Saturday, April 30, 2011

Wishes For Extented Outdoor Space....

Oh the lovely color that comes with outdoor spaces.. I loved this pic that is from http//www.victoriamagazine.com and was taken in Nantucket... Does the town just look very quaint and inviting?????


This lovely intimate space pic was from http://www.ehow.com/




The sun came out yesterday afternoon with a slight chill in the air, but it was still ever so nice to get out of doors... This morning the sun hasn't shown it face yet but no rain is fore casted and it is the first morning in weeks that water hasn't been laying everywhere... Oh I am so hoping we get a break and everything gets dried out...


May is planting and bedding plant month here in our area of Ohio but seems it will be delayed a couple weeks due to our exceptionally wet spring... It is a busy season but encourages us to take some time and spend with the earth.. It is just such a peaceful and blessed place to be and once again reminds me how very blessed we are to have acreage... It does restore your soul, walking on your own land...


I personally do not have a gazebo shaded by trailing vines but I love them and the allure of the quiet romantic setting.. as shown in the above pic... Tom ripped out my large vining trumpet vine last fall when we had problems with the tree roots in the septic tank... I don't believe the vine was the problem but in his eyes it had to go.{ What is it about guys and a vining plant? } He doesn't like my ivy out front either... I could understand if it was growing all over the house that does damage but.... I will have to find a replacement as the hummingbird that comes every year will wonder what happened as he swarmed it every year.. I will be only cleaning up the back area as we know at some time period this summer we will be totally ripped up taking out the old in ground pool... Most everything in the workers path will most likely be no more... This will most likely be late summer, I am sure they have been delayed with the starting of pools they are to build this summer with the weeks of extreme rain we have experienced. We will just have to see how it goes.


I will be looking for a couple objects however that may be refurbished and tucked into the yard area for summer... Some of the most romantic spaces can be found in the outdoor areas... Old canning jars can be quite striking when used as vessels for cuttings...candles.. or tied to fences and post or just buried half in the ground... instead of just being disposed of... Wind chimes of old retro objects can easily be strung and hung... Many objects can be taken to outdoor spaces but not your cherished ones... They need to remain in the home and be taken care of with the way they are accustomed to. or many of you, your outdoor space may be sheltered and you can have lovely items but for myself and the country space they must have endurance as the elements are very strong... I am excited as you can most likely tell about hopefully soon being able to set up my outdoor areas.. I love extended living space so very much... especially after a long hard winter... Wishes send your way for a blessed and wonderful weekend... Mine promises to be more relaxing after last weekend of cooking and entertaining for Easter and family.....




Friday, April 29, 2011

Wisdom and Experience








Yesterday I did not post as my thoughts and heart weighed heavy with the events of devastation that took place in our southern states... I am praying for each and every person affected by these terrible happenings... What a difference a day makes in the news headlines... I am watching the Royal Wedding as I post this morning... I am in awe with the over the moon hats I am viewing... How fun... The royal couple look just fabulous....

I will be also working on a new Etsy shop and hope to have it up and running soon... My goal is to be able to share my passion of Timeworn objects and many lovely treasures and altered art with you.. I will at this time however not be shipping out of the United States.... I took some time yesterday afternoon to make 2 of 4 cards that need to be sent for special events...

Essentially when I use the term altered art I mean I have taken some form of object, photo, book, jewelry, ect. and in my eyes made it more attractive or possibly changed it's function... Many of the altered art objects I create are often used for gifts... especially my cards and paper bag journals.... My hopes are to be offering some of the objects to you through my new Etsy store.... In the past I sold for years on Ebay but have found it to have become much too inflated as far as the charges... As many Americans I find it very hard to make myself fall into all the rising prices and decreasing economy... I do know I am not helping the economy with not buying but I also know I cannot do this and cause myself stress. My hopes are to offer to all of you treats and treasures at affordable prices for you... Since my thoughts are always to cheer someone up or add inspiration to one's life, I hope this blog and it's offerings will be able to do that for many...

