My two favorite gifts

I may have not had a LOT of gifts this Christmas but what I did receive were wonderful.  That red beauty* above was from my daughter and her hubby.  It is not only the perfect color but the size for my kitchen... bigger than the desktop model and smaller than the Big Kahuna Keurig coffee maker I fell in love with at their house when we visited in October.

My hubby gives me two gifts each Christmas, one is my subscription to Victoria magazine and the other a gift certificate to my favorite primitive country store.  This year he wasn't able to make that gift certificate as much as he has before but I was able to combine it with a great sales "coupon" to purchase the above artwork (the top picture).

I found myself lost in it when at the store.  For me, it shows a shabby chic corner of an old farmhouse waiting for mother or grandmother to finish all the household duties of the day so she can read or do some needlework.  My husband says it reminds him of the father's study in the latest Pride & Prejudice movie.

The other piece of art is an original oil painting purchased at Goodwill for just a few dollars many years ago.  It is another picture I can look at and ponder... very peaceful.

When I was in my 30s, I started paying attention a little more to houses where the homes made me feel all warm and cozy as soon as I walked inside.  One of the things I began to notice was how the lady of the house (or gentleman as the case may be) had made good use of artwork, having quite large pieces even in small rooms.  Since then I have done the same.

It also goes along with my love for English Country decorating.  Have you noticed all the various pictures and items on walls in many English Country homes?  I can see generations of lovely and cherished items all displayed in those homes.

Some of my artwork was purchased when we were more affluent but lots (and lots) through the years have been found really cheap at Goodwill, thrift stores, and garage sales.

Oh, I have all my e-mails caught up but I'm planning this afternoon to actually write... as in real pen and paper... thank you notes.  I am sorry to be so late, most of my time has been spent in cabinets and closets and elsewhere cleaning and organizing!  I've been taking advantage of a rare burst of energy.  ;)

* This model is the B31 Keurig Mini Plus