Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Outside CdlV ...

Growing up, my mom would decorate the big picture window in the front of our house. It was probably a 5'x5' solid sheet of glass that sat between two smaller windows which opened up to let breeze and West Texas dust into the house. Her theme changed slightly every year, but it always included small, colorful lights outlining the window frame, and then some sparkling foil garland draped along the top of the window in perfect half-circles. One year, she and her friend Dotty made glass Christmas trees from baby food jars, by gluing them together in the shape of a Christmas tree, then punching a hole thru the metal lid and shoving a light through it. At the time (1989) they were very cute. I remember the Christmas they lined up in the windows and along tabletops ... she must have made 50 of them! Where she got all of those jars, I'll never know! But, I digress.

***** EDITED TO ADD *****
Thank you so much Kathy, for emailing me the directions on how to make the Baby Food Christmas Trees. These are exactly what my mother made more than 15 years ago. I'm shocked to see instructions for them. If you're interested in seeing or making these jar trees,
click here.

There were sometimes lights on the house, and sometimes not, heavily depending on whether or not my fathers favorite football team was playing, but that window was always decorated to let Santa know - we're here, and we've been good! Since I moved into my own home, and then now at CdlV, (Casa de la Vanderdogan) I stopped a few things that we did as children, and decorating the windows with a trimming of lights is one of them. Now, we use simple electrified candles. I skip the baby food jar Christmas trees, and go for natural green wreaths on the front door.

I've not gotten around to many of the exterior projects a CdlV, and not because my favorite football team is on television. Is football still on television? Anyway - it's because the inside of CdlV has been a chore. Thankfully though, I needed a respite from the Peacock decor, and I decided to work on the large urn near the front porch out for the winter season. I chose to fill it with lovely live greens, twigs, pine cones, and berry branches, and this morning, eyes a fog - I took a picture for you like I promised:





Beautiful, no? Yes, the decor of CdlV is a bit different than it was at my childhood home, but the love and joy still remains. After all, it isn't about the pine boughs or pretty ribbons, lights, ornaments, or fancy decor - it's about filling your home with joy, peace, and love.

25 comments:

  1. This is simply fantastic. You have such a lovely facade and on a great street, too! I love the twigs in the center to give the arrangement height, and the variety of greens you used. Oh, and look at the gorgeous glimmer of those bright red berries! Artie, when it comes to things like this, you never disappoint. How sweet of you to rush out this morning to take a picture for us! Trust me, I have been looking forward to it! Can't wait to see your interiors along with all of the finished details of your amazing home ... best, Carol in "the Falls"

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  2. Oh Artie...
    Simple, elegant, festive, happy, colorful and Godly. Oh yes my friend, I so love this arrangement. It is so beautiful. You have done another exquisite job.

    I am going to try and get a couple of better pics of my tree. It has a wall of mirrors behind it. It doesn't do it justice. I may have to move it to get a good pic to post or email you. I would love for you to see how pretty it did turn out. I love it. I want to share it with you. I think you will be proud.

    I have also been buying the decorations for the living room tree. I have about 6 or 7 sackfuls now. Not sure if it will be enough but it will at least get me startedd. I will get that tree today at lunch. No crown or tiara yet though. No pheasant feathers either. Where did you get your feathers?

    This weekend I have to do the living room tree and the tree in the family room.

    Talk to you later my friend. Country hugs...Sherry

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  3. Artie-The natural arrangement is just wonderful. Our styles may change, but it is evident you got your love of design and creativity from your mom!

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  4. Your post made me smile, because it reminded me of how my father decorated my childhood home. Not with crafts, but with tacky flashing lighted decorations everywhere. We always drove around to look at the lights. I tend to decorate with white lights and greens.

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  5. Oh the childhood memories of Christmas. Takes us back a bit. Love your woodsy natural arrangement. It's stunning in it's beauty. Now all you need is a dusting of real snow!

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  6. Beautiful arrangement in the urn. I love the natural, not fussy look!

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  7. GORGEOUS! It looks so simple, but I bet it wasn't! You always make things look so easy. Elegant and Holiday appropriate without being so in your face. I love it - and will be copying you! ;) Traci

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  8. Oh Artie, your colors are so vivid! Perfect!
    I had to chuckle when reading about your mother ~ everyone should be so lucky to have had a creative mom.

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  9. Very pretty--I love it---love the natural theme!

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  10. Pretty pretty!! I can only see a tiny corner of your house there, but I bet it is pretty too. :) "it's about filling your home with joy, peace, and love." perfection!!! :)

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  11. Artie, you really do have the magic touch! Comes from a creative mom.

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  12. Just beautiful. Very inspriational!!

    - The Tablescaper

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  13. Oh...just gorgeous...perfect. Greens snow and a touch of red berries. Heaven. Sigh.

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  14. I love it! It is rude to say that you obviously got your decorating skills from someone other than your mom? I'm sure the baby food jars made lovely trees...but, I really like your style much better! I also love how much the love comes through your words and your childhood memories. As "moms" that is what we hope for.

    Sue

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  15. Hi Artie, Your arrangement is beautiful and tastefull and just what I am coming to expect from you.
    You are right, home is not about the trappings, but what lies inside- I'll take love, peace and joy any day! Your home is beautiful from the inside- out!
    Kudos to you.
    Yvonne

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  16. OOO, this is just PERFECT...it IS Christmas!! You did an outstanding job on this, Artie...

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  17. I love all the wonderful greens and berries, you sure have a knack for making the greenery look so beautiful and just like Christmas...I am a follower of yours and I can't wait to see the peacock tree, it will be perfect I am sure, I would love it if you could come for a visit, I have been waiting to see if you ever stop by,I know one of these days your gonna surprise me....

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  18. Hi Artie, Thanks for your nice comments on the Christmas decorating! It was fun, but alot of work. I have several more houses to do in the next few weeks. The arrangement you made for the porch is just beautiful. I love the natural look too. Most of what I do is sparkly, but sometimes it's nice to have something natural. I'm looking forward to seeing your peacock tree. I was in Hobby Lobby yesterday and thought of you when I saw some beautiful peacock ribbon. Have a great day! Kristen

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  19. Artie,
    You've shown that simple natural arrangements are the BEST. I can't wait to see the 700 feathers and what've you done! You have me in the spirit and although it's dark here now, I think I'll grab my flashlight and head to the woods! lol
    G in CT

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  20. Oh Artie, the urn is just simply stunning!!!!!

    And I love the decorating memories you have from your childhood!

    Justine :o )

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  21. Love the memories! Now, I know where you get some of your creativity. The urns are beautiful. I need to get going on some holiday decorating; these have inspired me. If you like, check out my GiveAway. Hope you will! cheers, -susan

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  22. I love live greens and the punches of red from the berries. I especially love decorating done outside as a sneek peek at the beauty that awaits one inside. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your decor.

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  23. I love live greens and the punches of red from the berries. I especially love decorating done outside as a sneek peek at the beauty that awaits one inside. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your decor.

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  24. I love what you did!!!
    Yes, those Memories, I hve to say I think the things we did back them was more of the sentimental value than anything else. Can't wait to see your finish home :)

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  25. Artie~I'm strolling in to catch up and especially to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
    It's such a wonderful time to stop and reflect on all those we cherish and are truly grateful for.

    Even though our Thanksgiving is very small in number, with hubby and son (we don't count the cat cause she doesn't like turkey). We don't scrimp on the menu...from appetizers to desserts with several carb loaded dishes in between! We will be enjoying tryptophan playoffs too!

    Sweet Holiday wishes,
    Sara

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