Fellow bloggers — Page 15

A Giveaway Win & Some Rain

July 20, 2010 at 2:42 pm by Claudia

Yesterday we had a big thunderstorm with quite a bit of rain. We sat on the porch and enjoyed all the noise and fury until we started getting a little bit too wet. It also rained a bit more later in the afternoon. Still hot and humid, but at least a little rain has soaked the ground.

Heather of Pretty Petals had a giveaway recently and I was lucky enough to win. Are you familiar with her beautiful blog? She is a creative soul and so very talented. I love her style, her studio space, her home and her creations. This arrived in the mail:

I’m not sure why I had such a hard time getting a good shot of the necklace, but I did. Heather graciously allowed me to use her photo:

Isn’t it gorgeous? I am so thrilled to have won this beautiful piece.

I thought I should show you how it looks on me…since I was home alone, I resorted to the bathroom mirror. (Ignore the laundry detergent in the background.)

Isn’t it pretty? I am in love with this necklace! I will be wearing it often. Thank you, Heather, for your generous giveaway and for the opportunity to own one of your beautiful creations.

I’ve been so blessed by the generosity of fellow bloggers lately – my cup runneth over. I have a little something to share with you from my friend Joy in the next post.

By the way, I am still thinking about hosting a “What I Collect” blog party. Since we all seem to be so fascinated by collections, I think it would be great fun. September seems to be a better month for me than August. My Mom is not feeling well, so I’m planning to visit my parents in Florida sometime in August. Maybe toward the end of September, after kids are back in school? What do you guys think?

Flowers and Gifts

July 15, 2010 at 7:22 am by Claudia

Queen Anne’s Lace grew everywhere in my neighborhood when I was little girl. I don’t think I really appreciated the delicate beauty of this flower until recently. It was a weed, everyone said. Weed: implying bothersome, something to be yanked out of the ground. Thank goodness I’m older and somewhat wiser. This is a flower. It graces us with its presence in fields, at the side of a road or, in my case, under the shade of the catalpa tree.

Thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions about the table. What varied responses! I heard from some new (to me) readers, too. It seems most of you are pro painting. Some suggested just painting the legs and leaving the top dark, some suggested different colors….I’ve read them all and now I am in the process of ‘pondering.’ As I sit in my blogging chair, I can see it in the kitchen. I stare at it. A lot.

It’s too hot to paint at the moment – which gives me a little more time to consider all my options.

I received packages from two of my friends this week. I met both of them through blogging. First was a box from my wonderful friend, Brenda of Cozy Little House. She was cleaning out her linen closet and found a few things she thought I’d like. And she threw in a book, too.

Beautiful pillow cases, some crochet and a pretty book. Thank you, Brenda!

Ann Marie of Frog Hollow Farm Girl wrote me a note when I was posting my embroidery for the Stitchalong and asked me if I would be interested in some of her late mother’s embroidery supplies. I was so touched and honored that she would want to share something so precious to her Mom with me. I received two packages yesterday.

Beautiful embroidery floss and several hoops.

Also included were some neat metallic yarns and a note from Ann Marie. What a special note this was: she told me the story of her mother, Lilly, who was born in Ireland and trained as a nurse and midwife. She eventually sailed to the United States and met Ann Marie’s father Anthony and became an American citizen in the 70’s. Lilly passed along her love of cooking, gardening, reading and entertaining to Ann Marie.

I know how much Ann Marie misses her mother and I am moved beyond measure at this lovely gift. Thank you, Ann Marie.

How blessed am I by the wonderful friends I have met through this little blog!

Monday Morning Thoughts & Photos

June 28, 2010 at 1:09 pm by Claudia

:: The fix-it crew worked long into the night and the sinkhole is covered. Today they are back out there doing whatever it is they have to do to finish the job off. We had water around 8:00 pm and I finally took a shower around 9:00. Oh, that felt good!

:: Does it ever seem to you that Fifi is photographing everyone’s house but yours? Come on, be honest! It seems as if every time I go visit a blog lately, Fifi is on the way to photograph the blogger’s house or has just left. It started with my good friend, Elyse, then Lizzie, then my sort-of neighbor, Sandy and now she is traveling through the midwest. In all seriousness, congratulations, fellow bloggers!

Truth be told, I don’t think my house is ready for any sort of professional photography. But it is cute. And charming enough to make me happy. At least for the moment. I know myself; I will want to change things as soon as I get home. When I’m away for a long period of time, I come back and see the cottage with a much more critical eye.

:: More photos from Christie and Rita’s sale: