My New Year's Wish for You

Hello friends.  I've noticed a lot of people coming to my blog, looking for New Years wishes for their friends and family members in the last week.    I would tell you, speak from your very own heart!

Here are my New Year's Wishes for YOU:

May you always have something to warm you when it's cold

Sunrises to savor

The beauty of nature all around you...

The luxury of time to tell someone you care... even if it's but just a moment

A furry four-legged friend to share safety & love with and give them a good home

Of course, your hobbies & interests that make YOU what you are...

 

The beauty of reusing things... keep their beauty and memories alive in the heart

 

 

A safe haven, a place of beauty for reflection too...

 

 

Lots of endearing candle light

Many sunsets to enjoy too ;)

Never forget to look at the little things... you know, the details.  That little piece, almost forgotten.

 And always....

Yes always, most importantly... because none of these things are as beautiful when you're alone.  

Someone to share it with...

with in love...

Be it true love or friendship...

And I so much wish you

from the heart

 Love of life in everything you do!

 All the best (and more) for you from My Petite Maison

~Good things are happening in 2012!

The Kindest Dog in the World

Zeke overlooking My Petite Maison and Yardwork

Our hearts and minds are still trying to grasp that our beloved, Great Pyrenees, Zeke has left our little house, My Petite Maison.

Zeke overlooking gardening projects ª He didn't like to get dirty!

He left us Wednesday evening but we are so thankful he came to live with us in May of 2000.

More lonely than we ever thought possible here, but we are so thankful Zeke went on his terms, he was beautifully giving until the end... Waiting for us to go upstairs for the evening then laying down to peaceful sleep.  He had a schedule and was a stickler with keeping to it.

Zeke and Buttercup in Yard

He never knew anything but kindness from our family, we gave him more love than we knew was possible to give another soul and loads of ciabatta from Mezzaluna Bakery (his favorite thing in the world, freshly baked bread).

Waiting for yard prep to be over!

WE knew nothing but kindness and love FROM Zeke.  From the time he came home from Potter Valley on my lap, he knew he liked the finer things that Healdsburg had to offer or any place for that matter.  He had "geek night" with my husband and had his own "nachos" made with rice crackers with just a tad of cheese on them and watched Star Trek or specials on the science channels (my daughter and I called it The Boring Channel to tease ;)

Mr Freckle Lip Sleeping

Zeke also knew a lot of late night decorating and occasionally he'd change up the pillows on our couches.  We'd get up in the morning and the pillows had been switched around to other places which used to make us laugh.

ALWAYS a smile

The best thing is the LOVE, GIVING, KINDNESS of Zeke.  We're thankful for 11 years of the best dog in the world.

,

We love you, sweet Zeke, Big Bear.

Paperwhites of the Season

Wanted to show you a few of the paper whites I forced this holiday season.  

I had planned on putting them throughout the house, but ended up putting most of them in one large zinc pail from my French flea market adventures.  This pail had been sitting atop a shelf lonely all summer and it came to me that I could place four of the 7 plants I've forced in this pail.  I love it filled with paper whites and Spanish moss.

So.... here are the photos, they've grown so tall.  I wanted to get a photo or a few photos before they were gone.

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone that left me a comment either through my blog, Facebook or Twitter about Buttercup.  I am happy she's home, just picked up her ashes this afternoon and she's with us watching over My Petite Maison in spirit.  I will get around to thank each of you personally, but wanted to say it here too.  THANK YOU.

So without further adieu... here are 4 of my paper whites in one place!

 

I have had the old pine cabinet in the background for over 20 years and have just moved it into my petite kitchen.  I used to keep peach potpourri that I purchased with my dear friend Jeannette (by the arm loads in Los Altos when we worked nearby).  After all these years, the cabinet still smells like fresh peaches with no potpourri at all.  I love it!  We have even caught Zeke sleeping with his head inside the cabinet a couple times which our family still laughs about... his loving the sweet smell of peaches!

Anyway, back to the cabinet and its look.  I love the contrast of the vintage plate rack in white and aged patina of the pine from Europe... then when the sunlight comes in, it's just heavenly to me.  Those are my colors, the 4 o'clock glow!

Never ever hurts to add a white candle, or three! See the wear on the cabinet?  Lots of wax, lots of years.  200 from someone else, 20+ while we care for it here at My Petite Maison.

Have a great weekend, friends!  We have yet to get our tree for Christmas...  That is our plan for Saturday and think it will be the first time in many, many years it won't be a living tree.  We can't seem to find one over a foot or 2 this year.  Wish us luck • bonne chance!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Good Bye Sweet Buttercup

This is a hard one for me today.  I truly feel like someone has ripped my heart out and I'll never be able to find it again.

Our sweet little Manx, Buttercup left My Petite Maison, yesterday... early morning.  Haven't been able to walk outside the gate where she'd greet me each morning after my walk in town.

How do I do this?  A post about a loving, small cat that adopted us 11 years ago and left us yesterday morning never complaining about anything.  

I'm thankful for the 11 years of mornings and especially all the days she looked after Giles and tag teamed with Zeke not to let the "mean cats" in the neighborhood through our little gate.  She never whined for food, she'd just come through the back and stare.

Buttercup et Giles

Her last days she spent sitting next to Zeke in the front room, just keeping warm.  

Buttercup et Zeke

I'm thankful she was able to pass away here at home and over the years learned what the good life was, never having to worry about food or if someone would be anything but kind to her.

  
We will remember the love you gave us unconditionally and pass it on.

We love you Buttercup! 

Happy Weekend Wishes

Hi friends,

I can't believe the weekend is here again already, can you?

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

I wanted to share a favorite French recipe for the weekend but the day got away from me with all the items on my list.  I wanted to at least wish you a happy weekend!

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

What are your plans for the weekend?

We're getting the house in order for Christmas decorating and attending Alameda, Antiques by the Bay (I can't believe it's that time again as well).  I look forward to shopping for special items for my clients and I'm hoping to pick out a few Christmas items for family & friends too.

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

Whatever you do for the weekend, enjoy yourself, I know I plan to as well!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

 

Heads Up • A Friend's Giveaway

Bonjour Friends!

Just a very quick post from me today.  Have you heard about Tracie's Giveaway from Fishtail Cottage?

There's just today (Thursday) left to enter, so why not jump over and see what her great giveaway has to offer?  There are many lovely items she's giving away from great bloggers and shop owners.

Also, Tracie is giving away one of My Petite Maison's Antique French Mercury Hearts (it's a real antique one too and perfect for the holiday season upon us!).

Tracie's Giveaway, Click HERE

I'll be back tomorrow to share a favorite French recipe of mine with you just in time for the weekend.

Have a great day!

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home