“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” ~Alphonse Karr
I absolutely love this quote. It is a great lesson in gratitude and changing my perspective. So not being able to travel for the holidays, due to health issues still, I was able to host a couple of neighbors for an American Thanksgiving feast.
And I was most grateful for their company, their companionship. It is easier to deal with my strict dietary restrictions when I can cook and offer some of the traditional foods too. We had yummy chicken (can’t eat turkey), mashed parsnips instead of potatoes, cranberry sauce with Stevia to sweeten, and Brussel sprouts tossed with olive oil, lemon zest and pomegranate seeds better known as arils. Rolls and stuffing were made for the rest who could eat them. And of course we had pie. Well everyone else did. I had an apple.
My wonderful neighbor Toni brought this beautiful autumn bouquet to dress the table.
So many lovely flowers in fall colors.
Since I decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, I had to move the vase. So now it sits on my dresser, and is a welcome delight. I will thankfully admire and cherish this vase and all my holiday memories this year.
With this vase, I am joining in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All the pictures shared in this post were taken with my Nikon Coolpix or iPhone camera, and manipulated on my iPhone using the apps, Pixlr and Prisma. You can follow my progress with #the100dayproject in my Instagram and Facebook feed.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Gardens Eye View, 2010-2023. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
What a bright summery posy amidst the little autumnal squash/pumpkins and your Christmas displays – so lovely to have vases of blooms and festive displays of any sort. And how lovely to be able to hold a Thanksgiving meal that suited you – and your neighbours looked happy to be sharing it with
It just was lovely all around. I will cherish the memories.
Companionship was the theme and joy at being able to love and share comes through on your post. The flowers are beautiful.
I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you!
Lovely bouquet! Diet restrictions are a challenge during the holidays. SO much sugar, yikes! But yes, one learns to work around the restrictions and make the company the most important aspect.
Absolutely. So very important
I’m glad you were able to pull together a Thanksgiving feast with creative replacements. My husband has serious dietary restrictions too, which complicates matters but the substitutions usually work out. Your gift bouquet is lovely!
Thank you. Yes when people are open and creative the feast works wonderfully.
The flowers are perfect for your autumn display with little pumpkins. Glad you could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with friends that suited your needs. So sensible to stick to foods that you know do you good. It was lovely to see you on Sunday Donna!
Thank you. I agree. It was great fun talking with everyone Cathy! Hope to do it again.
Love that quote, and your arrangement! Happy Holidays!
Thanks so much my friend!
It looks a happy and contented gathering around that table Donna. The Brussel sprouts dressing sound quite delicious and I will try that out at some point. Glad to read that you enjoyed the Thanksgiving celebrations even though you were unable to travel. What a beautiful seasonal bouquet to grace your table. It was so good to ‘meet’ you last weekend and hopefully I will see you again next time Cathy arranges a virtual get together
Thank you so much Anna. It was a delight meeting you too!!