"find beauty in the small"

I admired this bird ornament, especially the five words.

My sweet daughter-in-law secretly bought it for me.

Thanks, Pennee, for surprising me by slipping the ornament into my store bag once we were back at the apartment.

This was the California shop that delighted Pennee and me with its array of decorative pieces. Paperweights, magnets, bookmarks, plaques, statues, and ornaments by Kelly Rae Roberts grabbed our attention.  

I chose this hanging butterfly for its colors and important word on the wing.

The phrases on this plaque drew me to this artistic piece.

She now resides in my studio and so does the butterfly on the chain.  



Thoughts

I have been trying for days to sit down and compose a few thoughts. Lots of ideas swirl through my head, but everyday life seems to keep me busy and away from this blog. I had a lovely Mother's Day and meant to write about it. I meant to honor my mom with words and pictures. Reminds me of that poem "I Meant To Do My Work Today"... replacing the word Work with Blog. Well, I hope you understand I meant to be here. 

Have a happy Wednesday.

Let us make haste to live, since every day to a wise man is a new life.

-Seneca

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

-Denis Waitley

Journal pages and a poem

In high school and college I loved poetry...even writing a few poems of my own. I typed them and kept them tucked away...for fear others might laugh at my attempts to write what I felt so deeply. Now many years later they transport me back to my youth ...to the beginning of what was to come. I'm sharing the one below.

one me says come out

be free, young, foolish

the other me says no

silly girl

be sweet, safe, sensible

I say merge you two

that's the real me.

Sandy Crum

'68

Checking In

Thought I'd check in to say hello. I like
the saying on the circular wood piece.
It's a good reminder that rests on a small coffee table in the den.

I decided on a place for my C letter. It's perched on a book stack on a living room end table. Have a great week! We're still waiting for fall weather.

Split Personality

Word Power

I think I may have shared some of these quotations before... maybe you won't mind seeing them again. I never seem to tire of them. I plant quotes in my surroundings for encouragement and inspiration.

Old Magazines, Old Possessions

I save certain old magazines. Often I clip just an article or a particular picture, but sometimes a magazine issue must be kept. My hubby doesn't approve, but I cannot toss issues that contain so much good stuff. This 1999 October issue of Victoria is one of those that I refer to again and again, especially pages 74-77. Love those framed clovers and old books! Another thing I have always loved is the passage by Henry Drummond. It hung in my mother's hallway for years. When she moved into her apartment here, it was placed up in the attic for storage. Recently when I checked on my Mother's stored items, I found that parts of the decoupaged verse had been eaten away...more than likely by a very hungry mouse. Well, I have been working with stains to cover up the damage. Then there's the new art piece I found at Big Lots. I passed it up the first day I saw it on display in the store, but went back the next day to secure her. I thought it was the only one, but discovered four in a pile. The simplicity of the pose as well as the colors appealed to me. And it helps that white wall!

Hello Friends

"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." -Laura Ingalls Wilder

P. S. Plan to take my camera on the way to the Rehab Hospital and capture some autumn beauty. Beautiful outside...loving fall...cherishing every day.

Glimpses

a rubber stamp quote that I love

framed quote on top of miniature chest


clover

lucky Saturday

fresh garden tomatoes

dried hydrangeas in an old green crock

Gardening Journals

I just came in from outside. Perfect day... warm sunshine and light breezes. I pulled out last year's journal to review the order of blooms. These journals were purchased at a Dollar Tree store, and for years I didn't know what to do with them. But when I started gardening, they came in handy for writing notes and pasting pictures. Now I had a record of what plants performed well.

"The best thing about being a gardener is never feeling at a loss for a friend or an occupation. And working in the earth gives one a sense of peace and serenity that nothing else can equal."

-Joanna Reed

Below that quote in my 2008 journal I wrote: Is gardening really that powerful? I sure hope so because this could be the year I need its power to give me that sense of peace and serenity.

It is now 2009, and I am feeling the same way.

Reminders

I have reminders here and there in my home that emphasize what I should know by now... life is to be treasured, memories are to be made, love is to be shared. To appreciate each day and be mindful of blessings...that's what I need to remember.