Clapboard Cottage

I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!

2010-09-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

For the many of you who visit my Blog each day,

this is to let you know, I now have a brand new Blog.

Please visit me by

clicking here:

www.awhitewashedcottage.blogspot.com

I look forward to your visits.

Lord Bless....Dee Dee

His Promise....

2010-09-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

"I will never leave you nor forsake you"

~Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

Standing on His promise this Lord's day.....Dee Dee

"Daddy's Girl"

2010-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a little over seven years now,

since our first granddaughter was born.

I'll have to admit, she was one of the

most beautiful things to happen in my life.

With all fine grandsons prior to that time,

we welcomed this little baby girl.

That first year, I took enough

photos to fill up several photo albums, should

it have been necessary. But thankfully

it's much easier having

many of my photos on what we

call "Flash Drives." They take up

very little storage space and I can look at

them with little effort at all.

Last evening, we were going through

some old photos and came across a

"drive" that had our Lily, when she

was eight months old. She was

sitting on her daddy's lap as he read

to her at bedtime. I remember

how contented she was,

as though she understood

every word he was reading.

So, this little painting is for Lily and

I'm calling it "Daddy's Girl."
-

Blessings.....Dee Dee

I Coundn't Wait!

2010-09-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Painting borrowed from Google Images Always on the lookout for

new places to visit.

Earlier today, perhaps

by "divine guidance"

I found this wonderful

website.

http://www.raisinghomemakers.com/

Not only will you love it,

be sure to show it to your

daughters and granddaughters.

A little example of what you

might expect.....

The question of femininity

...A poem

reflecting the Proverbs 31-Woman

Beautiful faces are they that wear

the light of a pleasant spirit there.

Beautiful hands are they that do

Deeds that are noble, good and true.

Beautiful feet are they that go

Swiftly to ease another's woe.

I hope you like it too....I couldn't

wait to tell you about it.

Good Blessings....Dee Dee

Scrapbooking? I'm a little afraid....

2010-09-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

I came across this painting

by Elizabeth Shippen Green ...1906,

and wondered that even

back then, people were

scrapbooking.

I suppose I'm not surprised,

we all want to save evidence

of special occasions

and good times.

But, can I just say,

that what we have now days,

is "extreme scrapbooking"

and many of my friends

and family, are caught up

in this new "art form."

No longer do we simply

place our photos or mementos in albums,

we place them on beautiful

patterned papers, and

surround them with all

sorts of "designer stickers

"bells and whistles."

Why, classes are given, so

that we make no mistakes

in creating our own

specialized scrapbook.

There is a method to this madness!

I've actually bought

most of the supplies

to begin this project

but for some reason,

I'm feeling insecure!

Do I need classes?

What if I do it wrong. Is

there a "scrapbook patrol"

lurking out there.....

waiting to pounce on me!

"NO....wrong pattern....wrong stickers...wrong colors!!"

I'll be fine.

I'm feeling much better now that

I've verbalized my fears.

I'm an individual, with my own ideas and

so help me Hannah....I'll

do it my own way, no matter what!

Hugs and Happy Friday....Dee Dee

Fiestaware......I've started something.

2010-09-02T11:22:00.001-07:00

Fiestaware

and in

typical Florida colors,

very retro

and so cottage like.

I've mentioned before,

the antique

shop here in our

village, where I go

for "retail therapy."

"Sigh.....

couldn't live without

and brought them home with me."

They are new....like the originals,

and completely lead free.

A good thing.

Smaller and designed

specifically for

"after dinner coffee"

the cups are "darling"

not a word one uses for dishes...

I know.

We used them at

breakfast this morning.

I couldn't wait.

Now, even as they

rest in a little stainless drain,

I pause to admire

them.

Hmm...I really like them

and in these colors!

Just maybe I'll add saucers,

bowls and plates......

I really like this Fiestaware!!

In my homemaker mood today,

Hugs......Dee Dee

Motherhood....

2010-09-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

"A Colicky Night"

"A girl is innocence playing in the mud,

Beauty standing on its head,

and

Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot."

~Alan Beck

My youngest daughter is mother to

four beautiful children. Their ages

range from seven years, down to

nine months old.

Our daughters do grow up,

and I love watching

as she organizes her home,

and assigns responsibilities and chores

to the little ones.

I suppose there's a bit of "de ja vu"

I remember this same scenario

from a few years back.

Playing with her baby dolls, she practiced

for such a time as this.

The painting (does not resemble her)

but inspired by her gentle and tender

caring for her babies.....

and there have been a few colicky nights.

Blessings....Dee Dee

Morning shadows.........

2010-09-01T08:26:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it's September?

I can tell the seasonal change

when

the early morning shadows

reflected around the rooms

somehow

seem different.

Anniversary roses in

combination with

sun patterns

splashed on the leopard

chaise lounge

make for pretty scenery.
-

I hope your having a good week,

and happy you visited here today.

Lord bless.....Dee Dee

His arms were full of flowers....

2010-08-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

for me..... on our wedding anniversary.

A lady's imagination is very rapid;

it jumps from admiration to love,

from love to matrimony, in a moment.

~Pride and Prejudice

I cannot fix on the hour, or the look,

or the words, which laid the

foundation. It is too long ago.

I was in the middle before I knew

that I had begun.

~Pride and Prejudice

"If that thy love be honorable,

thy purpose marriage, send

me word tomorrow,

By one that I'll procure to

come to thee,

Where and what time thou wilt

perform the rite;

And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay

And follow thee my lord

throughout the world."

~Juliet to Romeo

Elizabeth Bennet: No No ... You may call me Mrs. Darcy

when you are completely and perfectly, and

incandescently happy."

~Pride and Prejudice

Enjoying our special day with my Soul Mate,

.....Dee Dee

It's The Anniversary of Our Elopement!

2010-08-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I know what your thinking and you

would be right.

The photo is of very poor quality,

but after all

our elopement

happened many many years ago.

Oh, I can't fool anyone....

That's not us in the photo,

but we really did elope and have

been married long enough to have

nine grandchildren.

I was a child bride, you might say,

having just graduated high school.

and the mister had

finished his tour of duty in

the United States Navy.

Love was in the air

the summer we met.

It was June

and we married August 31.

To celebrate.....

We'll dine at the

Columbia Restaurant

on Sand Key beach.

A tradition for us now,

and there

the ambiance is amazing.....

We'll have candlelight and

sweet reminiscing conversation

of how God has so richly blessed us through the years.

"Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money,

maybe were ragged and funny,

but we'll travel along

singing a song

side by side."

Always, and forever, lovin' that man of mine....Dee Dee

Contributing To A Healthy Lifestyle.....

2010-08-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Muskmelon....one with orange flesh and rough skin.....

"Look for a ripe one, you will

know, for it has a bright

orange color."

Our selection was "perfection"

I thought as I prepared this beautiful melon.

Placed beside scrambled cheese eggs

on our breakfast plate, this morning,

I marveled at

the cantaloupe (muskmelon) and it's

pure summer sweetness.

More so than ever before,

we're trying to eat

balanced meals here at the cottage.

I've been advised,

that by making it a complete lifestyle focus,

my immune system

will function at it's peak.

A good thing....I believe.

I'm finding it takes

very little effort,

I'm feeling much healthier

and the process of food preparation

is indeed

quite enjoyable.

Remaining positive in thoughts......Dee Dee

Along The Water's Edge.....

2010-08-29T23:03:00.001-07:00

It seems,

we've passed by this

beautiful place,

along the water's edge

for quite a number of years,

and each time,

I wonder about this

Bougainvilla.

It's made claim to a section

along the road, close to the water.

Each time, I notice that it's

still climbing all over a

broken section of an old

white shabbied wooden fence.

It appears to be

managing on it's own, and as seen in

the photos it is flourishing.

.....I wonder.

In any case, I appreciate

it's beauty.

Very soon now,

I will pass by

again,

marveling

at the Bougainvilla's

resillence and

willingness to survive on it's on.

Blessings for the week......Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge

Ms Corrie's Wisdom

2010-08-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

"If God has shown us bad times ahead,

it's enough for me that He knows about them.

That's why He sometimes shows us things,

you know-to tell us that this too is in His Hands."

~Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place)

Art?

2010-08-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Art?

Tubes of watercolors and brushes,

begin

an aesthetic endeavor

even becoming themselves

art.

Blessings....Dee Dee

Think On This......

2010-08-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird.

It would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn

to fly while remaining an egg.

We are like eggs at present.

And you cannot go on

indefinitely

being just an

ordinary decent egg.

We must be hatched or

go bad.

~C. S. Lewis
-

Ah....words of wisdom, don't you think?

Happy Friday everyone....Dee Dee

She Wore A Fur Muffler

2010-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

As "my lady" materialized onto paper,

I realized the

story centered around her

warm fur muffler.

He wore a badge and had

pledged to keep the peace

but she knew him as the man

who had saved

her valuables from the "bad guys?

