Dog Days of Summer

The colors of nature are reflected in many projects.  

This plant caught my eye at Whole Foods and I knew it would look perfect in my watering can

It cascades down the side and is so soft to touch

It is perfect for my porch vignette

My grandson and puppy love the rockers on the porch

The Bird House fits nicely in the new garden area.  We are not putting it on the post until we move into our new house 

 The grandsons love the yard as they run with the dogs

We are having the "DOG Days of Summer" here, it is hot

More pictures of the rental to come as we settle in!
Di, joining
   
 

Beachy Vintage

 Before I packed up the house to move, I took pictures of my favorite beachy vintage goods.  I found the bottles in California and love the blue bottles, welded silver and shells.

 This fun group of shells sits in a pot and is my shell topiray

 Since I'm a Florida Beach girl, I love all kinds of shells and have collected them for years.

Talking about beach babies, this little guy is getting some cooling off in the pool.  The temperatures here in North Carolina have been hot this week!

And of course, Aydie at the beach in Florida

 I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Joining some fun ladies:

Grey Days, Sun filled Days

Grey sky's always remind me that there are sunny days coming

On this Sunday, I am reflecting on Robin Williams death.  Depression and mental illness has been such a taboo subject in our society.  There is not a good support system to take care of people that suffer.  I haven't talked about this but my mother had paranoid Schizophrenia.   Schizophrenia is defined as “a chronic mental illness in which a person loses touch with reality".  

My mom was a strong, fun and loving woman.  But, when she did not take her medication she and our family suffered.  Growing up we were told she had a nervous breakdown.  As I went through nursing school, I studied and learned about her condition.

Unfortunately, trying to get her help when she was delusional was very hard.  I kept running into walls and mazes of laws to help protect her.  Since I was not her guardian and she had not hurt anyone, I could not admit her until she was a her worst.  Even then when she was admitted, the hospital system could not assist her after they discharged her out.  You see, she would take her medication there but not at home.  When medicated I could talk to her about the importance of taking medication and how it was like her blood pressure medication a necessity.  But, the medication would make her to tried and sleepy.  It was a constant battle.

Thankfully, I had a great support system, friends and family.  The waters were not always smooth and the way not always clear.  In the end my mom stopped all her medications and had a massive stroke.  It was heartbreaking because I couldn't get her the help she needed.

I know she is at peace and know if I could change things for her I would.  A lovely person once told me to think of this journey this way:  You and your mom were up in heaven and she had a particular journey to walk during her lifetime, God asked you to help her and you agreed.  Even if it gets hard and seems impossible, will you help her.  You said yes...and the journey started.  That counselor helped me through the depression of my fathers death and the continuation of taking care of my mom.

This is me on a sun shinny day in Italy!

I hope this day is a good day for you!  Thank you for letting me share.  Di

These words from "Jack", Robin Williams movie, now seem more poignant than ever: "Please, don't worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day... make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did." Robin Williams, God Bless You.  And please be aware that you may not understand what someone is going through, the pain behind their eyes, just care and hopefully you can help.  But most of all just care.  Joining:

   

Vintage Memories

Seeing vintage items makes me think of my childhood.  I remember my Nana getting stamps at the store and we would shop the catalog to redeem them.

Gold Bond stamps were used as customer incentives in many supermarkets and gas stations (and other businesses) and they could be redeemed for a large array of merchandise, from a set of steak knives up to a mink coat. 

Music jewlry boxes always bring a joy to my heart.  This one had a lovely song Lara's Theme from Doctor Zhivago

Lara's Theme

And my Nana had one of these pitchers in her house!

And who has scales and bell jars in their house!  I do.

What do you have that reminds you of your childhood?
Joining these fun blogs, Di

 

A Month of Changes

What a month it has been!  Finally we are almost packed up and getting ready to move to the rental.  I can't wait to start planning our house we are going to build, it will be smaller but putting in some dream items (we will be right next to our youngest daughter...she is happy).  I will miss this sunny living room and fireplace.

 Our daughter and her family moved to Philly, my son-in-law got a great transfer in Whole Foods and daughter gets to start her quest to go back to school.  Joyful we are, but our sweet Ro, my shopping partner and project helper has to go with them!  He is the sweetest little boy.  Thankfully, I have 2 grandsons here to brighten up my days.

 We have two sweet daughters who have been the joy of our lives.  They always include us in adventures and we have always encouraged them to go for their dreams.  My oldest is the one moving to Philly.

This was taken when Ry joined our family, we love him so much.

Cute girl

One of my favorite pictures of their sweet family

I had 2 sales, one at The Pink House and the Other at my house

Mr Rabbit is waiting for me at our rental

Hubby and I are anxious to get to building the house but have to wait for the construction loan

 These are some of the picture on the way to our rental, such beautiful scenery!

Greats me as I ride by

This is the front deck...furniture moving tomorrow, more pictures to come.
Have a great week, Di                                      Joining