Have you seen the view from my kitchen window? Let’s have a cuppa and stop to smell the roses, shall we?
Hmmm….too far away, let’s get a little closer…
Hmmm…..we’re getting warmer, but I think we need to take a stroll outside…. Let’s go around the side first….
Mmm…Glamis Castile by David Austin planted 2 years ago. Beautiful fluffy white blossoms with a tinge of pink in the center. Beautiful form.
Here’s a closer shot of Glamis…
we’re walking, we’re walking…
ahh, here we are out front, the other side of the window. Hard to tell, but this Evelyn (again by David Austin) is COVERED in buds about to explode in color.
Evelyn was named for Crabtree and Evelyn, who used the heavenly scent of this glorious rose to fragrance their ever popular and famous lotions, soaps, and perfumes.
David Austin is my FAVORITE breeder. His roses are full and lush, low maintenance, and delightful in every way. These were planted only 2 years ago. They’re huge now and doing so well! I also have some Abraham Darbys I’ll show you another day. My goal is to have climbing roses on all the pillars of my porch; huge, voracious, house-eater climbing roses. Right now I have seedlings. Someday!
I showed you mine, now you show me your….roses! I’d love to see your pics on your blogs.
I’ve enjoyed my little rosey diversion with you. I want to make every view from every window in my life a beautiful one. Don’t we all!?
I’m so rotten. My husband made these three frames for me out of beautiful old moulding probably a year ago. Since then, they’ve sat around waiting to be filled. I’m so spoiled! Why have I let them just sit around, as if they were nothing all this time? I put them on my TV cabinet so I would be SURE to see them tomorrow and find some great photos for them. They’re huge, too, holding pictures about 8×10. They’re just awesome. Anything my hubby makes is always made very well. I’m so blessed. I NEVER worry that something he does won’t be done to the highest standards! You should see my kids’ playhouse in the back yard, just so cool. Hmm….maybe I’ll post a picture of that in the summer when we have grass. But, I digress.
And then this. I got this shade for $5.00 at the flea market last month. I love the ruffle. Reminds me of the lamp shades Lori makes. LOVE her lampshades and I am so envious of them! I am on the lookout for supplies to copy her look! Anyhoo….This color is a little more on the red side than I usually like, but the ruffle sold me and the color is growing on me. Looks very “French General” to me on that alabaster lamp base, don’t you think?
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair’d the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Lord Byron
Don’t you love this poem? Did you know that Lord Byron wrote it after being inspired by the beauty of his cousin, whom he saw at a party? Upon retiring for the evening, he had some brandy and just HAD to write this poem about her. THIS poem. One of, if not THE most beloved romantic poems of all time. It’s so lovely, isn’t it?
Don’t you feel that way sometimes? Haven’t you been so inspired by something that you just COULDN’T WAIT!? You just HAD to create something from that inspiration right NOW! No waiting till morning, gotta strike while the iron’s hot!
I don’t have daughters, but I do have a couple of raven haired nieces that I love as if I had birthed them myself. I am often struck by their beauty. For their birthdays I am making them one of my ballerina boxes with a tiara inside. I think I shall inscribe the inside of the box with this lovely poem and dedicate it to them. I think Lord Byron would appreciate that!
By the way, thank you so much for all the ballerina box lovin! Many have asked if I’ll be making more than one, yes, I’ll make about 6 or so. I’m not sure yet if I’ll list them as I finish them, or if I’ll hold off until I’ve done them all then list them all at once. hmmm…let me think on that one.
….young and sweet, only seventeen….you can dance, you can jive havin the ti-… Uhem, excuse me, reliving my youth for a sec. Anyhooooo….
I’m FINALLY working on my tiny dancers! I found some great old pink wallpaper (which I’ll be including in my next Doodle Packs, by the way) and THAT was what she needed! Every ballerina needs pink floral wallpaper, if you ask moi. I just started her, I have LOTS of embellishing to do yet. But, thought I would show you that I really am making them!
This girly is twirling under an arch of millinery flowers I made for her. I’m going to add some crepe paper, vintage velvet ribbon, costume jewelry, flocked tulle….she’ll be pretty in pink when I’m done with her. So sweet. When she’s ready for her debut, I’ll list her for sale on my website. I’ll keep you posted!
