Come See My New Lamp

After we visited the Big Red Barn up in Round Top on Saturday,

we stopped at another antique venue down the road.  In one of

the first booths I passed, I spotted a lamp.  If you look at the 

reflection in the mirror above, you can catch a glimpse of the 

lamp I saw.

I instantly fell in love with this equestrian motif lamp base.

I asked David if he liked it too, and although he said yes, I

guessed that he was thinking ...

Do we really need another lamp???

No, we don't need another lamp, but I do want this one.

Our foyer is a tribute to my love for all things equestrian, but

you already knew that if you follow this blog :-)

Poor David, he is a real sweetheart for putting up with my

lamp obsession.  When we turn off all the many lamps in our

house each night, he likes to say ....

Notify the power company of a power surge.  The Freeman

household is shutting down for the night.

It's true, and it makes me giggle!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Meeting Carolyn Westbrook

On Saturday David, Bentley and I drove up to Round Top to

visit the Winter Show inside the Big Red Barn.  It was a beautiful

day and there was lots of activity in Round Top despite the fact

that not too many venues are open at this time of year.  It was

however, much easier to get around without all the typical

crowds of the Spring and Fall shows.

The show in the Big Red Barn was busy.  Lots of great vendors

from Texas and states beyond showing off their treasures.    I 

knew that Carolyn Westbrook would be there and I was anxious

to visit her booth and hoping that I would be able to meet

Carolyn in person.

I was in luck.  Carolyn was in fact present, although she was

swamped with customer questions and sales.  As you would

imagine, her booth was beautifully staged with all sorts of 

fabulous items as well as her signature bed linens.  

During a brief moment, while a customer was adding to her

already large order, I did get to chat with Carolyn.  She's

very open, friendly, energetic and full of fun.  

I was able to purchase two linen euro shams with down filled

pillows while I still had the chance.  Carolyn told me that she 

will be back for the Spring Show, so that I can see more of her

items then. 

She let me carry the shams outside in the daylight to make sure

that the color was just what I wanted, and it was perfect!  Here

they are.  I have placed them on the loveseat in the guest room

so that you can see how sweet they are.  I am looking for a 

queen size bed for this room and will be deciding what other

pieces I want to finish the look of this bed.  By the end of 

March, I should have all my decisions made and will be

ready to make my purchases at the next show.  Hooray!

I will be so happy to get this room completed.

More photos of the show later this week.  

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Quick and Easy Weekend Treat

Down here in South Texas, we love our Mexican food!  Our little 

city of Victoria has a very large Hispanic population and we all

benefit from the yummy food.  Our local HEB makes fresh tortillas

daily in flour, wheat and corn.  They also stock beautiful peppers,

both sweet and spicy, dried and fresh.  David and I love it!  

Since I always have tortillas on hand, it's really easy for me to

whip up a batch of quesadillas for a snack, for lunch, or with a

salad for dinner.  They are versatile and are accepting of anything

one wants to place between the layers.  Today I am going to 

tell you about one of our favorite creations ....

Caramelized Onion and Smoked Gouda and Bacon Quesadillas

This creation of mine is not a Mexican dish, but it is yummy 

and we really enjoy it.  So easy too!

Slice up a couple of sweet onions.  Saute in oil until

soft, then add a sprinkling of sugar to help the onions to

caramelize.  Don't rush this step because the caramelized onions

add a lot of delicious flavor.  

Shred or thinly slice the Gouda cheese.  Add a layer to 

the top of a tortilla.  Using a fork, add a layer of onions

to the top of the cheese, and then add another layer of

cheese.  Top with a tortilla.  Place this quesadilla in a 

non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Let the tortilla start

to brown and see that the cheese is melting.  Flip the

quesadilla and repeat the process on the other side.

Plate the quesadilla.  Cut into fourths and serve with

you favorite salsa and a dollop of sour cream.

Yummy!  Enjoy!

