A Gathering of Thoughts

~YUMMY LOVIN' FROM MY OVEN~ A French Toast Casserole To Make You Swoon

2012-01-27T10:18:00.002-06:00

"Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so."

David Grayson

Twenty years ago I started a little Valentine tradition that involved the making of a sweet morning treat for my Mr. AGPMan and two children. Even though both my babes are grown and on their own now I still concoct this tasty treat each year for the man of my dreams :). Even thought it's not the slightest bit 'LOW CAL' it's absolutely scrumptious and so worth enjoying on a special occasion.

~LEFT CLICK ON RECIPE TO PRINT~

This delicious French Toast Casserole is perfect for those lazy Saturday mornings when you want to stay in bed with your honey reading the paper and cuddling until noon (you still do that, right?)! Since all the prep work is done the night before all you have to do is pop it in the oven and you're good to go! You can even go back to snuggling under the covers while it bakes and rises to the sweet smell of cinnamon wafting through your house!

Since I only make the casserole once or twice a year I have yet to photograph it! I found the photo above online and it looks very similar to how my recipe comes out! I'm not really thinking about grabbing my camera while I'm baking...

(I'm just sayin'...)

I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I've been working on this week...here's a sneak peek:

~VINTAGE LACE PILLOW~

Hope your Friday is fab! My guy and I are going Tag SaleING in the morning and I'm excited. He begins another in-depth Programming Class on Thursday so I won't see much of him for the next six weeks plus...

Love to you...

~DESTINED FOR CHANGE~

2012-01-26T02:09:00.001-06:00

~MY AUNT HELEN and UNCLE BOB~

St. Louis, MO

Circa 1923

For those of you who visit me fairly regularly then I'm quite sure you'll notice right away that I've changed my blog layout and header. More changes are still coming and eventually I hope to move back to a two column blog with room for larger pictures and links. I've wanted to mix things up for a while now and today was finally the day to embrace new challenges and hopefully usher in fresh ideas for not only my own home but my blog and website as well...

~REFINED and LOVELY~

She Lived To Be Almost 100

I'm not sure what has come over me of late... I've never been afraid of change even though I have a tendency to move a little slower than some of you may think. When I was a new bride my heart was set on decorating my home with all the latest and greatest Home Interiors Decor I could ~~find~~ afford. By the mid 1980's I was fully ensconced in the country movement and not long after that I found myself embracing all things Laura Ashley and romantic. Then came Rachel A. with her shabbied up cottage chic version of everything chippy, worn, vintage, painted and rosy.
It was love at first sight.

~ANTIQUE NECKLACE~

Romantic Anniversary Gift

Through all the trends and changes the one thing I continue to love the most are the soft white linens and laces I first laid my eyes on almost twenty-five years ago in the classic magazine, Victoria. There was something almost ethereal about those timeless issues and I find I still refer back to them to this day. I know many of you feel the same. Today I'm content to take bits and pieces from every era of my decorating life and try work them into my ever evolving home...

~TEMPORARY STUDS ARE REMOVED~

Support Beam Installed

I plan on making similar design updates to my website later this weekend, so for those of you who are interested be watchful for changes coming there as well. Nothing huge is planned, mind you. I'm still going to sew pillows and sachets and paint hand painted roses, but I want to move away from some aspects of the business I feel are constantly keeping me unfocused. I'm tired of doing the "same old-same old" and that is the reason behind the desire for change. So, as I shared with you early last Fall I will be selling off some of my fabric in order to make room for where my heart, mind and spirit are ~~hoping~~ wanting to go. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to the fabric topic for those of you who've been waiting for more news.

(Thank you for being patient with me!)

~RAW OPENING~

Reading For Framing

That said, I will be offering lots of things on eBay as I work towards whittling down my studio-stock to a more manageable (and reasonable) amount. I have a link on my blog to my eBay site and hope to begin listing some things later tonight.

~SWEET VINTAGE SCONCES~

A Pair of Two Lights

Now...sometime back I picked up a sweet pair of antique sconces at an Estate Sale for $5.00 (for both). I THINK I told you about them once before, can't remember! :( Anyway, my Mr. AGPMan (aka:hubby) hung them up for me while he had the doorway opened (easier to get into the walls!) and I'm excited about having them hard-wired with a wall-switch.

~ALL WIRED UP~

No shades on these beauties...perfect just as they are! Only thing missing were the candle covers!

~SIMPLY GORGEOUS~

I'm looking forward to a great weekend of tag sale shopping. I'll let you know if I hit pay-dirt!

Love to you...

~SHABBY WHITE CHILDREN'S BOOTS~

2012-01-24T23:11:00.000-06:00

~CENTURY OLD BOOTS~

I think these darling antique children's boots are more than charming! Found at a local vintage market I fell in love with them and just had to bring them home with me...

~NARROW and DELICATE~

I found this pair of wee little boots just as you see them... They have their original laces and were obviously polished up many years ago in a soft dove white. I suspect they were once owned by a girl of about seven or eight. Today they probably equal a size 1 in young girls. In my mind I can see her dancing about while being gently raised in cotton~

~A HAT TO REMEMBER~

I so love this tattered old hat complete with vintage millinery roses in white and other softly faded blooms... It makes my heart sing knowing it once crowned the head of a graceful lady~

~VINTAGE ROSE SACHET~

A dainty sachet pillow fashioned with vintage laces, old shell buttons and a gorgeous silk and velvet rose...

Today I'm linking up with

FADED CHARM for WHITE WEDNESDAY

I hope you'll pay the other ladies a visit when you can! Lots of wonderful whites and loads of inspiration!

Hope your day is lovely...

Love to you~

I'LL TAKE CURTAIN NUMBER TWO Dealing With An Un-Centered Window

2012-01-24T01:30:00.004-06:00

~OUR UN-CENTERED WINDOW~

(Our Den Today)

I love my home!

I do! I do!

When my hubby and I first laid eyes on our La Chaumière de Briarwood we fell in love with her and nothing has changed over the past nineteen plus years. She had great bones and lots of simple charm and we still absolutely adore her! As the years have passed we've loved caring for her and hope to always call her home.

~CHRISTMAS 1992~

Thank Heaven For Change

(Close Your Mouth!)

In July of 1992 our two-story beauty was 22 years old. She was built in 1970 and when we signed the loan papers we knew from the beginning she had a few ~~serious~~ cosmetic flaws. Her three baths were extremely dated (um...how about the entire home!) and she still had the original builder-grade wallpaper hanging in her entry and stairwell. There was even wallpaper on some of the ceilings, too! The walls in the den were layered with a very dark paneling and the one window in the room was UN-CENTERED. That window was nothing short of a decorator's nightmare from the get-go!

Now...I'm being BRAVE showing you the picture you see above. As a family we have laughed over this photo more times than I can say. (All that HUNTER GREEN and RED makes me feel a tad bit blue!) I loved the cotton Priscilla curtains we hung at that un-centered window and as you can see our dreamy (?) console television served as a piece of furniture. No matter what I tried or how I arranged or rearranged our furniture nothing has ever fit underneath that window. Back then we had a couch and a love-seat and even the love-seat was too wide to fit below the window.

~ROMANTIC HOMES MAGAZINE~

October 2006

When Romantic Homes Magazine came out and shot parts of our home (and Gathering/Train Cases) for their September and October (2006) edition(s) thankfully much had changed in regards to our decor!

~NEW WINDOW - OLD PROBLEM~

But that crazy widow was still proving to be a problem even after more than a decade. Seating of any kind, a single chair, two chairs or even a sofa looked out of sorts when placed right in front of that window.

~CHRISTMAS 2010~

Pretty But Crowded

Finally in 2009 (I think) I purchased this vintage French Dresser and moved it into the room. But, the room was overly crowded and one could barely walk between the sofa and the dresser's edge. Besides...I really didn't WANT the dresser in there to begin with! Still, I had settled on a fairly standard arrangement...the sofa faced the fireplace and the two chairs faced the sofa...

~RE-POSITION THOSE WINDOW TREATMENTS~

Easy As 1-2-3

With the opening up of one of the walls in our den (read that post here) we were back to the problem of having an un-centered window because I REALLY wanted to place our sofa on that wall. It was then I remembered a show I saw on CREATE TV (or maybe it was HGTV!) that involved the "HOW- TO'S" on camouflaging an un-centered window. It ended up being a fairly 'easy' fix for us and honestly I'm amazed we didn't change things up long before now!

Here's what we did!

~LEFT SIDE OF WINDOW~

Our demon-window has plantation shutters (which we love) and the center is right in the middle of the four panels. Following the pointers on the show I had my guy rehang the curtain rod (he had to extend it) as if there were six panels instead of four. The left curtain panel hangs over the left shutter panels (or half of the window). The right side of the window (which is open) is shown as the middle. The right curtain panel hangs over an empty wall!

~WALL BEHIND THE CURTAIN~

Are you following me? In other words behind the curtain panel on the right there is only a wall...no real window! Because my curtains are so full you can't even tell there is a window behind the left panel and a wall behind the right! Now am I making sense?

Until our new wood floors are laid in a couple of weeks I really don't know HOW our furniture will finally end up! I do know that with the addition of the big black monster (a new flat screen TV) we will have an entirely new problemo on our hands. :( I hope it doesn't take twenty years to find a way to hide the ugly thing!

Hope your day is wonderful!

Love to you...

~FRENCH CHARMING CHALKBOARD SIGN~ Le Café Français

2012-01-23T00:55:00.000-06:00

~LE CAFE FRANCAIS~

Sweet Chalkboard Sign

Just after the first of the year I showed you a really charming chalkboard sign I picked up at Hobby Lobby on the cheap! It was red and painted to look like an English/British Telephone Booth...

~ORIGINAL SIGN~

For over a week now I've wanted to upload pictures of where I'm at in the transformation process, but I've been sidelined with other things (like ~~supervising~~ watching the wall removal in our La Chaumière de Briarwood). The top of the chalkboard was repainted with hand painted roses and the word TELEPHONE was replaced with LE CAFE FRANCAIS (French Cafe).

~NO PINK ROSES~

(Gasp!)

I actually like the phrase, but not the font. I used "French Script" and it always looks crooked to me (the lower case "S" drops) and that bugs me. Soo...I may paint it out in the future and redo it with something else...we'll see!

~ROSES ROSES ROSES~

I'm seriously thinking of painting a "menu" of sorts on the black portion of the chalkboard. I think this would look really sweet~ Maybe something similar to the menu on the right!!!

~FRENCH MENU~

Then again...I may just leave it blank~ Seems strange not to have anything on it tho...

Now...just a quick update on our recent makeover projects...

Tomorrow I'll be sharing with you some pics of the opened-up, newly braced load-bearing-wall and also a couple of photos on what we did to camouflage the 'uncentered-ness' of the window in our den. It's ALWAYS bugged me and thanks to a tip I saw on CREATE TV I'm pretty happy with the outcome!

Hoping your Monday is awesome!

Love to you...

