Lilac & Lavender

A Rose-scented Breeze

2012-02-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

I wrote the short journal entry above by combining

memories of being a newlywed with my imagination.

It was fun to write!

I combined several graphics

for the pink rose digital collage.

Here are my sources:

*The Graphics Fairy*

*The Vintage Moth*

*Vintage Images*

Background for the journal entry:

*Shadowhouse Creations*

softly aged sepia texture

Thank you!

Hope you find yourself

an unsuspecting victim of

life's simple pleasures today!

Thanks for stopping by!

In the Garden ~ gift tags

2012-02-19T13:11:00.003-05:00

"My garden of flowers is also

my garden of thoughts & dreams.

The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers,

and the dreams are as beautiful."

~ Abram L. Urban ~

I can't wait to actually start working

in my flower gardens... until then,

I'll settle for thoughts & dreams

of what it might become!

Here are my

free image sources:

*The Graphics Fairy*

Victorian garden house

*Bumble Button*

1800's lush floral frame

(I digitally hand-colored this graphic)

*art-e-zine*

"In the Garden of To-morrow" sheet music

*Altered Bits*

textured book page

Thank you!!

I'm linking these gift tags up with
The Graphics Fairy's Brag Monday!

It was hard to decide between these and my
Vanilla & Roses gift tags, but I just love
the garden house featured here!

These gift tags are free

for your personal use ~ please enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Vanilla & Roses ~ gift tags

2012-02-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

It's not chocolate & roses,

but I think you'll

still enjoy this combination!

"Pure Vanilla" version...

I made these beautiful

tags or labels with 3 images:

*The Graphics Fairy*

apothecary label ~ vanilla extract

*Bumble Button*

Victorian roses

*Shadowhouse Creations*

aged sepia texture

Free for your personal use ~ enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

19th Century Oval Frames

2012-02-16T01:45:00.000-05:00

I came across this beautiful page out of a

late-19th century book of etiquette,

and saw potential in the graphics...

These oval frames could be

used to make pretty

labels or tags, don't you think?

Please let me know if you use

these graphics in a project!

I'd love to hear about it or see it...

Thanks for stopping by!

English Perfume ~ Spring gift tags

2012-02-15T14:47:00.001-05:00

"To be overcome by the

fragrance of flowers is a

delectable form of defeat."

~ Beverly Nichols ~

Isn't this image a wonderful reminder of Spring?

I can't wait to pull down a branch loaded with

crab apple blossoms like this lovely lady...

You can find the original beautiful image here

at Bumble Button... Thank you!!

These tags are

free for your personal use... please enjoy!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

A Loving Thought

2012-02-11T13:05:00.000-05:00

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower,

we should cast the gift of a loving thought

into the heart of a friend, that would be

giving as the angels give."

~ George MacDonald ~

Wouldn't you love receiving one of these in the mail,

or tucked in with a pretty gift basket? I love that you

don't need to write much... just keep it simple, and send a sweet little note. I made 3 styles for you... and included the blank card just in case you'd like to make your own version... I'm already thinking of making more, featuring vintage photographs!

The images are approximately 3"x 5"

or about the size of a regular post card.

Here are my image sources:

*The Vintage Moth*

birds & nest

*Altered Bits*
grungy texture

textured book page

Thank you!

You can find tags featuring the yellow rose here.

The sunflowers are from my post card collection.

Here's the original graphic:

I'm linking up with

Diana Evans ~ Sweet Saturdays

Hope you enjoyed your visit

& thanks for stopping by!

One Perfect Rose

2012-02-10T17:29:00.001-05:00

"A single flow'r he sent me, since we met.

All tenderly his messenger he chose.

Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet.

One perfect rose."

~ Dorothy Parker ~

Hope you enjoy this set of pretty tags...

The yellow rose is from my postcard collection.

I also used beautiful free ephemera from:

Thank you!

Here's the collage sheet:

I'm linking up with
The Graphics Fairy's Brag Monday
Go have a look at some very creative ideas!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Best Day Ever!

2012-02-09T11:03:00.002-05:00

Last night, as I was tucking my daughter in to bed, she said, "Mom... I want tomorrow to be the best day ever!" I smiled and assured her that every new day God gives us is the best day of our lives. With that, she closed her eyes, smiled, and turned over in the covers.