"Glad to have helped you lady, here are

your jewels and fur, " said Dick Tracy.

She found him irresistible.

His bright yellow hat,

the shape of his

sharp nose

and square jaw,

all made her swoon.

As she placed the fur muffler

around her neck, she

thought of how she

had used all her

womanly charms

to capture his heart.

In the end, she

had settled for reading

about him

in the funny papers.

Dear friends....

I fear I have been confined to my

home, much to long.

Perhaps my imagination is

running quite wild.

Thank you for humoring me and

allowing my amusing entertainment.

Having fun with pencils and watercolors.....Dee Dee

C. S. Lewis

2010-08-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

'Something of God....flows

into us from the blue of

the sky, the taste of honey,

the delicious embrace of water

whether cold or hot, and

even from sleep itself.

~C S Lewis

Beautiful thoughts from a man

with impeccable insight......Dee Dee

Wish you had been with me.......

2010-08-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

It's not every day we see

wild Peacocks up close and personal,

but on accasion we do

and real close to home.

It's interesting how they

came to live close by.

Seems a long while back,

an old gentleman

liked

these lovely peafowls, and

very much.

I'm not sure how many he owned,

but when he

left the world, his descendants

wanted nothing to do with

the large birds,

and

released them into the wild.

Home to them now, is a tropical woodland area

near our

neighborhood.

They are such lovely gentle creatures,

and made no attempt to fly away

when I walked up to take photos.

Wished you could have been there

with me....Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge

Books I'm Reading.....

2010-08-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

An Amazon Review:

Have you read a book and been so profoundly

affected by it that when you finish it, you just

sit still, be quiet and let it keep working for you?

An Editorial Review:

Walter Wangerin's profound fantasy concerns

time when the sun turned around the earth,

and the animals could speak,

when Chauntecleer the Rooster

ruled over a more or less peaceful kingdom.

What the animals did not know was that they

were the Keepers of Wyrm, monster of evil

long imprisoned beneath the earth...and Wyrm,

sub-terra, was breaking free.

This book is simultaneously rich in mythology and

history, so familiar to us all.

The Sequel: "The Book of Sorrow"
-

More of Wangerin's Books:

The Book of God

Ragman and Other Cries of Faith

Miz Lil and the Chronicles of Grace

As you can see, I'm keeping busy exploring

on Amazon.....finding good things to read.

Blessings......Dee Dee

Summer's Passage

2010-08-23T22:09:00.001-07:00

.....now the crow's call" Summers Passage"

Now the crows call.

It's muffled at first...

the leaves are still on the trees

But they will fall

and the crow's calls

will ring and echo

more and more

Until the world is wasted shades

of brown and grey and then

white.

~author unknown

Everyone I know is thinking the same

thing I am ....

"I am so tired of this hot weather and

so looking forward to fall."

I can hardly wait,

although fall here

in Florida is nothing like up north.

Mother Nature

only touches color

here and there on our

Gulf Coast landscape.

Never-the-less,
I will mightily welcome

the cooler weather.

Thank you for stopping by......Dee Dee

Mrs. Miniver

2010-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

A rose is named for Mrs. Miniver
"Onward Christian Solddiers........"

Here lately, our Netflix selections have been

good old movies, like this one....

"Mrs Miniver"

starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon.

A middle class English family experiences

life in the first months of World War II, 1939,

Kay Miniver (Greer Garson) wife and mother, is the

anchor that keeps her family together.

Opening scene finds Mrs. Miniver splurging on a

new hat while on her weekly shopping trip to London.

This was propaganda film of the time, and the

director was to have said that he produced the film because

he was concerned about Americans as isolationist.

Whether or not this was true

it did greatly encourage the British citizens.

Winston Churchill commented that Mrs Miniver

was "more powerful to the war effort than

six military divisions."

My favorite scene took place in a bombed

out church. The priest was speaking to the

congregation about courage.

They began singing

"Onward Christian Soldiers".....

marching off to war....with the cross of Jesus

going on before.....

Mrs Miniver won Best Picture

at the Acadamy Awards in 1942, and

was nominated for twelve other

Academy awards.

The most beautiful and talented

Greer Garson won for "best actress."

In scene after scene, this movies makes you laugh,

grow a bit somber and even cry a little.

You won't be disappointed.....Dee Dee

Missing Church and tiny Mums all over the house.....

2010-08-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

Mums in the kitchen.....
Mums in the living room.....

Mums in tiny vase......

Still confined mostly to home while

dealing with health issues,
I'm sure missing God's House!

Can I just say how thankful I am for

Pastor Charles Stanley seen on

Christian television.

It is so good to hear him open the Word of God.

This morning, however,

we were privileged

to hear his son, Pastor Andy Stanley,

preach for the first time.

Things are so different for us,

but we focus on all that is good

in our lives, thankful for His blessings

each day.

This morning, the Mister went for

a Sunday newspaper and came back with

a large bouquet of tiny white Mums.....

and, so many.

Now, they are all over the house!

This man is one of God's blessings for me.

Then all who take refuge in You will be glad

and forever shout for joy. Protect them that you

may be the joy of those who love Your name.

~Psalm 5:12

Happy Lord's Day! Dee Dee

Using bold colors and crazy motifs.....

2010-08-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Pattern pouch in front of book.

Ribbon BlanketSoft Rattle

This little book is a complete treasure.

"Simple Sewing For Baby"

Lotta Jansdotter projects and illustrations.

24 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers

How nice it is, that

the patterns come with the book, all

tucked away nicely in a pouch inside

the front cover.

The book

belongs to my youngest daughter, mother

of four, ages 9 mos to 7 years.

She loaned me this book today,

knowing I'm fast and busy making

things for grandchildren....two more on the way.

She had made so many sweet things, including the soft rattles.

I've watched the baby play with them, seeing

how they fit perfectly in little

chubby baby boy hands.

The ribbons are a curiosity to him

and I love watching as he tries to

get them in his mouth.

He is one hundred % lovable.

Same with the Ribbon Blanket.....is this

great or what?

I can't wait to get started!
-

Already, I have my list of things to buy at the fabric shop.

I plan to embrace new brightly patterned fabrics.

Have you noticed

young families are no longer

into pinks and blues for baby?

When I post my handmade baby items, be prepared to see

bold colors and crazy motifs.

I suppose you could say I am keeping up with baby times.

Hugs....Dee Dee

A Girlie Girl.....

2010-08-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

A proper young lady

wears

pinks,

purple and

plenty of ruffles.

She is never without a hair-bow,

and has them in all colors of the rainbow.

Sandals are the preferred summer

footwear, and the toenails must

be painted with fuchsia colored polish

always!

-
Good posture is very important!

Shoulders back ....."nicely done."

The legs should always be slightly crossed.

Hands placed in the lap is especially

lady-like.

Her name is

Sydney

and she is one more

girlie-girl

and......

she has a

special place in my

heart.

Drawing and painting

the little ones I love, is so much fun.

Hugs.....Dee Dee

It's Comin' Back!

2010-08-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

This pretty thing grows close to my library.

I took these photos last summer, when the

Hibiscus tree was at it's peak.

Unfortumately,

during the cold winter when the temps

dipped below freezing
the Hibiscus tree was

severely damaged.

Spring came and I noticed the sad little tree.

It was half the size it had once been, but

I could see promise and hope in the

green leaves that covered it's branches.

I've watched it grow all summer long,

and I am happy to say it is "comin' back."

I'll take the camera with me

on my visit to the library later on today,

and perhap's I'll give it a

"wink and a nod"

to show my appreciation for it's beauty.

Enjoying another day in God's great big

beautiful world......Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge....they are beautiful...

So Good On A Hot Day......

2010-08-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Tried and proven ....

Ice cold watermelon is perfect

on a hot summer day.

The combination of temps in the

mid 90s, swimming in the pool

and watermelon..... made for one

beautiful time with our children.

Thus the inspiration for the

painting.

I think I captured just how sweet

cold and delicious the melon was

to our young grandson.

Fill us at daybreak with Your love

that all our days we may sing for joy.

~Psalm 90:14

Blessings..... Dee Dee

Remembering the Zinnia....I'm not quite sure.

2010-08-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

I love Zinnias!

My first memories of Zinnias are the ones

that grew in my Aunt Sally's yard.

Holding thoughts of the Zinnia for a moment,

I wish to say that

my mother's sister, I remember quite fondly, and

with most tender and loving

affection.

Dear Aunt Sally lived in the mountains of

North Carolina, in a lovely

home that set

up high, on a mountain ledge,

overlooking the

French Broad river.

I remember it, as a small cottage,

having a very steep white gravel driveway.

I assure you, this is not a long

drawn out story about my aunt,

I only wish to put some background

into my first memories of the

lovely Zinnia.

At the beginning of each spring,

Dear Aunt would plant Zinnias on either

side of her very steep gravel driveway.

In the rich fertile damp mountain soil,

they grew to amazing heights, and

as I recall, she

was ever so proud of them.

Enter into my memory....

