My favorite blogs

sadieolive.com

frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com

dreamywhites.blogspot.com

bushelandapeck.typepad.com

heatherbullard.typepad.com

kaseybuick.com

lebutiksofie.blogspot.com

People ask me all the time, what is a blog? when I tell them I have a blog. Unlike facebook it is a whole world of wonder, and once you enter the blog world, I can guarantee you will never ever return and wonder why you never knew there was such a wondrous world out there. These are my top favorite blogs I read daily, for inspiration. These ladies are so creative and inspirational and great photographers.Most of them have online boutiques and are involved in various creative outlets. I almost hesitate sharing because you will not want to go back to mine after you see these, You will be amazed! So sit back, grab a cup of tea and see ya in a couple hours or days. Your world will broaden and your eyes and heart will be filled with joy and inspiration.

Happy Weekend

An "It Is Well" moment

Driving home today I was struck with such a sense of peace in my soul. My heart welled with gratefulness. An "it is well" moment. I am just grateful for what I have. A husband, a family and friends, a job, a home, a church, ability to create, moments to cherish. Family to love. I find each day I am alive an inspiration .

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. -Thorton Wilder

A chocolate experience

Ok, so I must tell you about this cupcake.The other day we were at Barnes and Noble and I got this craving. For chocolate. So I went up to the Starbucks counter with my heart set on the Godiva chocolate cheese cake that I already know is "to die for." But today was a cup-cake-kinda-day. This one in particular was calling my name. I wondered ... Would it be as good as I know the cheesecake was? and ...Oh My, to my surprise, it was awesome. Mind you, I am not a processed food dessert girl. I would much rather make a cup-cake than buy one, so I know exactly what is going in it. but this, this... was beyond good. So decadent.The frosting was so luscious and creamy tantalizing my taste buds as it melted in my mouth. I took my sweet time, savoring every bite. An experience I knew I would need to share. Next time you are in a Starbucks, try the cup-cake! you wont be disappointed. I love chocolate.

I am not overweight. I am chocolate-enriched :)

Hopeless Romantic

Just finished watching Sleepless In Seattle. One of my favorite movies ever. Most of us women can relate. It is truly as chick flick in which brings out the romantic longing in each of us. I love love this movie. Particularly the part when Sam's (Tom Hank) sister is telling him about the movie "An affair to remember"(another good movie) and she cries while explaining it, and the men just 'don't get it?' ...and when Annie (Meg Ryan) is up at the top of the empire state building in New York, taking a moment and Jonah and his father(Tom Hanks) show up. when Annie and Sam's eyes meet, "they Know" and when they touch hands... it's like... "Magic" I love it. I am a die hard romantic and I can watch that movie over and over. I am 100% female and love it. Yes I cry at movies and I am not ashamed to say so. Once I had to stand up and sob at a movie we were watching. My husband was in shock, almost bewildered. He let me have my moment. I finished and then I was ok. I had to laugh later (at his expression. I can still see it!)

So go ahead ladies, relish in the fact that we are wired different and have a whole set of emotions that are foreign to our male counter parts. And it's OK. Celebrate it :)

Welcome November

There is something about November. It says Illuminate....Holiday....Celebrate. The cool brisk air is refreshing and brings about rejuvenation to a weary soul. We are reminded to open our hearts and express our gratitude for what we do have on the day of Thanksgiving. family gatherings,friends and loved ones. We are blessed. Love fills our atmosphere, blowing warmth into our hearts that brings forth joy.

So why waste thanksgiving for just one day? Celebrate a thankful attitude all month long. Focus this month on what you are grateful for. Give thanks. Express your gratitude to God and others in your life whom have made your life brighter. Each day grow more and more grateful :)

A Perfect October Ending

To end the month, we had a "Gathering." I had to bring out the details that made a get together splendid.

I just found this treasure, My coca cola tin ( in cream and white!) at the flea market yesterday morning. for $3.00. what a deal. And I dug these ikea lanterns out of boxes in my garage and cleaned them up to hang.

I made carmel apple's

We had a fire pit that brought light and warmth, not to mention coziness.

