Musical Monday: Lanterns

Check out Ann's Post here!

Bloggers are forever inspiring me, and I've seen some very pretty lanterns in Blogland, like the one above decorated by Ann.

I've been looking around for a lantern or two, and I keep singing "Lanterns" by Birds of Tokyo. I can't get it out of my head! Play the video and enjoy the music while you read the rest of the post!

The idealism of youth *wistful sigh*I really like this ballad.
"Lanterns"
Lately I've foundWhen I start to think aloudThere's a longing in the soundThere is more I could be
In darkness I leaveFor a place I've never seenIt's been calling out to meThat is where I should be
We never carried days on our ownBut now it's up to us to knowThe weight of being so much moreWe will find ourselves on the road
On we marchWith a midnight songWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on
On we marchTill we meet the dawnWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on
As we walk outWithout question, without doubtIn the light that we have foundIt is finally clear
Our day has comeAnd we'll stand for who we areWe are ready, we are youngWe have nothing to fear
We never carried days on our ownBut now it's up to us to knowThe weight of being so much moreWe will find ourselves on the road
On we marchWith a midnight songWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on
On we marchTill we meet the dawnWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on
We held the lightTo our facesAnd realisedWe were chasing
Shadows behindNot worth savingSo burn it brightForever illuminating
On we marchWith a midnight songWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on
On we marchTill we meet the dawnWe will light our wayWith our lanterns on[x2]
In darkness I leaveFor a place I've never seenIt's been calling out to meThat is where I should be

Lanterns can be used in so many ways…

source unknown

via

Look at the giant lantern on the ground! I love the intimate dinner setting.

via

…to illuminate the night at a garden party…

via

I *heart* the willow baskets used as lanterns and vases. So pretty!

…to illuminate stairs outdoors…

via

…or in.

You can decorate them, like Ann's at the top of the post…

…or Stacey's.

Here are some pretty lanterns I've found online:

Via Anita Spero Designs on Etsy

from An Angel At My Table

Pier 1

(online only)

Birdcage Lanterns from Target

(online only)

Pottery Barn

(online only)

I'm looking forward to cool late spring and early summer evenings with lanterns lit on our deck. Until then, I can decorate one!

What are you listening to this week? Join Musical Monday @ My So-Called Chaos!

Until next time…
Blessings!Ricki Jill

17 comments

StaceyMarch 31, 2014 at 9:29 PM
I love lanterns! Do you have Hobby Lobby? They have lots of them and they are often 40 or 50% off. Thanks for featuring mine. :)
Art and SandMarch 31, 2014 at 11:57 PM
Beautiful lanterns.

I love the lines,

We held the light
To our faces
And realised
We were chasing

Shadows behind
Not worth saving

I am going to share those words with my daughter
Betty from My Irish Cottage HomeApril 1, 2014 at 3:38 AM
I bought one a few years ago for the living room, but put it on the porch last year. I need to buy me another one for the inside now. They are so lovely.
Debbie@Mountain BreathsApril 1, 2014 at 5:01 AM
I've never met a lantern that I didn't like and have two of those willow ones! You found some lovely ones.
AndreaApril 1, 2014 at 6:25 AM
I was overwhelmed by the lantern selection at Pier One last week, so I can't believe there are even more online! As for what I am listening to....the a-z challenge starts today, and while the angsty eighties were a blast, I have gone back one decade further for this year!
Jane CraskeApril 1, 2014 at 10:16 AM
I've a birdcage one that I put succulents in the front. It's buried under 10 ft of snow right now but I still have hope of seeing it again. C:
Ann from On Sutton PlaceApril 1, 2014 at 3:29 PM
All of these lanterns are amazing. They are truly one of my very favorite decor items. Thank you for featuring mine!
Aubrey S.April 1, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Wow! I love these. Makes me think of summer evenings and cooking out with friends. The song is really cool, too.
GinaApril 1, 2014 at 4:29 PM
Great song! I didn't think I ever heard it before, but as soon as the music picked up I recalled hearing it.

I love lanterns and you've shared so many pretty ones. I love that they can be simple on their own or grouped to make a statement. Filled with candles or other goodies, they're all good!
JoleneApril 1, 2014 at 6:07 PM
Oh, I love lanterns too! This song is great! I have never heard it before. I love your taste in music!
SarahApril 1, 2014 at 11:08 PM
Beautiful! Lanterns remind me of Morocco. Loving the willow baskets too. '-)
Incipient WingsApril 2, 2014 at 12:59 AM
love this!
I love lanterns so very much...you found some great photos!!
Diane Cayton-HakeyApril 2, 2014 at 7:58 AM
Oh yes! I am hearting the willow baskets on the stairs. Makes me want to have a summertime yard party!
CarolApril 2, 2014 at 10:50 AM
I adore lanterns, and you've shared some real beauties, Ricki Jill! I have several scattered around our home, and have used the automatic-timed candles in them. I truly look forward to seeing them come alive at 5pm! Thanks so much for sharing.
Diana LeighApril 2, 2014 at 5:01 PM
I love lanterns, though I haven't used them for decoration before! Putting flowers inside them is a great idea. Lovely!
Miss AngieApril 3, 2014 at 3:35 PM
Lovely song, and I love all of those lanterns!
Beth WApril 5, 2014 at 6:49 PM
Fedora and I are HUGE fans of lanterns and oil lamps....he has many, most of which aren't being used...sadly. But we both pin and adore lanterns (and sconces!) and dream of a future home with them as decor, practical lighting, and in every other conceivable use. :)
Thanks for sharing those gorgeous photos, and the song!