Thursday, April 23, 2015

I remember that evening last October when my Mom and I cut zinnias, dahlias, and sunflowers to bring in before the inevitable hard frost.  We had bouquets of flowers in every room for sometime. I remember staring at my garden that night feeling like it was the day after Christmas. A beautiful time, but sad that it was over. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend you know you wouldn't see for awhile. It seemed so long ago!

New beginnings give us hope...



New beginnings teach us about perseverance and patience.


My rototiller wouldn't start today so I turned over my garden by hand. I loved every minute of it. I feel I will earn the rewards that my garden gives back to me. I often post pictures when my gardens are bountiful. I am posting today to remind myself that it truly is about the process. 




New beginnings start with a seed or an idea...







"Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace."



Flowers are indoors in front of windows waiting for their big moment!







Rusty garden stuff waiting to overflow with colorful annuals.










I have been enjoying the sweet sound of chickadees. They return to their home every year to nest.



 Looking forward to alfresco candlelight dinners...




Ahh...


For flowers that bloom about our feet; 
For tender grass, so fresh so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


It's here friends! Cheers and here's to new beginnings! With patience and a little elbow grease the rewards are priceless!










Sunday, March 15, 2015

Patiently waiting for Spring

 

What to do when it feels like Spring, it is actually Spring, but there is still Tons of snow outside??


Don't get me wrong, I do believe that it's coming...



Eventually...




Today up here in the north it actually felt like Spring! Really!




It was in the 40's! Yes the 40's, Wow!! Heat wave! In comparison of course! 





So, What to do while we wait??




Bring a little Spring indoors!




And a little bit more...





There's still alot of snow out there, so...
Some more!



Bright cheery windowsills help,



Sometimes there is a special treat about to pop!



Floral, antique, oil prints are always cheery!



When in doubt, you could always curl up with a garden magazine, some tea and know that it will come!



Oh, and sitting by a sunny window helps too!
Ignore the snow in the background :)



Wednesday, February 25, 2015

“Rich the treasure,

Sweet the pleasure”


John Dryden, Alexander’s Feast


Ahhh, the middle of the winter treasure hunting with a dear friend makes the long winter a little bit more bearable. 



Perusing through vintage/ antique stores is a unique experience every time. Each piece has a story...



The following pieces are definitely the one's that I just had to have :)



Fun rusty springs? Check!


Milk glass...yup!


Scales and silver...absolutely!


You can never really have enough silver!


Advertising signs... must have! Especially when the color scheme works!


Obsessed with scales!


Wondering how much is too much, really?


I keep telling my husband that, "We're gunna need a bigger boat." Or house, whatever...

  

FYI: the Chenin Blanc piece is a TJ max dish towel in a vintage frame that I found for 5 bucks! ;) 



Ahh, if only the pieces I brought home could tell me a story. I'd listen, Really! Good news is that I have a story for each piece that I have collected because of the people I have collected with! 
And that is priceless! Go find your treasure! :)

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Snow day

Anything can happen when you have a snow day. As a teacher, it's an unexpected gift that brings you back to your childhood when you see your school name flash across the TV screen along with the words CLOSED. My kids and I saw the sign together,  which was immediately followed by triumphant cheers!




The downfall is that you usually find out when your halfway out the door! The best part is that my family and I were ready for a little Christmas music and pancakes at 6:30 am!


A snow day before Christmas vacation is even more special because there is always more decorating to be done!


A few more walks in the woods collecting pine and white birch.


Always time for sledding!


It also allows time for the family to hop into the car for a photo contest to see who captures the best image of Christmas!


The smell of fresh pine inside!




You never know what you are going to see driving around enjoying the sites!


I feel grateful for such an unexpected gift, 
The Snow Day!

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