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Translation vs. Life

2012-01-22T10:22:00.004-06:00

"My little children, let us not love in words,

neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

(1 John 3:18)

The following story moved me...

"The tale is told of four scholars who were arguing over the beauty and accuracy of various Bible translations.

One scholar argued for the King James Version, siting its beautiful, eloquent old English.

The second scholar was in favor of the American Standard Bible. He cited its literalism, the way it moved a reader from passage to passage with confident feelings of accuracy from the original text.

The third scholar said he preferred the translation by Moffatt and praised what he felt were quaint, yet penetrating words. He believed they captured the attention of the reader.

After giving thought to each of the lengthy and impassioned arguments presented, the fourth scholar said, "Frankly, I have always preferred my mother's translation."

Knowing that his mother was not a Bible translator, nor a scholar, the other three laughed and said, No, seriously..." The man stood his ground. "I stand by my claim, " he said. "My mother translated each page of the Bible into life. And it was the most convincing translation I have ever seen."

"Her children stand and bless her...."

(Proverbs 31:28 (TLB)

~*~

Something to think about!

(PS: I have no idea what is wrong with the comment thingy today! Argh! Sooo SORRY to those of you who had your comments rejected!)

Hope your day is wonderful.

Love to you...

~THE BLESSING OF A POTTERY BARN SOFA~

2012-01-21T01:25:00.005-06:00

~BILLOWS of SOFT WHITE~

Yesterday I shared with you how for the past few months I've been on the lookout for a great deal on a slip-covered sofa. I've visited our local Pottery Barn store more times than I can tell you just dreaming about owning the natural white sofa displayed on their showroom floor.

I loved that sofa.

I more than loved it.

I would run my fingers across the soft nap of the twill fabric and try to envision what it would look like living inside my La Chaumière de Briarwood. Once in awhile I'd look at other sofas...a similar one at JCPenney appeared to be a good substitute, but the reviews I read regarding the fabric and cushion performance fell flat and that discouraged me. Eventually I'd move onto the other things needing attention in my home, but ultimately my heart would always return to that $2,500 sofa and how owning it was probably never going to happen.

Oh...I could have saved for it. That wasn't the problem. For me the sofa was just too expensive and that kept me from laying down my hard-earned cash. Being a somewhat ~~older~~ wiser woman I did spend some serious time scanning the classifieds in hopes of finding one, but I always came away empty handed and disappointed.

~ACCENTED WITH FEATHER PILLOWS~

Last Wednesday while chatting with my Mr. AGPMan I happened to click onto Craig's List (which honestly I rarely do!) for a tiny little peek at FURNITURE. When my hubby needed to put me on HOLD for a minute my fingers (all on their own) :) typed the following into the search bar:

POTTERY BARN SOFA

Incredibly this AD came up:

Beautiful Pottery Barn PB Basic slip-covered sofa 83w x 35d x 35"h. Natural colored 100% cotton brushed canvas slipcovers are machine washable. Hardwood kiln-dried frame. Originally paid $2,500 approx. one year ago. Asking $850/OBO. Taken great care of and maintained well, not exposed to pets or smoke, no stains. Very comfortable and beautiful. Unable to find this type of sofa in Oklahoma unless special ordered, which can take months. Will deliver for additional $50 in OKC metro. Will email more pictures if interested.

Now...I know that some of you will think me totally silly and quite possibly nuts, but I knew right then and there that sofa was meant for me and that we would be bringing it home. I shared the AD with my guy (probably sounded a wee bit incoherent to him), got off the phone, emailed the seller and then jumped for joy! I heard back on Thursday afternoon and on Friday night my Mr. AGPMan and I hopped into his Truck and drove out to their house to haul my new-old sofa home.

(The sellers have a beautiful home...very sweet family!)

~ADVERTISEMENT PHOTO~

After a quick wash and dry I replaced all the covers back onto the sofa and sat down to rest... It was then this thought washed over me...

~IN THE LIGHT~

Just as God is faithful to all His children He is also faithful to me. This morning I'm grateful His faithfulness has never depended on receiving mine in return. I'm so very human and mess up more times than I can tell you. I get fixated on unimportant stuff and often fail to remember I serve a God who cares about the little things in my life as well as the big. For so long I'd prayed a wee little prayer for something material...an earthly possession that in the grand scheme of things was destined to hold no eternal value. But when I prayed He still listened to me just the same. And just as He's promised to give me everything I need (Philippians 4:19) I can't help but rejoice because more times than I can count He's also blessed me with things I've wanted.

(Thank you, God, for the sofa! But mostly...just for caring!)

"Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks." (Philippians 4:6)

~ETTA JAMES~

PS: Thinking today of Miss Etta James (AT LAST You're In Heaven!)
Jamesetta Hawkins - January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)

Love to you...

~A SOFA TO DREAM ABOUT~ Shabby Cottage Chic Furniture Makes Me Swoon

2012-01-20T10:55:00.003-06:00

SIMPLE and UNCOMPLICATED

(A Slip-Covered Beauty)

FIRST...WHAT IS UP WITH BLOGGER??? I'VE TRIED TO COMMENT ON TEN DIFFERENT BLOGS ALREADY TODAY AND NONE WILL ACCEPT COMMENTS! BAH!
ALWAYS SOMETHING!
(I'm sorry if you are having the same problemo here!)

Over the past few months I've been on a QUIET search for a new sofa. I say quiet because no one knew I was looking for one except my daughter, Adrienne. When you have what seems like a ba-jillion projects going on, which quite frankly is normal around here, the last thing a girl wants to do is divulge all her secret intents. I've learned over the years of my happy marriage that my guy just doesn't need unnecessary junk, alotta non-critical information, aka: stuff, bouncing around in his head.

It's one of the reasons my marriage IS happy! :)

~SHHHHHH......~

"Mums the Word!"

Besides...if I told him the sofa I was longing for was $2,500 he would have surely passed over to heaven right then and there. I'm positive he wouldn't even have taken the time to tell me what I know he was thinking...

"REBECCA! YOU ARE NUTS!"

Such sweet (and costly) expenditures are not within my Mr. AGPMan's budget or mine I'm afraid. Besides, he would be right about me being NUTS!
(Gag...did I say that?)...
Spending that kind of money when it's not at your disposal is pure insanity!

I've lived with a berry colored couch for over a decade now. I purchased it for a song at a Dallas auction and it sat unused for eight of those years in our formal living room. A couple of years ago that very room was transformed into our formal dining room and the sofa was moved into our den. The one we were using (which was the black floral one shown in Romantic Homes Magazine in 2006) was sold and I was happy to see it GO! Because the sofa from the formal living was like new I just couldn't get rid of it. As much as my tastes were changing I opted to live with it until I felt more comfortable about replacing it!

Well...with the door to our formal dining room being opened up and new wood floors on the horizon I started looking again for a slip-covered sofa that would fit into our new creamy white space... Well...I think I found one locally and it is spot on! No kidding! The very one I've been hoping to find...and for a third of the retail price! My Mr. AGPMan and I are going to ~~buy it~~ look at it tonight at 6PM!

Right now I'm hoping it all works out. If it does I'll share pictures tomorrow. If it doesn't I'll be sad but I'll keep looking!

The icing on the cake for me is that my AdrieGirl wants my berry colored sofa for her home. I'm happy to pass it along to her as her home has a distinct Tuscan feeling and it will look lovely there.

~FOR SWEET M~

I'm busy with THREE TRAIN CASE MAKEOVERS! One is done! The second one is almost done! The third one is about a third done! Whew! I only thought January was going to be slow!

Hope your day is wonderful! For some reason I'm in the best

YIPPY-SKIPPY MOOD!

Love to you...

~SMILE....JUST SMILE~

2012-01-18T14:59:00.000-06:00

To encourage you today...

A pastor tells the story of how, during the twelve years of his pastorate at one particular church, he had a custom during the Sunday morning service of calling the children forward just before his sermon so that the children could go to a special "children's church" and hear a message geared especially for them. As the children walked past the pulpit the pastor made it a point to smile at each child. In return, he received their smiles. The pastor felt it was one of the high points of the service and looked forward to it each and every Sunday.

One day, however, the pastor apparently missed smiling at one little girl. The curly-headed four-year-old jumped out of line and ran to her mother where she sobbed as if her heart was broken.

After the service the pastor sought out the mother to find out just what had happened. The mother explained that after her child had quieted down, she asked the reason for her tears.

The little girl said,

"I smiled at God today, but he didn't smile back at me!"

The pastor later reflected,

"To that little child, I stood for God.

I had failed with my smile, and so her world went dark."

~~*~~

Maybe SMILES are more important than we think!?

Love to you~

SWEET TAG SALE FINDS

2012-01-17T17:32:00.001-06:00

SWEET FRENCH CHAIRS~

Linen Chair Cover/Great Tag Sale Find - $2

If you've followed my blog for any time at all then you've probably noticed I have painted almost all (well actually it is ALL!) the furniture in my home white. Cottage White from Behr (Home Depot) to be exact! If the truth be known I'm loving painted furniture more than ever. Every once in a while someone will say to me "I can't believe you painted that!" My response is always the same "I love to paint things for my home and I will never stop doing it!" It's my personal belief that white is very easy to take care of and if something truly terrible happens to something I love then I just get my paint out and touch the 'damage' up with a quick swipe of my paint brush!

~A GREAT PATTERN FOR MAKING MORE~

(humm...needs a bit of pressing!)

This morning I was able to step back a bit and really savor the hard work my guy has put in over the past twenty four to thirty six months inside our La Chaumière de Briarwood. We've wanted wood flooring for so long now, but so much had to be done before they could even be dreamed about... Even our kitchen remodel was put on hold as we planned in advance the changes that first needed to take place. When you do most of the work yourself one can't just snap their fingers and have it done. Our kitchen is truly outdated and more than a tad bit dysfunctional. Typical galley-style kitchen of the 1970's one could say...

~So FRENCH CHARMING~

Changes take time when you do nearly all the work yourself!

And they take money! Lots of money!

~HOW IT'S MADE - A BETTER VIEW~

Over the weekend my guy and I took some time off from our home-projects and did a little bit of junking! My two favorite finds of the day were a stack of four vintage Victoria Magazines (I had all but one) for $3 and a Victoria Coffee Table Book for $2.

Next came the linen chair cover you see above for $2. I've made covers before for my formal dining room and love how they came out. But...they were a lot more detailed and so I'm going to use this one for a pattern for the chairs in our breakfast room (the French ones you see above). The cover wasn't custom-made but came from China... The original tag was on it, too! ($79...yeah...that's what I said!) Tomorrow or Friday I'm going to hunt down some linen and set about making covers for all the chairs...such fun!

~GREAT ANTIQUE LIGHTING~

Now...sometime back I snagged this great pair of antique wall lights/sconces for $5 (for both)! I never had my guy hang them because they needed to be hard-wired and I couldn't decide where I wanted them to go!

~PERFECT SPACE FOR LIGHTING~

Well...now that the wall is out I finally have a place for them! Once the door opening is framed out they will look perfectly lovely up near the accent molding you see above... Maybe over a vintage mirror or picture??? Yummm!

