Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Cozy At Christmas In Texas, Blog Tour Day 3




Welcome today to my stop on the blog tour hosted by Katie at the blog, Let's Add Sprinkles.

 We haven't gotten any snow yet this year, but in years past we've had plenty!
It doesn't snow often in our Northeast corner of Texas, just two or three times a year at most. But when it does snow, we love it... especially when it blankets the whole neighborhood like it did in these pictures from 2013. 
I'll bet this isn't what you picture when you think of Texas!

When it snows outside in December, the coziest place in our house is the kitchen. Our ceilings are 12 foot high... that's high enough to fit a lot of Christmas decor up on top of the kitchen cabinets.
A long time ago, when my father was a small child in the 30's during the Great Depression, his parents left the family farm in Nebraska and headed to California. 
When they left, his parents stored their best furniture (which was made of oak and had been in the family a few generations) in a cousin's barn. They thought they would be able to return for it soon, but that didn't happen.
The picture above is of my grandparents, Sabra and Harry, on their wedding day. Sabra's mother had the dresser (wash stand?) and mirror when she was a child and she passed it down to Sabra.
So the furniture stayed stored in that barn until the late 1970's when the barn was scheduled to be torn down. By then my grandparents were gone and just my father and his two sisters were interested in the old family things.
My father drove his old Ford pickup truck from California to Nebraska in 1977 to retrieve three pieces of the furniture from the barn. He brought back a piece of the furniture for each of his two sisters...and he chose his grandmother's childhood dresser with mirror for me.
Dad died in Feb 1994. Since then, that little dresser and mirror tie me to that memory of him walking into an ancient Nebraska barn to retrieve some of his mother's "family things" not for himself, but for his sisters and me. 

I like to imagine how the chickens might have gathered around the mirror as it leaned against a wall in that old barn so long ago. 
I tried to recreate that old barn scene above my kitchen cabinets with old crocks, old enamel wash pans, lanterns, chickens and such. And since that old barn was falling down, I imagined a few pine seedlings blew in and sprouted some little trees too...I guess the goats must have decorated the little trees with lights to keep the chickens warm! 
The mirror on the center cabinet in the picture above isn't the family mirror that was rescued from the barn, but it is an old handmade pine one that I do adore. 

 This is the dresser and mirror that came from the barn and was handed down from my great-grandmother. It's very heavy due to being made of oak, so I was afraid I would crash the cabinets if I tried to rest it up there. Don't think I haven't dreamed of doing so though! It's not fancy or grand...just a sturdy piece, built to last.
The old beveled mirror is still perfectly clear, and the dresser is in pretty good condition, despite well over 40 years of sitting in that old barn and then another 40 years of me hauling it around from state to state.

I have given away a lot of things this year in my effort to downsize, but I could never part with this piece of family history. I'll be decorating it later this month as Christmas draws near. 
Wild Bill wandered through the kitchen a few years ago and looked up "Are those my old boots?" ..."Yep Hon, they sure are!"  Anything is fair game as far as I'm concerned.
I really appreciate all of you who take the time out of your busy day to drop by, and I also enjoy the comments that you leave when you have time. 

 My favorite comments are the ones left when you feel compelled to share a childhood memory of your own that one of my family yarns might evoke. Especially at Christmas time I love the connection to our past, and I hope you feel the same.
Thanks for dropping by!


Be sure to click on the links below to visit the other Day 3 tour participant's today:
In case you missed any of the other posts, here's the whole list for you.






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40 comments:

  1. bj December 7, 2016 at 7:24 AM

    What a wonderful story...furniture being in that olden barn for so many years...so so glad he got the dresser and mirror for his girl. A wonderful blog tour...thanks so much for sharing your pretty home.

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  2. Carol@BlueskyatHomeDecember 7, 2016 at 7:28 AM

    What wonderful memories you have and what a wonderful piece to cherish. I loved how you decorated your kitchen cabinets. Very nice.

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  3. Carole WestDecember 7, 2016 at 7:34 AM

    This is neat, enjoyed the memories, this is my first time visiting here and a good one. Hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas.

    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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  4. Celestina MarieDecember 7, 2016 at 7:54 AM

    Such a beautiful post sharing special memories. The kind we think of and talk about especially this time of year. I love the story of your family and your father going to the old barn to retrieve those special treasures. The dresser and mirror he brought back for you are gorgeous. Love how you decorate your cabinets. Your style is so inspiring. Seeing your beautiful home in the snow was a treat. Not something we see here often!! We never know when a snowfall could happen. When we lived in Lubbock for 7 years, the first year there in 1980, we had a snowfall that year of 68 inches. We had brought our snowblower from the north and the neighbors were amazed when we used it to clean all the snow off the driveway and sidewalk. Had to do all theirs too!! It was around Thanksgiving and Christmas so it made for a one time special Texas treat for snow!!
    Haven't seen that since!
    Thanks for sharing your lovely home and story. So enjoyed your tour this morning. Merry Christmas xo

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    1. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 11:53 AM

      Celeste, I love the story of sharing your snow blower with all the neighbors in Lubbock! I'll bet you never thought you'd need it when you were packing up to move there. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and your kind comments.

