It'S bEgiNnInG tO loOk aLot LikE cHriStMas...

One can't help but to be enticed by the spirit of the season! The beauty of a small CoUntRy ToWn is the feeling it evokes this special time of year.

Our little country church has the most beautiful, simple nativity I've seen...at night it's best when lit up.

cOw CreeK is a sight to see in its beautiful wintry colors & iced over along the banks. I think nature is truely Gods handy work!

The crisp cool air, the christmas lights lit on a dark country road, and the holiday decor one would expect to find in the country...makes you appreciate the simple things that are oh so beautiful.

I think a local field trip with camera in tow is in order...I would love to share these beautiful images with you.

And we mustn't forget the scents of the season! I have stocked up on pantry basics such as flour & sugar, as well as, chocolate, nuts, oats, pumpkin, peppermint, and all those holiday favorites! I love spending time in my kitchen, and my boy loves the way our home smells when I'm baking.

The best part for me is wrapping those goodies up and surprising a neighbor I don't know with this simple gesture. For me...little things are at times big things. One doesn't always know what a simple act of kindness can do for someone.

I hope that you too have the spirit of Christmas...and are reminded why we really celebrate...the birth of a beautiful baby boy...Jesus!

Warmly,

Jacqueline

ThaNksGiVinG BleSsiNgS

This time of year I find myself reflecting on the most important aspects of my life. My Young Man spends Thanksgiving with his father and it's one of the most difficult things for me...

I am so Thankful God chose me to be his mother! I'm thankful for our relationship & our time spent together. I have so much to be thankful for! We all do! Thank Jesus everyday for your blessings...let him hear your thankful heart!

May God Bless You & your family as you gather together this Thanksgiving!

Smiles,

Jacqueline

I had decided when I moved here last summer that I wanted to get involved in my small town community. I feel it's a great way to have a sense of belonging to my new hometown and an opportunity to meet the "townsfolk".

I found a community website announcing they were looking for volunteers for "BiNgO NiGHt aT tHe GrANgE" so I called the number and spoke with Virginia...such a kind lady! She was thrilled that I had called and we spoke about BiNGo and threw around some different ideas for advertising.

I can just picture the townsfolk coming down to the GrANgE on Sunday nights on a warm Summer evening...Socializing, Eating Apple Pie, Sippin' Lemonade, and having a good ol fashioned Country good time!

Ahh...simple country life...such a blessing!

MiLeStOneS

I have been on a RoLlEr cOaSTer RiDe of EmOtiOnS the past week...My one and only Young Man is preparing to GrAdUaTe JuNiOr HiGh. I know it's cliche to say..."It was only yesterday he was just a baby" But I really feel that way! Simply put, my life would not be what it is without him and I have this sense of panic that he will need me less and less. (snifflle sniffle) Then I remind myself that this is how it's supposed to be...this is what we prepare them for...independence, responsibility, a life of their own with their own friends and interests.

So I suppose I am a little bit selfish in wanting to hold on just a bit longer but I know this can not be, so I shall continue to raise him and love him and know that I have instilled in him good morals and values and know that we will always have a strong bond.

I remind myself that I have to give all my cares to the Lord and know that he is the one in control and not me. I do hope that I am not the only Mother who struggles with these issues! Good Grief!

In 1995 while I anticipated his arrival no one could have prepared me for the hold this young man would have on my heart...He is an amazing child and he has no idea how he's changed my life. I AM TRUELY BLESSED!

I NEVER let a day go by without telling him how much I love Him and he always takes the time to give me a big hug! :)

Thanks for listening...& maybe relating!