Aunt's dear husband,

Uncle Ellis.

To earn his living, my uncle

drove a very large

laundry truck.

On occasion, after making deliveries,

he returned home

late, and long after dark.

These times, proved to be quite

unfortunate,

for

it seems the truck's only way

up the steep drive, was with a

fast running start.

Invariably

this proved disastrous for

Aunt's

beautiful Zinnias.

As I recall these events, as

they happened during my visits,

I'm not so sure that I remember more clearly

the

Zinnias,

the loud commotion

raised by dear aunt

toward my very apologetic

Uncle Ellis.

In either case,

they've both brought a smile to my heart.....

as I drew and painted

Aunt Sally's

beloved

Zinnias.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

click on little painting to enlarge....

A Nice Idea.........

2010-08-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Can you just imagine anything more

beautiful than Fuchsia Roses, in an

all white room?

The occasion you ask?

No formal occasion, just

a nice idea.

God loved the flowers and made soil.....

Man loved the flowers and made vases.

~Jacques Deval

Good Blessings.....Dee Dee

Embroidery Art....Mother and Child

2010-08-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

I've been brainstorming about

all sorts of things I can make

with the theme of "mother and child."

While working on baby quilts,

I've also begun a small pillow

for the expectant mother.

Aware of my drawing

skills, this very sweet young lady

will be surprised

to receive

a new form of art from me....

"embroidery art"

I've been inspired by Mary Cassatt,

an American painter and printmaker

who lived in the eighteen hundreds.

My work efforts, are coming along nicely....

what you see, are the

beginning stages.

The fabric is a soft cotton

and my threads will be browns and taupe.

I'm pleased actually, with my first

efforts, but like anything else,

the more I do, the better I'll get.

This is a learning process and so much fun!

Have a lovely week..... Hugs.....Dee Dee

What's Left of Crystal Beach....beach.

2010-08-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

On our ride back from the boat show,

we took a little turn off the main

road. We'd heard of Crystal beach and

knew it was somewhere in the area. So, we

just drove toward the Gulf, fully expecting to find it.

We found the water

alright, but

no longer was there a beach by that name.

It seems

some years back, a hurricane completely destroyed

what was once a very popular attraction.

The community is still named for

the beach, as evidenced by the very small

Crystal Beach post office.

Driving along the waters edge, I took one

photo after another. It seems,

we had found just a little bit of paradise.

The sun shining on the place of worship, made the white seem

even whiter.

It is called Crystal Beach Community Church, and is

quite beautifully placed not more than

twenty feet from the water's edge.

I eventually got out of the car and began walking.

So much to see and so much to photograph.

It was like a living painting.... one dead tree..... a perching place for

an Osprey and a white Egret.

It was quiet, but for the lapping of waves against

the shore....

The boats, anchored out in water,

appeared surrounded by sparkling diamonds.

I know the folks in the community must surely

miss their beach, but I kinda like

what was left of Crystal Beach's beach.

Have a lovely week........Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge

A Man's World

2010-08-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

While reading the morning paper, we found

that the Tarpon Springs Yacht Club was

having an antique wooden boat show today,

and, that it was opened to the public.

Needless to say, "you know who" was up

for this in a big kind of way.

We called

for directions and off we went.

It was a beautiful day and when we

pulled into the Club parking, we

could see the boats and a few yachtsmen gathered around.

I thought to myself, this

is indeed one of those places, I would

consider "a man's world."

The "Mister" an old Navy man, thought

he'd died and gone to heaven.

As you can

see from the photos, he was in his own

little world as he examined and read all about each boat.

Someone had driven an old car to the show,

and he took a good look at it as well.

Although a "man thing," it was interesting to me

and, a good

summertime thing to do.

Have a lovely weekend and

thanks for visiting.....Dee Dee

Beautiful beautiful man....

2010-08-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Based on real-life events...a story of what happened

after the end of apartheid when newly elected president

Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches

to unite his people in South Africa.

Morgan Freeman

gave a wonderful performance portraying Mandela.

I learned about

the heart of this thoughtful and beautiful man....Nelson Mandela.

Matt Damon, as captain of the rugby team,

gives an impressive believable performance.

The following Victorian

poem, sustained Mandela for thirty years, while imprisoned

under apartheid.

Black as the pit from pole to pole

I thank whatever gods may be

for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstances

I have not winced or cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the horror of the shade,

And yet menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

I thought as I watched this film.....how true

it is that a man with the right motives and vision for the good....

can unite people and give them hope.

Try to see this, you'll shed tears of joy!

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Fancy Dessert? (Sweet follow-up to a meal)....Oui!

2010-08-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sorbet Cassis...lovely boysenberries and blackberries.... Espuma
Mousseline Deleri Creme Cassis
Verrine (Dessert in a glass)
I just love poking around in Blog land,
especially in foreign places.

I'm always looking for new and interesting things and ideas.
Just curious, I suppose and
I find it fascinating
how women everywhere are a whole lot like me.
They love to decorate their homes,
they enjoy sewing, needle work, fashion and good food.
Recipes are passed around and so many ideas are swapped....hmmm.
-
When I came across a Blog over in
"goodness knows where," I was impressed with

her posting on lovely desserts.

I couldn't read a word

( I suppose I could
have clicked on the translator),

but, I found it not so much a problem, for
I could understand "delicious".....

Giving credit to "guillard boissons-cassis, for the photos

accompanying her post...

I was hot on the trail of discovery, using Google Search.
To my delight, up popped these
very fancy, "mouth-watering" goodies.
-
They look mighty good to me, but I'm not so
sure how the Mister would react to a
small scoop of anything he couldn't pronounce.
-
Happiness and Hugs for everyone.....Dee Dee

Fallen Palm Frond

2010-08-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

Well, for heaven's sakes!

This was my reaction when opening the family

room curtains. One very large palm tree frond

was blocking my view of the garden.

With heavy rains and high winds last evening,

I'm not surprised there was some damage.

Everything else seemed to be

in order, thankfully.

The weather has been volatile out in the

Gulf of Mexico this week. Tropical storms

have been creating a little havoc, but also

gloriously wonderful welcomed rain.

The past few years,

we've had drought conditions to deal with, so

we are thankful for rain. As a result, all the

plants in our garden, have taken on the appearance of

the lush tropics. In some instances, like the

white Bird of Paradise,

they have grown to the extreme.

Now, I'm not the one complaining,

but I've heard

the Mister doing a bit of grumbling, that he will

have to do a lot of trimming and pruning soon.

Just enjoying every day life today, while noticing all the blessings........

Hugs....Dee Dee

My Versatile Glass Canister

2010-08-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

A new look, I suppose. Has kind of a

contemporary style to it....I'm talking

about the glass canister holding

the flowers. It was a gift from young

daughter. She knew I would find various

ways to use it. This is my favorite.

Don't ask!

I've never actually known

their proper name.

They are a favorite flowering plant, and I buy them

often from Fresh Market. On the store tag is written

"filler."

I love the pale pink color, seems feminine somehow.

Click on photos to enlarge...if you like.

I hope your week has all sorts of pleasantries.

Keep the faith, be strong trusting that there is

no problem, circumstance, or

situation greater than God.

Blessings....Dee Dee

Did Dinosaurs Coexist With Man?

2010-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Dragon Art by Dorian Cleaver

Your first reaction, most likely, when seeing these

pictures.....were

"What is Dee Dee up to now?"

Stay with me ....this is interesting.

My curiosity about the subject, all began while visiting a favorite website

http://www.crosswalk.com/

... reading an interview with Darek Issacs,

author of the

book Dragons or Dinosaurs.

Dragon legends are found in nearly every culture around

the globe. They have been thought to be myths. Yet,

mysteriously, these dragons sound a lot like the other

giant scaled reptiles, dinosaurs. Could they be one and

the same? Surprisingly enough, the answer to this

question is a powerful truth that confirms biblical

authority and demolishes the theory of evolution.

I think you'll be pleased with the complete

interview with Mr Isaacs, now on the website

listed above.

I do believe in the Word of God with all my heart. I am

a firm believer of the Bible as historical truth.

Good Blessings.....Dee Dee

These days...."Baseball"

2010-08-10T19:09:00.001-07:00

Evan Longoria... We spend most evenings, watching the Tampa Bay Rays.

What a team we have this year, winning

tonight

Tampa Bay Rays 8

Detroit Tigers 0

It's a good thing the Mister and I are

both Rays fans. Our team is neck and neck

with the New York Yankees.

Keeping our fingers crossed.....

Hugs....Dee Dee

Ducks In The Pool

2010-08-09T08:50:00.001-07:00

I found this picture on Google Images, and had

to laugh, remembering the dilemma with ducks

in our swimming pool, a few years back.

It never quite came to "baby ducks" ...for

our visitors were young themselves.

It took a couple of weeks of creative

techniques by the Mister, to

discourage them, but it

finally worked.

One day, they finally got the message.

