A Full Heart

First snowfalls are always iffy.  We tend to forget how to drive in the snow when we haven't done it in a few months.  The drive to deliver the cake went well, it was the drive home that about did me in.  Somewhere along the way there must have been an accident because I crawled along the highway at 5 mph for a good hour, in a snow storm, in the dark.  I have to tell you though, I would do it again just to see his face light up.  This picture was taken when his friends were singing to him.  I am so proud of the man he is becoming.  My heart is just not big enough to hold the love I have for him, so I'll place this love in God's hands and be forever grateful that he chose me to be Taylor's Mom.

With joy,

Miss Potter

I just watched, again, one of my favorite movies, "Miss Potter" the story of Beatrix Potter played by Renee Zellweger.  I love everything about it, from the clothes to the animation and of course the love story.

I have always enjoyed her precious children's books.  Every little creature she draws speaks volumes to me.  I have  had a fascination with mice since I was very small.  This fascination has carried over into a small collection of mice.  I even have tiny mice that roam in my dollhouse in my dining room.

It's about this time of year when I daydream about putting a little play house in my back yard and planting a story book garden, one that Peter Rabbit would be happy to visit.

I love this picture because of the sewing implements.  This little mouse looks perplexed as he studies the patterns, I can relate to that more often than not.

The colors of Beatrix Potter's illustrations are just dreamy.  I have a feeling that it won't be long before the movie is back in my DVD player.  Have a joyful day!

Smiles,

Pretty Little Memories

I have been feeling very sentimental about my children lately.  I've been missing my son who's away at college.  My daughter is a teen now and no longer do we have American Girl dolls laying around or miniature tea sets half filled with water on the floor.  I have a love of children's items and the other day when I was in the storage room I saw her little kitchen set she used to play with.  I decided to move a couple of pieces of it out to the porch.

The preschool that she went to had this set and decided to get rid of it.  I just had to cover the florescent yellow paint and of course, shabby it up a bit.  I think I will fill the sink with flowers, add some embroidered tea towels and make a little rug to anchor the area around it.

I'm still looking for the play food, but was able to find this little beauty.  It appears it's my turn to play with the kitchen, at least until grandchildren arrive someday.  Until then, want to play kitchen with me?

Blessings & Hugs,

My Favorite Illustrator

I'm going to share a secret with you today.  Deep down, way inside, I dream of being a children's book illustrator.  Many years ago I was an art major, quit because I was lazy, got my degree in something else and have regretted it ever since.  I am most drawn to the illustrations of Jane Dyer.

I found Jane's books, "Talking Like Rain," (to name just one) when my children were small and I have collected her books ever since.  There is an honesty and whimsy about her paintings that just draw me in, as if it is perfectly normal for a little bird with a yellow shirt on to sit on your shoulder while two bunnies and a lamb help you make cookies!

Or to have tiny little elves help you prepare breakfast in the morning while Mom looks on like this happens every day.

This picture reminds me so much of Kristen Nicholas' blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm because she put hand-knit sweaters on her baby lambs, (I'm not kidding, go take a peek - adorable!)

No matter how old I get, as long as Jane Dyer keeps paintings these pictures, I will keep collecting her books.  Who is your favorite illustrator or children's book author?

Joyfully,