Ooooo…see that girl, watch that scene….
Where’s my Abba album…hmmm
Holly
edit: Hey, just googled that song….did you know it was released in 1976. I was only 3 years old, so why is it burned in my brain? I guess it’s just one of those iconic songs. Anyway, a useless piece of trivia thought I’d pass on. Also, put some better pics of my dancing queen up. See ya tomorrow!
This weekend my sweet little love-bug of a 4 year old son suddenly, very late at night, was stricken with a fever of 103. Just out of the blue. No other simptoms, just high fever. I tended to him with love, juice, and children’s motrin. I worried, I let fear creep in, I prayed. What is it about becoming a mother, that suddenly you are painfully aware of every illness, sickness, condition and bug that could harm your child? What is it about a mystery fever that strikes terror to the core of my soul? My mind goes crazy……what could it be? Malaria….uhm no. Menengitis? I had him put his chin to his chest so many times his neck must be sore, so no. One of those scary hot-zone type bugs? NO, thank God. But what? Could it be some as-of-yet-unidentified silent killer? Thank God, again, no. So, I rock him, and check on him, and do not sleep, even when I try. I keep my watch in vain, when I suddenly realize that I am not in control. I know, hard to believe. So, I kneel by my son’s sweet little body, snuggled in his blue race car bed, I lay my hand on his sweet forehead, close my eyes, and pray. I pray to the only One who is in control, and I humbly ask for protection of my children. I do this often, as the world we live in is a scary place for our sweet small ones. My heart calms a bit (not much, honestly, but a bit), knowing I’ve done all, and everything, I can. I try to tell myself that I’ve overreacted. I settle my mind and body enough to fall asleep.
The next morning he still had a fever, but a bit lower. Now today he has a little cold. I guess his fever was just his body trying to fight off that cold. Funny how in the light of day, with sleep and coffe in me, the fever takes on a whole new light. Now I see it as a good thing. What a difference a day, a prayer, and a cup-o-joe makes.
I obsess, I worry, I’m insane. I’m a mom. Thank you, God, for making me a mother. Help me God, to be strong enough to mother.
Whoa…if you need to pee, ya better do it now. Need a cup of coffee? Better go get it. I have TONS of pictures for you today. I have been the recipient of many-a swap, gift exchange, secret pal, and just out-of-the-blue surprises lately. Ready? Here we go!
My poor partner for Jenny’s Vintage Kitchen Swap mailed my swap gifts BEFORE the deadline. But, I did not recieve them for OVER two weeks! She was so worried it was lost in the mail. When I received the package, post-dated over two weeks prior, I soon realized it was well worth the wait! Here is just SOME of the yummy goodies I received from Amanda at Every Little Thing:
Don’t you LOVE this apron? I think it may be my favorite thing she sent….sooo sweet. I think I shall wear it whilst I prepare cereal in the morning.
loads of linens
Amanda made the beautiful broach out of gorgeous blue velvet and snipets of lace and ribbon. She sells them, as well as these kitchy-cute cupcake pics and toppers, which I L-O-V-E in her etsy shop. Thank you so much, Amanda! I love it all!
Moving right along…..check out these cuter-than-cute faux tea cakes that my friend Natasha sent me, all the way from the land down-under! She makes these and sells them on her website.
Don’t they look REAL? My husband and son both thought they were real and were sorely disappointed upon discovering the awful truth! Amazing. Natasha is having a give-away on her blog for a set of three of these, almost identical to the ones I have. Hurry! Go put your name in the hopper! She’s a hugely talented and sought-after artist. She is so prolific and so talented in many mediums that I am inspired to just be better! Just IN GENERAL! hahaha….. Thank you ever-so-much, sweet Natasha!
Now, I already gave you a teaser photo of the goodies from Kasse of Miss Duffy’s, but here are some better pictures.
Still bummed about missing out on the May basket swap. *sigh*.
Here is another goody from the famous Miss Duffy’s….A BIRD STAMP KIT! Oh my, I’m in heaven. You KNOW that I likes me some birdies and nesties. My heart was a-palpatatin when I saw this. The tin may look like about the size of an altoid box, but IT’s NOT! It’s huge! That’s a standard size plate it’s sitting on!
