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Jan 30, 2019

HEART FILLED FARMHOUSE COTTAGE

Well finally... I undressed my Christmas Tree and decided to turn it into a Valentine's Day tree so that I could continue to enjoy the glow from the twinkling white lights in the midst of winter. I hung little red hearts on it where the snowflakes used to be and then I stepped back to take a look. Nope, it just did not look right. Perhaps it was the bright red hearts that did not impress me? I thought of spray painting them white but I was just not into a winter craft project. Down came the tree, off came the lights and ornaments and back to the shed it went. Maybe I was just procrastinating and not wanting to go back into my unorganized messy shed. An upcoming warm weather project. Big sigh.
 
                                                   

I decided to leave my Fireplace mantle greenery and the lights in place to keep the 'cozy winter nights by the fireplace' vibe going on. I mixed in some of my primitive puffy quilt hearts with the left over Christmas decor. I added a banner of golden wood hearts next to the mantle jewelry that I used for  Christmas. Those who follow my blog know I share lots of photos of my chalk painted mantle. This old farmhouse is small, really small (570') and I just don't have many surfaces that I can decorate for the holidays, so here it is once again, now filled with winter and Valentines decor all snuggled and mingled in together. I am really liking it and it may become a new tradition in my home?


I  have always been drawn to hearts, crowns, birds nests, vintage keys, and architectural pieces, anything made of galvanized metal and statues or paintings of rabbits, pigs and other farm critters    The more rusty, chippy or crusty a piece is, the more I seem drawn to it.  I don't think of myself as a collector, I may be in denial?  Many of the mentioned items live throughout my itsy bitsy farmhouse and yes, the over flow is in my tiny house, the one on wheels that measures 8' wide and 18' long. Still a storage unit at present. Insert another BIG sigh. I have downsized quite a bit in the past four years, yet I have held onto many little treasures that bring a smile to my face and add charm to this old little farmhouse cottage that I feel so blessed to live in.

                                                                                     


Valentines Day decor is so easy for me, I don't have to unpack a thing like I do for Fall or Christmas. Hearts, angels and romantic French Country farmhouse decor surrounds me everyday in this little cottage. I much prefer vintage items that are well worn, which adds character instead of trending mass produced items from China. However, I do mix in some of the most irresistible mass produced what knots like these cheapo galvanized hearts from the land of Hob Lob.


              What do hearts make you think about?           What do you collect or feel drawn to?


 I really like these little vintage stuffed hearts. I display them in ironstone bowls and wicker baskets and sometimes I attach them to twine to make a banner to string across my covered front porch.'I suppose if you sew they would be pretty easy to make? I don't sew at all, and was happy when I found them on my favorite shopping site - Etsy.. I recently attached one heart onto each of my kitchen / dining nook chairs. They look so cute and I will take some pictures to share with you in my   next post. It's great to have items that can be used in so many ways year round and that also store easily especially when you live in a very small home home, with minimal storage space.


I like items that provoke me to consider more than what first meets the eye. Hearts always remind me of the biblical verse of John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And Romans 9, verse 9-10 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  If we believe in our HEART and confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is our Lord, then we shall be saved. I experience my Heavenly Fathers love every day and Jesus has changed my heart and turned my sorrow into joy and ashes into beauty.Yes, there continue to be tests & valleys however those times produce a testimony to HIS goodness, faithfulness & grace. 


 There are many followers who sent in prayer requests to my comment section and requested me to not post them publicly. If you are reading this post please know that I read each and every prayer request and continue to keep you all on my mind and in my prayer time I intercede for you, and your life situations that you shared with me. I am praying that even though you are going through some trials and valleys now and may have family members that seem hopeless, God can fill your heart with joy in the midst of your mess. It is my prayer you will grow closer to your creator who loves and adores you. You are made in HIS image and you are one of a kind and God is not finished with you.


Some days it is just your lucky day when you find something as sweet as these hand crochet hearts for just ten cents each. Really..They were already starched to boot. I have moved these babies all around my cottage and I don't think I will ever tire of them. Pine cones, hearts and lace, all timeless.


Baby, it is SO cold outside. There calling this cold air blowing in from the North Pole an Arctic blast. It's close to ten degrees outside right now. Yet, there is no snow in the forecast for my area. Only had a very light dusting one day a couple of weeks ago. Jan - Feb seem to be the coldest months here in the mountains and it's a perfect time for making homemade stews, soups and popping corn and then snuggling up on the sofa to enjoy cozy and warm evenings by the fire. Fleece jammies and wool socks, yes, please. 


I am always signing off with "It's never too late to have a happy childhood" I snapped a picture of me standing barefoot in the center of this heart on my snow dusted deck, but the camera battery died and darn .. wouldn't ya know - it didn't come out.

Hey - I have some more farmhouse, vintage Valentine goodness to share with you in my next post. So until then, make time, take time to go play. It is never too late to create a happy childhood. Many blessings to you farmhouse loving girls. Keep warm.

If you want to be immersed in more Valentine's posts, that offer some great ideas for DIY eats, treats and decor please visit this - Share Some Love link party 

                                                                           Tonita

17 comments:

Junkchiccottage said...