I'm remembering how cute they were,

swimming back and forth and occasionally

quacking.....but the spoiler of the whole

affair was the clean-up after them.

Never-the-less, today remembering

the pleasantries of their uninvited visit

brings a smile to my heart.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

It's a beautiful world.....

2010-08-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Found......out on the island,

one lone bicycle parked

along a pathway leading to the

the sand, the beach

and the beautiful Gulf waters.

No one in sight, but this old guy.

It looked like the Blue Heron was in pretty sad shape

from molting. His feathers

are all in disarray. He had no fear of me as

I walked up to take his photo.

Just enjoying another wonderful summer day,

in this great big beautiful world.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge....

She's mine.....uh no....she's ours

2010-08-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing gives me more pleasure, than

placing a likeness of my children

on paper.

Our daughter

was at the beach with her father,

gathering a few seashells to take

back home to New York.

His camera

captured the very essence of her....

It's been a while back, but she'll

remember this special time with her Dad.

She is gentle, sweet and kind....always

has been.

I think...no, I know, she'll like this little watercolor painting.

......And to ponder.......

Then followed that beautiful season....Summer....

Filled was the air with dreamy and magical light;

and the landscape

Lay as if new created in all the

freshness of childhood.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I am one happy woman, now that it's the weekend

Hugs.....Dee Dee

Allowing my mind to rest here today....

2010-08-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Blessings....Dee Dee

The Railway Children

2010-08-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

Shown on Masterpiece Theater,

some time ago and having great

reviews at the time, I thought this

a good selection, as I added it to my Netflix list.

It is good to stay

on the same sheet of music with

the grandchildren and I'm quite

sure the book and the movie

might be in the near future, for them.

Earlier today, the clouds rolled

inland and from all appearances

we were in for a good storm.

The mister had some paper work

to do, and I would watch a movie.

An odd sort of thing to do mid-day,

but

sometimes you just give in to the

"why nots."

Nothing could have been more

lovelier than being on my own

with this beautiful story.

I was a child again, running through

tall grasses and waving at the trains.

Taken from E. Nesbits book

titled The Railway Children,

(see my sidebar)

this is wonderful family entertainment.

I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Blessings....Dee Dee

The Continuity of Tradition....

2010-08-04T20:54:00.001-07:00

Lily, my granddaughter, is seven years old

and each day, for a while, she'll be at

"ballet camp."

What a sweet time for her, as I

remember her mother

dancing. Like Mother like daughter,

I suppose. Perhaps there will be costumes

and recitals to look forward to in the future.

Ah yes...the continuity of tradition.

As I picked up my pencils, Micron pens

and water colors this evening, I began

reflecting back of course. A good

thing to ponder about fun and exciting things

our children were involved with.

God gives us memories of yesterdays,

so that happy times and people we love

we can keep with us always in our hearts.

Source: My Little Book About God

Aren't you really glad about that?

I am.....Dee Dee

Good Wednesday Morning Garden!

2010-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yellow Hibiscus continues to bloom..........and the wind blew the seeds....
and they began to grow along side the hibiscus....
sweet ferns and pink Periwinkle, both pleasant surprises.

Each morning I open the blinds and

look out at the garden. We had

a rain storm last evening and

from the looks of the flowers,

it was greatly welcomed by them.

Old fashioned folks called it

"heat lightening."

The high yesterday, was 95 degrees.

I suppose we had enough

heat to generate that kind of

activity in the atmosphere.

During the few moments

of power outage, mother nature put

on quite a demonstration.

It was some more

spectacular light show.

I hope to do a bit of sewing today....

I've been steadily cutting fabrics.

Good blessings....Dee Dee

.....signifying what?

2010-08-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

We began our walk here.... Signifying what?
.....could it be a signal? This way......

Found two Florida natives.....after all.
It's been such a long while since we've
been to our beloved island. I've been
instructed by doctors, to stay out of the sun, stay
indoors and keep cool....for now.
And so I shall...
-
But today, the Mister suggested
we just drive down, ride around a bit,
and take the camera just in case.
Upon hearing his suggestion,
I used all the self-control I could
muster up to stifle a squeal of happiness.
"Yes! Yes! Let's do, shall we?"
-
"Can we get out of the car, and just walk a short ways?"
From the photos, you
can see, it was a beautiful day.
-
"What's this?"
Hmm....could be a signal of
some sort?
While walking and pondering,
we suddenly realized who
was responsible.
There they were....just
two Florida natives,
with the right idea
for relaxation.
Perfectly friendly and harmless,
they were completely agreeable to having
their photo taken.
-
This evening, as I write, I'm recalling the
short time spent on
Honeymoon Island today.
Can I just say, it was perfectly perfect!
-
Hugs......Dee Dee
click on photos to enlarge...

*New On My Sidebar

2010-08-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

While visiting the Library yesterday, the Mister picked up a few brochures. One was titled

"FOOTNOTES' IN HISTORY.....

It listed books that have the following qualities:

Weird, strange, bizaare, obscure yet fascinating historical digressions.

Each day, for a while, I will list a new book and an Amazon.com review.

From what I've read thus far, they are, although a bit bizarre.....all interesting and quite fascinating summer reads.

Look for the old gentleman holding the book on my "Sidebar"

Good reading ...Hugs.....Dee Dee

.....just a little bit of sunshine inside

2010-08-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

Although intolerable heat conditions, the

afternoon rains, are producing some really beautiful

things in the garden.

If it's blooming, I always say it can be clipped and

brought inside.

Yellow and green Crotons

along with tiny yellow flowers...

feels like we have a little bit

of sunshine, bringing on good feelings

and good thoughts.

*Happiness is a ball after which we run whenever

it rolls, and we push it with our feet

when it stops.~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

"Rules of the South"...I firmly believe this to be true....

Rule #1: *It is expected of a gentile lady, on hot humid summer days,

to recline and rest "mostly."

So that's mostly what I've been doing......Hugs Dee Dee

David Copperfield and Toby Jugs

2010-08-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Micawber and W C Fields in David Copperfield

Last evening we watched on TCM,

Charles Dickens's David Copperfield.

"Performances extraordinaire"....I say.

It was an old black and white film with

W C Fields.

Is it just me, or do you find

that these old films and actors were

"spot on" when it came to good clean entertainment?

Now, I'm not complaining, thankfully,

I can watch what I want...

That's the beauty of selections I've found through

Netflix, allowing

me to select the better talent, and then

Turner Classic Movies,

The Hallmark Channel and

Masterpiece theater on Sunday

evenings. No need to bother with rubbish!

By now, your wondering what the Toby Jugs have

to do with actors and movies.

The answer is, absolutely nothing.

It's just that I was thinking of the Dickens's story

while sorting through my jug collection.

........funny little characters, don't you think?

Happy Monday......Dee Dee

Sunday's Hibiscus Bloom

2010-08-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Until last winter, I had two very tall

"Fountain Hibiscus" trees growing in my garden.

One of them died.

Never could I have imagined that

something so hardy could succumb

to a few days of below freezing temps.

The surviving tree is beautifully blooming,

because it had protection. It is surrounded

by Nandina, Robolini Palms and White

Bird of Paradise.

All summer long, it has stretched it's long

thin branches out over and through

the other plants and blooms

profusely.

As I looked at today's Hibiscus, I

couldn't help but remember

the tree I lost. Sadly, glancing

at where it once grew,

l remembered it's hundreds of pretty

pink blooms. For the time it lived,

it served it's purpose as a

beautiful and significant part of my garden.

As I'm writing this post, it's occurred to

me that we are so similar to the Hibiscus.

We begin life, healthy and strong. We grow and

thrive, under the protection of our family

and God's blessings.

The harsh winter temps are when

life happens. We are vulnerable, sometimes tempted

and sometimes we fall from God's grace.

We 're away from His protection, as we struggle with life.

It is then that our "life light" seemingly begins to fade,

or goes out completely just as the dying Hibiscus.

While in His will and under His protection,

we have similarities to the thriving Hibiscus.

We look and feel beautiful, while all the while

blooming on the inside and the outside.....

Guess It's a Sunday thing for me....thinking pretty deep.

I hope your enjoying this Lord's Day.....Dee Dee

Ask and it will be given....

2010-07-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's been that way all my life, I suppose.....

trusting in God. I was taught at a young age

to get down on my knees before bed and say

my prayers. My instructions were simple.....

As I lay down to sleep, I asked God my soul He

would keep.

I asked God to take care of me and all my family.

"For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the

glory forever....Amen."

I taught the same prayer to my children.

I had no doubt that He heard my prayers and that

trust continues today.

As I've grown older, I've learned it's best to

thank God in the beginning of my prayers,

Thank Him for my children, my family and friends

His blessings, guidance,

happiness and peace.

And then

I praise Him

for all that He is.

Then I ask, trusting that it shall be given.

Finally, I come to Him with

gratitude and love...for

He is my Savior ....

