A Most Excellent Order!

Have you ever dreamed of being royalty and living in a grand manor house in the heart of the English country side? I know I have! And while I'll most likely never be able to live that dream, I can live it here as an "Honorary Noble of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire." My lovely friend, The Duchess of Rose Tree Cottage, has bestowed this most excellent award on me and several other wonderful bloggers, and I am ever so honored to accept...Thank you, Duchess! You are such a Dear Noble Woman!!!

If you haven't been over to visit the Duchess please stop by her blog... she always serves tea at half past Four. Hurry along now and don't be late!

Special Delivery

I received a huge package in the mail a few days ago from my dear friend Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti. I won her Christmas give-away and was so tickled since this was Pat's first give-away and she was my first bloggy friend. Come to think of it, she was my first bloggy friend that I met in the real world. We spent a lovely day in San Diego together about a year ago.
So, back to my give-away...I opened up my box to find another box beautifully wrapped for Christmas as well as a lovely card, Gingerbread Spice Tea, and some delicious smelling pottpouri.

And here's the beautiful Lenox Christmas Tea Pot that I won. Isn't it gorgeous? And it's perfect for the Holidays!
Dearest Pat, it is beautiful and will always remind me of the sweet lady that has become a friend. I will cherish it always...thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Love, Cori

I received this fun award the other day from my new friend Kelly at A Stuffed Life formerly known as "Yesterday's Glitter." If you aren't familiar with her go check out her blog...she makes and sells the most darling Vintage-y Bears. This award also comes with a one word tag, which I found to be a little difficult...one word to describe you (me)...hum.
Anywho, here we go...

Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favourite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!

1. Where is your cell phone? Island
2. Your hair? Red
3. Your mother? Desert
4. Your father? Desert
5. Your favorite food? Chocolate
6. Your dream last night? Scary
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Cotswold
9. What room are you in? Guest
10. Your hobby? Gardening
11. Your fear? Fire
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Prescott
13. Where were you last night? Diner
14. Something that you aren’t? Practical
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Airstream
17. Where did you grow up? Arizona
18. Last thing you did? Beach
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Small
21. Your pets? Three
22. Friends? Darling
23. Your life? Peaceful
24. Your mood? Cranky
25. Missing someone? No
26. Vehicle? Orange
27. Something you’re not wearing? Necklace
28. Your favorite store? Antiques
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Today (onions)
32. Your best friend? Hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? Disney
34. One person who emails me regularly? Sister
35. Favorite place to eat? Mediterranean

OK, now to appoint six fellow bloggers the difficult task of coming up with 35 one word answers. It's not as easy as you might think, but oh what fun!!!!!

1. Darling Deb @ Midlife Poet
2. Rooty toot Ronda Roo (who has tagged me too) @ Roo's Treehouse
3. Elena @ Miss*Elena*Eous
4. Dee @ Runako Designs Girls Night Out
5. Lisa @ Puppy Lov
6. Rose @ Delightful Clutter

OK Ladies, have fun and let me know when your posts are up so I can come check them out ;-).

An Award with Unknown Facts about me

I was given this award by the sweetest young woman, Miss Elena Eous, in Bloglandia a few days ago and am just now getting around to posting it...I am so sorry Miss Elena! I've had one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong did go wrong so please forgive me...PLEASE?

Winning this award involves two things:
1) Nominating three others blogs and
2) Answering a few questions about yourself (myself).
So here we go:

What's your current obsession? I would have to say my camera. I love my camera and can't leave my cottage without it. You never know what you'll see along the roads of life and I certainly wouldn't want to miss anything fun or interesting.

What's your zodiac sign? For the first 23 years of my life I delved deeply into astrology thinking that the stars held the answer to all the mysteries of life, but then one day I thought to myself, "why look to the stars for answers when I can look to the One who flung them out at His fingertips. So to answer the question, "I simply don't have one! I traded mine in for the cross of Jesus 24 years ago.