Smiles,

Jacqueline

(i will be picking up my new camera next week before graduation & will post on this big event)

Happy Mothers Day to my dear friends and fellow bloggers! Blessings to you on this special day set aside just for Moms...May your children celebrate and appreciate just how wonderful you are!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

"How cunningly NATURE hides every wrinkle of her unconceivable antiquity

 under roses and violets and morning dew"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have been anxious for Spring to arrive so that I can start planning my little veggie garden! This year I will plant in large pots. I have plans for next year for "raised beds". I am hoping to find someone to construct these for me at minimal expense. I think the raised beds will be perfect! This year however, I am taking a trip to the nursery for some tomatoes and fresh herbs. I am going to purchase a wine barrell for the tomatoes and some casters so I can move the tomatoes if needed.
Last summer when we moved here I quickly found the local ladies who'd put their signs by the road indicating they had FrEsH HoMe GrOwN ToMaToES for SaLe...This year I will have ample supply of my own.
I am also considering planting a small citrus tree...I have found it most difficult to find any decent oranges at the market. However, young man and I are fond of those mandarins which seem to have the best flavor.
Happy Gardening to you!
Smiles, Jacqueline

SpRinG

ToDay is tHe FiRst DaY oF SpRinG! I can't help but smile, the weather has been so lovely! I have been enjoying my time outdoors...Working in the GaRdEn, My daily WaLkS, creating that CoZy outdoor living space, and the beautiful blooms that surround me!
This beautiful photo of a CrAb ApPLe Tree...I have eight of these lovlies just out front of our Cottage.
We have also come to acquire some pretty little equine friends that have come to stay in the pasture that surrounds us. It is a treat to have these little ladies come to the fence for a little lovin'. I ecspecially enjoy when they are feeling frisky...they run about throwing their heads and bucking about. It is a sight to see!
Spring in the Country is truely a treat to behold!
Enjoy the outdoors & have a beautiful weekend!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

Farm Fresh Eggs

One of the many perks of living the CoUntRy LiFe are those beautiful brown FaRm fReSh EgGs!
My friend Karen has an abundance of cute little chickens...(there was a time I used to think chickens were creepy!) Anyhow, Karen knows that I adore fresh brown eggs and has been so kind to keep replenishing my supply! Did you know that ChicKens who graze off the land produce eggs that are better for you? Plus, they look cute just roaming around! I have been researching chickens and am considering a few of my own. My son and I have come up with some cute names.....I like Daisy, & Rose, Young man likes Basil & Sage...What do you think?
Smiles,
Jacqueline

The spirit of Christmas is in the air...
I love decorating throughout the year, I think Christmas time is one of my favorites. The lights, the natural decor that can be found just outside your door, the comforting aromas coming from the kitchen, the warm feeling of sharing homemade pepper jelly, Christmas breads, and those favorite cookie recipes with family, friends, teachers, and bus drivers. These are a few of my favorite things about this time of year. I've been busy cleaning up our cottage and tucking my fall decorations back into their bins for next year. My prayers for all my family and friends are happy & grateful hearts, healthy minds & bodies, compassion & good will for those less fortunate and to live in the moment and truly enjoy and appreciate the time spent with those that you love. And I certainly hope that we can all pause and remember the true reason for Christmas and remember to give gratitude each and every day!
Gods Blessings to all,
Jacqueline

Gathering Leaves

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

~Robert Frost

HaPpy HaLloWeeN...
Weather you're accompanying little ones TriCk or TrEatInG, or snuggling up on the sofa in a candle lit room watching CrEepY movies, I hope the magic of HaLlOwEeN fills you with joy!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

And a good time was had by all!.....My friend Joanee (The Vintage Post) and I visited the Lodi Street Faire this past Sunday. Kindred spirits we are, so much alike in the things we love that we often laugh when describing how we "embellished" a wreath...only to learn that we both had the same wreath, ribbon, and similar adornments! We always enjoy each others company and this trip to Lodi was no exception.
Our first stop was School Street, blocks long with wonderful Antique, Vintage, & Hand Crafted delights using objects of old. My favorite find was the marrying of a rusty bucket with a curvy plant stand. I set it atop the kitchen island to give a feeling of dividing the kitchen from the rest of our small cottage. My love bug helped me find the perfect Oak branches outside to fill the bucket...It is now perfect!
On our endeavor we had found a vendor selling spools of twine...they were quite nice but rather pricey. Later we found some old wooden sewing spools and Joanee suggested we use those for our twine. I love this idea...a great use for those wonderful old spools!
After hours of walking we picked up our Caramel Apples, sat for lunch, packed up the car, and talked about our day as we headed for home...

