Some Random Thoughts, a Table, and a Bargain

My life has been crazy lately, which I have enjoyed. The holidays were pretty busy; right after that we moved Russell and family to TN; I’ve continued my 2 days a week of work at the paper and my 1 or 2 days a month at the flea market; we have had and have more coming up doctor appointments out of town. Am I retired? Well, not really. I love everything that I am doing now and will continue as long as I am able. But there are times, I do admit, that I miss the early days of retirement when the days and weeks seemed to stretch out endlessly in front of me. But those times are few and far between; my life is full, and I am content. I do miss having a social group somewhat, but meeting people at the flea market and newspaper has been fulfilling for me in that area.

That being said, I finally took the time today to do a tablescape. Did I need to be doing that? No! The housework has piled up, the yard looks terrible, and my car needs washing badly. I put all of that on hold and went to the Dollar Tree. Did I need to do that? Well, I think you know the answer.

I spied these plates as soon as I walked in. I love the brightly colored stripes, and I had been thinking about doing a bright, cheerful table to counteract these cold, dark winter days. They came in 2 color schemes, the one above and one with the cobalt blue as the center color. They will look good together or mix-n-match, but I chose the ones above for their bright yellow centers.

I looked through my small plates, and decided on the set that I call my wine-themed plates. They look good with the colors of the dinner plates. Plus, I really like these plates, but don’t use them enough. Today was the perfect time.

I also tried a couple of different napkin colors and ended up with these nice yellow ones from The Napkin Lady. I chose them for their cheerful yellow color.

In keeping with the happy nature of the table, I chose my playful Present Time flatware.

I love the Dollar Tree wine glasses. Right now they have several different patterns in stock that are really cute. I chose the striped ones to match the plates, however. I can see that these glasses will be versatile in a lot of different tablescapes. The smaller glass next to it is a true vintage one that I inherited from my great aunt. There is a wire carrier with 8 glasses, tea pitcher, and ice bowl that holds the set. I will show you a photo of it sometime after I have dusted it. I’ve had this set forever, and I have no idea why I”ve never used them in a tablescape before! Anyway, I wanted to do a striped theme today, so they were the obvious choice.

The set has about 4 different patterns in it, so I’m not sure if all of the glasses are original to the set or not. I chose 2 of the striped patterns for this table because the colors are great with the Dollar Tree glasses.

Obviously, the pitcher and ice bowl were perfect choices for the centerpiece. Do you remember my post from a few months ago when I found some great sale items at Dollar General and purchased this vase? I really like it, and the colors and stripes were a great complement to this table. I love mixing great old vintage items with cheap inexpensive dollar store items!

All I had to do was add striped candles, and I was done. Luckily, I have both orange and green variegated candles.

Their colors were wonderful with this table.

I was interrupted while working on this tablescape with a message from a friend who works at the school where I retired. A recent graduate needs a little financial help for the upcoming semester and had come by the school to ask her advice. His tuition is taken care of, but he does not have book money. Last semester he sold his car to pay for his books. He has been home for Christmas break and is working at a local business, but I’m sure that whatever he makes will not cover the several hundred dollars that books cost.

I got some things in motion with the mission committee at our church. I’ll skip the details and just tell you that 2 hours later I had a commitment for about half of the money that he needs. I hope that whatever other contacts that she can come up with will come up with some more money. I praise God for what has come through and am asking Him to provide the rest.

Earlier today I dropped off a carload of nonperishable items at our local food pantry. I had collected these at our family and newspaper holiday parties. I could not deliver them until today because it was the first time our local place has been open since Christmas. I was amazed when I drove up and saw the number of cars in the parking lot. Although some were volunteers, I’m sure that the majority were probably those of the needy. It really hit me how bad things are for a lot of people and I am so grateful that our few little canned goods will be put to such good use.

So I spent a little time today doing for others. I did not do it to be complimented or celebrated. I did not do it feel good about myself. I did it because it was the right thing to do. As a result of doing these good deeds, I am blessed, even though I did not do them for the blessing. I’ve spent a couple of hours thinking about these facts, and I just wanted to share how I feel about it.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:35-40

The above scripture is very familiar to most of us, and it really came home to me today. We spent about 7 years in prison ministry, and this scripture is often quoted for those who work with the incarcerated. However, it is just as applicable to some of the needs that I was assisting with today and I have thought of it several times throughout the day.

My last random thought has to with blogging. I have had the blessing to “meet” other bloggers, and one of them is Vicky and Life on Willie Mae Lane. What a surprise to open my mailbox after work one day this week and find this sweet little banner from her! Vicky is a wonderful crafter and thrifter, and I have enjoyed her blog very much.

Banners are one of her specialties, and I feel so blessed that she included me on her gift list! I’ve not decided where to put it yet, so I just hung it on the buffet for now.

I’ll probably find a place somewhere around my computer area.

Now for the last part of the title, the bargain. After taking care of the funds for the college student, I decided to run by CVS. I didn’t have anything in mind that I wanted or needed.

I put my card on the computer that prints out the coupons, and to my surprise, I had $16 in Extra Bucks rewards! I had no idea that I had earned that much.

I immediately knew what I wanted. David is having some aches and pains and other troubles (see doctor’s appts. that I mentioned above), and he had just complained last night that we didn’t have a good ice pack. He also mentioned that heat might feel better on him than ice.

I found this great ice or heat pack which I hope will be exactly what he wants. I purchased a couple of other minor items, used my coupon, and checked out for $2.25. Yep, $2.25! I think that was a great buy, and I hope that he will use it a lot.

In conclusion, do what you can for others, have fun decorating and tablescaping, and keep on hunting for bargains!

I am joining: A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life , Vintage Thingie Thursday at Colorado Lady,   From the Farm at Sunny Simple Life, Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, Metamorphosis Monday, Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage ,  Cozy Little House for Tweak it Tuesday,  Under the Table and Dreaming for Sunday Showcase ,  The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home, Brown Gingham Creations for Rednesday,  Cuisine Kathleen for Let’s Dish, Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours,  Make the Scene Monday at Alderberry Hill , Cottage Style at Lavender Garden, Homemaking Paty at Hope in Every Season,   The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday, What’s It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants; Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now, Meet Me Monday at You Are Talking Too Much,  Spotlight Saturday at Classy Clutter, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound, You’re Gonna Love It Tuesdays at Kathe with an E, Mop it Up Monday at I Should Be Mopping the Floor , Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style ,  Make it Pretty Monday, Anything Blue Friday at The Dedicated House,Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style,  Create It Thursday at Lamberts Lately,   Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring,  Tuesday’s Treasures at Uncommon Suburbia,  Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life, Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters,Open House Party at No Minimalist Here Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage , Tips and Tidbits at The Stone Gable, Thursday Favorite Things at Katherine’s Corner , Sizzle into Summer at DIY by Design