Monday, September 22, 2014

Falling Into Fall

I  was going to go to Big Bear with Mom this morning, but we decided to wait til the weekend.  So, since I have some free time this morning, let's continue with the Fall post.
Let's start in the kitchen.  We enter and leave our house through the garage door, which leads directly into the laundry room, then kitchen.  So let's start here.
Our kitchen is long and narrow.  Galley style.  I have always loved my brick flooring.  I have very little counter space in here, which has always been my biggest issue.  I rely on rolling butcher blocks for more work surface, but right now, they are put away, and I am enjoying the additional space.  I put a lot of my ceramic pumpkins here on the buffet this year.  I used my glass dessert cake stands for alternating heights, and wove a Fall leaves garland in and out.  Then added a few more small pumpkins and a gold beaded garland.
I have always had our big kitchen table in here.  This house doesn't have a formal dining room.  But as our family has grown, our needs have changed.  I moved the kitchen table into the family room, removing the leafs.  We love it in there.  But as the holidays approach, I am wanting a big table in the kitchen again.  If my Mom decides she doesn't want it, I will put the kitchen table from the cabin in here.  For now, I have my rolling butcher block in the dining area of the kitchen, with the antique oak table top that belonged to my Dad's mother on top.  I have a pumpkin tureen on the table that sits atop a small quilt I made a long time ago.
I love having a comfy chair in the kitchen.  This gets used quite a lot!  This picture is taken from the opposite end of the kitchen, as the first photo shown that was taken from the laundry room doorway.
The chair from the front.  When Erika and Noah lived here, I needed more pantry storage space, and added this wall unit that we have had for 35 years.  It was a wedding gift!  I actually really like it in here with exposed pantry items on the shelves.  On the bottom are some larger things that I use often, but don't have space for on the counter tops.

I bought this hand painted Fall rug in a little shop in Big Bear, probably 20 years ago.  I have had to restitch the coils together in a couple of spots, as I wash it regularly.  It still looks great, and I love it!
From the dining area of the kitchen, you can see into the living room.  The living room is full of natural light.  I love the big picture window in this room!
Greg got me this stained glass several years ago for Christmas.  I had seen it in a shop and loved it.  Lucky for me, a friend who happened to be with me when I saw it, made sure he knew I would love to have it!
I have some of my most cherished treasures displayed here in this room.  My Dad loved to give gifts.  It was not uncommon for him to surprise me with some special trinket or mouse, from their travels.  I collect mice, because that is what my Dad's nickname was for me.  He has given me hundreds!  One day when I was at my parents house, only a couple of weeks before my Dad passed, he slipped something into my hand.  I knew it was money.  I can still feel his warm hand in mine, with the folded bill he was handing me.  He said, I want you to go get something special.   I get chills just thinking about this.  He couldn't go get it for me anymore.  He wanted to gift me something.  It was Fall, and I used to collect these Heather Goldminc pieces.  I bought two of them to commemorate that Fall, when my Daddy wanted to get me something.  I keep these two pieces in my hutch in the living room.  But in the Fall they come out to the living room tables to enjoy more closely.  
A Fall Cornucopia.
And another Fall house.
Out of all of the many gifts he has given me, these two are the most special.  I miss him every day.  But now, I can smile and remember how incredibly special our relationship was, instead of always cry with the sadness of losing him.

On the coffee table is a wicker or reed cornucopia that I bought a few years ago.  I love the rich colors in this.  And enjoy it so much every season.
I have some pretty parchment paper Fall leaves that I usually set this on, but I haven't found them yet!
I want to have crown moulding put in this room after the holidays.
Tomorrow, we will see the family room decked out for Fall.  Until then, here is just a peek.
See you tomorrow.
Happy Fall Ya'll!!
Kris

24 comments:

Becky said...

Kris your home looks absolutely beautiful. Your last gift from your dad reminds me of my last gift from my granddaddy.My parents home was right next door to my grandparents. In fact granddaddy built my home place.We had a path worn between the two homes.One day he called me while I was visiting my parents and said peaches (my nickname he called me) meet me on the path. I met him and he tucked his hand in mine and it was money. I had my daughter also Kris that was about four. He always got her a spring coat around Easter. He said he wasn't able to go get it himself so he wanted me to go pick her out one. I still have that last little coat tucked away. It is soft beige brocade with little pink roses. I love your precious memory of your dad. I love mine too. Happy fall Kris. Blessings, Becky

moonstruckcreations said...

What beautiful memories you have of your Dad.

I love your fall decorating, I have a real "thing" about pumpkins and collect them in all sorts of forms and guises!

Helenxx

Gloria Baker said...

aw Kris I really love your home and how you decorate and I love Fall is my favorite season!
(Now begin spring here but I love more autumn)
Your home look really cozy:)
I love your kitchen Can I go to take a cup of tea with you???:)
xo

priscilla said...

