Saturday, December 15, 2012

An Old Friend Visits for Christmas

I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine that came to visit in the Dining Room this year. He usually lives in the Family Area downstairs, but he's making an appearance in a special place to help us celebrate the joy of the Christmas Season.




My parents were antique lovers from the beginning, so when they found this wonderful wooden horse, it was already "vintage". He was a gift to me when I was very little. I think I may have been placed upon him only once, and after that they realized he would be better suited to being admired than ridden.



I took these first photos this morning 
and added a little sprig of holly to dress him up.
Don't you love his happy little smile?



Love the rusted little bell on his reins, 
and his perfect white chippy "coat".



He has an honored place here in the Dining Room,
 on my old metal plant stand.






This is an old wedding certificate I found this Fall at the Festival of the Ozarks Antique Show. It makes me sad that this isn't with their family any longer, but I will enjoy it for them...





This time of  year as we celebrate Christmas, we realize that it holds a special place in our hearts for family, joy, and peace that only knowing Jesus can bring. Not only knowing the little baby that was born in a manger so many years ago, but knowing Him as our precious Savior, Comforter, and Friend.

I'm joining in with these wonderful parties this week:

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Blissful Whites at Timewashed
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Cowgirl Up at Cedarhill Ranch
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House



Sending the Spirit of Christmas your way,
xoxo,

52 comments:

  1. Oh he is just beautiful Debra... and such precious memories he carries... does he have a name?... I would call him Cheval Blanc... (white horse in French)... I am so happy you have him and all of those family memories... also happy you gave the old wedding certificate a new home... I know you treasure it... and like everyone else, I am praying for all affected by the horrific events in Connecticut... praying for everyone... they are all victims... including the police officers, the paramedics, the doctors, the counselors... and all of their families too... as the wife of a retired police officer who saw so much pain and sadness in his career, I can tell you these memories will stay with them their lifetimes as well... my heart aches... and the feeling of wishing I could do more... and hoping that my prayers help... much love to you sweet friend, xoxo Julie Marie

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  2. I love the horse, worn oh so just right. What a clever ideal to put it in the plant stand. Both items are among my favorite things. Merry Christmas, Richard from My Old Historic House!

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  3. Debra,
    He is so adorable. I love his smile that is the first thing I tought of when I looked at him. What a treasure from your childhood to have now in your home to share with your Children and grand children. He is amazing. I think he needs to be the traveling horse and come to my home for awhile!!!:) Would love to have him as a guest of honor!!!
    Kris

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  4. Yes a horse with a perfect nayyy smile and so perfectly time worn, and a perfect piece to add to prayer, where the parents that cannot cuddle there babies this Christmas can be remembered in special child's prayer.

    I feel so heavy hearted for the sadness of this evil lost at the hands of one young man who so desperately needed God in his life.
    Debra this was a beautiful post.
    Many blessings to you and your loved ones this Christmas

    Xox
    Dore

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  5. that's the nicest horse I've ever seen!!

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  6. What a beautiful piece! I love your horse, and even more so because you've had him since you were a child.

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  7. Hi Debra! Oh, your little vintage horse is just precious and the story of it being given to you as a little girl. He looks lovely where you've placed him. Love the old wedding certificate too. Wouldn't it be great to go to Ancestry.com and put in their names and see if you can up with anything!
    Thanks so much for popping in to see me and I'm honored you would pin my little Glitter houses. You know I'm gonna pin your little horsie too!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  8. What a precious treasure that rocking horse!!! He probably had glass eyes at one time and a tail of real horse hair too.....

    We are all feeling the horror and sadness.....

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  9. Wow...that vintage rocking horse is incredible. One of my favorite treasures you've ever shown! It's awesome that he comes from your family.
    And yes, we are all grieving for the families in Connecticut, God Bless each one.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your precious memories of your parents with the horse, love it and you. Di

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  11. Such a lovely horse! What a fun memory too. :)

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  12. Beautiful sentiments and an adorable old horse. Love it.
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss)

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  13. I love your old horse. He is just perfect. How wonderful that he was a childhood "pet"...even if you only rode him once. Praying for those in Connecticut. xo Diana

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  14. He is certainly a treasure and yes, the biggest treasure of all are our children. Merry Christmas to you, Dianntha

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  15. What a treasure! I love the name JulieMarie suggested if he doesn't have a name already...but, I bet as long as you have had him, he does! Hugs, Penny

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  16. Oh...that horse rocks! Such a lovely vintage piece, and the fact that you have it since your childhood! Precious!

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  17. Such a sweet horse and the memories attached make it priceless. Adding my prayers for the grieving today...

