Fresh Fields

A lifelong dream of mine was to own a small shop. In this shop there'd be soft music, scented candlelight, fresh flowers, pretty little trinkets, a place to enjoy a cup of tea and escape the ordinary. My dream never happened. As a consequence, I have been "restless" and have tried to channel my energy into other fields. I make believe my home is the shop I never was able to have and I keep busy. I get a thrill whenever I find some discarded treasure I could transform. There are times in my life when I am completely covered with paint for days and days. Then there are other times when I am sewing day and night. I used to watch a British comedy called  Fresh Fields.  Hester, the main character, was always trying new hobbies and ways to improve her life. Hester and I have a lot in common!  I want to share with you some of the "Fresh Fields" I have explored.

Meet Betty!

  I created Berry Mice when my daughter was two years old. You can read the whole story here. 

This is Lili

I made Lili's dress and handbag using discarded garments, beads, buttons, lace and all kinds of trims 

And of course, there had to be a witch for Halloween!

Then, I went from mice to funny ladies...

To altered art on canvas...

on wine bottles...

From wine bottles to jewelry making... 

I also tried and made heart shaped pillows...

Then came gift tags made of paper or felt...                       

      

I have tried crazy quilting (I will show photos of that on another post) embroidery, knitting, and so much more. My studio is in my basement and when the Muse calls me there will be an explosion of beads, lace, fabric, paints, and all those wonderful things that would add a touch of magic and whimsey to everyday things.

So, the shop never happened and I am still living too close to the big city with no immediate plans to move to a quiet, romantic place but... being a dreamer always helps :0) 

A couple of things before I go. A message for Katy at In the Sunny Spot

Dear Katy, I hope you have a wonderful birthday tomorrow and that your fields will always be fresh and full of magic. Happy Birthday my friend! Here goes a big hug! XO

My friend Lovey from Fabric Photo Memories  has invited me to join her in a Beautiful Eye Candy & Artist Encouragement celebration. So here it is! Lovey, I am joining you! Thank you for asking!

Lastly, I wanted to thank you all for being part of my world. My fields are much brighter eversince our paths have crossed!


XO

Welcome Summer!

The Big Day has arrived and here at the Purple Caravan everyone is celebrating...but it all started last night when I walked through the garden gate...

I was thrilled to note the fireflies had arrived (unfortunately, my camera was not able to "capture" them) I can't describe the feeling I get every Summer when I step into the garden at dusk and see them. It feels me with such joy! There is a such a sense of magic in their tiny lights! They are early this Summer (they usually come around the Fourth of July week) 

(Bing Images)

The fireflies are here, they have arrived just in time to celebrate the Solstice and make my day even more special!

I stood under the archway...

and listened to the sound of the water (this cherub was found by my husband abandoned in an empty lot. It was part of an old fountain that had been discarded so I improvised and came up with my own)

I just love the old world feel it lends to this little corner of my garden!

Everyone went to sleep early anticipating the Big Day...

Then this morning there was a riot of color and joy outside my door

Every bloom...

Everyone...

Every lovely thing came to celebrate...

In the back garden I stumbled upon this little fellow full of mischief and happy thoughts

A fairy with flowers in her hair...

Sitting atop the table, resting her wings...

My fairy friends are calling...I will take off my shoes and join them...we will have tea, share secrets and laughter...

Wishing everyone a Summer full of magic, sunlight, and love!

I am joining Kiki at Awake with Charm and Spirit in this celebration. Please stop by and visit her wonderful world !

http://awakewithcharmandspirit.blogspot.com/2010/06/midsummer-magic-harvest-and-crafting.html#links

Dad, this one's for you!

My father passed away on October 9, 1998 from pancreatic cancer. He was 81. The night of the wake, as I sat grief stricken, unable to understand my world without him, my 17 year old son came and said: "Mom, we ran out of chairs!" I did not understand what he meant. He looked worried and said again: "Mom, there are no more empty chairs!" I turned and looked around. I was stunned. The room was overflowing! Who were all these people?! Where did they come from?!

One by one, total strangers came and paid their condolences. The grocer’s daughter, the postman, the butcher, the florist’s delivery man, the bakery’s manager and countless other people who seemed to have known my father and were truly upset about his death. As I stood there, numb with pain, I felt my broken heart swell with pride. My father, the helpful, the kind, the patient, the optimist, the one with the ever present smile and the contagious laughter had a special collection. Friends!

Years have gone by since that day. I’ve learned to accept that he is no longer here to share a cup of coffee and read quietly together...

he is no longer here so we could watch a silly movie and laugh until it hurt...

he is no longer here so we could take a walk in the park and feed the ducks...

he is no longer here to help me and offer good advice...

 You’d think that the passing of time has made the memories fade but the fact is, I miss him more each day. He was just that type of person, totally charming, impossible to forget.

I am very lucky to be married to a wonderful man who is not only a loving husband, but also a loving father. I have many things to be thankful for, and at the top of that long list there is my father, a bright shining star, the one who taught me:

“to believe in love and to have faith”

“to seek inner peace in Nature’s beauty”

"that a smile does not cost a penny but is worth a million”

"that no matter what, there is always a solution”

“to make sure and laugh many times a day, every day” and so much more!

On Sunday, as we gather in the garden and celebrate, I will play my father’s favorite song:

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom, for me and you

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue, clouds of white

Bright blessed days, dark sacred nights

And I think to myself what a wonderful world…

Dad, wherever you are... I love you, I miss you, and all my thoughts are yours on this Father's Day... 



Images by Weheartit.com and Bing

Getting ready

The past two days have been cloudy and very humid. The air felt thick and heavy. Even the birds seemed to be lethargic! This morning however, the sun came out. All clouds have lifted and there is a sense of urgency. Mother Earth is getting ready for the "big" day.

The fairies in my garden are restless preparing to celebrate the Solstice. They flutter about looking for flowers to adorn their hair.

They play and splash in the fountains

I let them rest on my swing and dream of the day when the sun will shine for what will seem forever.

I too, could feel the tremors... the excitement...so I've rushed to air out my wings. I am undecided as to which I'll wear!

(Image by Weheartit.com)

How about you? Are your wings ready?