With wisdom I do know " the best changes, start with simple thoughts". Sometimes we dream so big all we do is chase them.. The time is always good when it is the right thing your doing.. Making mistakes are part of human nature and if you haven't made mistakes, I do believe you haven't tried anything new. Wisdom is lessons learned, whether it be in life or projeccts... After all WISDOM and EXPERIENCE are both names we give our mistake making.. I have obtained much wisdom and experience !!!!

My blogging is a everyday way of sharing and learning about positive change, they inspire. motivate, educate and most of all make connectiions with people with words of the mind and heart....

ps.. I have shared a couple photos for you to use for tags or altered art if you care to....






Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Layering and Stacking












Storms started about 6 a.m. this morning with water laying heavy in many areas... once again causing my chin to be found laying on my feet... I am in the process of talking to myself...again... I must take my negatives and turn them to positives... Nice weather will come and I will remain behind with outdoor chores and preparing my outdoor space... That is just the way it is this year... So be it.. It will all come... Now with that being said for today I will find some projects I tend to enjoy and place them into action....Maybe turn the country music on for some uplift and enjoyment... I am convincing myself these are the days you translate your surroundings, just always seems to be more enjoyable when the windows have a gentle breeze coming in and the sun us shining but that is not the case... Sun creates energy but I think I may have to resort to left over jelly beans and sugar... I WILL turn my passions to desires and take the best of each and every day....

When creating in our homes we must be careful we create a space for our modern day living.. Even though we may love Victorian or Country or Shabby it is important not to fill our space with all unusable clutter and collections... For instance if you love linens and to achieve the desired look you may have one displayed but go ahead and display many in a stacked look... This has more impact and really doesn't take any more space.... Collecting objects that can be functional and beautiful is a great choice. For instance a wonderful timeworn piece of silver could double as a container for flowers... { hint is to place a glass or liner in this object for use of this kind} Make sure not to have too many gadgets... This can cause your home to loose it's charm and just look cluttered... A wise person knows when to quit in what she does... Sometimes we over- do and realize it after we do it... If you love lots of stuff, just try the stacking... One plate displayed can take as much room as a whole stack displayed.... if you are a collector and want them visible... If you own a very unique piece that is the time to display it by itself... Get the idea? Not wanting to get into my budget in any way ... this is a day to add a new look to areas I have removed and stored Easter and want to indulge in a new look. The urge to purchase when we are out of sorts seems to become stronger and I must not give in to this whim.... Rainy days ... But I am off to see if I can do some layering and stacking and create some comfortable appeal to areas without cluttering... Hopefully this will soothe my vintage desires and add a romantic side to my surroundings... as I continue to see the rain coming down....






Tuesday, April 26, 2011

What Is Life ? What Do We Love In Life ?













































The above photos are from the 2011 http://magnoliapearl.com website .. Her site is a real lovely way to spend some time ... The above pics are just a very small sampling of the items and wonderful reading you will find there.. plus Robin's blog...

What is life? Love of the past, encouragement in the present and much desired hope for the future... Always prayers that will eventually lead to peace... The sun is up shinning momentarily with promises of more rain to come in the forecast... Seems it is slowly becoming time to store heavier clothing and think of lighter more fun wear...

When I think of that dreams of crinkled, old lacy and lovely looks of Magnolia Pearl come to mind.. Seriously I cannot afford one piece of her work.... but I do so enjoy looking at her site and reading her publishing's.... Her beautiful chaos of use of scraps, laces and linens and ruffles is just delightful... I wish I possessed the talent in one little finger that Robin does in her magical mind and hands... The closest I have come to making anything come close to looking like anything she has touched was a wristlet I made a couple years ago... Her style in clothing and in decorating is truly her own... and certainly not for everyone... I find however I could slip into the clothing and her home... and spend month upon month just indulging... Maybe someday I will find some linens and laces and make a attempt at a Robin style of some kind.. It seems you would let your imagination loose to go wild to be able to accomplish this... I would also think as I did in altered art , you have to learn to get a not too perfect look... Her ways to me are just mouth watering... and yummy...