What's your latest purchase? A lovely silver tray with cut edges and a soft warm patina. It fits perfectly beneath one of my cloches.

What do you think about the girl who gave you this award? I know that she is young...how young? That I don't know, but what I do know is she's an adorable little person with a sweet personality and a gentle heart.

What did you last have for dinner? A burrito that my hubby made while I was spending the entire evening at the vet.

What's your favourite decade? Without a doubt the Northern Renaissance Period. I love the feminine lines of the clothing and the fabrics that were used to create them as well as all the beautiful trims and embellishments that went into the details. The music is quite enchanting too.

What are your must haves for summer? Linen skirts, cotton tees, air-conditioning and a fresh ocean breeze. This may sound like a strange answer but, when you reach my age and live within your own personal summer year round you'll understand a little better ;-)

What would you love to be able to do? When I was younger I wanted to own my own Travel Air 4000, fly around the country side and land in corn fields. It is still a dream that one day I'd love to be able to do.

What is your favourite piece in your closet? My petticoat. It goes with everything I own and can be worn during any season of the year plus it's comfortable enough to run around my cottage in.

What's your dream job? I've always wanted to own four little cottages that I could rent with a small shoppe next door. I'd sell hand made Adirondack's, garden furniture and the accessories to go along with them. I would also have a quiet spot where people could enjoy the fresh air and nibble on fresh bakes scones. A few months ago I ran across my "dream sheet" that had a description of each room's colors, furnishings, and themes...maybe one day.

What's your favourite magazine? I love the original Victoria Magazines and have stacks of them dating back to 1988. Each month I pull that months back issues out and look through them for inspiration. I don't think there has ever been a more beautiful magazine nor do I think there ever will be again.


What do you consider a fashion no-no? Muffin Top pants...paalleeaasee ladies!!! What ever happened to the idea of accentuating your better qualities and not your flabby over hanging bellies...I'll say no more!!!!

Describe your personal style: That's a difficult one! Most people think I dress strangely, but I think that's because I don't dress like them. I'm not a follower of fashion trends and prefer to do my own thing. I love all things lacy and feminine with a splash of something unexpected. I suppose if I had to try and define my look I'd say it's somewhere in between a Victorian flower child with a blend of mild mannered gypsy.

Who is your favourite Beatle? Growing up I listened mostly to musicals and Barbra Streisand so I was never a Beatle fan, but I did like the Monkey's.

What are you proud of? Wasn't it written somewhere that pride comes before the fall...tee hee! OK, really! What am I proud of? I'm one of those people who's easily distracted and will start something only to become intrigued by something else. Drop my current project and start the next. So I'd have to say that I'm most proud of the fact that after 24 years I'm still walking with the Lord. Some years are harder then others, but I know that whatever life brings He is my constant so I cling to Him with my every breath.

That's it for me...
now to nominate three fellow bloggers...

Darling Deb @ Midlife Poet
Rooty toot Rhonda Roo @ Roo's Treehouse
My Friend Moorea @ Homeschooling Sentiments

HAVE FUN LADIES!!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU COME UP WITH!!!!
& THANK YOU MISS ELENA!!!!

Darling Deborah Day, October 8, 2009

Words, words, words. I never have the right words to express just how I feel. I am really a woman of few words so when I have a wonderful award bestowed on me, I'm pretty much speechless...as I am now.

There are so many wonderful women out there in Bloglandia and every now and then you stumble upon one who you feel like you've known all your life. Even though you live hundreds of miles away you can feel their heart, hear their laughter, and just the thought of visiting with them brightens your day. My friend Darling Deb is just one of those women and this lovely award was created just for her by the EVER TALENTED Ces. Have you visited Ces and seen her amazing artwork? If not, you should! You are definetly missing out on her delightful visual feasts.

Anywho, like I said before, this award was created especially for Darling Deb and she has passed it on to me as well as some other wonderful women. Below I stole from Deb who stole from Ces a breif explanation of just what this award symbolizes.