I am planning on visiting an antique show this weekend

and hope to have lots of great pics to share with y'all

next week.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Farmhouse Hearts

What is it about a farmhouse that we love?  To me, it's the

simplicity of the country.  The beauty of nature.  Chickens 

and goats.  Cows in the pasture.  A beautiful sunrise.  The

idea of returning to a simpler time.  

We can't all be fortunate to live out in the country, but 

we can make our homes a refuge from the stresses we

all face in a fast paced world.  

I added three little gingham hearts to this herb wreath

and hung it on an antique door to remind me of

a simpler way of life.

I think we could all use a bit of peace and tranquility now.

Home Sweet Home

Feather Your Nest

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Love Is All Around Mary Tyler Moore

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but when I heard the 

news that Mary Tyler Moore passed away, I could not ignore her

passing and reflect upon the effect she had on my young life.

Mary Tyler Moore's character of Mary Richards was a very 

positive role model for young girls and young women.  Her 

level headed, spunky and sunny attitude was one that I 

certainly wanted to emulate.  Mary Richards proved to us

that a woman can handle a grumpy boss, an unprepared

newsman, and eventually the over sexed character of

Sue Ann, with grace, diplomacy and good cheer.

I have always been especially fond of the relationship between
Mary and her neighbor Rhoda.  Mary was the sweet small town girl,
and Rhoda was the bold and brash New Yorker.  Their first meeting was
when Mary went to look at the apartment Phyllis told her about.  Rhoda
insisted it should be hers, Mary stood her ground, but Rhoda knew
that Mary was a pushover, and of course, Mary being Mary, admitted
that she didn't have the guts to stand up to Rhoda.  This tiff didn't last
long because they soon realized that they could not stay mad at one
another.  Despite a shaky start, they became the closest of friends and
that relationship provided us with so many laughs and happy memories.
For me, it was the type of friendship that I would one day develop
with other women.

And of course, there was THAT apartment!  When I was young,

before the days of TiVo and DVD's, I had to watch the show so 

closely to take in every detail of the space I loved so much.  

The beautiful, large and character filled window, the beamed,

cathedral ceiling, the walls and accessories.  It was a space that

was so obviously put together with family hand me downs and

thrift store finds, yet it all worked together to create a cozy, eclectic,

and fabulous space.  I just knew I would have an apartment just

like it one day, but sadly my first apartment didn't quite live

up to that dream.  I quickly learned that architectural charm such

as this, is not easily duplicated.

The adorable tiny kitchen with the push-up window that created

an open space to share in the conversations with the steady stream of

Rhoda, Phyllis, Bess and the newsroom crew. 

Who could forget that horrible bridesmaid dress???  I still laugh so hard
every time I watch this episode.  Although Mary and Rhoda think the
dress is hideous, Mary, being Mary, tries to figure out a way to salvage
the dress and is willing to wear it for a former childhood camp friend's
wedding. Mary could never hurt anyone's feelings and was always kind
and generous, even when the dress was ugly.

I loved the episodes when Rhoda's mom, Mrs. Morgenstern came for a
visit.  Ida Morgenstern was the tiny, brash, Jewish mom from New York
who was an unforgettable, and lovable character.  Her mission in life was
to not only ensure that her daughter Rhoda got married, but that Mary
also find a husband.  She was the New Yorker, who like her daughter
Rhoda, always found something to complain about, while Mary always
encouraged them to find the silver lining.

The writing was excellent, the cast members played their roles
to perfection, and they entertained us every week.  It was and still
is, a beloved show.

In this tribute to Mary, I could go on and mention her performance
on the Dick Van Dyke show and her Oscar nominated performance
in the movie Ordinary People.  She proved to audiences that her
talent was broad and far reaching.  To me however, her role as
Mary Richards is her most memorable, as she gave young women
someone to emulate.  Mary Richards was good hearted, kind,
professional, cheerful, a true friend and a lady.  There is such a
stark contrast between Mary and the role models for young
women in the media today.  Perhaps it's just me, but it is my
hope that her values find a way of expression once again.

Mary Tyler Moore
1936 - 2017
Rest in Peace ~ You did make it after all.