This morning, she woke up a little early. She scampered to the bathroom, then came to the stairs to stretch. Her hair was crazy curly, and she was wearing her favorite candy-striped PJ's... and a big grin. I asked, "What kind of cereal do you want?" She replied, "Oh, not cereal today Mom! Cinnamon-sugar toast and tea for me!" I started the toast, then got out all the tea, so she could pick out which flavor she wanted.

Of course, while making her decision, she had to stack all the boxes ~ blackberry, orange spice, vanilla and caramel, peach... After much deliberation, and my threat of fixing plain old tea, she selected peach.

As her tea was brewing, I helped her brother pick out what kind of tea he wanted... because, naturally, he wanted what his sister was having. The toast finished, and I spread it with butter, then sprinkled it with sugar & cinnamon. In that order. I placed it in front of my daughter, turned around and sugared her tea. As soon as I turned back around, I realized my mistake!

Now, my daughter is particular when it comes to her cinnamon sugar toast. The cinnamon goes on first, then the sugar... and she can tell if you don't do it that way! She was giving me a look of disapproval! "Mom, can you please try again? I will help you remember the right way to make it this time." My son was grinning from ear to ear, since that meant he got his breakfast a little sooner.

I grabbed 2 more pieces of toast, and heard her say, "Okay, first you put on the butter..." I replied, "Yes, I always get that part at least... cinnamon then sugar, right?" "You got it Mom!" She was proud of me.

So I got it right... correction: we got it right... after trying again. I think her day is off to a pretty good start. After all, to be my daughter's "best day ever" doesn't mean that today also has to be the most "perfect day ever"...

I think today will be my "best day ever" too!

This is the day that the LORD has made!

Let us rejoice, and be glad in it!

~ Psalm 118:24 ~

Hope you have the "best day ever" today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Puzzling Lesson

2012-02-06T02:58:00.009-05:00

My son loves puzzles... his favorite is a large floor puzzle featuring John Deere tractors. I've got it stored in a basket, and he loves to bring it to me, so we can both put it together.

One day, as we sat there, opposite each other, I realized he was really concentrating on the pieces, while I was focused on him. I watched him pick up the wrong piece, but held back from correcting him. He picked up another one, the right one, but had it turned the wrong way. On and on the pattern continued...and my thoughts began to wander.

I realized there was a link between me and my son... and puzzles. If God stepped in as an over-protective father and fixed every problem I encountered... how could I learn from my mistakes? I try to remember that God is always present, working behind the scenes in our best interests...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

~ Proverbs 3:5 ~

For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans for welfare
and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

Trials we face are not all random. As hard as it is to admit, we bring a lot of it on ourselves. By God's grace, He doesn't give up on any of us. We are His children, after all, and a parent doesn't turn their back on their child after one mistake... or a million.

That day, my son brought me back to reality so I could see his masterpiece. He'd finished his puzzle after being persistent... trying and trying again. He learned from his mistakes, and accomplished something he could be proud of. And of course, I was proud of him too.

Amazing what you can learn from a child and his puzzle...

Friendship Stationary

2012-02-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

"A single rose can be my garden

a single friend, my world."

~ Leo Buscaglia ~

Hope you'll use this stationary

to let a friend or two know

~ the old-fashioned way ~

you were thinking of them...

My image sources:

yellow roses

letter and postmark background

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Yellow Roses & Lilacs

2012-02-04T16:25:00.005-05:00

I was able to go to the thrift and

antique stores yesterday, thanks to my mom!

I was so happy to find these postcards in

The Olde Shoe Factory...

This postcard used to have

'Miss Waive Bash' written in the blank area.
Aren't those roses beautiful?

Here's what I found on the back:

Hello Waive,

Has C.B. been after any more matches yet?

Are you going berrying Fri.

From: A Berry Picker like yourself

Miss Gladys Waive Bash

Utica, Licking Co., Ohio

Postmarked ~ July 29, 1908

Original version above, edited below...

I love both versions of the lilac card.

Usually, I find that someone has

written their name under 'Greetings from'

as you would expect, but they didn't on this one.

I used a graphic of old, textured paper

to provide the blank tag on the alternate version.

Here's the note on the back:

Sept 7, 1910

Dear Alice & I received your cards

yesterday. I am well. Hope this will find you

all the same. Lizzie is getting along fine.

