When I was a child, I used to spend hours playing with the nativity set my mom had. I’d rearrange the characters and tell myself their story. Baby Jesus had to go in the back of the stable so he could stay warm. The three wise men had to be arranged just so, so that their faces looked at Jesus. The sheep had to look natural (you know it when you see it).
When I became an adult, I wanted a nativity scene just like the one with which I had grown up. I found plenty of beautiful porcelain figures, crystal sets and even nativities done as s’mores. Just not what I was envisioning.
Until one day in a Christian bookstore, I found the nativity that filled my heart with joy. Real looking characters, just like my mom’s. I could imagine my children and grandchildren rearranging them all Christmas season. The only problem was they were expensive. VERY expensive. My sweet husband gifted me the holy family that year and thus began my collection. Continue reading
Welcome to the premier posting of Penultimate Home.
What is this blog all about and why did I start it?
Well first, let me introduce myself. I’m Celeste and Merry Christmas. I decided to explore blogging as a creative outlet. I’m looking forward to retirement in the next few years, but I can’t imagine not having something to do. I need a purpose and work even if it’s not a job. And I’m too young to collect Social Security. Ha!
I’ve followed several lifestyle/home décor blogs in the past few years and thought I’d love to do that. Create. Communicate. I clearly still have a lot to learn about this blogging process. (Taking better photos heads the list.)
Kitchen Snow tree
I have been a long-time home décor enthusiast, (This is not the time for my old friends to jump in and say “Remember when you had that thing for lace and had doilies all over everything?” Yes, yes I remember. Let it go.)
I’ve also been busily employed outside the home most of my adult life. I have a lot of projects in my home that I want to tackle. The spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. Over the years, my philosophy has developed into just do what you can and let the rest be. Some day you realize that act of creating is more rewarding than the ever out of reach perfection.
This Handel’s Messiah ornament is one of my oldest
So why have the name Penultimate Home?
Penultimate means next to last. And since I am a bit of a restless soul that always seems to be looking for new experiences, it seemed appropriate. But there is another reason behind the name. I have faith that this is not my final home. No matter where I live in the future, my final home will be with God. And yes, I’m looking forward to that move too.
Sleigh Bells
Finally, the purpose of this blog is to explore and share the things that bring me joy or interest me. Things like developing a comfortable home, graciously aging, music, and faith. I make no claim to be an expert in these things, but they’re the things that bring quality to my existence and I want to share with any interested followers.