Chairs and quilts to sit and be comfy as our trick or treater's came by.

We passed out hot dogs, bottled water, glow bracelets and candy. As our small guests stopped I snapped this shot of their sweet pumpkins. Too cute.

We all dressed up so of course Bella boo had to dress too. She has never known a stranger, so each was greeted with licks and kisses. Except the kitty kitties. They were promptly escorted off the premises.

Another sweet end to a lovely evening with friends and loved ones. A perfect October ending.

An Ended Chapter

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matter's compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today was a bit emotional for me. I closed my rent spot at homestead handcrafts. My husband and I had talked about it and though it was enjoyable, I decided to try some different avenues of expressing myself. As we went to pack up all my precious little treasures and take down my sweet homemade Booth I was more emotional then I thought I'd be. It had become such a part of my artistic expression. I will miss it. Sometimes knowing when to move on can be difficult. But I march on to new idea's and endeavours as this chapter has ended.

The house you love inside

I Love the song "Give me the simple life" by Louie Armstrong. It goes like this:

Folks are blest who make the best of everyday...everyone beneath the sun must find their way..."Give me the simple life".... a cottage small is all I'm after, not one spacious and wide...The house that rings with joy and laughter, the one you love inside...

I love that. We just moved into a small house. its not grand or huge. It is small, sweet. Has lots of windows & we filled it with lots of love :)

A house is made of brick and stone but only Love can make it home.

Man at Work

I had to capture this labor in action so I snapped these from inside my house, with out his knowledge. My husband looked like he was so into his mans work, (although I secretly enjoy mowing, Ill never tell. How could deprive him of his share of the chores?) Though I did suggested he change before he started, he insisted on wearing what he had on. So here he is in all his glory. Look at those muscles...that form. Such skill. Does he look like he is in pain? He did break a toe, we think... should I be helping him???...... Oh he's done :)

Happy Monday

Walk on Earth

The miracle is not to fly in the air, or walk on water, but to walk on earth. - Chinese proverb

Life is not for the weak, and true living takes great courage. Life and all its ebbs and flow has great meaning and blessings each day. Through our trial's we can choose to grow wisdom and strength or harbor bitterness. And in our great joy we can choose to keep it to our ourselves or spread love and blessings to others. It All has great purpose in who we are to become. How will you choose to "walk the earth?"

BLESSINGS as you journey on :)

Shabby chic

A little inspiration. Rachele Ashwell

My house and each thing in it is an expression of who I am. Before I move into any place I envision the place I will create. I am consumed with it dream about it. I want my home to say, Welcome guest, you are special, come sit back, take off your shoes,have a pillow, have a blanket. I want my home to be a haven of peace and shelter from the outside world. I want my guest to leave feeling like they just received a great big hug and know it is always an open door. Ive always enjoyed decorating but it took a while to adapt a style I was comfortable with. One that was fully me. A style that you could walk into my house and think "Oh this is who she is. Ever since I can remember Rachele Ashwell has been my inspiration. She has English roots and her style is very sweet, clean, white and laid back. She IS Shabby chic. Her web site is shabbychic.com and has stores in Los Angeles and New york and recently opened a new store in London, her new line is called Shabby chic couture. Take a peek. That website is rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com It is a must see.

Beauty

IM BACK ! Finally got my internet connected in my new home. In the time my blog-world was unavailable to record and express myself, I found that I am secretly addicted to blogging. I must share my thoughts, my pictures, my view on this journey we travel. Blogging has become my outlet and my voice.It has taught me to see there is beauty in everyday and to share with others that finding your Bliss and seeing beauty is a choice. One that needs to be excersized daily.

Well just because I havent had my canvas to express myself , doesn't mean I haven't been filled with joy. Finding my private bliss in each and everyday. It has become such a passion. To share how a perspective on life can turn your world upside down and cause an explosion of joy into your world. Ok Im "rambling" but only because I am so happy to be back online.

I found this beautiful picture in a magazine and knew it needed to be shared. So simple but so amazingly beautiful.

