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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

the living room today


I recently changed up the living room just a bit and thought you might like to see. It all started with the purchase of an antique chinoiserie tea table (if you follow me on Istagram, which I love btw, you might recall seeing it this past summer.) 


This is how you see the living room when you come into the house.




When we first brought the table home I placed it in the bay window where the skirted table had been (here), but several weeks ago I moved the pair of antique French chairs to flank the fireplace, and placed the single antique tapestry-covered French arm chair in the bay window next to the table. (The pair of chairs are upholstered in a natural linen, though they always appear much whiter in the photographs.)  




 Ever since moving all the chairs all I want to do to sit in this room with a fire going, with a glass of wine and watch the sun set! (Check out my Instagram, which can also be seen on the sidebar, for one of our amazing sunsets from last night.)  The room has become a favorite spot for evening cocktails;)  I stole the vintage (solid) brass pharmacy lamp from the reading room, so am now on the lookout for a good replacement.




I've become a bit obsessed lately with little stands/stools/tables.  They are perfect for setting a glass of wine, a cup of tea or a magazine, or two.  This ornate vintage hand-carved stand has brass leaf inlay in the center of the top.




This little antique Chinese stand (purchased only last week) is the perfect height for a stack of magazines next to the chair.








A favorite oil painting, circa 1922, leaning against an antique French mirror shares the mantel with a pair of 17th century Italian gilt candlesticks, an antique English crystal-and-sterling match strike, an antique marble urn and an orchid in an antique brass jardiniere from Russia along with a trio of silvered-glass candle holders. 




Not much has changed on the antique French table next to the sofa.  The lampshade is brown, but when the lamp is turned on always reads as more of an orange-brown in photos.  The story of the antique grisaille ship painting on the table here.








And back to the chinoiserie table that started it all... .




This table is a China Export black lacquer and hand painted chinoiserie tea table.




Circa 1840.




The base is as beautiful as the table top and is topped by a "bird cage" mechanism that allows the table to tilt  for easy storage, if needed.
 




 The view of the living room from the stairs.


For reference, here is how the living room before HERE and to read about more of the details from the room HERE.




88 comments:

  1. So beautiful! How have you guys been? Loved Artie's blog with Ella. xo

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  2. Joan, I would never want to leave this room either. OMGOSH such treasures! So lovely.
    May God bless your lovely home.

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  3. Hooray, you're back. Beautiful table. One of my favorite things from your house is the statue with rosaries on that table. It's always inspired me, so when I spotted a small, wooden monk at an antique mall, I brought him home and ordered a vintage wooden rosary off of Etsy to drape around him.

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  4. Hello Joan, Your Chinoiserie table is perfect. This is a good example why not to be afraid of a new purchase; a room will always settle itself around a great acquisition. You have good taste in Chinese antiques--and speaking of which, Happy Chinese New Year!
    --Jim

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  5. Especially love the little antique Chinese stand. Thank you for sharing this, Joan! It always a pleasant surprise how a few changes in a room can make you fall in love with it all over again!
    Angela

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  6. You have a lovely home. Your living room is very elegant and sophisticated. Love the new table!

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  7. Joan, your house is so beautiful as always! I love the new furniture arrangement with two antique French chairs flanking the fireplace - what a perfect place to enjoy cold winter afternoons, cozy up by the fire with a good book and a glass of wine! I love the hand carved stand with brass inlay and the chinoiserie tea table. All these intricate details and fine craftsmanship are what I really love about antique furniture. Thank you for letting us peek into your beautiful home :)
    Yuko @ northfield gate

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  8. Joan you have such a knack for combining disparate elements. I love the ethnic feel of the room. That table is beautiful..what a find...

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  9. Beautiful room, the new table is perfect in the space! Ciao z

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  10. Absolutely beautiful! I especially love the fireplace, flanked by the chairs and the gorgeous mantle display!!!

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  11. So COZY!!!! Your house is one where I could curl up with a book in any room and be comfortable!

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  12. I'm glad your other rooms are getting used: you would probably have to pry me out of the barn room with Big Blue!

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  13. What a beautiful room. Love all your antiques. I would be spending many hours sitting in there.