May you sense His blessings this Lord's Day....Dee Dee

Victoria.....beautiful stories from the past

2010-07-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

With all the things I've got going on, I

really didn't need any more distractions.....

but I found one today.

"Hmm....wonder what's in this box? I asked self.

I had discovered old Victoria magazines,that had been

packed away for quite a long while.

The year 1990.....took me just a moment

to realize this was twenty years ago.

This was like finding treasure,

considering Victoria is my all time favorite

publication.

As I opened the pages, I was curious to know if

women liked the same things back then. The answer

was an overwhelming ...yes, of course.

"Romantic Living Inspiring Women".....Sub Title

Oh yes....I will read from cover to cover, I thought

to myself...just as before.

But then,

I briefly turned the pages....."A Home Graced With Lace"....

"White Flowers In The Moonlight"

until finally reaching

the last page. It is there I found this.......

Chimes In My Garden

A Grandmother's Voice by Catherine Calvert

(Ms Calvert and I, were blessed with special grandmothers)

The happiness of being eight or ten or eleven at my grandmother's side is

something I still remember today whenever I catch a whiff of honeysuckle

or see a bumblebee light on a blowsy dahlia. For of all the gifts this loving

woman bestowed, the gift of the garden with its lessons of patience and

beauty and the circle of life is the one that has meant the most to me.

Sigh.....I am perfectly happy and content

as I continue to read.....Dee Dee

The Corn Patch?

2010-07-29T20:36:00.001-07:00

Almost over night, this little patch of

"something" grew in our garden.

At first, I wondered and then

I knew.

"BIRDSEED"

had fallen from the feeder in the exact

location.

Once it began growing, I kinda liked the

idea. Hey, I was growing my own

birdseed!

So far, the little critters haven't noticed.

I think maybe once the seed dries out, and falls to

the ground, the birds and squirrels will

take notice. I'm at least hoping so.

I am, however, the only one showing this kind

of interest and enthusiasm.

The Mister humorously refers to my seed as

"the corn patch."

Good Blessings.....Dee Dee

Be Very Careful.....

2010-07-29T11:00:00.001-07:00

"Sewing Notions Dance In My Head"

by Dee Dee

Funny title for a painting, I think.

Be very careful while reading my post,

for sewing ideas can become quite

contagious.

Well now.....sewing break is over and

I've had my fun with art today.

Back to the fabrics.....Dee Dee

Getting Started.....

2010-07-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

I get the same feeling each time I enter

a fabric store. Are you, like me, a bit overwhelmed

with all the beautiful selections? I find it

all irresistible and have to use a lot of

self-control, otherwise my basket would be

toppled over with my favorites.

Yesterday, shopping at Joann's Fabrics,

I limited myself to the fabric

shown. I love the pattern and colors,

to begin my baby quilting endeavors.

This fabric feels like a soft brushed cotton,

lightweight twill.....I have no idea, but

it was in the baby fabric section. The "toile"

design is precious and placed together

with the polka dots....oh my.

Quilting being a whole new learning experience

for me, when it came time to purchase batting

I had no idea.

My selection.....

"Warm & White.

Wonderfully White Needled Cotton Batting

I think I made a good choice, after visiting the

website for the company http://www.warmcompany.com/

My head is spinning with all sorts of ideas,

so I best get started.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Lessons from Cinderella

2010-07-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

The age of innocence.....that's

what I tell my girls about growing up

in the l950s.

On most Friday nights, my family gathered

in front of our mahogany console

television to watch "Disney."

Walt Disney had a reputation, in those days, of

producing good clean, wholesome

programs, considered appropriate for

each family member.

The closest thing to

violence, might have been

the evil witch in Snow White,

or the wicked step-mother in Cinderella.

For the most part, we learned important lessons

for a good life.

My favorite show, was Cinderella.

It is the story of a beautiful girl, falling in love with a handsome prince.

From their story, young ladies of my generation,

learned about falling in love,

Of course, we all grew up looking for our "handsome prince."

Many of us found him....I did.

I'm remembering the moral lessons found in many

Disney's productions. Somehow, they seemed

to go right along with what our parents were teaching us.

Pinocchio taught us that

telling lies can get you into

lots of trouble and none of us wanted our noses to grow.

(A few of our politicians

might learn a thing or two from this little puppet story.)

But, you know....times have changed.

For the life of me, I can't think of a single

television show I would sit down and watch with my

grandchildren. Seems the producers these days

slip in little messages with agendas to their own liking.

Even in cartoons,

children are hearing and seeing things that

misdirect the innocence of childhood, forcing

them to think on subjects and lifestyles they are

to young to understand.

I suppose our lesson here.... we should no

longer take it for granted that" so called"

family entertainment can be trusted.

So, I've had my say.....funny how Cinderella

conjured up all these thoughts.

Thinking more serious thoughts today....Dee Dee

Summer Garden Colors....

2010-07-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Continuing to bloom....lavender Crape Myrtle Along the pathway....a Crape Myrtle Shrub

Knockout Rose....by the pool

When opening the blinds this morning,

the first thing I saw was a sweet ole

pink "knockout rose" just showing itself off.

We've had so much rain this summer,

the rose has tripled in size. In the past,

I've taken the scissors and trimmed

off the dead blooms, thinking this

the thing to do. Not so, it seems,

they shed themselves, while continuing

to produce new blooms without any

assistance from me. Seemingly,

not be bothered in the Florida heat,

the natural rainfall is enough moisture for them.

-
As I walked through the garden taking

photos....I thought of how the dominant summer colors,

were all my favorites.

While I'm not thinking of winter just yet, I did have quick

thought of how then, the garden landscape

colors will completely change.

Hmmm....remembering cooler days and

my large white potted winter Roses ......Dee Dee

Necessary Items....Fabric, Pins and Pin Cushion

2010-07-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, they're all needed and plenty of each.

I discovered something today. It takes a good

bit of preparation when one is quilting.

It requires bringing out all those

containers of fabric I've stored away

through the years.

I knew the occasion would come one day

and now the pay-off for saving fabric

remnants and scraps is finally here.

I began today, cutting squares

and color coordinating them in separate stacks.

I am considering appliques....birds, stars,

moons.....and these too will have to be cut out.

Time consuming,

yes....

but each quilting project will be a

"sweet labor of love."

I'm having so much fun.....Dee Dee

Quilting?

2010-07-26T08:44:00.001-07:00

"The Little Big Book for Grandmothers"

by Lena Tabori and Alice Wong

This book has been on my bookshelf for quite a

number of years. It is chocked full of Fairy Tales,

Poetry, Activities, Songs, Old Fashioned Games,

Granny Stories and Recipes....and a few more

things I've not mentioned.

It's all there.....how to entertain little ones.

Now...let me re-word that. How to

entertain the little ones and their Grandmother.

I came across this page a while back, and

made it a goal of mine to one day return to it.

"Family Quilt" the page is titled.

I have wanted to learn quilting, for as long as I can remember.

One thing that kept me from it was "time."

Now I have time.....but can I teach myself?

I think I can!

Once, while visiting a blog that displayed

lovely quilts, I read something I've

never forgotten.

If pioneer women with very little education,

under the most unlikely conditions could

make quilts to keep their family warm.....

then anyone can make a quilt.

In my Grandmother's book, I am following the

instructions....so simply outlined to teach young children.

Now, let me see.....To sew the first row, place the second

square on top of the first, front sides facing each other.

Pin along one side of the square and sew a l/4-inch seam

down this side. Remove pins.........

Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Now let's see...

Sew simple shapes like stars, moon, and letters to the

quilt squares to make a small crib quilt for expected grandchild.

I'm really loving this.....Dee Dee

Thanking Him for His Amazing Grace

2010-07-25T07:38:00.001-07:00

Dr David Jeremiah's message taken from

John 1:14

Grace is something God gives us,

expecting nothing in return. It is

an undeserved gift from God.

But know this....

God will never give you Grace if

your full of yourself.

On my playlist

Amazing Grace written by

John Newton.

He put to music what the world needs

to discover about God.

Jesus is the embodiment of Grace.

"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me......"....Dee Dee

He is called "Grandson"

2010-07-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dearer than our children are

the children of our children.

~Egyptian proverb

Well, this is pretty amazing. Who would have

thought I would fall in love

with a little red-headed boy.

He is a happy child and the smile on his face

is nearly always there.

This past week he went fishing

and I, his great grandmother

recorded the event

with pencils and watercolors.

Remembering his smiles this evening......Dee Dee

Saturday Sewing.....

2010-07-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

" The Tailor of Gloucester" by Beatrix of course....

I think it a good time to bring out fabric,

needles and threads.

New grand babies on the way, and one a little girl

to be named "Olivia."

What fun!

Perhaps little pillows with

sweet embroidery.

Stuffed animals are fun to make.

I have my creative Grandmother

juices flowing....

can you tell?

A busy Saturday planned.....Dee Dee

A Bad Hair Day?

2010-07-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

We've all been there.

Having fun with watercolors and pencils.

Have a happy weekend.....Dee Dee

Loving the gentle rain.....

