An Armload Of Pink Roses

Not a whole lot I can say about pink roses in mid-winter. I picked these up at one of my favorite shops that has fresh flowers all year round. A small shop that is always chock-a-block full of ladies, and men who like to cook gourmet style. The folks there just seem to go that extra mile when it comes to food for entertaining or special occasions. The desert area meets all of one's expectations and more. Amazing mouth watering deserts....individual servings of creme brulee, cheesecake and fruit tarts....chocolate everythings including chocolate dipped strawberries. For afternoon tea, they have scones, clotted cream and fine jars of lemon curd. I suppose it's a woman thing but it's most gratifying to walk out of this great little place with an arm load of flowers (this time pink roses), and a box of incredibly delicious deserts....click on photos

The Hours Seem To Fly By....

Okay now.....that cold weather has trickled down our way, resulting in my staying inside today. You guessed it, once my "home duties" were accomplished, I set down at the computer. It amazes me how the hours seem to fly by once I make contact with the desk chair...have you noticed this to be true in your case? At my fingertips .... anything and everything....current news (Drudge Report, Politico.....) all updated at any given moment, weather, music, BLOGS (my favorite), Netflix(order movies instantly), Google (research)and of course retail shopping (anywhere and everywhere). My list could go on forever. I suppose one has to put restrictions on this form of entertainment.....do we have to? We must I believe or what becomes of our social life, our friendships and health?? Well, I have clear indications that I spend way too much time at the keyboard...my well manicured nails have been chipping away at the keys, leaving certain letters no longer legible. A typist for many years this is not a problem for me, but I might say, it has become quite a challenge for the mister.....Hmmm, let me pop over to the Drudge and see how that "stimulus package is doing in the Senate......

A Favorite Book and Candlelight

At Home With White~Atlanta Bartlett with words by Karena Callen

Words taken from the book.....At Home With White reveals that, no matter what your personal style happens to be, white can work in every home. Classic, timeless, easily adapted to changing fashions, and brilliant for maximizing light, it is far from being bland, boring, or clinical. Well...that pretty much says it for me, I need no more convincing that white is my style. I love it...further reading into the book tells how to combine white slipcovers, limewashed walls, pale wood floors to create the spirit of a beachside bungalow. Living on the coast, this seems to work for me, but white works just about anywhere, whether you live in an uptown apartment, a chic city townhouse, or a charming country cottage. If you like white, but are having doubts that white is the color for you, get this book, At Home With White....it will change your mind. Well, the house is warm and cozy, the candle's glowing ...I'm reading each page and taking in all the details.....hmmmmm

It's A Beautiful World

A peaceful afternoon overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.... Bougainvilla growing along the water....

The trees cover the driveway we walk along...

Imagine swinging out over the Gulf......

I walked right up to this guy and he never moved....It was low tide and he was more concerned with fishing......

Just before sunset, we drove down to the village, and walked along the Gulf waters. We're never disappointed when it comes to looking at nature. The weather is a little warmer now, back into the seventies. A nice breeze was blowing and it couldn't have been nicer. As we walked along we came upon an artist. His painting, set upon an old, well used easel. A stand held his paints and quart jars his water, oils and brushes. He himself would have been perfect subject matter for a fine painting. We stopped and commented on his work and continued to walk. I do so enjoy this area for walking. Some of the homes have large porches with grand old weathered white wicker furniture. The yards, are manicured to perfection, hammocks hang between trees and we see old fashioned tree swings . It's quiet in this area and seems to make one feel all is right with the world. I snapped off a few photos, but I never seem to quite capture the essence of it all with my camera. Hmmmm....It's such a beautiful world.......click on photos

Something Helpful But Not Essential

The Encyclopedia's explanation for a bust is a sculpture depicting a person's chest, shoulders, and head, usually supported by a stand. These three-dimensional forms recreate a likeness of an individual. I have two of these in my home, and enjoy them as an art form, a decorative item, an accessory. I looked up the meaning of the word accessory and found that it explains what every woman has been telling their husbands for centuries. When asked about purchasing an accessory, all men have wondered why women have need of such things. There again, Encyclopedia has a good explanation....the meaning of accessory is something helpful, but not essential. I couldn't have said it better myself, thus my reasoning behind the two sculptured bust in my home decor. Hmmmm.....

Drinkin From My Saucer

Drinkin From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune

And it's prob'ly too late now;

But I don't worry 'bout that much,

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way

Reapin' better than I sowed

I'm drinkin from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed!

Haven't got a lot of riches,

And sometimes the going's tough;

But I've got loved ones around me

and that makes me rich enough!