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  14. It is such a beautiful layered space...and I love the new addition. I would want to sit in there also....:)

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  15. Joan, Dan, and Ella! I am so happy to see a new post, from you. The new living room arrangement is so nice and comfortable-looking. With the cold weather, that we have been experiencing, it is nice to have a fire in a room. (I have to say that I am looking forward to tomorow's snow storm!)Cindy

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  16. The new living room arrangement and the addition of the tea table look fabulous. I can only imagine how comfortable it is to sit by the fire on a cold winter day.

    I hope that you have a wonderful day, be safe in the snow.

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  17. Ah, what a cozy space, Joan! Love all the details and that new table -- jeez... fantastic. :)
    xo Heidi

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  18. Love! Beautiful table and great arrangement. So many wonderful spaces in your home. Stay warm.

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  19. It's such a lovely room...I can see why you like to have a wine there! So peaceful! ;)

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  20. Oh my, how I love the whole room but the chinoserie table is beautiful!!! I also love the new chinese stand. You have such beautiful pieces, Joan. I would never want to leave that room either. In fact right now is the perfect time for me to go sit in MY living room, sip a glass of wine before I make dinner:) Have a great week. Always so happy to see a post from you in my inbox!!!

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  21. Love. Love. Love.
    I don't know that I'd be able to pick a favorite room for a cocktail in your house! The barn room, the porches, anywhere with Ella a foot ... but I love this room!
    Agh-Hemmmm: Speaking of Ella, did you notice your Flemish tapestry pillow on the right of the sofa has the slightest little side chop?
    xoxo,
    A

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    1. Ha!!! Must have been me channeling you!:)

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    2. Ha! I totally quit chopping my pillows because of you! It's funny when my boys go behind me and chop them. I have to unchop all the time. Kind of liking the side chop ;)

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  22. I like the new arrangement and that chinoiserie tea table is wonderful! The old oil painting looks great leaned up against the mirror. We've been using the fireplace a lot this winter. It's been a cold one!

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  23. Your new arrangement is lovely - balanced and comfortable looking, perfect for visiting and conversation or just sitting with a good book and cup of tea. It feels like you have somehow managed to improve upon perfection. And, of course, the fire and sunsets are the icing on the cake.

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  24. Joan,
    This is such an inviting room, with the fire in the fireplace and the wonderful calmness of the neutral room colors. I can see why, when coupled with the sunset image on Instagram, you would want to be in that room every evening. I love the new arrangement and tables.
    Karen

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  25. Beautiful and cozy. That lampshade is gorgeous!

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  26. I LOVE the before and the after. It is no secret that your rooms are always favorites of mine.

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  27. beautiful as always...

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  28. I love the chairs next to the fireplace, I too would want to hang out there in the evenings. The chinoiserie tea table is STUNNING! I almost (and still regret) not buying an early 19th century tea table, with the bird cage underneath last May at Brimfield. Lately, the last year or so, I have been finding and purchasing small candle tables, they are the right height for next to a chair for a drink, and of course a votive candle. And I did enjoy your sunset picture. Stay warm, and enjoy the snow coming tomorrow. :) donna

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  29. So beautiful! Love the chairs placed by the fireplace. A wonderful place to share that glass of wine at the end of a day.

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  30. Joan you do have such a fabulous inventory of antique accessories to play with your vignettes are simply wonderful. I have always loved a pair of chairs flanking the fireplace. It makes for such a cozy spot to converse or just read a good book two by two. My husband and I often do that in the winter read separately yet together. I assume the tea table in the bay is a new acquisition. I agree the small side tables/stools are great little workhorses. The biggest aha I think it have picked up from you however is "marrying" two antiques the frame and the oil. Love that!

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  31. How utterly lovely. The changes are beautiful and that table (!) is just incredible. I have so missed reading your posts! Welcome back ;-)

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  32. Joan,

    It always makes my day to see your posts, especially in the dead of winter when you need something to brighten up your day! The living room looks fantastic!! It's the perfect combination of formal & casual. I especially love your ship painting. I have been thinking about you as my husband moved furniture in our living room a few weeks ago and created a big void in the room (this was happening early on a Sat. morning while I was in bed!). We then spent the next several weekends going to every antique store in CT.!!! We finally found a chest (circa 1825) and I think it makes the room!

    All my best from Southern New England!

    Mary
    Ruth's "little" sis

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  33. Beautiful, Joan! And so inviting!! I think the pair of chairs flanking the fireplace is very cozy, especially with a roaring fire. By the way, your living room windows are similar to the ones we have in Maine. Do you know the style and circa? I think ours are Victorian or Edwardian, but I'm not sure. They are definitely not Federal, when the house was built. xo

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    1. hi Loi, I didn't know the style until Steve left a comment (thank you Steve;) and said "... In answer to Loi's question, I think the windows are Prairie style so late Victorian/Edwardian." The house was built in 1853 and the windows are original, so I agree with the Victorian.

