It's the very first Monday after the new year and when I woke this morning the sun was streaming through the windows in the most gorgeous way.
The sunshine in this house drew me in the very first time I toured and I believe I fell in love immediately.
The sun was shining on all the areas I "de-Christmasized" over the weekend. In between bouts of nausea.
I was a busy girl despite the nasty bug that tried to get me down!
The dining room table is no longer stretched. As a matter of fact, I removed both leaves for now....just for a change. I love a little round table, it's my favorite kind. It feels very cozy having a meal at a small round table.
And yes, those most certainly are my fall pumpkins and squash that were on my center island in Autumn. I will cook them this winter at some point.
During Christmas they hid under the guest bed. The dust bunnies kept them company.
The top of the bookcase once again holds plants and candles in lieu of Santas.
The tree stays up, as is tradition in our family, until at least January 6th. Which not only is Little Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany but is also my dad's birthday.
A holiday in and of itself.
The mantel has been stripped of the twinkly stars and stockings and has been left with winter greens and my red wooden wreath and cones. They, of course, also look like Christmas trees.....when it's Christmas.
When it's not Christmas they revert to cones.
Because I said so.
No more Christmas linens....but I did keep the red going for now. I will lighten up at a later date for a change of scenery but for now the red just feels warm and welcoming.
Because, baby it's cold outside!
The bottles at the bar no longer sport scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Except for one. Mr. Maker's Mark still has his sweater and earmuffs on.
He's special. He's sweetie's favorite.
The snowmen are gone and the colorful bottles have returned to the kitchen windowsill. They just make me smile.
The little birdbath I hung outside the kitchen window is frozen solid now. Poor birdies. The creek at the end of the driveway is still running, though, so the critters are ok for water. At least for now.
A few more days like this may change that.
My farm animals have returned to the stove area, dangling their little legs over the edge.
Anyone for a cup of tea?
I hung up this absolutely adorable winter dishtowel from World Market - they seriously have the cutest dishtowels ever!
Did I mention I might have a slight obsession?
And this little guy, who was a gift from my younger daughter, keeps my glasses handy next to the stove...and brings a smile to my face every time I see him.
Change is good.
Today is a good day.