Looks great Kris ! Such a nice story about your Dad .. Hope your weather has cooled off !

Holly said...

I always love hearing the stories of your Dad and your family. Your home is perfect for Autumn, love all the colors. If you did crown molding, would you do white or stained wood? I struggled with the thought of painting my crown white to make the ceilings appear higher but in the end, I still love my dark stained crown.

Krafty Connie said...

Hi Kris, When trying to leave a comment on an earlier post I had nothing but problems so am making a new attempt today. I've been AWOL for a while and am now getting back to the blog scene a bit. I created a new blog last week while sitting around. (my old one was hacked, my old profile hijacked, and just deleted the whole thing and my old email acct) anyway am stopping by to say hi and touch base with you.
Connie from IL, aka cootiebug to my older friends

From the Kitchen said...

You have a true harvest home! Fall is my favorite season to decorate for. I need to get busy now that it is here for real.

Best,
Bonnie

Teresa Kasner said...

I enjoyed your story about your Dad giving you a gift in his big warm hand. It's obvious that you were a very special child to him. My Dad was sweet to me, too. My poor hubby's dad was nice to him or me, it's such a shame. Gorgeous decor, my friend!!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Betsy said...

I love your decorations Kris. The memories in almost all of your pieces and the stories behind them make each and everyone priceless. The gift from your Daddy is wonderful. Love. You can't begin to explain a parents love can you?
Blessings, betsy

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, As always your home is so delightful and welcoming. I just realized today that I am missed one of my glass pumpkins; I've searched but can't find it(must mean I need a new one). I can't wait to see all the other decorations.
Hugs, Noreen

Amy at love made my home said...

I have a real lump in my throat reading about your Dad, he was obviously a wonderful man and it is so nice that you have these things to add to the nice memories of him. Your decorations all look great!!! xx

Susanne Tyree said...

Always loved the warm, rustic colors of fall, but it always saddened me too that the living things outside were dying off or preparing to go dormant. When you live in the colder climates it is always good to come in from the cold to the smell of a meal on the crock pot or in the oven. My motivation has been zip since 8 days ago I caught this bug at the class reunion. I don't have the desire to decorate anything, but I have enjoyed looking at what you have done to your beautiful home. My house is small in comparison but I like cozy. Of course come cleaning times it is still too big.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Jeanna said...

Your home looks so warm and inviting and the fall decorations really put me in the mood to break out my stuff. Unfortunately, we have painters coming in a few weeks so I don't see any point in it this year. So sad because it's one of our favorite seasons to decorate for besides Christmas.

I'll enjoy yours for now :)

Kelli said...

You house it so pretty Kris ....I love your yard as well. What color is your laundry room door?

Deb~in~Denver said...

Your home is always so pretty but I LOVE it dressed for fall! Such warm, welcoming colors. I also love all of the cherished memories you have of your dad, your trinkets from him are reminders that he is always by your side.

Poppy said...

Hi Kris,

Your home is lovely regardless of the season, but your fall vignette with the roosters is TOO cute!

Your father was such a kind and generous man, and the memories you have of him will forever soothe your soul. You are blessed to have had such a sweet dad.

Happy Fall!

xx
Poppy

Debbie said...

Love seeing all of your Fall decs! It adds soo much to your comfy, welcoming home. I especially love the shelving in the kitchen. What a good idea. And I bet that chair is used A LOT! It's perfect. I so enjoy hearing stories about your dad. What a special father you had! Hope you have a wonderful day!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Kris, Great decorations and stories! You are all decked out and ready. You sure had a busy day making your lovely home more homey❤️ Hugs to you on your 1 year nana anniversary too!
Take care dear Kris, xoRobin

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Cuteness everywhere! xox

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful and welcoming home and your lovely memories. It does my heart good to hear such wonderful stories which tie each piece into the fabric of your life.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your home is so lovely and cozy for fall, Kris! Wish I lived closer, I'd love to come by for a cup of coffee and a visit! I loved hearing your memories of your sweet dad...xoxo

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Kris, your home looks so pretty dressed up for autumn! You have inspired me to get my box of autumn decorations out today and begin. The aspen trees here have already all turned a glorious shade of gold! My hubby and I drove up a mountain pass to take photos yesterday, so I will post them all soon.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

PS: I LOVE that stained glass window hanging! The words on it in Italian "La Vita e Bella" --Life is Beautiful-- really says it all when you have a beautiful heart like yours!

Your reminiscences about your Dad are so sweet. I lost my Dad when I was only 18, and not a day goes by that I do not think of him and miss him. I still treasure a little cat sculpture he gave to me when I was a child.

Jill said...

Your home looks so lovely! How special to have those items remind you of your dad and his caring ways in wanting you to have special things. A blessing.... I love the stained glass window, it's gorgeous! Are you enjoying any cool temperatures yet? Have a great night.

Blessings,
Jill