FROM VICTORIA MAGAZINE BOOK

Isn't this a sweet cabinet? Loving the whites!

~ALSO FROM VICTORIA~

Here's another shot in the book I just love...

Hope your day is wonderful! I'm off to look around blogland for a bit and then will be back in my

A Gathering Place Studio

CREATE!

(SWOON)

Love to you...

~MORE EXCITING HOME REMODELING~ Gone Gone! The Wall is Gone

2012-01-16T00:05:00.002-06:00

~DINING ROOM SIDE~

On Saturday my Mr. AGPMan continued working on the removal of the common wall that separated our den from our dining room. By evening's end he had it torn down to the studs! Watching the wall come tumbling down after living in our La Chaumière de Briarwood for nearly twenty years felt a bit strange. I can already feel the difference in our home... Opening up the wall gives our home a warmer more inviting look and feel. Less confined I suppose! And, for the first time we can enjoy the north sun in our family room!

~HALF WAY OFF~

(Dining Room Side As Well)

Once the sheet-rock was removed on the dining room side temporary supports were installed and the Studs taken out!

~FAMILY ROOM SIDE~

More tedious to me than it looks I guess. The biggest mess was taking the sheet-rock off on the other side!

~ALL OPENED UP~

Here's a view of both rooms after all the sheet-rock was removed!

~CEILING SUPPORTS~

Here's a shot of the wall supports...

~DOORWAY VIEW~

This is what I'll be living with for a few days!!! It's not too big a mess, but I must admit I'll be very happy when the support studs are removed and the doorway is framed out. We aren't sure about hanging French Doors yet... Even if we do decide to include them they won't go in until after the new wood floors are down!

~A ~~LITTLE~~ BIG SNAG~

Do you see what the arrow is pointing to? It was HIDING IN THE WALL! And now it's in the way!

Can you figure out what it is?

Huh? Huh? Huh?

~WATER PIPES TO NOWHERE~

Here's a better shot! My guy has no idea WHY this capped off trio of water pipes was in the wall. He even called my brother who owns his own plumbing company in California and asked him about it! The consensus is something was mis-plumbed when the house was built. The concrete will have to be cut out around the pipes and the pipes cut off and capped below the floor.

It's always something, isn't it?

And there you have it! Another big job ALMOST DONE!

Now...something entirely different!

~YOUR CRAFT BOOK GIVEAWAY~

One of my dearest longtime blogger and eBay friends is having an amazing giveaway!!! Miss M is offering one of her Spun Cotton Paper Doll Tutorials from her Etsy Shop,YOUR CRAFT BOOK . Incredibly talented and gifted her work beats all I've ever seen! I hope you'll mosey on over to her brand new place and check out what she's up to!!! Your going to LOVE what you see!

Click onto the picture above or on the link below:

http://yourcraftbook.blogspot.com/2012/01/fantastic-blog-give-way.html

Hope your Monday is awesome! I'll be sharing with you later this week what I found while out junkin' with my hubster!

Love to you...

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Don't Be Angry or Upset

2012-01-15T11:22:00.002-06:00

~ALWAYS MENDING TO DO~

Ah...sweet Sunday! A day of rest and reflection... With all the schooling, studying, working, building, repairing, creating and living that goes on within the walls of our La Chaumière de Briarwood I always look forward to the one specific day during the week we spend nurturing our souls.

One of my favorite inspirational and Christian authors is Max Lucado. I've followed his work and writings for many years and as I've grown older seem to enjoy his teachings more and more. One is never to old to learn from the best and I truly believe his work is blessed by the Most High.

I'm one of those people who skip around in books. Crazy I know, but I do it anyway. This morning as I was searching for something 'special' to read I came upon a small passage in Lucado's book called "When God Whispers Your Name".

In it he writes this:

"Anger.

It's easy to define; the noise of the soul.

Anger.

The unseen irritant of the heart.

Anger.

The relentless invader of silence...

The louder it gets the more desperate we become...

Some of you are thinking...
You don't have any idea how hard my life has been.
And you're right.
I don't.
But I have a very clear idea how miserable your future will be unless you deal with your anger.

X-ray the world of the vengeful and behold the tumor of bitterness: black, menacing, malignant. Carcinoma of the spirit. It's fatal fibers creep around the edges of the heart and ravage it.

Yesterday you can't alter, but your reaction to yesterday you can. The past you cannot change, but your response to your past you can."

Psalm 37:8 says:

"Don't get angry. Don't be upset; it only leads to trouble."

Today, with God's help I've chosen to live life with deeper, greater peace. It's not always easy to do, mind you. There are moments every now and then when I slip and slide down the ramp of desperation and fall into a pit of self pity and destruction. I sometimes lose sight of God's purpose in my life. I make a wrong turn. Travel down the wrong path and I feel both anger and bitterness make it's way back into my heart...

I pray I will always remember He is my help! My name is written on His hand (Isaiah 49:16)...spoken by His mouth...whispered by His lips...my name.

He believes in me.

He believes in you.

Blessings and love to you today~

~HE DID IT! CRASH BOOM BAH!~

2012-01-14T00:15:00.003-06:00

~MEASURE TWICE - CUT ONCE~

My Mr. AGPMan and I originally had plans to go to a movie last night (I've been wanting to see War Horse!) but when he got home he said this:

"Baber...do you want to go to the movies or do you want me to start taking out that wall!?"

(you can read about it HERE!)

~SMALLER SAWS MAKE LESS MESS~

I'm silently thinking

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

And then I said:

"The wall man! THE WALL!"

~A CUTTING WE WILL GO - A CUTTING WE WILL GO~

And so with that I went back upstairs to finish working on a new little pink pillow for my website. I assumed (don't you just hate that word!?) he went about doing what he does best (his wifey honey-do projects)!!!

~1970 ORIGINAL PANELING COMES DOWN~

I was upstairs for about ten minutes when all of a sudden I heard a big, loud, booming CRASH!!

I said:

"Baber!? What was THAT? Are you OK?

(silence!)

"BABER!!!! WHAT WAS THAT?"

~SHEETROCK COMES OFF NEXT~

This time I heard only a little mumbling. It sounded more like a desperate cry of repentance than one of actual injury so I asked the question again!

~HALF WAY DONE~

"WHAT WAS THAT!????"

Once again I only heard only the faint sound of my hubby's voice so I ran down the stairs to find out

WHAT had HAPPENED!!!!

~UH-OH!~

I walked into our den and just stood there!!!

Yes! This is our TV crashed onto the floor.

Only this is AFTER my guy put the front back onto it.

APPARENTLY....my "Mr. He-Can-Do-Anything-Man" was MOVING our TV armoire on sliders and forgot the TV was very front-heavy. One quick shove from the back and the old and decrepit thing spilled out right onto the floor....

~WHOA! BIG CHANGES ARE COMING!~

Now...as crazy as this sounds I started laughing sooo hard I couldn't stop.

Then I went and grabbed my camera.

Looks like we will be replacing the ugly black thing with a newer, bigger and UGLIER flat-screen version a bit sooner than we had planned!

KA-CHING!

Yeah...I know what you're all thinking...

You only THOUGHT he was perfect! NOT!

Anyway...

One side of our wall is down! I'm HOPING today he'll be able to remove the sheet-rock on the other side! Then the new support braces will go up (two-story house!) and the opening will be re-framed and trim added.

THEN...wood flooring!

I'm too excited to speak!

(I'm so happy it was my guy who caused the TV crash onto the floor and NOT ME!)

Love to you...

~BIRDS IN FLIGHT~

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000-06:00

"If you were a bird, and lived on high,

You'd lean on the wind when the wind came by,

You'd say to the wind when it took you away:

'That's where I wanted to go today!' "

(A.A. Milne)

I'm cleaning house today because I won't be doing it on Saturday!

It's going to be in the 60's tomorrow here in my state and I'm more excited than I can say because my Mr. AGPMan and I are going to do some Tag-Sale-Hunting.

(Be Still My Soul!)

I'm feeling especially excited to get back to doing just a bit of what I love.

Junkin'.

Slummin'.

And spending a few hours with my beloved.

It's been a long time since I participated in PINK SATURDAY over at Miss Beverly's Place. If I can get my thoughts all in a row I will get some things together and join the par-tee! :)

Hope your day is fab!

Love to you...

~AND THE WALL COMES TUMBLING DOWN~

2012-01-11T11:51:00.001-06:00

~VICTORIA...AT HOME with WHITE~

A Wonderland of White

It seems whenever I get stumped on a decorating idea or I fail to be moved by what I've found while out shopping (aka: junkin') I turn to the pages of my vintage Victoria Magazines and Books.

~FRESH and CLEAN~

Beautiful Bed

They never fail to inspire me and even today after owning many of them for over twenty years I'm amazed at how spot-on the editors were with their creative layouts and timeless designs.

~MORE FROM VICTORIA'S PAGES~

Lovely Old Linens

My Mr. AGPMan has been out of town since Monday morning and won't return until this evening. I've continued to clean things up since our tile removal over the first of the year and of course that means sprucing things up while moving stuff around. Nothing like freshening up a home while the husby's away!

~OUR VINTAGE BUFFET~

He's accustomed to the constant changing of the decor in our La Chaumière de Briarwood and I can assure you he rarely says a word. I honestly think he's just happy he's not the one who cleans it. I suppose it's enough for him to be the one responsible for the big stuff...like the removing of old widow seats, doors and walls...

~SWEET OLD CAKE STAND~

One of the big changes coming to our home this year will be the opening up of a wall in our formal dining room. This room (below) was once our formal living room, but because it was seldom used we opted to turn it into a place where we could gather for family dining. Our old formal dining room became my Mr. AGPMan's office (no longer large enough for us all) and our existing breakfast room was also too small to seat our growing family...

~OPEN SESAME~

Wall To Be Opened Up

Before our new wood flooring can be installed the opening of this wall must be done first. It's the last big job my guy must do before we can proceed with our makeover. Honestly...I'm totally nervous about doing this. My daughter (whose opinion I trust) isn't for the change, but then I have to remember this is her childhood home and I'm sure seeing things evolve is probably difficult for her.

~LEFT WALL to be OPENED UP~

Taken Christmas 2010

The reason we are opening the wall up is because we need a better flow for the 'traffic' in our home. When we have people over we are forced through our tiny entryway and it gets more than crowded. My guy is considering the option of installing pocket doors (maybe even another set of French Doors) in the new opening (where the large Armoire is above) but because the wall is weight-bearing he's not sure he's up to the hassle of it all (and neither am I!). It takes the job to an entirely new level. Anyway, the doorway must be opened up before the flooring is installed or we will have patched-up wood floors to deal with. Once the wall is opened up and framed out we can decide at a later date if we want to add doors...