“So today I am planting another tree. The Quercus shumardii or Shumard Oak. It is a handsome large tree with straight axis and broad, rounded open crown. It withstands strong hurricane winds, extreme heat, is tall and straight and just plain beautiful. I have more trees to plant but rest assured those who have virtual trees and acorns planted and distributed in their honor have one common virtue, they are loyal friends regardless of race, creed, political affiliations and geography. Here, I honor womanhood and friendship and there is nothing more wondrous a blessing for anyone than for a friend who came and never left your side.”

Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest,

but who came and never left your side.

I met Deb about a year ago and have been blessed day after day by her love, generosity, and sweet sassiness. She is a true sisterfriend who I adore with all my heart. Thank you Deb for choosing to be in my life.

Now the award needs to be passed on to some other wonderful women who I adore.

Darling Deb I'm passing this back to you ;-).

Rooty toot Rhonda Roo

Our beloved Fanciful friend Vanessa

& my wonderful friend Ellen B. 

Ladies, I can not tell you how I've been blessed by all your wonderful, zany, personalities and I consider each of you a sisterfriend (Ces coined that word, cute huh?)

This week has been a busy week filled with a many bloggy surprises...all of them fun!!!!!
My sweet friend Moorea of Homeschooling Sentiments recently attended a shower for her future SIL and each guest was given a copy of a book titled, "Created to be his Help Meet." Now ladies, let's not behave as if we have bees in our bonnets, isn't this exactly why we the female species was created, to help men be more complete and whole? We balance them out, provide tenderness for their rough and tumbly exteriors, and cradle their hearts when they become wounded.
So anywho, in honor of her new SIL Jen, she (Moorea) had a book give-away and I won the book as well as a beautiful bookmark with a crown and crystals. I'm really excited to start reading it (sorry Moorea, I haven't started yet ;-O) to see what it has to say and hopefully it will give me some perspective on being a better wife. I think most of us could agree that a little work in that area can always be a good thing, right? Of course right! I'm glad you agree.
Moorea, thanks for drawing my name and picking me...I'm ever so delighted!!!


I was also nominated for an award this week from the talented Dee over at Runako Designs and the Academy, but I asked NOT to give an acceptance speech since I always become tongue tied and look so foolish plus I might trip down the stairs leaving the platform. But I would like to thank Dee for nominating me for this exciting award, the Academy for being such a source of inspiration and support, and my wonderful friends and family. Oh, I guess I gave a speech after all ;-).

THANK YOU DEE!!!!!

Now for the rules:

I must pass this award on to fellow bloggers who I think are Fabulous!!!! If you have been nominated for this award, you must pay it forward! You must post an acceptance speech on your blog (feel free to thank the academy!) and then nominate as many other blogs as you wish, and, if you have been nominated, feel free to post the above award proudly on your blog!

I am going to nominate the following Fabulous bloggers:

Deborah (Darling Deb) of Midlife Poet
Rhonda (Rooty toot Rooty Roo) of Roo's Treehouse
and Sandra (Sandra, I don't have a nickname for you, I'm going to have to think one up ;-))
of Romantique Inspirations

You are all Fabulous!!!
Thank you Dee and the Academy!!!

PS: A word on awards!
Recently one of my darling bloggy buddies gave me an award and asked if I was accepting them since mine all vanished from my blog. The answer was yes, but my page was loading ever so slowly that I decided to remove them as well as other accoutrements in my sidebar.
But every time I receive an award I'm so touched that you have thought about me and my little blog and I'm reminded that there are so many wonderful women out there that I never would have met had I not fallen into this wonderful world called Bloglandia.
Thank you so much sweet ladies, for enriching my life.

xoxo Cori

The Bella Sinclair Award

My darling friend Deb of Midlife Poet has honored me, yet again, by passing on another amazing award that speaks of the strong bonds of friendship.
It was created by an incredible artist "Ces" who's blog I've only discovered today and will definitely be back to visit...OFTEN!
I also stopped by Bella Sinclair's blog and was touched by the sweet friendship that these two women have nurtured and grown through the internet. I don't know if they know each other in person, but it's obvious that their lives have been interwoven and blessed by each others caring hearts, which makes the award that much more special.

