Winter Sparkle

Autumn: Coming to a Home Near You

Homegrown: Zinnias, Pumpkins and Strawberry Jam

Fall colors: orange, scarlet, brown and a hint of green.  It may be a couple weeks a way yet, but I can't help but anticipate.  Crisp mornings....hot apple cider with a hint of cinnamon.  Pumpkins on the vine.  Canning.  Harvesting.  Watching children explore the wonders of fallen leaves.

  It's almost time to dust off the cobbler recipes and dig the beloved sweaters from the cedar chest.   It's almost time to gather fire wood for that first wonderful morning fire....to dig out knitting patterns....to contemplate projects from the rocking chair.  It's almost time.......Autumn....we anticipate your arrival.


   Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

To End a Day

  The kids are asleep...the house again quiet with the exception of Mansfield Park.......a little Jane Austen!   Fresh zinnias cut from the garden in a jar on the table.  A clean kitchen and a colander full of fresh veggies.   All is tucked in and where it should be...the end to a good day.  Now....it's time.......for me.   Solitude.  Thank you God.

A Shabby Chic Shower

Tonight I was blessed with an opportunity to throw a baby shower.  A sweet friend and her precious baby.  I was able to take some pictures before the shower and a couple after.  Due to some technical (weather) difficulties...I took off my camera during the shower to chase napkins blowing in the wind....and totally missed all the mid-shower shots.  Isn't that the way it goes.  But....we had a good time.  And....found a very good reason to sit under shade trees to sip lemonade.  Congratulations M and H on your sweet little bundle!!!  She's beautiful! 

Shower in the making.

Getting Closer.

 Dishes...check.....Napkins....check

 No birds....but still necessary.

  

 Homemade raspberry lemonade!

Tonight was a lot of fun.  Thank you for the opportunity.  And a thanks to T, B and S for you help!

Ice Cream

  There's something about ice cream and a hot summers day.  Something magical.....wonderful.....and something so yummy!  The hot summer sun.....ice cream drips running down the cone.....to catch them all before they run down your wrist.

Freckles reflecting the sun.  Furrowed brow....deep in concentration.....not to lose one drip drop!
Summer memories.

  Two of her favorite things.....ice cream and her baby......cat that is....Mittens.  Sweet melting cream in one hand and Mittens in the other.  A wonderful summer day....life is good!

  For the little one that cares about the drips.....and concerns more about messy hands....her towel.... Life is good.
  Summer is short....but it is so sweet.  Soon will come the bustling of school....schedules and routine.   The weather will cool down and only memories will be left of the carefree, sweet summer days.   Ice Cream.....sprinklers......family.....fun!
  Living in the moment and making the most of it!!! 

Random Curiosities

There are somethings in life that just grab a person's attention.  Whether it's certain colors, textures, sounds, feelings, or smells.  There are those things that draw a person in....beckoning them. 
I know mine....the color red, green grass contrasting with freshly tilled soil.....the smells of fresh bread baking.....the beauty of homegrown cut flowers in a canning jar......barn wood.....the word "antiques".....vintage anything......home school curriculum.....and so goes the list.  I guess these make me who I am.  Going through my home photography archives I found some random curiosities that have peeked my interest.  Places and moments in time.....that hold my thoughts captive, moments that make me linger.....to think.....remembrances that inspire me.  I will share them with you:

Vintage Silver and Petals

Sweet Chili's

"What was that Dear Cousin?"

The Colors of Childhood

Contemplation

Across the Fence

In Her Mommy's Shoes......

Fresh Salsa

The Twinkle of Orneriness

Sticky Buns Anyone?

Her Day to Shine.

The Bakers Favorite Cupboard.

Red

It draws me in.
It's beautiful.

A Strawberry on the vine.

The Little Red School House

Ripe Raspberries.

The Perfect Gift

Goes Well With Silver.

Vine Ripened Tomatoes.

The Little Red Hand Pump.

Crisp Red Apple.

Red Cherries.

I cannot take credit for any of these wonderful pictures.  These are a few of my "finds"....and I love them.