Thursday, October 30, 2008

IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS!!! At least it was for me today : )

Ready for the story behind this one? Over a year ago I bought this lovely light fixture from Ebay. I won it for $80.00. The ad said it was originally $400.00...who knows??? But it weighs about a million pounds and once I opened it, it looked like it belonged in a huge Hotel foyer. So it sat in it's box in my front room for awhile, while I questioned my sanity and wondered how it was ever going to get installed in the first place. Let me tell you, many people offered. But every time I said, "Uh... no thank you...I will not have your death on my hands." So then it spent some more time in the garage, then on the back porch because I needed more room in the garage, then back in the garage again. My sanity was no longer in question...I had my answer! But today the clouds parted and the heavenly angels sang. Miracles still exist. : )

Okay, if I must...I must!!! The 'before' of light fixture # 1.

The 'before' of light fixture #2.

Amazing husband and wife team whom we hired. They rented the scaffolding from Home Depot for the day. They were adorable while they worked together and did a perfect job!

You'll have to excuse me for taking so many photos of this new fixture...I could not help myself.

Okay, time to move on to the light fixture over my entry way. Not as grand, but perfect for the spot. I've had the luggage/camera display up there for forever and the old fixture always covered part of it.
Moving down the wall.


Close-up of my display.


The camera in this frame is actually 3-D. They used spacers behind the cut out camera.

Photos Sara took on our New York trip a few years ago. One of them won her a 1st place ribbon in her photography class that year.



Wednesdays With My Mom:
Well, it's crunch time because the first of my lovely guests arrive on Friday. So I asked my mom if we could spend the day at my house. I needed to take a dinner over to a family who attends my Church, (they're facing a huge medical challenge right now), and when my mom asked if she could do anything to help, I put her to work cutting up the tomatoes for the salad. I've always noticed how happy it makes her to help me in the kitchen.


When I took my mom back to her place tonight, I hung out for about an hour and was about to leave, when a PBS special came on about Erma Bombeck. I stood and watched for awhile, but then couldn't resist...I sat down at watched the rest with my mom. I ended up leaving at about 11 p.m. Well worth it! : )
Linking to:
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

32 comments:

Cami said...

Wahoo! I'm actually the first to post a comment on your blog for once. :) That light fixture is absolutely gorgeous!! Wow! And I love those pics of Grandmother cutting up the tomatoes! So cute.

Kristen said...

Love the lights!!!!
So glad to hear (read) about Wednesdays with mom again. She is so cute!

Suzann said...

Love the light fixtures and the display you have is wonderful too. I'm glad that the new light fixture does not interfere with viewing it.
I'm so glad that you stayed with your mom to watch the PBS show. I still have both of my parents (I am very lucky) but because my mother didn't have her mother (she developed alzheimers when my mother was 30) I know to treasure each and every moment I have with her, it can be taken away at any second.
God Bless you and have an amazing Thursday. You are a special daughter. OH! and never, ever think your home is less. Your home is the sanctuary you create for your family, it is warm and cozy and full of love and memories. No fancy furniture or appliances can give to our families what they truly seek. True beauty is seen in the heart, not on the surface. Today, please smile as you fluff your home to nurture your family - for you have blessed them. And you have blessed me, your blog reader.

CMB said...

The new light fixtures are just what you needed...they look great! Your old foyer light must have been the best selling light of its time...I had the same one in 2 of my previous houses! Your Mom is too cute!

Tiffany said...

I think you got a great deal on that fixture! It is a tremendous improvement. I love the camera display, too.

Oliver's said...

Your home in so lovely. I love the luggage/camera display so unexpected and unique. I also love to do things in my home that no one has seen...yet. I want to start collecting old sign letters and spell out our last name and group family photos (vintage baby photos actually) but I live in a one horse town and I have to drive an hour to shop the good stuff. Did you make the camera 3D photo yourself? So creative!!!! Smiles, Paula

Darlene said...

What GORGEOUS fixtures and love the photography display. BEAUTIFUL!! Your mom looks so happy helping you....how wonderful that you spend so much quality time with your mother.

Tami said...

Love the new lights! Your mom is as cute as ever!

Anonymous said...

