Luscious Blooms

When I park to visit Mom, I marvel at the roses in bloom. There are numerous rosebushes along the building's front sidewalk. You are greeted by an array of colors. There's also a lovely central courtyard with all sorts of plantings. My mom has a large window view of this area. She has loved gardening throughout her life so this view of nature's changes and beauty means a lot to her.

Come Sit A Spell

We have a small patio that we really should use more. Spending this late afternoon out on the patio with a good friend would be extra nice. Thinking of you...so glad you came by...

Sandy

Going By the Booth

April has been a slow month for the booth. I'd like these lovely platters and teapots to have new homes. May have to do some markdowns next week.

I've also been gardening this weekend. April blooms are starting. I'm excited. Now if only I could get all my pots filled...how about you...what's blooming at your house?

Jump for Joy

Yesterday after several splendid hours with friends I made two stops on my way home. At Barnes & Noble I splurged and bought two books. Although I hate to pay full price, this time I did. It was truly hard to leave the second store because I could look around at craft and art supplies all day. Lots of gardening decor to see slowed me down, too. The lady in front of me at the checkout offered me two 40% off coupons to use. How nice was that! I paid for my art supplies and headed home. I felt like jumping for joy. This was my kind of day... treasured friends, inspiring books, and art materials. Too bad there wasn't enough time for antiquing and treasure hunting, too.

Friendship

NANCY

MARY

MARG

One thing I love about dear friends is being able to pick up where we left off even if it's been months or years since we last saw one another. Today four high school friends came together, and we blissfully reconnected. It was wonderful to talk, laugh, and smile about the not-so-fairy-tale lives we have experienced. We have endured, and the journey continues. Thanks, NMM, for the memories. Looking forward to July,

Sandy

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!

Outdoor Pleasures

watching the growth of new plants

admiring the beauty of this persistent weed

inspecting a patch of clovers

and finding two to press

Nature's free gifts

quickly fill a basket.

The lovely warm sunshine makes me linger outside and enjoy this wondrous time called SPRING. I am anxious for blooms to appear in the flowerbeds and for the planters to be overflowing with color. I am an impatient gardener learning to be patient.