Thanksgiving-Mantel

 There are days that I cannot believe how blessed I am to be able to write this blog.

I love it.

Really.

Not just a little love it.

I love it more than an entire 12 hour marathon of Project Runway.

I love it more than Spiced Pumpkin Latte at Starbucks.

I love it more than spending an afternoon creating a Thanksgiving Mantel.

I love it more than finding this by the side of the road and lugging it home for the big blank wall in my living room.

Rustic Mantel

 

I always write my posts at night.

Late at night when the busyness of the day has slowed to a halt and the stars are twinkling in the back field.

Some days there is a post inside my head….just waiting to burst forward onto the pages of the blog.

Those are my favorite days.  

Those are the days that my fingers fly over the keyboard and I pour everything that is in me into the words on the page.

I write it and rewrite it and then write some more.

And then….when the last word is written.

When the last “i” is dotted and the last “t” is crossed and my heart is full…..I step away and go to bed.

 

Thankful sign

 

And when I wake in the morning……the house comes alive with the hustle and bustle of four busy children.

And chaos reigns supreme.

There are after-school activities to be planned and notes to be written and homework to check and stories to listen to and hair bows to be tied.

And when the last lunch has been packed and the last backpack has left and the house is silent once more…..

…..I sit down to coffee with you.

I pour a steaming mug of pumpkin spice coffee and light a candle and open my e-mail.

It is better than Christmas morning.

I read.

And laugh.

And snort and giggle and guffaw and sip my coffee and laugh some more.

Thanksgiving Decoration

And so my wonderful friend….I wanted to say thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you for coffee every morning.

Thank you for reading and commenting and encouraging and uplifting me.

Every. Single. Day.

Thank you for roast recipes and paint color questions and incredible vocabulary words and inspirational stories and for taking a moment from this busy life we all lead…..

….to share your heart.

 So have a wonderful and blessed crisp and clear fall day and rest secure in the knowledge…..

…..that my pumpkin spice coffee and I will be here all week  🙂

Thanksgiving

 

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Sally Sally

    Love, love, LOVE the mantle. It's awesome. And... I'm drinking TEA, but I'm right there with ya in the morning! =) Have a great day KA! ~Sally

  2. Image for Karen Karen

    I am also reading this while having my Dunkin Donut's coffee, and I just wanted to say, you are welcome. I love reading your blog and the passion that you have for writing comes through with every post. So let me need by saying, THANK YOU! Karen

  3. Image for kathy kathy

    No, thank you Karianne. Bloggers like you help us whose flock has flown, to relive the chaos. In this phase of my life, in a new community after 51 years where 400,000 people live, to where 400 people live, and that is just in the summer. I don't feel as lonely and enjoy all of the creativity and talent that women everywhere are kind enough to share. I have reached out to several groups that interest me and am on a first name basis wiith 3 local antique and junk dealers. Keep the cards and letters coming, you never know who you might have helped that day. kathy

  4. Image for kathy kathy

    I see the commenters ahead of me are sharing their beverage choice. I am a cold caffeine person. One ice cold pepsi.

  5. Image for Brenda Brenda

    Kari- That mantel is so pretty. And perfect. And inspired. You make everything pretty - and it makes me want to be jealous, but you are so darn kind and gracious (did I spell that right?) that it's impossible. So I am just thankful. For you and your talent. And for pretty-ing up my screen while I drink my pumpkin spice coffee this morning! Have a great day! Brenda

  6. Image for Heidi @ Decor & More Heidi @ Decor & More

    Wish we could have coffee IRL ~ what a great way to start the day!! Thank you for your often funny, sometimes quiet, always brilliant inspiration each day. The day our paths crossed was a blessing to me and it continues... :-) xo Heidi

  7. Image for Marian Marian

    I am so coming over! I can't believe how fun it must be read everyone's comments! But you'll have to get pumpkin spice herbal tea or cocoa for me. No coffee here. Although I do love the smell. Mmmmmm. And I totally want to see Linda's union Jack pillows. Love. I keep trying to find a place in my house where grey would work. unfortunately, no grey here. Only orange and cobalt blue and taupe and blue green. I am a girl of many colors. Enjoy the coffee for me!

