Fall Fireplace

Hi all!  I haven't posted in a few weeks, and I'm determined to show some fall scenes around the house before we start decorating for Christmas.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week -- Yikes!

I have so many things to share with you; I still haven't posted on my trip to the Southern Bloggers Conference in Raleigh back in October.  I'll be doing a post on the conference very soon because I got to meet two bloggers that I've really wanted to meet in person -- Barbara from Two Birdies and a B. and Shirley from Housepitality Designs.  These are two very sweet ladies!


For various reasons, I've been rather distracted for the past six weeks or so.  We went out of town twice in a month's time; I've been adjusting to new blood pressure medicine; we had a big leak in our kitchen drain pipe which runs to the basement, and it caused damage to our finished basement room; and last but not least, the 2012 elections.

Our fireplace did its fall metamorphosis several weeks ago, but I'm just now getting around to sharing these on my blog.  Everyone's probably tired of fall decor, but I really do hate to rush the season.  We think it's important not to skip over Thanksgiving at our house.  So here are a few pics -- I hope you enjoy them.

The lantern came from Home Goods back in the summer, and the owl came from Salem Creek, a local gift shop.

I've always been fascinated with owls, and I know they're really popular this year.  We often hear them at night in the woods around our house.  I love their call, just like I love the lonesome sound of a distant train whistle at night.

I couldn't resist this mercury glass pumpkin at Home Goods this fall; I love its copper color.  The leather-bound Edgar Allen Poe book was purchased many years ago when I worked at a book store and got a 30% employee discount. The pumpkin pasta bowl is also from Home Goods, last year.  You'd never know I like Home Goods, would you?  :)

 I got the faux boxwood topiary at Michael's this fall.  I found a good coupon online and printed it off and then went back to purchase the topiary.  Don't forget -- you can almost always find good coupons for Michael's online.  The topiary came in a little clay pot; I liked it, but thought it looked a little plain.  So I wrapped some burlap around the bottom of the boxwood stem, and then added the wired bow to dress it up a little bit.  Love the way it turned out.

The basket of grapevine balls and moss-covered balls sat on the hearth throughout the summer.  I added the bow to give it a touch of fall.

I did some photo editing with this picture and got a soft, glowing effect.  What do you think?  I like it.

Pumpkins are from the local pumpkin farm.

The last of the pictures...

Same picture with the softening effect.

I'm stretching the fall season as long as I can because it seems that life goes by much too fast.  Amazingly, we still have some really pretty leaves on the trees in our area.  I'm so thankful for the beauty and bounty of autumn.

My thoughts and prayers are still with those in the northeast who have suffered disaster, loss, cold, hunger, and frustration.  I'm relieved that our friends Kathleen, Barbara, and The Tablescaper are all okay.

Thanks to everyone who visits House at Forest Manor; I hope you continue to visit.  Have a wonderful week!

Denise

I'll be joining the following:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch
Home Sweet Home Party at The Charm of Home
Seasonal Sundays hosted by The Tablescaper