End of Book Remorse

Do you know what I mean?  You spend time really enjoying a book......and then it is over?  That is where I am today.  I just finished And I Shall Have Some Peace There by Margaret Roach of A Way to Garden dot com.  I mention her and her site often.  If you garden at all, hers is a must read and visit site.  Even though I am in a Zone 10 garden and she in a Zone 5B (or A....can't recall at this moment), and our gardening is so very different, sometimes it really isn't.  I gleen tidbits here and there, and truly just enjoy the visit.  If you don't garden, just enjoy the beautiful pictures in her many slide shows.  Did I mention the wee bit of envy I have over how Ms. Roach escaped the big city to dwell in the country?  Her home and garden are her life's work now, and I find the idea of that absolutely wonderful and peaceful. 

Hopefully, you also saw her bird article in last Sunday's Parade.  There are so many of us bird lovers out there.  I know I do not take advantage of seeing and searching for the many different birds that are still in my neck of the woods.  But, if one more of my friends tell me a Painted Bunting visited their feeder.....!!!  I may have had a quick sighting of one last spring, but not the many that some of my friends get year after year. I must make my yard more inviting for them.

I failed to mention that I read Margaret's book on my NookColor.  If you have one, I encourage you to download it there as there are beautiful bonus pictures that the regular book does not have.  You will love them as much as I did, I know.  (I believe it is on the iPad version as well.)


"Did you ever just want to walk away?" asks Margaret Roach in her newest book. 

YES!

~~White Wedding~~

What could be better to play along with Faded Charm's White Wednesday, than a beautiful wedding dress?  How gorgeous my new daughter-in-law looks in her beautiful dress.  I only wish I had gotten some close ups of the beautiful beadwork.  (Word of the day:  beautiful!!)

Sending beautiful wishes your way...and special birthday wishes to my sweet hubby...


P.S.  Please stop by Margaret Roach's A Way to Garden.  It is publication day for her!  Congratulations Margaret!!!!  (I've already downloaded my pre-ordered NookColor version and can't wait to jump right in.)

Borrowed Pictures and Feeling the Love!

Yes, it's really me!  Can you believe how long it's been since my last post?  I simply cannot.  AND....I only have a quick second to write this one and send it out.

I saw this picture on one of my favorite blogs, Inspired Design, and it really grabbed me.  I had to just stare at it and figure out what exactly it was that attracted me so. (To be really inspired, visit Debby's Inspired Design blog daily.  Her's is a most beautiful blog!!)

I am loving the wallpapered accent wall.  I would especially love it if was a stamped/colored grass cloth. Notice that it doesn't go all the way to the ceiling, which tells me this room has a gorgeous vautled ceiling.  I love that there is a little molding cutting it off a bit and a curved wall, too.  And love, love, love the shelving.....half open, half with a door.  My books would be most happy there.  The window seat is calling my name.  I could even sit there in the dark as my new NookColor is back-lit (more on that later).  Finally.....the bed looks so inviting in the natural linens and cottons.  Clean, cool, soft...the makings of a good night's sleep.

I love these two necklaces from Bittersweet Designs.  I'm hoping to learn to make something similar from the classes I'm getting ready to take, however, I love to buy these sweets too.  In fact, I'm wearing one of my Bittersweet necklaces today.  I really love it!  Thank you, Laurie, for always presenting such style!  The pearls are so lovely....I don't have one of those yet....maybe someday!

Well, I just had to share these quick thoughts and pictures this morning.  It is back to work for me.  I do have so much to share, too, but alas, it will have to wait.  From the brown transferware gifts from my mother, to the jewelry making classes from my husband (and the Nook), to my granddaughter's first birthday, and the vanity waiting for a quick redo for my other granddaughter, Taylor's, fourth birthday today, AND my first trip to IKEA.  Please hang on....I'll be back soon.

P.S.  I guess I'm in a LOVE mood today.  I used that word profusely today.  Nothing wrong with that, I guess!  LOVE to you all!!!

Special Delivery

That is what I received today!!  My special delivery from Shari Replogle of Plays with Paper.  I was thrilled to see the package on the table when I walked in from a very long and busy day.  Look at these beauties...

What a sweet, sweet drawstring bag with an
even sweeter tag!

Look what was inside!

This is the flip side of the lovely neckace.
To me, it now became something that could
be worn year-round. 

But, I really love the Santa side too.
I can't wait to wear this tomorrow to work.

