Sunday, May 31, 2009

Here Fishy, Fishy

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."
~e.e. Cummings

My Chad-o and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather today. The cool temperatures, sunny skies and warm sun provided the perfect ingredients for a day of stream stompin' and picture takin'. Chad-o teased the trout and I used my camera to harass every aspect of nature.


We started out walking through fields and along streams. Praise God I decided to wear tennis shoes rather than my flippies. That would have been a disaster.


And, you know how it is... You're out in the middle of nowhere and stumble upon two fairly decent turquoise chairs. Instantly, I flashed back to the movie, "Grumpy Old Men." Can you just picture those two geezers sitting on these lovely seats?

Mission accomplished.

*Don't worry- we released all the little trouts back to thier homes.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

...'mornin

"By getting up early in the morning one also gets more time at his disposal for work as compared to late-risers. Scholars and thinkers get up early in the morning and contemplate."
~Rig Veda

Hello. I woke up early today and I just fell in love with the morning dew. You know the kind...gently placed little dew droplets and stringy spiderwebs.

Any day now, these day lilies will unfold and proudly showcase their yellow blooms. I think summer is finally tip-toeing through the garden...

Oh- and the craziest thing happened. Or, perhaps I've been spending too much quality time in my herb garden. But, this afternoon, as I was planting some baby basil sprouts, I turned my head, and much to my amazement, my eyes landed on a deer. Yep-- a deer!

I can honestly say that in all my years of living in the 'hood, I've never seen a deer wander through my neighbor's lawn.

Maybe the lesson for the day is to expect the unexpected.

Sounds good to me- I'm up for some adventure (wink*).

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Vine Ripe Tomtaoes Coming Soon

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."
~Lindley Karstens

I've been dreaming of these nifty cherry tomato plants, and my sweet mama and papa surprised me with two cuties today. Much to my delight they were perched on the back deck when I returned home from work this afternoon.

Aren't I lucky? My pardres are so nice. Gracias, Jossie and Ace.

Now I can eagerly await my first harvest, when I will whip up this delicious recipe for roasted cherry tomatoes.

Can you say, "Yum!?!"

*line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper

*slice tomatoes in half, scooping out seeds, and place cut-side up on pan (or leave them whole)

*lightly drizzle with olive oil

*sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh rosemary, some basil, and 2 cloves of garlic

*bake at 225 F for aprox. six to seven hours or until caramelized and dehydrated-looking

It's Raining, It's Pouring

"The world is my country,
all mankind are my brethern,
and to do good is my religion."
~Thomas Paine


Did you ever notice how the sky emits a strange glow right before a thunderstorm?

I've always found a stormy light rather intriguing and went out to use the ethereal glow to capture some Nikon moments. I had the pleasure of dodging the droplets and cracks of lightening as I attempted to catch a glimpse of this gently emerging rhododendron flower. As a kid, I despised these flowering shrubs due to their intense love affair with huge, fuzzy, loudly buzzing bumble-bees. Thankfully, I'm past that now :)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Sneak Peek

"Don't let anyone tell you that you have to be a certain way. Be unique. Be what you feel."
~Melissa Etheridge


This is the beginning of the transformation. The original plan has been scratched.

Why? It became the norm. I just can't take that.

And, since poppy orange doesn't match in the least little bit, it shall be my accent color. I'm way obsessed with it.

My plan: to replicate nature, but give it a modern, contemporary twist...

PS- This jewelry box was previously faux oak. Can't you just picture it? (eewww) Being that oak makes me ill, I decided to perform cosmetic surgery with the help of some amazing Martha Stewart paint.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sparks Were a Flyin'

"I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever."
~Amy Tan

campfires are special

campfires and summer 2005

campfires remind me of my the first time I was truly happy

campfires bring back long nights, under starry skies

campfires are memories of the best conversations

campfires are simple

campfires mark the beginning

of how two people fell in love

So Pretty, Must Have

"When ideas float in our mind without any reflection or regard of the understanding, it is that which the French call revery, our language has scarce a name for it."
~John Locke


Ok, so I found this picture today while doing some browsing on-line. I've decided I really need these dainty little candles and the whimsy they would bring. Also, this set the stage for my new color scheme... Stay tuned for the unveiling of my latest painting project.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

A Dirt Diggin' Kind of Day

"Let no one think that real gardening is a bucolic and meditative occupation. It is an insatiable passion, like everything else to which a man gives his heart."
~Karel Capel

The weatherman called for a day of rains. Weatherchannel.com reported severe thunderstorms. I saw sunny skies.