2010-07-23T15:28:00.001-07:00

I Love A Rainy Day....

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.....

Rainy Night In Georgia...

I can probably sing a few lines from each of

these songs.

My favorite is Rainy Night

In Georgia...."seems like it's raining all

over the world......."

We're having a gentle rain that began

earlier in the afternoon. I got a little wet while

in the garden taking photos.

Some of the Crape Myrtle blooms have

fallen off and in their place small pinkish

red berries.

I'm enjoying the cooler temps that the

rain causes.....

It can rain all weekend long

and that

would be just fine with me.

This is the day the Lord has made:

Let us rejoice and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

Have a blessed weekend.....Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge

Miniature Art by Dee Dee

2010-07-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure when it all started,

but I do know how and why.

I wanted artist paper in tablet form,

small so they took up little space

on my desk.

Windpower Watercolor 6" x 9" ....

15 sheets per tablet. Seemed like the

perfect size at the time and is still my preference.

After painting this

way for over a year, I have a good size

stack of these small paintings.

Little did I know, that by drawing this

way, I was cultivating

or encouraging myself to paint and

draw in what is referred to as

"miniature art painting."

I can and have painted on

larger paper, but as a preference

my smaller artistic creations seem to

be my forte'.

Another up-side to this style....I can

perfectly illustrate my Blog post.

So for now, I am painting small and really enjoying it.....

Good Blessings for you......Dee Dee

click on painting to enlarge

I Dreamed A Garden........

2010-07-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

I can still remember the days

prior to my retirement. I had worked for many

years, and was pretty much "over it!"

Instead of

slowing down those last few months,

my mind was going

"full steam ahead" with anticipation.

I knew what I

wanted to do and the direction in which

I was headed. I had set goals, and of course

I was also wide open to the spontaneity of life.

Working for me, had been a

distraction....and not the way I

wanted to spend the hours, days, weeks,

months and the years of my life. However,

working was a necessity that I willingly accepted.

Where did all these thoughts come from?

Well, I was listening to Dennis Prager on the

radio today, and he made the

statement that he would never retire,

or quit working, for he was doing what he loved,

that being a "radio talk show host."

Mr. Prager seems to have complete

ownership of his time.....the perfect ideal.

I wonder how many of us think it ideal

to continue working well into old age.

I would have to say, it's kind of nice setting

my own agenda.

"You have to dream things out. It keeps a kind

of an ideal before you. You see it first in your mind

and then you get about to try and make it like the ideal.

If you want a garden.....why, I guess you've got to

dream a garden."

~Bess Streeter Aldrich (A Lantern In Her Hand)

And so it goes....Dee dee

Serving tea in my "very best."

2010-07-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

A while back, I began thinking of

how seldom I used my

"best tea dishes"....

All my pretty

pots, cups and saucers were stored

away and I brought them out only when

I entertained.

Why was I doing this? I suppose it was

a behavior started when the children

were small. These niceties were just

too special to be used for "every-day."

No longer do these rules apply in my home.

Every day is special

enough for my "very best."

Something to ponder, I think.

I hope your having a good week....

As for me....lets just say

I have a very grateful heart.....Dee Dee

Sunshine....

2010-07-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

" Sunshine on my shoulder

makes me happy........"

God gives us everything we need.

When we're hurt or sad,

He is with us.

Listen for the whispers

in your heart....it is Him.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Enjoying .....on my Playlist

2010-07-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Keith Harkin.....Celtic Thunder

Monday's Garden

2010-07-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Believe me, taking these photos ..... a

labor of love. It is so hot outside.

As you can see, the garden

is doing well, thankfully we've

had some good rain.

Thought for the day.....by Corrie Ten Boom

Take the far look often. Looking up is healthier

for the eyes than looking down. God's promises are

like a home hearth fire by which we may warm our

hearts and our hands. And, the marvelous thing

is this...that we now receive not the spirit of the

world but the Spirit of God Himself...so that we can

actually understand something of God's generosity

toward us. ~l Corinthians 2:12

Thanking our Father today.....Dee Dee

Compassion

2010-07-18T19:56:00.001-07:00

Painting by Jerry PinkneyIt sits on my bookshelf and I refer to it now and then.

"The Book of Virtues" by Bill Bennett

It contains material that at one time, was taught

to children in schools, homes and churches....all for the sake

of shaping character. The vast majority of

Americans share a respect for certain fundamental

traits of character: honesty, compassion, courage

and perseverance. My focus today is on compassion.

This past week, I witnessed the lack of compassion

and kindness. It was hurtful and had a sting to it.

I was reminded of one of the oldest and best-loved

stories of kindness paid and re-paid.....

"The Lion and the Mouse."

"You laughed at me once," said the mouse. "You

thought I was too little to do you a good turn. But

see, you owe your life to a poor little mouse."

~Aesop

The lesson here....To feel another's anguish........

this is the essence of compassion.

Continuing the journey......Dee Dee

A Favorite Place....

2010-07-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Mister....checking out the menu Weighing the Red Fish....
Our view.....while dining

You get it all at Capt'n Jack's Restaurant.....

great seafood, service and awesome scenery.

We tried to ignore the heat and so did a lot of

other folks sitting outside overlooking the water.

The large umbrellas kept the sun off us but

other than that they did very little else.

No sooner had we ordered large glasses of iced tea and

Grouper sandwiches, than we began noticing

the boats coming into the docks one after the

other. What was all the commotion about, we wondered.

It was then we noticed the sign that read

"Red fish Tournament."

We saw some pretty large fish, as they

weighed and measured them. I can imagine

a few fish stories were being told

amongst that group of guys. I doubt they

even realized the temps were registering

around 100 degrees.

Our Grouper sandwiches were really

good and the entertainment even better.

And so it was, a fun hot Saturday afternoon

in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

My Summer Haircut

2010-07-16T19:49:00.001-07:00

Okay.....So I go to my regular hairdresser

and tell her I want it short for the summer.

When she handed me the mirror, so that

I could see the back, I believe my

hand began to tremble.

It didn't help to hear the Mister say

"Don't worry Honey.....it will grow back."

I suppose I have to keep my sense of

humor about such things, and I will

have to wear a hat at the beach.

The last thing I need is a sunburned head.

Laughs and hugs......Dee Dee

The Spirit of the Tea Party

2010-07-15T22:12:00.001-07:00

Peaches and Cream Scone

Teacups
"Listen, for I will speak of excellent things."
~The Book of Proverbs
-
I think there is a little child inside all of us that
longs for a lovely time of childish imagination,
of special manners ....or maybe even "dress up."
It is hard to resist a tea party and I have been
known to share a cup of pretend tea with
two young people in my life. I'm smiling
as I recall the conversation that consisted
of polite interest in the weather, but mostly
the ravenous appetites for tea treats.
The teapot played familiar tunes
when the tea was poured.
"I'm a little teapot short and stout......"
Beautiful things happen while having
tea with children.....the little "extras" feed
the soul and nurture the senses. Again,
it's that unhurried conversation that is
the spirit of the tea party.
-
There are few hours in my life more
agreeable than the hour dedicated to the
ceremony know as afternoon tea.
~Henry James

I completely agree with that......Dee Dee

Hunting For Vintage White

2010-07-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

I am drawn to white. I suppose it

gives me a clean palette and from there

I can add color, or take it away if I like.

For a while now, I've been collecting

vintage white....anything usable for the kitchen.

Today I popped into an antique

shop...a favorite place for retail

therapy ....makes my heart happy

when I find a treasure.

Would you

call an old Fire King bowl a treasure?

Or...a vintage white enamal pan?

I do.

I used the pan tonight......really

handy for making biscuits.

Kinda had an old fashioned feel about it,

and I think the biscuits even

tasted better.

I Googled vintage white bowls

this evening and these

photos are from Country Living.

I'm on a mission now.

I love the thrill of hunting antiques.

O, white pear, your flower-tufts thick on the branch

bring summer and ripe fruits in their purple hearts. ~H.D.

Hugs......Dee Dee

Spiritual Guidance

2010-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

My formative years

summers especially,

had leisure days,

spiritual guidance and plenty of time

to run and play outdoors.

We had the best of

circumstances for a childs well being.

Summers meant Vacation Bible School,

long walks with scout leaders, library books and

swimming.... swimming.....swimming.

Whenever I think of my early

years of childhood, it's usually

through something triggered

by interacting with my grandchildren.

I have stories just like theirs.

These times are so important....

In their formative years,

they are so vulnerable.

What they see, hear and

read, molds their little

thought patterns and develops

how they will react to life.

In their Christian home,

they are learning that God

makes them grow, giving them minds

and eyes to look at their world.....

and that

He gives them a small voice in their

hearts to help them know right

from wrong.

This week they

are attending Vacation Bible School.

"How was Bible School?" I asked.

"Awesome.....we did crafts, had a

Bible lesson and learned new songs...."

It was then she began singing.....

one of her new songs, and

can I just say the sweetest music

ever heard.

