Traditions...

This time of year I love celebrating the Norwegian Christmas traditions that my mom and both grandmas so faithfully instilled in all of us growing up. Advent and the weekly lighting of the candles, fresh greens, forced paperwhites in mis-matched clear glass containers, and the lefse!
I miss my grandmas this time of year, so thankful to have had them in my life...seemed so much simpler then, and not so long ago. Remembering to be grateful for my family, and that my now almost nineteen year old daughter (Christmas Day;), is looking forward to making lefse with me, and is making all her own gifts this year...keeping it simpler, sweeter somehow. And honoring both my sweet grandmas legacies, in keeping it simpler and enjoying every moment of this season.

Getting ready for company...

This is Marnie's dining room. You would never believe how this space looked before the transformation. She has a great eye and knows what she loves, so it was so easy and fun to help her accessorize her home, and she had hidden treasure tucked away everywhere! We brought it out and looked at it all with new eyes. If you'd like me to come and use your own treasures in a fresh new way, email or call, we'll get it done in a day! Oh ya...remember, I live in Snohomish, but I'll travel fifty miles north or south! And it's fun! Happy Autumn, Debi;)

Winter's coming...already?

Remember last year's winter? I was reminded when I saw these pictures. It really was beautiful, but how could it be coming again so soon? Somehow it should still be September. I guess my grandma was right when she said it all happens faster and faster...and how can our little girl be almost 19? (on Christmas Day;) And I haven't even made my jam yet! The berries are patiently waiting in the freezer for a quiet rainy day, and I have a hundred daffodil bulbs to get into the ground... a HUNDRED more what was I thinking! It's okay, one year I remember planting some bulbs on a beautiful Christmas Eve...they still grew beautifully!

There were sparrows actually living in this snow covered church. I kept them well fed. Wonder if they'll winter there again this year? I hope so.

Everything is always so clean and fresh after snow, and quieter somehow and peaceful too. It always gives us an excuse to stay home and off the roads. That's when I'll make my jam! At least I got them picked and in the freezer. ;)

So pretty...remember to really take it all in this year. We are determined to make this season simpler. We did last year, and the holidays meant more than ever.

Welcome to our home in winter. We have so much to be grateful for, Thanksgiving is coming and we'll get to spend time with our family and friends. ( I will get the 100 daffodil bulbs in before it snows)...maybe.

This was our mantle last Christmas. My lady vases and collection of vintage bottle brush trees, I love them all!

My eating nook in the kitchen. No fresh flowers in the cutting garden, so a cyclamen in a vintage pot works...in soft pink of course. I can just see those sweet jars of jam lined up on the table! Maybe tomorrow :) Enjoy your days...each one is a gift.

We had a great time at Funky Junk!

We all had a great time together at Funky Junk in Puyallup this past weekend! I have never seen such a group of creative, inspired, fun and tireless junkers all in one place! If you missed it, you'll have an opportunity again next summer...

Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and wind on Friday night to shop early! I loved seeing so many old friends, customers, and shopkeepers...time to embrace this season now with all the hope it brings. There are so many people struggling now as well, a good time to bring a warm unexpected meal or pie to a family or anyone who needs a little encouragement, socks to the homeless shelters, we're all so creative...imagine the impact if we all do a little...let me know your thoughts and ideas. Happy Autumn;)

Time away...renew, refresh, restore

So Mike and I made a spontaneous descision to take a road trip over Chinook Pass just one more time before it closes for the season. These always seemto be the best trips. Unplanned and unstructured, with surprises around every turn in the road. No matter how many times we get up there, Mt. Rainier always takes our breath away.

The wildflowers are finished blooming, fall is in the air, and snow just around the corner. Had to walk the trail around Lake Tipsoo and soak it all in.

It was such a beautiful day...

Didn't want to leave.

On the other side of the pass we came across this incredible old stone barn. Isn't it awesome?

And the old school house in the middle of hundreds of acres of harvested wheat fields, we got out and spent some time here. We found old chunks of glass from the original windows that the tractors tilled up. But Mike found an antique button, looked like it was from a little girls dress ;)

makes you wonder...

From the inside. It was so quiet. Just the wind.

Messages on the walls of other travelers, loved this one.

And this one...appropriate for now don't you think?

