Friday, August 6, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Things -- My cornucopia

Cornucopia or "horn o' plenty"

We moved a lot when I was growing up. Maybe some of the things I inherited from my parents, particularly my mother, meant so much to me was because when the seasons changed, Mother would set out the same things to decorate with.
They were always used differently from year to year. I can't ever remember any of her decorations staying exactly the same. Just seeing the familiar dishes, bowls, granite fruit,
dried flowers, etc... brought a little security to my world. That thought has not occurred to me until now. (One of the benefits of blogging!)
This cornucopia, or "horn o' plenty" as it is sometimes called, would always appear in
mid-September. Either there would be fresh fruit
in it, dried flowers, nuts, whatever my mother
chose for her fall decor.
I loved this cornucopia. Not only did it
signify bountiful food, but it also signified that
Halloween and Thanksgiving were near.
I loved this time of the year. The aroma of
autumn leaves and such.
Perhaps I am getting a little ahead of myself
with the seasons ... but that's okay.

When our oldest son and his family were
visiting us recently the topic of the annual
Halloween party that I had been hosting
for our granddaughter the past four years in
Mexico came up. I had already been thinking
about the theme, what to cook and
even had a great "spooky" story in mind.
My son said, "Why don't we do something a
little different this year?" Hmmm... was I ever curious. "I would like for Carmen and David
to learn more about American holidays and
customs. Let's do Thanksgiving together in
Mexico."
A-ha!" ... The words I have been
waiting to hear. Our son, also our business partner has been living in Mexico for thirteen years with only periodic visits back to the U.S.
He married a woman from Mexico (educated for a year in England though) and I have been concerned that their children would miss out
on our U.S. holidays and customs.
It appears now that this is a priority to
our son. My husband and I were thrilled
to hear our son's suggestion.
Our cornucopia is over-flowing!

My mother




I am linking to Laurie for
Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie.
It's "A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday"
Check her out! 
http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/

11 comments:

Laura said...

Hi Karen-

This is exciting news and I bet you have your list out ready to take notes for Thanksgiving!

How exciting-

Your blog is a treat for the eyes,

Laura

From the Kitchen said...

Karen: I was born and raised in the same city and my family is still there. It wasn't until I was married that my moving started: California-Texas--South Carolina and now here. I've worked to instill my traditions into our sons and give them stability through the moves. How wonderful to look forward to spending Thanksgiving sharing your traditions with your precious grandchildren. I'll still be curious about what you do/would have done for Halloween.

Best,
Bonnie

Theresa said...

What a sweet post! I love the picture of your Mother, glittering and smiling! Happy planning for a Happy Thanksgiving visit to your Son's!

Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh Karen, I am so happy for you! I know it'll be a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have always loved that photograph of your dear mother, she is just so beautiful!

Happy planning!

Love,
Nancy

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Your mother has such a wonderful smile!

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

What a wonderful post and story. So glad you will be able to spend Thanksgiving with your family and instill in your grandchildren your family traditions.

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Can't believe it's time for fall decorating! I love it!
Beth

Judi said...

Hi Karen
This is certainly not too early to be sharing this wonderful news of yours. That is very special and special for your grandchildren too to be learning sharing in traditions.
Lovely memories of your mother brought to you with the cornucopia too.
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend and happy thoughts.
Judi

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Karen, how wonderful! A real family Thanksgiving celebration. I know you are thrilled. The cornucopia is so pretty and especially wonderful because it blonged to your mother. laurie

Hearts Turned said...

Celebrating together is always such a wonderful thing...so glad your son is wanting to continue that!

Thanks for your visit today and for your sweet comments...family is the most important thing, isn't it?!

Julie

JKW said...

Sorry I'm so late. I lost 2 close friends over the past 2 weeks. I guess I missed your roosters. I love the story about the Sunbeam, mine was pink and I'm looking to get another one shortly with Glass Bowls. Blessings, Janet