Our family room shown above isn't small by any means. Since the new flooring will be hand-scraped wood there will be no room defining spaces to deal with(i.e. tile, carpeting, etc.). This will make the den to the dining room flow much smoother and even appear larger. The Armoire will be removed (gosh...I've had it for 15 years) and our old TV is going BYE BYE! :)

~PRETTY PINK ROSES~

We will be taking the plunge before long and eventually purchase a new LED flat screen TV. But...until my husby has time to build a cabinet that can hide the UGLY BLACK THING we will use the TV in his office (where he has two fabulous comfy chairs!).

The roses you see above we left on my desk and I found them early Monday morning after my Mr. AGPMan left for his business trip. I love how they look in the sun...

Hope your day is proving to be wonderful. I'm back in my studio working on new product. My playtime is done for the day!

Love to you...

~YOU NO LIKA SPAGHET?~

2012-01-10T11:13:00.001-06:00

~CELEBRATING with SPAGHET!~

Bixby Elementary School PTA FUNDRAISER

(January 1964)

Last Sunday was my Mr. AGPMan's birthday and we had a great time celebrating his life. We love getting together with our children and their families and doing what we all seem to do best, EAT! Now, I like to think I'm a DECENT cook although I readily admit to you I'm not great at it! For me to try out a new recipe is a big thing because both my children are incredible in the kitchen and they will certainly critique everything I place in front of them! If they don't like something they will tell me!

They must take after their Grandpa...

(That would be my Daddy!)

~MY NON-ITALIAN FATHER~

(Irish and Native American)

My family loves Italian food so this year I served homemade Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti (Angel Hair) and it was fabulous! (Yes! Yes it was!) It's hard to go wrong when you follow a proven recipe to a T!

~FAUX MUSTACHE and ALL~

(He Reminded Me of Chef Boyardee)
In The Center

When I was a child (and well beyond!) it was no secret that my father did not like what he called 'fancy food'. He wanted meat and potatoes and not much else. Oh~he would eat what my mother's hands prepared, but he did ~~whine and complain a little bit~~ make life miserable if she served him spaghetti...

~My DADDY~

aka: William Elliott

My Father hated pasta dishes of all kinds (who doesn't like pasta????) but he especially hated Spaghetti! And I promise you he would eat only a tiny little portion of what she had prepared so as not to insult her and her cooking. Then would fill himself up with bread and butter to keep the hunger pangs at bay...

~PROMOTING BIXBY'S PTA SPAGHETTI DINNER~

My Mother is on the Left

(With My Grandfather's Hand Painted Sign)

So you can probably imagine how supporting my school (and mother) by attending our PTA SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER thrilled him! I remember it being a big deal that he agreed to even go! I was pretty little in 1964 (I was 5) but I recall the day very well! Can you imagine how we laughed when he was asked to help serve the Spaghetti to all the parents and their children? Just the sight of it made him sick! :) Now...of all the men in the photograph who were trying their best to look (and act) like Italian Waiters (including my Uncle who is to the left of my father) my Dad did the best job and played his part to the nines! I remember their scarves were red and white checkered cotton gingham and they wore black garters are their arms...

Such precious memories~

~JUST BEFORE BAKING~

I couldn't help but reminisce a little last Sunday morning as I worked to prepare the spaghetti-laden dinner for my family in honor of my Mr. AGPMan. Thankfully he loves my cooking and will try most anything!

~MY Mr. AGPMan~

Food For The Soul

Had my Father been able to attend our family gathering he surely would have hated the entire meal (save for the cheese bread) and quite possibly would have told me so.

And just like I did when I was five I would have giggled at his words while slapping a pair of serving tongs into his big, strong hands...

"Plate it up, Daddy! Plate it up!"

Hope your day is awesome!

Love to you...

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Happy Birthday, Steven

2012-01-08T08:43:00.003-06:00

~MY BELOVED and I ~

December 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEVEN!

I love you to the moon and back again and

I am loving sharing my life with you!

You've been by my side for so many years...

You are my protector...

My friend...

The one I think of first in the morning

And check in with during the day.

You're the one I go to

with my biggest news

or even my little updates.

You've been my shoulder to lean on

For so many years now.

(And my comic relief.)

You're my listening ear

And my most comforting hug.

I love feeling the warmth of your hand

Held tightly in mine...

~TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO~

December 1983

You were the husband of my youth

And I'm still crazy-in-love with you!

Today your children, their families and I will celebrate your life! We are so grateful for the blessing you've been to us and thank God everyday for His gift of you!

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love you most~Beck

I WILL BE HERE

(Chapman)

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear,
I will be here.
If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
‘Cause I will be here.

I will be here when you feel like being quiet;
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen.
And I will be here when the laughter turns to crying;
Through the winning, losing, and trying, we’ll be together,
‘Cause I will be here.

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear,
I will be here.
As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I will be here.

I will be here, so you can cry on my shoulder;
When the mirror tells us we’re older, I will hold you.
And I will be here to watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things you are to me;
I will be here.

I will be true to the promise I have made,
To you and to the One who gave you to me.
As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I, I will be here.
We'll be together and I will be here.

~~*~~

Blessings to you as you celebrate the lives of those you love...

Love to you~

~SHABBY COTTAGE CHIC PAINTED FINDS~ And Words From A Wise Man

2012-01-06T11:49:00.002-06:00

~VINTAGE PICNIC BASKET~

I started back to work in my studio today and I'm shocked my time off went so fast! Bah!

~FABULOUS WOODEN SIGN~

Vacations never last long enough, huh? It's a good thing I actually love what I do or else I fear I'd be in big trouble!

~HAND PAINTED METAL SIGN~

Can't imagine working at a job that doesn't feed my soul!!! Today I feel especially blessed and grateful I'm able to do what I love!

~CHARMING METAL CASE~

I'm almost done with the vintage style Chalkboard Sign I showed you a couple of days ago.

~VINTAGE CAKE BASE and COVER~

Such fun to get back to my work even though my downtime was more than wonderful.

~SWEET ROUND BASKET~

When you love what you do it just calls to you to come back!!!! I've revamped my studio just a wee little bit and love the new, better organization of it all!

~RETICULATED TRIM BASKET~

~PETITE and SWEET BASKET~

Today I'm showing you a few things I've got on the horizon. Not sure what order I'll be painting them but all of them will be done before too long! Lots of base painting to do and that always takes most of my time!

Hope your January is going GREAT! Our weather has been truly amazing here in our state and that of course has me longing for Spring and I said as much. My Mr. AGPMan reminded me yesterday as we drove by the barren trees and brown earth we must experience the dying back of the old to enjoy fresh, new life in our world.

"Don't rush time, Baber!"

he said with a big smile

"It's coming and going too fast as it is!"

I hate it when he's right...

Love to you...

~IN HIS TIME~

2012-01-05T14:55:00.001-06:00

Like many of you there have been times in my life when things have been difficult. During the course of my 33 year marriage my Mr. AGPMan and I have gone though many challenging times including infertility, serious illnesses, financial ruin and even the deaths of people we love. Earlier today as I reflected on all the years of my life, the wonderful and not so wonderful, I realized there was never a year that proved to be more difficult than 2002.

Many changes were ushered into our lives that year.

And,

well,

in general

I'm just not good with change.

This morning my beloved and I sat outside a courtroom and ~~waited~~ prayed for God's favor in regards to a life-altering event that began nearly a decade ago. Honestly my thoughts were a jumbled up mess even though my heart was doing it's best to trust. As the clock ticked on I could feel my spirit grow afraid and weak. More than ever I was counting on my belief that God was the final authority and ultimately it would be His judgment that would set things right in our lives.

"He gives strength to those who are tired

and more power to those who are weak."

ISAIAH 40:29

When my son and daughter-in-love emerged from the courtroom with their attorney I saw a tiny smile crawl across the face of my oldest child that quickly grew into a huge grin. Tears were welling up in the eyes of our SarahGirl and instantly I felt the warming presence of God in our lives. He, in one seamless move of His miraculous hand, restored to us the years the locusts had devoured.

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten--the great locust  and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm--my great  army that I sent among you."

JOEL 2:25 NIV

As my guy and I drove back to the comfort of our La Chaumière de Briarwood the words to a simple inspirational song kept running through my mind...

"In His time, in His time,
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord, please show me every day,
As You're teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say, in Your time.

In Your time, in Your time,
You make all things beautiful in Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring.
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time"

(Diane Ball)

~OUR BEAUTIFUL MISS K~

I couldn't let the day pass without offering a bit of encouragement up to those of you who are also waiting for God's miracle in your lives.

It will come to you.

In His time.

(Don't give up!)

Love to you...

~THE PAINT GOES ON...THE PAINT GOES ON~

2012-01-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

~PRIMED and PAINTED~

Zinsser (Primer) and Cottage White Paint (Behr)

I hope you all are having a great hump day! I'm enjoying my time off from work (although what I do never truly seems like work to me!) and have loved doing a few things around my home just for pleasure.

~OFF COMES THE TAPE~

Perfectly Fabulous

This morning I'm going to show you where I am in the makeover process of the Telephone Chalkboard Sign I showed you yesterday. If you missed that post you can click on the highlighted link above to check it out!

~GENTLY DISTRESSED~

Love The Aging Process

Early yesterday morning I painted out the Chalkboard Frame with my favorite Cottage White Paint. Because I was covering red pigment paint I decided to add a tiny bit of primer in with my paint for the final coat (I gave it three). Since the primer is white it only lightened my cottage white paint a tiny little bit and I love how it came out! Try this if you are having trouble with your favorite paint covering a darker ground.

~USING PAPER PATTERNS~

Several years ago I started using original paper patterns for my roses because once drawn they can be reduced in size or made larger to accommodate most any project. They can also be printed out in mirror image and that is what I plan to do on the chalkboard header.

I'm not using the word "PARIS" on the Chalkboard! I just needed to find the right size for the lettering and to decide on the font I wanted to use... So I tucked a previously printed pattern into the opening (it's too tall and not wide enough for the framed space...also the font is all wrong!). I STILL haven't settled on what to paint in the opening~ I may wait until the roses are painted and see if something special speaks to me....

~NO "PARIS" HERE~

She's looking good so far and I can't wait to finish her up and hang her in place. I rarely paint items for myself anymore so I'm very excited about doing the artwork on this one!

~MISS K~

Just before Christmas one of my precious blogger friends sent my Miss K a little book called "What are Little Girls Made Of?" and a little something extra (thank you, Julie Marie). I had her read it to me but not before snapping the picture you see above...

~WEAVING AWAY~

When I was in third grade (just like Miss K is now) my father bought me a little potholder kit. I gave one to my daughter, Adrienne, when she was about the same age and for Christmas I bought one for Miss K as well. While my guy was ripping up tile flooring last Saturday my Miss K sat in front of my coffee table and created away! I loved watching her! Brought back the sweetest memories of my own childhood and that of my AdrieGirl...

~ALMOST DONE~

Half way through making potholder #1 (she made 4) Miss K's sweater came off! Our extra warm temps last Saturday made for a glorious day! And just like my momma had to help me and I helped Adrienne, Miss K needed some extra assistance in 'chaining' the loops together once the weaving was done... Seeing her make and design something with her own hands made me smile big! I will treasure that potholder for always.

More soon!

