{ my gold ring }

He is jittery with excitement as he locks the door behind him.  He shoves his hands deep in his wool coat pockets - his fingers find it quickly - yes it is there.  He looks up above the smokey brick buildings and dirty white streets - the Rocky mountains rise strong and tall - their peaks hidden behind low misty clouds dropping their load on the valley below.

There is an excitement in the air all around him.  Workers in the dark sooty factories forget their aching backs and cold feet.  He works with a light heart today - he steals glances at the clock as often as he dare - and yes as he checks his pocket - it is there.

The siren finally blares - workers hurry for the door - anxious to be home with families on this Christmas eve night.

His heart pounds - his breath heavy in the cold air as he navigates the team of horses along the frozen path.  Up ahead he sees a wagon on the side of the road - its wheel broken, stranding its cold passengers.  Four sets of warm eyes sheepishly plead as he pulls the horses to a halt.

It's there up ahead - warm lights glow from the parlor window.  Cedar and fir garlands drape the fireplace mantle.  Figures scurry - platters are laid out - the piano keys dance - candles flicker on the tree.  He pushes the door open - a warm grin and eyes all lit with breathless anticipation.  Across the room - there she is - his bride to be.

He ushers the family in - coats are taken - warm coffee is served.  They gather around the fireplace - strangers no more.  He straightens his tie, and pulls it from his pocket - with his strong warm hands he takes her tiny finger and slips it on - she beams - tilting her head up she kisses this man - her love.

She sheepishly approaches the cold pile of new earth.  Lovingly she takes her cold finger and slips it slowly off - full of reference and respect.  She slips it carefully into her suit pocket.  She glances up - there they are - two black suits laboring with each step as they walk arm in arm towards the waiting car.  Never strangers.

{ Harry and Etta married December 24, 1889 }

{ what's good about the cold?}

After many nights of freezing temps I am asking myself...Is there anything good about the cold...the hard freeze...it burns...it cripples...it drives me indoors.  I wonder this for nearly a week.  Then, Yes!  I see it now...it slows me down.  This is a good thing and a gift from God.

We added the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."  Proverbs 3:5 and 6, to our Christmas card this year.  So even in the bitter cold I seek Him.  This seems easier when I am less busy...less distracted.  Most days and evenings are so nice around here that I can barely bring myself indoors - so this weather finds me at home - inside - either near the fire or the stove.  Cooking in the winter is so satisfying.  You select, chop, simmer and savor long.  Inspired by the movie "Julie and Julia" I tried Julia Childs ancient recipe "Beef Bourguignon."  I love meet simmered in wine.  End of story.

We stay home this week - decorating the house for Christmas.  I've found for me decorating around the 10th of the month seems to work best for us.  This year I found joy in in using things we had around the house - the antlers above my dresser got the big call to hang above the fire place for the holidays.  I really like to use natural cuttings found on our property - so this year it was oranges with their leaves.   I did buy 3 new European cedars that will be planted in the yard following the holidays.  I like to keep my decorating easy and natural.  

From my heart to your home - Merry Christmas.

{ neutral and natural fall bouquets }

There are some days at the Brown Bunny shop when photos just aren't happening...much to my regret later.  Here are some bridal bouquets I did this past month for lovely brides.  Each utilized a neutral color scheme and in some cases are more wild and natural then others.

{ bright fall bouquets }

I love how diverse my job is...each wedding, each family and each bouquet is always unique and special.  Here is a sample of bouquets that I did this past month that are brighter - using various flowers in the richer colors.

{ jessica and chris } october 18

Jessica and Chris celebrated with their loving families out at Wolf Lakes Park - they chose a really cool palette of pastels with pops of brighter yellow and magenta.  I loved how all of the decorations came together.

{ april and scott } october 20

April and Scott were married out at Wolf Lakes this past weekend! What a gorgeous day for a wedding...great temperatures and a cool breeze off the lake! Lots of shades of purples with creams and green! 

{ october 5 2013 }

Bridal bouquet with cream roses, white lisianthus, cream hydrangeas, and green hypericum berries….

Bridesmaids bouquets...

Centerpieces at Club Sunnyside….

{ lauren and dave } september 28

Lauren and Dave got married at Tuscan Gardens. What a beautiful September day for a wedding! The wedding colors were cobalt blue and apple green with touches of buttercream yellow and cream. Lauren's bouquet included hydrangeas, lisianthus, succulents and yellow billy balls.

For the ceremony we used our big barn wood columns with our wood table tops and placed our big tin buckets on top with large full arrangements ….

At the front of the isle, large lanterns filled with flowers and two candles were placed on top of wine barrels.

For the guestbook table, we covered the guestbook table with our burlap table cloth….

Our wooden boxes for the centerpieces….