Late Irish Blessings to You

It is late on Thursday, March 17....St. Patrick's Day, that I finally have a few moments to finish a post I started earlier in the day.  It has been a pleasant and productive day at work.  After having been in my new job for a month now, I am feeling like one of the family.  This feels good.  And so....I will continue with my post....

With a maiden name of Schmitz, not many would ever know I have Irish blood in me.  I am proud to say that I do though.  Actually, more than I thought.  With a paternal grandmother whose name was Marie Madeline McQuillen, there is no denying it.  She was born in Canada, but her father and grandfather, both named Mathew McQuillen, were born in Ireland.  Even with my Ancestry.com research, I know not where in Ireland.  But I recently learned that my mother's kin...the Davis', were Irish too.  We always thought they were English.  So more Irish blood....  With green eyes and natural blond hair (at least it used to be) and fair to medium skin, I would appear to lean towards the Irish. (And a sweet granddaughter with big blue eyes and red hair!) That pleases me.  As proud as I am to call myself as one with Irish decent, I know the Irish were not looked upon too highly when they first came to America.  I will have to brush up on some historical facts before I misquote myself, but that does sadden me.  However, today I have enjoyed perusing some Irish blessings, toasts, sayings....  Here are a couple that I am particularly fond of:

Like the warmth of the sun

And the light of the day,

May the luck of the Irish

shine bright on your way.

and then there is...

May joy and peace surround you,

Contentment latch your door,

And happiness be with you now

And bless you evermore.

I know many are familiar with the "May the road rise up to meet you" blessing.  I enjoyed reading many others.  As the Irish have a history of being happy and mischievous, and sometimes inebriated....here is toast I thought was funny:

Here's to our wives and girlfriends:  May they never meet!

My work week is over.  It is Spring Break for our school district, so the 12-month employees work four 10-hour days.  Coupled with daylight savings time....it was torturous.  I'm glad to see the week come to a close. 

My mother is traveling from Georgia tomorrow (Friday) for a visit.  I am looking forward to seeing her.  She will enjoy seeing her great-granddaughter walking and talking up a storm!

I will start on a dresser that I am refinishing/painting for a friend.  I wish I could work as fast as Miss Mustard Seed, but I don't.  I know I take more time than is needed, but it is a labor of love. I will take pictures along the way to share. (She has finally revealed the secret paint....click the link to learn more.)

I got my Country Homes and Gardens magazine in the mail today.  I have been non-renewing all my magazines this year....boo hoo, but it is time to scale back financially and spatially.  However, I will renew this magazine as I love it so.  It only comes a few times a year.  I am enjoying a beautiful article on Tovah Martin and her Connecticut garden.  She lives in a converted barn!  How cool is that? It has low ceilings and windows that do not pose a problem for her as she is under 5 feet tall.  I did not know that.  And....she only gardens in vintage dresses and owns no jeans.  I like it!  Anyone who truly stays true to his or her own style appeals to me greatly. 

I invite you to enjoy the journey of one of my favorite blogs:  Stories from home by David Patterson.  He and his eldest son are in Ireland at this very moment....his original homeland....for St. Patty's Day.  He is an incredible photographer who lives with his family in Maine and the pictures coming from this trip so far are fabulous.  Please stop by and follow his journey.  You will not be disappointed.

I wish you all a wonderful night....be it with green beer (not for me, personally), corn beef and cabbage (again, no thank you), or just a quiet evening at the end of a long week.  I say to you....Erin go Bragh.  One interpretation of that phrase is "May I go back to Ireland forever."  

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue,

And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.   

P.S.  I am finally getting this post out as my computer kept losing its connection last night.  Talk about frustrating!!  I know we've all been there.  Happy Friday!!

~~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.)

Just a Little White Today...

This post officially marks 75 posts for A Bird in Hand.  It amazes me that I have felt the need to share thoughts/experiences/ideas 75 times! 

Today, I just have a couple of pictures to share for Faded Charm's White Wednesday!  Okay...I have to admit that this white stuff is starting to grow on me!!  I'm finding it very peaceful.  I may even try a room of it one day if the right home and room presents itself.  That is MAJOR for this color-loving girl to admit!!  I am especially digging the idea of a white painted floor.  You must check out the gorgeous kitchen at Pink Satin Sashes.  The handmade cabinets....the white painted floor....really beautiful.

I digress (as I often do).....

From one of my favorite blogs...Blomsterverkstad.
Do you see that painted floor....and the
ceiling?  I like the dash of color here and there,
like the green bench in the foreground.

Another picture from the same website.
Minna has such incredible style.
How many of you, like me, long to fly to
Sweden to take some of her classes?
My bucket list is getting very long!

I had hoped to include pictures of my vintage secretary turned art supply storage, but it appears the pictures are in my home computer.  I think I'll save them for Vintage Inspiration Friday instead.

Many wonderful Wednesday wishes to you!! 

Searching for a Blog

Like most of you out there in bloggy-land, I often go from blog-to-blog, clicking on new blogs on others' blog rolls.  You know how we can all get so carried away that we don't even remember where we started!

Well.....I am longing to find one that I stumbled upon a few times and for some reason, did not "follow" or even make it a favorite.  I know not her name, but I do know her subject.  This lady (maybe even a husband/wife team) plants beautiful plants in the most unexpected containers.....hats, shoes, dishes, pianos (I know!), other musical instruments, etc.  I admired her creativity as I had done a few myself and was so inspired to see her incredible work as well.  She went so far beyond what I even imagined.