  8. Image for Beverly Beverly

    Blessed be the tie that binds. Those are the words that came to mind as I read this post this morning. Who would have ever imagined the world would have a way those of us with common "ties" would be able to touch others around the world. I count you among my blessings, sweet friend.♥ Your home is filled with gratitude, and I appreciate you inviting me in to share in the glory.

  9. Image for Gina Gina

    Would totally be friends IRL! Enjoy coffee with you every morning. Sometimes you make me laugh, sometimes cry, but all the time you have me smiling. Not a bad way to start my day! I thank you. ---gina

  10. Image for Adrienne Adrienne

    aand thank YOU for your always delightful posts. I LOVE reading them each day, especially in the dark of the morning with my hot coffee with sweetcream--and definitely before the chaos of three busy kids starts whirling through the house! Have a blessed day Miss Karianne!

  11. Image for Sandy Miller Sandy Miller

    Karianne~ I'm not a blogger but I am a crafter. I love, love it and feel sorry for those that aren't or say they can't do anything. You are the best and so glad you work late into the night to come up with your extraordinary blog. You are the best! Thank you for always making my day! Sandy

  12. Image for Joan Joan

    My morning routine also includes getting the kids off to school, quietly sitting down with a cup of coffee (caramel macchiato!),and reading your posts. You always make me smile and impress me with such simple and relatable thoughts. Thank you for sharing with us!

  13. Image for shirley@housepitalitydesigns shirley@housepitalitydesigns

    Oh Kari...thank you!!!....As I start my day each morning, my hubby places the very first smile on my face...and then I open up my email and you give me the day's first laughter!!....So what a way to start the day...with smiles and laughter... Love, love your mantel...you always find the most creative items to display so beautifully!!!.....

  14. Image for Erin Buchanan Erin Buchanan

    No thank you! I seriously enjoy seeing your blog in my inbox. I look forward to reading your witty stories. And I absolutely love your decorating style. You totally inspire me. ~ Erin B.

  15. Image for Mary Kay Mary Kay

    Kari - you are welcome and I love to read your blog. You have given me inspiration to make pretty things in my home by reusing, recycle and repurpose. Thank you!! I do have a question for you - the plates on your mantle did you make those? I have seen several posts on Pinterest on using a Sharpie and putting the plates in the oven. I want to try it but just haven't taken that plunge YET!!

  16. Image for Erin Kaven Erin Kaven

    And thank you for all the stained shirts I have from spitting my coffee as I laugh at your dry wit quips each morning. Don't worry, I'm sure there will be paint stains covering those of the coffee by days end.

  17. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    NO.....Thank you for writing this beautiful blog. I truly look forward to reading it every day. It's one of my favorites and you make me laugh and cry and smile. I wished you lived closer, I know we would be great friends. p.s. I love the roast story.

  18. Image for Mrs. C Mrs. C

    Shouldn't we be the ones saying "Thank you!" ? What a treat it is, to come and visit here at your "place". You welcome us with arms wide open, give us so much inspiration through your pictures, showing all the beautiful little details of your life, home...and always, always giving us something to smile about, or laugh right out loud. What a treat it is, to visit with you here at Thistlewood Farm, thank you for just being you! ps I am in love with your birds on the mantel! I want to make one today, but doubt I can. :) If I had the proper saw, I would! They are the perfect punctuation mark to your mantel decor! Have a blessed day!!!

  19. Image for sheila harmon sheila harmon

    Wonderful post this a.m. (everyone gets up awfully early out there in the world). Just wondering how you monagramed your plates on that beautiful mantel. So how did you monagram those plates? Any suggestions would be helpful.

