Somewhere, someplace, it is Springtime, and I have proof. The grocery store was selling pussy willow branches and I just had to buy an armful for myself. (now, don't try to tell me that they were grown in a greenhouse, because in my mind, they are gloriously, blooming in a field of flowers under a spring sky, and I want some of that magic in my house)
Such a sweet, fluffy plant!! Mom had one planted in our yard when I was a kiddo, but I haven't been able to get one to grow here. I tried a weeping pussy willow once, and had no luck. I think this year is the time to try again. Because when these fuzzy little kittens spring up, they always make me smile.
After bringing the branches home, I decided that I needed to get my mantel looking more season appropriate. I'd still had the rose paintings covered with burlap and angel wings. Those had been put up for Christmas and thought I'd leave them for Valentine's Day too, but they were still covering up the pink flowers into March.
It was nice to see my little bluebird of happiness again! To keep him company, I sat some other bluebird inspired pieces out on the shelf.
That larger bird is a vase, a gift from my friend, Lisa. I think it needs fresh pink roses in it.
Speaking of roses, I still have a Valentine topiary on my cabinet's chalkboard door. Maybe I'll have the grand fairies color it in for me, I still like it. But it seems too wintery right now. A bit of colorful chalk should help.
While I had the camera out, I thought I'd take a photo from the other side of the room. Last time the bigger kids were here doing their circus tricks, they forgot to put away the lira. So, I am keeping the ladder I used to redo the mantel next to the hoop. If I don't, I forget it is there and clunk my head every time I walk through the room.
The ladder kind of obstructs the view of my bluebird mantel and pussy willow branches, but I have to admit, it doesn't really bother me. When you have grand fairies in and out of the house, things are rarely pristine. Sometimes, when my husband is out of town, and the kids aren't visiting, I clean everything up and enjoy a day or two of serene surroundings, but it doesn't last.
And that is okay, because a lively house is better than a perfect one, right?
I love that you keep it real, Karla. And ladder or not, it’s all beautiful.
Karla, a lively house IS a perfect house. Your new mantle is beautiful.
Beautiful! I have a few treasured pieces of bluebird china like yours. Mine is firecracked and dark… it was my gramma’s wedding china in 1919….
Its a wonderful pattern, cracked or not! Mine arent in pristine shape either, but I still love them.