Find it, wherever you are... Beauty. It is all around you. In a moment, In words spoken to you, in nature, in a kind gesture, in our laughter... Take note, Record it, share it . . . . Savor it.

Find your Bliss in everyday :)

Moving

Finally moving. Though our plans were to move next month, this is as good as anytime.The moment we got word on the house we hit the ground running. So the race begins. Box's, organizing, deposits, keys, transferring services, cutting off services, uhaul rental... packing, packing and packing. Though I will miss the great area we live in, so quaint and unique, I will not miss all that comes along with an old house. Ready to move on. Though its not the first house we've had It is defiantly my favorite. More space and a back yard again. I'm beyond excited. So moving right along. Next post will be of our new place...After I transfer our Internet services.(Oops forgot that one.)

Have a Blessed Weekend:)

October's Party

Ah, Sweet Autumn! There is nothing like the first cool days to start the fall season. So fresh and welcome after a hot summer. I was beyond excited as I stepped out of the door this morning, The cool brisk air exhilerated my soul to its core. I love love love the Fall. It awakens all my senses and reminds me that seasons change. What ever challenges you may be going through in life, it will pass. This is a new day. Embrace the new season, make things new, breathe in new life to an old situation. Now is the time. Make those changes you need to make in life and move forward :)

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party

A "Dessert-kind-of-week"

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not! - Author unknown

This was a key lime pie purchased thursday night at Josheps bakery. Taken to work friday and shared.

This was a dessert shared by my husband and I at dinner wednesday night. Though I try not to eat dessert everyday for fear of those extra pounds, I let loose this week. It was a particularly stressful week. From a broken washer, waiting on being approved for a house we really wanted, taking my dog to the vet, and seeing my first paycheck(!), I needed a quick stress relief and dessert seemed to do the trick! Then with a sound clear mind I let it all go. The control or lack of control over my circumstances. Sent up a prayer and decided to be thankful for what I do have. I chose to enjoy the journey, the good as well as the stressful. I had so much more peace towards the end of the week. Life is what it is and I am grateful for each day.

On friday evening after 2wks of waiting for the repair man, our washer was fixed, Got a call from the realtor, we were approved for the house, my dog is better and, well... I enjoy my job and the kids make it worth while. All is well.

Have a Dessert kind of weekend. Enjoy :)

Sofies Haus

A new blog I stumbled upon. Candy for your eyes. The pictures are beautiful. Take a peek. lebutiksofie.blogspot.com

Central Market

So much to see at Central Market. Snapped a few pic's as I ran through the other night. Alexander farms garden roses. Sound's so "oo la la."

Homemade soap. So pretty and they smell wonderful.

Fall candles, in Autumn shades. makes me want to go drink a pumkin spice chai.

Speaking of Central Market, my friend had this beside her couch when I went over the other day. I had to take a picture. Cigar boxes, great idea, Sandy Wheeler! She eventually wants to put plexi glass on top and connect them all through the bottom. She got all of these at central market for cheap! Great up-cycle project.

Happy Saturday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend ;)

The Way We See

I have noticed that since I have now been working full-time again, It takes a conscious effort to notice the beauty around me. I realize it is going to take a decision to not let go of the way I have been viewing the world when I had all the time in the world. I am not willing to let go of this creative voice, the observation of the simple and beauty around me each day and vow to stay true to "finding my bliss in an ordinary day." Though I may not blog each day I will choose to see the beauty, take pictures to capture the extraordinary in every day and continue to share with my readers that "life is beautiful" and each day we are given is a gift.

To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them. - Elliot Erwitt

send Up a prayer

My sister, Laura jean, had surgery two weeks ago to remove a lump behind her ear. The surgery was successful and the lump was removed and not cancerous. What a releif. They did have to cut the vargus cord during the first surgery. She is very strong and very brave. Though she has gone through some other health issues in her life, she continues to have so much strength, joy and faith.I share this because I would like prayer for her as she goes through another surgery next friday. They will go in and work on her vocal cords. She can only speak just above a whisper and is having difficulty swallowing. Please send up a little prayer for her on friday. Thank you :)

Life is fragile, handle with prayer