She is still at the hospital. Write once in awhile.

From Dora R.

Mrs. Louis Denig

Worthington, Ohio

Two great examples of why the back of a postcard

can be as interesting as the front!

Hope you'll find a way to put

these beautiful postcard graphics to good use!

The full-size images are approx. 3"x 5"

If you use them in a project,

please let me know...

I'd love to see!

See what I made with the yellow roses...

Thanks for stopping by!

Vintage Bird-Inspired tags

2012-02-03T07:14:00.003-05:00

Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;

they sing among the branches.

~ Psalm 104:12 ~

This collection of tags was inspired

by the little birds chirping happily

outside my kitchen window...

These tags are free

for your personal use... enjoy!

Here are the image sources:

*The Vintage Moth*

Antique ledger page

Birds with nest

3 eggs

Nest with 2 white eggs

*flickr*

Speckled eggs

*The Graphics Fairy*

Nest with blue background

French sheet music

*Green Paper*

Green frame

Thanks to all who provided me

with these beautiful graphics!

I'm also linking up with
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday

Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Victorian tags

2012-02-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

I came across a challenge at Green Paper

to create a collage using the 3 images provided.

Here's what I made...

As I see it, this beautiful bride is wearing

her wedding dress, holding her lovely bouquet...

the date and location of her wedding...

April 8th, 1879, in St. Louis.

Have you ever looked at an old photograph

and created a story around it?

I'm sharing this set of
sweet Victorian tags with you,
free for your use ~ Enjoy!

Why not visit Mary at Green Paper
and take part in this challenge?

Entries are accepted through
February 8th, 2012,
so you still have time...

I'm also participating in
Angie's link party at Knick of Time:
Knick of Time Tuesday,
as well as Brambleberry Cottage's
Time Travel Thursday

Thanks for stopping by!

Pretty Stationary

2012-01-29T18:13:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't it be wonderful

to receive a handwritten letter

on a beautiful piece of stationary?

I included the versions below so you could

personalize with your own images

or use them in other projects...

I used beautiful graphics from these sources:

The Vintage Moth

The Graphics Fairy

Just Something I Made

Thank you!!

See what else I made with the plain stationary...

I'm also linking up with
Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful;

for beauty is God's handwriting ~ a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Sweet Collections...

2012-01-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

You know ~ all it takes to start

an official collection is 3 of one thing...

So what do you collect?

Image Source

I collect quite a few things,

under the criteria mentioned above...

cookie cutters, wooden boxes, baskets, old chairs,

vintage postcards, books, Ball jars, candles,

architectural salvage, little white bowls, crocks...

and I even have a collection of tarnished spoons,

which was inspired by this photograph.

I love this verse...

By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures.

~ Proverbs 24:3-4 ~

Hope you're having a Sweet Saturday!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Neutral vintage gift tags

2012-01-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

"Look not at the days gone by

with a forlorn heart.

They were simply the dots

we can now connect with our present,

to help us draw the outline

of a beautiful tomorrow."

~ Dodinsky ~

Hope you can put these gift tags to good use!

I found the original ephemera here:

Pen flourishing (original image had a black background)

Antique ledger page

Family Medicines advertisement

Pears Soap advertisement

Thank you for stopping by!

A Letter of Reflection

2012-01-26T15:21:00.002-05:00

These words are from my good friend, Stacy... I was so moved by her message, that I asked if I could share with you...

"This Time of Year..."

As we round down the last three weeks until Stryker's 4th birthday (and every year prior) I always begin to reflect on his early fight for life, his accomplishments and the insane impact the last four years have had on my life. I remember, so vividly, everything.

I remember the terror I felt going into labor with a 24 week baby, the joy I felt seeing my beautiful creation, the hopelessness I felt when we found out about his NEC and the emergency surgery (and every surgery after that), the pride I felt watching my son win the fight for his life, the sorrow I felt every time we fell 3 steps back in his progress, the anger and hate I felt when they initially said he wouldn't make it to 1 yr old and then again when he needed his last surgery (the surgeon thought he wouldn't make it to his 4th bday if he didn't have his ostomy put back in), the jealously I felt for every other Mother out there who had a healthy child that complained about the most insignificant thing their child would do, the feeling of utter accomplishment for having my child home for 8 months. And so many, many more feelings that I can't even begin to express.

