Library Tour and Project

Good afternoon my dears.

Welcome to our library. Its one of my favorite places to curl up with a cup of Earl Grey tea, a magazine, a book, or a family photo album. Its also one of the first two rooms you see when you come in the entryway, so its also a great place to chat with neighbors and visitors who stop by unannounced. Please have a seat, I'll go put the kettle on, what kind of tea would you like?

Our library is where I keep all my magazine subscriptions, and as you can see I have many issues. I stopped subscribing a few years ago, in favor of browsing with my chai tea latte in Barnes & Noble, but I couldn't part with these. I rotate them seasonally, so that all the current seasons issues are on display and ready for me to page through. My favorites being Victoria, Southern Lady, Romantic Homes, and Tea Time (not pictured). I also have a few vintage Christmas magazines that were my Granny Veronika's that always remind me of her. Do you have magazine subscriptions? If so, how do you organize your collection?

On the bookshelf, is this souvenir my Nana Mabel gave to me. She retired from Rolls-Royce at University of Warwick in 1999. My Mum attended her retirement party where they gifted her a flight experience at a local air field. My Nana always had wings, she always traveled, and one of her favorite travels was to China. She walked the Great Wall of China at nearly 70. On that journey she bought souvenirs for all of us. This was mine, a hand painted from the inside globe which came with a wooden stand and this darling fabric covered box. It sits in our library, and whenever I open it up I'm reminded to step outside the box and spread my wings.

Now I'd like to share a recent project we recently finished, the painting of our mantel.

- Before -

- During -
We used a drop cloth, 2 sponge brushes, and some color matched, semi gloss paint.

- After- 

- Video -

Here's a tour of our library, including a peek at our built in bookshelves, books, mementos, and project.

Have you done any home improvement projects recently?

-Kiki Nakita-

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Take A Tour Of The Billy Graham Library

On Friday we went to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Admission is free, however they have an envelope that comes with your parking pass if you choose to make a donation.

 

Billy's family moved into this home when he was nine. It has been moved several times, although it was originally built on a 300 acre dairy farm. Billy lived in this home until he left for college.

Billy's precious mother was the bookkeeper for their dairy farm and she lived in this home until her passing in 1981. This is a photo I took of her on the entrance table into the home.

The décor is so subtle, family friendly-yet traditional. Billy's father built this home and family photos and memorabilia are lovingly placed on all the walls.

 

My favorite room in the home is the kitchen, which has an old-fashioned ice box, built in ironing board and a range. The windows are original and have ripples which is hard to see on this photo.

 

Afterwards we walked over to the library, which has an interactive tour through many rooms with the story of Billy Graham, a touching tribute to his wife and the message he evangelized worldwide. It takes over an hour and afterwards there's a library, a prayer room and a dairy bar dining area to peruse.

 

 

As we left the sun started going down and we meandered down the walkway to the memorial prayer garden where Billy's longtime wife Ruth is buried. Here's a picture of them on their wedding day, isn't it precious.

 

You can take a tour, or see more on their website.

Linked up to:
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson SYC #94
Between Naps On The Porch #268
Coastal Charm #204
Imparting Grace #98
 

Spring Teaser

 

Oh, what a beautiful spring teaser day.

We had a really nice morning. I slept in a little, then we went for breakfast at Cracker Barrel which is almost always a little busier on the weekends, but we enjoy sharing a breakfast, and having a chat over coffee.

 

Afterwards, we went for a stroll through old town Matthews to the library. We were both surprised how may people like to spend their Saturday afternoon at the library, just perusing books, reading or studying.

 

 

At home, I sat outside in the sunshine while the dogs ran around for a little while. The birds were singing, and the leaves were swaying and I felt like doing a quick watercolor sketch, of our daffodils. It made me think about how much I appreciate floral gardens. Maybe it's because I grew up in an English country village, where roses and lavender abound with hints of wildflowers in the horse meadows.

 

Well, my coffee break is done for now, it's a part of my day to catch up with my blog and to read others, but I best be useful and help my husband with some house projects. Here's a good quote for today...

 

We'll be sure to get a membership there soon!