::Winterfying the Mantel::

Well, Friends, the Christmas decor was dismantled on Christmas Day.

It took another 2 weeks to get the room dressed for Winter.

I like lots of browns and neutrals with some hits of white to brighten the dark days ahead.

Just used stuff I already had.

And lots of pinecones.

Of course.

Much of the pinecone stuff is left from my daughter's Vintage Chic Barn wedding last December.

This is my attempt at a brown artificial flower arrangement.

That right there is as good as it gets for this gal.

I sat on the floor for this shot.  Duh.

Here's a sneak peek at some of my other Winterfying....

I'll get that post up soon.  

Didn't want to overwhelm ya with too many pictures.

And I want to get back in the habit of at least 2 posts a week.

This is my favoritist room in my whole ding dang house.  

For Reals.

The view from my perch on the couch.

Obligatory artsy shot.

Even makes the dead plant and black cord look not-so-goofy.

Like everyone else in bloggy-land, I am contemplating lots of changes for my blog.

But the biggest change in my life will be placing our cottage on the market by month's end....

Where we go next is, well, we don't know yet!  Build new?  Buy existing?  Rent for a while til we decide?

We are staying in the same city.

Letting go of the dream of moving south to warmer climes has finally died as reality sent a one-two punch...but it's all good.

(psssst....you can get hints of my future dream dwelling if you follow me on pinterest.)

I'm excited about what the new year holds for me and my family.

Last year was an exercise in adapting to the stress put on us by others.

(read here and here for the inside scoop)

It was full of beautiful moments and times of extreme pain and even despair.

I've never spoken much about my struggles with chronic severe depression, 

but last year tested my fortitude further than ever, and I've come out of it feeling bewildered.....

but ready to take charge of my life again.

This year I hope to adapt to stress of my own making.

Because if you're gonna deal with stress, better it be from taking charge of your own destiny while you have the chance.  

I've decided life is very short, and going after my dreams is my first priority.

My resolutions for the new year are legion, and can't be articulated yet.

But my word is HOPE.

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Thanks for stopping by. 

Here's to a new beginning with much joy in the journey.

And a mantel that makes you happy every time you look at it.