Tante

My Tante (aunt in french--she prefers this title).  Over the years she has taught me so much, like a stand-in mother of sorts (I lost my mother when I was 14).

(I stole this picture from her Real Estate site...pretty don't you think?)

From her, I learned that frosting colors for sugar cookies don't have to be plain ol' boring red, white, and green.  Instead, they can be periwinkle, blush and turquoise.  Also, I have learned never to spin my plate around in order to eat something from the other side of it. Tantes are good for etiquette rules like that.  She taught me that the secret to finding a good man lies in the details...like whether he knows how to match his belt to his shoes. Minor but very, very important. Another practical tip she gave me: it's okay to spend more on the wrapping paper than you spend on the actual gift.  Everyone loves a pretty package.  Every morning when I look in the mirror I can hear her saying, "get totally dressed- clothes, shoes, belt, bracelet/watch, earrings- accessories and all, then... take one thing off."  Simple, understated elegance is her specialty. More importantly than all these little notions, she has taught me what grace looks and acts like.  She has taught me how to love fiercely, to forgive, and to carry on. 

Since living with her during some of my college years (much of my behavior during that time period I have since apologized for) I don't see her as often as I would like.  So, you can imagine my glee when she agreed to spend the ENTIRE day with me!  For a whole 2 weeks I looked forward to our time together. (Tantes are busy ladies).  Finally Sunday arrived and so did she. We were off to lunch and some antiquing. 

It took less than 30 seconds and we were blabbering to our hearts content.  She, offering wise words about how the circumstances of life change us- making us less idealistic, and more accepting- and me, about how I can't seem to get the decorating right in my house.  You should see her little rock house cottage- like the pages of a magazine! Tante has a way of incorporating rustic with romantic.  Chandeliers, lots of chandeliers.

At one point, my feet began to hurt.  Being the retired ballet girl that I am, I suffered for a while.  I casually mentioned later that I was feeling betrayed by my new shoes.  What I love about Tante is her willingness to have fun (I have seen her cut some rug at several family weddings.)  Without a thought, she said, "Well then, let's trade.  You wear mine and I'll wear yours."  When I balked that we would look silly she said, "pshaw- no one is going to care."  Sweet relief- much better.

(still learning how to work my our new camera)

Chatting and shopping, shopping and chatting.  Our browsing coiled us through the entire building.  Not wanting our time to come to an end, I would linger a little longer- and walk a bit slower.  Finally the day drew to a close, but not before she bought me this:

A perfect match for my blue kitchen.

I love my Tante and I am thankful for the way she was placed in my life.  She has seen me through the incredible loss of my mother, teenage misunderstandings with my Dad, break-ups with boyfriends, and wearied days as a new mother. She has become a shining example in my mind of what faithfulness looks like, what tenderness feels like, and how Love loves.  Thank you Tante.  Thank you.

thank you flowers

These little flowers are so quick and easy to make.  The idea came from this book.  (Thanks Melissa for letting me borrow it!)  One flower takes about 15 minutes.  I see a lot of these in my future.  I put a safety pin on the back and the possibilities of how these could be used for adornment are endless.  This green one is going out to Emma's teacher.  She (like me) loves green- only she has wonderfully red hair and looks fabulous wearing it!  She is a busy lady with three children of her own, and I am thankful for the love and care that she shows to mine.

And on a huge side note...this is what I'll be reading this weekend

I can't wait to tell you all about it!!!!!!!

warmth

It sure is getting colder.  All of the rooftops were frosty this morning.  I have been advocating a lower temperature inside our house too.  The way the thermostat is set now, the heat only kicks on if the temp in the house dips below 65 degrees.  I don't know why, but I just associate warm stuffy houses with germ production.  Do you think that there is any truth to that?  In any event, I think that I have only heard the heat kick on a couple of times. And although the utility bill is noticeably lower- my family grumbles about this from time to time.  I like to sleep with the window open- Carl does not.  The girls come to the breakfast table each morning glaring at me as they wrap themselves in blankets from their beds.  Me, I find it kind of cozy wearing big squishy socks and an extra layer here and there.  In fact, I have stayed quite comfortably warm (except for my feet which always seem to be cold when I slip into bed at night- no matter though because I just sneak them over to Carl's side.  They are warm in no time!)

So yes, I am thankful for warmth.  Warmth that comes from soft cottony sweaters,

   

(yep, I am pretty sure that Laurel is picking her nose there.)

warmth from this super-de-dooper yummy white chocolate/peppermint cocoa,

   

and this little snuggling moment under a blanket on the couch with Laurel brought warmth inside and out. Don't you just want to eat up that little dimple on her elbow? 

Warmth to you on these chilly days.