A touch of France and visiting Tournus . . . . . . . .

Bringing angels home from France - a find at the brocante in Carcassonne.

The ex voto on the little velvet pillow with golden tassels is new - found in

 a small shop in the crypt of the ancient Romanesque St. Philibert Abbey in

 Tournus - a beautiful ancient former Benedictine Abbey, c. 950.

My dining room display is just about complete - how much more can I cram

in here. Of course, with the holiday season waiting in the wings (no pun intended)

I will be tweaking it somewhat, adding the santos' golden wings, and

some Christmas greenery and sparkle later.

St. Philibert Abbey, Tournus

The reposing cherub was a sweet gift from my friend Sharon from Blackpool, 
England who was traveling with us - she snapped it up at a 'vide grenier' 
(street market) alongside the river at Tournus.

Around Tournus

Time for house warming. . . . . . . . . .

Some friends in northern England are already toasting their toes.

Lighting their fires and relaxing by the hearth.

Tomorrow we will schedule our chimney sweep William for his

annual visit as soon as we return from France.

We have our wood stacked and ready to burn. Thoughts

of Winter evenings in a warm cottage by a blazing fire are good. 

via Anthropologie 

Anthropologie has just come out with a thick HOUSE and HOME catalog

 full of incredibly lovely things for the seasons ahead.

Thoughts of winter evenings around the fire and then climbing into bed under

 cozy throws and blankets come to mind.

Some sweet vintage things which caught my eye at SuzAnna's Antiques recently.

Prices perhaps geared more to my pocketbook than those rather costly

 Anthropologie offerings.

This would be a great necklace or scarf holder.

These parrot prints are lovely. If only I had more wall space!

Cream colored Fleur-de-lys style ceramic tiles - always classic in design.

A few mixed in with plain tiles would bring a touch of France to a 

bathroom or kitchen.

OK, so I have France on my mind constantly these days.

My brother just informed me that the brocante I love in Carcassonne has moved. . . . 

but only across town. I hope he'll take me back and I find something small and 

special to tuck into my one allowed bag to bring home.