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I am wishing you the best of holiday times, relax and live in harmony with all who surround you and may the new year bring you all health, love, happiness and success!

Thank you all for reading my blog, commenting so often and being such good companions in a world, where more of the friendliness and kindness is needed!

I appreciate it deeply and thank you all from the bottom of my heart! See you all back in the new year! From our family to yours! Happy holidays and a happy New Year!

All images by V.Zlotkowski

Posted by Victoria Zlotkowski at 7:05 AM 10 comments 


For The Love Of Old Maybe a year ago I saw this book by Mary Randolph Carter and was intrigued. It stood high up on a shelf, wrapped in cellophane and somewhat out of reach. It looked expensive and, at the time, I just made a mental note of it to save it for later.
Later became months and I had  almost forgotten about it, when I stumbled recently upon it during one of many excursions to a bookstore nearby. This time I did not hesitate and grabbed it for myself at the holidays. This was such a delightful discovery and her other book, 'A Perfectly Kept House is a Sign for a Misspent Life' has grazed my side table for a little while longer! It has, in fact, become something like my regular go-to when I need a pick me up! Of course this new one (which is actually the old one, no pun intended) should sit wrapped under the tree, but this year everything is a little different.
For once we haven't gotten a tree - yet! Will there be one?
I am not sure...
Secondly we are traveling and I am already making lists and checking them twice. We vowed this time to travel lightly! Which, of course, gives me reason for plenty of anxiety. I have a hard time being selective! Packing is no exception!
Well, it's simply not in my nature. I collect things. And every once in a while I clean out and begin again. Now, I feel, I found a kindred spirit, for I love old things. Many of them!
Mary Randolph Carter has put it all in such fine words and images, I can recommend  both books to keep you sane, especially if you are, once in a while, affected by that terrible decease Perfection. And for the fun of it!
Of course it's not for everyone, I guess this makes the world such a wonderful place.
Minimalists and modernists will perhaps crawl away in a bright, clean and well lit corner....But I am in the right spot!
So, these books together gave me lot's to think about and I'll keep this mindset for the journey ahead! I'll keep it simple and fun! I will not fret over my children's wardrobe for the journey, will let my husband do his own choosing and will not nag when the days come, and we will go out to fine dining at Christmas and New Year's Eve on the road in California...
The question"What? You did not bring a second shirt?" shall not cross my lips!
I will just look serenely the other way! Being where we will be, there will be plenty beautiful to see...

We will be together, old is wonderful and I will cherish the things which lay ahead. Old and new!

What are your plans ahead?

All images via google image.

Posted by Victoria Zlotkowski at 9:12 PM 7 comments Labels: books, old and new things, travel


From my collections and a movie An example of his writings: 

All images as indicated and my own. Hugo image via moviefone.
Posted by Victoria Zlotkowski at 5:42 AM 5 comments 

My book shelf now 



I love candle light. May it be just a single light at my bedside, simple wooden holder with tapers at our dinner table or festive ones at the holidays, I just love the glow and gentle light.
Bringing out the Pyramide, the rotating wooden carousel-like structure from my home state Saxony in Germany, is a highlight for all of us. It is a temperamental thing, sensitive to position, sometimes not turning at all. But once it's running, we love to watch it. They are made in small workshops in Saxony, candles creating the heat to turn the wooden paddles above. There are figures telling the Christmas story or reindeer and Santa Claus on small tiers, moving round and round. Nutcracker, smoking man and chocolate filled Advent calendars are a must in German holiday traditions. The old ironing machine cloth is perfect for a backdrop!

When I sit in the darkened room, just listening to the sounds of the family at home, the dog sleeping next to me, then I feel completely content, the lights filling me with memories and times past. Back, when I was little and looked at my grandma's Christmas decorations, usually foil wrapped candies, chocolates, apples and a few saved Christmas ornaments, which had survived the bombing of Dresden.
Each piece connected to her own memories.
Or the slowly moving Pyramide at my parent's house and
visits to a humble holiday market at the main square in my hometown. And singing of carols at Christmas Eve. What are your memories of holidays past?

Pictures by V.Zlotkowski
Posted by Victoria Zlotkowski at 3:07 AM 4 comments Labels: candles, holiday decorations Hello to all House & Living Don't miss my other blog part.... More books I love