Thank you again, Shari, for sharing your beautiful work with me.  Please see some more of her work in the Winter 2011 Belle Armoire Jewelry.  I picked it up and am trying to make my way through it.  LOTS to see and learn from this gem.  Right now it is my "red light" magazine.  Yes, I'm one of those who has to be beeped at so I will put my book down when the light turns green.  Annoying, I know.  Sorry.

I ran to one of my favorite local antique shops at lunch today to shop for a piece of pink depression glass for a co-worker whose name I drew.  I didn't find the right piece for her, but I did find a sweet little bargain for me.  I rarely see green transferware.  This platter was marked only $10 "as is."  I inspected it and didn't see any big chips or scratches so I was not sure why it said that.  When I took it downstairs, the gentleman reminded me about that part.  I said, "It looks good to me!"  I did find a little chip under the edge tonight when I took another look, but I am really pleased.  In my neck of the woods, bargains are pretty hard to come by.  Take a look...

My table is covered with mail, wrapping paper,
Christmas cards.  And, I think I see my reflection
in the plate.  Nice.  Isn't it a sweet find though?
I almost forgot to mention that it was "on sale"
for $8.  SWEET!

A little blurry, but I was pleased with the markings
on the underside.

This is something I am unfamiliar with.  A letter "P"
was pressed into the porcelain when it was wet.
Does anyone know the significance of that?
Very interesting...

And finally, as it is getting late, and I'm in for another very long day tomorrow...I've been stealing moments to look at my new Barbra Streisand design book.  I have one word for you....WOW!  It has been written by her, and her alone.  It is like she is sitting across the table from me and telling me all about her home.  The majority of the pictures were taken by her as well.  I'm not that far into it, but know I will continue finding special moments to read a few pages and examine the glorious pictures.  For example, the first couple pages include a fold out panaramic picture of the front of her "elegant farmhouse" painted a deep red with white trim and black shutters.  The next page unfolds to the entire back of the house....painted all white and looking like it belongs on Nantucket.  Beautiful!!

I bid you all a good night and wish you sweet dreams.

Books and Vintage Friday

I am SUCH a book hound.  I just can't help myself.  I would like to "blame" my mother, but that would have negative connotations, when I really mean, "Thank you, Mom, for sharing your love of books with me!!"  I just love them so.  So.....today I received my shipment from HomeStyle Book Club:  (Oh.......the JOY!!!)

I have done a cursory view of each and am LONGING for a day  (or more) to myself to devour, read, and savour EVERY WORD.... I am beyond happy.... I have no more words.....  (Christmas break is coming...almost 2 weeks off!!  Plenty of time for reading....I hope.)

For Debra's Common Ground ~ Vintage Inspiration Friday....I really love vintage everything.  However, today, these two pictures really spoke to me.  I know when a space works for me because I instantly feel calm.  Just looking at these two pictures brings calm to my mind and heart. 

I'm actually not one who usually like too much white.
I love color, HOWEVER, what I love, love, love
is that sink mounted in that beautiful antique dresser.
The different shades of whites and creams, and
the different textures bring enough interest to me
that I feel I could live with it.  BUT, don't you think
if the walls were painted the palest of greens, it
would be just perfect??  See....I can't help myself!

I could live here....year 'round...24/7.
If you need me, I'll be sitting in the wicker chair
enjoying a cup of tea and reading one of those
books listed above. 

Enjoy a most perfect weekend, my dear friends!!

Two bottom picture credits: 

Sink, etc.:  Robin Stubbert Photography via inspiracionline.blogspot.com

Garden sitting room:  homehousedesign.com

Book Giveaway and a Birthday!!

I have mentioned my favorite gardening blog A Way to Garden before.  Margaret Roach is giving away an advanced copy of her upcoming book and I shall have some peace there.  It is ON THE TOP of my must-read list.  I am hoping to win it, but won't dally at all in ordering it for myself.  Please pop on over, take a look, and enter.  The deadline is Saturday, December 11. 

On another note, we are enjoying some cold weather here in South Florida.  It was 46 degrees on my drive into work this morning.  So far I haven't had to cover my roses yet, but I am guessing I will before the end of winter.

And finally.....today is my Aunt Claire's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Aunt Claire!!!  I wish you a most special and blessed day!!!

Oh Happy Day!

I received the compliment of a lifetime today when I opened my email and saw that there was a comment to "moderate" from an older blog post.  My first thought was, "Hmm, how nice that someone was looking through my blog posts."  Truthfully, I haven't been a very good blog hostess lately.  In fact, I was thinking this past weekend when I was gardening (YES! I finally made it back out into my yard!) that I should take some pictures, and topics were flying around in my mind of subjects I could post about.  I was thinking for the thousandth time that my world has not truly been my own, of late, and how did I ever find time to do this blog thing to begin with?