Glad you stopped by so I could see you had a post. This is all great. Love the mantel all done for Valentines. Have a good week. We are brutally cold here in Illinois. Trying to stay warm for a few more days until we can get warmer. 50 below is not good.
Hugs,
Kris

Tonita said...

Oh Kris, That is nasty cold for sure. If you get this response can you tell me what happens to the poor dogs that are left outside by their owners? In rural areas such as where I live dogs are often chained or tied up to trees and left only with a minimal shelter in many cases. I have been known to rescue these poor neglected dogs and in some last resort options,to buy the dog in order to save them from a life of hell. That does not always work and dogs are left to a cruel existence at the end of a chain. How do they survive those temps you describe?

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I was seriously thinking of giving up my lights on the mantle until I read your comment on my post! Had to come see your lovely place and makes my heart sing to see that fireplace of yours! Now having hesitation about the lights so the ladder is in the middle of the room waiting for me to finish taking down or decide what to add. Thanks for letting us view your place in the mountains. I just reread your story of buying your place and making it your own. You have what my heart desires. And your prayers given at commenters request made me happy for people like you! My husband went from stage 4, no hope, terminal to no residual cancer in 6 months with the help of prayers and well wishes. Please keep praying, the world needs more of it.

Linda S. said...

I love reading your posts! I love your mantel and all your decorations, especially evergreens, hearts, and pine cones. I decorate with those things year-round, too. I, too, have a saving faith in Christ. Thanks for your comments and sharing your lovely decorating with your readers.:-)

pugsmom said...

Tonita, I was thinking the same thing about the poor dogs left out in the cold. A group of pug lovers I follow on facebook talks about how they are willing to clean up after their little puggies inside if necessary just so they won't have to brave the cold to do their business outside. They are coming up with all sorts of ways to protect their little dogs from the frigid cold. So I wonder about all the dogs who don't have people who love them that much. Breaks my heart. Love your sweet farmhouse cottage. Would love to curl up on your couch and soak in the warmth while I read and drink cocoa. Beautiful pictures. Sandra

Tonita said...

Thanks lovely ladies for stopping by my blog. Linda sounds like we have much in common. Many blessings to you and yours.

To the sweetie from Rivercrest cottage - Life is short, yet we don't have to rush through it. One of the things that is so apparent to me since leaving the West coast is that(most) people I have known on the West coast and Pacific North west seem to thrive on a fast paced, rushed, jam packed daily schedule. I used to be one of them. Here in Appalachia people have very different values and mostly they choose a slower pace of life. So, what is the self imposed rush to take down your lights? If you like the twinkle of your lights... keep them up all year long if you want. Give yourself that permission. Sometimes we have our mom's voices in our heads. As far as prayers go...they are powerful and I literately live everyday by prayers and the amazing grace of God. Praise Jesus for the wonderful praise report about your husband. He gives me breath and I give him praise.

Lifetrekker said...

Always enjoy your posts. Your Valentine decorations are gorgeous. Just looking at your cozy, sweetly decorated home makes me feel warm all over. If my husband would live in a smaller place, I would definitely go for it. I've always liked small, lol. Your faith is refreshing also and it's so great to read of prayers being answered for cancer especially. I pray against that disease so often. It's nice to hear praise reports of recovery! Amen! We're only about 13 degrees up here in PA. I wouldn't want to be in Illinois for anything...whoa. God bless you all.

Tonita said...

Pugs mom - yes all dogs are so deserving of the most basic warm shelter and yet many go without. I keep wanting to help God out letting HIM know just what I think should happen to those type of dog owners but I am not ready for a prison ministry. Makes me sick. I have rescued so many dogs off lives on a chain and we can only work with one dog at a time to try to save them from a life they are not deserving of. Thanks for stopping to comment here.

Life trekker... so nice of you to drop in and leave a comment. I wish I knew how to make my reply/response appear under the appropriate comment. Thanks for sending blessing my way. I receive them.

Carla said...

Just love your blog.

Tonita said...

Carla, Thanks for coming over to visit my blog. You are welcome here anytime. Blessings.

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

I love the look of your mantle for Valentine's Day! Sewing is one of my hobbies. Those pretty puffy hearts are about to happen here as they are perfect for my old rock farmhouse. I also love the wooden hearts. Thank you for linking at Share the Love Link Party! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

pinning

Tonita said...

Hi Marci,
Glad you are on your way to create some puffy hearts. I think they would fit into any style of decor. You can tea stain them to give them a vintage look.They will be darling in your farmhouse.

Joanie McLaughlin said...

Love your Valentines decor. It's perfect. I'm with you - red is just too jarring sometimes. Your home is adorable and your fireplace mantel is a dream!

Junkchiccottage said...

Ok Girl get me your address. You won the give away on my blog and I want to get your cutie dryer balls out to you. Tomorrow we will be out of the deep freeze and I need to get out of this house.
Hugs,
Kris

Joanne said...

I love the lights mixed in with the hearts and greenery; such a pretty mantle. Thanks so much for sharing with us Share Some Love. Pinned.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You have such beautiful style and you've given me some ideas. I have a little tree covered with sparkly jewelry! I should try to dress it up for different holidays! Enjoy your day!

Clipping Path said...

Nice post. I really enjoy reading it. Very instructive, keep on writing.Thanks for sharing.

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