Helping to Spread the Word

This new magazine is sure to be a hit with those of us who love the search for flea market goodies and treasures to use in our decorating. Matthew Mead and Ki Nassauer are the co-editors of this special publication. Can't wait!!!

Morning Visitors

I had gone outside to water the potted plants and to feed Scooter. When I noticed the geese feeding on the mowed field next to our house, I ran back inside for the camera. Amazingly Scooter waited for me on the backdoor steps. Then we moved closer to them for a few pictures before they took flight.

Remembering A Special Person

Many years ago while visiting my cousins in Indiana, I came across a Tasha Tudor book(1 is One) at a yard sale. From that time on this woman has fascinated me with her art, writings, and way of life. To be able to celebrate daily life in the way she did with such a positive attitude is indeed a worthwhile goal. Tasha Tudor's many talents are being remembered today. Let's pause in her memory and take time to enjoy the beauty that's all around us.

Summer Days

getting white house bedroom ready for guests

taking a garden stroll

watering shamrocks
loving barefoot boys

Saved from the Trash

Someone I know offered me this painting. If I didn't take it, she declared it was going to be hauled away with the trash. Her husband had brought it home, but she didn't have anywhere in her house that it would work. Even though I wasn't crazy about the picture, I hated to see it thrown away. It didn't work for me either. For months it had been in a closet. However, last week I found it a home in the house that Les and Pennee vacated. And strange as it seems, this covered bridge has grown on me...maybe because of the mystery of the person who painted it.

Blog Inspiration

There are so many creative people with truly inspiring blogs. One such person I discovered at http://alicew.typepad.com/ When I saw her summer sale and the vintage decorated clothespins, I stayed a long time looking around at all her beautiful items and displays. Well, as those weathered clothespins I liked so much were sold, I decided to try to make a set of my own. Therefore, I was off to the white house studio for some creating fun. Thank you, Alice, for the inspiration.

Taking Life Easy

It was a glorious August day. In the cool temperature I didn't even mind pulling weeds from the flowerbeds. It just felt good to be outside. No errands today...no pressing business...played with Scooter and sat on the patio with my mom in the afternoon. Sometimes you have to slow down to discover that relaxation is possible.
Hope you're having a pleasant day, too.

Small Art Treasures

ARTIST TRADING CARDS

Love 'em!!!

These small works of art are affordable treasures.

"A Time 4 Everything" by Jezelle White

"ANGEL Face" by Kim Pennington

"DREAMER" signed Vicki

Contentment

Contentment

provided by

a leaning tree

my mother's presence

grandson as sweet as tasty fruit

clouds above

on a summer's day

Four Powerful Verses

Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.


I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.


Do not lose your patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different 'though I try.


Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.


~Author Unknown



This poem was sent to me by my new friend Jan who I met only recently in Nashville. Her mother has Alzheimer's, too, and she knows firsthand the heartbreak of the final stage. Thank you, Jan, for keeping your promise. You knew this powerful message would help me. I am posting it in case someone else out in blogland needs to hear these words.

The Camera Was Handy

I'm certain you know by now that I love taking pictures. I do the best I can with my Samsung S630 model. In a "Twenty Wishes" list I would include a dynamic Nikon. Starting at the top a brief message on each of today's pictures -

• Welcome sign was stitched by a friend from the past. Sadly we have lost touch. Maybe we will reconnect one day on FB.
• Miniatures are fun to collect and don't take up a lot of space. I lean toward schoolhouses, barns, and churches.
• This handy organizer with five compartments was a recent find for four dollars.
• Three is that magic number for a collection. I've seen a lot of crosses over the years but only felt compelled to have these three. I typed the words of a favorite verse(Psalm 27:14)and placed them inside the opening of the gray cross.
• The shelf in the hallway was built by son Jason to hold some of our family pictures.
• This pitcher with the measurements has a Holly Hobbie figure on the other side. Since math was not my best subject, I keep the reminders in plain view.
• I like this rusty old scale for placing different things on top.
• I also like words and messages, especially this one on the round wooden piece. There's a sticker on the back that reads - A hand-crafted adaptation from Early American Wall Stenciling by Patricia Brown Schad, Stenciler. The small green planter that holds Splenda packets came from my mom's McCoy collection.
• The little wooden rooster is showing his age with a few nicks...something from the kitchen of my first home...the oddest things make the long haul through the decades.

Three Word Thursday

Grab A Book

Available in August at Booth #89 for fifty cents

First Week of School...a glimpse back

my first class of fourth graders

70-71

retirement plaque

a printer's drawer that I filled with mementoes


a stitched message from a dear student

another keepsake from a sweet student

This plastic apple stayed with me all through the years. Many a student handled this apple that sat on my desk. You can hear chunks of old pencils rattling around inside.

That first week of school...greeting your new students, meeting parents, explaining procedures, introducing subjects, and much more...I remember it well. I loved my chosen profession but realized when it was time to make an exit. I witnessed so many changes in education over my thirty year career. There are continuing changes in education and other fields. Life is certainly all about change. Sometimes there is excitement and joy, and at other times heartache and loss. Acceptance is a lesson well learned.