Oh me-oh my….I can’t wait to do something….anything with these! She sells them on her site, of course, along with 3 or so other little kits. Thank you so much, Kasse.
Finally, here is the out-of-the-blue surprise I recieved just today!
*gasp*! These were made by the grandmother of a good friend of ours, many many years ago. They are made out of real eggs. Our friend told us that granny would gather osterich, duck, goose, and any other egg she could find in order to get larger or unique sizes and shapes. She carefully cut, painted, and embellished each one! Over Easter, my friends had them out on their sideboard and of course I admired them. Well, today they brought them to me and just GAVE them to me! Are you kidding?
Look at the yummy velvet ribbon and milinery flowers! And the sweet bunnies….oh goodness!
I was shocked! These are family heirlooms, in my humble opinion! I told them I couldn’t accept them, but they insisted, saying that I would appreciate and treasure them and that they just looked like me, like they belonged with me. I am so touched. I truly will treasure them and display them with great joy. Thank you, sweet friends.
I feel a bit like a kid at Christmas. I’m slightly overwhelmed and completely grateful.
Whew. I finally have internet and phone service again! YAY! OK. I would like to vent about what an awful phone/internet provider I have, but that would be a waste of time and energy, so let’s chat about the important stuff, like decorating, shall we? Don’t you love this sweet little bluebird? My friend Kasse gave him to me in February, just for helping her with an art show. She, of course, did not need to give me a gift, especially since she lets me bring my paintings to the show for sale, but she is a thoughtful and generous soul. She knew I had been painting bluebirds lately. I LOVE this fat little guy. He’s sitting on my end table, right under my favorite painting. Here’s a shot of the living room:
You’ve seen the painting before, but Kasse said I should show a picture of it with the sofa so you could appreciate how big it is. LOVE the frame hubby made for it, as I’ve said before also. Lately, I’ve added some of the Target Shabby Chic pillows and am loving the aqua/blueish velvet one. I don’t really like the embroidery that’s on one side of it, so I just turn them around.
I will be doing a post about all my great swaps and gifts I’ve received lately. I am SO sad that I missed out on Artsy Mama’s May Basket swap. Phooey. Oh well, there will be other swaps!
I’m getting emails and comments that some of you crafty gals are starting to receive your doodlepacks and are enjoying them! I’m so glad you like them! I’ll let you know when I make more. I think the next one will have some pink floral wallpaper in it. Yum.
More posts tomorrow! I’ve got catching up to do! But, as a teaser, here are two pictrures of some of the goodies sweet Miss Duffy brought me this weekend. We swapped some, and she gave me some as a hostess gift (completely unnecessary, but totally sweet!). She has these baskets in 3 sizes! I told her I needed a set of three in each color (I have nieces…..yeah, that’s my excuse reason for needing so many). Love them! See why I’m so bummed I missed the May Basket swap? I mean, come ON! FOIL MAY BASKETS!!!
OK. Gotta go clean the kitchen before LOST comes on. Come on, Jack, she’s a SPY!
SO sorry I haven’t blogged at all this week. My internet service has been down all week and IS STILL DOWN! I’m at my sister’s house writing this post.
I’m hoping the company will fix whatever their problem is by tomorrow because I have so much great stuff to show you! My friend Kasse (www.missduffys.com) and I exchanged goodies when she visited….of course they’re YUMMY, she sells the best stuff. I also got my vintage kitchen swap goodies, and I received the most beautiful faux sweet treats and a jar of veggy-mite (sp?) VEGEMITE from my sweet friend Natasha (www.natashaburns.com) who lives in beautiful Australia. I can’t wait to try it, just got it today. I’m sure I’ll become completely addicted and have to send her money to ship me a fix on a regular basis! I’ve always heard of Veggy-mite VEGEMITE, it was thoughtful and fun of her to include something so purely Australian in my goody package. I love surprises, don’t you? I’ll let you know what I think. Thank you to all my gift-bearers!
I also shipped all the Doodle-packs on Monday via USPS priority mail, so you who have ordered them should have them today or tomorrow. Thank you again for your orders.
I’ll write more, and include some great pictures, as soon as I can!
