My Mission Statement

I write to serve, to unite, to educate. I write to share literature and flesh out ideas that may be of interest to others. I write to document an emotion, experience, or a blip in time. My mission is to write in such a way that the reader is reminded that we can find humor in all situations. It's one of the great blessings of life.


Friday, December 11, 2009

Today's the Day! Redneck Decorating Ideas

Remember in the movie, Stuart Little, when the little boy came into his parent's room early in the morning. They were still asleep, and he ran in yelling, "Today's the day! Today's the day!" because they were going to the adoption agency to get him a little brother (who would turn out, strangely, to be a mouse with the voice of Michael J. Fox...). At any rate, that's how I feel this morning: Today's the day!

If you are not already planning to go on the Historic Edenton Christmas Tour tonight, then you should. If nothing else, seeing my house clean is worth the money. No kidding. And I have to say, the house has really come together, thanks to Leanne and many of you who have called or come by to offer your encouragement or brought food. I'm excited for the hubbub of people in town this week-end, and pray it's a good, strong week-end for our local economy. But I'm especially excited about enjoying our clean and decorated house for the holidays.

Max and Ruby are totally freaked out by all this madness. I wish I could send them away on vacation or something, but no such luck. It's freezing outside, too, which complicates things for them. The poor dogs (Boston Terriers) are so little, they just stand there and shiver when they go outside, so I feel bad putting them out for any period of time.

Okay, I've got some redneck decorating tips for you:
1. I bought some cool floral cages (with oasis inside) that have little loops on the top, so you can thread ribbon through them and hang them up. They're very cool and make the whole arrangement thing easier to decorate doors, etc.
2. Cranberries decorate everything. Pour them in the top of plants, into a bowl with small candles, fill a vase, anything. They're just pretty and they last a while.
3. Sew together (with fishing line) magnolia leaves to make gorgeous dining room placemats/chargers. I'm so proud of mine, so make sure you notice them.
4. String together (again, with fishing line--thanks, Dad, for getting it for me) fresh brussel sprouts and cranberries for a beautiful garland. Mine will be over the kitchen table, so make sure you notice it, too.
5. Smilax is the most awesome, rocking green ever to use when decorating--and cedar, of course.
6. Check for dog mess in the guest bedroom (when did that happen?)
7. Don't let ANYONE go upstairs (I mean, where do you people think the mess goes anyway?)
8. Don't forget to take all the spelling tests, etc. off the fridge.

Okay, sports fans, have a great day. Say a little prayer for everyone on the tour, that our work might glorify the one who gave us Christmas. And if you come through the house, please tell me you're a ChitChat reader. djk

5 comments:

josuemom said...

Donna, Oh how I love reading your Blog, It always starts my day with a chuckle! Keep up the good work. and Good Luck with the tour If Leanne helped I'm sure it's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

YAY for you! This is going to be aGREAT day. Let us know about all the "oooohs" and "aaaahhhhs" you get as folks pass through. I wish I was closer and could stop by. I'm sure you would be a huge encouragement for me and the kiddos to get our house "tour" ready. (not that there is a tour on our street, but still...)

and guess what? Today is "free2rhyme(or not) Friday" over on my blog. Come on over and show your TETRACTYS love! ;) (I know how good of a poet you are!)

Anonymous said...

It will be a great experience, my friend. Let me know about all the wonderful "oooohs!" and "Ahhhhs!" you get from everyone walking through your house. I bet it is gorgeous!

btw - if you get a chance to stop by my blog, today is Free2rhyme (or not) Friday! And today we're showing some tetractys love. come on by and show off your poetry muscles. I know you have some good ones! :)

hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

ugh. why did that post twice? I'm sorry! ugh! ugh!

Donna Koppelman said...

Thank you guys SO MUCH for reading! AND for commenting. Hope to see you soon. djk


Isabel by Donna Jones Koppelman

Isabel by Donna Jones Koppelman

Major Bear at the Grove Park Inn by Donna Jones Koppelman

Major Bear at the Grove Park Inn by Donna Jones Koppelman