or blog rolls. I hope you'll be back to visit often.

These are the prizes that will be wrapped up tight and sent to you.

Adorable bird salt and pepper shakers, to add some spice to your life.

Several specially chosen necklaces from my collection, to add a little pizazz.

A pretty, vintage tea towel, for beauty you can use every day.

A couple of cute little note pads, a softly fragrant bar of French soap, and some sea shells and pieces of sea glass from my collection, too. Just for the heck of it!

You know how I feel about sea glass, so the fact that I'm parting with some of mine says a lot about how I feel about you!

Oh, and let's not forget the best part, the $40 gift certificate from Lisa Leonard Designs.

Wow, all those nifty gifts, just for you! Congratulations, Allison, at A Glimpse Inside.
E-mail me with your address, and I'll get this package in the mail to you right away.

All the rest of you, well, don't despair! I plan on sticking around for awhile and there will be more giveaways in the future.

So drop by anytime, and leave a comment when you do! In the meantime, feel free to look around, check out some of the older posts you may have missed, and let me know what you'd most like to see here at Heart and Home in the future.

See you soon.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi
linking to Making the World Cuter Monday. Drop by and say hello.

How to Lighten Up an Empty Fireplace at Heart and Home

2010-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hey there! How's it going everyone? I'm doing fine, and so happy you've dropped by today.

Thanks to all of you for the comments and e-mails regarding my daughter's big b-day, and the Rocky Road tart that seems to have made all your mouths water. I'm always happy to to be of service in the dessert-recipe-sharing area. And, thank you for the one year congrats. I am still surprised that I made it this far!!

After the post about my painted rug, I realized something needed to be done about this dirty old firebox. I had a heck of a time figuring out just what would work inside here to brighten it up a little, because it's, well, dirty and old.

But, I think, when viewed with all the rest of the room, and the mantel, what I came up with is not too bad.

Considering I whipped this up in five minutes with things I had on hand, just before guests starting arriving for the birthday bash, it's not too bad at all.

AND, I even cleaned out all the ashes beforehand, and swept up all the cobwebs and dustmites.

I mean, how good can an empty firebox look, anyway?

I'm not going to buy stuff to put in here, when the thing actually gets used during the fall and winter.

For actual FIRES.

So, I just gathered up some white candles, ceramic candle holders, and those old lanterns that I had laying around in the garage.

Then I arranged them, and poof, that old, dark, dirty firebox turned into an old, dark, dirty firebox with candles and candlesticks and lanterns in it.

It's okay. I have these mums to brighten up the place. In case my candles inside the firebox trick didn't work, and it's still dark and dirty looking to you, too.

What do you think? Better or not? I know I've asked you for ideas before, and you came up with some good ones. BUT: I don't want to paint the mantle, I like the contrast of the dark antique wood. And the fireplace looks goofy with a basket inside, I tried it. Also, there's a shortage of lovely, white, birchwood pieces (as seen in all the designer magazines) around here right now. The oak I do have available is split, or too chunky, or full of bugs.

So...what to do? Should I leave this, or just empty the whole thing and close the screen? (I know, I need to replace the screen but I can't do that right now, either. Remember, our girl is going away to finish college. And we are paying her way. Which means: No new anything. Ever again!)

I know I can count on you ot be honest with me. Leave me a comment, tell me what you think! But be nice, or I won't share any more dessert recipes with you!!

Also, there's just one more day to enter the giveaway, winner will be drawn on Saturday, July 31.

Until next time,

Heidi

I'm linking to Show and Tell Friday at Cindy's Romantic Home and Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things. and Friday Finding Beauty at Dipity Road. Go check out these sites, and Thanks to you all Ladies!!

Rocky Road Tart,Thank You and Wednesday Gratitude #24 at Heart and Home

2010-07-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to Heart and Home

It's Wednesday Gratitude, and a special day!

Link in below, and remember to mention Heart and Home in your post, please!

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was,

"thank you," that would suffice." - Meister Eckhart

Today is Heart and Home's

one year Blog Anniversary.

Yep, that's right.

One year ago today, with trembling fingers, I clicked on "publish post",

and started a new adventure.

I had no idea where my rambling and often feeble attempts

at documenting my home and life would lead me.

But, here I am, and here you are!

And, since I knew you were coming, I baked you a cake!

Eggs, cream and dark bittersweet chocolate combine to make a rich and creamy ganache.

Melted butter, sugar and graham crackers make a delicious crust.

The ganache is poured over chopped nuts and mini-marshmallows.

Chilled for an hour in the refrigerator,

more nuts and marshmallows and ganache are added to the top.

After an hour or so, the rock-road torte is ready to eat.

Lisa Leonard, Parties, and Special Celebrations at Heart and Home

2010-07-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Is it Tuesday already?

It's been one crazy, exciting, fun weekend around here! Thanks for stopping by today.

There was a special celebration at our house on Saturday.

My first-born, my only child for seven years, turned 21 on July 24th.

In three weeks she's moving away to finish college.

We celebrated her big day in style, and gave her quite a send-off!

There were hand-made streamers and banners, and flowers, and piles of gifts covered in ribbons and bows.

Bright colors, vintage linens, birds and fresh flowers set the theme.

A big jar collected the notes written by all the guests.

There are notes to inspire, encourage, support, cheer and advise.

Our dearest friends and family gathered at this table and wrote and wrote.

I would love to read what each one says, but they're not for me.

I know there are many wise and wonderful things on those little cards, for her eyes only.

We have really great friends, and they've been a terrific influence on both my girls over the years.

Caring and kind, they've always been wonderful role models, and tons of fun.

