Sweeti and Santa

Sweeti curled up in a chair with one of our Santa's. She usually won't stay for a picture but didn't seem to want to move this time from her cozy repose. Cats know how to relax!

The lights of Christmas

Sweetbrier's all aglow at night with her Christmas lights. 

The reason for the season...

"Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven's all-gracious King..."

Snow People

The Snow people didn't want to be outdone, so they posed too!

Santa pictures

A few of the Santas posed for pictures.

No help from Sweeti

Took this picture while sitting on the floor unraveling strings of lights. Sweeti's laying in one of her favorite spots, the back of the wing chair. What a balancing act! She loves to watch me work:)

Christmas Decorating

The outdoor decorations are complete and the tree is up and decorated. Whew! Still more to go though... the mantle, the chandeliers, porches, etc.

Our Wonderful Thanksgiving

was spent at my daughter's house. She cooked one of the best turkeys ever and we had soooo much great food and conversation. Even Sir Winston, my daughter's poodle, enjoyed the company. We started with hot cider and cranberry bread while the turkey finished cooking. Yum!!! That of course was followed by turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, veggies, orange salad, etc. Mother showed us how to make gravy - she makes it look so easy.  I can not express how thankful we all are for the rich blessings that God has given us. 

"I awoke this morning with a devout Thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. Shall I not call God the Beautiful, who daily showeth himself to me in his gifts." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Star light, star bright...

was that a space station I saw last night? Yesterday evening we got word that the International Space Station could be spotted overhead. So a little after 6pm we were standing outside looking towards the WSW and low and behold a very bright light appeared and moved elegantly across the evening sky. It was amazingly quiet and smooth and its flight for our viewing lasted about two minutes. It was exciting to know that while we stood poised in the backyard with our eyes towards the heavens, that there were people working, floating and talking on that bright light in the sky. We found out later too, that yesterday, November 20, was the Space Station's 10th anniversary. Happy anniversary and many more!

One virtue of a weed

is hardiness.  It's 22 degrees outside and this small bloom peaks out amongst the bricks.

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

A frosty morning

On a cold autumn day, you just want to curl up in a chair with a good book and a hot cup of tea. 

Sweeti rules...

Another of Sweetbrier's permanent residents is Sweeti, a ragdoll kitty of 14 years. She is definitely head of the household and is all attitude!

Floral Delight

This crafted photo album is titled "Floral Delight." A vintage hand-painted plaque from Italy, lace, and a beaded necklace adorn a beautiful floral fabric on the front. Dangles on the spine and lovely vintage cards on the interior covers makes this album a definite "delight"! Email us at sweetbriercottage@gmail.com for additional pictures.

Treasures of Sweetbrier

Sweetbrier Cottage offers many treasures for your home. One of my favorites is the custom photo albums created from the old and the new.  These albums are one-of-a-kind and each features a unique theme. 

The one pictured here is titled "Childhood Garden" and features antique post cards and a sweet cameo set against a vintage flower-shaped doily. 

Albums begin at $43 plus S&H. Email us for more information.

Our Cassie kitty

is a feral cat that came to Sweetbrier several years ago. She has come a long way from a terrified kitty that disappeared at the slightest sound or movement to snuggling up with you and purring contentedly. Although you can never fully tame feral cats, you can become their friend and enjoy their company.

A trip to Lakewood 400

What a great time we had at the Lakewood 400 antique show in Cumming, GA! This 3-day event takes place on the third weekend of the month. I like it because it has a nice variety of antiques and collectibles at affordable prices. Thanks for the tip from the Victorian Parlor, we visited a shop called "Ribbon & More." They have a variety of ribbon sizes and colors at very affordable prices. In my case, it was 66 yards for $11. Other prizes included gloves, white handkerchiefs edged in lace and lace scarves.

Our box elder tree

Sadly, our box elder tree had to come down. We originally joked about her being a weed, but when she became home to box elder bugs this year, we were able to identify her. Her roots were pulling up the sidewalk plus growing under the cottage's foundation, so we had no choice. We will miss her shade next summer and her welcoming stance.

Sweetbrier Cottage gets a trim

After 10 years of overgrowth, Sweetbrier Cottage gets a much needed trim. What a mess, but it's worth it! Another stress reducer - hire someone to do it for you:)

A cup of hot tea...

is perfect on a cool fall day, especially after a long walk. 

Tea will be a recurring theme on this blog as it's perfect for any occasion or anytime of the day. 

A second spring…

Welcome to my first blog post! One of my goals is to find ways to relax and share them with others. A walk through your neighborhood to enjoy autumn splendor revitalizes the soul.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower" - Albert Camus (1913-1960).