  20. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    Oh....you know, I receive quite a few blog posts in my email...and you are one of the firsts I go to in the morning with my coffee! You have the funniest stories, and the best decorating. Did you take creative writing in high school?? Well, anyway...Thank You for writing!! Love the mantle...the things that you find by the side of the road! Enjoy ypur day! ;)

  21. Image for Miss Flibbertigibbet Miss Flibbertigibbet

    Wow! Who else but you finds a giant 'N' on the side of the road??!! Serendipity for sure! It's nice of you to thank your readers but you are the one who deserves a thank you! I drool over your pretty, immaculate house every day! You are an inspiration to 'get up and get going'...!! LOVE the b&w mantel!!

  22. Image for andrea andrea

    I think we all need to thank YOU for blogging again. What ever did we do before you came back to us? Your home, but more importantly YOU are such an inspiration to so many. How cool is that? Have a wonderful day, KariAnne, and enjoy that well deserved Pumpkin spice lattee!

  23. Image for Susan Susan

    Karianne, The mantel looks wonderful! I love checking in with you everyday you always brighten my day and make me smile. You always give me so much inspiration. Have an awesome day. Susan

  24. Image for Betsy(@coastal-colors) Betsy(@coastal-colors)

    I love, love, love you mantel! I'm drinking iced tea though! Mother Nature has taken care of me drinking coffee, in my old age! It makes me too hot! LOL! Love the inspiration! I'm cooking a roast as we speak!

  25. Image for Adrienne Adrienne

    I feel the same about opening my blogroll andt reading new posts from my favorite bloggers! It's like reading my favorite magazine daily instead of monthly.... We'll call it the new IM- Instant Magazine-ing ;) have a great day!

  26. Image for Marnita Parry Marnita Parry

    Love your blog, please don't ever stop writing. BTW - Can't help you with the roast but I can give the best and EASIEST stroganoff recipe in the whole world, company coming over worthy. Beef Stroganoff 2lbs of beef (chuck roast, flank steak, stew meat, etc) Can of cream of mushroom soup Can of cream of chicken soup Can of cream of celery soup Can of sliced mushrooms with juice, small can 1 8 oz carton of sour cream Combine soups, mushrooms and beef and cook 3 hours in the oven at 325* or on slow in the crock pot. Just before serving add the sour cream. Serve over rice, egg noodles or potatoes. Enjoy! Marnita

  27. Image for maryJean maryJean

    Karianne, finding you in the past few weeks has been the bees knees. (: every day I log on and am delighted with your blog. it is the ice in my iced tea...(and i stuff my tea with a lot of ice.) ((here in Colorado, we do tea without the sweet.)) thank YOU! maryjean

  28. Image for Traci Traci

    Karianne, your post was very refreshing. I have read so many blogs writing about how burnt out and disappointed they find themselves at this point. I am energized by your post. Thanks so much for sharing your positive outlook. Traci

  29. Image for Regina Regina

    Karianne, YOUR blog is my reward! I always try to save it until I hit that "lull" in libraryland - which today, manning the desk by myself, has FINALLY come! I'm sipping a vanilla latte that a lovely patron brought to me in apology for her being two days late in returning her books, and reading about thankfulness. I'm thankful every day that I've found your blog, and that my wonderful cousin shared you with me! Praying for lots of things today, and this just made me sit down and take a deep breath - and let it go. Thank YOU.

  30. Image for Anita Anita

    Kari Anne, I feel the same way. I just love to blog and it makes me soooo happy, even when I don't get paid. Just realized that you were not on my blog roll, yikes. That's an oversight on my part. Yours is one of the very few blogs I subscribe to by email. (Shhh...) If I subscribed to all of my blogging friends, my inbox would be jammed every day. Any way, love your blog, your photos, your ideas, and your writing style. Bravo Girl!!

  31. Image for Zolane Zolane

    Like so many others have said before me, thank YOU, Karianne. I truly love reading your latest posts and going back through favorites and pictures on your blog. (I'm still in the process of turning over any bookcase I see :)) It's the first thing I look for as soon as I open my email and look forward to years of new posts, adventures, smilles and inspiration. Even if we never meet this side of Heaven, you are a blessing and gift in my life. Hugs, Zolane P.S. The mantle is delightful. Makes me want to sit and stay awhile.

