Out and about

Exploring the beauty of summer around the yard, I was reminded of the joy my plants bring. My granddaughter loved the texture. Her little fingers are so sweet. 

We looked around at the blooms, leaning in to smell. A surprise lily popping up with purple and white to brighten up the landscape. 

Blueberries are blooming with small berries showing up. 

We drove around the back roads just to get out. The day was so clear and the sky blue. I had to stop and take a picture of this old building. 

We did get out to walk some trails and have a snack. 

Oh I can’t wait for our state to open up

Hope your day is great

Di

Ironstone Redo

I was cleaning our garage and took the plate rack into the house to take pictures for posting to sale. As I held it up on the counter, I thought I should style it with some ironstone. Well, one thing lead to another and pretty soon a redo was on. 

I had painted the shelf with Anne Sloane Chalkpaint, Napoleonic Blue. I love how it goes with my print and ironstone. 

This area is right off the kitchen. Since we have downsized, I had to combine my vintage collections. 

The kitchen is a dream for us. It is the hub of our house and opens to the living room. We went with a cream color for the cabinets. 

Of course, I had to redo the top of the cabinets while I was cleaning. Joy oh joy, hubby fixed my sign while he had his tools out. Since we couldn’t hang it (we couldn’t hammer in the wall for the height) , he made a stand to secure it. 

I love tins. 

On the other side my feedsack and ironstone mold. 

I will share more of my collection later. After all that cleaning and organizing, I am putting my feet up on the porch. 

Joining. Shabby Art Boutique https://www.shabbyartboutique.com/.     Common Ground

https://www.commonground-do.com/

Di

Joining 

Father’s Day Heroes

Father’s Day celebrates and honors the men that have embraced fatherhood. 

My dad is my hero. He taught me to fish, put God and family first, give to others and gardening. He a man that hoped he did enough and gave enough to his family.  He fought for our country in 3 wars. He was one of eighteen children growing up on a Florida farm. He was proud of my brother and me.  He bragged to his coworkers what a great nurse I was 

He married my mom after returning from World War II. Such a handsome guy. He took care of my mom through her battles with schizophrenia. It was hard and he sheltered us as long as he could from her shifts. She was a wonderful wife, mom and grandmother but her disease when not in control was difficult. But there he was always strong and stood by her side. 

My father in law, Bud is another hero in my life. A sweet bear of a man. He was in the service also and set up communications for McArthers famous speech. He was an engineer with many designs, even though he didn’t have a degree. He was a boy scout leader and his 2 sons were Eagle Scouts and hiked the Appalachian Trail with them. And oh did he love Rita, his sweetheart and family. When I first met him he bear hugged me and said welcome daughter. 

Of course, my hubby, Jimmy, is my forever hero. He is the best Daddy, cook and bottlewasher. Really, he is an exceptional chef. We are best friends and travel plans abound!  He is a man on a mission taking care of all. He supports me in my art And antiquing endeavors (Most of the time). 

Happy Father’s Day

Di

Porch Glory

Oh did the porch need cleaning. The pollen and red clay coated the floor.  The first thing I did was vacumn the furniture.   I cleaned the doors, siding and floors with colorx and dish soap.

I had picked up plants and repotted them for the porch.   The crock above was my moms.   My mom always had fresh tea ready when we went to her house, stored in this crock.  The crock lid was broken but I couldn't let go of it and brought it to NC with me.  

The rattan set was my parents, I grew up lying on the couch many days reading or watching TV.  We had the cushions redone 2 years ago.

My wicker set is from my Aunt.  I can remember sitting in her sitting room off her bedroom with her and my daughter sitting on the footstool.  I can just see my grands enjoying sitting there.

The table is ready for sharing Kale Lemonade that my grandson is going to help me make this weekend.

The crates bought from Saluda.  The seltzer bottles were on my wish list and when I found them with the crate I had to get them.  There were so many wonderful items at this estate sale and I had limited cash.  I walked away with a crate full of 6 bottles, a german bible and linens.  I was a happy girl.

I added touches with the metal letters, pitchers, pillows and of course a throw.  Where to start... the throw was crocheted by my husbands grandmother.  The pillow made by my friend the fabulous Gigi, with Bella Designs.  

The flowered white pitcher is from my husbands great aunt, filled with handmade Americania.  Lavender fills my Ironstone pitcher.  I added a rug I had in the garage that I bought for my granddaughters room.  It was not used, so now it has a place.

I finished the work with a nice lunch and then headed in for a soak in the tub.  I felt refreshed and grabbed my book and headed for my sitting spot.  Look, my sweet Maggie beat me to it.  She did let me snuggle in!

Di. Joining. Common Ground

Inspiration Board

Inspiration comes from many elements. I have been putting my favorite pictures and items on this cute crib spring for many years. 

The desk is messy but usually is when creating. During the past 3 months I have taken part of live broadcasts from Jeanne Oliver and Marian Parks. I took a class from Kate Thompson and have been immersed in the process of art. 

 

Jeanne talked about an inspiration board to help focus your thoughts. I gathered bits and pieces and built my board on Monday. 

  

I collect pictures, papers and fabrics all over the place. Getting them together does focus on the colors and images you may want to achieve. 

Working with Mariam and paint colors, I love blues. With Kate’s process, I was drawn to roses, lavender and greens. 

  

I love Victorian pictures of women and children. 

  

I had some beautiful fabrics to mount my botanical papers on. On one silk I took Kate’s technique and placed a picture and plaster details. I loved it!!

I am happy how my bits and pieces have defined what I am working on. It confirms that in this crazy time, I can create what is in my heart. 

  

Family, friends and these wonderful artist have been my First Aid Kit. What has been yours?

Di   Joining Create, Bake, Grow & Gather Party @ Shabbyartboutique

Sunday Garden

The sun was warm and the day was bright but I still felt the heaviness of the last two weeks since George Floyd was killed.  I saw a post with this "I understand that I will not understand but I will stand."   I am not a woman of color, I am  up for human rights, social justice and how this is not a political issue.

Thyme in the Garden is one of my favorite pick me up spots to go to.  So, I traveled out to clear my thoughts.  

  

It is still strange to put my mask on but I do.  My garden place is only offering outside shopping but I am thankful for that.  I wanted to smell the flowers and herbs.

I bought so fresh herbs, lavender and mint to add to my garden.  I decided on a cucmber for the porch basket and a zuchhini squash for the front garden.  

I planted this sweet plant in my front garden since it reminds me of my Nana's yard in Florida.  I would pick small bouquets and give them to her when I was young.

   I want to create a planter filled with lovely colors for the porch.  

Lavender : Purity; Silence; Devotion; Caution; Serenity; Grace; Calmness

         

I am thankful for all I have