I thank God for His blessings

and the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinkin from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed!

I member times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin,

But all at once the dark clouds broke

And light peeped through again.

So, Lord, help me not to gripe

About tough rows I've hoed.

I'm drinkin from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed!

If God gives me strength and courage

When the way grows steep and rough,

I'll not ask for other blessings;

I'm already blessed enough!

May I never be too busy

To help others bear their loads.

I'll keep drinkin' from my saucer

'Cause my cup has overflowed. ~ Author Jimmy Dean

Handmade With Love

Straight to the heartstrings, handmade with love. A sweet baby bonnet was made for my grandchild, by my sister-in-law. Oh my...it looks and seems so tiny and delicate, much like the new born that will wear it. Accompanying this precious gift was a poem....

Heirloom Hankie

At first a hankie-small and white

folded square and stitched just right

A baby bonnet was made for me,

So a family heirloom, I could be.

Worn home from the hospital or christening day,

I'm pressed with care then packed away.

When the lovely bride needs something "old",

They'll snip my threads and I'll unfold.

On the wedding day this gift of joy

Will even suite a baby boy;

Alas one day he too will marry,

And the hankie will be his bride's to carry.

Thank you Pam....

A. D. Chronicles-First Light

I seem to be drinking books lately and enjoying every single minute of it. My daughter and son-in-law have been reading the A. D. Chronicles and suggested I too might find them good reads. I'm well into the first book titled First Light and let it be known, I'm finding it very interesting and quite stimulating. I have a good imagination and my mind's eye seems to have taken me back a good long ways, landing me smack in the middle of first century Jerusalem.

It's a dark time in the world's holiest and most turbulent city. Walk with Peniel, the blind beggar who longs for rescue from his suffering. Peek into the lives of Susannah and Manaen, two lovers separated by overwhelming odds. And, meet an unusual healer who ignites a spark of controversy in the fire of hatred, deceit, and betrayal that is always burning in this ancient city. This first book in the A. D. Chronicles Series will bring you face to face with a man called Yeshua.

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. Their novels have sold more than 10 million copies and have won eight ECPA Gold Medallion awards.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

"A Domestic Womanly Skill"

I've started back, and it's been a while for me, this sewing thing, this woman thing that seems to be a dying art. I could probably count on one hand the number of lady friends I have that actually sew. My sister-in-law is an exception to the rule. Not only does she sew, she has three sewing machines, and these machines are "state of the art." They are housed in a special room in her home, decorated and designed for a woman who can "sew up a storm!" Now, I on the other hand, have the same sewing machine I've had for the past twenty years or so. My sewing abilities have developed no further than the day I bought the machine. I can make some pretty elaborate curtains, pillows and table linens, but that is just about it. I do repair sewing, hemming and crafting by hand, and there lies my problem with sewing needles and pins. In my case, to sew by hand with a needle, is to eventually poke the needle into a finger, most assuredly, at some point. These injuries are painful and have been known to bleed quite profusely. Not to be discouraged, I continue sewing, trying to improve my domestic womanly skills. Their coming along nicely I might say and sewing seems to give me a great deal of pleasure. Perhaps if my skills keep improving, I too could have a new and "Improved Domestic Sewing Machine." Hmmm......

Frozen Winter

Haiku Poem
Frozen Winter
Children
Ice Skating

Ice Skating by Sandra Liatsos

Higher and higher

I glide in the sky

My feet flashing silver

A star in each eye

With wind at my back

I can float, I can soar

The earth cannot hold me

In place anymore.

Making Hearts

Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida, we count it a blessing to have these cold winter days. When it happens, we stay indoors just like the folks living up North. Some of the blogs I visit are in very cold parts of the world. In these places I get inspiration from ladies of all ages, through their creative ideas with sewing, art, knitting and all sorts of wonderful things. I have seen beautiful hearts made in faraway places like Norway and Sweden. I especially like the colors they use...mostly whites and beiges. There's just something gratifying about making things with your hands and giving them away. I am busy as can be making hearts that will all be given away. Nothing says more about kindness and love than a hand made stuffed fabric heart. As you can see by my photos, I have been inspired in all sorts of ways, but I seem to like my hearts quite plain. I've been using antique lace found at an estate sale, back in the summer. Well..... I'm off to the craft store today to find more embellishments. I wish you all a "heart felt" day.......

Memories Of Snow

I remember scenes like this......

