Home

Every house where love abides

and friendship is a guest

is surely home, and home sweet home

for there the heart can rest

~Henry Van Dyke

Morning walks

A simple pleasure.

Did you know....

that these caterpillars that eat every bit of your parsley




turn into these beautiful black swallowtail butterflys.

In the Garden

The caterpillars are back. Last year they ate every bit of my parsley (actually I let them) ~ I'm not sure I'll be as nice this year.






Riley enjoyed the sun today in the tomato patch.

A mosaic plate

I love mosaics and decided to try my hand at another plate. This is the second one I've ever done, each one being an experiment and a challenge. Using old pieces of glass and pottery and anything else that can be found is what, I think, gives it a unique look. This one is done in mostly earthy colors.


I started with a terra cotta dish that is used under a flower pot, and glued each piece on with mosaic glue.




After the glue dries, mix the grout and fill in the piece, then wait 24 hours and wipe it clean.

And that's it.

Each piece is an original, whimsical creation that is so much fun do to.

I'm already thinking about my next piece.

Home

I had the best time with my sister, and now I'm back home.





Otis and Riley enjoyed going along with me to my sister's house. They love a road trip, and they got to see their cousins, Precious and Tango.

My sister and I spent loads of time sitting at her dining room table with our glasses of iced tea working on our genealogy, yes, our genealogy. It's something we've been wanting to do for a long time. What fun!

We also took some time out to bake this wonderful blackberry and apple dessert. Yum!



Of course, we also spent time in her garden, ate breakfast out, sipped wine, watched a movie, and talked, and talked and talked ~ just what sisters do.

~~~~~~~

Now I've got some catching up to do. I'll be around soon!

I'll be away for a few days spending time with my sister. Sometimes sisters just need to be together.

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.

author unknown

Attitude

My sweet niece sent me an email yesterday, a very inspirational email about making the best out of what life deals you. You may have already read this, but I wanted to share it with you anyway.

Attitude

There was once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed
she had only “three” strands of hair on her head…
“Well”, she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today”
So, she did and she had a wonderful day…
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that
she had only “two” strands of hair on her head…
“H-m-m”, she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today”
So, she did and she had a grand day!!!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that
she had only “one” hair on her head…
“Well”, she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail”
So, she did and she had a fun, fun day!!!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that
there was not a “single” hair on her head…
“Yea”! she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today”!!!

Attitude is Everything…

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly,

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…

It’s about learning to dance in the rain…

Otis and Riley and a painting

A nice rain fell last night and this morning everything smelled so fresh! Otis and Riley were not sure they wanted to come outside because they didn't want to get their feet wet. They needed a little coaxing.




Riley had a drink from a small puddle he found on the picnic table.




Then it was back inside and they resumed their positions on the back of the sofa.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday I spent some time painting ~ a beach scene (watercolor).

I painted this one specifically for a gift shop at the beach where I've been selling my note cards ~ the Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach, NC. I'm thrilled they're doing so well, and beachy things are always fun to paint.

Summer sizzle

Another scorcher today. Temps nearing 100 degrees and muggy.

The National Weather Service has put us under a heat advisory. How about a nice big glass of iced tea?

"What dreadful hot weather we have!

It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance."

~Jane Austin

The art project

Remember I said I was taking some time off to work on an art project?



This is what I've been doing.

I was asked by my oldest daughter, Jen, the Data Base Web Manager for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, to do two paintings. One of their logo and one of their Mission Statement.

This is the Food Bank logo that I painted. (both paintings are painted on canvas)

This is the Mission Statement.

Galen made the frames in his woodshop.

These will be hung in the front office of the Food Bank after some renovations are completed. I am so honored to have done these. Jen says now each morning when she walks in the office she will see something her Mom did and that makes her happy. And I was happy to do them.

Our Mission

To harness and supply resources

so that no one goes hungry

in central and easter North Carolina

I'm back

I feel like I've been away from blogging SO long......


you probably thought I flew the coop

but I didn't

I'm still here

and Otis and Riley and I will be around to see you soon

because we've been wondering what you've been up to.