We all have a story to tell, but during this trip we spent most of our time listening.

Saying good bye to Summer

I am going through the process of saying good bye to summer, and since I'm such a visual person, I thought I'd just share some pictures from along the way...

This is an Open House at Swans Trail Farm, a beautiful wedding venue here on the Snohomish River...sharing ideas for brides planning their weddings for next summer.

I bought this amazing metal basket from Katy at The Classic Farmhouse at the Funky Junk Sisters show in the Spring, and its coming up again next month! I'll be there, it'll be fun don't miss it!

remembering all the color of summer...

And watering!! I loved the rain these past couple days, we needed it so bad even here in the Pacific Northwest!

My favorite sitting spot, this year I made sure to take the time to actually sit and enjoy my garden...no matter how much work needed to be done, so glad I'm learning that finally. How old am I??? ;)

And the butterfly net from Luluz! You have to visit her blog if you haven't yet, she's so fun! Hoping to be her neighbor again at the Funky Junk Show...

But for now it's savoring the last moments of a beautiful summer, looking forward to a new season, and wearing my flip flip flops for a few more days ;) Deb

Indian Summer...

It's getting close to Wild Rosehip and Hop Wreath time!! I make them in two sizes and they will be available mid-Septemberish through October while they last! They come in a spicey scent or natural. I also will have "embellished" wreaths available, however most of those will be reserved for the Funky Junk Sisters Show in October! I have been gathering some of the coolest stuff ever for the show...don't miss it! I love Autumn, but for now let's call it Indian Summer;) Feel free to email if you need a wreath, I sell to shops as well!

Kendall and Peter's Wedding at The Big Red Barn!!

Now this is a Big Red Barn! This is where Kendall and Peter were married a couple weeks ago. It's down near Chehalis, and was so much fun. They wanted it to be laid back, and it sure was.

I loved this picture, Jason and his wife own this place and even sent me home with a dozen eggs and cucumbers when I was finished with all the flowers. I love summer..And here comes the smiley mahogany sunflower, I just had to work it in, it smiled all through the ceremony...

Pretty elegant for the second floor of the barn for the reception, it really is an amazing place...

Late summer garden flowers were Kendall's pick for the bride's maids in toasty mahogany and cream...keeping summer as long as possible.

Isn't this the sweetest picture ever? I pet bumble bees in my cutting garden all the time. Do you know they don't sting?

And I am sure they'll live happily ever after.

Brandon and Daisy's Wedding!

Summer is going way too fast...I'll have to catch you up on one of my weddings I was blessed to be a part of! Meet Brandon and Daisy, my nephew and now, his wife Daisy! They have had quite a journey to finally...their wedding day. They have perservered in their relationship through long distances and times apart while Brandon spent months in Argentina, college in Cairo, Egypt and lots of trips and school for both of them in between. They will now be finishing school together as a couple!

They chose garden flowers, and of course "daisys" for their day. I brought the garden inside "Urban Grace" the beautiful 100 year old church in downtown Tacoma. The same place my mom and dad, and Brandon's grandparents were married 59 years ago! They were both there with all of us.

This is the beautiful bride in her garden crown, we are so excited that she is part of our family. We couldn't love her more.

Magical moments...

Here they all are! (My daughter Lilli second to the left and my niece Noelle far left) So fun!

Micah and Omi...brother and sister and the ring bearer and one of the flower girls...so sweet

Lilli and Noelle snuck away to decorate the car...


Butterflys had huge significance to the bride and groom, so here I included them on the cake :)

Groom and the Best Men (cousins Joe and Jess)

Wow...we are having a beautiful summer so far! Just want to share some great summer finds...I LOVE these old rose variety markers I found from a 40's vintage nursery that once flourished in the beautiful Skagit Valley. They were carefully hand-painted and cut and then varnished. I love that they used to mark rows of lovingly grown heirloom rose varieties.

Don't you love the old hand-painted containers? I normally find the cookie jars...but this was an adorable pitcher. This went pretty quickly at the Funky Junk Show! It was so fun!

So here are some heirloom roses from my own garden, it's that time of year to cut them and put them everywhere! There's nothing like flowers from your own garden. Time to share bouquets with friends and family, no reason to visit anyone empty handed!