Inaugural Ball

I've been watching the Inaugural Balls all evening long. Seems the organizers have arranged them quite nicely. Each ball has an orchestra, entertainment and refreshments. President Obama and his wife attend each ball, a few words are spoken by the President, they dance, wave goodbye to all the enthusiastic supporters and off they go. This sort of thing never seems to change, and I would say each Inauguration, for as long as I can remember, follows the same tradition. I've been thinking about that today. After a while of seeing the same old thing....one grows weary. I noticed this was the case with President Obama and his wife Michelle. Would it not be a good thing to just change the last Ball of the night to break up the monotony? Why not a masked Ball?? Hmmmm.....

Secret Garden

To know me, is to know how much I love flowers and gardening. It was common place in my family to be one with nature. My grandmother taught me how to care for a garden. How, together with nature one can produce food for nourishment, and flowers for enjoyment. It is difficult but rewarding to plant some flowers in the Florida soil. A labor of love, we have experimented with several different types and have been pleased as a result of our efforts. My post have shown several photos of our garden. Today's focus is on another garden. In our travels, we seem to find great pleasure in visiting public gardens. In addition to that, we find enjoyment in hidden places off the normal pathway...secret gardens .....little gardens of solitude. These places are seen by few, but should be seen by many. This place boasted of beauty and surprise in every corner....more like a little courtyard, we were mesmerized.

White House Gardens

I've been thinking this evening of the Obama's new home, the White House. Upon hearing that they've asked Michael Smith to decorate for them, I did a little research into his style of decorating. It is my belief that the White House will be transformed in a way befitting this beautiful young, stylish family. One can only imagine how Mrs. Obama must feel selecting colors, fabrics and new furnishings. A labor of love, I'm quite sure. I wonder if she will enjoy the gardens and find them a place of comfort. Perhaps they might be a place so incredibly beautiful and calming, that she can escape from her duties as "First Lady" for just a while. I wonder if she might enjoy the garden roses fun to pick, placing them in vases somewhere in her new home. I hope so......

Photos Google Images....click on them

Inauguration

The eyes of the world are on Washington D. C. awaiting the inauguration of Barack Obama. An historical occasion of vast proportions, to say the least. From what I've been hearing and seeing, things in Washington are taking on the feel of the Super Bowl, with everyone focused on the same thing. The atmosphere will be one of great anticipation by the estimated crowd of over one million people, there to see history in the making. I've been thinking this week of our first President and his inauguration. I've read a lot about George Washington, a man of faith and how he governed during the time of our country's beginnings. He had great challenges and so too will Mr. Obama. I find it interesting that Abraham Lincoln's name has come up a time or two in comparing Mr. Obama to him. I understand Lincoln's Bible will be used during the ceremony, and for this I am thankful. Tomorrow we will get the first glimpse of our new President's style as we observe the swearing in of the first African American President. I for one will continue to pray for President Obama, after all, he is just a man elected to serve the people of this great nation. He has made many promises and a lot is expected of him.... he will need help from the Almighty.

Bringing Camellias Inside

The cool weather seems to have encouraged the Camellia buds to open, and so they have. I've brought a few inside and the colors are so beautiful.

Enlightenment~

~The Bible as a book stands alone. There never was, nor ever will be another like it. As there is but one sun to enlighten the world naturally, so there is but one Book to enlighten the world, spiritually. May that Book become to each of us the man of our counsel, the guide of our journey, the inspiration of our thought and our support and comfort in life and in death.~ A. Galloway

Just Things

Today is a typical Saturday with all the normal things going on. With the weather nice and cool, I'm more inclined to stay inside. Have you noticed candles seem to play an important role in giving one's home that cozy feeling? Shown is a porcelain candle holder I've had for some time. It seems appropriately placed beside an old brass birdcage. I suppose we're all pleased with our selections we have for accessorizing our homes. Others might look upon our choices as "just things." Well....keep the home fires burning and stay warm!

Snow Woman

When it gets this cold in Florida, I start remembering winters when I was a young woman. We lived in Pennsylvania during my high school years, and the snow stayed on the ground for most of the winter. Funny how the cold didn't seem to bother us as we played for hours, snow sledding down the steepest hillsides. I'm missing the snow this evening but the closest thing resembling snow in these parts might be made by Swarovski...retired now "Snow Woman."

Brrr...It's Cold!

Needed.....warmer coat. Decisions, decisions, decisions....hmmm

A Quiet Winter Evening

Winter white they call it...I suppose it has something to do with snow. No snow around here but a nice chill to the weather now. The candles are burning on the table with the white tulips making it somewhat cozy here in our coastal cottage. We're enjoying the whole ambiance on this quiet winter evening....