Saturday, February 11, 2012

Favorite Things

It's been quiet around here lately.  My next trip isn't until March 29, when I'm taking off to Abu Dhabi.  But, until then, it's just Rose and me, hanging out.  Today, I started taking photographs of some of my favorite things in my house.  Walking from room to room, it didn't take long for me to remind myself how lucky I am.

My family is amazing, and these photographs are some of my favorites.
Of course Rose is included!
My daughter gave me this little crown and card for Christmas several years ago.
This twirling ballerina belonged to my great-aunt.  It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and when she gave it to me, I was over the moon.  Even after an accidental hand amputation, it was still a thing of wonder, and something I'd never part with.
My daughter's rocking horse was a Christmas gift from Santa in 1981.  It kept her occupied for hours, and I can't help but hope that one day, maybe another little girl will hop on and be as fascinated.
I have a favorite room, the Paris Room, where guests can pretend they're visiting the City of Lights.  Everything about it makes me happy.
How can anyone not like Carnival glass?  It's so festive!  I pick up a piece every now and then, even though I don't need any more.
I've always had a thing for dishes, and can feed the entire neighborhood off the various sets of Franciscanware and Fiestaware that I own.  Here's a bit of Ivy.  My great-grandmother and great-aunt lived together in a sweet little country house in Alabama.  They had this particular Franciscan pattern, and I remember many summer meals served on it.
My grandmother had Franciscan Apple.  It was actually the first pattern I started collecting.
Somewhere along the way, I started picking up pieces of vintage silver, particularly iced teas in different patterns.
I have a globe that lights up, and shows me all the new places I need to visit!
I bought this pencil holder in Paris. I love all the different types of wood. It's a little work of art, in my mind.  I use it to hold words that were given to me by Krista, when she graduated from college years ago.  As you can see, today's word is "communicate."
What do you think about this tiny porcelain figurine?  I found it in Chatou, France, at the ham and antiques market last year.  I know it must have a fascinating history, but now it's retired and holds earrings for me.
The purse was my great-grandmother's, the Christmas card was my first press-printed card.  I took the photograph in Santa Fe at twilight...one of my favorite cities.
What are your favorite things?