Love,
Susan and Bentley

I Had To Unfriend Someone On Facebook

Facebook has been a very combative forum recently.

The election, inauguration and women's march have

stirred up some very passionate reactions on the daily

newsfeed.  I have no problem with others having a

different opinion than my own.  It is both a right and a

privilege to be allowed to express one's opinion 

openly and without censorship and I would never 

prohibit that right.  

I also believe that it is reasonable to listen to both sides

of an argument and as educated citizens, I believe that it

is our responsibility to be open to differing views before

formulating our own.  

Recently I have read some opinions on Facebook that

differ greatly from my own.  I have tried to be accepting 

and not engage in pointless arguments, but recently I 

have become quite disgusted by the depths some will

sink to in order to express themselves.

If someone starts to curse excessively and use some

really foul language to express their opinion or to 

use nasty terms to describe someone whose opinions

differ from their own, I will not only refuse to engage, I

will unfriend.

I have given this option some thought.  I don't like the

idea of clicking that unfriend option, but it's an option

I sadly had to choose recently.  If someone decides to use

crude and abusive language to describe a person, groups, or

situations, it lowers my opinion of their character.  

Before hitting the unfriend button, I saw several posts over

several days of the same crude and abusive language from

this "friend" and decided that I finally had enough.  

Variety is the spice of life and I accept and welcome differing

views, but let's be kind, not nasty.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Visit A Miniature Spring Bake Shop

Now that all the Christmas decorations are put away, it's time to

start thinking about Valentine's Day and Easter in the miniature

dollhouse.  

Pretty cakes and cookies.

Time to put in some orders!

Stop by and visit my dollhouse miniatures blog.  I featured

Cynthia Lauren Sperin of Cynthia's Cottage Designs.

Her dollhouse minis have been an inspiration to me and if

you have not already seen them, or if it's been a long time since

you have seen here charming creations, go HERE.

It's raining again here and we just had another big storm

come barreling through our little city.  We are soggy, but

fine.   I'm sure we will find snails everywhere the next time

we venture outside ;-)  Bentley is curled up and he is taking

a nap.  He hates going out in the rain and will wait till every 

drop has stopped.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Sunny Yellow Cottage Fabric

A few months ago, I purchased some yellow floral pillowcases from

an eBay listing.  I was looking for a way to incorporate more yellow

into my studio and was planning on using the fabric for decorative

pillows, but there was one that was so charming that I knew I

wanted to see it all the time while I work at my desk.  This pattern

reflects the little vintage doll quilt that hangs from the drawer of this

mini hutch, so I used it to back the shelves.

When I set it in place, I found it to be such a cottage sweet

backdrop for the bits of china etc.  

It gives the whole ensemble a sunny and cheerful look.  It's just

the happy glow that is needed on a cool, damp and gray

January day.

I want to have the studio walls painted this spring.  Originally

I planned on white walls, but now I am thinking that maybe

a soft yellow will be just the look I want.

Vintage Charm

Home Sweet Home

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

When Life Hands You A Lemon

The other night I was watching the movie The Devil Wears Prada.

For me, it's one of those guilty pleasure, chick flick movies.  I've always

loved clothes and shoes and my early style sense was developed by my

Aunt Susan who spent a couple of her early years in NYC working as

a fashion model.  While I was in college in Lake Forest, IL, I spent 

many weekends in the city visiting her at her apartment.  We would

pour over the latest copies of Vogue and Women's Wear Daily, and she

would teach me make-up tricks and how to style my hair.  As an eighteen

year old girl, image was everything ;-)

I'm giving you this background info about me, because I very, very seldom

discuss fashion on this blog, and you are probably wondering what on

earth this memory from my younger days could possibly have to do with

lemons, yet in a round about way, it does.  The character of Miranda

Priestly in the movie is a self absorbed, demanding, and driven editor who

makes every one of her employees both anxious to please her, and terrified

of not doing so.  Still, what does this have to do with a lemon?