Love to you...

~COTTAGE CHALKBOARD MAKEOVER~ Romantic Transformation Underway

2012-01-03T11:28:00.003-06:00

~TELEPHONE CHALKBOARD SIGN~

Ready For Her Makeover

As hard as it is for me to believe on January 1st I began my FOURTH year of blogging. It seems like it was just a few days ago I jumped into the world of on-line posting and honestly it's been quite a ride. I love sharing with you my gathered thoughts and the decorating ideas that have worked for me over the past few years.

~CHERRY RED PAINT~

A No-Can-Do For My Home

Lots of things are planned this year for my La Chaumière de Briarwood and my A Gathering Place Shoppe and I'm happy to have you follow along. I hope I can keep you interested. If not the Blogger World is growing exponentially so I'm quite sure someone else out there will! So much inspiration to be found...and talent...and beauty...and grace... I'm so encouraged and blessed by what I see and read...

~TELEPHONE LABEL HAS GOT TO GO~

Over the Christmas/New Year Break I did just a little shopping even though I didn't purchase a single Christmas related thing (I already have too much). I don't know what it is, but when Christmas is over I just can't make myself buy anything holiday related no matter how fabulous the price. There is the rare exception of course (like LED Lights deeply discounted), but for the most part I pass on what I see. Our local Hobby Lobby had aisles filled with leftover Christmas product and I don't remember this particular store ever being so jam-packed.

~LIGHTLY SANDED~

However, this charming vintage style Telephone Chalkboard Sign was a great discounted find! It was originally created like an old English/London phone booth and I just fell in love with it's simple lines. The chalkboard was propped up on one of Hob-Lob's back shelves and was 80% off the original price. Good thing because I would NEVER have paid the $80 asking price for it! PA-LEEZE!

~OLD ENGLISH PHONE BOOTHS~

Even with a 40% coupon (or their 50% off sales) I would have passed on it! But for $16 it was more than a fabulous deal! I decided to purchase it and redo it for my kitchen or maybe for my breakfast room...

~ALL PRIMED UP~

This particular piece was pretty distressed and parts of it were a bit 'bubbled'. First thing I did was remove the paper TELEPHONE label and lightly sand off the overly distressed areas. After wiping it clean I applied a coat of ZINSSER PRIMER. The pictures you see were taken after the first coat. After about a hour I applied another coat and then another one after that for a total of three primer coats. I did this to cut down on the paint-bleed-thru you sometimes get with red pigment from China...

~CLOSE-UP VIEW~

(Primer Applied With A Sponge Brush)

After the first coat of primer dried I went back and masked off the chalkboard with painter's tape. I should have done this first but I got in a hurry (imagine that!).

~ZINSSER PRIMER~

(Bulls-Eye Water Based)

~TOO MUCH FOR ME~

(A Simply Ridiculous Price)

This morning I applied the first coat of paint (Cottage White from Behr/Home Depot) and later this afternoon I'll give it another once-over. If it looks good then I'll let it cure for a day or so before I begin the next step. I haven't decided what I'm going to paint where the word TELEPHONE was but I do believe I'll hand paint some pink roses where the crown once was...

I'm excited about showing you the final results of the chalkboard this coming weekend. I think it's going to look charming hanging in my cottage style home once it's finished. I love snagging things at a great price, don't you?

Now that our old ceramic tile is up my guy has plans to remove part of a wall in our family room so it will flow nicely into our formal dining room. He also must reposition the entryway into our kitchen and that is going to take some time. Both things must be done before our new wood floors can be installed so here we are doing the 'waiting thing' again.

I'll be back to work restocking my website very soon. Thank you so much for writing and for your interest! 2011 was a great year for me and as always I've been blessed by your friendship and business.

More soon!

Love to you...

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 Changes Are Coming

2012-01-01T10:20:00.003-06:00

~WHAT'S GOIN' ON AROUND HERE?~

(Miss Mollie Watching From Afar!)

Happy New Year to you all! I just had to pop in today and tell you I hope 2012 is your best year ever!

I believe it's going to be a wonderful year!!!

~OUR ORIGINAL TILE~

(Breakfast Room)

Before I get about my day I just have to share with you a tad of what's been going on around here at my La Chaumière de Briarwood...things have been a REAL MESS!

~OUR SON-IN-LOVE~

(Wall on Right is Coming Out!)

None of us can believe the beautiful weather we've had here in Oklahoma! For weeks we my Mr. AGPMan planned on taking up our aging ceramic tile inside our home over New Year's Eve and so we feel like we've been really fortunate weather-wise. We were able to swing the doors open wide and I was more than happy watching lots of the dust fly out (too bad not all of it did!). I remember when my hubby first laid down the tile in May 1993. We were sooo happy with it! Now with all the changes inside our home it was time for it all to come up and before long our wood floors will be going down!

~GOING WELL SO FAR~

(Cleaning As They Go)

Like I said the weather has been incredibly fabulous in Oklahoma and I'm more than thankful for days when the sun is shining and the snow and ice stay away! Our temperatures have reached to almost 70 and that is unheard of this time of year.

~SO MUCH WORK~

(Our Entry)

Being able to keep the doors propped open while experiencing an interior dust bowl was incredible! More warm temps are expected this week and that makes this native Cali-Girl very, very happy!

~MY MR. AGPMan~

(hardest working guy I know)

When we were quoted $4 per square foot to have the old tile taken up. I thought that was really high until I saw firsthand how much work it was. It took my guy and our son-in-love, Micah, ten hours to remove our breakfast room, kitchen, pantry, downstairs bath and laundry room tile... It was grueling work and I now believe it's worth every single penny hard working men charge to do this kind of labor!

~WORKING SUN-UP until SUN-DOWN~

~KNEE PADS A MUST~

~AND FACE-MASKS~

~OUR ENTRY~

When the guys got to this point they were more than exhausted! Even after all the tile was taken up they still had to go back over the concrete to remove all the old grout. By the time the evening hours came, they had cleaned up, eaten dinner, etc. they were ALMOST too tired to celebrate the New Year!

But...we did anyway!

~ENOUGH OF THIS~

While all the very LOUD machinery was in play our little Miss Mollie found a place on the sofa and decided to sleep. I've never quite figured her out! I had to give her a bath first thing this morning because she was covered with gritty dust...

I'll be spending most of my hours today cleaning up my home! Parts of it look like a war-zone! There is still much to do before our new wood floors are installed, but I'll keep you up as the major changes play out! It's all exciting!!!!

Happy New Year to you all once again... More coming soon!

Love to you...

~CHRISTMAS with my GIRLS~

2011-12-27T12:10:00.001-06:00

~MY DAUGHTER and I~

Christmas 2011

Our Christmas was as lovely as ever and I feel so blessed to have enjoyed having my two children and their families for the entire day! I'm incredibly grateful for God's goodness and we are looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I hope you are, too!

~MY MISS K and I~

My Favorite 'Little Girl'

(in the whole-wide-world)

For the first time in years and years and years I'm packing up my Christmas decorations early. From as far back as I can remember I've kept all our holiday pretties up until New Year's Day and then spent January 2nd taking them all down and packing them away for the next year...

~My Daughter-in-Love~

Miss K's Momma

Our Sarah Girl

But, not this year! With my Mr. AGPMan in school he will soon be busy with studies again and if I want to get some much needed help from him then I have to take it while I can get it! Hauling stuff up into our attic isn't my idea of fun! I've been busy reorganizing, clearing things away, wrapping and packing. I must admit it will be nice to start the New Year fresh and clean without having so many things pressing on my 2-Do-List.

~THE GIRLS in My LIFE~

I couldn't resist showing you the girls in my life! My Mr. AGPMan is NOT the best picture-taker in the world and so I'm so happy to have the photo above taken of my three favorite girls and I on Christmas Day!

My Miss K is going to be spending a few days with me this week and that always makes me happy! She's in 3rd grade now and busy with school during most of the year. I'm happy when I can have her around for more than just a few hours...

I hope and pray your Christmas was all you dreamed it would be and you are looking forward to a bright, promising New Year...

I'll be back soon...

Love to you~

~MERRY CHRISTMAS from Rebecca 2011~

2011-12-24T14:39:00.000-06:00

~MY BELOVED IS MINE~

Dear Friends in Blogland~

With a full and grateful heart my family and I would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas. I'm sooo looking forward to spending more time with my children, my Miss K and my Mr. AGPMan as we celebrate together the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This year has literally flown by for us and in just a few days we will welcome another New Year. Before I sign off for 2011 I want to take just a few moments to thank you once again for the friendships and kindnesses you've blessed me with over the past twelve months. I'm more grateful than I can say for your listening ear as I've shared with you the good and not-so-good in my life.

~WHAT WE DO BEST~

(LAUGHING)

I will remember 2011 as a year of change and new beginnings. My Mr. AGPMan continues working on his degree program and come November he will graduate and complete an education goal he set for himself many, many moons ago. The hours of classwork and study-time have been grueling and difficult at best to travel through for both of us. But, just as we have faced all the challenges since marrying in 1978, we are focused on finishing the course and collecting our prize... I've been so thankful for God's peace during these past several months and blessed to be given such an awesome man to love.

I continue to love my work and towards the end of the year found some renewed joy in my painting and handwork. I'm looking forward to tackling the Photoshop Software Program given to me earlier this year, even though I must admit I'm a tiny bit scared. I'm no computer guru, mind you! But, at the same time I consider myself a risk-taker... I don't want to reach the end of my life and wish I'd tried new things...

My Father's health has remained about the same although my FIL's condition has drastically declined. My aging Momma continues to press on and I'm thankful she is doing as well as she is. We do not know what the New Year will bring, we are only praying for God's grace, love and peace to carry us as it always has...

My children are doing great and my little Miss K (who is nine now) is thriving. They remain my greatest earthly joy. (I'm secretly hoping another sweet little grandbaby will make their way into our hearts in the near future...but that's a BIG God-thing!)

Just like last year I'll be taking at least the next ten to fourteen days off to enjoy my home, family and to recoup a bit from a busy, busy year. I'm more than tired and need some time to gather up a few loose ends and just enjoy my life while doing a little LESS...

Thank you again for your faith in me and my work and for sharing your hearts and lives with me in return.

Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year.

I wish for you good things.

Only good things.

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

We are celebrating and honoring you!)

Love to you...

(and my Mr. AGPMan, too!)

CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS for 2011 Almond Brittle Gifting Once Again

2011-12-22T12:16:00.004-06:00

~SIMPLE for 2011~

For the past couple of days I've been working on special little gifts for my neighbors and friends. For years the tradition around my La Chaumière has been to make either Almond Brittle or Sugared Pecans for the people that mean the most to our family. I decided to whip up three batches of the yummy Brittle this year (it's really a fabulous toffee-type candy). I finished wrapping them all up on Tuesday and now I'm all done for 2011!

~LOVELY GLASS JARS~

If you'd like a last-minute, easy to make treat you can check out my previous posts for the Brittle (from 2010) and the Pecans (from 2009) by clicking on the links. These fabulous Christmas and Holiday time confections will not disappoint! They are more than delicious and are always a big hit!