Even as I write this I am flooded with all these emotions and am having trouble fighting back the tears that are threatening to make their way from my heart to my eyes. I am so grateful for Stryker and for all the lessons that I have learned since February 16th, 2008. I look at this child every morning and every night and thank God for such an amazingly strong, eccentric, funny and devilishly handsome Son.

If you take nothing from this "letter of reflection", please take this.... the people in your life are not to be taken for granted, they are to be cherished for every moment that you get to spend with them in this lifetime.

Daily, we complain about some of the poor actions, hurtful words and a lot of other things that the people we care the most about do. My challenge to you is this... Don't wait until something life altering happens to one of your loved ones to show them how much you appreciate and love them....DO IT EVERY CHANCE YOU GET even if you feel that you are smothering them to death (poor Stryker has to stiff arm me quite frequently because I can't stop smothering him with love lol) because....NO ONE IS PROMISED TOMORROW!

Springtime Gift Tags

2012-01-25T14:20:00.002-05:00

"I love Spring anywhere,

but if I could choose, I would always

greet it in a garden."

~ Ruth Stout ~

I am happy to share these lovely

Springtime gift tags with you!

The floral tags actually look better on the screen

in a darker version, but I lightened them,

because the printed result is much better.

I couldn't have made them without

wonderful sites offering free graphics online.

Here are my image sources:

Vintage labels in background: page 1 & page 2

Two images I used from my personal collection.

They're free to use as well:

Remember...

No matter how long the Winter,

Spring is sure to follow.

~ Proverb ~

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer of '62

2012-01-23T15:15:00.003-05:00

"You are worried about seeing him

spend his early years in doing nothing.

What!

Is it nothing to be happy?

Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long?

Never in his life will he be so busy again."

~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1762 ~

A few days ago, my Aunt Elaine shared this photograph on Facebook. It includes herself, 5 siblings, and her mother. The youngest brother wasn't born until the Summer after...

Love all that blonde hair!

My dad was 5 years old then...

the same age his grandson is now.

He's the little boy sitting off to the right.

Mom asked our family over for lunch yesterday afternoon.

As I was getting the kids ready, I had a last-minute idea to print this photo out for Dad. I changed the photo to a sepia-tone and added a background texture.

Here's the result, which prints out to 8"x10".

I'm not sure where this photo was taken,

but I'm sure my aunts and uncles had a lot of fun there!

Wishing you a great day...

maybe with a few fond

childhood memories thrown in!

Thanks for stopping by!

Advertisement inspired Clip art

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

After seeing this post at Knick of Time, I was inspired to create some free clip art for you....

Hope you enjoy my illustrated interpretations of:

'Good Morning' brand coffee

Lavender scented fine soap

C.M. Berry's Amazing cure-all ointment

I also came up with a few 'Home Sweet Home' graphics as well as a quaint English cottage. I couldn't decide what the cottage should be advertising... what do you think?

One last thing...

If you use any of the clip art,
please leave a comment...
I'm always interested to hear...
or see... how others use my art!

Thank you for your visit!

Sweet vintage girl ~ Printables

2012-01-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

I shared this set of printable gift tags

for Valentine's Day yesterday...

I knew my mom would love the little girl holding her doll, since she collects German dolls from this era. After talking with her this morning, she asked if I could make a printable 8x10 collage or cards using that image. So I got busy ~ here's what I made for her, and am sharing with you...

~ Printable 8"x10" collage ~

~ Printable cards ~

I think she could be cute used as art in a

little girl's room year-round, don't you think?

Add a few pretty buttons or some glitter,

and transform her into something truly special!

Thank you for stopping by, and have a Sweet Saturday!

Valentine's Day ~ printable gift tags

2012-01-20T13:38:00.000-05:00

It wasn't hard to find inspiration for these

pretty Valentine's Day gift tags.

Aren't the little girls so sweet?

I created this collection of printable gift tags with free images online.

Here are links to the original sources:

Magic Moonlight Free Images

Vintage Images

Altered Bits

Vintage Feedsacks

The images are free to save

and print for personal use.

Enjoy!!

Had to include this quote, as it is how I feel about my own sweet little girl...

"A daughter is a miracle that never ceases
to be miraculous...full of beauty
and forever beautiful...
loving and caring and truly amazing."