These are Ces's words:
"I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us”.

“I hope that when Bella returns, this award would have already circulated in the blogs. It is my honor to give this award to the first recipients who I hope will find the same pleasure as I have in spreading its crown, giving shade and the comfort of friendship and caring and of sisterhood by sharing this award with their blog-friends and sisters!”

Darling Deb, I thank you from the depths of my heart for choosing to be my friend, for always being a bright spot in my day, and for being wonderful sassy, silly you!!! Happy was the day when I skipped down the rabbit trail that led to the shade of your tree. Thank you Darling Deb!

Now to pass it on...I have a few blogging buddies who've been there for me from the beginning and I'd like to honor them with this award: Ellen B. over at The Happy Wonderer and Becky at One Shabby Old House. Both of these ladies have always been a source of encouragement and inspiration to me and I'm grateful for your friendships.

Please stop by and visit all these precious ladies blogs and you will be blessed just as I have.

You Lift me Up!

One of my favorite things to do at work is to peek at my emails throughout the day. I know, I know, I'm supposed to be working, but I have one of those jobs where my boss doesn't care what I do as long as I get my work done.
Today, however, was one of those crazy days right before an event where everyone is needing something from me and piling more work on my table. Usually in the form of hand written notes scribbled on a small nondescript piece of paper. Today was one of those days when I was feeling blue, overwhelmed, and not very inspired so I decided to check my email and there was a letter of encouragement from my dear friend Andrea of A Parson's Wife. Have you been over to see her blog? Every time I read one of her posts I feel the strings of my heart being gently tugged, drawn closer into the heart of God. She inspires me and yet today she gave me this beautiful inspiration award. Thank you Andrea!

After work Hubby and I purchased our bead board then stopped at Target to pick up a few items. Once the evening settled down I got back on my computer and checked my emails (I like to check my emails...don't you :)? I found another encouraging note from my Darling Deb at Midlife Poet. Have you visited her blog? It's always filled with such lighthearted delightful poetry laced with a bit of mischievousness. Whenever I'm blue I know I can count on Deb to bring a smile to my face. Thank you Darling Deb!
I'm so thankful to have both of you as friends. The two of you have inspired and enriched my life and caused me to stretch and grow. Thank you! Thank you! Sweet friends!!!

NOW TO PASS IT ON!

This award is to be passed onto"fellow bloggers who visit frequently and raise my spirits with their kind words of encouragement, their beautiful images and their wonderful outlook on life. They make blogging a positive experience and continue to make my life richer."

I'd like if I may to hand this wonderful award back to Andrea and Deborah and I'd like to also pass it on to Pam at Grey Like Snuffie. Her posts are always so full of inspiration and passion and I always feel uplifted whenever I visit her lovely blog.

My bloggy friend "Darling Deb" (I gave her that name because I love her so!) aka Deborah of Midlife Poet awarded me this sweet award... don't you just love the illustration?
I met Deborah several months ago and we became instant friends. She's sassy, she's sweet, and she's immature (like me) :0! Oh! She said those word's herself! Check out her post, it's super cute just like her! Kindred spirits you could say, so I consider this award to be very special indeed. Thank you Darling Deb from the depths of my heart.

This fabulous award highlights wonderful blog writing. The Renee Award is one of the most meaningful awards in blog world because it honors someone who is incredibly inspirational in her intelligent and witty writing. And by doing so, this award celebrates women’s smart, strong and inspirational spirit! It honors women who spread joy and love like an Acorn……a small package growing into a tall and sturdy oak tree which gives more acorns…………..