On August 24, I posted a Quote of the Day.  It was "Do the best that you can in the place where you are and be kind." by Scott Nearing.  I had been searching quotes (it is a hobby, believe it or not).  I believe I put "quotes on finding peace" in my Google search.  Mr. Nearing's quote spoke to me.  I believe I was most likely pondering life in general and how my choices have brought me to this place where I am and how life does throw a curve ball every once in a while.  I was having a trying day and Mr. Nearing nudged me in the right direction....reminding me to do my best and to be kind.  I read that to mean be kind to myself as well. Yes, thank you, I will work on that.

The cause for comments came because I mentioned that I did not know who Mr. Nearing was or is.  My fellow blogger friend Lili from Fearless Nesting (a Mainer, no less!) let me know that he has ties to Maine and that I should check out his website.  I have forgotten to do that, but with another nudge....I am off to take a look at it next:  http://www.goodlife.org/.

Today, I received this:

Dear Carol,

Scott Nearing was a far sighted and brilliant man married to a woman of the same ilk, Helen Nearing. You need to read their books. Transplants to Maine who influenced countless life courses. They lived on Cape Rosier and I believe Eliot Coleman was influenced by them. Start out by reading The Good Life. They lived deliberately and taught others to do the same.

All joys to you,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

My second thought, after the one above, was "Hmmm, that name is familiar.  I like the entire title also.  I need to research her and send a thank you note."  So I did.  What I found myself saying next was "Oh....THAT Sharon Lovejoy!"  Then...."Oh my!  She wrote to me!  How did I ever get on her radar screen?  Oh my! Oh my!"  Yes.....it's true.  I sat here gushing about it for a little while.  I am humbled. I am honored.  And in my note to her I promised (sort of) that I would not fall all over myself with the gushing, but I fear that is just what I am doing, so.....

I just love when something new comes to my attention that reminds me of a few things; and when I say new, I also mean new again.  I had seen the articles about Ms. Lovejoy in Country Living.  That is where I first learned of her.  I have seen her books and will be adding "Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars" to my collection very soon because it is "Grandma's Bags of Tricks" and I love being a grandma more than just about anything!



My surprise visitor brought these thoughts to me this morning as well.  First that we are all connected in ways we do not realize.  She and I are fellow "followers" of three of the same blogs:  Fearless Nesting, Cat Crossing Farm, and 2 Bags Full.   I have read and love three of the same books she has listed as her favorites also:  "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," "Grayson," and "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle."  I also was reminded that I am in the midst of a children's writing class and am sorely behind in my assignment.  There is much I can accomplish if I continue pursuing this endeavor.  Sharon Lovejoy is an accomplished writer, illustrator, and lecturer.  I will be happy accomplishing only the first of her three.

It is a small world.  We all are intrinsically linked.  Or is it that when we have like interests we are drawn into the same web?  I was reading our local newpaper yesterday and the travel section mentioned San Luis Obispo.  It caught my eye as these are interesting words to say as they roll off the tongue.  I had heard of it, but had not read the words in a long time and scanned the article to confirm that yes, it is in California.  According to her profile, Sharon Lovejoy is from San Luis Obispo, as well as Maine.  So twice, in as many days, I read the words San Luis Obispo....I like saying the word Obispo. 

In her blog, Sharon Lovejoy writes about her visit to Beatrix Potter's home in England (how cool is that?!)  Shellagh from Ticking and Toile mentioned the movie Miss Potter the other day and I thought, "Hmmm, I never got around to seeing that movie.  I bet I will love it also. I need to pick that one up for sure."  Seeing Sharon's post reminded me of that yet again.  (And apparently I say "Hmmm" a lot!)

And I'm rambling....... 

Thank you, Sharon Lovejoy for visiting my blog, for sending me your lovely comments, and for inadvertently inspiring me today....on many levels.  I am looking forward to reading Scott Nearing's "The Good Life" and his other works.  And thank you for providing a new quote for me today. 

"Writing is by nature something that must be done alone, through long periods of stillness."  ~Sharon Lovejoy

Books

I finally took pictures of my found books for my Etsy shop:  Provisions.  I still have to put them in there, but at least I am half-way there.  They are ever-so charming.  More favorites that I will have a hard time parting with, but at the same time, would love to share.  Here are some previews.

Look at the date:  1881!!

These articles are pasted to the inside of this book. 

I can't find a date on the clippings,

but they are on the author.  I've never seen anything like it.

Sorry to make you look sideways at this little charmer. 
I guess I forgot to flip it.