~ Deanna Beisser ~

Tale of a Noisy Bucket

2012-01-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

This morning, I woke up with the sound of my husband's alarm... it was 6:00. I lay in bed listening to the wind and rain blowing outside. Lovely day to stay warm under the covers. I drifted off to sleep, but about half an hour later, I heard the little pitter-patter of footsteps coming down the hall, pausing at my door.

Looking over, I could make out a fuzzy form, but couldn't tell if it was my son or daughter. I asked, "Who is it?" Olivia quietly responded, "Mom...can I come to your bed?" I said yes, so she ran and eagerly jumped under the covers, nestling in close to get warm. I asked why she was up at such an hour, as she's usually my late sleeper... she said, "The wind blew over a bucket outside, and it was really loud... it's rolling around now, do you want to see?" I reminded her, "Mommy can't see without her glasses." Not to be deterred, she scrambled out from under the covers to grab them off the dresser, and left for the bathroom.

I heard the water running shortly, and so I just looked up at the ceiling, listening to the little noises she was making. She came back, gingerly holding them (by the frames, so as not to smudge her handiwork), and attempted to place them on my face. Really, she did a pretty good job... I didn't even come close to losing an eye.

Side by side, we crawled over to the window... and there was the bucket. We stayed there, on the edge of my bed, for just a moment. I glanced over at my little girl... her hair was illuminated by the outside light from the garage. Perfect in all it's crazy curliness. Her eyes were wide as she took in the morning scenery. I hesitantly broke the silence, asking if she'd like to share a few cups of morning tea together. With eyes now at their maximum widened potential, she shook her curls up and down in agreement.

By this time, her brother had heard us stirring in the next room, so he was up too. We sang our "good morning" song, and headed downstairs, as I now prepared tea for three. Zachary asked for cinnamon tea right away, and Olivia balked at the idea. "Yuck mom, I hate cinnamon... except when it's in cinnamon rolls or on cinnamon sugar toast!" She chose an herbal tea. They both wanted rolls with butter leftover from our dinner last night. I prepared myself a cup of cinnamon tea last, and sat down with my little ones.

Mom called and we talked for a few minutes, ending with Olivia singing a little song she just learned about mothers and chocolate cake... We finished eating and Zachary went off to play with tractors as I got Olivia dressed and ready for the bus. She paused to say goodbye to her brother, and then it was to the end of the driveway we went.

I knelt down and took her hands, as we always do, and as I started to pray, Olivia stopped me. She asked if she could say a few words to God... so I of course said okay. "God, thanks for knocking that bucket over with the wind this morning. It was a great idea!" I smiled and we finished praying just as the bus crested the hill. She turned around, smiled and waved goodbye...

Thank you God for all your great ideas!!

"An Evening in the Country Store."

2012-01-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

An evening in the quaint old country store!
While Winter's feet were kicking at the door,
And Winter's white-nailed fingers striving hard
To raise the windows he himself had barred;
Save when he chased upon their weary rounds,
Through tracks of air, his yelling tempest-hounds.
Bark louder, storm-dogs! To our dreamy sight,
Your voices made the fire-cheer twice as bright,
Promoting high beyond a moment's doubt,
The value of the dry-goods shelved about.

There's little you'll be wanting, cheap or dear,
That has not something somewhat like it, here;
Whatever honest people drink or eat,
Or pack their bodies in, from head to feet,
Want what you may, you'll get it - search no more -
Or imitation of it - in this store.
The body's needs not only here you'll find,
But food here, too, for the sympathies and mind;
For in one corner, fed by many lands,
The small post-office dignifiedly stands,
With square, red-numbered boxes in its arms,
Well stocked with white and brown envelope charms.
Here the little girl, irresolutely gay,
Asks if there's "any thing for us to-day";
Here the farm lad, who wider fields would seek,
Comes for the county paper once a week.
Through this delivery port-hole there is hurled
Printed bombardment from the outside world;
The great, far world, whose heart-throbs up and down,
Strike pulses, e'en within this quiet town.