I have a special blog that I love to visit when I need to be encouraged, challenged, or just want to feel as if I've stepped into a beautiful story of grace and mercy. So I'm passing the Renee Award on to Andrea at A Parson's Wife who is always such an inspiration to me as well as others.
And to these two ladies Deborah and Andrea, I'm blessed to call you friends... thank you for being mine!

Hello! I haven't been around much and thought I better check in. Plus two of my sweet bloggy friends gave me awards I think it was this past Monday and I've been so crazy busy that I haven't had time to thank them properly or post my awards, so here it is...
My darling friends Natalie at Just-A-Gal and Allison at A little Shabby always Chic awarded me the "One Lovely Blog Award" and I'm honored that the both of you thought enough of my little blog to give me this lovely award. THANK YOU LADIES YOU ARE TOO SWEET!!!

And JustA (aka Natalie) of Just-A-Gal also passed this one on to me, but I'm not sure what it's name is. A little lemonade stand...I guess when life serves you lemons you make lemonade. JustA, what is the name of this award, do you know? It's supposed to be given to bloggers who express the spirit of gratitude in their blogs, as well as my gratitude to them for all their words of encouragement. I copied that directly from JustA's blog :).

So sweet ladies, I'm very thankful for your words of encouragements and friendship. The both of you make this little kingdom of Bloglandia a much nicer, friendlier place and I cherish your friendships more then you could know.

As we all know, awards come with strings attached...to pass them on to special people, but I've decided to be a complete rule breaker today and pass both awards on to everyone who passes this way. Every persons blog that I visit touches my heart in different ways which makes you all special and dear to me and it's always difficult to just choose a few or feel as if someones being left out. The truth is that each one of you is unique with your own special qualities and personalities and for that I adore you all. So please feel free to claim these awards as your own or to just simply say "how sweet."

Sweet Sisterhood!

Do you ever have those days when everything you do makes you want to pull your hair out and scream? Me too! And today was just such a day, but then I opened my web browser and saw an email from my friend Deborah at Midlife Poet who always blows me kisses! I like that! Kisses being blown across the internet from a sweet new friend. I think everyone needs a kiss now and then...don't you? As well as kisses she also blew a cute little award my way which really made my day! So thank you Deborah, you've touched my heart in so many ways!!!

There are of course rules attached to this award and this is how they go:

The Sisterhood Award is an award from bloggers to bloggers in recognition of a blog which shows attitude and/or gratitude.

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog, or sending them an email.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

So, I nominate these lovely women below to receive this award:

Becky @ One Shabby Old House

Moorea @ Homeschooling Sentiments
JustA AKA Natalie @ Just A Gal
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti
Tara @ Days Missed on a Hammock
Ellen B. @ The Happy Wonderer
and if it's OK with you Deborah I'd like to give it back to you! And can I give it to our Fanciful Friend too?

Thank you ladies for being such wonderful bloggy friends and always encouraging me and causing me to laugh!!!

xoxo Cori

I have a new friend named Andrea of "A Parsons Wife" who awarded me this sweet friendship award. Andrea only started blogging about a month ago so you may not have seen her around...stop over and say "Hi" and let her know I sent you. She writes beautifully!
Thank you Andrea, for taking the time to get to know me through this wonderful bloggy community.

OK, these are the rules:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. The kind of bloggers that aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut,even more friendships are propagated.Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award".

These are recent friends that I've made and enjoy their blogs very much. I have such limited time and rarely go looking for new blogs yet these sweet women have taken the time to visit me and have welcomed me into their worlds. Ladies, I'm grateful that each one of you has touched my life in so many different ways. Thank you!!

Sara @ Much Ado about Something

Lana @ Showers of Blessings

Winging It @ The Bird House

Deborah @ A Midlife Poet

and my sweet friend Vanessa Valencia @ A Fanciful Twist

OK, I just passed it on to five, but what can you expect from a girl who rarely steps out of her own realm :).