1902 ~ Wow!

Another head tilter...sorry. 
I just love the edges of these pages.

We are enjoying another rainy afternoon here in South Florida.  Some may be tired of it, but my forever wilted garden has not yet had its fill. 

Anyone who says sunsine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.  ~Unknown

Love it!!!

Books and Birds

I mentioned in my last post that I had a credit at my local used bookstore.  I went there this past weekend.  What a beautiful and well-organized store.  I had never been to this particular store before.  My husband took the stack of books I had pulled from my bookcase and said I wanted to get rid of.  Maybe he thought if he did not run put them in his truck that I would change my mind.  Anyway, he brought back a nice little credit.  I had forgotten about it until I was working on my little project last weekend.  I was pleasantly surprised.  This store had some beautiful collector's editions behind glass for hundreds of dollars.  It was not what I was looking for, but I enjoyed the browse. 

I was very pleased with my catch, though.  Aren't they lovely?

Look inside The Courtship of Birds.

Isn't he gorgeous?  The book is filled with beautiful illustations such as these.

And now The Gardener's Bug Book.  (I just love bugs...in pictures, in jewelry....not so much in real life though.)

I can't wait to use some of these beautiful photos in some kind of project!  What to make is the question.

A page from the little book of Emily Dickinson poetry will make a lovely backdrop for something, don't you think?

And finally....a bird update.  Can you believe the little hatchlings I posted about a week or two ago are already this big?  Momma Bird has been coaxing them from the nest up a branch or two.  They are really too big for this little nest now and have many of their real feathers.  When I went out there with my camera this afternoon, many of the other "momma's" joined me in oohing and aahing over the babies.  I would not expect anything less!

Maiden Voyage

This is my very first "challenge."  Mary Green of Green Paper offered a free collage sheet.  The mission....should I decide to accept it.....to "create" something, anything....as long as I use the three images (or parts thereof) that she provides.  Now since I've been back in blogland for the last month or so, I have been studying hard.  That is me....a student at heart.  I've been buying and reading the Somerset magazines.  I've been reading and re-reading my favorite blogs/artists who create the neatest things.  I stand in the same isle of Michaels for what seems like hours on end, absorbing the goods.  I decide on only the basics, as I feel that anyone can create from pre-created packages.  Maybe not, I don't know at this point.  I see some good things, even still.

I decide it is time for me to accept this challenge.  So I run off the collage sheet on several different mediums....in color, in black and white, on vellum, on decorative paper.  Again....still studying.  Finally, I decide to make some notes.  It's the 25-plus years that I have spent as a secretary and at various times as a student that makes this seem like the place to start.  I start looking at some other free images I already have on hand and start making a mental story board.  The aspiring writer in me feels like if I have a story to tell, I can make this happen.  Again....out with the books....Somerset Life and Anna Corba's VINTAGE PAPER CRAFTS.  Yes, it is starting to come together in my head.  I decide to use some of the black and white, some color, but the real kicker....Miss Mary herself on vellum.  Then I decide to color her sash and now she looks like a hand-colored sepia negative and I love the effect.

Here is her story.  The pleasure of Miss Mary's company has been requested.  Oh my!  What will she wear?  More importantly, what will she pack as this means a voyage.  Since it is her first, it is her "maiden voyage."  The trip is long and there are many stops along the way.  She gathers little momentos along the way....a violet she will press in her bible, some downy feathers that showed up one morning on deck even though she has not seen birds overhead for days.  Where did they come from?  And a pretty shell and little pieces of coral she found at the shore.  Can you see it all come together?

My first mixed media collage came together.  To my own delight, I love it and the story I hope it conveys.  I used the sepia, hand-colored version of Miss Mary.  I tucked the three color-printed "Will's Cigarettes" florals in a little glycene envelope and tucked in some downy feathers from my chickens.  The pressed violet is one my Aunt Claire dried many years ago and stuck in a birthday card to me.  The little pieces of coral from my walks on the beach.  I have a couple of old books on hand that I love to tear pages from.  Two images are from those. 

(And I just remembered that I have a credit at the nearby used book store, so I will be there tomorrow to see what I can scavenge for future projects.)  I used half of a manilla file folder and cut it into a somewhat fancy tag shape.  I tea stained it a bit, but also used some Jim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo on it as well.  Oh, I failed to mention.. ...my first time using Mod Podge as well.  And.....I LOVE IT!!  Finally, I added a couple of stamped images and I felt like Miss Mary's Maiden Voyage was recorded and complete. 

For my first project....I am very pleased.  Oh, and did I mention????? 

Miss Mary had the time of her life!!!