The quaint, well populated country store!
A hospitable, mirth productive shore,
Where masculine barks take refuge from distress,
In the port of and evening's cheerfulness.
The rusty stove, with wood-fed heat endowed,
Shoots hot invisible arrows at the crowd,
To which the chewing population nigh
Send back a prompt and vigorous reply,
And find time for side-battles of retort,
In various moralled stories, long and short:
From one that's smart and good enough to print,
To one that has a hundred hell-seeds in 't.
Here laws are put on trial by debate,
Here solved conundrums, both of Church and State;
Here is contested, with more voice than brain,
Full many a hot political campaign;
The half surmised shortcomings of the church
Are opened to some sinner's anxious search;
And criticisms the minister gets here,
From men who have not heard him once a year...

~ Will Carleton

The above is an excerpt from "An Evening in the Country Store," published in 'Farm Festivals' copyright 1881. The illustration accompanied this poem, but the artist is unknown.

"Mending the Old Flag."

2012-01-16T10:11:00.002-05:00

In the silent gloom of a garret room,
With cobwebs round it creeping,
From day to day the old Flag lay-
A veteran worn and sleeping.
Dingily old, each wrinkled fold
By the dust of years was shaded;
Wounds of the storm were upon its form;
The crimson stripes were faded.

'Twas a mournful sight in the day-twilight,
This thing of humble seeming,
That once so proud o'er the cheering crowd
Had carried its colors gleaming:
Stained with mould were the braids of gold,
That had flashed at the sun-ray's kissing;
Of faded hue was its field of blue,
And some of the stars were missing.

Three Northern maids and three from glades
Where dreams the South-land weather,
With glances kind and their arms entwined,
Came up the stair together:
They gazed awhile, with a thoughtful smile,
At the crouching form before them;
With clinging holds they grasped its folds.
And out of the darkness bore them.

They healed its scars, they found its stars,
And brought them all together
(Three Northern maids and three from glades
Where smiles the South-land weather);
They mended away through the summer day,
Made glad by an inspiration
To fling it high at the smiling sky,
On the birthday of our nation.

In the brilliant glare of the summer air,
With a brisk breeze round it creeping,
Newly bright through the glistening light,
The flag went grandly sweeping:
Gleaming and bold were its braids of gold,
And flashed in the sun-ray's kissing;
Red, white, and blue were of deepest hue,
And none of the stars were missing.

~ written by Will Carleton, published in 1873

I love how the girls came together

despite their possible differences ~ to accomplish something important ~ far greater than themselves.

"Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success."

~ Henry Ford ~

Thanks for stopping by!

Friendship's Garden

2012-01-14T18:35:00.002-05:00

"In friendship's fragrant garden,
There are flowers of every hue.
Each with its own fair beauty
And its gift of joy for you."

~ Friendship's Garden ~

Don't those blooms look so nice in winter?
I took these photos in my gardens last year,
knowing that sometime I'd need to see a little
reminder of what will eventually return
after the snow and ice melts...

Thank you for stopping by today!
Hope you're having a Sweet Saturday!

Sweet Little Note

2012-01-07T11:17:00.002-05:00

Today I want to share my favorite postcard with you...

There is a booth at my favorite local antique store that specializes in postcards and old photographs. I stop there often, if only to look through the lovely images. On one such visit a few years ago, I happened to be looking through the flower-themed postcards. I found this Lily of the Valley image beautiful, but was captivated by what I found upon turning it over...

I love that Mr. Alden Hopkins found a way to send his wife

her favorite flowers, even though he was miles away.

What a sweet man to send his wife such a note...

It traveled from New York to Ohio,

from a Mr. to a Mrs.,

and after nearly 60 years... to me.

I'll be sure to hang on to their sweet little note...

and treasure it always.

Hope you're having a Sweet Saturday!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Read Janet Martin's poem 'Rags'
partially inspired by this postcard. ~

Handmade & painted textures

2012-01-06T11:27:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd share a few original

textures created by my family.

Feel free to download any of the images,

or recreate them yourself.

A few months ago, my son inspired

the creation of herbal tea 'watercolors'.
First is the original, then in sepia.

Not long after, my 6 year old daughter used acrylics

to make a beautiful design with the palms of her hands...

I figured it was my turn to try something
a little different. I used a broccoli floret for a brush.

My favorite parts are the swirls created
by twisting the broccoli.

Below is a digital combination of all the textures.

I used our textures in digital collages,

combined with beautiful sunflowers.

Here are the results...