Unable to resist the gardening temptation, or to heed the warnings of my trusty meteorologist, I hopped in Jaxie (my car), and high-tailed it to the nearest greenhouse.

How is one ever to make a choice? Of course, I was armed with a mental list of necessary items, but found it extremely difficult to stick to it. I knew I wanted to go with a purple and orange theme, and that flowers I purchased needed to enjoy a full day of flaming hot sun. Sounds easy enough, huh? ..umm....yea...not so much....

So, after packing Jaxie full of blooming wonder, I made a quick, yet necessary stop at the Donut Connection. Why not partake in my favorite java while doing one of my favorite things? It seemed like the recipe for a perfect day: coffee and plants.

And, it was. I managed to plant all of the flower pots, make my very own hanging basket, and start my herb garden. Ahh, yes...the sweetness of digging in the dirt.

mmm... Cilantro, mint, rosemary, lavender, and banana peppers...

I'm already getting excited for a summer of sun tea, made with the above fresh mint.

Always a fan of relaxation and sunshine, Charlie T. enjoyed an afternoon of watching her mama plant. As you can imagine, she offered fabulous gardening advice and even gave me a few pointers. She's such a smartie.

And, in case you are wondering, she consistently drags that golden pillow to the nearest sun spot, where she will attempt to 'lay out', and tan her fur. As you can see, it's coming along quite nicely.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Lilacs, Lilacs!

"Go down to Kew in lilac-time, in lilac-time, in lilac-time;
Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from London).
And you shall wander hand in hand with love in summer's wonderland;
Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from London)."
~Alfred Noyes, The Barrel Organ

If you haven't already noticed, the lilacs are blooming! On Sunday afternoon, as Charlie T. and I walked through the neighborhood, the fragrant smell of these flowers wafted through the air and danced in the breeze. Had my allergies not been fighting me, I'm sure I'd have enjoyed such an olfactory treat even more.

Anyway, seeing and smelling the hundreds of lilac bushes in my little town got me thinking. You see, my favorite color is purple.

So, as I contemplated purple, I started to wonder what it meant. I realized that researching the color's symbolic meaning might reveal aspects of my personality I didn't want to address. However, my curiosity got the best of me, and I quickly found myself typing 'color psychology' into Google.

My results were rather interesting. May I suggest that you take a few minutes and do some research of your own. You might be surprised to find out what your favorite color can reveal about you...

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Celebrate Your Mama!

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around... and why his parents will always wave back."
~William D. Tammeus


Mamas are good. Mamas are necessary. Mamas make life better.
Thank you, Jossie, for being the best. I really did luck out!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Good Stuff- My Day in Pictures

"may the road
rise to meet you,
may the wind
always be at your back,
may the sun
shine warm upon your face,
may the rains
fall softly upon your fields..."
~Irish Blessing

I thought I'd give you a glimpse of my nifty little knitting project. Since it's so dull and dreary outside, I'm turning to colorful yarn to lift my spirits.

Of course, a delectable dish of strawberry shortcake made the day a bit sweeter.

And, there's something so gosh-darn cheerful about a bouquet of daisies.

Despite more rain, it was a pretty nice day. I'm off to beddie-bye...night, y'all.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

My Quiet Place

"I would not exchange my leisure hours for all the wealth in the world."
~Comte de Mirabeau


I thought I'd share with you my quiet place; the place where I read and write and think.

My desk holds many memories; and for someone as nostalgic as me, that's highly important. Oh if my little desk could talk... I bet it could tell you some insane stories.

Today, however, is catalogue day! Me, Little Peep, a cup of peppermint tea, and the newest installment of one of our favorite catalogues, have decided to spend some quality time together. Off we go to the quiet place and drift into the land of wonder. The sound of rain pitter-patters on the roof, but we are content in our cozy, peaceful retreat.

Why is it so much fun to turn the pages and dream of owning all these amazing trinkets and unique goodies?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

A Much Awaited Day

"You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
~Max Ehrmann


Dear Friends,

In a few short hours Angie and Dan will finally meet their precious little girl, Chloe. Chloe, you see, has spent the first months of her young life in China, where she has resided with a kind and gracious foster family. Over the next few days, her life, as well as Angie's and Dan's , will undergo a dramatic change. Although this union will bring many smiles and tears of joy, it will no doubt bring confusion and stress to the little girl.

Please, keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you go through your day. Pray for a peaceful and serene transition, and give thanks for wonder of adoption.

Take a peek at their blog. I promise, you'll enjoy it!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Happy May Day

"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."
~ Irish Blessing

To: You
From: Me
...here is a pretty Quince blossom to say, "Thanks for stopping by."

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