Opps, the sun has disappeared again as I am writing this post.. It just may be this afternoon I will have to pull out her book and sift through the pages of timeworn and heavily distresses but highly embellished with trims and tassels it is outlandishly lovely... The talent is raw, fairly-tale like with all the magic... For now, I will just dream of the signature style laces , dripping with torn pieces of vintage and antique laces... All this combined with vintage jewelry , cuff bracelets, and soldered charms seems to make a perfect marriage... Oh, and don't forget those bags...










Monday, April 25, 2011

After Thoughts

Good day.. With rainy and grey skies I am working through effects of having a house really full of family... I baked 3 hams and have just chunks left... I stored one bag and have the other for munching... Vegetable soup has been made from the left over veggies and is on the stove simmering for lunch today... After posting I will be sweeping and mopping and gathering Easter decorations for placing in storage for another year.. I had a very hungry crew yesterday.. Candies were enjoyed by all and eggs were found by little ones... The Easter story was told with the numbered eggs.. The clothespin drop into a bottle was enjoyed by all young and old with the reward of a nickle if you got 3 to 5 in the bottle on your turn... They called it their college fund.... I must admit my energy level is zero today and I am forcing myself to work... It seems a half hour work and a half hour break... This is break... while the laundry is spinning...
My plans for the next couple weeks is to try to get myself more organized... Desires to do anything outside will be put off for this week once again... Our whole weeks forecast is for rain.... on our already very heavy saturated land... Taking some smile from my face as I feel the need for a attitude adjustment will be needed once again...
A desire to get out and about will be strong by mid week I am sure... This evening however we must travel to Napoleon for the viewing of a neighbor and friend that passed this weekend... I seem to have a love for searching for paper ephemera and junk jewelry for my time spent on altered art... I always love boudoir essentials and silver objects but must remind myself I have cut back on spending and desires... Knowing I do not need it... it is just a passion...
I can't think of a more appropriate time to say I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Easter... Hopefully with your family and all the rituals of the day and connections we see, to make with the past on special holidays....

Friday, April 22, 2011

Style And Celebration

What style are you? Well I am true to myself in being a farm girl style that loves Victorian, Vintage, Cottage, with a twist of French... For my surroundings , as we all celebrate Easter in our style I will be enjoying the simpler things in life... and not expecting too much seems to make life more enjoyable and desirable with the aging process. Achieving is wonderful, but also trying to achieve something that may be out of our reach, not so much... How many time have we viewed achievement with no values?
As the celebration of Easter is very near I feel full of gratitude and wonder to be able to spend this time with our families.. My hopes and wishes for you my friends are for God to send you the gifts he chooses for you and for us to have the wisdom to accept them... Even though many hardships may be found that our heart are full of thankfulness and our tummies are full of jelly beans.. Now may be the moment to stop and realize we are blessed beyond measuring.. To all Happy Easter... Be wise and Enjoy....

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Lettering Connects With Those Who Walk Through The Door





Just a few special words to share with you today as I am off to complete some chores in my home for this Sunday's Easter celebration of family day. The sun has finally made its appearance this morning giving me a little extra boost of energy since I am not that little pink energizer bunny... It is way to mussy and wet to accomplish any work outside the house however...



Do you love quotes of inspiration.. Wisdom quotes? I know I find sometimes reading wonderful quotes helps me keep a positive attitude... I have shared a couple pics with you this morning of such quotes taken from http://www.wisedecor.com/ It seems like a puring out of one's spirit and I love the look and the inspiration... Many lovely pictures can be viewed on this site in the gallery... Lovely words of wisdom crates perfect harmony and seems to marry with other creative pbjects in one's home... I think the special charm is the way the lettering with those whom walk through your doors... the lovely welcoming.....







Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Sweet Confections Awaiting








































































Preparing for Easter continues this week. I gave Tom a honey dew and he really "OWNED" his job given and completed much more than I had asked.... That was so appreciated....



The weather in our area continues to be not so very enjoyable so I am once again faced with giving myself attitude adjustments, and remembering how blessed I am to have warm shelter... I have placed a few pics from around my home , many of you have maybe seen some before, but it is the everyday places that surround me... The top pic is a old small book that I found at a antique shop that I loved it's size and the lovely cover....but you know I couldn't leave it alone... I had to embellish...embellish... embellish.... I added a couple vintage rhinestone earrings and a cut out of a photo offered up by a fellow blogger earlier this week.... @ http://bumblebutton.blogspot.com/ that I found by reading Dawn's blog @ http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/ Turning tiny treasures and trinkets into one of a kind objects is one of my favorite things to do. Simple pile it on and embellish...embellish. embellish... It is truly amazing what lovely things can come with found objects... hiding in the smallest of spaces... Sweet confections are awaiting the arrival of Easter day although Tom and I have devoured 2 bags of jelly beans ourselves the past couple weeks... They are remembered treasures and tastes of the past and the present all on their own... Whoever appreciates the fine timeworn elegance may feel right at home if you would stop for a visit... Worn with age gives great comfort when clean and cozy and displayed in a romantic or creative manner. In my musings today I offer you blessings and thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed the visit and come back soon for continuing sips of timeworn vintage and old....












Monday, April 18, 2011

A Beautiful Easter Greeting with a poem about the story of Easter

A Beautiful Easter Greeting with a poem about the story of Easter

Scatterings

Planning for Easter is taking place in my home this week. Grocery list is being compiled for the big hit at the check out counter with the rising prices in groceries but I will place a smile on my face and be thankful we can pay for them.... Plastic eggs for hunting.. not knowing if it will done indoors or outdoors will be filled with coins and candy... My plans will be to keep it very simple as I would like to enjoy the special holiday also... If it is too elaborate we tire and loose our true feeling we are having the event... Easter at home seems quite a bit easier than Thanksgiving or Christmas as I believe the menu to be simpler to prepare ... The best part will be visiting with all of your during the week as we connect on the Internet and share inspirations and thoughts through our blogs. Everyday it seems to be a magnetic destination for me to head to. Then on Easter day itself the versatility of family to surround us.. filling our self full of sweet treat scatterings... Life and happiness does come in scatterings.. Bits and pieces... Most of the time we expect it to come all at once... in a relationship, a achievement, or some other form but happiness is around us in some way each and every day if we acknowledge and enjoy... For every person things create happiness can be a very different, not really making it right or wrong... Through my years, I have found happiness can come in very small doses and little packages.. With these small happenings we seem to keep more in balance instead of some large event that when it is over it is over... As we head into the Easter week let us remember " gratitude is a action word" and enjoy the special moments that will come our way... especially of we see it through the large eyes of little children....

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Sweetly Preserved Memories

In our hearts and minds thoughts of holidays seem to be sweetly preserved in our memories.. Myself and my children have so many lovely memories of my mother and her efforts to make Easter a celebration.. knowing everyday is a celebration and holds pleasures, but we must have our eyes open to see them... I wanted to share this with you even thought it is a post from 2009..http://dailypleasures.blogspot.com/2009/04/celebrating-easter.html As I plan my Easter I am including this 12 +1 empty Easter egg hunt for my grandchildren and will have them read their eggs they found in number order along with the eggs filled with money and candy... This will keep the fun and real reason in the thoughts of the young and old as well. As we plan our Easter let us do it with joy in our minds and hearts and enjoy the moments..... Wishes and hopes for a lovely weekend sent your way... Ours area has 5 days of rain in the forecast... The grass is greening and growing.... Signs of life are coming into view...

