New Year Wishes

(Image Source: Weheartit.com)

As the year gets ready to close I somehow picture it as the girl on this image. Tired, pensive, disheveled clothes, tangled hair adorned with a crown made of dried twigs and vines. Someone who's lived through many events. Someone who's seen both, good and bad. Someone who's been caught in the rain and laid to dry under a scorching sun. Someone who's lived to the fullest. Someone who now must go to rest and regroup.

This has been such a year for me. Exciting but quite exhausting. I welcome the snow and the shorter days.  I find it easier to slow down and organize my home during the Winter. I am looking forward to a new look inspired by this poster I found while I was doing my  Christmas shopping.  I fell in love with the vibrant colors and decided to have it framed. Isn't she just fun?

I can't help but smile every time I climb the stairs and see it.

It's definitely a far cry from the soft shades of pink I had lived with for so long

but I have a feeling red will be "the" new color for me and for Abby as well lol

In  any case, I wanted to sit for a moment and wish you a magical New Year. May you be happy and healthy and may your world be painted in colors that make you smile.

Cheers!

A Wonderful Christmastime

(Image Source: Google)

"The moon is right

The spirits up

We're here tonight

And that's enough

Simply having a wonderful Christmastime..."

(Paul McCartney)

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season filled with love and peace. 

Sorrow

(Image Source: Google)

"We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon its face before it folds into its fragrance and bids the world good night to rest its beauty in a gentler place."

Ellen Brenneman

This post is dedicated to the victims and the grieving families of Newtown, Connecticut. My heart goes out to you!

A sentimental journey

(Image Source: Free People)

 

This afternoon was the colour of water falling through sunlight...

(September, 1918 by Amy Lowell)

My daughter's wedding gown is here, in her old bedroom, it hangs from a hook, so white, so new, so special.

 

A human heart is a funny thing. It can sing and it can cry all at the same time...

Taken by the light

 (Image Source: Weheartit.com)

"The door was left ajar. Slowly, quietly, my wondering heart got closer and just like a moth, it followed the light..." Alina

Hello my dear friends, do you remember me? I have been gone for quite sometime, the truth is, I found my words repetitive, monotonous and boring. I seemed to have reached a crossroad and so I plunged into a sort of abyss hoping to collect and regroup.

So much has happened! Wedding planning and preparations, self discoveries (one is never too old for those) the learning of new craft techniques, and above all, the rush to find time to savour each day.

I'd like to share some of the most important events. My daughter's bridal shower. It was held at a restaurant by the Hudson River, the theme was the ocean and its treasures. Here she is, my sweet little mermaid...

One of the most exciting highlights of the party was the live Monarch butterflies. I ordered them from a butterfly farm and they arrived individually wrapped in cellophane envelopes. At the end of the party each guest was given one. I read this beautiful Irish blessing:

"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun and find your shoulder to light on, to bring you luck, happiness and riches, today, tomorrow and always"

Then they were set free.

  Here is one, resting, and just like my daughter, getting ready to fly and seek new adventures...

 On May 27th we had a visit from Stork Kingdom.  Let me introduce you to Sophia Clarissa, our sweet niece. Such joy to welcome a new baby!

The baby sure is beautiful and cute but Abby is not worried, she knows she will always be our Number One LOL. How I love this puppy! No words here...

All these planning and festivities have reduced the amount of days spent at the Purple Caravan but I still manage to sneak away.

During the month of May there was a total Clematis explosion.

No matter how many days are spent on the porch, every afternoon when the sun begins to set and the light shifts, I can't think of a better place to be...

This season my time for decorating has been put on hold. However, I did find this table during a walk through the woods. It was completely covered by spiderwebs but I absolutely loved it. After a good cleaning it makes a great addition to the porch. What do you think?

I have also been busy trying to learn to draw faces and create Art Journals. These are a few of my attempts. I do plan to take classes but for now I find guidance and inspiration from so many amazing, talented women on the Web World.

 

Watercolors

Acrylic paint and watercolor markers

Color pencils and watercolor

Speaking of amazing women, I received this beautiful gift from my dear friend Olive. Such a kind, generous soul, she "hoped to make me smile." Not only did I smile but I also cried. Thank you Olive, you will never know how precious these are to me, not only because they come from you but also because they come from England! my dreamland since I can remember :0)

Incredible buttons, a book about London (in my dreams I visit all those places)  a photo holder shaped like those gorgeous "call boxes"

An  awesome mini album folded in a clever way, stamped, colored and distressed. I will  have a hard time adding anything to this. It's just too perfect!

Loads of ceramic buttons (I am only showing a few) I can't wait to do something with them! A felt heart embellished with pearls and charms, a charming mini quilt stamped and embellished with yet more buttons and ribbons. Treasures from a kindred spirit all the way from across the world. Dear Olive, thank you again. You are the best!

It will be quite hectic here for the rest of this month (the wedding is on October 7th) I am looking forward the "calm after the storm" lol so that I may have a chance to stop by and see what you have been up to.

Hope everyone's been healthy and  happy. Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs and sparkles,