The Gardener's Morning

The Gardener's Morning

by Howard Dolf

The robin's song at daybreak is a clarion call to me.

Get up and get out in the garden,

for the morning hours flee.

I cannot resist the summons,

what earnest gardener could?

For the golden hours of morning

get into a gardener's blood.

The magic spell is upon me,

I'm glad that I did not wait;

For life's its best in the morning,

as you pass through the garden gate.

Have a blessed day~

Wrapped in His Love

School started for my kids this past Tuesday.  My son loaded his car and mine and we made the trip to his apartment on campus.  He starts his junior year of college and my daughter started her junior year of high school.

My daughter, the organized, everything has a certain order, life is best lived a certain way, not one for surprises or unexpected changes in routine, was feeling a bit anxious about her first day.  I wanted to remind her of the one she can depend on when she's in school and stressed and I found these wonderful sandwich wrappers here.

I have quite a busy schedule for the next few days.  A wedding this weekend as well as a big luncheon at the farm.  I watched the most beautiful tent get put up at the farm today.  I also watched my stress level raise as I looked at all the things that must be accomplished in the next 72 hours and felt that familiar knot in my chest.  That pang of doubt, that nasty little voice that says you'll never get it all done, you're just not good enough.  Well, I thought, I don't have to be good enough because I know the One who is and who can see me through it all.  So I place the next 72 hours in His capable hands and I'll follow His lead because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil.4:13

With joy, 

Y-U-M-M-Y!

I made cupcakes, wow are they bright!

Is there such a thing as too much pink?

This is my go to book for cupcakes.

I always make vanilla with vanilla buttercream frosting.

I saved one for you!

Smiles,

Fun at the Diner~

When our friends, Debbie and Paul, call and ask us to come over for a cook-out, we don't say no.  We never say no.  Going to their house is always fun, always special and the main thing served is love and laughter.

Recently they put a diner in the basement of their home.  An authentic diner, complete with a picture of Elvis! 

The details are amazing, right down to the napkin holders and tableware.  Each piece was planned with the idea of how to best serve their guests.  

The group of people that came yesterday are quite special to me.  It's the group of people that have been there for each other for many years.  We've seen each other through some difficult times and have been joyful together through celebratory times.

We're quick to help each other when needed and lovingly call each other out when we need that too.  These are the people that know the good, the bad and the ugly and love you anyway.

The common thread that ties us all together is our love for Jesus.  Rare is a conversation that doesn't involve God and his plan for our lives.  Christ is the driving force behind all we do, the foundation of our individual lives and the foundation of our friendship.

We shared good food, enjoyed watching our young adult children make sundaes for everyone.  Observed a competitive game of bocce ball with our husbands and talked of life over a bonfire.

my daughter and her sweetie

We showed our children how richly blessed we are, how thankful we are for one another and left happy and content.  Thank you Lord, for the good gifts you bring us in the people you place in our lives.

Joyfully,

Sunday Scripture

Photo found here

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you

while you may be found;

surely when the mighty waters rise,

they will not reach him.

You are my hiding place;

you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:1-7

In Him,

Little Stitching

In need of some birthday gifts, I decided to make some mug rugs.  I have not made these yet.  My first foray into the craze that hit the quilting world this past year.  

I've read that they can be very addicting to make and now I can see why.  What a wonderful use for scraps.  Theme possibilities are endless.

Top it off with a matching mug and you have a cute present.  You can add a small bag of tea or coffee or put a gift card in the mug.  Very fun!

Smiles,

Antiquing Left Me With...

a vintage fan to clip pictures on,

a Claire Murray rug,

vintage party lovelies,

and some vintage wedding goodness!

It was a good day!

Smiles,