Life's Blessings

Giving

"If you have much, give of your wealth, if you have little, give of your heart" (Arab proverb)

"You get the best out of others when you give the best out of yourself" (Harvey Firestone)

6th Folder 6th Picture

Queenmothermamaw (http://queenmothermamaw.blogspot.com/) suggested this fun thing to do. For instructions go to the above website.

This is a picture (although pretty dark) of me backpacking in the North Georgia woods back in the late 1980's. Yes, I'm carrying about 30 pounds, which I couldn't do today if I tried. I still remember how beautiful the woods were, the sweet air, sitting next to a babbling brook, and the great time I had with my friends.

I've always loved the outdoors and backpacking is a great way to enjoy it!

Calvin

We went on vacation to the Victorian Parlor this week, which I will post more about next week. The Victorian Parlor has several residents including three dogs and a cat, which most everyone who follows their blog has met. One of the residents, Calvin, is sort of like the middle child and may often seem insecure. He appears to be a follower, but this may just be a disguise. For example, if the ladies of the house, Kasey and Lizzie, begin barking or attempt to gain attention, Calvin joins in. However, I believe him to be a much more complex dog and so I followed him for a day to gain proof.

In the picture below, Calvin is contemplating his day, making a mental to-do list.
This is the philosophical Calvin. He is intently considering the nature versus nurture debate.
Here Calvin is testing his latest theory on the state of nature.
Finally, Calvin ponders tabula rosa and its application to dogs.
As you can see, Calvin is a very serious and pensive dog and not the insecure follower he pretends to be. If only others knew...

Life's Blessings

"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose" (The Wonder Years)

A Loving Tribute to Sweeti (1994-2009)

Sweeti came into my life in 1995. She was a stray kitty and my neighbor, thinking I needed a cat, fed her outside my front door. One day, I invited Sweeti in and the rest is history.

It turned out that Sweeti was a ragdoll kitty. She was very affectionate, purred continuously and would hug you when you picked her up.

Following are a series of photographs that I have taken over the past few years and not in any particular order. The first is a picture of Sweeti with her favorite toy. She loved carrying it around the house in her mouth, meowing as she went. Of course her favorite time to do this was in the middle of the night. I would awake to hear the muffled meow, smile and turn over.
Sweeti was known for her blue eyes and on occasion would allow me to take her picture.
A few years ago Sweeti came down with skin cancer, which ultimately took her life. She was very patient as I applied cream to her lesions and then placed her little shirt on her to keep her from licking it off. Yes, she was not happy with the shirt.
Sweeti laying on the back of the sofa, watching while I worked on my computer...
Sweeti's favorite place was the back porch and she spent a lot of time there.
Here she is avoiding the flash...
Sweeti, ruler of the house, perched on the dining room table
Sweeti laying on my desk
Quilts are in abundance in our house, and Sweeti always found one on which to settle
It seems that whenever you lay down a piece of fabric, a magazine or piece of clothing, a cat will find it instantly and claim it as theirs
It's all about cattitude...
I am so grateful that the Lord brought her into my life. My beloved, my friend will be missed...

Life's Blessings

Our founding fathers...Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety (Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790)

Remembering Sweeti (1994-2009)

Sadly, I lost my Sweeti kitty today. She was one of the best housemates and friends a human could have and she will be dearly missed. Once I recover from the shock and sadness I will build a better tribute to her on my blog, but for the time being I just wanted the world to see and know how beautiful and loved she was.

Life's Blessings

"There is always music amongst the trees of the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it." (Minnie Aumonier)

Life's Blessings

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

"Fathers are angels sent from heaven." (Unknown)

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" (Lydia M. Child, 1936)

Can you have too many books?

I went to our local "Garden Ridge" store looking for something for my front door and what did they have on sale? Stacks and stacks of craft, garden and decorating books! I couldn't resist and brought home a stack.Some of my favorite titles include:

• Terrific Texture Techniques
• Care & Repair of Antiques and Collectibles
• Decorating with China & Glass

I love to learn new crafts, so I also bought a few that I will try - eventually:

• Creative Paper Projects
• Sponging Etc
• Decoupage

And did I get something for the front door you ask? Alas, no. I guess I will have to read through the books to get some ideas:)

A sense of community...

Living in the suburbs of a large city, I sometimes miss the small town feel. Small towns have such a sense of community. This morning I was sitting my porch with a cup of tea and I noticed a bird entering a bird house on my fence. My son-in-law had made this birdhouse for me about 10 years ago, but birds had not taken advantage of it until now (probably because it's only about 3 feet off the ground.) Much to my surprise a beautiful house wren entered it. Then I began noticing all the movement going on in our backyard and our neighbors' yards. I could hear at least a dozen different bird calls. While I watched, a beautiful show ensued. Birds were flying through the yard, sitting on the trees, looking for grubs on the ground. Although not present this morning, other creatures also visit our backyard - rabbits, salamanders, chipmunks, etc. What a wonderful community!

Life's Blessings

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." (Buddha, 563BCE-483BCE)

"Sharing is loving." (Unknown)

"There is no delight in owning anything unshared." (Seneca, 3BC-65AD)

Dog sitting

We're dog sitting this week for Sir Winston, my daughter's poodle. He's very sweet and well-behaved. (He loves his grandma:)It's very difficult to get pictures of Winston. As soon as he sees a camera he becomes hyper! So the best thing to do is take pictures when he's not looking or when he's paying attention to something else. In the picture above I'm holding his leash so he thinks he's going for a walk! In the picture below he sees some children.
Perhaps he can get a better view if he stands on his hind legs. He wants so badly to go and play!
And where is Sweeti you ask? Any place that Winston is not.

Life's Blessings

"Friends are flowers in the garden of life." (Proverb)

"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met." (William Butler Yeats, 1865-1939)

"Plant the seeds of friendship, then let the blessings grow." (Unknown)

Tea Party at the Victorian Parlor

Sweeti and I attended the tea party hosted by the Victorian Parlor. What a lovely day! Earlier, there were many decisions to be made - which hat, gloves, cameo, and so on...Once we arrived, we decided we would have tea on the back porch - the air smelled so sweet and the birds were singing as if they were attending the party too. The weather was perfect - warm and sunny! 
A beautiful bouquet of flowers graced the table...

A menu designed for my diet - how thoughtful!

Fresh veggies - celery, carrots and broccoli

Tuna (with lite mayo) and deviled ham sandwiches on whole wheat bread

Plain tuna for Sweeti

Red potato salad

Strawberries

Paris tea (from Harney & Sons) 

The pink flowered vintage teapot was just right!
Sweeti made herself comfortable on a white wicker chair and began nibbling on tuna...

Now it's my turn!
And what better way to spend the afternoon feasting at a lovely tea party?
Thanks Victorian Parlor for hosting this beautiful event! Sweeti and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Teapots...

come in assorted shapes and patternsas do their finials, lids and handles.
Some are very old
some are made of silver,
some have beautiful flowers on them,
and some have scenes.
They make wonderful collections but best of all they make a great cup of tea.