Preparing for a Social

Hello Dear Ladies, and everyone else,

I found this painting among my husband's parents posessions. I even took it around the area where they lived to see if it had been given to them by any local artists. The relatives might like to have it back, if it was painted by one of their own.  No one knew who the artist was, and So I kept it. It is signed simply "Sylvia." This is the first time I ever thought of using it, and it was inspired by a photograph in this new publication:

I rarely buy books or periodicals anymore unless the paper quality and the contents are high. This one has no ads and the pages are thicker. I like the new magazines like Jeanne d' Arc (published in Denmark) because the pages are like linen or parchment paper.

Inside this special issue (it isn't a monthly publication) was this photograph:

I wanted to have something like this using only natural, disposable greenery, squash and gourds. My farmer neighbor grew these from the pumpkins I grew last year. I have to return them after the Tea, because she cuts them up and feeds them to her cows and sheep, but I am going to get some seeds and try again. What a pretty sage green one that is in the back of the display:

I will be growing all of these next time!

The ladies annual tea and singing is scheduled for Friday, so I only have a few days to prepare. While they all contribute to the food and song selection, I try to have a back-up plan, so I am busy planning a menu, song selection and preparing the house.  

I had to get a stem of leaves from Dollar Tree, but There are plenty of these outside. They have to be used the day of the event, as they don't stay fresh in the house for long. I will be substituting these n Friday in my mantel display.

Since I am trying to get everything ready Monday, I might be able to devote more time to the previous subject of handling difficulties with disgruntled and discontent people. I got a very good email response to this, so I do want to share some ideas on the subject.