My mantle update

       I don't usually decorate for Valentine's Day, so I go for a "cozy" look that caries me through from after Christmas until Spring. I adore Christmas decorations, but I really enjoy how clean and uncluttered the house feels after I take them down. I like to leave things that way for a bit, so my decorating is very minimal January through March or so.

        My sister gave me this lovely picture for Christmas, and it perfectly fit the warm look I wanted.

      I just borrowed random items from the rest of my house that seemed to go. It does work to my advantage to have the whole house basically the same style and color scheme. I can rearrange to my hearts content without having to go to any extra trouble.

        So, in other news, I have a new photo editing program, Gimp. I normally use Picasa to edit my pictures, but I decided to try something different. (They are both free downloads) I'm no good with pictures, and even worse with computer editing. I appreciate a good picture though, and want to improve mine as much as possible. I'm trying to learn my camera better, and practice good staging, natural light, and all that jazz. That was one of my goals for this year...I suppose I better get cracking! I'm sure I'll be old and toothless before I figure out the art of a good picture! Have you started on any of your oh so fun goals for the new year?

  Ephesians 6:10   ... be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.