~~ Thank God I'm a (French) Country Girl ~~

John Denver made me do it!

With his emotional lyrics about the mountains and the country and rainin' fire in the sky.
Taking me home to a place I belong. 

He was the reason I came to Colorado more than 35 years ago. 

His songs about Colorado and the Rocky Mountains spoke to me on a deep level
I didn't know I had and drew me to the mountains.

And although "Rocky Mountain High" is now Colorado's state song, it's the words 

to "The Eagle and the Hawk" that thrill me and make me hopeful for a new year to come.

"Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops.

Sail over the canyons and up to the stars.

And reach for the heavens and hope for the future

and all that we can be and not what we are."

Powerful words. Don't you think?

I've never been a celebrity worshiper but when John died in a plane crash, I cried. 

I felt like he was a close friend, not a celebrity.

His ashes were spread over the Rockies and I feel his gentle presence still. 

So, with his words in mind, we greet a new year. I don't usually make too many New Year's resolutions but this year I have some goals I hope to accomplish with my blog.

 Bringing French Country Home was born in June 2015 so it's now seven months old. 

I made two goals when I started my blog.

1.  My first goal was to get 5,000 page views. I remember how excited I was when I reached that number. Now, I can check that one off with almost 15,000 as of today. Thank you so much for reading my blog!

2.  My second goal was to connect with 100 subscribers. Still working on that but getting close with 92. I still can't believe people are actually reading my blog. Such a thrill, especially to read your kind comments of appreciation and encouragement. Thanks everyone for your continued visits!

And now. New Year. New goals.

1.  I'm reaching for 25,000 page views. Yikes! That does seem a bit lofty but I'm going for it.

2.  And 250 subscribers. With your help, we can do it!

3. I'm determined to figure out how social media works. I have a Facebook page but am still not sure how to use it to increase blog readership. Just discovered Pinterest and am working on that too.

4.  I'd like to meet some fellow bloggers in Colorado, maybe connect somehow. I invite fellow Coloradoans to contact me if you're interested. I've also read about blogging conferences and that would be fun and definitely worthwhile.

5. Oh, yes. Mustn't forget my ongoing goal--a sweet little cabin just like this one in the mountains!

So, John Denver's words carry me into a new year . . .

"And reach for the heavens and hope for the future 
and all that we can be and not what we are."

 Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

Thanks to Ron Boyd for these amazing pictures!

Sharing with:  Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Karen's up on the Hill, Between Naps on the Porch, Cozy Little House, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques, Elizabeth and Co., Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants, From my Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, Northern Nesting, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Meadow Lake Road, Rooted in Thyme, Charm of Home, French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Shabby Art Boutique,
My Romantic Home, The Cottage Market

~~ Christmas Greetings from the Foot of the Rockies ~~

Taking some time off this week to be with family and friends.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

~~ It's All in the (Vintage) Details ~~

"Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it."

-- Confucius

We've all heard the phrase "It's all in the details" but most of us are so busy 

it's easy to miss the beauty in those little things that fill our everyday lives. 

As the frantic holiday season is upon us, 

let's take a breath and try to savor those details before they slip away. 

In photography, as in painting, we must notice the details 

in our compositions for our pictures to work like . . . 

a candle in a twisted metal holder reflected in a mirror,

simple lines of a birdcage against a sheer curtain on a winter's day,

white flowers reflected in an oval mirror,

scalloped lace edging against a contrasting texture,

feathery seed heads on ornamental grasses in the winter sunshine,

brass and enamel knob on an old oak cabinet,

intricate designs on vintage silver,

delicate detail in a gesso mirror frame,

a preserved leaf in an old book,

and the way light and shadow play on a vintage metal stand.

When your families and loved one gather this season, 

take a moment to notice the smallest details of your life:

your mother's hands, a child's smile, snow floating by your window, 

the colors of the flames in your fireplace. 

Life is in the details.

What little things would you photograph for your composition? 

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Sharing with:

Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Karen's up on the Hill, Between Naps on the Porch, Cozy Little House,

Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques, Elizabeth and Co.,

Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants, From My Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, Northern Nesting, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Rooted in Thyme,  French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom,

Shabby Art Boutique, My Romantic Home, The Cottage Market, Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice

A Simple Vintage Christmas

I like to keep things understated for Christmas.

With vintage family ornaments and a few natural touches,
my decorations are simple and heartfelt.

The foyer gets a wintry revamp.

Some twinkly white lights, pine cones, silver ornaments 

and a feathered friend here and there bring the outdoors in.

I love how this vintage candelabra casts a double reflection in my front window. 

I remember these foil icicles from my childhood tree 

which we always decorated on Christmas Eve.

Adding a few chandelier crystals creates shimmer and movement.

Remember when we had to carefully place each individual icicle on the tree?

