A New Beginning...

A new beginning... a fresh start... a clean slate... a pristine page - that is what gesso can do!  It works miracles.

Every so often I go through unsuccessful paintings- (there are plenty)   I revamp them - recycle them -  make them white again.

There is a marvelous sense of well being when I can cover up a mistake .   I am filled with hope...renewed ...  I can start over...another chance to get it right.  

How wonderful life would be if there was something that could whiten previous mistakes.  Give one a second chance to right wrongs and repaint the past.  What a miracle that would be!  What a precious gift!

 Well I best get back to my gessoing.   I may find a new beginning. I may right a few wrongs.

On  My Way Home!

Hope you have a wonderful day.   Take care and God Bless.

Not just one but two...

Not just one but two legacies are planted in my garden.  They are from each grandmother.  The White peony is my paternal grandma's and the pink is the other.  Father's mother I never knew - she passed away the year I was born.   Mother's mom I knew well.   As I mentioned in an older post I still think of her often.

Both of these ladies shared similar interests.   They loved to cook and bake - they sewed (who didn't back then)  and obviously they loved flowers.

The peonies are amazing. They live extremely long.  The white one I have is over 70 years old.   It grew at the family farm near the outhouse (yes we had one of those - it no longer remains except in  memory).  The pink one came from Grandma M.   When she moved from her home she gave me a start.  It has to be over a half a century in age.  They mean so much.  They represent a heritage passed down through time.

This past week I visited these dear souls' resting places. I wanted to pay respect.  I planted some flowers on their graves.  I wanted to say thank you .  One grandma rocked me to sleep - sang lullabyes - baked cookies - sewed my dresses and cared for this child so well.   The other gave me a wonderful father who has shared his memories of her.

Tomorrow in America we will remember our fallen soldiers and all who gave of their lives. There are so many who died that I might be free.   I am so grateful for their sacrifice.

When I stop to give thanks for those brave men and women I will be thinking about my grandmothers as well.   Their legacy lives on not only in the garden but in my heart.

I must go for now.   I have a couple of flowers to pick and bring in.  They will look lovely together  in a vase.

May all of you be blessed with a legacy or two.  Have a Great Day!

It Was Time for...

It was time for tea - time to celebrate life - time for a little party.  I have the blessing of working with three wonderful people - my boss and two great gals. We have a great deal of fun together.   I consider them my friends .

I routinely bake on Friday's and take it into work . It is something I enjoy doing.  The  menu changes from week to week - sometimes it is pie, a brownie, cookie or a cake - depends on the season or how busy I am.   Generally it is a sweet of some sort.

This Friday found us girls on our own . (Boss out of town).  Hence a "girlie " affair seemed in order.

I gathered the fine china - selected linen napkins - polished the tea pot - purchased some "Earl Grey"   -  baked up Lemon Poppy Seed Scones and stirred up a bit of lemon curd.  (Anyone who wants this recipe - just email me and I will share it - if you like biscuits you will love scones.)

The girls appreciated having something different, something a little special.  What is it about drinking tea from a porcelain cup that makes one feel like a princess?

Coffee is wonderful but tea seems more restful - it is a beverage for an "ah!" moment.  Think I need to get out the china and brew a spot of tea a little more often.  I did not realize what I had been missing.

 I will be sure to have my tea pot polished for your next visit.   Take care and God Bless!

   

Looking up...

The photo above was captured by my beloved.   He was looking up.  The day was leaving and night was coming.

I have always loved when dusk falls softly.  It brushes the hills and settles quietly in the valleys. The birds hush a bit and everyone prepares to rest.  It is a peaceful time.  A time to slow down and savor the end of the day.  A time of reflection.

Seems like life so swiftly becomes the echo of the present.  It is just nice to take a minute. To think about the day.   To know there will never again be one quite the same.   It is a gift. 

I am grateful my beloved looked up to see.

Hope you will look up too.   God Bless!

I Took A Moment...

I Took a Moment to count the petals on a flower.

I  took a Moment to study the gossamer threads of a spider's web.

I took a Moment to gaze upon the morning fog.

I took a Moment to whisper Thank You!

May you find a Moment too! 

                                                                  
                                                               Have A Wonderful Day.

They Found a Home...

The Violas and Bunny found a home.   It was a bit of a project.  After giving it some consideration thought that the corner by the shed would be the perfect spot.  (I am always digging up flower beds).

The Project

Almost Ready For Planting

The Troups Showed Up To Help

The Fun Part


Oops someone is missing!

Home At Last

Hope You enjoyed the end of this Tale.

God Bless!

Where We Went...What We Saw... What Was Found

Sunday afternoon found us taking the motorcycle out for a spin.  We traveled to a little place called Scio.   It is nestled in the rolling hills of southern Ohio .  Dick and I often ride there because of the beautiful scenery.

We have went past this charming place many times but never found the time to stop.   Today they were open.

Antiques and treasurers were out back in the barn.
We were greeted by the welcoming committee as soon as we stepped inside.

  

Mouser

Angel

The loveliest couple in their 80's own the place.   They have been married for over 65 years.   We had a wonderful visit with them.  They shared some World War II pictures, tales from their courting days and even some local news.

As I browsed through shelves of old dishes and glassware I found the perfect prize.   It beckoned to me.  I heard it whisper "please take me with you."   My knight in shining armor knew I was smitten.  He reached for his wallet and this small treasure became mine.

Isn't he adorable?

I have the perfect spot for him - will share at a later post.

Hope all who stopped by enjoyed the trip.  Take care and God Bless!

When life casts shadows...

When life casts shadows (and every life has them) I look up.  Seems upwards gives me a better perspective.   It helps me focus on God's blessings.   It shows me a heavenly view.

Like everyone I've known moments of great joy and times of deep sorrow.  This just goes with the landscape of life.  Through trials I have learned that I am not alone.   I go outdoors, look-up and am reminded "sorrow is for the night but joy comes in the morning."  I just need to hold on.

These three things sustain me... Faith, Hope and Love.   Love...to accept it and to give it.   This is the greatest gift of all.   Hope that tomorrow will come and Faith to know the shadows do not last.

For all who have shadows being cast today - I am looking up for you.   God Bless!

How could I Resist...

 How could I resist?   They were there on the shelf calling my name.

I wish I was not so weak.  These violas are one of my favorites.   I seem to have so many when it comes to posies.

I do not have a clue where I will plant them.  It will be fun deciding.   

 Tomorrow should be a great day for gardening.    We had a nice rain this evening and the forecast is looking good for the weekend.

Please  Stop Back Soon - God Bless!

(P.S.) Update on last post - my sweet little hummingbird was at the feeder this morning.  What Joy!  

I'm Getting Ready...

Hummingbird delights

I am gearing up and getting ready.   My dad had one at the feeder this morning.   I am sure they will come - perhaps even tomorrow - I can't wait.   They seem to love the color red. I always plant scarlet begonias and impatiens in pots on the deck to attract them.  

They are truly a gift from God.  So tiny and sweet. Dad says they buzz his patio window when the feeder is empty.  They are letting him know it's time for a refill.  It is his job to keep food replenished.  Mom lets Dad have that duty and he takes it very seriously.

Hope I can catch one on film and share it.  Will keep you updated.

See You Soon
God Bless!