I love where I live.
I mean, I’ll admit that I didn’t always feel this way. I’ve even talked about how long it took me to fully embrace the fact that I am an Oregonian.
But, there is nothing like Spring in my neck of the woods to make me want to shout to the world that
I LOVE OREGON!
Here in the Willamette Valley, we truly get the best of both worlds. We have access to everything that big cities can offer and yet we can drive 5 minutes down the road and see the most gorgeous vineyards and farmland.
Every year around this time I start watching for one of my favorite Spring-time events. It’s not one that ever garners a whole lot of recognition and probably goes unnoticed by many in the area but, to me, it seems to signal the real start of the new season.
On my way to pick up my kiddos from school, I pass a simple white farmhouse. And once March rolls around, I’m on the lookout for the sign.
The one that simply says “Daffodils $1 for 10 stems”. And as soon as I see it, my heart does a flip.
Because I know that just up ahead is the bucket.
The bucket filled to overflowing with daffodils.
The moment I open my car door the fragrance hits me and I just want to bury my head right down into those blossoms. But I resist. Because it’s in someone’s driveway. And I don’t want them to chase me off.
So, I wait until I get home to do it. 😉
This year when it came time to decorate my mantel, I was thinking about those daffodils. How simple and sweet they are. And how sometimes I have this tendency to just over-complicate everything. From making dinner to what outfit to wear to decorating a mantel, I always tend to fall into this trap of over-thinking and being tempted to make it way harder than it needs to be.
But this year I resisted. I didn’t want to fall into that trap again. I looked at the bins of spring and Easter decorations and I just couldn’t bring myself to drag them out of the closet. Instead, I selected only a couple of pieces and incorporated them into what was already on the mantel.
It took me all of about 5 minutes.
Because who wants to spend a whole lot of time fussing and fidgeting with things inside when outside the whole world is coming to life?
I know that some of you are still buried in snow or just slowing starting to thaw out. And I don’t want you to hate me, but we’ve had days and days of glorious sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60’s. Today it even reached 70!
And my spirit has soared right along with those temperatures.
With every cherry tree covered in pink or white blossoms.
With every whiff of freshly cut grass.
With every opportunity to wear shoes without socks.
With every time I’ve opened the sunroom and soaked in the warmth.
And with every bucket of daffodils! 🙂
I’m so thrilled to be joining a fabulous group of ladies today for a Spring Mantel Tour and I hope you will pay them a visit for more ideas and inspiration!
And if you want to start the tour from the very beginning you can visit
Daisy Mae Belle and At Home With the Barkers
Happy Spring to you friends!
You are very blessed to love where you live. I love Daffodils too. They don’t grow well in Florida. But I saw them everywhere where I grew up. (Kentucky) They were sometimes called March Lilies. The other day I found some at the grocery and snatched them up! I love where I live too, (Florida) especially in the winter!!!
Beautiful, beautiful mantel Vanessa…I had to laugh when I read this post as my hubby had a similar conversation with me last night…I was fretting about getting things done in a timely manner before company came and he said, that I need to relax and not overcomplicate things….so when I read this, it made me truly smile….so I am off to get things done without overthinking and overcomplicating things!!!….Have a wonderful weekend Vanessa!
Beautiful mantel….love the Old World cross mixed with the freshness of the flowers. It really represents rebirth and renewal. …And I’d really love some of those old books…LOL….Happy Friday and Blessings for a wonderful weekend. Susie
Your mantel looks beautiful! I love the simplicity! It doesn’t get much better than a simple vase filled with tulips! As for the daffodils, mine are just about to bloom! My first real sign of Spring! And when I look out and see those happy yellow flowers, my heart smiles! Thanks for being part of the tour! Life to the full! Melissa
Gorgeous! That giant picture is FAB!!
Your mantel is the prettiest I have seen. I agree that too contrived is not the way to go.
Your mantel is stunning with it’s simplicity! Very reflective of spring and Easter. I love everything Especially the old world cross and the wall art! The tulips are beautiful too. Very well done.
Love all of your Spring touches!! That picture is stunning – I’m totally crushing on it! Happy Spring!
Here in New Hampshire, Old Man Winter hasn’t given up yet, as more snow is predicted for tomorrow. I am ready for Spring and your pretty mantel is giving me hope that it can’t be that far away. It has a quiet elegance that softly says Spring has arrived – just lovely.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
Perfectly beautiful Vanessa! When I lived way out on the eastern end of Long Island there were flower stands just like the one you described. My favorite was the one that popped up in Lilac season. I dove in too!
Happy Spring my friend!!
x,
Kelly
Your Mantel is beautiful!! I love all the layered neutrals.
Simply beautiful, Vanessa! I love the simple, natural touches and I wish I had that daffodil farm nearby like you do! Happy Spring!
So special! My birthday is this month, I was born at 4 O’clock in the afternoon at home ( many moons ago!) and my darling Daddy said when I arrived all the daffodils in the raised their heads and smiled…………no wonder they are one of my favourite flowers; new life, expectation and joy!!!
I love your mantle! Could you please tell me where you got that beautiful cross and picture. We still have lots of snow here but this inspired me to decorate for spring.
Thank you,
Anne Marie
Thanks so much Anne Marie! The picture is from TJ Maxx a few years ago and the cross is from Tuesday morning just picked up last week. 🙂 Hope you start thawing out soon!
Simple , beautiful. I love your mantle. I hope I can find a similar cross like yours. Beautiful.
Just beautiful! I love the simplicity. I see some (haven’t been on the tour) that every inch is covered with something. I think that with less it really makes a profound impact.
Enjoy!
xo
Pat