On a day when she might not be feeling confident or happy,

when she's down and feeling lonely,

notes written to her by the people who love her most

might be just what she needs to help pick up her spirits.

Little boxes held candy for all the guests, just the thing to pick up their spirits as they headed home.

Not that anyone left here feeling less than jovial.

The day was filled with laughter, and story telling, reminiscing, and talking about the future together.

Of course, there was food. Lots of food!

And, most important, several desserts.

We had a good time eating!

There was laughing, hugging and joking,

singing, embracing and a whole bunch of love in this house this weekend!

And, after the last guest left, a warm and comfortable feeling

settled over me as I picked up and put the house back in order.

You know that deep and satisfying exhaustion

that comes after a job well done?

That's how I felt when I finally crawled into bed.

There was a little bit of sadness, too thinking about my girl moving away,

(and some regret over a missed opportunity to give the perfect toast -

when I only managed an OK one).

But mostly I just felt proud.

Proud of her for who she is.

And proud of me for being her mom, for a party well done,

and a child well-raised!

I left the banners up, and the flowers are still fresh and brightening our rooms.

They are nice reminders of

a fun day, and

the love and laughter of our friends and family.

and, speaking of love and laughter...

remember the giveaway??

To celebrate Heart and Home's One Year Anniversary

I'm giving away:

A Lisa Leonard $40 gift certificate.

A specially chosen necklace from my collection.

Vintage linens.

Lovely and wonderful items collected just for you.

All you need to do is comment, be a follower or subscriber, or refer a friend.

Each earns you a new entry.

Go ahead, you know you want to win!

Even if you don't, go ahead and leave a comment, it'll make my day.

Until next time,

Heidi

linking today to 3 or More Tuesday,

and Tabletop Tuesday Thanks Ladies!

Lisa Leonard, a Luster-ware Tablescape, and a Giveaway at Heart and Home

2010-07-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everyone! Thanks to all of you who joined Wednesday Gratitude, and for all the supportive comments. You ladies are the best, I really appreciate your kind words! There's always room for anyone who wants to join in, so feel free to link to the party next week.

I'm happy you've dropped by today, and I'm happy to be participating in Susan's 100th tablescaping party. Stop over at Between Naps on the Porch when you're done here, and prepare to be amazed.

Susan is one of the sweetest hostesses around, and I know you'll be glad you went by to say hi.

Tell her Heidi at Heart and Home sent you!

For this special occasion I pulled out the vintage luster-ware tea service I've had stuffed in a box and in storage under the house for about 3 years.

I ironed and layered the cut-work linens I got for a song on E-Bay. Well, I didn't actually sing, but you know what I mean.

I thought the Lily napkin rings added just the right touch of drama!

I imagined a tea party for just the two of us, you and me.

There are warm lemon-cranberry scones in the oven.

The water is starting to boil for a nice pot of tea.

I love green tea with jasmine, but you can have your choice.

I've got 2 or 3, or 20 to choose from.

And honey, and lemon, and milk. Fix it how you like it!

Or, I suppose I can make a pot of coffee, if you'd rather. But it's not the same when you have a tea party with coffee.

I know it's the middle of the day, but I'll light the candles anyway, 'cause it's a special occasion.

Besides, I always light the candles.

There's something extra nice about eating by candlelight.

My girls have grown up having their meals that way, and know how to get wax out of a tablecloth!

Isn't love wonderful? These two seem to think so.

Please, no smooching at the table.

I borrowed the tulips from the vase in the living room.

They look perfect in here and really brighten up the table.

And, in case you're in a really festive mood, I put out the gold-rimmed Noritake crystal wine glasses.

Because this is a celebration after all.

A glass of wine a day is good for you, or so I've been told.

The luster-ware was a find on E-Bay a few years ago. I was the winning bid at $10.99 for a service for six.

It cost me $15.00 to have the box shipped.

Still, I thought it was a real steal for something so pretty, and vintage to boot.

There's a reason it's called luster-ware. Just look at that shimmer.

This set was made after the war, in "Occupied Japan"

Some was made in Bavaria, or later, in just plain "Japan".

I have a nice collection of different sets, but they are all packed away, waiting for that perfect dining room hutch that doesn't seem to exist. Believe me I've looked.

I'm not giving up hope that I'll find it one of these days.

In the meantime, I don't mind unpacking boxes, and digging through tissue and newspaper and bubble wrap, and unwrapping this treasure to share with you for our special tea party.

Congratulations, Susan, on 100 inspiring Tablescape posts. Thanks for letting us tag along and for sharing your creativity with us!!

And now, I've got some exciting news!!

You know there's a giveaway going on here at Heart and Home, to celebrate my one year blogging anniversary.
You do know that, don't you?
Well, the prizes just got even better, because Lisa Leonard, yes THAT Lisa Leonard, is throwing a $40 gift certificate into the pot.

That's a whole $40 to spend however you'd like, at her shop.http://lisaleonardonline.com/
If you like jewelry like this:

or this:

You'll want to get in on this deal! The gift certificate is in addition to the already fabulous prizes I've been collecting for you. Because I want to thank you for one very special year of bloggy heaven.

Believe me, if I could enter my own drawing, I'd do it just for the gift certificate. I really want one of those necklaces. Maybe I'll treat myself...

To enter, leave a comment.
For extra entries, become a follower or subscriber (or let me know if you are or do)
Refer a friend, or post about this giveaway and wow, that's two more entries!
It's so easy, the winning entry will be chosen July 31. Good luck! (for the official giveaway details, go here.)

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Of course, I'm linking up to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.