  32. Image for Linda Adams Linda Adams

    Hi Karianne, I love your thankful mantel especially those birds. I want some like those. Thank you for writing your fun blog posts. You bring me laughter and joy. I am grateful for you. Joyous Wishes, Linda

  33. Image for Chandi Young Chandi Young

    Seeing your post in my inbox is like Christmas for me!! I love it, I am always in awe of your talent and grace!! I want that letter N you placed on the mantle, actually the more I look at it, I think it has become a need..........:)................where did you find/make/buy that at?? Thanks again for all the inspiration!! -Chandi Young

  34. Image for Brenda Kula Brenda Kula

    And Karianne, you write so eloquently! No matter whether you're talking about pot roast or a project you've done. You DO IT VERY WELL. In fact, I'd venture to say you were born to do this. And I was a Professional Writing major in college, so I should think that would give me some cred. Brenda

  35. Image for Anne Anne

    You are such a sweetheart - thank YOU for your funny and inspirational posts. I think I thank you most for how your posts inspire so many hilarious comments. You make my day whenever you post. Happy Wednesday! You rock star of a rock star!!

  36. Image for Susan @ Afford Your Passions Susan @ Afford Your Passions

    I don't know how you manage to keep up with four young children, and a gorgeous house, and still have time left at the end of the day to sit and visit with us, but I am thankful that you are able to do so! As always, your photographs are gorgeous, and your home is beautiful!

  37. Image for Barbara F Barbara F

    Your mantle is gorgeous Karianne! Your blog is one of my daily delights. so, so happy you came back to the blog world! xo Barbara

  38. Image for Maxie Sykes Maxie Sykes

    What a wonderful collection of inspirational ideas here, Kari Anne....I've done a bit of DIY Thanksgiving decorating thus far but love these ideas for taking it to the next level.

  39. Image for Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality

    Hi, sweet Kari! I just love YOU and your blog. You have really enriched my life this year with your friendship and I'm so, so glad you came to Haven and we got to meet in person. Can't wait to do it again. You are a joy and treasure in blogland.

  40. Image for NanaDoll NanaDoll

    I don't even remember how I came across your blog months ago...I had only recently started my own, and was so excited about the blogosphere and how many awesome blogs I had found. I signed up to follow about 150 blogs. WHO HAS THAT MUCH TIME??? I gradually trimmed down my list...I only allow three to email to my account--Thistlewood Farm, Ashleyannphotography.com and Funky Junk Interiors. Your blogs are relevant to ME where I am today. It is like truly sitting down for a chat with a good friend. Thank you for your down to earth appreciation of life. I am sitting here with my own cup of coffee and savoring my crazy world and enjoying the benefits of blogging that I didn't expect to find. Have a great awesome fun fall day...cooking up some fun for us all:). And I will be attempting to find a way to put my thoughts on "paper" and hope to make some invisible impact on the life of someone.

  41. Image for Debbie Debbie

    And I want to say thank to you for your blog! I love reading your posts, you always get a chuckle out of me. And this is such a good one, lets us see into your heart. Debbie :)

  42. Image for Rachel Rachel

    Well thank you! For sharing all of your seemingly unending creativity. And...for keepin it real. I read your blog, and think...now that's a chick I can hang with. I like that you are a real person, who love pumpkin spice coffee like myself!!

  43. Image for Stacey@ A Sort Of Fairytale Stacey@ A Sort Of Fairytale

    this is a beautiful mantle! i saw your home as the Cottage Of The Month at The Old Painted Cottage and I was so excited to see you over there! your home and photography is stunning!! you have come such a long way with the photography...so awesome. you are gifted in all that you do :)

  44. Image for Jennie Larsen Jennie Larsen

    I am in love! I love the B & W! Fab. job. I just liked you on FB... why haven't I heard of your site before? (scratching head!) I came over from TDC link party. Have a great one. Jen-COM

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