I'm linking up to Paint Party Friday
Check it out to see what other artists are up to!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

A Painted Home

2011-12-30T15:18:00.001-05:00

My daughter's room

We moved in to this house, our home, over 5 years ago. It took some major work... tearing up old carpet, laying down new flooring, painting walls and ceilings... and that was just getting it to a liveable condition.

We continue to update, as we go... it's a never-ending process really... as any homeowner will tell you.

My husband handles the carpentry, plumbing, electrical tasks. You know, the 'This Old House' sort of projects. One thing I don't mind helping out with is painting. It was my "job" to choose the color scheme for our home ~ two shades of yellow downstairs, and light tan for the bedrooms.

I've gradually added hand-painted details too... such as a blue diamond pattern above the kitchen cabinets, large white roses on a wall on either side of the kitchen sink, a red, textured back splash behind the oven, a brown patterned border in my daughter's room...

So, as I was organizing one of my kitchen cupboards, it occurred to me that the inside could look so much better with a little paint! After removing our spices, the white liner was ripped out... there was a certain satisfaction in it, I must say! Fortunately, I found it to be nice and clean... and unfinished underneath.

I gathered my acrylics, and chose brick red for the base color ~ mustard yellow for details. The red was applied first and allowed to dry. Next I painted a simple pattern resembling wheat for the trim. After everything edible was removed from the area, I used a spray acrylic sealer to protect my work... although, I might try a different sealer next time.

This project was finished about a month ago, and it seems to be holding up. Just wiped it down this morning, and didn't see any marks... My plan is to finish the rest of the kitchen cabinets through the upcoming winter months.

It may seem like a lot of trouble to go through for such a little thing... my cabinets stay closed most of the time... but I can't tell you how many times I've smiled...

opening up that cupboard door... to see the mundane made pretty

looking up from washing dishes... to see a garden of white roses

or looking up with my daughter... to see flowers

In those moments all the trouble I've gone through is worth it.
I see much more painting in our home's future!

Thanks for stopping by!

Re-purposed Centerpiece

2011-12-27T13:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I happened across this post at The Vintage Bag Lady blog. The beautiful pictures inspired me to create a re-purposed centerpiece of my own. I loved the idea of placing a pillar candle at the base of a vintage metal loaf pan, so that was my starting point...

My loaf pan isn't perfect... a while back I winced

upon discovering it'd developed a circle of rust.

Now I like how the rusty imperfections glow in the candlelight.

This metal cup/scoop was a little Christmas gift from mom...
First, I placed the open handle over a side of my wooden box
(actually an old drawer found in our barn).
In went a candle, then a little rosehip potpourri.

I made these orange pomanders last year...

they dried nicely, and even retained their spicy, citrus scent.

To make:

Use a small nail to poke a pattern in the orange peel (try not to go too deep).

Place whole cloves in through those holes, and dust with cinnamon.
It's a good idea to rotate the fresh pomanders so they dry evenly.

I elevated the white candles on a few old metal pieces...
a small tarnished cup, and the filter from an enamelware coffee-maker.
Added a few sprigs of pine, and that was it!

"Nothing is what it was intended to be,

in the hands of a creative person."

~ Steve Supple ~

Hope you leave here feeling inspired...

thanks for stopping by!

A Visit From St. Nicholas

2011-12-24T21:01:00.002-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all,

and to all a good-night!"

~ Clement C. Moore, 1822 ~

Will you be reading this treasured poem tonight?

In a few moments, I will be snuggled up with my 2 little ones, sharing it with them...

Best wishes to you for a wonderful Christmas!

"When we recall Christmas past,

we usually find that the simplest things

~ not the great occasions ~

give off the greatest glow of happiness."

~ Bob Hope ~

Christmas Gift Tags

2011-12-22T01:39:00.000-05:00

Here are a few sets of gift tags

I'd love to share with you...

Saving instructions:

Right click and select 'view image.'

Click again to enlarge the picture.

Select 'save image as' to save to your computer.

Santa receiving a message...

Pastel Merry Christmas

Snowy Cottage & Poinsettias

Thanks to sites offering beautiful free vintage images,

I was able to create these gift tags.

Here are the image credits:

Santa Claus graphic

Pastel 'A Merry Christmas' postcard

Snowy cottage & poinsettia postcard

Thank you for stopping by!

Merry Christmas!!

The Best Gift

2011-12-17T08:36:00.002-05:00

Rushing and buying

Making lists and more lists

Seeking presents for loved ones

Wondering, "Do they already have this?"