~PRETTY LACY BAGS~

This year I decided to use both Jars and Lacy Bags to hold the Brittle. With my Mr. AGPMan in school we didn't do as much junkin' and slummin' as we have in past years so I didn't collect as many jars as I normally do. The bags I used are dense poly-type bags (brown-bag style) and all I did was turn down the top and place a folded doily over the turned down top edge. Two holes were punched through all the layers and a sheer mist ribbon and custom made tag from a vintage graphic was added. This year I decided to keep everything simple! I actually love how the bags came out and I'm going to keep this idea in mind for future gifting!

~BACK VIEW of BAGS~

Since so many of these gifts are given to my hubby's co-workers (and they are all men) I didn't want them to be too girly-girl so I used a cranberry colored ribbon instead of pink. The bags were easy for my guy to carry and no fear of breakage, too!

~VINTAGE GRAPHIC~

This old Christmas wreath graphic is a keeper! I didn't do anything to it but change the background color (it was blue) to white and add a thin-line border in the color of the ribbon I used. Store bought To/From Tags can easily be used as well if you aren't familiar with working with computer altering programs...

~BRITTLE for 2011~

Here's a picture of our Almond Brittle for this year! I only tasted a tiny bit because I have a tendency to put on a few extra pounds during the Holidays and this year I'm trying my best not to! It's all that over indulging on Fruitcake...Fruitcake...FRUITCAKE (and cookies, candy, pies, cheese balls and cakes!) that causes all the problems... That said...a little never hurts!!!!

~BRITTLE BACK SIDE~

Tonight I'm adding ribbons to our wrapped packages and then I'm done with our gift-related things for the year! Tomorrow I will ready our kitchen for our Christmas Day meal and enjoy my hubby being off from both work and school...

I'll be back tomorrow with a few thoughts... Hope your Thursday is beautiful and blessed.

Love to you...

~BIRTHDAY MEMORIES~

2011-12-19T10:58:00.002-06:00

~ITALIAN COUNTRY CREME' CAKE~

Over the weekend I spent a wonderful, relaxing time with my family celebrating my birthday. On Friday my children hosted a little dinner party for me where they served the a fabulous Bolognese Pasta, homemade bread and Italian Country Creme' Cake.

~BLOWING OUT CANDLES~

(alotta candles!)

As I told you in my previous post my kids are incredible cooks! I'm so proud of them.

~DELICIOUS FOOD~

Of all the presents I received my very favorite present by far was the one given to me my Miss K. Each year her elementary school holds a Children's Christmas Bazaar and it is there she bought my birthday gift with her own money. After opening up her package and telling her how much it meant to me, how much I loved the tiny wooden cross, she proudly said...

~SO PRECIOUS~

"It took all my money! It cost me thirty-five cents!"

~LAUGHING AWAY~

(Sorry for the blur)

We all laughed so much over it all and I just love her loving, innocent ways. My only little grandchild knows me so well! The shawl/scarf I have on is a pretty off-white beauty made of Cashmere and was from my Mr. AGPMan. He also knows me very well!

The next day we dinned in Tulsa on more fabulous food and spent the weekend relaxing in our hotel room and doing a little shopping. Because I ended my online selling this year a week early I have to tell you I ended up having one of the best birthdays I've had in a long, long time.

~~*~~

If you are a constant reader of my blog then you may recall a post I did earlier this summer regarding my father-in-law. You can find it here. This morning my Mr. AGPMan's Momma called and shared with us the very very sad news that Hospice has been called in for his ailing Father. We aren't sure all that is ahead for the next few weeks but we would appreciate your prayers just the same.

This morning we are off to fill up our pantry so we can prepare for our Christmas 'Feast'. I'll be back tomorrow to show you the treats I made for our friends and neighbors...

Blessings for a lovely day~

Love to you...

~THE GIFT of FRIENDSHIP~

2011-12-16T13:36:00.002-06:00

Christmas Day is getting closer and closer and like many of you I'm working on the final plans for celebrating the most beautiful event of the year. For us it is the birth of the King of Kings, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I've wrapped up selling my wares early for the first time in years and it feels good to say "enough" a few days before I actually needed to. Just about everything has sold from my website shelves and I'm so incredibly thankful so many of you found my work worthy of purchasing again this year. Thank you never seems enough, but I offer up my gratitude with a very full heart just the same... I love what I'm blessed to do in my life and I'm looking forward to continuing in 2012!

About a week ago UPS delivered a very big box to my doorstep which around this time isn't all that unusual. My Mr. AGPMan pushed the enormous thing inside and I stared for a second or two at the return address. It came from an Oklahoma town and so that made it all the more unusual because it was from a 'company' and not a 'person'.

As I cut open the box inside I found eight more boxes neatly tucked inside... Still not realizing what each of the boxes held I lifted out the first one and opened it up.

When I opened up one of the inside boxes and slid the contents out I was shocked out of my mind. Inside each box was one of the plates I had been longing to find. You may remember my post from a couple of weeks back where I talked about the charming Poinsettia plates from Andrea by Sadek I'd been searching for. The local store where I found them went out of business and I hadn't been able to find anymore...

To tell you I was speechless and overwhelmed by the generosity of this gift doesn't even come close to telling you how I felt. Not only was the box unexpected but it came from one of my most beloved friends of all time.

Although I moved to selling consistently on my own website a couple of years ago, one of the side benefits of offering my wares on eBay for so very long was the meeting and forging of several lasting friendships. I've worked with more buyers than I can say and it blesses me to share with you that several of those ladies have become very, very close friends. And, one of those longtime friends was incredibly generous and sent me those eight Poinsettia plates giving me a total of twelve...enough to set my Christmas table for my family this year.

When I started selling on eBay back in 2001 I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, how to do it, what it would become or just who I would meet along the way. Meeting Miss C and learning about her life and her family has been such an encouragement to me and I've been able to share with her the best and the worst of events in my life in return. Lots of happy moments, the weddings of my two kids, celebrating victory with my Miss K, tearful moments surrounding my father as well as the passing of one of her most beloved family members...

Isn't it amazing how God is always on time with His love and encouragement in our lives? He's never too early or too late to send us people who will help carry our burdens and celebrate with us our greatest joys. Thank you, C...you mean the world to me! Honest. You do! Your generosity takes my breath away and as always I have much to learn from you! Thank you again... xoxo

~~*~~

My friend, Miss F, recently sent me a collection of vintage bottles, perfumers, talcs, antique lipstick holders, jars, baskets and bits of trim. I've already used the baskets in my own home (more about this soon) and I gifted one of the lipstick holders to my DILove because she absolutely loves the colors of yellow and orange. The two white lipstick holders (which are little lady figurines) I kept for myself because they look just lovely in my master bathroom. Miss F is also a friend I originally met because of eBay and one who has blessed my life in more ways than I can say. And, just like Miss C we've shared stories of family love and family loss over the years...again...I'm incredibly blessed. Thank you, Miss F! Can't wait to chat-chat again when you are feeling better! I'm honored to be your 'adopted' daughter and to call you friend! :) xoxo

~~*~~

Tonight my daughter, Adrienne (AdrieGirl) and her big brother, Brandon (my BKN), are hosting a little dinner party for my birthday. Yesterday I had lunch with my beautiful Momma and tomorrow my Mr. AGPMan and I are going to Tulsa for dinner and a weekend getaway. We've had sooooo little time together since he started back to school last May. If you are keeping up with me as I share his schooling-saga then you'll be happy to know in November he'll graduate with his degree in Computer Science and Software Development... Come On November! It can't get here fast enough (for him or me!).

More soon as the Season of Light and Love continues on...

Love to you...

~GATHERING CASE WINNER IS~~ Lighting Does Strike Twice

2011-12-14T11:41:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all of you who entered and blogged about my

GIVEAWAY

for a

Vintage Train Case (GATHERING CASE)

that began on October 15, 2011.

The entry deadline was last Sunday, December 11th at midnight. In my original post found HERE I promised to share the winning name today! With all the comments and links on that specific blog post combined with my blog followers and Facebook comments and/or likes, etc., there were many names included in the drawing~

Incredibly I now believe lightening does strike twice. The winning name picked at random and the winner of the Gathering Case is the same person who I believe won my very first Giveaway two and a half years ago...

I'm happy to share with you the WINNER IS:

LEE LAURIE

from

A SOUTHERN ROSE

Congratulations Lee Laurie!

I've sent you a private email about the details!

Thank you again for entering! This was a fun giveaway to host and I so appreciate all of you who joined in. I just MIGHT do another one next year~

Blessings for a lovely hump-day...

Love to you~

~MAYBERRY-I-TIS~

2011-12-13T13:17:00.002-06:00

Ever feel like you'd love to escape to Mayberry where Aunt Bea bakes pies and Barney arrests jaywalkers and Sheriff Taylor, after another shuffling day, sits on his porch with Opie's pretty school teacher and strums his guitar? Every evening the life of Andy and his family comes neatly packaged with a sweet little bow and all seems well in the fictional town I would sometimes love to call home... No problems come up that can't be fixed within 30 minutes and that includes commercial time...

While the TV is playing reruns we've been living a real life. It' been a year full of everyday challenges, everyday imperfections, everyday successes as well as everyday failures.

"Everyday Life" can be so, well..."EVERY-DAY" sometimes, can't it? I sometimes find myself complaining about the mundane and all the unexciting hours in my life that blow in and out with the sweeping Oklahoma wind...

This morning my Mr. AGPMan received good news from a Specialist about a chronic sore throat he's been having for the past eight weeks. Truthfully I've been worried sick as nothing tried (or prescribed) was making him feel better... During the day I thought of every horrible thing it could be and by evening's end I was exhausted from concern.

I'm a worrier I'm afraid....a big-time worrier.

People don't get sick in Mayberry, do they?

(Although I have always wondered where Opie's Momma was!)

As I crumbled in thankfulness over the missing "C-Word" in my beloved's diagnosis I was immediately overwhelmed with how incredibly lovely

"EVERYDAY"

can actually be. I take it so for granted and yet in reality it is what I think I've longed for~

A simple EVERYDAY LIFE with nothing too difficult, too complicated, or too overwhelming to bear...

My prayer today, for this EVERYDAY TUESDAY, is that I won't be so sidelined with the blessings around me to falsely believe that as long as I keep trusting, expecting and smiling that all will be well, stay well. I was reminded once again this morning to be grateful and thankful for all things for at any given moment life can change.

Blessings as you continue to celebrate Christmas (and life) with JOY!

Love to you...

~CHUNKY COOKIES TO MAKE YOU SWOON~

2011-12-12T12:34:00.000-06:00

~DELICIOUS TRAIL COOKIE~

When my children were little we did a bunch of great Christmas-Treat-Baking inside our La Chaumière de Briarwood. Today, both my kids are phenomenal cooks and rival my abilities in the kitchen. They have perfectly appointed kitchens and aren't afraid one little bit to try something new.

