Sweeti napping...

It's been a rough few weeks for Sweeti (and the reason there have been no posts). She has CRF which is controlled through diet, but she began having diarrhea. A visit to the vet's and blood tests showed she has hyperthyroidism. We've decided to try the Tapazole first and hope she can tolerate it. In the meantime she's on two other nasty tasting medicines for the "d." 

Finding a bit of sun, she decided to take a nap this morning with one of her favorite catnip mice. 

It's snowing - sort of!

Well, we received a slight dusting of snow this afternoon, the first in two to three years. But we take what we can get:) We turned on the Christmas music, fixed hot chocolate and watched as large white flakes floated down from above. I've attached some pictures although they don't do it justice.  For those of you further north who are blessed with the real thing, please don't laugh too hard, but do keep safe and warm!

Garage Makeover - continued

With every plan there has to be a color selection. Our local JoAnn's fabrics had a sale in January with fabrics half off, plus we had 40% off coupons. Woo-hoo! Since the garage is dark, we decided to paint it a light color and since we had over a half gallon of yellow paint (honeysuckle beige) leftover from painting the hall bath, the plan was to make my new work space and Cassie's domain, yellow and blue. We only had to buy one more gallon of paint, instead of two, and it saved us nearly $30.

Why was fabric needed you ask? My new work space is in need of seating and we happened to have three old table chairs ($1 at a yard sale) that needed recovered. Chairs will be painted off-white and recovered in the fabric below along with pillows from coordinating fabrics. 

Garage Makeover

Our garage serves two purposes, a home for our feral kitty, Cassie, and storage. For the past few weeks, Sweetbrier's garage (Cassie's domain) has been getting a makeover. We have three goals for the makeover: (1) remove all of the "junk" that has piled up over the years - this is sort of a mission organization project, (2) create some catwalks for Cassie to provide more exploration opportunities, and (3) create a work space for my craft projects. Oh, and one more thing - this has to be done on a budget!

Of course the first thing a crafter must do in re-creating a space is draw up a plan. This plan contains space for storage (Christmas, old toys from childhood, items that we can't part with just yet, etc), tools, paint, wood working supplies, and exercise equipment. And of course a desk for doing  the craft projects. Most importantly, there is space for Cassie's gym, AC and heater, TV, toys, plus additional space for her to explore. Whew!

Over the next few weeks, and hopefully not months, I will document the makeover. Wish me luck:)

Happiness is...

Lunch with mother who makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches (she adds sauteed onion and tomato),
Petting a cat on your lap, especially when she's feral and you know she "chooses" to be there,
Or a cup of tea (vanilla apricot) in a beautiful vintage cup and saucer.
What makes you happy?

Finders Keepers

is the name of a lovely antique shop in Lawrenceville, Georgia on Scenic Highway. There are a variety of antiques and collectibles to choose from and the prices are very reasonable. They usually have sale items on the front porch. Shop keepers are friendly and very helpful. Two of the items we picked up this past weekend are pictured below. We also purchased a chalkware cherub holding a dish (no picture available) that was on sale for $10!

Sweeti's horse

Sweeti, our 14-year old ragdoll kitty, has a little toy horse that she adopted when she first came to live with us. She takes the mane in her mouth and carries it around the house as if it were caught prey. She tries to meow with it, but the sound comes out like a muffled growl, and it can be heard any time of the day or night. The horse is usually standing but not always and you never know where it will show up.

In the kitchen...

On the porch...

Or in bed...

Reminders of what is to come...

It's been in the teens at night with wind chills close to zero. For folks in the north, this probably sounds balmy, but for us southerners, it's cold!!! Spring is around the corner, but I'm thinking big - SUMMER! And when we think summer, we think beach. I decided to pull out our shells and take some pictures to remind us of what's to come.

Paths

A friend of my daughter's likes pictures of paths. I found this lovely old postcard today and thought of her. It says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life" (Psalm 16:11).

I also came across another quote on paths by John Schaar, "The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created -- created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination."

What path are you creating?

Look what I found!

I'm always surprised at what I find when I clean out a closet. Today I found a box labeled "new stuffed animals." Among the contents were three stuffed animals, one made from a piece of needlepoint linen and two from antique quilts.  They look great in the Rose Garden room of Sweetbrier.

A trip to Antiques in Old Town

"Antiques in Old Town," an antique store in Lilburn, GA, has the most fabulous antiques and vintage pieces. Two antiques came home with me, a victorian antique iron clock case and a stained glass window.

The clock case will probably find a home with my daughter, maybe a birthday present, but shhh, don't tell her;) And yes, those are dragons on each side of the clock face.  

The stained glass will be hung on Sweetbrier's porch. The panes have varying degrees of greens, blues and golds - very striking when the sun shines through.

Resolutions!

I made a New Year's resolution, if you can call it that, and I have only faltered once, well, maybe twice. It's all in one's interpretation. What is my resolution you ask? I am attempting to "make" or "repurpose" what I need for Sweetbrier instead of buying it. Actually it's been kind of fun. 

For example, I needed a new wreath for the front door. I can't use traditional flower wreaths because birds like to nest in them. I tried to find a wreath foam form so I could just wrap it with some pretty linens and lace, but stores are sold out due to Christmas. So, I decided to make a banner. I took a vintage towel, folded it in half and added some doilies, lace, ribbon and buttons to make a "shabby chic" styled banner. 

Happy New Year!!!

The quote for the new year is by Douglas Pagels, "Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can." 

Words to live by...

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.