Finding Pretty

I managed to find time to stop at a sale the other day between wedding duties.  I picked up this folding laundry basket and pretty quilt.

I've always wanted one of these laundry baskets.  It conjures up images of hanging sheets on the line in a pretty house dress.  Can we bring back those dresses, please?  I snatched this one up for $4.00

The quilt is a whole cloth quilt.  It is not pieced but is printed on the fabric and then has some intricate quilting throughout.  I love the aqua with the red.  It needs a little tender loving care, but will make the perfect quilt for napping on the porch.  It was only $10.00, I knew it was coming home with me.

Smiles,

Wedding Three of the Season

A person could not have ordered a better day for a wedding on Saturday.  The weather was sunny, mild and in the 70's.  This day came on the heels of 60 degree weather and rain.

240 guests were expected and set up went off like clock work.  After you get ready for a few of these, you develop a system and things run pretty smoothly.  I really wanted to show you a picture of the new barn kitties but since they aren't used to people, they scampered every time they saw me.  I'm going to let you look at the pictures now and I'll meet you at the last photo!

I get the biggest chuckle out of this photo.  These two brothers were seated in the very last row, positioned between two adults.  They sat very still and didn't utter a word.  I can just imagine the conversation that took place in the car on the way to the wedding, can't you?

Blessings,

Sunday Scripture

Art found here

"As Jesus was walking the beside the Sea of Galilee,

he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his

brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the

lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me,"

Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

At once they left their nets and followed him."

Matthew 4:18&19

Joyfully,

Pretty Cakes

This weekend there is a big barn sale happening at my friend, Diane's house.  I told her I would bake some cupcakes for our local animal rescue who will host a bake sale during the event.  I saw these cupcakes on sweet Kathy's blog and knew I had to give it a try.

My daughter did most of the decorating of the cupcakes.  We used the colors we had on hand, but I like Kathy's red ones much better.  It was fun to sit and talk with Maddie while we worked on them.  Another special moment from our maker's hand.  Pretty Dahlia cakes.  Almost too pretty to eat...almost!

With joy,

The Things That Matter

I had one of those days yesterday that I know I will be remembering in the years to come.  One of those rare moments when God allows us to know that there is really something special going on.  My son, Taylor, and I went to visit his Grammie to help her build a rustic garden arch from some trees that she had taken down.  I thoroughly enjoyed my two hour trip with him in the car as we talked and laughed and talked some more.  

He really is growing into quite a fine young man.  He didn't even need our help at all.  We stepped back and let him take over the building of it.  I was so pleased to see his twenty year old mind in action, planning and sawing, and figuring it all out.  Now it's ready for grapevine to be woven through it to give it some texture.

One of my favorite parts of the day was sitting down for lunch and listening to Taylor and Grammie talk about hiking in the mountains.  Taylor has just gotten back from a trip to Montana and Martha has been a hiker for many years.  He is just developing this love of hiking and Martha has loved doing it herself.  They both "got" each other, while I sat and listened, thankful for the moment.

We just let life get too busy.  I was reminded how precious time is with the ones you love.  We all have things we have to do, should do, don't need to do.  It's good to do a bit of weeding out in our schedules.  Perhaps with a little more open space we can let God plan some special times for us.

Once the arch was up and I stepped back to look at it, it looked like it belonged there, as if it had been waiting to land in that spot.  I guess it had been.  I think of how easily we could have missed the opportunity if we decided we had been too busy to go.  I wonder how many things I've missed that God had planned to bless me with.  I've got some thinking to do on this one.  Asking God to give you a special blessing today!

Joyfully,

Sewing Christmas

I can't believe this is our sixth installment of "Sewing Christmas".  Where has the year gone?  I want to share with you some ideas for books that you could purchase for your favorite crafter/sewer.  My newest purchase is "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Anni Downs.  I just love her charming patterns and use of embroidery and applique.  

I can't say enough about this book, "Fresh Fabric Treats" by the Moda Bake Shop Designers.  Besides the fabulous photography, it really has a nice variety of projects and allows you to try your hand at different aspects of sewing and quilting that you may have not tried before.  This is a good book to start at the beginning and make every single project inside.  You would not be disappointed in any of them.

The last book to share is "Simplify" by Camille Roskelley.  I have already made two quilts out of this book and know that I will come back to it again when I'm looking for a quick gift or a more modern look for a quilt.  I highly recommend this one.

I would love to know your current favorite quilt books and as always, if you would like to share an idea for Christmas please use the link below.  Blessings!

Joyfully,

Sunday Scripture

image found here

"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,

do not let them out of your sight;

they will be life to you,

an ornament to grace your neck.

Then you will go on your way in safety,

and your foot will not stumble;

when you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Proverbs 3:21-24

Happy Father's Day!

With joy,

For Today

The garden is all a hum this morning.  This dragonfly sat still for me, as if he liked his picture taken.  Maybe it was the scent of the rose that kept him there.

It's always a delight when the delphinium blooms.  I love blue in the garden.  This year is it's best show to date.

My little Cardinal baby has moved off with it's mother.  This is my last photo of him.  The last time I saw him he was clear across the yard following his mama's voice.  I love it.

A quick shot of a project to show you.  I have a couple of very special ones I'm working on that I can't wait for you to see.  Off to the wedding!  Have a great day!

Hugs,

Farm Day

It's a big day at the farm.  We are setting up for a wedding tomorrow.  We'll be expecting 300 guests.  I woke up to sunshine and did what every farm girl does, chose and ironed her apron for the day, one with pockets for cell phone and keys.

Then off to eat breakfast and collect two of the most important workday items ~ bug spray and sunscreen.  On my way I'll run through the drive-in for a large 1/2 sweet tea & 1/2 regular tea (now you know my can't-live-without-on-the-job-drink).

I pause to touch the pretty towel I bought recently and to think about all the buzz and hum of happy plans that will go on today.  I wonder how the bride and groom are doing with their stress level.  Better stop and pray for them.

Later I'll put together something yummy with this pairing but for now I'll wish all of you a great day and many blessings!

Smiles,

Dreaming

The Lettered Home

Beautiful Details Wed

6 Miles

Sweet Jane

Precious Pastimes

Stories & Divinations

Feeling the colors of summer through Etsy today.  Such a dangerous place to browse, I'm going to walk away from my computer now!  Blessings!

With joy,

Summer Thoughts

wheelbarrow from recent barn sale

How are you settling into the summer?  For me, it's snuck up on me and I'm having some difficulty balancing the regular work load with the addition of weeding and mowing and kids.  I'm enjoying the warmer weather but suddenly can't remember what I wore last summer and wondering what I did with my clothes from last year?

loving my double-bloom begonia

Children at home always add an interesting element to the summer mix.  There are places to go and friends to see and my routine doesn't stay the same or fit into their plans.

picture of Maddie snapped after church

But I wouldn't trade this time for anything.  We spent the evening reading on the porch, drinking lemonade and watching the Mama Cardinal protect her young.  Dinner was steaks on the grill with fresh asparagus, green beans and corn.  Soon there will be fireflies lighting the night sky.

evening primrose closing in the morning

Today I'm going to try and get some quilting in but my husband is home and the sunshine is calling, so we'll see how far I get.  Blessings!

Smiles,