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  34. I have a thing for little tables/stools too, Joan. They're just so cute and handy. Love the "new" arrangement. I'm dying over that mirror on your mantel. What a warm, cozy-looking room! And thanks for the new post...I think a bunch of us were going through withdrawal. ;)

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  35. Beautiful table. And I've always loved your decorating style. So it was fun to see that you had the same Pottery Barn votive candle holders (at least I think that's what they are) that I have scattered across my white mantle. I really love that pop of Pink in the orchid and the painting. So beautiful!

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  36. It's a beautiful room - the chairs, the little tables - all so warm and comfortable-looking. What catches my eye most though, is the number and variety of lamps - lovely!

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  37. I love this furniture arrangement just as much as the last! It's good to be able to change things around.The room is both beautiful and inviting. And, your new old table is absolutely gorgeous!

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  38. Your living room looks so lovely...warm and inviting for an evening by the fire. All your beautiful pieces add texture and interest to this space. I especially love the Chinoiserie tilt-top. It makes me regret leaving behind my Victorian papier mache tilt-top when I left NY for the south. Oh well.

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  39. I have the same blue pedestal (?) and love yours as a lamp. Mine is an old Brimfield find, and it's just sitting on the floor with a candle on it. May need to visit the lamp shop! I'm inspired by you once again...

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    1. hi Lauren, I think you're referring to the antique green baluster lamp?? If so, here is a post I did that you might find of interest- http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2013/02/baluster-lamps.html

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  40. Have you ever noticed what happens when a new bird comes in and lands on a wire already filled with birds? The birds all scoot over and make room for the new guy, and the scooting continues down the line until everyone fits in comfortably. It's like this when we bring new pieces into the house, too. Our existing stuff has to shift, scoot, and step aside so the new guy has a place to be.

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  41. Such pretty pieces; I love the new table. And I so wish I had a fireplace!

    In answer to Loi's question, I think the windows are Prairie style so late Victorian/Edwardian is a really good guess.

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    1. thanks Steve! I'm always surprised to hear/see that there was ever a house built in snowy/cold New England that didn't/doesn't have a fireplace...or two! Ours will definitely be on today- we're snowed in; you should come on up;);)

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  42. Lovely room. Well done, it looks great.

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  43. I was very excited to see a new post. Your room is so beautiful, as they all are. I love seeing close up pictures of every detail and your many treasures. Best regards, Wenda

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  44. What a spectacular room, it is as grand as it is cozy and elegant as it is inviting....love it!!

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  45. Beautiful, Joan. I like the chairs on either side of the fireplace better than the window. Just my humble, really-don't-know-any-better opinion! :) Everything you do always looks nice. We're snowed in here, too, in Burlington, but I don't mind. We need it, and it's really very pretty today. Enjoy your day. Bev

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  46. Lovely as usual! Your rooms always have such an inviting, comfortable feel to them, despite being filled with gorgeous antiques. I love the mix of items from different parts of the world. You have such talent!

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  47. So much to love in this room. Is it tea time yet?

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  48. Before and after, the living room is gorgeous. Really, Joan, your home is one of my favorites. I'd love to sit in that room with you enjoying a glass of wine! You have terrific taste.
    Claudia
    P.S. Did I tell you I ordered a faux fur blanket from Restoration Hardware? I LOVE it! It's keeping me so warm. Your barn room was inspiration and I mention you and link to your blog from my post about my new "fur" throw. Thanks for such a wonderful blog!

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  49. Beautiful before and after. I love the symmetry of the linen chairs on either side of the fireplace..
    You have such an elegant touch!

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  50. The room is so warm and inviting! I'd love to sit and read a book on that couch and then have a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Just perfect!

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  51. OMG I love this room!! It is the perfection made in a room for me!
    Kiss
    Etta

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  52. I missed you but this was worth waiting for....absolutely beautiful! Always look forward to your inspiring posts.

