Thank you...

To all that have served and continue to serve today. Thinking especially of my own heroes today...my grandfather who served in the U.S. Army, my father, who served in the U.S. Navy and my four brothers who have all served at one time or another, Brandon is currently in Iraq and Wes is being deployed to Afghanistan, June 7th.
Thanks to all our veterans and their families, I understand the sacrifies made by all.
God bless and happy Memorial Day.

Recent photos...

Sharing a few photos taken this Spring...

Meet Bull, my newest friend.

He lives in our fish pond and is quite vocal at night.

My father's beautiful azaelas.

Love this pink Calla Lily, a classy addition to our garden.

Just playing around a bit with my new camera.

Enjoy your weekend.

Be back soon.

Something new...

I love to recycle and repurpose and recently I was given several cones that had originally held yarn. I knew the moment I saw them exactly what I wanted to do and here is what I came up with...

I've made several and I'm still "tweeking" them but this pretty much gives you the idea. They are much prettier in person and I'll post a few more photos over the weekend. I think these would make lovely favors or decorations for a baby or bridal shower. I'm taking a few down to the gallery this afternoon and have several more to finish up this evening.
No big plans for the Memorial Day weekend although we may take the historic walking tour of Sweet Briar at some point.
Hope you have a fantastic weekend and remember those that sacrifice so much.
Be back soon.

Bluebirds...

Keeping a close eye on the baby bluebirds these days, yesterday I had to chase off a black snake that had gotten within a few feet of their nest.

I enjoy watching them bring food to their young, trip after trip until all are satisfied and listening to the babies chirp, mouths wide open waiting for the next bug or worm. I find it fascinating and I'll be sad when the babies leave the nest and we have to wait until next year for the process to begin again.

Had a fantastic weekend celebrating with family including a surprise dinner at my favorite steakhouse. Good times were had by all!

Working on Father's Day cards and a new project that I'll share within a few days.

Hope you are having a great week.

Be back soon.

A beautiful day...

as is everyday however today is a little more special...my 50th birthday.
What a milestone...I look back and sometimes wonder how I survived it all.
Age doesn't bother me, never has, probably never will, it's just a number. Oh, I feel a little older these days, the memory seems to fail me more often than not and a few more aches and pains but it's part of the process and I embrace it.
It's been a bit emotional however thinking about my best friend, remembering her 50th and how we managed to surprise her with a party and how much she enjoyed her special day. I wish she was here to celebrate with me but I know she's in a special place, watching down on us all and wishing me the best.
So...I will celebrate today and cherish the memories.
The pink rose is for you Deb, wish you were here, I miss you.

I hope your day is beautiful. Celebrate something, anything, with the people you love.
Be back soon.

Spring things...

It's been a gray week, lots of rain and clouds. So happy to see the sun shining this morning although rain is supposed to return tomorrow.
Sharing a few Spring items with you today...

This is the card I made for Wes & Michelle, not a coinsidence that it's done in the same colors as the wedding.

I took this photo last week, they have already hatched and hoping to get a photo of the babies this afternoon.

We spend a couple of nights a week at one ball field or another between Tyler's T-Ball and Sarah's softball. Last night Sarah's team played their final game, a nail biter, and won, ending the season with a perfect record, winning all 17 games! Congratulations Lady Bees!!!

Tyler has a couple more weeks to play.
Enjoy your day!
Be back soon.

A weekend to remember...

It was a long ride down and a long ride back however the day and a half we were on the island were absolutely wonderful. We left home at 5am Friday and got to Ocracoke at 1pm. By 2pm, we were on the beach hanging out with all the girls. Dad hosted a fabulous dinner for all the friends and family that evening at Howard's Pub, great seafood and perfect setting. Saturday morning, day of the wedding, we awoke to 4omph winds but plenty of sunshine. Hugh and I spent most of the morning walking around the village and then I attended a Bridal Luncheon at the Back Porch Restaurant while he hung out at the house. After the luncheon, we explored some more and then we got ready for the wedding.
The ceremony was so touching and magical although cut short by the high winds and blowing sand. Afterward most everyone came back to the house for a little reception, followed by a big party, more great food from the Back Porch and a delicous cake filled with raspberry sauce. We had the most wonderful time. It was great that both the families of the bride and groom were able to stay in the same beach house, no drama, lots of laughs and good times.
I took almost 400 photos while we were there. Here are a few of my favorites from the wedding although totally out of sequence...

Michelle & Wes arriving back at the house after the ceremony. A snap on her dress broke when she was getting into the car to come back and like a good husband, he's making sure everything is as it should be.

Her engagement ring belonged to Wes' mom. She wore it with love, devotion and pride for almost 30 years.

Michelle and her dad.

Sweet Miss Emma

Kylie, one of Michelle's lovely neices.

The wind didn't phase her a bit.

My baby brother, what a handsome fellow.

Hard to hear with all the wind and crashing waves but sooooooo romantic.

Waiting patiently.

One of my favorite photos.

So lovely...

A beautiful couple, we are all so very happy for them.

I'll share more from the weekend when I can, a lot on my plate right now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Be back soon.

Journal pages...

I try to work in my Soul Journal at least once a week, here are a few recent pages in various
stages...

Playing with different items to create backgrounds, I used the backing from Magic Mesh and paint over rub ons, for this page.

More Magic Mesh backing and paint.

I love to doodle, this page was a lot of fun.So many projects going right now and lots to share over the next several weeks. Also, I promised a giveaway and am still gathering items, watch for details coming later this month.
Hope you are having a fantastic week.
Be back soon.

We're back...

and what a fabulous time we had. The wedding was beautiful, the time with family and friends was wonderful and exploring the beautiful island was right up my alley. I have lots to share but must first sort through the almost 500 photos I took. Today I'm sharing a few of my recent photos of Emma...

This makes my heart melt! Love this precious child!

Hope your week is great!

Be back soon.

Off to the Island...

We are headed out for the weekend. I'll be posting my journal pages the beginning of the week and I'm certain I'll have plenty of photos to share.
Have a great one!
Be back soon.

Oh, Baby...

A few of the cards I created last week...

We are awaiting the arrival of 2 new little ones in our family, our second neice in August and our sixth grandchild in September, and we are thrilled.

Hope you are having a great week, I'll have a few journal pages to share in the next few days.

Be back soon.

Oh, to be young again...

We had a fantastic weekend, the highlight being Prom on Saturday. Here are a few of the photos I took of Sarah and her date, Justin...

Love the lime green polish on her toes.

We spent yesterday with family, celebrating Dad's birthday and enjoying the beautiful weather.

I'll be busy this week getting product ready for Garden Day at the market on Saturday, which I'm going to miss and Wes & Michelle's wedding on Ocracoke Island, which I wouldn't miss for anything!

Hope your weekend was great, have a super week.

Be back soon.