My sister made the tiny snowmen. Aren't they sweet?

What's under the tree is just as important as what's on it. 

A lace-trimmed bucket of bears, some new, some old 

including the one given to me the day I was born. 

Can you guess which one it is?

(Hint, it doesn't have any eyes!)

A box of toys for good little boys!

This little vignette on the living room mantle includes a vintage figurine 

and a silver ornament atop an old Boopie glass turned upside down.

White and silver on the coffee table.

The dining room mantle features a silver horse bookend

and some snow-dabbed greenery and red berries.

A little touch of Austria graces the china cabinet.

A simple centerpiece on a milkglass cake stand with some jelly-jars to hold candles

adds a warm glow to the dining table. 

On the front porch, a weathered ladder forms a festive backdrop

for a wreath and an old pickling crock. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas

with family, loved ones and furry friends.

Sharing with:  Dwellings, Rustic & Refined, Karen's up on the Hill, Between Naps on the Porch,

Cozy Little House, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques,

Elizabeth and Co., Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants,

From My Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, 

Northern Nesting, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Meadow Lake Road, Rooted in Thyme, Charm of Home,

French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Shabby Art Boutique, My Romantic Home, 

The Cottage Market, Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice

Winter White -- First Snow!

About four inches of fluffy white snow fell on our street overnight and turned everything white --

 my favorite color!
I thought I'd venture outside early this morning and take a few pictures of this magical landscape.

Saint Francis looks like he's wearing a white scarf and hat in this tranquil corner of the garden.

I feel like I should whisper in his presence. 

Even in winter, the sun shines in a cornflower blue sky almost every day, 

and, at a mile-high, the snow usually doesn't stick around for long. 

So, I rushed outside before the snow was all gone.

The contrasting textures of a metal lantern, a rusty nail and an old juniper post 

form a perfect backdrop for freshly-fallen snow. 

It wasn't a heavy snow . . . 

just enough to accent the forms and shapes in the garden. 

This long-needled pine gets me in the mood for Christmas!

A dusting of snow clings to this rusty metal arch in my side garden 

as the sky begins to show signs of blue. 

A weathered juniper arch with a blanket of snow anchors the wildflower garden 

as more blue sky peeks through the clouds. 

The sun has broken through. Soon, the snow will be all gone.

I'm sure it will snow again this winter but that first snow is always special,

turning my world into a private snowglobe.
Happy December!

Sharing with:  Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Karen's up on the Hill, Between Naps on the Porch,
Cozy Little House, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques,
Elizabeth and Co., Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants,
From My Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, A Delightsome Life, Northern Nesting, Adirondack Girl at Heart, Meadow Lake Road, Rooted in Thyme, Charm of Home,
French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Shabby Art Boutique, My Romantic Home,
The Cottage Market, Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice, Casa Watkins

Be My Guest -- A Room with a French Twist!

Bienvenue! Welcome!
It's the holiday season and that means guests.
Are you ready?

I'm excited about my first houseguest since I revamped my guest room.

We transformed the office into a comfy cozy guest room with a French twist.

Of course, it takes more than a pretty room for a guest to feel at home.

So, here are a few suggestions to help make your guests feel welcome:

Perhaps most important are fresh sheets and a light blanket on the bed with fluffy pillows. 

Having an extra blanket handy for cool evenings and fresh towels in the bathroom are appreciated.

Flowers and a lamp next the bed are a nice touch too.

Extra hangers in the closet and space in the drawers for clothes are necessities. 

And little things like tissues, a new toothbrush, and magazines say welcome.
It's always a good idea to have a trained guard dog on alert to provide security.

A clock on the wall and a big mirror are essential as is easy access to the phone and computer.

I wish I had room for a comfy chair in this room but an ottoman will do
for putting on shoes or sipping morning coffee while planning the day.

The yummy smell of homemade cookies will make your guest feel special 

while a fresh-bathed dog provides non-stop entertainment.
She also teaches yoga classes!

Make time to catch up while playing a game by the fire.
Dominoes anyone?
These are vintage ivory-colored pieces from the 50s. I think they're bakelite.

And as evening steals the day, enjoy a glass of wine by candlelight.
A toast to friends and family! Sante! To your health!

So what do you do to make your guests feel at home?

Sharing with:  Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Between Naps on the Porch, Cozy Little House,
Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Bella Rosa Antiques, Elizabeth and Co.,
Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Maison de Pax, Ivy & Elephants, A Delightsome Life,
From My Front Porch to Yours, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, Northern Nesting,
Adirondack Girl at Heart, Meadow Lake Road, Rooted in Thyme, Charm of Home, French Country Cottage, Creative Country Mom, Shabby Art Boutique, My Romantic Home, The Cottage Market,
Shabby Fu Fu, Thoughts from Alice