Hello, Dear Ones! I've finally got all of my Christmasing put up! But then I turn around and see something I missed! I'm going to have to buy a bin just for my little Christmasing leftovers! :) Do you do that too?
Well, I've been trying to get my home back in order and thought I would show you my mantel.
He's a very proud bird too, as you can see!
Mr. Precious had come home with some Christmas gifts for family members and Mr. Cardinal was in the bag! I saw it and just screamed my most tiny head off! "Oh, I love him!" I exclaimed as he ran out of sight. "You know how I love birds and he'll look so good in the den!" Mr. Precious just looked at me and said, "Oh, I bought this for_____! You really like it?" "Do dogs like bones?" I asked! My tiny heart sank, and I'm just sure I started to cry, lips tremblin' and all. You know the drill. "Well, if you like him that much - he's yours!" Then he hugged me and I hugged him back as my lips were trying so hard to stay closed around my most pearly whites smiling underneath! ;) I've got that man wrapped around my...:)
So there you have it...my January mantel and my true confession for the week! :)
I'm joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
Be a bunch of sweeties,
Shelia ;)
I'll leave you with a little Note Song~
Snowbird
Beneath it's snowy mantle cold and clean,
The unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green.
The snowbird sings the song he always sings,
And speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring.
When I was young my heart was young then, too.
And anything that it would tell me, that's the thing that I would do.
But now I feel such emptiness within,
For the thing that I want most in life's the thing that I can't win.
Spread your tiny wings and fly away,
And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day.
The one I love forever is untrue,
And if I could you know that I would fly away with you.
The breeze along the river seems to say,
That he'll only break my heart again should I decide to stay.
So, little snowbird, take me with you when you go,
To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow.
Spread your tiny wings and fly away,
And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day.
The one I love forever is untrue,
And if I could you know that I would fly away with you.
Yeah, if I could I know that I would fly away with you.
The unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green.
The snowbird sings the song he always sings,
And speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring.
When I was young my heart was young then, too.
And anything that it would tell me, that's the thing that I would do.
But now I feel such emptiness within,
For the thing that I want most in life's the thing that I can't win.
Spread your tiny wings and fly away,
And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day.
The one I love forever is untrue,
And if I could you know that I would fly away with you.
The breeze along the river seems to say,
That he'll only break my heart again should I decide to stay.
So, little snowbird, take me with you when you go,
To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow.
Spread your tiny wings and fly away,
And take the snow back with you where it came from on that day.
The one I love forever is untrue,
And if I could you know that I would fly away with you.
Yeah, if I could I know that I would fly away with you.
~ sung by Anne Murray
Wonderful January mantel. It would be great to have you link your lovely mantel to Seasonal Sundays.
ReplyDeleteHere's to 2012!
- The Tablescaper
Your January mantel is gorgeous Sheila! I love your Italian pot topiaries!
ReplyDeleteYour winter mantel is so pretty. Love the greenery. I am SO IMPRESSED that your sweetie Christmas shops. You have the man well trained. Cute little red bird, too!
ReplyDeleteHello Sheila,
ReplyDeleteI adore your winter mantle and the cardinal! They're our state bird (Ohio) and I love watching them in the trees. In winter, they especially look so pretty against the white snow (which we haven't had much of yet...but that's ok with me!) Thanks for stopping by...so nice that you have one of those pretty Susan Branch calendars, too! I'm your latest follower (I actually thought I was already a follower, but just saw tonight that I'm not!) Shame on me! lol
Hugs, Cindy @ Art,Books,Tea
I wish I could say I'm as far along on my mantle and Christmas clean-up as you. I'm still finding stray decorations and usually just stuff them into the storage box on top. Your mantle is gorgeous. I love the urns, love, love, love them and the topiaries. My house is full of them! I love the little bird story and I do remember the song. I loved AM……..
ReplyDeleteBest to you in the New Year.