~CHUNKY and FABULOUS~

Their old momma on the other hand has a tendency to stick to what she knows best! Tried and true recipes that have stood the test of time... I'm happy to leave what I call the complicated stuff to my son, Brandon, and my daughter, my AdrieGirl.

~CREAM SUGARS~

~ADD DRY INGREDIENTS~

When I was a young bride I learned to bake a little bit and would scour the Dallas Morning News for recipes to try out on my Mr. AGPMan (only he wasn't called that back then!). The recipe I'm sharing with you today came from that well known Texas paper back in 1979 or so...

~OLD RECIPE CARD~

Thirty plus years ago I copied it onto a little personalized recipe card one of my friends ordered from some mail order company... Today it's ratty and torn up but I love using it anyway!

~NO TASTING YET!~

Don't be tempted to taste the batter! You might get that 'sow-stuff' from the raw eggs! That would be terrible!

~PLACE ON COOKIE SHEET~

They smell soooo heavenly while baking!

~ALMOST DONE~

Be patient!

~FINISHED COOKIE~

And there you have it! A sweet treat for neighbors and friends! Now...don't faint when I tell you this but I'm not a chocolate lover (I told you NOT to faint!). I like it well enough and all, but I can take it or leave it if I must! But this kind of cookie...well, I could eat enough to make me senseless if I'm not careful!

Blessings for a lovely day...Happy Monday!

Love to you...

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Ordinary People

2011-12-11T11:46:00.003-06:00

As I sat down for a bit of breakfast and a cup of hot tea this morning my eyes were drawn to the cover of our DVD "It's A Wonderful Life". Every year my Mr. AGPMan and I really love watching the old black and white classic and I'm sure like many of you it's a 'must-see' on our Christmastime movie list...

I've had a busy, hectic week and I'm more than tired so just thinking about sitting down and having some quiet time with my guy made me smile. I always start to drag a bit at this point during December, although I must admit to you it's a 'good tired and a good-drag'. I love everything about Christmas and I refuse to get overwhelmed with the things still piled up on my 'to-do-list'.

I've resigned myself to always having one so why stress about it, right?

Anyway...as I stared at the smiling faces of old George Baily holding his little daughter ZuZu I was reminded again this year of one simple thought...

We don't have to be some larger-than-life person, with lots and lots of clout, money and prestige to make a big difference in the day to day living of someone else. Every single day without pomp or ceremony we can contribute goodness, kindness, peace and love to someone living about us...

The most memorable part of the movie for me is the message of how simple, ordinary people can have can have a profound influence on someone else without even knowing it...

Blessings for a lovely Sunday in His presence~

Love to you...

~REPAINTING OLD FINDS~ Recently Finished Product

2011-12-09T10:35:00.002-06:00

~REPAINTED METAL COFFEE POT~

I'm all about junkin' and slummin' and if you've followed my bloggie for any time at all you probably know that by now. I love finding little things on the ~~cheap~~ slim to transform for my home or to refashion for sale on my AGP Website. I'm amazed what can be found out there in tag sale land if you only take the time to look!

~SOON TO BE TRANSFORMED~

In the middle of November last month I shared with you some of things I found at our local Goodwill store while out shopping with my Mother. I snagged two really neat metal Sign Thingies with Hooks that I just loved...

~EMBOSSED METAL BEAUTIES~

I love shopping second hand and thrift stores because you never know what you'll find. Although not always, generally you're sure to snag a great deal... I've found some incredible things over the years.

~RIPPING OFF THE PAPER LABELS~

First thing I did was rip off the original paper labels by soaking them in warm soapy water. Sometimes the adhesive is water soluble. If it's not you still need to get the old paper off before you can removed the glue. If the glue doesn't come off with water you can either use Goo-Gone or some other label remover product. Recently someone told me you can use fabric softener to remove old labels...(I'm sorry...don't remember who passed along the hint!)...

~NEWLY TRANSFORMED~

Anyway...first thing I did after removing the labels and cleaning the signs was to rough them up with a mico-grit sandpaper and then dust them off. Next came a quick coat of my favorite primer (Zinsser 123) and then a couple of coats of regular fresh white paint...

~PINK ROSES REPLACE THE PAPER LABEL~

Now~because I had an email from a longtime customer who was interested in the signs (and who does not favor distressing) I opted not to age the two signs...but, I REALLY, REALLLLLLLLLLLY wanted to because I personally love it! Instead after the artwork was applied just a gentle aging with paint was added.

All the old tins you see at the top are next in line for a makeover! They are going to be FUN to do! Great vintage styles for neat little accent pieces.

Hope your day is wonderful. Will be posting more decorating photos soon!

Love to you...

A GORGEOUS BLACK WINTER COAT~ For A Little Bitty Price

2011-12-08T14:40:00.000-06:00

~KENNETH COLE BLACK COAT~

OK Peeps...I planned on sharing more pics of my Christmas Decor today but I killed both my camera batteries so while they are charging I decided to share with you a great little find from our friendly neighborhood ROSS. For those of you who don't have a ROSS Dress For Less in your town I feel sor-reee for you! I always go there FIRST when I'm looking for something special...if they don't have it THEN I go to Dillard's!

~YUM! WOOL and SOFT ANGORA~

Now...for the past five years I've worn the same black overcoat... I loved that coat...still do. I bought it online at Chadwick's of Boston and even though it wasn't expensive ($99 plus shipping) it served my needs just fine. Only problem is that it no longer fits because of the weight loss I celebrated earlier this year! I tried it on a couple of Sundays ago and it looked more like a TENT on my body rather than a COAT! It is four sizes too big now and even though I ended up wearing it the thing looked terrible.

~FABULOUS FULL LENGTH~

The only time I really wear a dress coat is when I go to church or if I'm dressed up nice for dinner out. Generally I wear a cropped jacket. Anyway...last Tuesday I drug my Mr. AGPMan to ROSS to look around in hopes of finding a new coat for a great price. I'd just been there on Saturday and they had NOTHIN'!!! My guy gets 10% off on Tuesday's :) because he's older than me, otherwise I'd have gone back on my own...

~HIDDEN BUTTONS and ATTACHED FRONT TIE~

So...we pile out of the SUV (actually he drops me off in front of the store because it's soo blasted COLD outside) and he parks while I go inside. He wasn't even in the store yet when I had this coat in my cart. No kidding...it was the ONLY FULL LENGTH BLACK COAT in the store. Lots of jackets and stuff but no dress coats.

Anyway...I try the thing on in front of my hubster and it fits perfect! Then I looked at the price tag...

~EEEE-GADS~

Oh heavens...it was $64.99 before the 10% off. That made this $240.00 Kenneth Cole REACTION Coat about $58.00 before tax. I couldn't believe it! It hits mid-calf (great with boots!) and the tie is attached. The Coat is slightly A-line which is great because I'm only 5'4 and that means less bulk around the waist!

See why I LOVE this store? I'd love it even more if they changed their sign from looking like this:

To This:

~PINK is MUCH BETTAH~

Hope you are having an awesome day! More Christmas Decor coming up soon!

Love to you...

PROUDLY DRESSED IN GLITTER AND LACE Noël à la Chaumière de Briarwood

2011-12-07T01:18:00.002-06:00

First thing in the morning when I come down the stairs for a cuppa hot tea I round the stairwell post and pass in front of my favorite room in our entire home, our dining room.

We gather together as a family and share meals, birthdays and holiday celebrations in this room. When we first purchased our home in 1992 it was our formal living room. But, once our children married and our family began to grow we no longer felt we needed a room no one ever actually sat it. If you'd like to take a peek at how she was transformed just click HERE...

We have tentative plans to open up the wall the china cabinet is on. This will mean some rearranging of furniture, but it will open up the space making it less congested in our entryway when lots of people are visiting... I love the idea, but it took a bit of time and me yappin' it up to convince my Mr. AGPMan it would look gorgeous! I'm thinkin' he was thinking "it looks like allota WORK to me!" :)

This year I changed things up just a little. I moved the larger Christmas Tree (the new one I just bought at SAM'S CLUB) to the far corner and moved the smaller one closer to the the French Doors. I actually love the change as our new Tree is bigger than the one we had to toss out last year. Our new slimline would have stuck out too far and would have been in the walk-way...

I can get ten people around this table in a pinch. If we have more guests (and we have!) my Mr. AGPMan made a removable table top that is larger out of plywood and with a little bit of adjusting we can seat up to twelve in this room! It's covered up with a tablecloth and no one ever knows...

Found a spot for that new Joyeux NOEL Pillow I finished up last week. I'm sure before the Season is over it will be moved around at least twenty times!

I try and use fresh flowers for our Christmas centerpiece or a grouping of tall candles. For now this simple tree with the pink and silver bulbs will have to do...

When my son was a baby one of my ceramic-loving-friends made me these gorgeous white Christmas Tree Napkin Rings. She had a set made up in bright green and she thought I was NUTS when I told her I wanted mine white. That was Christmas 1982 and I've never once regretted choosing the color as it goes with everything! Over the years I dropped one of the Trees and snapped off the tip. :( A little glue and a bit of spot-painting and no one has ever noticed it was once broken.

MY PINK CHRISTMAS TREE

Proudly dressed in glitter and lace

Shimmering pink she takes her place

Ribbons and Roses, she's clothed to the nines

Filling the room with the fragrance of pine

Bedazzled with ornaments

Twinkling and bright

She shines through the darkness

A beacon of Light

Carefully holding

Her memories of love

She stands representing

The One from above

For all of her beauty

For all that we see

If not for the MIRACLE

She'd just be a Tree

And there you have a peek at some of our Christmas decor for 2011! I'll be sharing more of our home soon!

Blessings as you continue to celebrate the miracle!

Love to you...

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT Photo Altering Software

2011-12-06T11:28:00.001-06:00

~WHAT IS THIS?~

As much as I hate the thought of spending the money before long I will need to purchase a new computer. Now...if you know me then you'll understand my mode of thinking when I say that I have a quietly held belief that things that cost me the big bucks should NEVER WEAR OUT. I base this simple, yet totally illogical and ridiculous thought primarily on the fact I seem to have a mini-stroke each and every time I'm forced to write out a check (or whip out the plastic) to pay for such high-priced things...

I can still remember the conversation I had with my then young son, Brandon, when he said he (umm...that would be ME!) wanted buy a home computer. I said (feeling quite smart and superior)...

"What does it do?" (bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....)

~PHOTOSHOP RULES~

Just for the record my computer programmer son has NEVER let me forget that statement...

My life these days revolves around my home-based business and learning to manipulate vintage graphics via my computer is a huge part of what I do. Ten years ago I was afraid to even turn on a computer monitor and yet today I wonder how I lived without one! Although purchasing a new computer will have to wait until after the first of the year Christmas has come early to my La Chaumière de Briarwood. I sprung for a new version of PHOTOSHOP and over the Christmas break I'm going to jump in with both feet and learn all I can about this software. Currently I use an older copy of PhotoShop even though I started out using Paint Shop Pro. Much has changed and I'm excited about seeing what's NEW!

