Christmas in my kitchen Inspiration



My mother has always been all about helping the poor during the holidays.


She has told us stories of the Great Depression, and how they would go to bed hungry many nights. This has always motivated her to give to the less fortunate.


Last Friday my mother was interviewed by WPTZ in Burlington Vermont.

She lives in a lovely retirement complex called The Pines.




Every year my mom organizes and collects the food for the food bank.




She has been doing this for thirteen years.



I thought I would share the link to her interview for you to see.  click HERE.  The segment is called Vermont Senior Puts Dent in Hunger. We sat together and watched the 6 o'clock news together, and saw her interview air. We made a memory




My Dad would be proud of my mom.  He was one of the first cameramen for CBS and we went to many television shows together.  My dad was the cameraman for shows like Ed Sullivan, Carol Burnett, Gary Moore, Jimmy Dean,  Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett at Carnegie Hall, and many many more.


Speaking of memories, I always feel sorry for the Christmas ornaments that don't make it onto the tree.


So, this year I put some of my favorites in a glass jar and sat it on my kitchen counter to bring some Christmas memories in where I bake.


Happy Kitchen Christmas, Did you take a cookie?

The Big Bands must have been glorious once upon a time.  Here's Glenn Miller serenading us with Santa is Coming To Town.
Recipe for a Holly, Cranberry Candle.

Sprigs of Holly
Fresh Cranberries,
Tea Light Candle

Take a glass vase, fill it with water, add sprigs of Holly, then add a bit of fresh cranberries.  Tuck a candle inside the cranberries and enjoy.  I like using cranberry scented candles.  The cranberries and holly hold the candle firmly in place.

It's that time again, when Bev from How Sweet The Sound rolls out the red carpet for Christmas Pink Saturday.  Stop by and see all the Christmas inspiration.

Vee said...

Oh you have every right to be proud of your sweet mother. Of course, your dad would be proud. I'm proud! She has a tender, sweet spirit. I'm so glad that she has this mission.

Beautiful photography throughout, Karen!

Elyse said...

hi karen!

what a beautiful post. so interesting to learn about your parents and to see your pretty decor.

i did take a cookie and it was delish!

xo
elyse

Kathleen Grace said...

It's easy to see why you came out as sweet and caring as you did Karen. You had a great example! Your mom embodies the spirit of Christmas with her wonderful work:>)

Terra said...

How neat your mom must be, to organize a food drive for all those years, and then to be interviewed!
I like that you feel sorry for the ornaments that don't get on the tree (me too) and that is a good idea to fill a jar with some of them.

Denise said...

Karen,Now that's a real Christmas story and one your whole family should be proud of.God will bless her-how wonderful.I like your kitchen ideas,esp.putting old ornaments in the big glass jar.Merry Christmas -Denise

Marilyn said...

I'll be watching the interview as soon as I publish this! I really like the idea of the ornaments in a jar!♥♫

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello Karen,

It was so nice to watch and listen to your Mom! What an amazing lady!

Your decor is fabulous!


Gabriela

Sue said...

Beautiful post - you bring the joy of Christmas to us all. It is a very special time of year for you as well. Sending you the love and peace of Christmas.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Karen,

It was enchanting and thrilling to see your BEAUTIFUL mother and HEAR her speak with such enthusiasm, and yes, A NEW ENGLAND ACCENT (which I sorely miss!) What a woman. What a woman of great compassion and energy. May God grant ME that energy and vitality and most of all, LOVE to reach out to my neighbors in need. She is amazing, and you must be proud. Love to you all, Anita

Cindy said...

Karen, your post is beautiful. your Mom is a wonderful woman, your Dad sounds like he had a very interesting job too. I imangine many many memories. I love all your photos.

Karen Provost said...

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree is appropriate here. You and your Mom are very generous, kind people.
I love your idea for the stray ornaments to go into a glass jar, fabulous!
And what a surprise, my favorite Christmas album is the "Carpenter's Christmas". Karen Carpenter had the voice of an angel. I remember the holiday tv special that this album originated from. I would love to be able to find it on DVD.
Merry Christmas Karen to you and your family.

Sheila A. said...

Hi, Karen, I enjoyed seeing the interview with your lovely mother. She is a beautiful soul!
God bless.

She Who Doodles said...

i really like your idea of putting unused ornaments in the glass jar. fascinating story about your dad and mom. great memories.

Sonia said...

Beautiful post and story about your Mom.. How wonderful she works to help the needy!! I know you must be proud of her! Your pictures are beautiful...love the natural elements and the Christmas decorations in the jar is a precious idea! Merry Christmas!
Miss Bloomers

Chubskulit Rose said...

Lovely captures!

Pink at my page, please come and see. Have a wonderful holiday from my family to yours!

Tami @ Creative girl Vintage said...

Hi Karen..your mother is lovely. I thought it was just me but I feel sorry for the ornaments that don't make it on the tree too...love the idea of adding them to a jar.
Happy Pink Saturday..xo Tami

Mary Lou said...

What a wonderful and inspiring story! God bless your mother and you. Your dad should've kept a journal. I bet he had some stories to tell!!
Merry Christmas!

Dolores said...

Oh Karen...your mother is beautiful inside and out! I love this beautiful post....Very uplifting!

I thought I was the only one who felt sorry for the unused ornaments...I love how you displayed your ornaments.

The berries in the vase are so pretty.

Ellen said...

What a sweet christmas post. I would be so proud as a daughter also. What a wonderful woman your Mom is, and I can tell the apple doesn't fall very far either. How lucky that your dad was a camera man. I enjoyed reading your post and I am off to watch your mom.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Ellen

Lorraine said...

What a lovely story, and I love your Christmas decorations! Happy PS!

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