Mary Lou,
I so agree with everything that Suzann said in her comment. My mom had Alzheimers and passed away two years ago. I miss the time we spent together doing really nothing exciting but those little things seemed to mean so much to her. Treasure the time you spend together and treasure your nest.....it is lovely. Give mom an extra hug please.
Hugs, B

Tina Puntigam said...

The fixture looks lovely. And what a great idea on how to cut up tomatoes without getting juice everywhere! Erma Bombeck is hilarious :) Have fun with your company.

Unknown said...

Beautiful lights! I love all your old cameras! Where do you find them? You have a very cute mom that is great you get to spend time with her!

TupeloLove said...

I love the lights! Have a great weekend with your guests! And of course, your mom looks sweet as ever!

ROXY said...

Love the new light fixture! It looks so grand! Also, I love your vintage camera and luggage collection! What a cool thing to collect and display. Very interesting:) thanks for sharing):)

Brooke Family said...

We had so much fun at your house installing the fixtures! Kellan and Chloe had fun playing with you! Thanks!!! They look awesome!
Love, "the husband and wife team" :)

Tara Bennett said...

That light from ebay is LOVELY! And I love all the vintage photography stuff. I have a small collection of vintage typewriters. Fun!

nikkicrumpet said...

LOVE the new light fixtures...they look so great! And of course I love your mum....she is so precious. When she smiles it just lights up my computer room!

Mimi Sue said...

Those light fixtures are fabulous. I think nothing dates a house more than old lighting. Your mom is so cute. When my mom lived with us her "job" was to wash the dishes every night. I would dry. No using the dishwasher in our house!! My kids thought we were crazy. I cherish those memories. Mimi

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Love your light fixtures. Very nice indeed!

You are so blessed to be able to spend time with your dear Mom!

Essential Oil Premier University said...

I LOVE your new light fixture. It is very vintage looking and unique. Lovely.

Blessings,

Sher

Robin Beck said...

Oh Mary Lou,
Your house is showcase!
I love photography and about flipped looking at all the wonderful pictures you posted with all the old fashioned photos in them. I love your daughters photography too! I'd rather see your home then most of what I see on HGTV! You really have great taste in design-I love the light fixtures-What a huge difference!
Your mom is so cute I could just come through this computer and hug and kiss her! What a doll.
What a dream is must be for her to have a daughter like you!
I hope you have a great weekend with your friends...We are heading over to Spokane to see our Grandsons!
Many blessings,
Robin~♥

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

My Goodness, your new light fixtures are beautiful! I would be doing the happy dance with excitment! I love all your Halloween decor and all the wonderful cute things you make! I noticed the "Return with Honor" sign! As our children were growing up we had one over our door and now our children have one over their doors! Think we might share the same faith! Anyhoo, when my husband was a Bishop, he had a mirror with Return with Honor on his wall and you saw it each time you left his office. Love that saying! Have a wonderful time with family! Your home is beautiful, awaiting quest!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Ms. Tee said...

I just love your Mama. :) And Erma Bombeck - I would've watched that whole thing, too! Have a great weekend and enjoy your guests!

Unknown said...

Love the camera's and luggage very cool display! And I love you Wednesday with mom they are great!

kari and kijsa said...

Everything looks wonderful...you got that fixture for an incredible price!

Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

smiles, kari & kijsa

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I so enjoy your posts and the time you spend with your sweet Mom:) The light fixture is lovely and I like your camera display with old suitecases. I have a few old suite cases that I display and they can hold alot of Stuff:)
Thanks for sharing your home.
Deb

Glitter & Bliss said...

I just wanted you to know that I have an award for you on my blog. I know you have probably received a milion, but I wanted to acknowledge you as one of my favorite places to visit.
Leslie

Angie said...

Your new fixtures look beautiful! They make a big impact. Glad you still have Wednesdays with your Mom. She looks like such a great lady.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Your new light fixtures are just gorgeous! I'd say that ebay one was a steal! Sounds like you and you mom had a lovely day.

Manuela

Wendy said...

Love the collection of cameras...we collect them too!

joyh82 said...

My Mom loved Erma too. I got her all the old books one christmas.
Love your new light fixture. Looks like it was meant to be there.

Our Paper Plates said...

The light fixtures were worth the wait :) Thanks for sharing them with us!

Woman Interrupted said...

And just like that it went from builder's grade to Fabulous! Love Ebay!