This woman reminds me of a boss I once had.  Actually, I have worked

for two individuals much like Miranda, a man and a woman, but this

tale is about a female boss from hell, a very sour lemon.

Right after our honeymoon, David and I moved from Houston to

Northern Virginia, where he had accepted to new job. We were married

in June, and I took the summer off before deciding to look for a new job.

With it's easy access to Washington, DC, good jobs were plentiful, but

I was uncertain about the kind of job I wanted, so I signed up with a

temp agency who specialized in professional positions.  With great

enthusiasm and resume in hand, I met with them and the very next

morning I had an interview at a major company that distributed computers

to various retail stores throughout the US, Mexico and Canada.  That's 

when I met HER ~ the boss from hell!

I walked into a large corner office with lots of windows, which instantly

 expressed the power this woman possessed.  Thinking back upon this

initial meeting, I recall that her desk was actually raised on a small

platform that gave her the advantage of height over anyone sitting in

the chair in front of her.  This was a blatant power play and I found 

myself at the feet of the master of grand standing.

After I introduced myself and handed her my resume, she told

me to have a seat in the chair facing her desk.  I felt like a small

child sitting in front of the principal.   The room was silent as she

perused my resume for a while.  I did my best to calm my nerves

during the stillness.  Then she raised her head, lowered her reading

glasses, looked intently at me and said ....

I have fired the last ten individuals who held the position for

which you are now being considered.  What quality do you have

that should encourage me to give you a chance?

Trust me, at this moment, I felt like Dorothy standing before

the great, and all powerful Wizard of Oz.  I sensed that a long speech

voicing my previous accomplishments would be wasted on this

no nonsense woman, so I mustered up all my resolve and 

replied with one word ....

Perseverance

She sat back in her chair, looked straight into my eyes and

said ....

Okay, I'll give you ONE chance!

I accepted the position.  I came to work early, I stayed late.  I did

everything I possibly could to prove to this woman that I would

not only meet her expectations, I would exceed them.  

After working in this position for several months, she called me

into her office once again.  I could not imagine what this meeting

might mean and was a bit nervous, but once again I calmed my

nerves and sat in the small chair in front of the big, bad boss.

She informed me that the company was planning to relocate to 

Philadelphia and that she was offering me a permanent position

there.  

Of course I could not accept, my husband loved his job and

we were now entrenched in Virginia.  I thanked her for her 

faith in me, and turned down the position.

Sometimes life hands us a lemon.  Embrace the challenge.

Have faith in yourself.  Persevere.  You may just be 

surprised at what you can accomplish in the face of

adversity.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Let's Have Cake!

Hi y'all!  I sure am glad you stopped by.  I have two cakes in the mini

dollhouse cottage kitchen, and I already have a slice for you.  Now

while you relax with your cake, stop my dollhouse mini blog at

this link, because I have a big feature of Shelia's dollhouse minis.

We all know Shelia ~ she is the sweet blogger of Note Songs.

Shelia was bit by the miniature dollhouse bug and has created some

really charming rooms that y'all must see.

Prepare to be amazed by her creativity!

Bentley ~ did you know that Shelia has a cat named Tang who

lives in her dollhouse?  You be nice to the kitty now!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

How Did I Not Know This?

This past Saturday I went to the library to return a book and look for

some others.  I enjoy reading and try to vary the genres, but there are

times when I am really in the mood for a cozy mystery.  I was having

a hard time deciding which titles, and which authors to choose, when

I took a title off the shelf...

Murder Gets a Life by Anne George.  The cover states that it is a

Southern Sisters Mystery.  While that description intrigued me,

what really convinced me to grab a few of her titles was that Anne

 is an Agatha Award winner. 

The Agatha Awards are named after beloved mystery writer

Agatha Christie and are handed out yearly to authors of cozy

mysteries.  After learning of this honor, I decided to give four

of her titles a go.

I started with Murder Gets a Life and I was already chuckling by page two.

I needed a chuckle too because I was stuck in bed with a fever and a sore 

throat all day yesterday.  In between naps, I reached for the book.  

