Starfish, Saltwater, Sand, & Sea~

I grew up in California, in beautiful San Diego. It's been quite awhile since I've lived there, but lately I've been missing the sea. The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, the warm sand squishing between my toes, and the great organic sandwiches from a deli in Del Mar. One summer in particular, my dear friend and I made a pact to go to the beach every single day of summer! (I think it was really all about the sandwiches). It is my recollection that our mission was accomplished! Of course, this was between our junior and senior year in high school when life was pretty carefree, and I could eat was ever I wanted and still remain a beanpole. We didn't care about the effects of the sun on our skin (my nose peeled about 40 times!), we didn't worry about anything except which one of us would be driving to the beach the next day. It was a wonderful time! And as season winds down...can you recollect one perfect & defining summer you spent in your youth? I am keeping this memory, and celebrating each and every new day. Blessings~

Happy Friday All~

Whew! That week went by quickly didn't it? Just a quick note to wish you a wonderful weekend filled with laughter and joy~and Inspiration. Blessings~

~Winter White~

Good Morning Friends! All done! This quilt is made with a soft white nubby woven cotton fabric that has the most wonderful linen look! The back is a burlap colored ticking which was sewn in a basket-weave. I love the way it accentuates the poofy seams. I hand sewed 56 vintage buttons, one in the center of each square. It has a very tonal & peaceful quality, the only thing missing is the hammock and a box of Bon Bons! Today, I wish you inspiration! Blessings~

~Dog Days~

Whew! It's so hot---the dog won't run! Good Morning all~Check out this ol' girl! Since moving out to the country last year, I've noticed a wonderful change in Freeway. She's so mellow and calm..shepherds are really not known for m-e-l-l-o-w. At least this one wasn't. For the first 6 years she ran circles around me literally, and was so busy all of the time. Now of course she's getting older, but finally the contentment has kicked in..(thank you Lord) She goes outside, and roams around for a while, visits the neighbor dogs, looks for squirrels and rabbits, and then she comes back and lays on the porch. About once every two hours a car goes by, it's the neighbors going to their horses, and then the horses go by...and she lays...then it's time to come in for a cookie...she goes back out and lays...What a life~what a time~the dog days of summer.

Pale Pink & White~Happy Monday All!

Hello Friends~I spent a busy and productive weekend completing this rag quilt, adding to my lavender farm, and cooking fresh food (nothing processed), meals for hubby & I.

As it has been so hot here with humidity in the 80's and 90's, my husband stayed in and took a rest in the afternoons. We had SO much fun watching old movies, the Odd Couple was one. I just love Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheu (sp?) GREAT! Even though I've seen it a dozen times, I can't help but giggle with the "Coo Coo Pidgeon Sisters!"

After finishing and listing the rag quilt above, which is one of my all time favorites, I began a new linen look quilt with a soft French theme. These sweltering days give me a wonderful excuse to stay in and actually get something done in my shop. I have really enjoyed working outside this year, planning and planting. I purchased the book, "Tasha Tudor's Garden" and I was so inspired by her beautiful landscaping! I wish I could have known her, and would like to plan a trip to see her rustic home and magnificent gardens.

Today...shopping, quilting, laundry and healthy meal preparation are on my list. Do you write a list for yourself? I find that with a list I get so much more accomplished. Without a list...well let's just say I'm all over the place and everything is half done! Well, off to my list. Bless you all on this beautiful Monday!

Miss H is in full bloom right outside my door~ What a sight to behold~
Wishing you a beautiful weekend! I'm off to the farmer's market this morning for my weekly bounty. Blessings~

~A Wonderful Surprise...A Beautiful Gift~

How blessed am I? I just received this Gorgeous gift in the mail from Sweet Tammy of The Quintessential Keeper. I have long followed Tammy's blog, and have admired her Beautiful,and Skillful handiwork. I feel so fortunate to now, at last, have one her magnificent original Pillows gracing my own home. It couldn't have matched my guestroom more perfectly! Filled with Lavender, and Oh So Fragrant, this Rose Victorian piece has quickly become the "Apple of my Eye!" Thank you Sweet Tammy, I will treasure it always! Stop by Tammy's blog and view more of her Fab creations. Thank you again Tammy~I just love the pillow~and I am so very touched that you thought of me. Blessings

~...On a Wing and a Prayer~

The farmers are busy at work here in the country. Spraying, fertilizing, the last tending to until fall. Cool picture though eh? Hubs and I have to get up early to travel about an hour for hubby's knee surgery. Wish us Luck!!! Hugs, over and out!

~Shabby Pink Sweetness~

Hello Friends~I've been busy all morning in my studio...mostly cleaning out the cobwebs..it's been so long that I've actually worked in there! Oh well, I'm BACK! Here's a cute little booty Ornie for my EBAY shop. Isn't she darling? I just love pink Squiggle Chenille!
The weather remains the same-humid, rainy, overcast! But it's so nice to be busy and creating again. It seems sometimes I am so uninspired, and then-all of a sudden I'm BAAACK!! It's so good to be back. Hugs~

Gearing Up for Strong Thunderstorms!

Happy Monday morning friends~
We are headed for a rocky day here in Iowa! Strong thunderstorms on the horizon mean very little internet access for me. So quickly....a little smile for you. Isn't this the cutest picture you have seen? I love it. I wish that I knew who took this amazing picture as I would love to accredit them. Whoever you are...THANKS for the SMILE!!
Hugs and Blessings~

Supremes de Volaille aux Champignons!

Hello friends!
In my previous post I wrote to you about a wonderful book that I was reading about the life of Julia Child, "My Life In France." This book inspired me to try one of her recipes! Since this book has no recipes, I found one of her recipes online. Supremes de Volaille aux Champignons (Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Cream.) I know what you are thinking....and NO this is NOT DIET FOOD! But it was the most incredible dinner I've had in a very long time. It looked so beautiful I even took a picture of it. Of course with my limited photography skills it didn't turn out well(it was yellowed) so then I tried to photoshop it a bit (another skill in which I am sorely lacking) and this is the best I could do. But I wanted to share with you the fablous meal we had last night. I shopped at the farmers market in the morning so everything was fresh! I served the chicken with swiss chard, steamed and tossed with olive oil and fresh pressed garlic. A slice of homemade wheat bread on the side. What a great meal! Now my goal is to locate a first addition of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" as I discovered that I loved the process of putting together a meal worth the effort! And truly it wasn't difficult. Chicken breasts, shallots, mushrooms, wine, lemon, cream, parsley and beef stock. A little olive oil as well. Today a salad! I ate only 1/2 of a chicken breast, and all of the greens. I was full and very, very satisfied. What a GREAT meal! Nothing processed-nothing canned-just REAL food. I found the recipe on Janet Keeler's Fabulous Blog Tampabay.com