Shop with a sense of goodness

Found this awesome little vintage resale shop tonight. They buy and sell the coolest vintage funky stuff. Clothes, hats, shoes, jewelry purses, suit cases. It was eclectic eye candy. My friend bought her teen age daughter the most awesome boots and pea coat. Greaaat prices. you feel hip just walking in there. I am going back tomorrow. its Pay day :) and what is really great is they ask you if you want a bag and if you don't, you pull out a paper coin and put it in the charity of your choice and they donate the cost of a bag to the charity. AND they give you a free really cool reusable bag and free calender. Makes you feel like you did the world a favor and you leave with a smile and a sense of goodness in your heart. Its called "Buffalo Exchange." New and recycled fashion. See if you have one in your city.

Excellence

Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. - John W Gardner

Give Thanks

A Day to Give Thanks.

Give thanks! For this year. For the new friends, the old and true friends . The days of bliss. The treasures each day holds, the nights of peace, the sun upon your face. For the days of fall. For your health, For your blessings, for your family, For your job, For your opportunities, For your freedom, your love, your life.

Give thanks, Give thanks, Give thanks

Have A blessed Thanksgiving and Give Thanks

Love Life?

Dost thou love life?

Then do not squander Time, for that is the stuff life is made of. - Benjamin franklin

The weathered life

Don't ask me why but I have and always will be drawn to the worn, chipped, distressed. I found these doors at a flea market. To some, these doors are old and worthless, but to me, I hit the jackpot. $10 for both. As I placed these items on this table I had to say they are all shabby. This statue has been broken twice and glued back together, I just couldn't part with it. This pumpkin has been battered and dropped several times during moves, but I love it. This wonderful little plant, I bought it for a dollar because they were getting rid of it. It was tattered and had no blooms. Look at it now. It is that much more beautiful to me. I mean are we not all battered and shabby at some point in life? We all have a story. Bruises,scratches, heartache. But beauty lies deep inside and with a little love and care, we too bloom. Take care of those who are struggling right now. from each bump, bruise and scratch comes forth such strength and beauty. come along side and help a friend or family member during a rough time.

A weathered life is a beautiful life.

Beautiful Moments

So my husband ran into the grocery store last night to grab a few things for dinner. He came out excited. He said guess what I got? Mexican hot chocolate. We can drink hot chocolate outside tonight with blankets and candles( his idea?!). So after dinner I set up the ambiance for our romantic evening. Made the hot chocolate, threw out some quilts on our chairs, lit the candles and the rod iron chandelier. We turned off all the lights in the house and sat in our jammies sipping our hot chocolate by candlelight on our patio. (Is this the guy I married? We've come a long way.) A cherished moment kind of evening.

So I could end this post there and pretend it was this perfect romantic, cherished moment evening. But there is something more beautiful then living in a perfect moment. Its the beauty of a REAL authentic, imperfect moment.

As I as snapping pictures of the whole event trying to capture the greatness of it for my blog, he rested his head back for just a few seconds. And to my surprise ... he began to snore! I had to smile. I enjoyed my evening sipping my hot chocolate with the sweet music of snoring against the quiet of the night. Truely more beautiful then I had anticipated. Life is full of those imperfect,authentic,real moments. That's what makes life so beautiful.

There is no such thing as the perfect life or perfect people. The real beauty is in those imperfect moments.

Green Apples

I think photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it.

I love green apples. I specifically purchased these green apples because I thought they were lovely. I wanted to take picture of them. I once taught kinder in a small private school. A particular child kept coming to my desk and just standing nxt to me. I asked him to sit down several times in the midst of multi tasking everything else I had to do in my busy morning. I finally turned to him and asked why he was just standing there. He simply stated that I smelled good... like..like... A Green Apple. I had to laugh. He made my day.

So what do you find lovely in this world? Today, stop and take notice.

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