Don’t you love this sweet little piece of salvage? A very dear friend gave this to me. It’s an OLD wood piece, with the BEST shiny, white, chipped-up paint. I imagine it was from the top of an old sign, but I really have no idea. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I mean, come on! The color, the age, the SWANS, the fact that the swans are beak-to-beak, forming the shape of a heart with their necks between them?!! What’s NOT to love? It’s hanging in the area above the entry to our family room. I’ve thought of making some kind of banner or painting on the wall the words “love lives here”, but then I decided that just the swans themselves made that statement well enough on their own. What do you think?
OK, if you’ve ordered (and paid for) a doodle-pack, I’m working on packing them up right now. I’ll ship them tomorrow, or possibly Saturday, depending on how far I get a-packin tonight. If you ordered but haven’t had a chance to pay, I sent a little reminder, not because I’m in a rush, but because I thought you might want me to go ahead and ship tomorrow, instead of having to wait until next week. They’re so sweet, I can’t wait to see what you make out of them! Being my first vintage paper pack, I cut the peices rather large (some of them are about 11 by 10, rather than 8 1/2 by 11)….wanting to be generous…but, I discovered WHY people make them smaller….EASIER TO SHIP!!! So, instead of being able to use the hard cardboard priority mail envelopes LIKE A NORMAL PERSON, I’ll be sending them in flattened out priority mail boxes. I want them in cardboard so they don’t get bent. I’ll let you know when they’re on their way to your crafty little hands. Thank you SO much for ordering these and for sharing in my little world! I’ll be making more soon.
I’m also so excited that my sweet friend Kasse, of Miss Duffy’s fame, is coming for a visit on Saturday! We’ve been friends for years, and though I’ve seen her house a number of times (beautiful, of course), she’s never been to mine. She lives about 2 or 3 hours away, so I forgive her. We’re going flea marketing and having lunch. Can’t wait! I’ll post pics of whatever fun things we find, of course! This means that I’ll be doing the marathon cleaning I usually do right before someone comes for a visit, so they’ll be fooled into thinking I’m a good house keeper. *sigh* Neatness and organization are not my gifts. But I try anyway.
OK. I’m off so I can get to bed at a decent hour tonight! Thank you for all the blog love and support on my previous post. I can surely hang my swans as a banner over this blog, because…..love lives here.
My humble little blog has been selected to be featured on a new blog by Kim - ScrapToMyLu. The new blog she started is called Creative Blogs and she’s going to regularly feature blogs that she is inspired by or finds fun and creative! WOW! I’m so flattered! It’s so fun to find others of you in this virtual world who GET ME! I feel a little like Sally Fields accepting an Oscar “you like me, you really like me”. OK. A little pathetic, but you know what I mean!
Around here, very few actually get me. I had a friend from church come over one day who said to me “oh, all your furniture will be cute once you strip it and refinish it. I think you should do a honey-oak stain”. I just smiled and told her that I actually liked my furniture that way (all crappy and decrepit). She just said “oh, well that’s very nice for you”. OooKaaaay. Then another gal actually brought someone by my house…UNANNOUNCED to show her how strange my house was. This was what she said (now, I’m still in my jammies and have not brushed my teeth when she popped by at about 8:30. The ONE day I sleep in…of course)…anyway she ACTUALLY SAID THIS “Now, see…..you look around here and it’s….well you know, then you come to my house and it’s so warm”. I just stared at her. What am I, the ice-queen? I didn’t know quite what to say! Her house, and most other gal’s I know is almost completely brown. Now, I like brown. I love brown toile, brown transferware, brown accents. But, I mean the carpet is brown, the cabinets are brown, the walls are taupe (light grey-brown), the sofa’s are beigey-brown, the poufy recliner is brown, the tables are brown, it’s a brown brown world. So, I guess when she comes to my blue, green, and pink world she feels a little cool! Hahaha…. Gotta love her.
Anyway, thank you so very much, Kim, for the honor. Geesh, now I better go find something creative to post about!
**edit….by the way, lest I sound like a total snob, my husband owns a poufy beige recliner. Although I dislike the way it looks. I have to admit it’s comfortable. But, when it’s time for a new chair, I’m campaigning for something a little less “Frasier’s Dad”, if ya know what I mean!**
