Raised In Cotton

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~Thank You Dear Friends~

When I posted the other day on my brothers illness I never dreamed that I would get such an outpouring of love and support.  I had tears in my eyes as I read each and everyone of your wonderful comments you left on my brothers behalf.  I feel the overwhelming spiritual power that he has received through the gift of prayer has made it possible for him to continue fighting.  For this I want to say "Thank You " it truly is a small world of which I am grateful for the many Dear Friends I have met.

Cowboy Brother

I usually do not post too much personal family stuff in my blog but this time I felt the need to share with all of my wonderful friends I have met through this journal.  I am the youngest of four and the only girl or "baby sister" as I grew up to be called by my three older brothers.  I was the late in life baby for my parents so my brothers are somewhat older.  One of my brothers has been waging a long and hard battle with cancer the last two years.  Mike has Multiple Myelenoma and has been following a treatment plan through the University Of Arkansas at Little Rock. Last week he became critically ill following a round of chemotherapy and was placed in ICU.  I traveled to Little Rock to be with my family to surround my brother with as much prayer and support that we could gather for him.  As a Nurse I understood the reason for the multiple tubes and machines he had hooked to his body. It was still hard witnessing his struggles to gain a simple breath.  Mike is a cowboy, growing up in the South he enjoyed team roping traveling across the US with his favorite horse earning the all important "big belt buckle" at the many events he participated in. Not afraid of anything, a former Green Beret this has been the biggest battle of his life.  The hardest part was standing around his hospital bed and wondering if I would ever hear his infectious laugh and see his warm constant smile.  As a family, we looked for any hint of possible recovery the smallest sign gave us some much needed relief of sorts.  We marveled at his strength and will to live knowing that something divine was still keeping him alive.  Ironically, we did find out that his cancer is in remission so as a family we decided to keep fighting for him as long as he was fighting. I left Little Rock last night and drove the 6 hours home hoping Mike would continue to battle but understanding that his life was truly in Gods hands. So dear friends, If I could ask a small favor and could you send a prayer up to heaven for my cowboy brother I would greatly appreciate your help~ 

~Fall Tablescape~

I was working at the Shop on Saturday and took a few pictures to share with you. On top of an old farm table with aqua paint is a primitive stool with a faux pumpkin. I placed a Fall basket of berries inside a silver bowl and twirled some garland around the table. I love the mix of the  jewel tones with the rusty colors.

Frames are a decorating staple for us~layered, hung, or simply setting on a table, they are so versatile. This one is framing a rusty acorn and small pumpkin wreath. How about a Fleur-Di-Lis finial with a pumpkin candle ring on top. Who said candle rings had to be used just for candles?

Twig orb inside a crown wire planter.

Coffee and Kitchen Candlelite

I just love Fall! Maybe because the ambers, bronzes and golds are "my colors" as my friends always like to remind me. Yes, I do seem to gravitate toward anything with shades of brown~from the way I dress to decorating. To top it off I was born in October so maybe I was destined to that color palette. I like to light candles in the Fall mornings and drink my coffee and sit at the kitchen table.  Today, there is a possibility of rain so my kitchen needed some extra glow provided by the iron chandelier above the table.

I knew when I saw this tin sign on Sara's website, it would be perfect for my kitchen~just had all the right colors! Check out her beautiful things she has listed for sale and don't forget to look at her Fall graphics Sara has on her website banner! I have been sloooowly getting my kitchen back in order after the big remodel. It was like moving! I also would like to say "Thank You" to all of the wonderful comments left on my blog regarding the Jewels post. I had lot's of requests on the dress forms and we will be offering them for sale when our online shop opens~hopefully in a few weeks. I have been working on the online shop for several weeks now, man what a job!  Of the three of us that own our retail shop, I am the "computer queen." So basically, the new online venture is my baby with major support from Denise and Phyllis. OK, I am thinking about having one last cup of coffee!