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  5. NanaDianaDecember 7, 2016 at 7:56 AM

    Am I allowed to have a big lump in my throat and some tears in my eyes when I read that part about your daddy going for the family things?! OMGosh, Sugar! What a wonderful story that is. It is a bittersweet story for sure.

    I only wanted one thing that belonged to my dad and it was a framed lithograph from when he set up housekeeping in the early 1920s. I have had it for years and this year I gave it to my youngest son who will treasure it like I did. I also have my gramma's old FREE (like a Singer) treadle machine and it was the only thing of hers I wanted, too. I am so glad you have that dresser--your decorations are great-and I can picture that old barn with your story telling. xo Diana

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  6. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenDecember 7, 2016 at 8:13 AM

    I loved reading your memories of your dear dad driving all the way from California to Nebraska to bring back those treasured family pieces, Sugar. You are the perfect person to love that beautiful dresser and the mirror. You've also given me an idea of using my late beloved's boots, so I thank you for that, and for sharing your heart and home with us. Merry Christmas blessings!

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    1. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 11:56 AM

      Kitty, I'm so glad you kept the boots for so long, and I'm happy you thought of adding the boots to your decor. I don't part with old boots or old cowboy hats. It's one collection that will stay with me when others are gone.

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  7. Katie MansfieldDecember 7, 2016 at 8:20 AM

    What a precious story and a precious treasure. I love your Texas inspired kitchen display. It is perfect in every way. Thanks for being a stop on our Cozy Christmas tour. Your kitchen does look so cozy.

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  8. Decor To AdoreDecember 7, 2016 at 9:27 AM

    Oh Sugar your sweet story brought tears to my eyes. What a treasure that dresser is! Thank you for the lovely reminder of focusing on friends and family during this season. Truly a wonderful tour!

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  9. Mac n' JanetDecember 7, 2016 at 10:05 AM

    I have a few pieces of family furniture that I will never get rid of too. Love that you used his boots. The rule around here is if you send still too long you'll be decked with holly and given a candy cane.

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  10. craftylesDecember 7, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    I so love the story about your washstand and mirror. I love it. Now I'll go back and really look at the pictures. I just got caught up in that wonderful family heirloom. Merry Christmas!

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  11. craftylesDecember 7, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    Beautiful pictures. Love the barn inspired cabinet toppers.

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  12. mamasmercantileDecember 7, 2016 at 11:22 AM

    Such a beautiful post, it was lovely to hear about that stunning piece of furniture. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for sharing memories of Christmas's past and remembering those who are no longer with us. Take care.

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  13. CeciliaDecember 7, 2016 at 1:35 PM

    I love your story and the lovely piece of furniture you inherited. I have a few old family pieces too and they are definitely keepers! Thanks for sharing not only your lovely decor but your heartwarming story as well!

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  14. HappyKDecember 7, 2016 at 3:38 PM

    Everything is so pretty.
    We usually get lots of snow but nothing measurable yet.

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  15. Cindi MyersDecember 7, 2016 at 4:25 PM

    I love your story.
    How nice that you have that family history on the washstand and mirror.
    I don't have a good story about something handed down but I've often wondered what story an old piece of furniture or something might hold when I find it at an estate sale or somewhere. So it's really special that you have the history of it and you know how special is was.
    Thanks for sharing!
    And love that you put his cowboy boots up there!
    LOL!
    xoxoxoxo

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  16. EilisDecember 7, 2016 at 5:44 PM

    Sugar,
    What a great story and I'm so glad you still have that beautiful dresser and mirror. My parents married in Ireland and immediately moved to California. My poor mom had to leave all her wedding presents behind to get "later." When I was in high school we lived in England for a few years. We drove/rode a ferry over to get some of her things since her aunt was closing up her house and going to a retirement home. You've brought back memories of her showing me those lovely items for the first time. It was kind of like time had stood still for twenty years.

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    1. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 12:01 PM

      Eilis, so wonderful that your aunt still had them after so long a time! I think the people who store things for so long for loved ones must be given special thanks. It is sometimes a real inconvenience I'm sure!

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  17. NancyDecember 7, 2016 at 5:47 PM

    I love the story. Amazing those things look so great after years in that barn. I know you cherish them. I am so glad to have found you through Let's Add Sprinkles. Somebody closer to my age. Yay!

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    1. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 12:03 PM

      Nancy, if you're older than the hills then yes, you have found a soul sister! Thanks for dropping by.

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  18. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageDecember 7, 2016 at 6:20 PM

    You are so lucky to live in a part of Texas that gets some snow! My boys miss gettng to play in the snow since moving to Texas.
    Your diplays above the cabinets are so lovely! I never thought about putting lights up ther and it looks so pretty!
    Loved reading the story about your family dresser! What a very special piece!