~Emily
The French Hutch
I had to laugh at your post about getting another tub to load with "leftovers"... I thought I was done, then as I began putting and placing things...well, let's just say, I filled another tub completely with "overlooked items". How silly...at least I'm not alone. I love your mantel... mine is almost put together and will be sharing soon... hope you'll come on over and visit with me. Loved to hear from you. Happy New Year! xoso Sandy
ReplyDeleteI love cardinals! One of my favorite of the wild birds. Your mantle looks gorgeous. xo
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your cardinal!! And your hubby sounds wonderful to change his gifting plans (I'm assuming he had to go out and shop some more, right?). Your mantle is just beautiful! We are having a much warmer than normal winter (and I'm NOT happy!) so we are not using our fireplace as much as we usually do! And it certainly doesn't look as pretty as yours!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your cardinal!! And your hubby sounds wonderful to change his gifting plans (I'm assuming he had to go out and shop some more, right?). Your mantle is just beautiful! We are having a much warmer than normal winter (and I'm NOT happy!) so we are not using our fireplace as much as we usually do! And it certainly doesn't look as pretty as yours!
ReplyDeleteOh.....you little scamp!!! Eyes wide, lips trembling......what a dear man you have for a hubby!!!
ReplyDeleteAs always beautiful mantle...like you I keep trying to pare down but end up loading it on!!! I keep a paper shopping bag on the handle of the basement door and pop in the leftovers as I find them!!! hugs to you...cleo
OMG are you the cute one Sheila!
ReplyDeleteI love your mantel its just perfectly beautiful indeed!
wow,i like it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove your mantle Sheila! Your new cardinal it pretty and the greens are full and beautiful:@)
ReplyDeleteHi Shelia, thanks for visiting and your kind comments. I love your little red cardinal on his post, your mantelpiece looks lovely. You are very creative.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Diana
When your pretty mantle picture popped up on my screen, my first thought was, "Oh, I love that Cardinal." After reading how it came to be yours, I now know that your husband is a keeper! Cardinals are so pretty and your mantle looks perfect for the season.
ReplyDeleteVery nice you talented girl!
ReplyDeleteHappy pokin' in, tossin' down and wrappin' round your finger! ;)
Hi Shelia!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!!!!
I'm lovin your gorgeous mantel. You are a sly little devil but I don't blame you for pounting just a little to get what you want. What's funny is they don't know they are wrapped around our little fingers! LOL!
hugs
Sissie
It blends beautifully with your urns. You have to name it whoever it was supposed to go to. (in thier honor you know) :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty cardinal on the fence post and I love your winter mantel.
ReplyDeleteLOVE ~ LOVE ~ LOVE the cardinal... One of my favorite birds!!! You are indeed a lucky woman!
ReplyDelete{{{HUGS}}}
Donna
How pretty Sheila! This is the perfect winter mantel!~ It feels good to have the house back in order and onto the new season. Have a great day!~
ReplyDeleteLovely mantel! I'm still trying to get Christmas packed away, almost finished.
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Carol
Your mantel is beautiful, and I'm glad you didn't keep it simple. Love that red bird, aren't they so beautiful this time of year?! so glad you talked that bird out of Mr. Note Song's gift-giving plans. You're the mischief! Hugs ~ Mary
ReplyDeleteLove your cardinal, Sheila! I'm looking forward to warmer weather when they'll make an appearance in my yard! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteShelia you crack me up, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do right!!?! Love the cardinal and love those beautiful urns!!
ReplyDeleteOh...so that's where my cardinal Christmas present went?!?!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle is gorgeous...I love all the fruit clustered...
That is so funny, I thought I had everything Christmas packed away (took 2 days to do all that) but I found a couple things I need to add to a box.
ReplyDeleteI love your mantle. And I love the cardinal, my favorite bird. We see them a lot here. I got some good pics of them at the bird feeders during the snow last year.
