A couple of weeks ago the doorbell rang at our house and as I walked towards the door my heart started beating faster.
You see, every day for what feels like forever I’ve been watching for our book to get here. THE book. The one that I worked on for a whole year and that I had yet to hold in my hands.
I knew it was coming and the anticipation was driving me crazy! (Side note…I’ve decided that when you are waiting for something as important to you as your very first book, there should be no other deliveries made to your house until it is in your hands because it was like a cruel joke each time I saw a box waiting on the doorstep only to realize that it wasn’t the RIGHT box! Sheesh!)
But then, one evening as I was preparing dinner, I heard the doorbell ring. Now, this presented a little bit of a dilemma.
Only minutes before I had gone to shake up a plastic container of marinating chicken only to realize that I hadn’t secured the lid properly which thereby allowed marinade mixed with raw chicken juice to splatter all over me.
So, there I was hearing the doorbell ringing and thinking, “this can’t be the moment.” I mean, it wouldn’t come when I’m wearing grubby clothes covered in raw chicken marinade and scrambling to get dinner ready for my family.
To be honest, I don’t really know how I thought the stage should be set for THE moment (was I supposed to be wearing a ball gown and a tiara???) but I was pretty sure that this wasn’t it.
I walked to the door and as I glanced through the window I could see the delivery man standing there waiting for a signature. And I knew…I knew that this was it. This was going to be the moment I would remember forever. The moment I held my book in my hands for the first time….and I was going to be covered in dried up marinade.
But after I jumped up and down with excitement and scared the UPS guy with my shrieking and shakily opened the box and slid the stack of books out and held them in my hands and squealed and cried tears of joy and my family came running to see what was happening, I realized that this really was the absolute perfect moment.
Because it was reality.
And reality is always, always better. Because, let’s face it, my reality filled moment provided me with a much better memory than if I had been wearing a ball gown and tiara. And it gave me a much better story to share with you here.
Reality keeps us humble, it gives us perspective.
And speaking of perspective…
As my son flipped through the pages of the book my heart leaped with joy because I was quite sure that he was feeling overcome with pride in what his mom had accomplished.
He looked at me and said, “This is really cool Mom!”
And just as I found myself beaming at him he followed that up with, “So, what’s for dinner?”
Perspective. 😉
I’m so glad you could meet me at the fence today and I hope you will enjoy paying these other bloggers a visit to see more fall tablescape ideas and inspiration!
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26 Comments on "A Simple Fall Dining Tablescape"
I always love how you tell a story! Yes it would have to be at the worst time ever, right? Congratulations on your book! And I love your table centerpiece! 🙂
Congrats on the new book – so exciting! It seems in life, timing is never perfect. You now have a memory of a lifetime. Beautiful tablescape! Happy to tour with you!
I love that story. That sounds like something that would happen to me since I’m always spilling something. Congrats on the book! That’s awesome. And your table is simply beautiful. So glad you’re touring with us! ~ Angie
What a beautiful tablescape. The centerpiece is so pretty. Can’t wait to get my hands on the book.
Reality is always better! Your table is stunning! And, I absolutely can’t wait to get that book in my hands!!! So excited for you and Heather!!!
I LOVE this! It is simple and stunning. Great ideas! It is fun touring with you this week!
Sounds perfect! I am so excited about your book friend! I know it is going to be inspiring. Your table is stunning and I am totally copying the blanket situation! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations on your new book! I look forward to reading it!
Your table looks so pretty set for fall. I love the little buckets that you filled with pumpkins and the dried hydrangea surrounding them look so nice.
I’m so happy for you and you’re right, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment to remember in all it’s glory (and messiness)!!
Love your gorgeous table!! And that is so me…chicken marinade!! Congrats on your book!!!
xo
Nancy
My book should ship around October 4th! I can’t wait. My only regret is that it won’t be a signed copy. I cannot wait to read it.
Oh congrats!!!!….As I was chuckling at your story, I was swooning over your gorgeous Fall table….Oh kids, they certainly bring us back to Earth don’t they!….How so very exciting for you.
Congratulations on the book – so exciting! Real life timing – gotta love it. Your tablescape is gorgeous and so are your photos. Pinning.
How exciting to finally have your book arrive at your door! Congratulations! So happy for you!
Your fall arrangement on your table is beautiful!
I will look forward to getting a copy of your book when it arrives at the bookstores.
Terrific story about real life…no wonder you have a book coming out! Congrats on the publication! Your “simple” tablescape is gorgeous – I love the throw as a tablecloth (or that’s what I think it is) and the colour is amazing. Fantastic centerpiece idea as well. Enjoyed my visit here…
Your centerpiece is sooo cute!!! Love the little pots!
Happy Wednesday!
Paige.Rose
from
http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com
Congrats on the book! Will order one for myself and a few for Christmas gifts!
Congratulations on the new book! So happy for you! Love your tablescape … the centerpiece and tablecloth. Perfect for fall!
Simply gorgeous…and a huge congrats on the book! Happy tour week to us all (and thank you so very much for the sweet comment on my wreath). 🙂
Wow, Congratulations on your book, it looks amazing you guys!! Your Fall Tablescape is so beautiful! I love the touch of plaid on your table, so warm and yummy!
Hilarious! Yep – sounds about right… Congrats on the book and LOVE that centerpiece!
Heyyyy, you make it sound like being covered in marinade and raw chicken juice is a bad thing. I see it as a sign of being a blogger. LOL Love your story, and love your table even more. Always a pleasure to see your gorgeous home. xxoo, Barb
Gorgeous tablescape. I just love all the acorns and hydrangeas on the table. It’s lovely design.
Congratulations on that wonderful book, sweet friend!! I think I will have to have a copy…where can they be found?!!! And love that tables ape!
Congratulations on that wonderful book, sweet friend!! I think I will have to have a copy…where can they be found?!!! And love that tablescape!
Thank you so much Leslie!!! The books will be available in stores and online on October 4 but for now you can pre-order a copy through Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Here is the info: http://www.atthepicketfence.com/book
Thank you again! 🙂