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  18. Debra,
    Your vintage horse is such a precious memory of your childhood! I adore that he has a place of honor in your dining room!
    Precious is the word for this post, too,my dear friend! May our Savior, Christ Jesus bring comfort to all during this recent tragedy in America's history! My prayers join yours to all affected.
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  19. OH Debra...he is a true treasure... how beautiful!

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  20. The horse is wonderful!!! I love it!

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  21. Debra, What a treasure! I am in love with your horse.

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  22. how lucky for you to have such a wonderful token of family memories. It's truly lovely.

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  23. Your horse is definitely a treasure and even more so that he's been in the family and you have those memories to draw on! What an amazing treasure to find that marriage certificate. I am sure you WILL enjoy it for them. The history makes it so special. We fond old photos in a house once.. and never were able to get them to the owner or family.

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  24. You know how much I love him too! So nice to think you have had him for so long.
    Perfect in your dining room.
    Such a focal point!

    So saddened, like you about the CT tragedy. Saying lots of prayers too.

    xoxox
    Alison

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  25. Debra, your horse is amazing. And the way you have him displayed in the plant stand is just gorgeous. I also love your wedding certificate. I actually purchased a baptismal certificate from the 20's in a beautiful frame to hang in my office (when I redecorate). The certificates of yesteryear are such beautiful pieces of art.

    The tragedy in Connecticut still has me reeling. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around how somebody could do something like this. My thoughts and prayers are also with those poor families whose loved ones and whose babies were taken from them so prematurely.

    Donna

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  26. Such a beautiful treasure, you are so blessed to have it, what memories you must have with him.
    So heartsick about the tragedy in Conn. so hard to wrap your mind around it.

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  27. What a beautiful horse and even more special that it was from your childhood. So much sadness and horror this weekend--prayers and peace to all.

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  28. What a great horse, Debra! He looks beautiful among the greenery in your dining room.

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  29. What a gorgeous toy. I'm taken to the scrap of red paint left on his snout! That wedding certificate is beautiful, too. I wish I had one like that from when I got married. I know you can order them online. I should've did it. What a tragedy for those sweet babies...that is why old holy cards show mental illness as a devil in shackles around someone's feet...it can cause such destruction and is so difficult to overcome for everyone involved, including the perpetrator. Sweet prayers for those perfect little children.

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  30. Debra, that's one of the most unique and beautiful antique horses I've ever seen!! Just gorgeous! I had one that I used under my tree last year, but ended up selling him at the Luckett's show last year and now I'm missing him for Christmas!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  31. Beautiful horse Debra!
    Our hearts are heavy here too.Keeping them all in our prayers.
    xx
    Anne

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  32. Debra, as someone who has searched for family for many years, I'd love to see the certificate find the descendents attached to those two love birds. Are you into genealogy? Could you find them on Ancestry.com? If not, I'd love to help you. I have found other family members for my friends and would love to do this if you'd like.

    And you absolutely have a GEM in that horse ! Wonderful !

    patty
    soriano471@sbcglobal.net

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  33. Who says the old gray mare ain't what she used to be? That horse proves the older the better.

    Bliss

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  34. Love your vintage horse, and how it is decorated for Christmas. It is in the perfect spot too:)

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  35. He's the perfect addition for Christmas - I say yay (not neigh)!! Sorry, bad horse humor! Pinning him - because he needs to get his blue ribbon!
    Kelly

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  36. That rocking horse is just darling and such a fun thing to have to decorate for Christmas with!

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  37. LOVE this post - the horse is glorious...Congratulations on being featured in Romantic Homes! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  38. He is really amazing... I think he is one of my favorite vintage items I have ever seen. What a special piece.

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  39. AwEsoMe HORSE!*!*!
    Along with a FaB Display...
    Happy HoLiDays Debra!
    Jeanine Burkhardt

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  40. What a wonderful story. I think he's beautiful!
    Congrats on your feature in Romantic Homes Magazine. I saw you featured and was so happy for you.. Hope you have a wonderful week!


    Jody

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  41. Very festive and beautiful!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

    Happy Holidays and Warm Seasons Greetings from Singapore~Sanghamitra.

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  42. What a beautiful old horse. He is absolutely wonderful Debra!

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  43. Love this horse!!! I've been looking for one, but can't find one that's less than $200!!! Maybe one day!! :) Until then, I'll admire yours! :) Hugs!!

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  44. Oh, my, Debra. I love it. I would have to have him out all the time where I could enjoy it.

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  45. How fortunate to have such a charming treasure from your childhood!

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  46. The horse is so wonderful, perfect treasure indeed.
    Michele

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  47. Debra,
    I love this childhood treasure! What a perfect item to bring out during the holidays. I just love it!
    Sherry

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