Does anyone out there know what blog I might be describing??? 

These are pictures of the booth I did a few years back.  It was a great hit at this particular show.  I always incorporate plants as I think they soften edges and bring peace to a room.  They made me feel like this little booth was "me." 

I was really pleased with the overall affect.
I feel it was unique compared to my neighbors.

One can't have a garden gate without a beautiful vine
to give it a hug!!  I put plants in the barrel too.
That architectural element in the back was the first
piece that I had ever painted and sold!

Here....an herb resides in a French glass canister.
This chest now lives in a cabin in the Carolina's.
The door to the right is an old screen door that I painted and
put a mirror behind.  It lives at my friend, Dotty's, house.



Pineapple mint planted in an old oil can.
I really like that one!
Charms hanging from faux apple blossom
branches from Cathy Penton Designs.

 I also had plants in vintage plant stands too.  For the back-drop of my booth, I copied pictures onto pages of old books (or left them plain), punched holes in the tops and bottoms of the pages (I had to use clear hole reinforcers as some of the papers were so fragile), tied them together with string, then hung them from the frame my husband made me from pipe.  I was very pleased with the result.  I really did not want to see my neighbors and wanted clear deliniation of my own space.  The air conditioning blew them around gently. I was surprised how many people asked about it....even had a couple of offers/inquiries to see if it was for sale.  It was not.  I gladly shared my "how-to" though.

Anyway....back to the blog search.  If you have any ideas as to whom I am referring....please let me know!!  Many thanks to you all.

P.S.  I have this verse typed on a little piece of paper at my desk here at work.  It especially good for me and where I am today:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  Provers 3:5-6 

Happy White Wednesday!

Even though there is no snow to be found down here in South Florida, we have been covered with a blanket of hot, sticky, humid fog for three days now.  Where did our pleasant temperatures go?  Word has it that it will burn off later to make way for 80 degree temperatures.  Seriously??  So I guess I could have taken a picture of the scenery today to play along with Faded Charm Cottage's White Wednesday.  Instead, though, I chose these pictures to share.

Lovely entry.  The painted floor is gorgeous.
(from apartmenttherapy.com)

This is a beautiful white kitchen, but to me,
the rustic pantry and boards on the island
make it.
(from thedesignnotebook.blogspot.com)

I'm so in love with white slipcovered furniture.
I could grab a book and blanket and spend the
day in this chair by the window.  Ahhhhh!
(from eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com)

The best bathroom I've seen in a while!
It's where you'll find me after I leave the chair
by the window.  Sounds like a lazy day, doesn't it?
I could use one of those, truth be told.
The barn wood ceiling and tub surround are perfect!
(from milk&honeyhome)

I have been enjoying the music from Jennifer Rizzo's blog today.  Truly.  While browsing my blog roll this morning, her music popped up. I minimized the screen and am just listening to her playlist.  It is wonderful.  My favorite is Sarah McLachlan's Blackbird.  Thank you, Jennifer, for serenading me this morning!!

Oh....now I'm seeing raindrops on my office window.  I guess the fog is seeping!  No worries.  My plants and yard are most happy again today, so I will be too.

Enjoy a beautiful Wednesday, no matter what you see from your window.

Special Delivery....The Reveal!

Sorry to keep you waiting.....  Here is my beautiful special delivery.

Oh, how I love a beautifully made tag!

My special delivery came with
special instructions.  Remove the tissue
in the center and give it a gentle fluff.

And finally....my GORGEOUS nest...
made especially for me by
Vicki of 2 Bags Full.
(Jami....you were right!)

And just like a sweet bird would do...
tidbits added here and there...
tucked in just so.

Look at these sweet details!

It will live atop one of my
old iron urns so I can give it a
turn every so often to enjoy
all its beauty.

I will continue to study it, inside and out, top and bottom.  It appears to be knitted (or crocheted) then all the goodies added.  I am in awe of its creation and its creator.  Vicki....it is more beautiful than I even thought it would be.  I will cherish it and your friendship for years to come!  Many thanks to you again.

~~~~~

I made mention of a vanity I happened across that I picked up for my granddaughter, Taylor's, 4th birthday.  I wish I had taken a BEFORE shot, but here is the finished product.  I delivered it today and am very pleased how much she loves it.

Taylor is truly a princess!!

Once a cream and rose (and worn) painted vanity,
it now wears Taylor's favorite purple.
(Lavender actually to play off the purple
walls in her room.)

I am pretty proud of this letter T.  I hand sketched it while
looking at my computer screen, cut it out,
traced it onto the vanity, then hand painted
it.  I am very pleased with the result.

So....what do you think?  Good stuff is worth the wait, I hope.  "Kindness is more than deeds.  It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch.  It is anything that lifts another person." (unknown)  Vicki....your kindness has lifted me.

Sending blessings to you all for a great rest of the week ahead.  I hope to talk to you again soon.

Special Delivery!

I received the sweetest, most beautiful package in the mail yesterday.  Tomorrow....I will share pictures when the light is better and I can capture the nuances of this special delivery.  Sorry to make you wait.  I will say this....IT IS BEAUTIFUL!  Beyond my expectations!  The attention to detail is amazing!

Okay.....here is a hint:  2 Bags Full! 

I know there are a lot of bloggy friends out there who love birds and nests as much as I do.  You are the friends who will like this the most. 

I promise....I'll be back tomorrow with the goods!

And to Vicki...my dear, and you are so dear to me and to many others as well, I am sure.  I am awestruck!

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