I am Blessed......Dee Dee

.....watching how she handled life.

2010-07-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

As a child, I spent part of my

summers with

Ida Macey Compton, in the

mountains of North Carolina.

She was my mother's mother and

my grandmother.

I've been told by family

members that I have

plenty of her genes, for I look

much like her.

Oh, I could tell you stories

about this woman.

She came from humble beginnings,

born in Kentucky, she lost both

parents at a young age and

lived with an aunt and uncle.

Married in her early teens, she

would bring sixteen children

into the world during the worst of

times....the Depression years.

Grandmother owned very little

in the way of fine things, but

she did have a few treasures

tucked in a curio cabinet.

"When I'm gone to be with the

Lord, I want you to have

some of these," she would say.

My favorite reminder of her, is a pink

Depression glass dish....I too have it

in a curio cabinet and one day it will

be passed on to a granddaughter.

What I remember most about Grandmother,

was her faith in God, her inner strength and beauty, her graceful

qualities and polite gentile manners.

She was a lady, that taught

me so many things, just by observing how

she handled life.

I've been thinking about her a lot lately.

I'm quite sure those genes

of inner strength .....she passed them on to me.

Missing her "butterfly kisses".....Dee Dee

Refreshing....

2010-07-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Whew! The thermostat in the car

read 102 degrees, as we were

running a few errands today.

By the time we had accomplished

everything, we were hot and tired.

I've not been in the pool for a while,

what with all the appointment dates on my

calendar, so

when the Mister suggested we

make the plunge to cool off,

I was all for it.

Maybe not a plunge.....let's just

say with the garden atmosphere quiet and

serene,

we had a relaxing refreshing swin.

Wish you had been here with us......Dee Dee

........learning to read

2010-07-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

In the schoolroom there was a shelf

containing a few tattered books,

given by some kindly citizen, and the

boys were allowed to read them on

Saturday nights. Few made use of the

privilege, for they couldn't read well

enough, but Job read them all.

He read among others the Pilgrim's

Progress, Gulliver's Travels, Robinson

Crusoe and The Cloister and the Hearth,

spelling them out as best he could to

begin with but soon reading fluently.

All the books had pictures in them.

The books were like rooms in a great

house and the pictures were lamps lit

in the rooms to show them to him.

As he read, his dreams slowly changed.

~The Dean's Watch

I posted a few days ago about

Elizabeth Goudge.....

Enjoying her writing, I've began

reading "The Dean's Watch."

I now have a stack of her books on my

desk. Upon reading the above paragraph,

I bookmarked the page

to refer back when writing this post.

I thought it quite beautiful, and wanted to share.

I can appreciate this, having a seven

year old granddaughter that

frequents the library, bringing home

sacks of books. She's loving the

summer reading program, and it

makes my heart very happy for her.

It is true when they learn to read,

they read to learn.....

Blessings......Dee Dee

"Tea At The Ritz"...... not exactly, but close.

2010-07-11T22:20:00.001-07:00

A summer fantasy....why not?

A way to say "Thank You"

In the planning stages and soon to

happen at my home.....

A classic English-style

afternoon tea....savories and sweets

and of course scones served with

Devon clotted cream, lemon curd and

preserves........ Perhaps

tea sandwiches and lovely

tea time deserts.

The best part of the tea party...

sweet faces of friends and priceless

conversation.

I can hardly wait!

One ought, every day at least, to hear

a little song, read a good poem, see a

fine picture, and, if it were possible,

to speak a few reasonable words.

~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Love and Hugs....Dee Dee

Summer.....a magical time of year

2010-07-11T13:37:00.001-07:00

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the

two most beautiful words in the

English language."~Henry James

I say to Mr James....

"Sunday afternoon, Sunday afternoon;

two of my favorite words....."

It is the Lord's day, a time to stop for a moment

and give thanks to Him who

made it all.....As leisure time has become

a rarity these days,

I think it a good thing to

again find the benefits of a Sunday

afternoon slower pace......

To take time to relax and nurture

family and friendships.

"Then followed that beautiful season.....

Summer...

Filled was the air with a dreamy

and magical light; and the landscape

Lay as if new created in all the

freshness of childhood."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I hope your enjoying a delightful

Sunday, summer afternoon.....

......Dee Dee

Sunset

2010-07-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

We finished dinner early,

tidied up things and hurriedly

drove to Honeymoon Island.

Many of you know this to be

a favorite place, surrounded

by the waters of the

Gulf of Mexico.

We were on a mission of sorts,

to watch the sunset and time

was getting short for the event.

As we crossed over the causeway,

we became aware of the

low tide.

It is a constant with me, to look

for photo opportunities, and so

it was that we spotted an abandoned

Catamaran

bobbing in shallow waters.

The sun was setting and I had

little time to take a photo, if

we were to make it out

to the island.

Upon reviewing my photos, I was completely

inspired to paint. In lieu of the photo

you are seeing the results of my humble efforts....

I call it "Low Tide on the Causeway."

Embers of light glow softly,

Soon the sun will rest.

The glow of daylight closes,

Soon stars will touch the skies.

The glory of God in the heavens.

~Starrlette L. Howard

Look up to the skies and behold;

regard the heavens high above you.

~Job 35:5

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Old Writers and Old Books

2010-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

I have more time these days, I suppose,

so I gravitate to the library often.

Not so much a place to chat, I have

conversed with women of "like mind,"

that have shared with me, titles of good books and

names of their favorite writers.

It has taken me a while, but I have sorted

through and found the type of books and writers I like best.

I like English writers, and old books.

All this research began when I retired.

I think it not an unusual thing for

women of my generation to have time now,

for things held just out of reach,

for much of their lives.

Reading was not a

luxury many of us had time for.

We've worn many hats throughout the years.

So, now days, we see one another on occasion

at the library,

where we behave as though we've been given

"a new lease on life."

We can read, read and read!

We are not strangers to

one another, we have

similar generational qualities.

It is by sharing polite talk with these ladies, that I

have discovered Elizabeth Goudge, an English author

of novels, short stories and children's books. Her books

are notably Christian. In outlook whether written

for adults or children the child-like quality of myth and

hope pervades Goudge's work and is the source of

it's appeal to readers.

Now reading "The Dean's Watch,"

the first paragraph had me hooked....

The candle flame burned behind the glass globe of water,

its light flooding over Isaac Peabody's hands as he sat at

work on a high stool before his littered worktable. Now and

then he glanced up at it over his crooked steel-rimmed

spectacles and thought how beautiful it was. The heart of

the flame was iris-colored with a veining of deep blue spread like

peacock's tail against the crocus and gold that gave the light.....

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,

And all the sweet serenity of books.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Friends

2010-07-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Friends are angels who lift

our feet when our own wings

have trouble remembering

how to fly.~Unknown

The three of us had brunch

at a favorite place....

and yes, we all had

the "Chicken Salad Patty Melt."

Seldom was there a lull in the

conversation, and we

seemingly covered it all.

...... even southern

cooking, where things like grits,

pinto beans, kale and cornbread were

thoroughly discussed.

We've all three known one another for

a number of years, calling ourselves

"sisters in Christ."

But you know, life is full of unplanned detours,

and in recent times, all of us have had to

"jump hurdles" we never thought possible.

We have devoted ourselves to lifting one another

up, being faithful when a word of encouragement

is needed.

At our brunch today, we just needed to talk it out.

We were all there for each other and as we

asked questions and got answers,

my spirit was revived.....

It was apparent, that

the three of us have clung to each other

and to the Lord all during our uncertainties.

Friends are easy to talk to and eager to listen...

and so it was this way....today.

A genuine friendship is a heavenly present.

It blesses our hearts because God's love is in it.

~Evelyn McCurdy

Love and Hugs.....Dee Dee

My Plumeria Has Bloomed...

2010-07-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

A week of rain and a bit of sunshine

did all that was necessary for the

Plumeria to bloom.

A native to Hawaii, this plant has

been growing in my garden for quite a

few years. All the elements are conducive

for healthy growth.

For now, it is

the loveliest of all things floral, in the garden.

Have you ever before seen

anything so perfect and beautifully made?

It is the purest of white....perfection in nature.

Listen...you can almost

hear the sound of

beauty.

Good Blessings.....Dee Dee

click on photo to enlarge...gorgeous!

Appreciating what is "humanity".....

2010-07-07T09:26:00.001-07:00

A beautiful painting by

George Bellows titled

"Cliff Dwellers" 1913...

Not only am I impressed with

the painting, it has given me

beautiful thoughts.

Imagine for a

moment,

the hardships of daily life

of the time.

A closer look at

the people, I see

community....

The clothesline

gives a sweet

statement of pride of

family, giving pleasure to my senses.

Seen here, the prideful duties of motherhood.

I'm appreciating

the goodness of those times....

and the continuity even today

of the humanity of mankind,

the beauty

of womankind, of fatherhood and of families

........the resilience of them all.

