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,

Happy New Year

(Image Source: Bing)

New Year’s Reflections

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched our lives,
We reflect upon who really counts,
As the fresh and bright new year arrives.

And when I ponder those who do,
I immediately think of you.

Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll have a Happy New Year!

(Joanna Fuchs)

May the coming year bring you health, magic, and joy.

May the magic be yours

(Image Source: Bing)

My, oh my, where has time gone?! I can hardly believe it's been a month since my last post! I can only blame it on my new passion: mini albums. If you are a crafter/altered art "connoisseur" you'll probably know what they are. Mini albums vary in size and styles. Most of mine are constructed by folding a single sheet of paper in order to create pockets to insert tags, photos, and secret messages. Fun, simple and certainly addictive :0) I will try and add some photos to my next post.

It will be a bittersweet Christmas. Our son will not be with us this year. Mothers out there will know what I mean...however, our home is ready, shopping is done. As I wrap the last gift and turn down the lights I seek comfort in the things I hold dear...

Family, friends, trinkets, mementos, gathered while taking a walk and discovering a small, tucked in a corner little shop right off the beaten path.

I want to wish each and everyone a special season filled with love and inner peace.

May the magic be yours!



Note: I have tried to leave messages on your Blogs but for some weird reason I've been unable to! Please know I am not ignoring you, I may have been busy with the mini albums but never too busy to drop by and see what you guys are up to!

Giving Thanks



(Image Source: Bing)

We usually go through our days wishing, striving, pushing for more. There's nothing wrong with that as long as that drive doesn't prevent us  from enjoying the view, from recognizing when we can't push anymore, from stopping here and there to enjoy all we have done.

On this Thanksgiving Day I am blessed to have a very long list of things for which to be thankful. My husband, my children, my family, my friends, my dear, sweet Abby, my home, my freedom, my health and so much more.

In addition to being Thanksgiving Day it's also my 32nd wedding anniversary. One of the biggest things for which to be thankful!

Just wanted to take a moment and wish each and everyone a beautiful day and magical season.