"If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has the power to move you, if the simple things of Nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive!" ~Elonora Duse

Autumn is here and I am absolutely thrilled! By far my most favorite time of year! The birds are singing as they too are happy for the cooler weather.
I have stocked the pantry with Apple Cider,Cocoa, & ingredients for baking Cookies & Pies.
And I couldn't forget my favorite candles...Mulling Spices, Apple Pie, Butterscotch Cookie, & Spiced Pumpkin!
Our cozy cottage feels warm & inviting with the comforting scents and sprinkling of autumns colors, I think all that's left to do is cozy up on the sofa with my favorite magazine and a cup of Hot Apple Cider!
Wishing my Family & Friends... Joy, Comfort, and Inspiration this wonderful time of year!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

Yard Sale Finds!

I ran to the market this past Saturday and happened across a yard sale with a sweet old man sittin' on his porch. He was such a pleasure to talk to, I explained that we were new to the area and he introduced himself & visited with my son and I asking us how we liked our new home. He lit up when he learned where we live because he happens to know one of our "famous" neighbors, Merle Haggard. He shared a story with us about one of his visits with him. Not only did we enjoy talking to "David", but I also came away with a few treasures!
I love living in the Country!
Smiling,
Jacqueline

Found Treasures

As I'm new to the area I have to "Mapquest" pretty much every where I go. I arrived at my destination to find a Salvation Army across the street. I was so excited I could hardly wait to finish up my errand so I could go explore the store! Some might think I'm silly to get so excited about such a place but I think they may not realize the treasures that are inside.
I am always happy to find one simple treasure but was fortunate to find two! I have a new found admiration for Sterling Silver and have found some great pieces in the past at the flea market. This little pedestal dish was $4 & has found a home in my bathroom for my yummy French Soaps!
The little dish with the birds is adorable! I couldn't believe it was $1! I have decided to place it atop my antique dresser (had belonged to my father and has the most beautiful mirror ever!) & use it for some of my hoop earrings.
These are the little things that just make my day! I think Sunday may be a good day to explore the local Flea Market...I can only imagine the treasures waiting for me there.
Enjoying my weekend,
Jacqueline

Inspired

It's been a couple days since I've created my very own blog and I must admit that it can be quite addicting! I was first inspired by Coastal Nest and continued to visit blogs that where posted on individual sites. I am so amazed by the talents of you ladies. Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and wonderful recipes! I can't wait to bake those cakes! It is a comfort to know that there are so many that also enjoy "Nesting at Home" and making it a Sanctuary for themselves and their families.
One reason I love baking are the memories of my Mother baking bread and the aromas would fill our home. I always anticipated that loaf coming out of the oven, often asking "Is it done yet?" I think this may be why I have such a love of Breads! These are some of the memories I hope my own son will remember when he's grown...The yummy smells coming from the kitchen, and our weekend breakfasts of Waffles, French Toast, Eggs and potatoes...
My favorite baking moments are when he asks me if I want to bake cookies and offers to help me. Time spent with him are memories in the making...these are the times I cherish most.
Pictured here is the Love of my Life & my Mother.

Summer Greetings!

I sit and write this at my new home in Northern California. My son and I have been fortunate to leave the suburbs and busy city life for the quiet Country roads and small town traditions. We live on a fifty five acre ranch in a charming little cottage among the Oak trees.
I sometimes feel it's something like a fairy tale living here. In a blink of an eye there will be a multitude of birds all over the yard. It is a sight to see and I so enjoy it! I am eager to buy a bird book so that I can learn about my new little friends.
I'm looking forward to meeting you ladies out there that share my love of family, decorating, antiquing, and flea market adventures!
I love to see how people live and always enjoy a peek into the doors of their homes. This is where I find the best inspiration! I also look forward to my subscriptions of Country Living and Country Home each month for even more!
Until next time... Remember to stop and smell the Roses!
Jacqueline