Caroline Friday's Blog, page 870

Downton Abbey fans: Check out Cranford & Return to Cranford

Isn't Dame Judi Dench adorable in this bonnet and dress? I just love her in this BBC drama from several years ago entitled Cranford and Return to Cranford, based on the books by Elizabeth Gaskill. I had to make another plug for this wonderful little drama since wonderful little dramas are often hard to come by. 
Fans of Downton Abbey and all the Jane Austin dramas will enjoy this serial where the main characters are a group of sweet yet pompous village ladies stuck between the world of the aristocracy and poor peasant. I believe it has been overlooked by many DA fans but is available on Netflixs. Some of the same characters from DA appear in Cranford, including Bates and Carson and then Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) pre-braces. Orthodontics did her a great service! Check it out and enjoy!

Antique Art from a 1970s Craft

For those of you who grew up in the 1970s, you might remember the crafty fad of crewel embroidery pictures and pillows. Not to be confused with the act of being mean (ha ha), crewel is a beautiful form of embroidery stitching that makes raised, textured patterns that create gorgeous works of art. As a girl, I thought it was ugly and old-fashioned, but after moving to London in the late 90s, I developed a great love for the English antiques and artwork, of which crewel embroidery fits in nicely. 
This particular piece is a lovely floral my mom did years ago and made into a pillow. I confiscated it from her Goodwill pile and placed it on my breakfast room sofa for years until age got the better of it and the linen became frayed. So I put it away, thinking I would frame it one day. Well, today I took a chance and went to Michael's, finding the perfect matted frame (on sale) that enhances the antique look.  Unfortunately, I'm the only one in my family who loves these old things and finds beauty in them - most everyone else turns up their nose and sneers until they see it in our house and see what I've done with it. 
This picture is gorgeous and will most definitely make a statement on the front wall near our foyer. Mom, thanks for making such a beautiful piece. And thank you family for allowing me to cash in on all these wonderful family treasures!

My Bird Pictures

Here are my bird drawings framed with pre-matted frames from Walmart. It's hard to see the detail, but you can go onto my Pinterest board and see the paintings better. www.pinterest.com/cwfriday
I used what I had - colored pencils, markers, and oil based pastels. They are hanging near my foyer and make for a nice addition to the decor. Everyone knows how much I like birds! Just check out my latest blog entries and you will see! I think these turned out very nice, and I love the green. 
Working on my next novel, a historical romance, and am editing The Velvet Box to get it ready for a commercial publisher. Have a screenplay idea too which I'm tooling around with. I'll be sure to work in some more art when the mood strikes!

Latest Move Review: The Hunger Games - Catching Fire

Read my latest review of The Hunger Games - Catching Fire. Good flick!

Happy New Year!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

Welcome 2014!! This is going to be an amazing year of favor and prosperous endeavors! Braxton is off to Paris tomorrow with the French group from Walton, Anna is heading back to UGA after making the dean's list, Rachel is successful and happy, knowing her passion for fashion, Bill is succeeding with his new company, Regalworks, and I am looking forward to a proIific time of writing books and screenplays ... All for the glory of God and The Lord Jesus Christ! What a wonderful time to be part of the church of Jesus Christ, His beloved bride! 
Not looking forward to taking down the Christmas decorations since it was such an amazing Christmas this year, but looking forward to ALL the wonderful things The Lord has in store for the Fridays! 
Happy New Year to everyone! 

My Dad, a Modern Day Santa Claus!

Here is a picture I did of my dad as his Christmas present - him posing with his dog, Frankie, at his hunt club, Crow Hill, NC, after killing a slew of ducks. Mom cooked them up in her famous duck casserole which we feasted on for two nights. It is absolutely delicious - served with collards cooked in hammocks and apple cranberry relish - yum! Tonight we had prime rib with wine sauce, roasted brussel sprouts with balsamic vinegar and mashed potatoes. Red velvet cheesecake for dessert pushed us over the limit. Jeans feeling a little tight as I type! Time to switch from feasting to fasting!!
Anyhoo, back to dad. One of his love languages is giving big and abundantly, especially at Christmas. God has blessed him with healthy finances, so he is well able to give when his heart moves him, which is often. This year he was in an especially good mood and wanted to take the kids shopping to Sam's club, his favorite store - by himself, without me. Well, I knew the kids wouldn't be prepared for what was about to happen, so I prompted them to get ready for a nice haul. And boy was it nice. 

Let's just say Santa Clause came to town! They came back with laptops, cameras, watches and blenders - not only that, but blue rays and Ulta gift cards. Cooleo!! That's what I call a niiiiiice Santa! The kids have already decided to make this trip to Sam's an annual event. It was a wonderful, blessed time for them.
What better way is there to enjoy the season than to give to others? Many can't take extravagant shopping trips to Sam's or the mall, but there are other ways to give. Love and time and crafty things are thoughtful and special. Hospitality and food are meaningful too. All of it points to Jesus, the most wonderful gift of all. He provides for our physical needs and desires, as well as the comfort to the soul and the spiritual food needed to survive in this evil world.  He is sooooo good!! For every one wonderful thing given by an earthly father, there are a myriad of uncountable things given by the Heavenly Father. Again, most importantly, His son, Jesus!
Merry Christmas everyone! Make it last all year!

This Year's Gingerbread House

Lots of work but lots of fun! This year the gingerbread and icing were made from scratch-it was much easier, cheaper, and better to work with. I had fun designing while watching my favorite Christmas movies. Remember The House Without a Christmas Tree with Jason Robards? I found a copy at Big Lots a couple of years ago and it still makes me cry. Great story. Next is The Walton Homecoming. Yes, I am a lover of all things Christmas and sappy! Merry Christmas everyone!

This year's Gingerbread House

Lots of work but lots of fun! This year the gingerbread and icing were made from scratch-it was much easier, cheaper, and better to work with. I had fun designing while watching my favorite Christmas movies. Remember The House Without a Christmas Tree with Jason Robards? I found a copy at Big Lots a couple of years ago and it still makes me cry. Great story. Next is The Walton Homecoming. Yes, I am a lover of all things Christmas and sappy! Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas! Our Christmas Card

Merry Christmas from the Fridays!

Christmas is Here!

Christmas is here at the Friday house! Looking forward to this wonderful time of year. Time to be thankful for the Incarnation of The Lord Jesus Christ. Green trees and wreaths are for eternal life, lights are for the light of the world, red is for the power of His shed blood, gifts are for the blessings poured out In Him, food and festivities are for feasting and joyous celebration - the King has come and He is coming again! Make sure you see Jesus in everything the season offers and the trappings of commercialism will escape you! Merry Christmas!