Love your January mantel. I also love to have cardinals in my decorations for January. Oh I love that one on your mantel and it's a good thing you got it from Hubby or surly you would have cried for real. It's still warm here also but I think cooler days are coming. Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteThe mantel display is so beautiful--winter perfect! The mantel itself is beautiful too and the brick surround! Sigh. Have you seen Naughty Marietta? "Chansonette! Chansonette! Life is just a little song to sing. . .!" My favorite!
ReplyDeleteBlessings in the coming year,
Sindy :)
The mantel display is so beautiful--winter perfect! The mantel itself is beautiful too and the brick surround! Sigh. Have you seen Naughty Marietta? "Chansonette! Chansonette! Life is just a little song to sing. . .!" My favorite!
ReplyDeleteBlessings in the coming year,
Sindy :)
Your mantel is lovely! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI hope Mr. doesn't read this, or you might have to do a little something to get his attention next time.Your mantle is divine and ready to take you to spring. Richard from My Old Historic house.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...I do have a "leftover" box. I love your mantel and birds are my favorite! I'm following you now, so stop by cause' I love meeting new blog friends, Lori
ReplyDeleteShelia,
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks great and just perfect for the winter months! Glad you got to keep that sweet bird :)
The mantle is gorgeous and I love my cardinals I feed and yours too. You do have Mr.P. all wrapped up. hugs♥O
ReplyDeleteHi Shelia, love your sweet mantel. The topiaries are to die for.
ReplyDeleteYes, I need a couple of extra bins for things I have forgotten to pack away. Yikes!
Happy Sunday,
Barb
You little stinker! I probably would've done the same thing too. ha! I think your mantel turned out very pretty and looks very nice for the Winter months.
ReplyDeleteOh Shelia, your mantel is fabulous and I totally love your new bird, such a wonderful Cardinal. Those topiaries are unreal also. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI love your winter mantel !! Your cardinal is beautiful and your *twinkies* are fabulous !! Thanks for sharing !!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your mantel, Shelia! :D The cardinal is my favorite. We have two cardinal couples in our backyard, and I love watching them!
ReplyDeleteShelia,
ReplyDeleteI adore your mantle and the story of your new cardinal...that "Mr. Precious" is a "keeper"! Hadn't thought of Anne Murray in a while...nice rememberance! Now...about that finding items AFTER you put the Christams away...here's a good one! "Mr. Ed" decided he'd help as I started looking for straglers! He nearly had all the pinecones off the buffet when he heard my heavy sigh!!! Honey, those stay up for the winter! He's such a great help...but to put them back I have to use a ladder. Well, he got them all up there in the very same places! Life is never dull On Crooked Creek! Ha! Have a wonderful week, dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat
Beautifully done, Shelia! I love those urns.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad, I just put my things away, too.
Hope your New Year is off to a great start.
So happy Carter recovered well.
Hugs!
Beautiful, Shelia! I love how the topiaries add a touch of green and that cardinal was worth crying over!! It's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteI am in a rut with my mantel. I just can't seem to catch the winter spirit! Maybe because it is so warm! lol!
XO,
Jane
Oh, Shelia! You are so bad and you admit it!:) I love your "true confessions", you always make me smile and I always need another reason to smile.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, your mantle is beautiful and Mr. Cardinal is truly gorgeous, perched up high there where he can keep an eye on you. He knows you are a tricky one.;)
Hugs, Cindy
I have a 'remnant" bin sitting downstairs right now! LOL It's full and I don't know when it will get into the attic with the other 40! It only took me a week and a half to get boxed up- quite a difference from the 4 weeks to put up!
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is very wintery and pretty. I think the cardinal is so representative of winter. We have them in our yard year 'round. Love that they mate for life. Your urns are very pretty and the design is so subtly different- I had to study the picture and would never have known if you hadn't pointed it out. :-)
Love your new header! Love your mantel! Thanks for sharing JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI love your mantel Shelia, so pretty. That cardinal is all you!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Debbie
Shelia, that was a great story! And of course, your mantel is gorgeous! That cardinal was destined to be yours!