Thinking all that has been and what will become.

Hugs....Dee Dee

click on painting

Summertime and the living is easy.....

2010-07-06T19:57:00.001-07:00

That's kind of the way it is around here....

hot summertime....but the living seems easy.

It's just plain nice to find a bench down at the marina,

sit a while, and look around

at some of the things that are real nice

about my town.

Fish are jumping alright

and a few people will be

out on the pier most of the time.

Fishing rod in hand, it looks real

normal to be looking down

into the Gulf waters.
Makes no difference to most,

whether they catch

a fish or not....

it's a fun thing to do.

Not to worry...

a small

fish market close by

has all the fresh fish you

might want.

Hmm.......Grouper sounds

real nice or Red Snapper.....

Could be a good plan for dinner

tomorrow.

Enjoying summertime........Dee Dee

Queen Anne's Lace.....

2010-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Meadow....by Dee Dee

Each day I marvel once again

As His enchanting works unfurl.

Chance alone could not create

So beautiful a world!

Barbara Cagle Ray

I'm thinking it'll

probably be a while

before we can take

a nice long

"road trip."

I'll be looking forward to

when we can, and

as we drive along,

I'll be looking for

fields and meadows

with

wildflowers.....

especially

Queen Anne's Lace.

They'll be

showing off

just how pretty they are.....

all the while soaking up

the warm summer sun.

Why.... I'll look their way, smile and

maybe nod my head with approval.

I'm quite sure they'll be

waving back in my direction.

Good blessings......Dee Dee

click on painting to enlarge

Wild Blueberries

2010-07-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason, I'm not quite sure

why, I began thinking "Wild Blueberries"

today. It began with happy thoughts

of my high school years.

It was during this time,

I had my first working position,

for which I received payment.

A fashionable thing,

summer work, amongst my girlfriends,

......a prideful thing to earn one's own money.

Living in the

country, mostly surrounded by farmland,

positions for employment

were few and far between, and

mostly farm related.

I learned one summer,
picking blueberries began very early morning.

For picking, one held

a back straining, bent over position.

It is best the berries are fully ripened before picking,

and it takes quite a while to pick enough

to fill a carton.

Funny how a sweet memory, from so long ago,

popped into my present day thoughts.

As a result,

I've asked the Mister if he'd like

blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and

his response was positive, even offering

to go after the blueberries.

Thinking good tasty thoughts.....Dee Dee

Remembering......

2010-07-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ah...that our "Founding Fathers"

were men of integrity...

Praying for our nation.....

Happy Fourth of July.....Dee Dee

I was just curious.....

2010-07-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

flower: A plant shoot modified for reproduction

and bearing leaves specialized into floral organs

especially: one of a seed plant consisting of a calyx,

corolla, stamens, and carpels.

A plant cultivated for its blossoms

The best part or example

The finest most vigorous period

A state of blooming or flourishing

flower: blossoms; bloom; bud; sprout;

flower: to open out

So, I was just a little curious as to how

Merriam-Webster

my trustee dictionary/thesaurus

would describe a flower.

I suppose all the above applies,

however, as I watch my

Plumeria

go from "stick figure"

to one of God's grandest

floral creations....

I think none of these adjectives

can do it justice.

Soon the buds will open and when

they do.....you will see them.

Good blessings ....Dee Dee

Sweet Hummingbirds

2010-07-01T20:30:00.001-07:00

Is this most adorable or what?

Last evening I opened an email

from a friend....

Photos following mother

Hummingbird's eggs...

birth...

the first few

days of life

until one day

they flew away.

I want badly for you all

to see

this....one of

Gods

most

precious of miracles.

Remember this....

There are three stages in the work of God:

impossible, difficult, done.

~James Hudson Taylor

English missionary....

click here

http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/

Hugs....Dee Dee

photo borrowed from Google images

.....serenity

2010-07-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Late afternoon...shadows cover

the pool

.....then just a bit of sun

splashes on the roses

for the last few moments of the day.

All is calm, serene, quiet...

tranquill

.....free from tension.

A good thing, as Martha would say.

A place where I like to

be.

Sigh.....Dee Dee

Wednesday's Drawing......

2010-06-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

It may sound a little peculiar to most,

my idea of complete

relaxation

begins when I set down with my

pencils and watercolors....

It doesn't start there,

it happens when I begin

drawing

and the face of a woman from

the past, begins to appear

on my paper.

I never know how she will look,

or what she will be wearing.

Wednesday's woman wears a

crystal, heart shaped necklace.

I think there's a story

somewhere in this painting.

I know what your thinking

"Titantic"....right?

Hmmm.....

Hugs....Dee Dee

....double click on paintings to enlarge

The Visitor

2010-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Visitor

arrived at my home via Netflix.

It is a wonderful piece, bringing together

some beautiful talent and great performances.

Walter, a college professor travels to

New York City to attend a conference....

I will tell you no more...other than it has

lovely humor, quiet wit at a meditative pace.

This movie takes a look at several different

aspects of humanity.

Not only did it touch my heart, it left

me wanting to play African drums.....

Why not have a look?

Good blessings......Dee Dee

They're back..........

2010-06-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

Mistakingly, I left a bit of soil in the

bottom of the pot.....two years later,

they made their way up to the pot's surface,

crowding my lovely white Roses.

And, they are growing with a vengence!

I learned my lesson on this one.

Have you ever said that before?

I had grown tired of the

purple plants growing in my large

pots, tossed out most of the soil

and planted

white

"Knockout Roses."

The first year, the Roses thrived,

far meeting my expectations.

They were large, white and beautiful.

I posted photos of them often,

until

......one day,

they were back.

Why fight them, I thought....

White roses and tiny purple

flowers make a pretty

combination.

And, so they do...

On a warm summer day,

I do wish you well....Dee Dee

Cranford....again

2010-06-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Cranford

featured this past year

on Masterpiece Theater

was enjoyed by me

completely.

It is now on

my Netflix list

and the whole

series will be

coming to me

shortly.

Long a fan of

Dame Judi Dench,

she is part of a dream cast of Britain's best....

She plays a genteel "spinster"

Miss Matty, charming, sweet and shy.

Treat yourself to something really special

and watch Cranford.

.....Oh.....the painting??

If I'm thinking about it, somehow

I paint it....

Thinking of Dame Judi Dench today....

as.....Miss Matty.

Blessings.....Dee Dee

Macarons & Tea.....by Dee Dee

2010-06-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

A Macaron is (the French word for Macaroon)

a sweet confectionary....

They are light, airy, fresh tasting,

melt in your mouth

cookies.

I am craving them!

Big mistake, to do a

Google search...

Let's just say,

NOW.....I am

craving

them

even

more!!

When I am out

and about,

I will satisfy

cravings....

Until then....I will

paint

what

I crave....

MACARONS!

sigh....Sunday afternoon happenings

Dee Dee

click on painting to enlarge

2010-06-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Now just imagine

this pretty thing

is hidden amongst

tall Nandina shrubs,

and in order to

see them

completely,

I had to squeeze

in between

the fence and

all sorts of plants.

I can see the tops

only, from the rest

of the garden.

So,

watching for spiders

and other

critters.....

I took my chances

in order to make

these

beautiful photos.

Gorgeous

fluffy

lavender

Crape Myrtle

blossoms.

I do not ask for jewels,

for I have eyes that see the

moon, the stars,

the flowers,

the growing of a tree.

~Eleanor M. Torchia

For I'm the Lord's own child.....

Dee Dee

click on photos to enlarge...

.....she chased after the seagulls

2010-06-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Of rocks I search for beauty there.....

There's beauty there upon the shore

Not only rocks but so much more.

There's beauty in the scenery,

Of windswept beach, and I am free....

~Clayton G. Moseley

When she called today,

she laughed while

speaking of the

children...

(she has four little ones....)

they were

all hot, sticky and

covered in beach sand.

She was six years old

when we first came

to the Gulf Coast.

The beach was

new and

fascinating.

She became

an explorer

or sorts.....

searching

beneath sea rocks

and

looking inside shells

for sea creatures.

And yes....

she

chased after

seagulls,

learning

not

to feed them....

My....I'm

having sweet memories of her....

thus, the painting shown.

Hugs.....Dee Dee

Inspired...

2010-06-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Bougainvillea

Mandevilla

At one time, we had pink Mandevilla

growing all along the fence in the

courtyard portion of our garden.

Cold weather did

irreparable damage and

they are no longer.

The same with the beautiful

Bougainvillea that grew

for many years,

trimmed to

grow in an umbrella shape

ah.....so pretty

It was my pride and joy.....

until, one year, it

became completely infested with

tiny green worms.

Nothing would keep them away,

and the Mister, sadly

removed the badly

damaged plant

from the garden.

Other pretty tropicals now

grow in their places.

Alas, I still remember,

and do so miss

the

lovely

pinks

of the

Bougainvillea

and the Mandevilla.

It is with them in mind

that this little painting

came to be.

Blessings.....Dee Dee