So...for all of you peeps out there wanting to learn all you can about altering aging graphics you must check this program out...

~OLD COPY of GIRL~

~ALTERED ART IMAGE~

The two images above show you what you can do with different photo-style software programs! Amazing, huh?

I'm back in my studio working on special orders today so I'll be in and out once again. Such is life for the self-employed...

Blessings for a wonderful day~ More Christmas decorating photos coming soon!

Love to you...

~SWEET LINEN CHRISTMAS PILLOW~ and Hand Painted Signs~

2011-12-05T06:00:00.007-06:00

~LINEN JOYEUX NOEL PILLOW~

Last Saturday I shared with you the great five dollar deal I got on a Ralph Lauren decorator pillow, remember? If you missed that post you can read about it here! It was actually the feather insert I wanted and over the weekend I finished working on the Christmas "Joyeux Pillow" for my La Chaumière de Briarwood. Can you believe I'm actually keeping this one for myself? I love the simplicity of the Pillow and can't wait to find the perfect spot to display it! A pretty soft white linen fabric was used, opting to keep the lines clean and embellishment free. No lace, buttons or trims and even the ruffle was a basic (done by hand) reverse tuft and pleat. For good body and form the Pillow was lined with a weighty muslin and an easy-to-open zipper was added to the back. The inside seams were serged so when the cover needs to be cleaned there won't be a problem with unraveling.

~HAND PAINTED COTTAGE SIGNS~

I also got around to working on the two Signs I showed you in that post as well. Both sold fairly quickly but you can still see them if you'd like to by clicking here! I must be on a painting kick because I honestly think I've finished up more painted projects this Christmas Season than I have in the past three previous years. I have a closet in my studio with three shelves inside that have been totally filled up with items base painted in cottage white, pure white and pastel pink. Incredibly I've actually made a noticeable dent in my stock! Whoot! Whoot!

My customers sometimes ask me why I don't paint more...

Well, the easy answer is:

"I'm not sure!"

A more detailed answer is:

"I hope to in the future!"

My most honest answer is:

"Painting doesn't come as easy for me as sewing sometimes does. I love it as much (if not more!), but it's more of a challenge for me. So, I have to be in the mood to paint or I can't get my brush to paint what I see inside my head!"

Later this week I'll be showing you more of our decorated home. A few new things have been added this year and I'm excited about some of the little changes.

Hope your day is awesome! Mondays are generally a bit less hectic for me so I'm looking forward to having somewhat of a slow-motion day...

(Sounds fab to me!)

Blessings and love~

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING The Reason for Joy

2011-12-04T13:39:00.000-06:00

There are times when I sit in the house of the Lord and forget whose house I am in and why I'm even there. It's easy to get lost in thoughts of the Season with all the sparkling glitter and holiday trappings and forget the Host and whose life it is I'm suppose to be celebrating.

Seems I'm going to church but too often miss the message.

"Joseph...took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.

And he called His name Jesus."

(Matthew 1:24-25 NKJV)

Blessings and love to you as we remember the

Reason for the Season...

~JOYEUX NOEL PILLOW ON THE CHEAP~

2011-12-03T12:12:00.002-06:00

~PILLOW IN THE MAKING~

My Mr. AGPMan and I got up extra early today so we'd be able to get lots of our Christmas buying done before the afternoon shopper crowds set in.

~CAN YOU SAY LIME GREEN?~

But, we were met with really stormy skies and massive Oklahoma wind and rain. I actually love rainy days, I just don't like having to get out in it and the getting wet.

~FIVE LITTLE DOLLARS~

So, our plans abruptly changed and we decided to stay home. My guy lit a fire and we settled in to do some other things instead.

~GREAT FEATHER PILLOW INSERT INSIDE~

I'm going to put the finishing touches on some decor (because I'm a bit behind in finishing things up) while my hubster works in his shoppe on man-things! I'm working on some special orders and a few things for my La Chaumière de Briarwood as well.

~GASP! I REMOVED THE TAG~

(hope I don't go to jail under penalty of law!)

See the lovely (???) lime green Ralph Lauren pillow above? Well, I snagged it at TJ Maxx for a mere $5 (original price was $40!). The outside fabric was not to my liking but the inside held a fabulous duck-feather pillow form. Feather inserts can be costly so whenever I can find them on the cheap I bring them home with me. Anyway...I printed out the JOYEUX NOEL wording on fabric shown taped to the pillow form and later today I'm going to use it to fashion what I hope will be a sweet little pillow for our family room!

~PAINTED SIGNS IN THE WORKS~

The two metal signs above will be transformed this week as well! I'm thinking something French sounding will look lovely painted on the front...maybe some roses, too! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Hope your Saturday is awesome. I"ll be showing you the finished pillow and signs, soon!

Blessings and love to you~

~AND THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG~

2011-12-02T12:08:00.002-06:00

A couple of years ago while visiting one of our local off-priced stores I found these darling Christmas Stocking Hangers. I loved them so much and was happy to snag two of the snowflake styles for my home. They were a dark brown, almost rusty-ish in color, but this year I decided to paint them with my favorite cottage white paint from Behr (Home Depot/Cottage White). I sprayed them first with primer (not my favorite thing to do!) and then lightly painted over the base coat with a soft sponge brush. Just a little gentle distressing and whaaaa-laaaah! Done!

I bought one in the style of a Reindeer. Not because I actually liked this one (no offense to Dasher or Prancer!), but because I desperately needed a third one and that was all that was left. I like it enough to use it but as soon as I find another one, off he goes to my daughter~

Here is what one of the snowflake Hangers look like in use! This was taken in another corner of our formal dining room. Promise to share more pics as the season presses on...

Last year and the year before I bought four of these darling Poinsettia plates from a local gift store. My budget only allowed me to get two at a time even though I distinctly remember getting them on sale for 20% off. Sadly the store went bust this year (I mean they just closed up and were gone...no 'sell-out-sale', nothin'!) and I haven't been able to find anymore in the City. They are from Andrea by Sadek in the creamy white. I did find a set of four full sized plates on eBay...$65 plus shipping. Bah! I was hoping to collect twelve...probably not gonna happen. I may look for them AFTER Christmas this year! We'll see!

During the Spring, March I think, I was more than excited to get two of these fabulous Christmas wreaths on deep discount at Tuesday Morning. The retail price was originally $50 (pleeeze!!!!) with a sale price of $39 (yeah, right!). TM's price was $19.99...

Well...they were marked down to $9.99 and the day I visited the store they were running half off their clearance items. That would have made them $5 each and that made me very happy. Only when I got up to the cash register they rang up for a different price...

They were actually $2.50 each. WHAT? No lie! They were!

I'm in the process of transforming them with plans to hang them on our new French Doors in our breakfast room. More about this soon.

I hope you are having an awesome day. I have lots on my to-do-list today so I'm off for now. Not fun stuff...grocery shopping and the like! :( I'll be visiting more of you this weekend when I have some of the pressing things checked off and I have more free time! I'm soooo LOVIN' what I'm seeing out there in blogland so far...

Love to you...

A Gathering of Thoughts

~~~~~~~YUMMY LOVIN' FROM MY OVEN~~~~~~~ A French Toast Casserole To Make You Swoon

~DESTINED FOR CHANGE~

~SHABBY WHITE CHILDREN'S BOOTS~

~~~~I'LL TAKE CURTAIN NUMBER TWO~~~~ Dealing With An Un-Centered Window

~~~FRENCH CHARMING CHALKBOARD SIGN~~~ Le Café Français

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ Translation vs. Life

~THE BLESSING OF A POTTERY BARN SOFA~

~~~~~~~A SOFA TO DREAM ABOUT~~~~~~~ Shabby Cottage Chic Furniture Makes Me Swoon

~SMILE....JUST SMILE~

~~~~SWEET TAG SALE FINDS~~~~

~~~MORE EXCITING HOME REMODELING~~~ Gone Gone! The Wall is Gone

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ Don't Be Angry or Upset

~HE DID IT! CRASH BOOM BAH!~

~BIRDS IN FLIGHT~

~AND THE WALL COMES TUMBLING DOWN~

~YOU NO LIKA SPAGHET?~

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ Happy Birthday, Steven

~~~SHABBY COTTAGE CHIC PAINTED FINDS~~~ And Words From A Wise Man

~IN HIS TIME~

~THE PAINT GOES ON...THE PAINT GOES ON~

~~~COTTAGE CHALKBOARD MAKEOVER~~~ Romantic Transformation Underway

~~~~~~~~HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012~~~~~~~~ Changes Are Coming

~CHRISTMAS with my GIRLS~

~MERRY CHRISTMAS from Rebecca 2011~

~~~~CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS for 2011~~~~ Almond Brittle Gifting Once Again

~~~~~~~BIRTHDAY MEMORIES~~~~~~~

~THE GIFT of FRIENDSHIP~

~~~~~GATHERING CASE WINNER IS~~~~~~ Lighting Does Strike Twice

~MAYBERRY-I-TIS~

~CHUNKY COOKIES TO MAKE YOU SWOON~

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ Ordinary People

~~~~~~~REPAINTING OLD FINDS~~~~~~~ Recently Finished Product

~~~~A GORGEOUS BLACK WINTER COAT~~~~~ For A Little Bitty Price

~~PROUDLY DRESSED IN GLITTER AND LACE~~ Noël à la Chaumière de Briarwood

~~~~~~AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT~~~~~~ Photo Altering Software

~~~~~SWEET LINEN CHRISTMAS PILLOW~~~~~ and Hand Painted Signs~

~~~~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~~~~ The Reason for Joy

~JOYEUX NOEL PILLOW ON THE CHEAP~

~AND THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG~

~YUMMY LOVIN' FROM MY OVEN~ A French Toast Casserole To Make You Swoon

I'LL TAKE CURTAIN NUMBER TWO Dealing With An Un-Centered Window

~FRENCH CHARMING CHALKBOARD SIGN~ Le Café Français

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Translation vs. Life

~A SOFA TO DREAM ABOUT~ Shabby Cottage Chic Furniture Makes Me Swoon

SWEET TAG SALE FINDS

~MORE EXCITING HOME REMODELING~ Gone Gone! The Wall is Gone

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Don't Be Angry or Upset

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Happy Birthday, Steven

~SHABBY COTTAGE CHIC PAINTED FINDS~ And Words From A Wise Man

~COTTAGE CHALKBOARD MAKEOVER~ Romantic Transformation Underway

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 Changes Are Coming

CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS for 2011 Almond Brittle Gifting Once Again

~BIRTHDAY MEMORIES~

~GATHERING CASE WINNER IS~~ Lighting Does Strike Twice

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING Ordinary People

~REPAINTING OLD FINDS~ Recently Finished Product

A GORGEOUS BLACK WINTER COAT~ For A Little Bitty Price

PROUDLY DRESSED IN GLITTER AND LACE Noël à la Chaumière de Briarwood

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT Photo Altering Software

~SWEET LINEN CHRISTMAS PILLOW~ and Hand Painted Signs~

THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING The Reason for Joy