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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Down to the Wire





Hello dear blogging friends! Are you baking pies today? That task has been shared by other members gathered around our table for Thanksgiving this year. We have been away the last few years for the holiday, but it's my turn to set the table, and I'm thrilled!




I have been on a hiatus from the blog. I know you're supposed to let people know BEFORE you go. If I had only known! But November just evaporated into thin air. And the blogging air just seems to be getting thinner for me all the time.




The scene has just changed from the old days, don't you think? It certainly has for me. I don't have plans to quit, but my posts are getting farther and father apart. One thing that I have wondered a lot about lately is "Where on earth did 'so-and-so's' wonderful blog go"? I mean, folks can just up and disappear on you. You hate to think the worst, but the worst happens sometimes. I just want to know!




My health is fine. No worries. But my life has a way of moving on almost without me noticing sometimes. I am mostly retired from shop keeping. I am involved in the most wonderful shop that accommodates my absence. We spend a huge amount of time trotting the country visiting loved ones and just seeing the world now. So enjoyable! I still love vintage and decorating, but my circles run much larger than that most days. Just so you know. . . .





We have already had guests come and go this week, with more arriving today. It is a joyous time. That isn't always true for me on holidays with our families spread so far and wide. And with so many of us. Some of you know that we have seven grown children, all with their own families. And then there is our extended family, so someone is always missing, as you can imagine!





There is always grief and sorrow somewhere among us as well. One daughter in law, and one son in law lost fathers this past year, and it is the first Thanksgiving without them. My husband is missing his recently passed mother and his family this year. And it is also a time of deep reflection in our country. There are few of us that won't have those thoughts also gathered around the table with us. 




But I have so very much to be thankful for. For me that appreciation is not felt so much at the moment when I am finally sitting at the table wondering if everything is hot or cold enough as we bow our heads. It comes in the days and moments leading up as I gather up the dishes and linens, and each fork and knife along with my memories. It comes with each wish and dream for the future of my loved ones in this world.





And of course that includes you, who are such a support and pleasure in my days with all that you say and share of the goodness and beauty and even sadness of your lives. What a joy it is blogging with you! Thank you!




I am thinking all this today, and more. Glad for the time to weigh and savor as I go about my pleasant table tasks. And hoping for all the same for you. . . .












Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Jacqueline




19 comments:

  1. Hi Jacqueline. I find it difficult to keep up with blogging at times too so I just post when I have pictures to share. I'm enjoying Instagram now as well - so much easier! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. Ours is long over and we're getting ready for Christmas now. :) Pam

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  2. Pecan. You must be busy as I haven't seen many posts. I do see so many lace pieces now and think of you every time. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  3. What a lovely post, Jacqueline. Very thoughtful indeed on all the things that come along with Thanksgiving -- pie, loss, regrouping. And yes, I often think of those thankfuls at other times, which I suppose is probably exactly how it should be.

    I do hope you continue blogging for a long while. It's odd but I don't see blog traffic dimming or blogs I follow going away. It's pretty regular, with gaps, of course, for holidays or the times when life gets in the way. I sometimes tend to have to catch up but I always do. Those blog friendship have become "real" friendships that I treasure. And I'm grateful for them, too.

    Happiest of Thanksgivings to you.

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  4. Nice post with my favorite dishes!! I just sat down, too, after taking the pies out of the oven; and waiting for our son to arrive --- he's held up on I-25 in traffic. What did we do before cell phones -- just worried more, I guess. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Sally

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  5. Jacqueline:
    Thank you for another lovely post. We are among the few who still blog without going commercial. I am sooooo disappointed in this trend. I plan to continue as I am able and just do it for fun as I have in the past. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  6. Delightful and thoughtful post, thank you for that!! Love all the pics.........Happy Turkey Day!! cleo

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  7. Helo there.. Just poppin in for a few minutes... I love your blog ever since I started several years ago.. I hope you do 't leave too,.. Some have just left without and word some are on instagram and have given up writing, which is so sad... There were so many wonderful blogs that left. Some I haven!t a clue like Rosewalk I think it was I don't know where she went. Inhave lost both my parents dad years ago and mom just a coup,e years ago. Thanksgiving is small these days not all of my children will be just a few. I have five grown children. All your things look beautiful as always Jacqueline. Hapoy Thanksgiving may ypur be very wonderful.. With love Janice

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  8. I hope you won't disappear from blog land. I love your style and it gives me peace and happiness to stop by and visit with your site. I do believe things have changed in blog land and there seem to be more and more people closing their blogs. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving sweet Jacqueline.
    Kris

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  10. "I haven't heard from her in awhile." That's what I said to myself when I saw your blog post this morning. It was lovely to see your pretty images...with words! I certainly hope you continue to blog and that all of the decorating blogs don't go the way of decorating magazines or their authors take the easy way and go to Instagram. Photos with no explanation are just plain frustrating! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  11. Hi Jacqueline! So happy to get your lovely post and know that you are enjoying "trotting around the country." It's all about balance, isn't it? Like many other loyal readers, I hope you continue blogging even if it's only once in a while. Happy Thanksgiving. Pat @ Bringing French Country Home

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  12. Well said. I hope you had a wonderful day with your family & friends that visited. I love your posts no matter how far apart they are. Dianne

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  13. It is always a pleasure to read your thoughtful posts, Jacqueline! The atmosphere in your images warms my heart. I hope you had a Happy and Bountiful Thanksgiving Day!

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  14. Thank you, Jacqueline! I would miss you if you completely disappeared. This next year I am hoping to stop by the shop where you sell beauty. Yes, the blogging world has changed, but I also plan on continuing because it keeps they taking pictures and sharing my heart. So if no one reads it that is OK, I will enjoy it for me. You tables always delight me and the linens sing to my heart. We do have sadness and joy hit us each and every day with more in our future. My blog keeps me focused on the delights of the day.

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  15. What would Thanks Giving be like without a visit here with you and the beauty you set before us with the bounty of your beautiful linens, laces, antique silver settings and brown transferware.
    I am looking forward to spending Christmas here and all you inspire, a snow filled yard and your fireplace warming the holidays.
    This was a perfect Giving of Thanks post.

    See you soon, a wonderful weekend Jacqueline.
    Xx

    Dore

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  16. I've only been around for about 18months, but I know what you mean when people just disappear. This was a lovely post pictures and perspective wise. And Wise I mean in all senses. How blessed you are to have such a big family,even if they are spread all over. I saw a sign a craft show today---

    Family---to think this all started from two people in Love.

    I think I may have that emblazoned on the frames of this years family picture.

    Thank you for your post, and yes we have much to be thankful for, Sandi

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  17. I hope you had a joyous Thanksgiving.

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  18. I hope you don't just "up and disappear" on us. Each of your blog posts are little treasures. We will be happy with any posts you do. Looking forward to the next one.

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  19. It is so sad when bloggers fade away. I'd like to know why they suddenly stop blogging.
    All your Thanksgiving decor is lovely. I hope you had a lovely meal.

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