Fresh Eyes

gigantic wreath with cooking utensils

colorful guitar

hotel lobby art


storefront window

nifty planter

I think my recent trip has given me a fresh outlook. We live in such a grand country with so much to see and do. I wish I could take getaway trips more often. I go around the house smiling as I recall images, places, and persons from the four day mini vacation.

Pat's gift

My friend Pat makes marvelous cards. She presented me with a gift... a sweet carrying case of cards that allows me to share her beautiful creations. I know someone who recently lost her father...I'm sending a Pat card to her. Another friend has been through a difficult surgery...I'm sending her a Pat card. Yes, Pat, your cardmaking talent is far-reaching, touching many lives.

Memorable Weekend

Dorit Riley and her art at The Factory

http://www.doritriley.com/

John Cannon

Fine Artist at The Factory in Franklin

http://www.johncannonart.com/

gown worn by Carrie Underwood

quilts for sale

Glove banner grabbed your attention.

Mellow Mushroom had artwork that featured musicians.

plaque in one of the gift shops

BEFORE

(not really, but we loved this picture on the wall at Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant)

AFTER

My husband and brother made it possible (by caring for Mother) for me to have a getaway weekend with wonderful and dear friends. Four of us were college roommates. I tried to capture in pictures our special reunion weekend. While in Franklin and Nashville, TN, we squeezed in a Grand Ole Opry concert, a tour of the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, movie The Ugly Truth, shopping, and divine meals at Buca di Beppo, John A's, and Panera Bread Cafe. We shared four relaxing days that gave us laughs, good times, and memories.

Collections

statues of children reading plus a favorite art print

grouping of Willow Tree angels

pillow reserved for cameo pins

alphabet pillows



More and more I want my jewelry out so I can view pieces on a regular basis...most of my things are not expensive but have sentimental value...lockets are some of my favorites.


I will be away for a few days so take care and best wishes for a great weekend.
Talk to you soon.

Stories Behind a Few Charms

Wow! To be sixteen again and know what I know now. Things might have worked out a little differently. Looking at my charm bracelet brought back quite a few memories. Two special friends shared those times with me. We are still close.

On a boating trip my dad taught my friend Mary how to water ski. She bought the charm that had two skis and divided the skis. Her bracelet has one ski, and mine has the other to commemorate that day of fun.

When my family moved after my high school graduation my friend Mary wanted me to have a charm that would signify her so I could carry her memory with me wherever I went. I love "Mary " in the little red dress.We are still buddies after all these years.

The Lord's Prayer charm was given to me by Margaret who still calls me "sis" even though she has two sisters. Marg was my comical pal who had a serious side, too. She is having some health problems right now and needs prayers.

I dearly loved my pink Princess phone...many hours were spent talking to my girlfriends...about boys, exams, ballgames, and the future. I won't bore you with all my charm stories, but thought you wouldn't mind a few.

Wondering

I was wondering if I had a charm bracelet for this stage of my life, what significant charms would grace my arm. Maybe a flowerpot, paintbrush, book, globe, cross...

July Bliss

favorite resting place

in the late afternoon

other sitting area of the backyard

She's outside but you've seen her before on the inside.

petunias on the back door landing

Today's weather was out of the ordinary for the middle of July. The heat was replaced by pleasant cool breezes. I combined Saturday cleaning chores with intermittent escapes into the yard. Keeping close to home was better for my pocketbook, but I daydreamed about the great yard sale or flea market bargain that I missed.

Three Word Thursday

Seashells for Sell


http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Cathe, for the suggestion and idea.

Short but Sweet

With the heat and humidity it was a short walk. Scooter joined me. He loves the freedom of his morning and afternoon expeditions. What a joy to have trees on our property! I sought the shade while Scooter scampered off to the tall grass. I checked on my lovebirds, chipped beak friend, and darling girl.

untitled

blooming crape myrtle tree

lonely birdbath

bathroom containers

charm of a single candle

Simple Pleasures

• eggs, sausage patties, English muffin, and coffee for breakfast

• steamed vegetables and seasoned chicken breasts for lunch

• a few hours to browse(thanks to dear husband who encourages me to take a caregiver break)

• finding a pretty summer blouse on sale

• having new booth sales(a lamp, McCoy vase, and Limoges serving dish)

• noticing lovely pink and yellow coneflowers in front of the post office

• having my camera in purse

• coming home

Another Fast Week

Coffee, anyone? Pennee and Les

left these Gold Choice premix envelopes.

To my surprise, this instant coffee was good.

tomatoes ours, peaches from roadside stand

Grandkids, Mother, outdoor plants, meals, laundry, errands, etc...lucky me, I have a dear husband who helps make my life a whole lot easier.

Wednesday Wishes

Willow Tree Heart and Soul

Would love to be able to sit and talk with you. Sometimes our lives get so busy we have a tough time snatching time to have a quiet talk with a good friend, to write that special letter, or to make a much needed phone call. Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to express what's on the mind or say what's felt in the heart. I wish I wouldn't put off doing these things that are important. I wish to be more understanding, more loving, more creative, and more productive. Thanks for checking back in and may you have a wonderful Wednesday.