Memory Lane

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Visit Susan @ Between Naps on The Porch for more Before and After

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Before

After

Well, try as I might, I'm just not having much success at blogging on a more frequent schedule, but I'm not giving up. I like to start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, but like my blogging, I'm a little behind this year. I did re-arrange furniture the week before Thanksgiving and set up the Christmas Village before Thanksgiving so maybe that will give me some bonus points. I thought I would share a before and after with you of my Christmas Village.

I LOVE my Christmas Village, it reminds me of my childhood and a much gentler time. There were not cookie cutter malls in my childhood. Each shop had it's own personality, it's own unique smell. I can still smell the delicious scents coming from The Peanut Shop and the dapper Mr. Peanut welcoming everyone in. I love imagining walking on the snow covered streets and going from shop to shop. I can hear the chime of the bell ringer's bells and the tinkle of the coins as happy shoppers drop them in the big red pots. I can hear the cheer in the voices of the people on the streets and in the stores as they wish everyone a "Merry Christmas"! That time and place is only a memory now, but oh how I love to relive them every chance I get. This Christmas Season I hope we can all take a step back in time if just for a moment to remember what this season is all about and enjoy the simple pleasures.

The Shirt Off Your Back

Click on photo to enlarge.

Most everyone has heard the saying, "they'd give you the shirt off their back". While I've never actually had anyone do that, I did have a friend give me a shelf right off their wall. While living in Massachusetts I was admiring a friends "teacup shelf" that didn't have a teacup one on it. She said, "oh, is that what that is supposed to be" and laughed. I said yes and almost every Southern girl has one on her wall filled with teacups. I asked her where she had gotten it because I have a teacup collection and was in need of one. She had gotten it from J.C. Penney when she was first married about 22 years earlier. A few days later she came to visit me and what did she have with her? The teacup shelf ! I couldn't believe it. She had cleared out all of her nick nacks, took it off her wall and was giving it to me!! I love that teacup shelf and the memories of my dear and very generous friend. She has even added a teacup to my collection. Truly a gift from the heart and one that suited me to a tea.