ReplyDeleteHey sweetie,
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! You have such a gorgeous way with your home. It always looks so warm and inviting....now, if only I lived nearer!!
Sarahx
Oh your mantel looks just beautiful!! I so agree that little bird is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle still looks beautiful! And it's January... Love your redbird. Pat
ReplyDeleteOk, if I cry would you be willing to part with that beautiful Cardinal. He is my most favorite bird and would look so good with all the red in my house. Great mantel.
ReplyDeleteI must confess, I have my Christmas decor at least to the garage, but still has to go up in the attic! Today I came home and realized I still have a Christmas wreath on my backdoor and my Christmas flag still up! Oh well...maybe I need one of those bins for spare Christmas stragglers, too! ha! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your winter mantel! The red bird on the post is the perfect, beautiful addition! So glad you got to keep him!
Oh, Shelia, your mantel is gorgeous. Love it! And bless your heart and Mr. Precious, the Cardinal bird id beautiful. I don't blame you, I would have done the same thing. . .You always decorate so nicely. Your home looks very warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Karie
ReplyDeleteI swear, you crack me up in every post!!! So glad Mr. Precious gave you the cardinal! He is a VERY smart looking bird! The mantle looks BEAUTIFUL! You always say you just "poke things in" but it sure looks wonderful. XO, pinky
ReplyDeleteShelia, you've really got me now...your topiaries are wonderful. Your mantel looks wintery even with your a/c turned down! What a great gift you received!!!!;)
ReplyDeleteLovely mantel, Shelia, and wonderful bird story - so cute! Linda
ReplyDeleteI think your winter mantel looks lovely, and I especially like Mr. Cardinal. So glad your hubby let you keep it.
ReplyDeleteCAS
It is beautiful, S. Wintery, but not cold. Like a Southern winter!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you brought your post to Seasonal Sundays.
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
Oh Shelia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet hubby to let you have the pretty little cardinal. I would have done exactly as you did to keep him for myself :-) I just love little birdies too. Your mantel looks beautiful.
Hugs and Kisses,
Ana
Sheila,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!! I have decorated the outside of the house for Winter, stop by if you can...
Hugs,
Deb
Shiela,
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious mantel, underdoing is just now in our vocabulary!!! I love the Cardinal, he looks very statley up there!! Very nice for January.
Ann
Good morning Shelia, Now I am inspired to take my Christmas Mantel down. I do love it so much but it is time to let it go. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks beautiful. It is perfect with the greenery and the darling cardinal. Your story made me smile. I do know we can get what ever we want from our hubs if we are capable of a bit of drama. I know we are very capable. HA!
Love you much,
Jenne
Hi Sheila,
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you have done it again..and have delighted each of us with your sweet humor!
I love your January mantel very much.
Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy and sweet New Year!
Big hugs, Elizabeth
Sheila -Love your mantel and your confession. I would really love to know where Mr. Precious "caught" that wonderful red cardinal. I MUST have one! Please share!
ReplyDeleteHi Shelia *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI love your little cardinal story and no wonder you almost cried..well you did cry with excitement and then...almost cried. He is one gorgeous bird! How nice that Mr. Precious let you have him. He really could stay out all through the year. How proud he looks.
I do the same. Put away Christmas and miss something!
Your mantle looks great.
have a lovely evening
Judi
Soooooooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely January beautiful.
The Kansas wind is howling today and this afternoon I saw a red cardinal sitting in a bush. They sure are beautiful this time of year.
God bless,
d
Soooooooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely January beautiful.
The Kansas wind is howling today and this afternoon I saw a red cardinal sitting in a bush. They sure are beautiful this time of year.
God bless,
d
Pretty January mantel. It is so cheerful with your cardinal and the Italian topiaries.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty,
Babs
Hi Shelia! I've missed you on here as I've been away from my blog and missed many wonderful posts from friends over the holiday. You are too cute with your cardinal story. Your mantel looks gorgeous and could work for Christmas and winter too! Blessings and hugs! Pamela
ReplyDeleteI saw your feature and I was proud that my friend was featured ... and well you should be! Hugs ~ Mary
ReplyDeleteYour January mantel is gorgeous Shelia! I love the redbird!