Friday, April 15, 2011

Homes and Holidays





The well-dressed home is always one that makes one's heart go pitter- patter..Your home should shout, " Please come... You'll be glad you did"... When nurtured with love there will be natural beauty and charm that surrounds you... Celebrating holidays and everyday life in our homes is a wonderful thing that happens to us in life... As we are entering into the weeks of the Easter celebrating our homes become special places no matter where we reside, from New Orleans, Key West, a mansion in Charleston, or my modest little ranch in Ohio... Easter should mean the celebration of Jesus rising to new life and Easter baskets filled with treats for young and old... The egg shape helps us to think of the stone that was place over the entrance of the tomb. Using fresh flowers and plants in your home is a sign of celebration... Yes, Easter is waiting right around the corner.. thoughts of Spring, candy and bunnies with eggs all come to mind.. As we enter this holiday , we find baskets, candy, and sugary eggs instead of a cross and empty tomb... A bunny that brings eggs instead of a savior who brings life... It is rewarding to also add richness with spiritual meaning along with the melting chocolates... Spreading the joy of home as many are unemployed or worried about job loss, concerns with family and economic difficulties, we can spread our faith, hope, and love in our surroundings and sharing.. The family and the home is our foundation.....

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Musings




The temps are to be comfortable today so I will be posting and then off to complete some chores with a couple windows and patio door open as it is suppose to be in the 60"s and I love to feel the cool breeze flowing through the house as I toil... The windows are on the list to clean today and I am sure the week of Easter will be on repeated on the list of to do's... I did have some refreshing time on the golf course yesterday as Tom and I went over in the afternoon and played 9. It was nice but oh my... I think I had way to many fluffy sugary treats over the winter months as I was feeling and knowing I am completely out of shape.. I am going to have to get back over there and swing away.... and get toughened up or I am going to be a easy target as we play in leagues and scrambles.. I am giving myself a small attitude adjustment as I read in the paper of a sale this morning that is very temping to go to... I am telling myself to once again to go seek out stash that has been stored to do some spring decorating..Tom was kind enough to purchase a new golf bag { which is one it's way} and I purchased new golf shoes and gloves so I think that is more than enough treat for anyone for several months... I can hear my mother saying " it only makes common sense.. and many don't seem to have that anymore" so I am using my " common sense"... Temptation can can cause us many problems... Spending time on wants that are not needed is truly a waste of time...

I wanted to share with you this morning some pics I found on http://www.skylandscutlery.com with some lovely table setting for Easter... It is time to start making lists and planning and decorating... Our families will be joining us again this year.... making memories and creating happiness... the pleasures that really matter.....

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Yester years Objects... Todays' Charm



Vintage and thrift shop designs and treatments using recycled furniture and re-purposed chippy objects produces a style all it's own... From faded flowered fabrics to feed sacks, and mix and match furniture.. Casting a eye upon a wonderful wedding of items can be so very charming. To me a room has to have some romance and I think it starts with the lighting. A chandelier is always needed to complete the look and feel. Other charms may be achieved with painting, chipping, ripping, distressing, hammering, and scrapping .....{ A budget friendly stress remover all on it's own} A old crystal vase can be a re-purposed object.. If you are starting from scratch you need to aim for something quirky and unique... I do believe each one of us need a space where we can spend alone time surrounded by things we love.. A place of retreat full of our quirkiness... I love the simple use of old tattered books.. Books can be a comforting sight... They always seem to be connected with relaxing... Years back I would have discarded books of the ripped and old sort and now I just love the color and texture... The older and more tattered the better... Many retailers have started selling old books and tattered and torn look... The green bundle in the below pic is from Wisteria and cost 49.00... Hum... it is so very simple to run find some old books from 50 cent and up in a flea market or antique shop and just rip and tear away... I use the covers for altered art... and a simple tie of some cord or lace or embellishment of your choosing... creating today's charm, with yester years objects...