My little space heater is humming at my feet. I bought it the day after Thanksgiving with a 50% off coupon and it's rather annoying. It runs for about one minute then shuts off ... on and off ... on and off ... I know it's a safety feature but I just want it to R U N! Anyway, it's cold here at the cottage-by-the-creek. My car read 12-degrees this afternoon. Brrrrrrr!
This morning I spied a large red fox running along the bank. It was on the other side of the creek and for that I was thankful! It disappeared over the edge of the embankment, towards the water, and then it was out of sight. I suspect its den is hidden in the embankment ... very clever. I also watched a beautiful doe leisurely strolling along as crystalline snowflakes fell from a still-bright sky. I love that period of time when a snow squall is coming but the dark clouds haven't arrived so the emerging snow falls almost like a mist from a sunny sky.
This old bottle brush tree reminds me of such a sight. It's a bit wonky ... a tad disheveled ... with some thinning in spots ... (can anyone relate?) ... but still speaks to me of silent January days when thick snow blankets the trees and shrubs.
Perfect weather for a sleigh ride! The only sleigh ride I've ever been on is the horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. A sleigh ride in the snow would be quite fun, I imagine. I think I need a dose of Anne of Green Gables. There's always sleigh rides in Avonlea.
I bought the little wicker sleigh at the thrift store and gave it a coat of Heirloom White spray paint. Of course the silver ornaments and "crystal" snowflakes are from the thrift store too.
My mantel is dressed for January. I didn't change it too much from my December look, but just got rid of the red candles and added a few whimsies for winter instead.
Another old postcard from the stash my mom bought at a garage sale. She has quite a few so it will be fun to feature them throughout the year on Cottage and Creek. I'm glad she has a good eye and likes thrifting and garage sales, like I do. It's all her fault I'm a vintageaholic!
The late afternoon sunshine sets my living room aglow. I couldn't resist taking a photo of some antique books caught in the setting sun's rays. Funny how so many of us can't resist vintage books yet never actually read them. I used to read my mom's old books that were boxed in the attic. The Merriweather Girls and The Campfire Girls were favorites of mine. I guess growing up with an attic full of vintage goodness can impresses a young girl and foster a lifelong quest for more. It did with me.
Till next time ... stay warm, be safe, and listen to your heart. That's what I'm purposing to do in 2012.
xoxo,
Lynn