ReplyDeleteThe cardinal just "makes" your mantel display, Shelia!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
OK, so I stopped by to see what ideas I could get from your mantel to help with my completely empty mantle, but gotta comment on your left over Christmasy stuff! Last week I thought hmmmm, I must of got it all..... then today I open a cabinet and find a big ziplock bag of misc. bulbs, ornaments, etc. that I must of put there so it would be out of sight. Well it was - till today anyhow!
ReplyDelete~Bliss~
www.BlissRanch.blogspot.com
This looks just PERFECT for a post Christmas winter time scene, Shelia! The cardinals are Ohio's state bird, so I am really partial to them. Loved how you conned your DH into making him yours! LOL
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say I could feel my mouth puckering over all your sliced lemons...what a treat! We used to get tons of free grapefruit & oranges from friends when we lived in FL but not too many lemons....I think they used them in DRINKS! *wink*
fondly,
Rett
p.s. I may not get to visit you too often, but I THINK of you everytime I pass my music themed vase on my piano, that you have the mate to. We should do a tablescape together, using it as our centerpieces!
Hi Sheila! Your mantel is so pretty and I love the urns. Thanks for linking to my party this week.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sherry
It looks really nice, Sheila.
ReplyDeleteI like that little red bird....:))
Oh, sweet Shelia your mantel is lovely. I'm like you, I can't bear to see a spot unadorned! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletePlease share it with us at "What's It Wednesday" and show your tail feathers!
Hugs,
Patti
I like it! Very wintry even though it seems to be perpetually warm where you live.
ReplyDeleteThe red bird is adorable -- and you are too for getting to keep him. I'd say you belong together, it was meant to be and all that other mushy stuff!
I just love your mantel! You are so talented. The cardinal is one of my very favorite birds. Yours is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your mantle! Love how you used fruit! The red bird is the icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteYou are soooo funny. :-) I'm glad to know you have your Honey wrapped around your little finger...... I'm sure he was thrilled to give you something you just loved.... but, you know......they like to think you've "gotten 'em"... :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your well wishes. I'm hoping the dang things work.
xoxox
Spencer
Shelia,
ReplyDeleteyour so funny! I love the part about going light on the mantel decor and you just couldn't do it so you just threw stuff up there till you ran out of room!! LOL I think that is what I do! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Sheila--pretty mantel! And who cares if the topiaries don't match exactly! I love 'em!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you ever got a chance to listen, but I recorded a digital Christmas album on piano and organ. I have it available for download on my website! http://www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com/2011/12/christmas-music-2011.html
Hi Sheila!! Oh once again I must say you should be doing this stuff for a living. Sorry I have not been by for a while...I have not been blogging either until now. Hubby is working on a new look for my blog...it got all misconbogulated...is that a word? We say it but I never googled it before? Anywho...how are you my wonderful blogging buddie? How's that gorgeous grandbaby? Any more on the horizon? Your house Looks BEAUTIFUL as always....miss you my friend....hugs..debbie
ReplyDeleteWow! beautiful job on your mantel. Love the Cardinal, glad you were able to keep him. I also redid my mantle and have other changes in mind, seems after the holidays we feel like changing things around a bit. Hugs...Lu
ReplyDeleteYour mantle is lovely!!! And your "birdie" is adorable. Just finished putting away my Christmas decorations sans a few pine cones here and there. We are now surround by lots of beautiful, glistening, snow - our first measurable amount. Check back in two months and we'll see how beautiful it is then! LOL
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday!
Thanks so much for linking and partying with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Patti
I missed your mantel! I love what you did! That cardinal stands out there so nicely and I love our urns. I love tihs overall look! The mirror is such a great look on a mantel, reflections and the feeling of space are both gained by them!
ReplyDelete