Pinterest Inspired

I really like having boards to store ideas. A saved Pinterest post helped me create a new painting.

A Few Bookcase Favorites

Of course, there are many books on the shelves. But personal memorabilia
are on display, too. I feel sure I have shown these before.

The brown candle holder was a gift from Xenia King who was once my dear mother-in-law.

This is probably my favorite piece, a 1970 Austin reproduction.

I found her when I attended college in Jackson,TN.

 A find from Bojo's Antique Mall

Sadly this Memphis antiquing landmark closed several years ago.

"Is It Really Santa?"

 Lucie Attwell figurine

Hallmark Days of Childhood

Willow Tree Heart and Soul

Growing Up Together

Today is my brother's birthday. He and I have shared many experiences, and we now have a storehouse of memories, thanks to the many pictures my mom took over the years. I thought I would share a few favorites.

Still Here

It is startling to see the days of summer speeding by. 

 I finished my art journal. Many pages of practice...some good, some lousy.

My friend Charlotte took home this angel painting. When she lost her son recently, I told her about my angel paintings and offered her one. She is holding the one she chose.

We saw Gunner off at the Memphis Airport. He is sure to have an exciting time in Dallas with Uncle Lester. He's attending some special sessions at Fusion Academy this week.  Nick and Lucas are sure to miss him!

I drove to Jackson yesterday to meet Alice and Carla at Rafferty's. Carla has missed our last two reunions so we planned this meeting to catch up with her.
She has moved into a smaller home, has met a special friend named James,  
and is busy writing her second book. The three of us move a little slower and admit to aging problems we wish we didn't have. But we continue to feel blessed.

Tomorrow there's a funeral to attend to honor the memory of an outstanding individual. Ms. Calhoun instilled in her students a love of learning, especially for math. 

l to r- Glenda Calhoun, Sandy Clowes, Kathy Bowling, and Elaine McCullough

We were a team of third grade teachers, and our time together was very special.

More and more I realize how short this life is.

Trying my best to cherish each day...

Changing Things Up

Every now and then I decide it's time for a change. I can only make little changes at home. Would love a complete remodel, but that's simply not possible. 

Books, rabbits, and birds dominate the mantel. After taking down the Alex Blum prints, I chose to use the bird prints once again for summertime.  But this time I used the vintage trouser hangers.

 I saw someone else use old Reader's Digest editions for a book stack. I really like the colorful covers in different designs. They make a nice pedestal for the brass owl.

And then some things stay put like this Edward Hopper print. I have tried it in a few different places, but always come back to this spot where it leans against the wall by resting on the end table trunk. 

Takes Me Back

I haven't made this pie in a long while. How I loved my mom's pie! I have shared this recipe before, but it's worth repeating. The crust is what makes it special.

 Love the recipe book she put together for me.

Love seeing her handwriting.

Home Scenes

Feeling blessed on this Fourth of July...

Art Journal

I came across this quote from someone's Instagram post. 

"I paint because it brings me joy. I care not a whit for what anyone else thinks of it, and don't care if I sell anything. The time I'm painting, I'm in my own world and I am completely engrossed. Can't think of any better reason to do a thing than that."

Wow, I like that quote!

I have been adding pages to an art journal for some time. Soon it will be full.
It will be a keepsake for myself, revealing the personal joy of painting.