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    1. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 12:07 PM

      Lisa, If you put the lights up there with a remote plug in you can turn it off and on easily. I dropped the lights down through the cabinets where they come together in the corner there is sometimes a small gap and you can drop the cord down. I leave them up all year and often turn them on even in Summer with an American Flag display and Fall with pumpkins and flags. Let me know how it works for you!

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  19. SarahDecember 7, 2016 at 8:05 PM

    What a great family story! I'm happy you have these memories along with your wonderful dresser and mirror. Family pieces are treasures! I have my grandmother's rocker and also her biscuit cutter that was in her oven when she first married. My aunt gifted it to me with its story when I first married. I will pass it along to my niece eventually, but now I use it weekly to make biscuits for my husband. ;-)
    Fun seeing your Christmas decor. Wishing you a happy holiday!

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  20. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerDecember 7, 2016 at 9:35 PM

    I so enjoyed your family story...you must think about it every time you see the dresser, which is beautiful. I have several pieces of my Mom and cherish them so. Your display are lovely.

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    1. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaDecember 7, 2016 at 10:29 PM

      I love your home all decorated for the holidays, but particularly like your beautiful kitchen cabinets and how nicely you decorated the tops of them. You also really inspired me with the cabinetry above the fridge. I have a giant empty space above the fridge, and this sort of thing would work perfectly for me. Great post!

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    2. At Rivercrest CottageDecember 8, 2016 at 12:11 PM

      Thanks Pattie. That opening is a built-in for a TV done by the builder of our spec home. It has a plug in back with cable outlet, but since the room is a great room and the TV is hung on the wall over the fireplace, it's overkill for a TV in the kitchen too.

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  21. Botanic BleuDecember 7, 2016 at 11:21 PM

    Christmas memories with families are some of the best parts of Christmas. I enjoyed reading the history of your washstand and mirror.

    Have a Merry Christmas making more memories,
    Judith

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  22. Art and SandDecember 8, 2016 at 3:16 AM

    What a heartfelt post and that dresser is beautiful.

    Many of my family pieces came from the family barn in Kansas.

    Happy Christmas

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  23. Amy at love made my homeDecember 8, 2016 at 7:39 AM

    What a wonderful story of your treasured piece of furniture, it is beautiful - the dresser and mirror and the story!

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  24. StaceyDecember 8, 2016 at 3:34 PM

    I have always loved your kitchen! You've dressed it beautifully for the season.

    I understand the desire to scale down a little bit but your heart never wants to let go of some things.

    Merry Christmas!

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  25. AnnDecember 8, 2016 at 6:40 PM

    I love the story about the dresser. I think I have the matching chest of drawers that I brought back from my 96 yo mother's house. I live in the piney woods of east Texas and when we got that big snow, the pine trees were magical!

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  26. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonDecember 8, 2016 at 8:09 PM

    Oh how I love the story of how your father rescued the dresser for you! My mothers parents furniture was locked up in a previous home with intentions of returning to retrieve them. Sadly, it was broken in to and everything taken. Not a happy ending like yours. So fun that you decorated the tops of the cupboards with the old barn in mind.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  27. handmade by amaliaDecember 8, 2016 at 10:44 PM

    I love the story! And seeing your home so festive and pretty.
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. Kathryn GriffinDecember 9, 2016 at 7:02 AM

    What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing your barn style with us! The decor is perfectly woven with your family story! Merry Christmas! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  29. Jemma@athomewithjemmaDecember 9, 2016 at 4:06 PM

    Aren't Christmas memories the best! Thank you for sharing them and your lovely Christmas home with us!
    Jemma

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  30. TamaraDecember 10, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    This is such a lovely story and your dresser is beautiful. It's so sweet that your dad travelled all that way to gather up those lovely pieces of your past. My husband and I made a similar trip with a borrowed pickup. It was to buy some pieces from my dad's family farm in the mountains of West Virginia. There is still an out house there. We were able to save a hoosier, a small rocker and several quilt blocks that my great aunt never had the time to put together.

    Your decorations are so charming and festive and I love that that goats strung the lights to keep the chickens warm :) Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed my visit.

    Thank you for your visit and kind comment on my blog. Have a very Merry Christmas!

    Tamara x

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  31. IreneDecember 12, 2016 at 2:06 PM

    I love your arrangements, and your little dresser how precious. I hope if you need to downsize it, you'll think of giving it to your daughter/granddaughter, so they can continue the memory. I have my mother's sewing machine, I almost didn't get it, but just before my sister put it out to the curb, I grabbed it. Heck I even have her mother in laws machine, "we're a sewing family". Or at least I am.

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  32. Debra@CommonGroundDecember 14, 2016 at 12:07 AM

    I love hearing about the family furniture. My daddy had a dresser very similar to yours with a beveled mirror. I had it for years, then handed it over to my sis when we downsized. I'm totally mesmerized with your home and bits of kitchen pics. it's just lovely, and no I would have never thought that was Texas!

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  33. BenitaDecember 14, 2016 at 6:38 PM

    I'm so glad you share so many memories, I love reading them!! Also, love the vignettes you've crated! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some of that beautiful white stuff this year! Love and hugs!

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