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  53. Such a warm, inviting room! Perfect spot for cocktails :)

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  54. Adore the change and love all of the (unadorned) windows. I also live in NH and avoid curtains as much as possible. But what clicked with me today (after following and loving your blog for well over a year) is that you don't have a 'color or decorating theme'. Everything in your home is 'art' and looks beautiful on it's own, in a vignette and as part of the whole house. If not for the gorgeous, natural landscape, I'd be hard-pressed to ever venture outside!

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    1. I have never been able to put my finger on why I love this house. You said it today. Thanks!

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  55. It's all lovely. I always enjoy the many details in your home! ~Zuni

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  56. Love the room! Can you please tell me what the tray is on the coffee table? It's so pretty...

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    1. It is a copper tray (hence that great patina) from India. You can see some closer photos of it here... http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-mantel.html

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  57. Joan, I just love this room! It is so warm and inviting. I can imagine you here with a fire and coffee in the morning or white wine in the evening. I hope you and Dan had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Have you been antiquing in this weather? I yearn for warm days ahead so I can venture out and hunt again. I finally started blogging about my kitchen remodel. I think of you fondly as you kindly answered my questions and helped steer me in the right direction. Warmest wishes to you and Dan. xo, emily

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  58. Joan, I am always so enchanted by the warmth of your home. The chinoiserie tea table is the ultimate in craftsmanship and art. Such beauty! Thanks you so much for sharing it. -Brenda-

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  59. Your living room is one of my favorites in all of blogland! Love your new table, love your cowhide rug too! Lovely all the way around! ~Delores

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  60. Hi Joan! I can't figure out how to email you privately! So I'm just going to leave you a message here. I've been following your blog for a few months and it has been a great inspiration for my home search. My husband and I live in Boston, in the city. We are city people but recently we toyed with the idea of moving to the "country" as we call it. We are looking at a few antique houses and though the search has been difficult, your story and progress makes gives me hope for our progress! I also grew up in Texas and I just recently read that you grew up in San Antonio in one of your posts- me too! I have lived in the Northeast for the better part of my life, but it is always nice to "meet" a fellow Texan! Thanks for sharing! Best, Rita

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    1. Another fellow Texan! Love that Rita!
      (email is under the photo of the "mailbox" on the sidebar)

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  61. Nice superposition of rugs and beautiful Marrocan-style accents; interesting blend with the Asian furniture!

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  62. I have enjoyed your blog for quite a while, sharing it with several friends but never commenting on how much I love your home. I have been a lurker until today! My son and his wife have bought their first home. It is a lovely home that was built in 1939. It has been updated with new windows, roof, etc. but every room needed paint! I shared your blog with them and they have used your paint colors. My husband and I have been helping. The last room to do is the kitchen. We will be using BM white dove on the cabinets and gray owl on the walls. My question is that I want the cabinets to stand up to use. We will clean and lightly sand, then Zinser primer, then lighty sand and then 2 coats of white dove.Do you think that is a good plan?

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  63. It's so elegant and inviting!!! I'm imagining I'm there by the fire, glass of wine in hand. Watching a sunset would make it perfect. You have such an eye, the perfect touch....it's just beautiful!!!!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  64. THAT table is absolutely gorgeous. Oh, you see things that I never see, I have learned that it is a true talent. I enjoyed this post so much.

    Carolyn

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  65. What another gorgeous room. xo

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  66. Hello Joan, Dan and Ella,

    Please come back.

    I miss you.

    Robin in Umbria

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  67. The room is just gorgeous! You always decorate everything so beautifully!

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  68. I was hoping that maybe you would post on March 4 . . . maybe you were cutting back to one post a month. Guess not : ( Take care and I hope all is well with you and yours!

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  69. Hi Joan, I really enjoyed talking with you in our antique shop in Concord the other day and loved hearing the stories about your finds! It is always so much fun when a treasure has a story to it. I had not really looked at your blog, but did go and look after our visit....simply beautiful! I love everything about your home! Absolutely love the wall where you have all the pressed wildflowers. Stunning! I told my sister in Chicago about your blog and she said she had already been following you for sometime! I look forward to seeing more beautiful photos.

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  70. You are so talented. I love absolutely everything in this room. xo, N.G.

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  71. One very elegant looking place you have! Thank you for sharing, this is such a great post!
    Patrick Tan

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  72. Hello! I am a new follower by email since the Followers link didn't work. Your home is beautiful and inspires me. I got here by way of Google and landed on a two year old post of a spring mantle. I've looked around for photo rules and hope you won't mind if I use that one. I will definitely credit you. I will be checking in on this lovely spot.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan