Author Archives: Debra

“I think that I shall never see . . . “

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” . . . a poem as lovely as a tree.” – Joyce Kilmer

harriet

My neighbors were probably wondering why I was lying in the middle of the yard this afternoon. It’s not something I normally do, but it’s a beautiful day, and I wanted to spend some time with my tree.

I bought my Autumn Blaze maple, better known as “Harriet,” seven years ago as a birthday present to myself. Why Harriet, you ask? I have no idea! It just came to me one day, and it stuck.

I looked it up, and the name Harriet means “ruler of the home.” Isn’t that fitting for a tree? My name, however, means “bee.” So Harriet gets to be queen and I’m just a little worker bee? Hey, who pays the bills around here anyway?!

Ok, so back to my point . . . I think it’s important that we afford ourselves the luxury of a few simple pleasures now and then. How many times as a child did you stare up at the blue, blue sky and let your imagination run wild? Why do we stop doing that? It’s fun!

I pledge to enjoy “the little things” in life more often, and I hope you will too. I really think it’s when we’re at our happiest.

So, go outside and hug a tree.

Oh, and don’t tell Queen Harriet, but she could use a trim!

– Debra

Harriet2

Secret Stash

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When you live in an older home with small rooms, some of the charm that made you fall in love with it (such as a built-in telephone nook), is also what makes it so challenging to decorate!

I’ve always loved farmhouse tables, but they tend to be over sized. That’s why I was excited to find this option from Pottery Barn. It couldn’t be more perfect for the space, and it fits against the wall between the living room and dining room without a millimeter to spare!

So what’s the secret? (Shhh . . . It’s not actually a table. It’s a desk!) And, it has a hidden drawer with multiple compartments to hide my little treasures.

drawer

How great is that?!

So, even if you’re decorating a small space, you can make it work by getting a little creative. It may turn out better than you think!

– Debra

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” – Ernest Hemingway

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Hmmm . . . Let’s see what’s in my Little Free Library today.


library2books

I think the library could use a new look . . . I’m going to work on that!

UPDATE: Years in harsh elements definitely required a remodel and the library has been updated a few times since my first post.

Here’s what the library looks like today:

— Debra

Loretta’s Sugar Cookies

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Once in a while, you are blessed to meet a person with a truly giving spirit. Loretta was that person for my family and me.

Since my parents were transplants from another area, she adopted them, the four of us, and even my nieces when they came along. Not a holiday would go by without her dropping off a tin of her delicious sugar cookies, along with a multitude of other special treats.

This old fashioned cookie simply melts in your mouth with a lovely vanilla almond flavor that is wonderfully unique.

Occasionally, Loretta would drizzle a thin glaze over the top and sprinkle them with colored sugar to dress them up for the season. We just loved them.

So, in honor of Loretta and her kind-hearted nature, I’m happy to share this treasured recipe along with my memories. Enjoy!

1 c. sugar
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. Crisco
2 eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
************
4-1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

1. Blend sugar and shortening. Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
2. Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl; add to mixture
3. Chill dough
4. Roll into balls.
5. Flatten onto cookie with patterned glass dipped in sugar.
6. Bake at 350° until browned on edges.

Cookie, cookie, cookie . . .

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Cookies make me happy! Baking them, eating them, sharing them . . . If you’re like me, a good cookie can really turn your day around.

Can a cookie solve your problems? Of course not. But the simple act of stirring ingredients together to create something good may help you remember that life is pretty good too.

Don’t forget the sprinkles!

– Debra

A Warm Welcome

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One of the reasons I love the fall season is because it feels so welcoming. We cozy in, snuggle up, and fill our homes with delicious scents like apple cinnamon and spiced pumpkin. It’s my favorite time of year to have guests.

So, with company often dropping by unannounced, I decided to get a jump start on fall decorating.

It’s fun to decorate the mantel, but the fireplace has always felt a little dark to me. I wanted to brighten things up a bit, and luckily, I saw a great idea in a nearby shop that I frequent. The shop owner had placed a salvaged wooden window screen in front of an old fireplace surround and attached a few tiny light strings to the front with mini ornament hooks.

It was simple and cheerful, so I decided to put my own spin on it for my house. I wrapped white birch logs with tiny lights and suddenly things looked a lot brighter!

It added the warmth and sparkle I wanted, and makes the whole house feel festive.

Join me for a cup of mulled cider?

– Debra

Noteworthy.

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Along with a handwritten letter (a rare find these days), I’ve always appreciated a good note. Whether strictly informational, or filled with emotion, notes are usually welcome and often thoughtful. A simple thing to show you care.

When we were old enough to be home alone after school, Mom would often greet us with a note. “Went to the grocery store. Be back soon! Love, Mom” or “Running errands. Snacks in fridge. (smiley face) Mom.” We loved those little notes. And although we wouldn’t have admitted it in our teen years, we were secretly disappointed on the few occasions we came home to an empty, noteless, house. (So very sad.)

To carry on this “noteworthy” tradition (pun intended), and invite notes from all who enter, I hung a chalkboard in my side entryway.

chalkboard

Mom stopped by the other day while I was at work and left this behind:

DSCN0486

How nice is that to come home to? A simple smiley face and a nod to the season. No words necessary.

Notes are friendly. Notes are fun. Notes have the power to brighten someone’s day.

So . . . leave a little note . . . chalk up some cheer . . . scribble up a smile for those you hold dear . . . (It could even rhyme!)

Ok. Do you think I’ve rambled on long enough about notes?

Duly noted.

Late bloomer.

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What a nice surprise to find this pretty clematis flower happily blooming on the corner of the garage.

flower

After an unfortunate lawnmower incident (don’t look at me!), I didn’t expect to see flowers until next spring . . .

But that’s the thing about late bloomers, they often exceed our expectations.

A simple reminder to sit back, relax, and take your own sweet time.