I did a bit of research and learned that Anne was also a poet and her

her collection of poetry Some of it is True, was nominated for the

Pulitzer Prize in 1993.  She was also Alabama's 1994 state poet.

Sadly, Anne passed away in 2001 of complications during heart surgery.

How did it take me so long to discover Anne George?  I don't know

why it did, but I am happy that I have found her now.  

Today is my first day out of bed.  I am feeling better, but I don't want

to over do it and relapse.  I have to get better soon because my 

8 foot tall ginger was damaged during our freezing cold temps

and will need to be cut down.  It makes me sick, but what else can

I do?  It will grow back no doubt, but it will take a while :-(

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley 

Faded Photographs

Going through old photographs brings back to life those I have lost.

It doesn't make me sad, rather it reminds me of happy moments and

gives me a sense of connection.  

I like to collect vintage photo albums too, when I can find them.  This one,

although very vintage, was just like new when I found it.  I imagine that the

previous owner had it stored away in a closet and meant to use it, but never did.

It's a sweet leather album with a floral motif and edged in woven leather lacing.

The pages inside are black paper and I was able to find some of those 

old fashioned photo corners.  I really should digitize these photos to

preserve them and it's a project I hope to complete this year.

While on the subject of nostalgia, I still love my Charles Faudree

decorating books.  I don't think I will ever tire of his French Country

designs.  

I spent the morning raking up debris out of garden beds.  It's a never

ending job, but I do enjoy it.  I never feel guilty sitting back and enjoying

a cup of tea or coffee after I have put in a good morning's work ;-)

Tonight the temps are supposed to take a dive again.  I am actually

looking forward to it and am planning a big raging fire in the

fireplace.  That's a treat for us in South Texas.

Tablescape Thursday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Recipe For A Cozy January Afternoon

I always find that there is a bit of a let down after Christmas has

passed.  All the excitement and activities seem to come to a speedy

stop.  The days are often cold and gray, and spring seems like a 

very long way off.  It's the time when I just want to snuggle up

with Bentley and read a good book and maybe take a nap.  

Some books are cozy and bring sunshine to a gray day.  A good

mystery is always a nice way to loose oneself.  I just started a 

collection of vintage Nancy Drew books.  The graphics on the 

dust jackets are wonderful!  Claudia over at Mockingbird Hill Cottage,

has been collecting these vintage books and I have been so

enamored with them that I have started my own collection.

The dust jacket on this book is so enticing.  How could you not

want to know why that man is moving the painting?   Is there

a safe behind it?  A note?  What could it be?  And will Nancy

be discovered hiding behind the sofa?  I just must know the

answers to these questions!

The interior page is no less intriguing!

I never read any of the Dana Girls books.  Did you?

Of course a cold and gray January day is perfect for touring the

English countryside with Susan Branch.  Let's put the kettle on

and enjoy!

Vintage Charm

Home Sweet Home

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Saying Goodbye to the Holidays

Christmas was fun.  We decorated two big trees, baked cookies, went 

to a formal holiday ball, visited friends, and had a wonderful holiday

trip to San Antonio.  David was off for 10 full days, which was a real

treat for me.  

We came back to town just before New Year's Eve and spent 

the evening with our neighbors and good friends.  I have not blogged

much of late because I was trying to savor the holiday.

And now it's over.  David has returned to work and it's time for me

to take down all the decorations and pack them up for next year.  

I will be purging some things and that always feels good.

I have been thinking about making some changes too.  I really

feel ready to start fresh this new year.  Some new paint, some

new window treatments, and landscaping.  It's time to get the

old oak trees trimmed.  That will be a big project and will take

at least two full days.  We have been talking about putting in a 

pool and had some plans drawn up.  Lots of ideas floating

around.

As much fun as the holidays were, it's fun to look ahead

and make new plans.  I'm anxious to get started and y'all

are welcome to come along for the ride!

I treasure your friendship and I pray that 

2017 brings happiness and good health and love

to all of you.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley