Soul Aperture

hello friend ~

2012-01-27T16:47:00.001-06:00

the days where there are no plans, and no where special to be, are just the best. this week i have been mama, wife, friend, and connect four loser... yes dats me. come on, who loses at connect four? me waving my hand, dem laughing. it's the dahm tic tac toe, but not on da paper. eh!

knitting is on the list for this weekend. i kind of love that. ; )

i have moved on to reading and adoring "winter's tale" by mark helprin

“They gave themselves up to the stars the way swimmers can surrender to the waves, and the stars took them without resistance.”

hello friend : )
xo

here and there and snowflakes ~

2012-01-20T09:15:00.003-06:00

....

we are expecting a huge winter storm. snowflakes and more snowflakes. so of course i had to make my way to the market and stock up for a day or two. i think a pot of homemade soup and a crusty loaf of bread, should be soul warming. i made an extra stop at the craft store to grab a bit of extra yarn. i really could spend all day in there, dreaming about the stuff i wish i could make. : ) i would love to learn to sew.

i have a mosaic post up at the mortal muses. please stop by, say hello maybe you'd like to link your photo up. : )

a few project i have are coming due. and because they are so dear to my heart, i will take some time from this space to finish them. it might be a bit quiet here for a couple of days.

listening to

reading

loving

palms clasped... thank you for every kind word you leave here. and thank you for every ounce of support you give me. i have been feeling my way in the dark a bit lately... eh at times that just happens. i stumble, i keep getting up. ...i appreciate you.

you are loved

for you ~

2012-01-19T13:10:00.001-06:00

....

when i cook a meal for you, it's just my way of conveying, how much i love you. me~

gatherings magazine ~

2012-01-17T22:11:00.003-06:00

....

"everyone smiles in the same language." author unknown

....

the white issue is here! the current issue of gatherings magazine is now live and i am so happy to be one of the contributors to this issue. join me with a cuppa and slowly flip through these gorgeous pages + get to know these talented artists.
`

palms clasped.

happy day, my friends.

see the stars ~

2012-01-16T11:43:00.002-06:00

....

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

dr. martin luther king jr.

hello my friends. how are you?
i am visiting amanda's place today, i hope you will have time to stop in and say hello.
a slow day here, of reflection and peace.
`
you are loved~

it's snowing here and a lovely mail day ~

2012-01-12T15:01:00.002-06:00

a beautiful bowl arrived in the mail for me today. it now has the title of ~ friendship bowl. i love you, my friend. deep sigh, for blue and white.

....

i miss the holiday lights something awful, so now i have a sweet set, strung along side my nightstand.

....

a long awaited book arrived. a loud squeal on my part, made the mail man laugh today. but truthfully, does it get better than "maps for lost lovers"? i really don't think so. : )

"shamus stands in the open door and watches the earth, the magnet that it is,

pull snowflakes out of the sky towards itself"

....

it's snowing here today. i have a roast in the crock pot, with many cloves of garlic, rosemary and a whole onion. i think if i make mashed potatoes, i don't think i will hear a peep, from my family. no mam!

stay warm, my friends.

you are loved

into the mystic ~

2012-01-11T10:55:00.002-06:00

....

"we were born before the wind

also younger than the sun

ere the bonnie boat was one as we sailed into the mystic

hark, now hear the sailors cry

smell the sea and feel the sky

let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic"

van morrison ~

`
sail

exactly ~

2012-01-09T23:26:00.001-06:00

....

"if everybody else is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction."

~ sam walton

it looks like magritte's "son of man" was my inspiration today. at least that's what i thought, after i took this photo. : )
today i... ate an apple, belly laughed, purchased a stapler, stapled papers, mailed a package to a new mama + shared snippets of my story with a friend... and it made me cry. and that cry, completely showered my soul. yes! big smile.

today is SO good enough.

xo

dream of my soul ~

2012-01-08T22:42:00.005-06:00

....

“You have been the last dream of my soul.”

~ charles dickens, a tale of two cities

i love her. somedays i will look at her, and she reminds me so much of me. then there are days she is one hundred percent, all her own... so very brave, practicing her time magazines ~~woman of the year~~ "most notable figure"speech, or her pulitzer prize thank you. go for it baby girl, go for it.
xoxo

in the moment we are timeless ~

2012-01-06T10:34:00.001-06:00

....

"creativity occurs in the moment, and in the moment we are timeless". ~ the artist's way everyday, a year of creative living.

it just seems like it was a long week. i think i am still wishing that the lazy days of the holiday break, were here. we could call it something like... a well needed break, after the holidays, break. : )

i have a few photo projects that i will be working on, this weekend. and a chocolate coffee cake caught my attention, so i would like to slip making that, in to the weekend... between knitting and shuffling around the house.

what's your weekend look like? please, do share.

i have a mosaic post up over at mortal muses, i chose 16 lovely photos, from our flickr pool. stop on over and take a look see. link up if you can, i would love to see your fresh photos.

have a most lovely weekend.

wonderful things ~

2012-01-05T11:44:00.002-06:00

....

“Hang in there. It is astonishing how short a time it can take for very wonderful things to happen.”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett

these past few days have been busy, and i am so grateful for that. the work, ya know. i have had to raise my sail, more than once, but the feeling is good. i came through and that's all that counts. if i can keep my sleepy eyes open, and this scratchy throat at bay, i will take some time, to hide within my books, where i am most comfortable... peeking out if only to remember the day, by patting myself on the shoulder and thinking- not bad for a kid from the north side of mil-town. yes, that kid still resides in me, and today, i would have it any other way.

honestly, if i thanked you a million times here, it wouldn't scratch the surface, on what your visits here, mean to me.

you are loved

`

rosemary and janvier light ~

2012-01-03T10:54:00.002-06:00

....

this light that january has handed us, is just gorgeous. it would be just plain out silly of me, to not waste a bit of time in this light, doing what i love : )

"truffles are at their ripest now and in february"

sara midda

sail ~

2011-12-31T19:46:00.003-06:00

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

― Rainer Maria Rilke "Letters to a young poet"

i have missed you and this space, but such time is needed, now and again. i am working on bits of me, working on the places within, hoping to move past, the past. 2011 was good to me in many ways, but it had its moments, moments i will not be sad to say goodbye to. new is good. a fresh start is needed. twenty~ twelve, i welcome you with open arms, without the baggage i have carried, thus far.

i have chosen a word for the new year.... sail. my wish is to sail... may it be in deep, blue seas that i fear, or concrete seas i brave... never the less i am along for the ride... sail.

do you have your black eye peas soaking, for tomorrow? a bit of good luck won't hurt, for the new year. wink. ; ) have you chosen a word, made goals, have dreams for 2012? do share.

happy new year, my friends!!

be safe.

and know you are loved

`
ps: a recipe from me and a few words here. xo

merry christmas ~

2011-12-23T01:30:00.004-06:00

hello my friends

i am filled with excitement that christmas day is almost here

it's such a wonderful time for children and adults alike

i have orange pekoe tea for the weekend

and a huge puzzle for the family to enjoy

i am sharing a giveaway at the muse blog

please stop over and join in the fun

update ~ an interview with me here at kamana's blog

wink

....

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is He that is born King of the Jews?

For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him"

matthew 2

`
....

in your home you might have celebrations that go by a different name

or you might not celebrate the holidays

i just wanted to stop in and send you the warmest of hugs

along with all the peace your heart can carry

merry christmas

my dear friends

12-21 11 ~

2011-12-21T10:24:00.001-06:00

i lit the candles early this morning

i spent time in stillness

prayer

and

silence

sipping my tea

i could hear my son sleeping from the other room

the sound of his breathing weaved itself in and out of my prayers

and that my friends just about burst my grateful heart

i am a lucky woman

we may not have everything we want in this tiny home

but we most certainly have all we need

palms clasped

i fell deeply in love with this via beth

yes in a million ways to all of it

{thank you for the love on my last post i was laughing too}

i'm going to give the house a good cleaning today

find my way back into those simple routines that i find comforting

vacuuming

cleaning the fridge

baking the cake for the most precious birthday of the year

my holiday post will be up after midnight for friday

pretty much my last post of the year

{gonna be taking some time off}

there will be a giveaway as well

stop in and join me for a cuppa cheer

you are loved

so two grown ups walk into a bar, there are 100 santas ...

2011-12-20T10:30:00.002-06:00

i don't have my wrapping of gifts done

christmas cards will be late to the ones i love

some of my knitting gifts will become new years eve gifts

but

there was no way i was going to miss a grown up night out on saturday

with the love of my life

to our surprise we showed up to the cafe with at least 100 santas at the bar

it was santa cycle rampage

they were SO quenching their thirst

we easily got a table

and the feast began

truthfully

to my grown ups out there

{we give a lot of extra love to the kiddos this time of year}

don't forget the grown up in you this season

date night and all that or a night with the girls

then walk across the street to the bakery and buy the last xmas tree cookie

squeal with excitement

have said cookie fall out hands and break in two on the sidewalk

have love of your life laugh uncontrollably

say some shit about the 3 second rule

ain't gwan lie

me ate the dahm ting

real grown up move huh

lol

sunday ~

2011-12-18T15:55:00.001-06:00

....

a beautiful day with the sun shining today

as i have mentioned i struggle with the holidays

simple things like sunshine helps

the sun

a smile from a stranger

a hug

christmas cards being written

so many wonderful old black and white movies on

{christmas in connecticut}

{the shop around the corner}

{father was a fullback}

love

thinking of a menu for christmas eve

how about you

what will your christmas table hold

do tell

i found the cutest candy canes today

such a pretty treat for the house

happy sunday my friends

winters light ~

2011-12-16T15:04:00.003-06:00

....

winters light is beautiful this year

at least it seems so

taking it slow today after a crazy arse week

oh goodness

i turned my lamp out to go to sleep last night and i almost cried happy tears

it was the best part of my day

i turned over to my hubby and asked ~

i should have bought a hat shouldn't i've ?

he was all ~

call it a day babe

so i did

lmao

bless him

but alas today is anew

working on this project i was invited to be a part of

i love it

thank you for inviting me along for the ride

im honored

and might i add this kitchen is smelling wonderful today

i will share more about that with you soon

my friend lori sent me this

shakespeare and company lives beside my heart

merci

oh december

why won't you slow down

: )

happy weekend

lovlies

a nod ~

2011-12-14T13:37:00.002-06:00

....

50mm 1.4

a bit of fun with some funky socks and heels

a nod to the anthro holiday catalog for the inspiration

on gum drops and our lady ~

2011-12-13T11:33:00.005-06:00

....

all photos sooc

50mm 1.8

....

the house is feeling officially like christmas

now that the gumdrop tree is coming together

it's SO quiet here

i kind of love that

wink

the dolce and gabanna commercial has been playing one of my favorite miles davis songs

so today i can't help but play the vinyl of

generique

deep love

feast day

{dec 12}

instead of our usual roses

we placed gumdrops and lights {a bit of bling}

to celebrate the feast of our lady of guadalupe

{kisses medallion}

happy tuesday my dear friends

a baby shower and such ~

2011-12-12T08:44:00.001-06:00

hello there my friends

guess what

tracey is throwing amanda a baby shower

sweet

i had to join in on the fun and let amanda and baby know how much i love them

of course you know

had

bring

flowers

: )

well

no words are really needed

big smile

fresh from the oven

warm chocolate is a must

{from the teenagers}

and just for sweet baby

these

are

the

way

you

amanda i wish for you and your family to welcome a happy and healthy baby

ya know how much i adore you my sister/friend.

happy monday my friends

are you staying warm

oh i am trying

i've announced a new theme over at mortal muses

{did you know about the daily giveaways?}

stop in and say hello

on a saturday ~

2011-12-10T17:50:00.001-06:00

....

the cards have started to arrive

that has to be one of the best parts of the holiday season

; )

staying warm for the weekend ~

2011-12-09T12:03:00.004-06:00

....

i am planning on shuffling around the house this weekend

slow

brrrrrrrrrrrrr

planning on staying warm

it's less that 25 degrees out there

oh yes the fire place is looking good

pumpkin granola in the oven

what an amazing week it has been

many smiles

some exhausting tears

and much staring into space

{i am so good at that one}

we muses are gearing up for the holidays mark your calendars

join in on the fun

thanks for the love on this photo

i knew something was up the other morning when i woke up to over 250 emails from my flickr account

the photo was explored

and i am honored

this song is on repeat over here ~ love love the video ~ the house is SO swoon worthy

deep sigh for these days leading to christmas

have a most beautiful weekend my friends

my favorite time of year ~

2011-12-08T18:13:00.001-06:00

....

i used to decorate christmas trees and windows during the holidays at a major department store

some of you might even make a special trip

to that same department store just to see the window displays

during this time of year

i know we do every so often

as you might imagine my christmas tree can sometimes be over the top

snaps fingers

; )

no matter

we really love it

decorate the way that makes you smile

do you

the way you want to remember your holidays

doesn't have to be perfect

let the kids have at it and have fun

....

i found those funky silver wreaths and trees at home depot for $5.00

they were too fun and funky to pass up

the kids call them my disco decorations

amen to that

this is really the first year i am intentionally going with green and red for christmas

i still have massive magnolias and hydrangeas flowing through our tree

it's just a must

i will share more photos soon

won't you share yours as well

one cute elf ~

2011-12-07T09:37:00.001-06:00

....

"when you possess light within, you see it externally" ~anaïs nin

we have one of santas elves living in the house with us

oh and let me tell ya

she is one cute elf if i don't say so myself

the neighborhood kids adore her as well

: )

im going to put my heart and soul into some unfinished projects i have coming due

batteries charged

off to work i go

i am so grateful each time you come here

palms clasped

thank you so much

you are loved

let it snow ~

2011-12-05T11:17:00.001-06:00

....

even deep within the snow

she warms me

happy monday my friends

xoxo

a gentle reminder of sorts ~

2011-12-04T10:01:00.003-06:00

....

dear christina

you need to sit here and enjoy this coffee

even if it's twenty minutes of your life where you turn it all off

you will be so glad

later on

that you took this time to chill the f out

it's sunday my friends

enjoy it

it's all love ~

2011-12-02T13:59:00.001-06:00

....

well

me and the 50mm 1.8 lens have come to an understanding

i will take him out more and be more sensitive by not comparing him to the 50mm 1.4

and he in return will hand me brilliant photos of the girl i love holding my jane eyre book

it's all love

; )

whatever your weekend may bring your way

i hope it makes you smile and gives you the warm fuzzies right beside your heart

i send you love my friends

hello december ~

2011-12-01T20:17:00.002-06:00

....

a stop at a favorite diner

to warm up after some christmas shopping

i had the tomato bisque and grilled cheese

yes mam i did

: )

hello december

oh how i love that you have arrived

happy days my friends

making friends ~

2011-11-29T12:42:00.001-06:00

....

50mm 1.8 lens

{sooc}

this has never been my favorite lens

but i am making friends with it

what up 50mm would ya like to grab a pumpkin spice latte with me

lol

i have to admit doing the work in camera makes me so happy

i have a few practices to sit through with the teenagers tonight

last time i forgot my knitting it took me a minute to get over that

what to do

{note to self }

pack the needles now

i'm reading a book with my daughter

i will read a chapter

then she will read

sometimes we forget a day here or there

last night as i slid in bed

there the book was on my side

with little notes of what she liked and didn't like while reading the chapter

it was a night i thought she forgot

but she didn't

it really doesn't get better than that on a monday night

11:28 ~

2011-11-28T12:22:00.002-06:00

....

it's a quiet monday around here

i kind of love that

{baby it's cold outside}

the tree was decorated this weekend

christmas books were taken out of the closet

{and placed on the tables for reading}

lights are sprinkled through the house

loving on my friend liz'z post here

i purchased this as a gift

the laundry is twirling in the dryer

the dog ate some of my daisies

thinking i might be up for a 365 photo project

{come the new year}

i love new beginnings

a big pot of chicken soup is simmering

life is good

happy day my friends

how are you

happy thanksgiving ~

2011-11-22T09:18:00.003-06:00

....

small preparations begin here for a simple thanksgiving

the last post for 2011 is up at wtsb

such lovely lovely work over there

i fell deeply for this quiet, tender and thought provoking book

i have added it to my books that are within arms reach

when i need true beauty in my life

the holidays i adore them but i know they can be up and down...

if you need a friend or just want to say hi

doesn't matter if it's on turkey day

: )

shoot me an email

most likely i will be whipping up something in the kitchen

happy thanksgiving my friends

i am so thankful for you

thanksgiving table ~

2011-11-21T14:40:00.005-06:00

....

hi just stopping in with some wine suggestions for thanksgiving

on any other day you wouldn't find me recommending a reisling with food

but

a white reisling works SO fab with turkey, chicken + dressings + stuffings of all sorts

it's dry and bordering fruity

such a good choice

sauvignon blanc

because of it's higher acidity i love it for this big meal

villa wolf gewurztraminer

what you hear is true

it goes great with pumpkin pie all pies really

my ultimate favorite

rubigalia malvasia dolce

white

{pictured above}

don't let the fact there is no cork scare you

hands down i love it

this is a sparkling wine

cider like to me

serve it along dinner or dessert

and it is an amazing palette cleanser

i have served this one from appetizer to desserts

some don't consider it a serious wine

but i find there are many passionate houses that produce this wine

and that's what it's about for me

passion not price

love it

i get more letters about my cranberry sauce recipe right before thanksgiving

panic driven letters

{"i need that recipe"}

blush

please make it

i wouldn't steer you wrong my sisters

more tomorrow

Cranberry Sauce

12 ounces of fresh cranberries (i use the bag of ocean spray)

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

the zest of 1 orange

1 pear (peeled cored and diced)

1 apple (peeled cored and diced)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

*you may add

1/2 cup- 1 cup of your favorite chopped dried mixed fruit

cherries, papaya, blueberries, golden raisins

1/2 cup- 1 cup chopped pecans

In a medium pot or sauce pan, boil sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves.

Reduce your heat to a simmer and stir in the cranberries, orange zest, pears, apple, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and if you are adding *dried fruit, you may add now. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally- cooking until cranberries burst.

Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Refrigerate.

Before serving sprinkle with chopped pecans.

*I make this often and don’t always have the dried fruit, it is just as good.

If you want your sauce a bit on the thicker side- stir in a bit of cornstarch (1 teaspoon) to your sauce, when the sauce is done cooking.

Make it a day or two ahead- so worth it.

{double or triple the recipe}

really it's that good

5 things ~

2011-11-18T15:05:00.001-06:00

....

taking it easy

ordering the turkey

going through my old and messy recipe book

staying warm

making chocolate chip cookies to eat while watching harry potter with the fam again

have a lovely evening my friends

on flowers and such~

2011-11-17T11:07:00.003-06:00

....

i had a bit of floral work last week

took the lens to some petals

honestly each time i am hired to do a photo job

i swell with happy tears

you know how i adore flowers

i was all over that

wink

so now it's time to think of the flowers i will place on our thanksgiving table

thanksgiving is next week

i know

right

: )

so excited

i have so much to be thankful for

i tried a few different looks to hold the flowers

{all of which are from thrift stores and estate sales}

....

love me some milk glass

....

tea pots are always a sweet and inviting way to display flowers

how about a bit of purple to pop all the neutrals and browns on a thanksgiving table

what are your thanksgiving traditions

do you place flowers on the table?

formal or informal

pretty thanksgiving paper plates

or china

looking forward to that dressing?

do tell

i am thankful for each one of you

palms clasped

morning light with the intentions of an autumn photo ~

2011-11-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

....

"time to save the world

where in the world is all the time

so many things i still don't know

so many times i've changed my mind

guess i was born to make mistakes

but I ain't scared to take the weight

so when i stumble off the path

i know my heart will guide me back"

didn't cha know lyrics ` erykah badu

the moment i get to devote a whole post to post it notes ~

2011-11-15T09:03:00.002-06:00

....

so many of you wrote me asking me where i got my "bookmarks"from in the last post

they are actually post it notes

mmm hmm

i know

pretty little post it notes from tj maxx

look in the stationary isle

they come in a box with some paper and stuff

that would make a sweet christmas gift

{i am so trying not to speak of christmas too early}

i am going to bust out my spanx soon if i don't free my love of this holiday

woot

so anyways

i do write in my book margins

am carfeul with the spines on my books

and if the book is antique like the one dawn gifted me

{i cherish this book}

i use post it notes to remind me of the places i love the most while reading

i'm musing over here with a new post

won't you come over and visit?

you are loved my friends

as of late ~

2011-11-14T10:24:00.004-06:00

....

slow going around here this morning

and i SO need that after a busy week

i had my chef hat on this weekend

and let me tell you

i don't miss the body pain of being in the kitchen 13 hours a day

but the smile on the faces

it made it so worth it

alas

lots of knitting for holiday gifts

{big smile}

i bought a nice espresso powder

i plan on using it in a chocolate cake i think

made a pot of caldo de res

oh honey

yes i did

just let me know if you want the recipe

{it's a must make}

....

and of course i read

the cold

damp

weather

i feel myself starting to hide already

....

bookmarking many of the pages i love

do you mark your pages

highlight

write in the margin

do tell

hello my friends

on sea turtles and soul ~

2011-11-08T12:03:00.004-06:00

....

i have sea turtles here and there

i am fascinated with them

they are incredible

i wear a necklace that has a jade sea turtle on it

and every so often i will open a gift and there one will be

i love that

{insert slow turtle jokes here}

lol

thanks to kirsten i am in love with this cd

i poured myself a nice red last night and was knitting away

while this gorgeous music played

sheer soul i tell ya

i ordered this book

adore

my mail man isn't safe until it arrives

kidding

kind of

wtsb post is up

if you visit

enjoy the most beautiful walk

thank you for the kind words on the post below

my son is a gentle soul

you would love him

daughter post soon come

; )

gonna take a breather this week

working on a project that is dear to me

and that wine list

wink

ya know where to find me if ya need me

: )

you are loved my friends

true love ~

2011-11-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

....

i remind him all the time

how he was the one who taught me what true love really is...

he just kind of blushes and shrugs his shoulders

: )

i send you love my friends

sundays light ~

2011-11-06T20:14:00.000-06:00

....

homemade mushroom potpies

{with crusts on top and bottom}

lots of knitting

bought new oven mitts

hiding under quilts

candle light

laughing until i cried at the movie "somethings gotta give"

buying too many books off of amazon

sipping a nice white

"are you going to do a holiday wine list this year ?"

sure!

it might be a few of the same wines as last year or the year before

but

i love putting my pretend sommelier hat on

so you know i have one or two new ones for you

happy sunday evening my friends

delicious autumn ~

2011-11-04T09:43:00.003-05:00

....

delicious autumn!

my very soul is wedded to it

and if i were a bird i would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns

~George Eliot

anna is my guest muse today won't you go over and say hello?

knitting and reading are on my joy list this weekend

and grace

i am carving out time to show grace and appreciation for all the goodness in my life

no matter how small

{maybe i should begin now}

thank you my friends

for always coming here and leaving words of encouragement

even though i have been slower in making my way to your places

life is happening

my teenagers are growing
i haven't been keeping up very well
and besides
pizza twice in one week is not a bad thing
nope not at all

happy weekend

you are loved

: )

dreamy ~

2011-11-02T11:12:00.003-05:00

....

"all i wanted was to connect my moods with those of paris.

beauty paints and when it painted most, i shot."

ernst haas

i have a gig photographing a gift shop for the holiday season

the shop is in a sweet village not too far from here

the owner had one request

that the photos look "dreamy"

pinch me

so i took to practicing some dreamy shots at home

: )

have a dreamy day my friends

hello november ~

2011-11-01T08:48:00.001-05:00

....

hello november

you have brought a dim light with you this morning

but i am more than okay with this

except

these dark mornings lure me into hitting the snooze button

over

; )

light fantastic is the theme over at mortal muses

won't you come on over and visit me

it's algebra today in our kitchen

{deep sigh}

a lot of quiet thinking and

scribbling of the pencils

i send you love

on this quiet day

palms clasped

don't forget ~

2011-10-28T10:55:00.002-05:00

....

tara sent me this tea a bit ago from paris

and on this cold weekend i look forward to enjoying it

a big pot of curried beef stew

pumpkin muffins

are on the menu

getting the kitchen cleaned and mopped is at the top of my list today

{me slippa stuck to someTING on de floor yestAday aHN we can't have dat naw}

; )

this is always a favorite book for us to read at this time of year

{one of my absolute favorites}

it's the weekend my friends

don't forget to do something you love

the path to all hallows eve ~

2011-10-26T16:45:00.000-05:00

....

; )

xoxo

i bought us coffee ~

2011-10-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

....

hi there

i wore a striped shirt today

red mary jane clarks

red shoes are made for walking

{which i did}

{in the rain}

have you seen the wtsb post?

golden

i read sonnets by shakespeare at the library

and on that same trip to the library i realized i want to purchase this classic

i was handed a tiny check for photography work i did on some local halloween fun

i looked at that check and smiled like it was a million bucks

'cause that's how much passion i have for what i am trying to do

: )

i bought us coffee

pistachio and chocolate biscotti's

today was a good day

good morning ~

2011-10-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

....

it's sunday

my favorite day of the week

prayer

slow going

doughnuts

newspaper

a press of coffee

memories

enjoy your day my friends

beautiful weekend ~

2011-10-21T17:14:00.002-05:00

....

i wanted to stop in and wish you a most beautiful weekend

a change in plans for me this weekend

i wasn't able to head south due to my {still} healing ear infection

these thing happen i understand

i will let it go and allow the weekend to surprise me

and so far so good

wink

happy weekend my friends

on home ~

2011-10-19T12:12:00.002-05:00

....

"home is a shelter from storms- all sorts of storms"

william j bennett

it's all about home today at mortal muses

i switched back to my old layout here

the cleaner look wins me over

easier on my eyes

: )

a grey and rainy day here today

but i don't mind

i love the rain

happy days my friends

sunday ~

2011-10-16T15:47:00.007-05:00

watching football

warm drinks

knitting

dozing

suchness

have you seen these moments ?

oh trust me

grab a cuppa and take a look see

thank you for the feature i am honored

happy sunday my friends

grace ~

2011-10-15T20:26:00.002-05:00

....

"spiritual mastery lies not in just understanding the wands, but in using them. It's like the difference between cinderella's fairy godmother explaining how the light works and her actually taking her wand out and waiving it around a few times. one describes the transformation of a pumpkin into a coach, while the other actually makes it happen. it's time for us to take out our own wands now and transform a few pumpkins of our own." marianne williamson

i have had a tough time of it, a cough and earache were the culprits. after trying natural treatment, i {as a last result} gave in to antibiotics for the ear infection, only to have an allergic reaction to them. holy mt. zion ; ) the laying on the bathroom floor, type of allergic reaction- what a long night that was, for me and the family.

but alas, i wanted to come here when i felt better {and i do} to place photos from the season and words that may inspire you.

really, the break was lovely, and i have no complaints. autumn is still autumn, and for that i am grateful.

i am on the mend and fingers crossed, me {and my healing ear} will be able to board a plane next week, and head south. my bff is turning 90 years old, another bff has finished writing her novel. how can i not be there?!!

for now i am...

reading this book, with my son. i go a chapter ahead, in case there is something there, that might not be appropriate, for a young man of 16. so far so good ; )

wanting to make caramel apples

simmering chicken noodle soup

gonna pack my knitting for the plane ride ; )

this is where me and my little family are so far this weekend. and it's really good enough for me ; )

oh how i have missed you, my friends.

more tomorrow~

hugs

away from the desk ~

2011-10-05T10:07:00.002-05:00

yesterday evening i had to get away from the desk

and go for a walk

i had to shoot for fun instead of work

there was a point where the park was so quiet

i could hear leaves falling from the trees

if only for a moment i felt i was near balance

that is what being out in nature gifts me

a sense of balance

....

for now

im gonna take a break from this space to enjoy...

love

knitting

letter writing

listening

pizza making

being

reading

and enjoying unexpected beauty

....

my post is up at mortal muses today

won't you stop in and say hello ; )

have i thanked you for all the support you give me

honestly

you have cheered me on through and through

and this simple girl from the north side

couldn't love you more

palms clasped

i will see ya next week

gatherings magazine ~

2011-10-04T09:06:00.003-05:00

....

last night the autumn issue of "Gatherings Magazine" went live

to say i am happy really doesn't describe the feeling

big smile

i am honored to be a part of this issue

to have my art within these pages

along side these amazing artist

{surreal}

a big thank you to Heather Spriggs

the talented creator of this magazine

i am hoping you will grab a cuppa

and flip through these beautiful pages

yes mam

you can buy a printed issue here

thank you so much for all your kind words

you are loved

happy reading

homecoming 2011 ~

2011-10-02T15:08:00.002-05:00

...

....

my daughters friend asked her to go to homecoming

that's how it all began

from the dress to the teary hug her daddy gave as she walked out the door

these weeks won't easily be forgotten

i am so proud of her

i adore this child

for being different

for putting flats in her purse

for eating tacos in her dress and not worrying one bit about taco grease

for tolerating some crazy woman who had to take way too many photos in the freezing cold

{that'd be me}

; )

i am exhausted and still in my pajamas

she is still floating and beaming

we all are grateful

thanks to all you ladies that held our hand through this fun and exciting time

gave me everything from dress shopping tips

to boutonniere advice

you are loved

happy sunday my friends

on little things and home ~

2011-09-30T15:21:00.005-05:00

....

it's been a week

i barely kept up

and to be honest there were times i fell behind

i didn't get it all done

and that's fine by me

because

that's life

and

sometimes life just happens

; )

i went out this morning after my appointment

to get a few last minute little things

my daughter might not think of for homecoming

hair pins

bronzer

and a tiny purse

{i wanted to get the purse for her as a gift from me}

and because it is freezing here

i saw a pretty little coat that might come in handy

she tried it all on

and she just smiled

that ought to do it in that department

i am having an open house before homecoming

so i will have...

warm cider

shortbread

fruit

caramel fondue

to dip apple slices in

pumpkins and mums are lining the front stairs

{cinderella pumpkins no less}

the hood is getting a nice sprucing this weekend

lol

smile

i love that our home is that home where all the kids love to visit

life is good

i will meet you back here this weekend

with photos to share

you are loved

fall inspiration ~

2011-09-28T10:49:00.002-05:00

...

....

a trip to trader joes last night

lead to a burst of fall inspiration

i came home with...

a crate of autumn flamed peaches

{melting over the crate}

mums to line the front stairs

colorful gourds to fill baskets

reading this book

{oh the dresses}

looking through my photos over the years

i am coming to realize i love photographing dresses

that is a pleasant surprise

although you might have already known this

wink

just placing a few things here to brighten the rainy days

along with the rain ~

2011-09-27T09:10:00.004-05:00

....

i decided to leave the sea shells out on the wine table

even though the lovely fall weather

along with rain

has staked its claim

busy but good times around here

i am on a hunt to purchase toms shoes {wedges) locally

hope that's not too much of a challenge

{a homecoming request}

still in love with this video

oh so heavenly

if i owe you snail mail

consider it on the way

it's sealed with love

sorry im late

life became busy

the new wtsb post is up

love it

{collect}

happy day my friends

the dress ~

2011-09-25T12:22:00.003-05:00

....

well the dress has been purchased for homecoming

it was a painful experience i won't lie

so many girls getting frustrated

i even saw tears from some

i felt for them

it's an important time for these girls

my girl

she smiled the whole time

{zip me up mama}

my feet hurt

it was the 6th shop for us

but this dress shop...

i could see the local taquito stand

while waiting outside the dressing room

i was hungry what can i say

lol

i am happy for her

happy for these

{new to us}

moments

i was happy with my taquito with the crazy good peanut salsa

happy sunday my friends

in my soul ~

2011-09-22T08:40:00.004-05:00

....

"in my soul i am still that small child who did not care about anything else

but the beautiful colors of the rainbow"

papiha ghosh

im over here today

won't you join me

thank you

thank you for coming here and sharing your words with me

reading silently

just glancing at the photos

palms clasped

i appreciate you

have a most lovely + playful day

my friends

granola bars and peace ~

2011-09-21T14:23:00.002-05:00

Back to school raspberry granola bars

from the book, "the craft of baking"

12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup raspberry preserves {i used strawberry jam i had canned earlier in the summer}

a friend used plum jam and said it was crazy good. ; )

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden and fragrant, about five minutes. Cool the sheet completely on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and pecans. Pour in the melted butter, and using a wooden spoon, mix together until well combined. Transfer about two thirds of the dough to the prepared baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan, forming a firmly packed layer.

Using an offset or rubber spatula, spread the preserves over the dough. Evenly sprinkle the remaining dough over the preserves. Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until the top is golden brown and fragrant, about forty minutes (mine took more like forty-five minutes). Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Then cut into two-inch squares.

The bars can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

****

math was a bear today, so like any good teacher, i voted we baked granola bars. hecky yes! they turned out SO delicious. let me know if you try them out. ; ) there is no time for photoshop today, so the photos are sooc. fist pump!

i finished the book on the train this afternoon. and i am glad i did. it wasn't my cup of tea, but it's all good. a lady on the train commented, that she has been on a waiting list at her library, for over three months, waiting to read the help. i handed it to her, as we exited the train. not a bad deal, she has a book she has wanted to read, and i got a warm hug in return. it's world peace day today, i find that to be beautiful. ; )

peace and blessings, my friends.

let's see ...

2011-09-20T19:13:00.012-05:00

....

on sunday my daughter was asked to homecoming

how beautiful

but

so soon

is this supposed to happen so quickly in life

{yes christina it is}

lol

and

as another blogger put it when i shared the news...

"yay for her!"

yes i agree

yay for her

she is growing up

i love these milestones that seem to be filling our home at the moment

now on to finding a dress

big smile

can i be honest with you about something

i want to fall deeply for this book

i really do

but

the written words

the generation

the descriptions of the characters

and that awful word

it hurts so deeply

i mean it cuts

i am 200 or so pages in

but

i don't know

i read of history all the time...

but this book

maybe it's my own family history that makes this book so difficult for me

i held off from reading it for so long cause it seemed so many were reading it...

i will give the book a bit longer

{i think}

i have a feeling there is love in this book

i am certain of that

what did you think of the book

i bought these cute cupcake liners

they have orange polka dots on them

sweet

perfect for the pumpkin muffins i have on the menu this week

....

happy days my friends

one love

autumn on a sunday ~

2011-09-18T15:20:00.002-05:00

....

'falling leaves

hide the path

so quietly'

john bailey 'autumn' a haiku year

xoxo

do something ...

2011-09-16T22:40:00.011-05:00

....

...you love

beautiful + free frames found at besotted blog

{thank you}

links and pretty on a thursday ~

2011-09-15T15:29:00.006-05:00

....

the handle to my tea cup broke

i put something yummy and pretty inside of it

and made the most of it

while i finished the last few pages of my latest afternoon read

i loved this book with my whole heart

the characters will live with me for a while

i have lusted after these since last year

with twenty percent off at b&n i couldn't resist

this movie arrived today

i plan to devour it this weekend

along with much popcorn

hello my friends

`
you are loved

on angels and moments ~

2011-09-13T12:09:00.001-05:00

....

hope you don't mind all the white after labor day

wink

i just had to enjoy the moment with my lens

'i saw the angel in the marble and carved until i set ~~him~~ her free.'

michelangelo

; )

happy day my friends

blooming ~

2011-09-12T12:05:00.003-05:00

....

'in the garden i tend to drop my thoughts here and there

to the flowers i whisper the secrets i keep and the hopes i breath

i know they are there to eavesdrop for the angels'

dodinsky

....

hello friends

how are you today

the roses are beginning a fall blooming in my mothers garden

she was anxious to show me last night

i strolled slowly leaving at the gate what was once between us

somewhere in this garden i lay my burdens

but if you asked me where i wouldn't remember

life is so precious

i am getting physically tired of holding in the light

what has long been gone into the dark

and it's stupid on my part

yesterday is gone

and so is the past

over time life tends to grow one up

thank goodness

palms clasped

the classroom is busy on this monday morning

chili for football tonight

i am doing absolutely the best i can as a student of life

that's all one can do

ya know

life is good

a new wtsb post is up...

love it

chalk art ~

2011-09-08T02:00:00.002-05:00

....

i find chalk art absolutely fascination

gorgeous

faces is the theme at mortal muses

my post is up

won't you stop in and say hello

have a wonderful day

my friends

pinwheels, afternoon tea and gatherings magazine ~

2011-09-07T14:12:00.004-05:00

....

having fun with a bit of texture and pinwheels

and yes

i plan on placing these pinwheels in a sweet treat

this cool air has me sleeping like a baby

i love it

except when i start to doze in the afternoon

been looking at a bit of yarn

there are fall scarves are to be knitted

of course

i tried to duplicate a mexican stew i had at the quinceanera

i think it worked

i will share that recipe soon

yum

have you seen "gatherings magazine" yet

isn't it just so beautiful

if you haven't seen it

grab an afternoon cup of tea and flip through

adore

heather will have more of a sneek peek of the upcoming issue soon

yes i am blushing

happy day

my friends

septembre ~

2011-09-06T10:21:00.001-05:00

joined by elderly man in market cafe' who orders wine and lemonade mix

hill and sky merging

terraces

olive groves

cypresses

terra cotta tiles

croissant aux amandes

espresso

"from south of france sketchbook" by sara midda

happy first day of school

to all that are starting today

including my kiddos

Je t'adore

Quinceanera ~

2011-09-04T11:13:00.004-05:00

....

saturday morning i began my day with prayer. the rain in the background, brought me to my thoughts, of the quinceanera, we would anxiously, spend the day at. our friend was presenting her daughter to the world, as a young lady... a fifteenth birthday celebration. i shuffled around the house most of the morning, coffee in hand, making the rounds to see if my family was on schedule, for the days events. i couldn't help but reflect on my friend. she is without a doubt, one of the strongest women, i know. you would lover her. my friend and i are different in many ways, but the same in many ways, as well. we both come from heated pavements and have walked down these mean streets. we had a plan, how our kids were going to do it differently, than we did. and by all accounts they have, but i can't help but laugh now... we just want the best for them but, they are their own people, and we learned that quickly. lol it's just us loving them, the best we way we know how, you know.

the sky continued to open, rain falling to the concrete, as we arrived at the church. a baptism of next chapters, i suspect. ; )

...there she was standing in the doorway of the church, i had to raise my lens. shakily i began to work my camera. and in that moment, i saw the little girl that used to run and play in our home. focusing a bit more, i began to see the young woman, we came to celebrate, turning fifteen. i wanted to remember that moment, her standing near the rain in the doorway, finding comfort in the moment. i wanted everyone i know, to remember this moment, especially her mother. i am so very proud of this young lady.

these milestones in our children's lives... they are a validation of sorts, that if nothing else, we have learned to adapt to the rain, by being equipped with hope.

here's to the next chapter ~

happy sunday, my friends

night lights from the heart in the form of a yellow moon ~

2011-09-02T09:37:00.004-05:00

....

"toad talked big about all he was going to do in the days to come, while stars grew fuller and larger all around them, and a yellow moon, appearing suddenly and silently from no where in particular, came to keep them company and listen to their talk."

from the book~ the wind and the willows by kenneth grahame

i'm wrapping these summer days up inside of a grateful package this weekend

have a most beautiful and extra long weekend my friends

stop in for some fun here

you are loved

homeschooling + where does the time go ~

2011-09-01T16:38:00.010-05:00

....

my books to teach the teenagers are arriving daily

the zakka sewing book up there is for mama ; )

i thank god for another year we are able to gather materials to nourish our kids minds

the shelfs will be filled with less teaching material this year

but what is on that bookshelf will be used up

after all these years i have learned a bit of what works

and some of what doesn't

and i say this gently under my breath

but

mean it with all my heart

at times i feel many homeschooling resources

tend to forget the needs of 15, 16, and 17 year olds

young adults count too

...so we parents and teachers alike have to work diligently for our older students

to make sure the transition of these young adults into adulthood runs smoothly

so we piece together what fits

like a stew

and make the best of it

can you believe my son will visit two uni's this year

a culinary school

shrug of my converse in the dirt

big friggin smile

{you see me beamin right}

it's like yesterday these two were eating dinner in the kitchen at the chefs table

feet barely touching the floor

while i cooked

and asked them to recite their vowels

lol

where does time go

i am so grateful for these moments

i love these kids of mine to bits and would do it all over again

without hesitation

we make it work as a family

happy days my friends

summer nectarine cakes + a winner

2011-08-31T09:18:00.005-05:00

....

summer nectarine cakes

recipe by donna hay

3 egg whites

1 cup almond meal (ground almonds) i used pecans

1/2 cup icing (confectioners) sugar, sifted

1/2 cup plain (all- purpose flour)

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

50g (1 3/4oz) butter, melted

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind

1 nectarine halved and sliced

icing (confectioners) sugar, extra for dusting

preheat oven to 355

place egg whites, almond meal ( i used pecan meal) sugar, flour, baking powder, butter and lime rind in bowl and mix well to combine. spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into 12 lightly greased patty tins /muffin pan. and top with a slice of nectarine. bake for 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. dust over extra sugar to serve. makes 12

these cakes are so easy to make. i used pecan meal instead of almond meal. i just whirled my pecans in my food processor until crushed fine

don't over whirl ; )

these cakes would be perfect for a tea gathering. i am not always a fan of overly sweet desserts, so these hit the spot. they remind me of a pecan sandie.

enjoy

and the winner for my giveaway...

keishua

congrats

please email me your snail mail addy so i can get some mail your way

thank you for all the good wishes on 5

deep sigh ; )

have a most lovely day

5 ~

2011-08-29T08:37:00.002-05:00

....

that's how old this little blog has turned this month

what a ride it has been

down

you have been there every step of the way

yes you

palms clasped i thank you from the bottom of my heart

you are sweet as pie to me

...so leave your name in the comment box to win a little package

of hand picked goodies

from me

if your a new reader

throw your hat in the ring too

if you just want to say hi

that's fine as well

come on in and stay a while

i will pick a winner on wednesday

9am centeral time

my post is up at the mortal muses blog

say hello won't you ?

you are loved

my friends

giveaway closed

sunday and i don't mind one bit `

2011-08-28T16:20:00.006-05:00

....

it's sunday

i really need it to be sunday

slow

it's been a full summer

im not used to that

there has been so many good times this summer

there was something that was just difficult and so very hard...

i keep hoping to find the words to tell you about our friend

soon come though

with patience and prayer

maybe the words will find me

i actually felt a coolness in the air yesterday

today

licorice tea before bed last night

a simple pot of homemade chicken noodle soup for dinner tonight

hydrangeas for the vase

i noticed it's getting darker a bit sooner at night

autumn is near

and i don't mind one bit

good things ~

2011-08-26T19:09:00.002-05:00

....

"joy is what happens to us when we recognize how good things really are"

marianne williamson

august break

bread and flowers `

2011-08-24T10:53:00.002-05:00

....

"bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul"

the koran

thank you flower magazine

hoping you are well my friends

you are loved

august break

... to be beautiful

2011-08-23T10:38:00.004-05:00

....

evidence of last weeks anthropologie trip

along with a few journals i bought from a street vendor

; )

i find this video to be quite beautiful

august break

cuppa memories ...

2011-08-22T10:05:00.002-05:00

....

a day spent with friends

polish pottery

amazing blueberry and peach cobbler

french pressed coffee

the laughter of children

can you tell i adore photos with cups

i bet you can

: )

and my friend...

as she stood beside our teenagers

she pulled out photos of the day i gave birth our son

then of our daughter

tears

the memories

tears

then more laughter

i SO dig that

happy day my friends

good times ...

2011-08-21T08:25:00.001-05:00

....

such good times these summer days offer

nothing fancy

just

simple

goodness

have you stopped by the mortal muses blog

there's lots of fun going on

giveaway

{ending tonight}

be back later

on paper and such `

2011-08-18T09:43:00.004-05:00

....

such beautiful autumn wedding invites arriving in the mail

our summer days dwindling away

miles searching for tummy rubs

moleskin journals

books at bedtime

banana bread

morning light

signing off early this week

happy weekend my friends

sit a while `

2011-08-17T08:01:00.000-05:00

....

"never be afraid to sit a while and think"

lorainne hansberry, a raisin in the sun

august break

times like these `

2011-08-16T10:00:00.007-05:00

....

she greeted us with a smile

we were the only ones in the cafe

for most of the afternoon

a wine and coffee cafe

yes

we shared a bread and oil plate

ordered a bottle of sweet moscato

to balance the sea salt and olive oil

have i ever told you i like to play sommelier

{and if i see your table struggling w/ the wine list i will get my sommelier on for you too}

yeah man

sure do

big smile

we sat and talked through the rain and its storm

she brought us coffees and biscotti...

no charge she said

my heart swelled with gratefulness

it's times like these...

but alas

the hands of the clock continue to turn

the calendar pages sway

and that's just fine by me

wtsb

the word is touch

have you stopped over

"hippie chicks rule"

2011-08-15T02:00:00.001-05:00

....

yes it was love at first sight...

pink

bug

love

; )

my first post at mortal muses blog is up today

won't you come on in for a visit

say hello

the diner

2011-08-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

....

saturday morning at the diner

august break

big smile ... go!

2011-08-12T11:49:00.000-05:00

....

just wanted to stop in

wish you a most beautiful weekend

the mammogram and scan were just fine

a green light for

the dr. said

: )

you are loved

{thank you so much}

me burnt et + a fall book list `

2011-08-11T12:49:00.003-05:00

eh naw me burnt me dahm roll!
lol
sorry for the get down and dirty cheeseburger photo
i guess i am feeling a bit sassy
yeah man
*
we have gathered a fall book list for the teenagers

since many of you offered great suggestions

i thought i would share

catcher in the rye- j.d. salinger

the book thief- markus zusak

cruisers- walter dean meyers

heart of a sumari- margi preus
rooftops of tehran- mahbod seraji

finding alaska- john green

the house on mango street- sandra cisneros

invisible man- ralph ellison

dark emperor and other poems of the night- joyce sidman

(i find this book to be glorious. i might teach a poetry unit from it)

deep sigh for poetry

(some of these books are being revisited from last year)
i am so looking forward to it all
*
so i am going for a mammogram and scan tomorrow for the breast i had the biopsy on
that biopsy turned out fine...
they do a 6 month routine check up
so tomorrow i will be there
woot woot
let's do it!
lol
see it's the sassiness again
; )
will you keep me in your thoughts
+
prayers
?
palms clasped
thank you in advance
you are loved
*
`

wednesday ... in life `

2011-08-10T14:49:00.003-05:00

....

"...when i think of those sundays in the jardin de plantes,

i want to do things for people they never forget.

maybe that's the best i can do in life."

....

from the book~ "the secret lives of people in love"

simon van booy

a beautiful book and a colorful bracelet has been the cherry atop my wednesday

happy day my friends.

ps: gonna join in on the august break

life on a sunday`

2011-08-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

......

"life is not measured by the number of breaths we take

but by the moments that take our breath away"

maya angelou

dirty berries and dreams `

2011-08-04T09:54:00.003-05:00

......

on my way home

i passed the cutest road side fruit stand

"the last of the strawberries" she said with a smile

{i bought them all}

i could tell they were good

dirty and their flowers barely hanging on

a dirty berry will make a fine berry

at least that's what my grandmother always said

so i made more strawberry jam

very late last night

i couldn't sleep

and

after the bread came out of the oven

apparently no one else could sleep either

lol

deep sigh of love for the gathering that simple good cooking brings

after reading "the blue chair jam cookbook"

i tried keeping the strawberries whole...

and

it worked

: )

i finally got the thicker and stickier texture i love in a jam

but could never achieve with sliced berries

a good cooking down of the berries helped as well

jam making really is a form of art

and

i still dream of having award winning jam maker besides my name one day

oh no

i haven't given that dream up by any means

: )

what are your dreams

{?}

signing off early this week to finish up a project dear to my heart

happy weekend my friends

gathering this grey day`

2011-08-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

......

im in need of routine today

greedy of this silence that has found me this morning

prayer

knitting

patience

stapling papers

gathering books for a new school year

i keep researching high school history programs

but what about the reading

i'm in search of seven books for the teenagers to read this year

with only a few in mind

any ideas

although the heat reminds me summer is still here

the autumn calendar pages are open

filling quickly

thank you for the love

you show me

always

i am gathering this grey day by the armfuls

it slows things down for me

i dig that

such beautiful space over at wtsb

a most lovely day to you my friends

early morning sun and mortal muses ~

2011-08-01T07:59:00.001-05:00

......

there is an early morning sun

the coffee is smooth

a low chatter from the people in the shop

and my reading awaits me

but

this yellow wall

these dancing shadows of the chair...

it really is love

so i raise my lens

: )

are you well this morning?

i hope so

i have a happiness running deep inside of me

along with...

major bed head

pillow marks on my face

but

back to the happiness part

i am honored to be a new member of

mortal muses

yes indeed

i'm over the moon

palms clasped

thank you ladies for thinking of me

there is beautiful talent over there

and i hope to learn so much

gain some girl time

snap photos till my trigger finger begs for mercy

won't you stop over and say hello?

; )

big smile

you are loved

yes`

2011-07-31T09:17:00.002-05:00

......

i have used the word {yes} many times in the past few weeks

and it feels so good

a friend asked me out for coffee...

yes

hubby suggested a day trip...

yes

setting my alarm to watch the sunrise

{sure}

a yellow shirt on sale

{i never wear yellow}

okay!

iced coffee instead of hot coffee

why not

i have been away from my comfort zone

and i kind of love it

{smile}

how are you my dear friends?

happy sunday

sweet `

2011-07-25T20:56:00.003-05:00

........

i took a bit of time this past weekend

to go thrift shopping

some sweet scores

if i don't say so myself

i have wanted a pair of these old chinese scissors for a while now

i think it is the beautiful swoopy shapes of the handles

i love em

rust and all

my heart started beating faster

as i saw the pyrex refrigerator dish

with cover

swoon!

then the old...

and i mean old

beautiful

stack of gourmet magazines

love within each page

yes indeed

this little shopping trip was just what i needed since...

the family is taking turns

going through the cold i had

i am better

thank you for the b-day wishes

the get well wishes

my friends

i have three deadlines to meet by this weekend

and damn if i will complain

it's photography work

and

that's what i have wished for

; )

i know i haven't been round to comment much

but i see the beauty you are sharing

the light you are shining

will you leave a light on for me?

ima come visit you soon

you are loved

have a most gorgeous week

papaya and such~

2011-07-23T19:49:00.000-05:00

.........

watermelon

orange juice

raspberries

papaya

lazy

summer

days

closer`

2011-07-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

......

"some times you just have to let it go

leaving all my fears to burn down

push them all away so i can move on

closer to my dreams...

feel it all over my being

close your eyes and see what you believe..."
...

closer` goapele

a birthday... sniffle sniffle`

2011-07-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

............

slow going around here

my goodness it's hot

thank the heavens for central air

............

tomorrow is my birthday

but

alas

i am sick with a cold

the buttercream frosting will have to be put on hold

maybe for next week

it's okay though

i am enjoying the slow pace

the fever is gone

and so many good things are happening

i can't wait to share with you ; )

what i can share...

the movie "guess who's coming to dinner" on repeat

{oh mr. poitier ~ be still my heart}

fruit cups for dinner

reading

sleeping

reading

chicken and rice

ice pops

lots of tea

have a beautiful day my friends

hope to be back before the week is done

you are loved

; )

peach picking and the weekend~

2011-07-15T11:19:00.002-05:00

"One day I would have all the books in the world, shelves and shelves of them.

I would live my life in a tower of books. I would read all day long and eat peaches.

And if any young knights in armor dared to come calling on their white chargers and plead with me to let down my hair, I would pelt them with peach pits until they went home."

jacqueline kelly~ the evolution of culpurina tate

{insert really big smile here}

a most beautiful weekend to you my friends

enchant me~

2011-07-13T21:27:00.001-05:00

i did a lot of clearing the clutter today

this made me happy

as i was bundling up old magazines and catalogs

i found this old catalog that was filled with inspiration

i just couldn't help but photograph it

just the way my eyes see it

after 7pm no less

the longer summer days agree with me

the light of these summer days enchant me

happy summer days
`