Weaving and dodging,

Store in and store out

It's hard to decide

With so many about

Will this go with that?

Does this even make sense?

I hope so after all the effort

I've put in to this!

Finally, I'm finished!

Every item is bought!

Why then, don't I feel

Content with this lot?

Because I know things are just that

The most meaningful gifts

Are treasures bestowed without

All the "What if's"

The gift of yourself,

Your time and your love,

Patience with others,

Simple graces from above.

No one questions those gifts,

There aren't returns or complaints,

Always happily accepted,

Only one thing remains...

Next year, this I'll remember

Before all of the shopping...

I'll save myself a few trips,

And a whole lot of walking!

~ Megan Berry ~

Do you ever feel like something's missing after all the presents are bought?

Remember, the best gift of all was given to us long, long ago...

For God so loved the world that

He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him

shall not perish but have eternal life.

~ John 3:16 NIV ~

Merry Christmas to you & yours!!

In Due Time

2011-12-11T12:40:00.002-05:00

I always have mixed feelings when I think about today. First, I celebrate the birth of my son... he was born 5 years ago ~ December 11th, 2006. The birth of a child is always a miracle... but it's scary when they're born sooner than expected. I also remember my Grandpa Ross' passing on that very same day... it's sad when someone leaves this earth sooner than expected...

The course of events surrounding that December 11th were full of many highs and lows. Now, 5 years later, I can reflect on what happened with a clearer perception.

Some may say this is all coincidence... well, judge for yourself...

I got very sick in the beginning of December with a flu-like virus. It was the worst I can remember feeling ~ ever ~ and being 8 months pregnant intensified everything. I couldn't sleep all night on the 9th, and on December 10th, I awoke from a nap with strong contractions just 3 minutes apart. I knew if I didn't get to the hospital fast my baby would be in trouble.

My husband and daughter came home from church just when I needed them. I know Chad broke the speed limit all the way to the hospital, and I was admitted immediately around noon. The plan was to stop my labor if possible. I was given a continuous series of shots, IV medications which burned my veins, and fluids for hydration.

As night came, I would drift off to sleep only to be jolted awake by a contraction. The medications weren't helping. In the morning, the doctor came in and said it was time to deliver my baby... and now. Without even the option of an epidural, pitocin was administered.

As a nurse, I knew what pitocin does... and it's a very helpful drug for speeding up labor. It also has a very, very... very painful effect if you have no epidural. Thanks be to God, Zachary was born soon after I received it.

While I was suffering to bring life in to the world, another precious life was ebbing away. My Grandpa Ross was in another area hospital, holding on to life, but not for long. After I gave birth to a son, Zachary Andrew, the word was relayed to my Grandpa's bedside just hours before he drew his final breath.

Zachary Andrew means "the Lord remembers" and "strong and courageous". So many of the nurses, and even doctors would come in and say, "Babies just know when it's their time to come." I will forever believe that Zachary came exactly one month before his January 11th due date for a purpose... because even as everything medically possible was done to hold him back, he still found a way to come in to this world.

Zachary had to stay in the hospital for a week to receive IV and oxygen therapy. I wasn't able to bring him to my room, he had to stay in the nursery. After my discharge, I was able to stay in a small room across from the nursery. I was able to watch him and I could visit and hold his hand... but not him. The nurses had no obligation to check on me, but they did. Their kindness and compassion I will always remember.

After that long week, we brought our little one home. He seemed so fragile and small. I prayed that God would remember our little Zachary and help him grow strong.

In these 5 years, we've witnessed a miracle as Zachary has grown from being a prematurely born, small baby... in to a physically strong boy. At his last check-up he surpassed the expected height and weight for his age by quite a large margin. He appears to be older than his sister, and people are always surprised to hear he was born early.

Then again...

Is it all coincidence that Zachary arrived 'early'? Would Grandpa be proud of the boy who arrived on the day he took his leave? I believe he would.... and is.

So, do you believe this is a story of coincidences? As for me, I will forever believe God's will far outweighs any human expectation. Yes, this day will always be a day of mixed emotions. It saddens me that I'll always be able to count the years my Grandpa has been gone by the age of my son. However, I feel hopeful also... believing in due time we will all meet again.

Perhaps Grandpa and Zachary will already be acquainted...