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Do you like me?

 

 

 

 

If you answered yes, chances are, like me, you adore vintage metal containers. This one I'm guessing is a rare find. I'm goo-goo ga-ga over it.

In my imagination gone wild, at one time in history, this safe-like container held the orginal reels to Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.

Okay...maybe there's a one in a million chance that actually happened. But as Jim Carey so eloquently stated in Dumb and Dumber..."so you're saying there's a chance!"

I'm playing along in Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday party today. Today's challenge was to feature a photo containing words...ones we've added or those present in the original capture.   

 Kim Klassen textures used on today's photos include: may magic, #3 from the Ben collection, framed, not too shabby, life's good, love, and KK2 may magic. Most of the photos also have a Florabella or Pioneer Woman action applied as well.

Speaking of rare treasures, today is our 31st wedding anniversary. Happy 31st Anniversary to Lynn & her hubby {another Texture Tuesday participant as well!}. We met in bloggyland and discovered we share the same anniversary date!

Clematis for a Texture Tuesday

 
{Magic layer from the Kim Klassen Ben Collection}

The theme for this week's Texture Tuesday Party at Kim Klassen's Cafe is "garden"...something near and dear to many of our collective hearts. Although my gardens {mostly of the flower variety} have been severely neglected compared to the time I typically enjoy working in them, I am forever grateful for those dear friends we call perennials.

For the past month, my purple clematis vines (grows in a variety of colors) have been strutting their stuff. Each winter the vines go dormant and anyone who didn't know better would most likely think the plant was a has-been.

      {3 layers of a Kim Klassen May Magic texture, one as an overlay-27% opacity}
I started this one from a one foot little root...and now a few years later, it has filled out quite nicely with very little encouragement on my part. The key is keeping them well watered as they establish their root system as well as an ample pile of mulch around their base. So don't be afraid to start with a little guy as the cost is much more affordable compared to buying a potted plant with a big long vine already growing. 

 

{Kim Klassen textures applied: Magic scratches, May magic on color burn}

Despite their delicate appearance, these little flower heads have been through whipping winds, pelting rains, and yet they've held their ground.

 
{Kim Klassen texture: Sonnet Magic}

 In fact, for a whole month the large clump of flower heads have been smiling sweetly in my gardens. Ample time for me to play around with my vintage amethyst bottles, or whatever else catches my fancy.

Gardens, to me, are a magical place...hence, my choice of applying magic textures to all of my photos today. Now I'm off to see what magical photos everyone else has shared today!

Be blessed! Xo, Sue

Pretty Flowers and Happy Birthday, Pink Saturday!

 
There are so many awesome parties in the world of blog these days. The talent and inspiration found at each of these events is beyond wonderful. Wish there were enough hours in the day to participate much more often than I do. But today, for the first time, I'm joining the party over at A Rosy Note. Loads of inspiring photography each Friday!

 
I discovered this  beautiful blog and the party through the big dreamer, Connie! {Also a fun blog to visit!} Today's theme is flowers....something near and dear to my heart. {insert a sweet, contented sigh}

There is also a BIG PARTY about to take place at Pink Saturday. It's the three year anniversary of this event! As soon as my friend Beverly posts the gathering spot, I'll be updating to play in her event as well! Rumor has it that there are lots of giveaways happening during this celebration!

Update: click on the Big Party above and it will take you to the celebration!

 
And we all know, that without these scary little creatures, there wouldn't be flowers. Despite the fact that I am deathly afraid of bees, I still find them to be fascinating little fellas. So much so, that after trying unsuccessfully with my longer lenses [meaning: stay as far away as possible!] to get a good shot, I threw caution to the wind and slapped on my 50mm lens.

I am so brave. Half the battle is just facing our fears, isn't it? Moving forward despite how uncomfortable it happens to be.

 
Who knows? Maybe one day I won't search the web for ways to deter bees from messing with my space.

Here's a few of my favorite:

~Hang a fake hornet's nest in one of your trees. Hornets are territorial and once they see another colony has claimed this turf, they move on. One source even said a brown lunch bag stuffed with plastic would do the trick as the hornets won't come close enough to find out it isn't real!

~Wear light colors and smooth fabric. Bees are attracted to dark and texture. Wool and leather make them angry!

~If you kill a bee and the hive is nearby...watch out! They can smell the kill and will come and attack you.

~There are all kinds of non-toxic, homemade repellents plastered throughout the internet. I've seen ones with ingredients such as Ivory soap, tea tree oil, orange oil, etc.

~Also, if you're going to take a nest out at night {the recommended time for doing so} never shine a flash light into the nest. This will make them mad. Instead, cover the flashlight with red cellophane as bees can't see red light! 

~This one I learned from an exterminator after I had the misfortune of walking across a ground nest once...if you do come across a ground nest, before you move, stand and watch and observe the flight pattern the hornets use to enter the nest. They have a definite pattern for approaching and entering. If you cross the flight pattern line, you will get stung!

Then again, maybe you don't care about avoiding bees because you're REALLY brave like these young ladies:

 
{{source}}

Seriously. Who would do this? Don't do this. But do take a peek at all the participants in Pink Saturday and over at A Rosy Note!

Looking forward to browsing myself over the long three day weekend!

Xo, Sue

{p.s. several have commented that when I leave a comment on your blog using Typepad's Open ID credentials that it says: "no reply comment" in the from address line. But located right below that you will see my email address. Should you wish to respond via email to me, you need to hit "forward" instead of "reply" and then copy and paste my email address into the "send to:" line.

"No reply commenter" does not mean that I don't care to have you reply to me!!! It just means the address from Typepad that sends the message does not receive replies!}

Pink Rose for Texture Tuesday

 
Joining Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday party. Used two layers of Yesteryear (multiply and soft) and one layer from the May magic pack.

If you've ever wanted to learn Photoshop, Kim is a great teacher! I noticed on her post today that she is offering up another session of her Photoshop Essentials course. The highlighted link above will tell you more...

Happy day to one and all...xo

Why God Made Mothers

 

...how time flies...blink, and we're now well into May.

My days have been jam packed with fun, and the not-so-fun...in other words, life. One of the funs is my continued love of taking photos.  Today, to wish my sweet bloggie friends a Happy Mother's Day, I'll share a few of those photos taken of my flowers.

But with a little humorous twist...

You've all probably seen this somewhere along life's path, but it's just too stinkin' cute not to share again. It's entitled: Why God Made Mothers. The answers were given by second graders. Enjoy...

 
WHY DID GOD MAKE MOTHERS?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

HOW DID GOD MAKE MOTHERS?

 1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
 2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
 3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger 
parts.

 
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE MOTHERS MADE OF?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in
the world and one dab of mean. ha ha ha
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use 
string, I think.

 

WHY DID GOD GIVE YOU YOUR MOTHER AND NOT SOME OTHER MOTHER?

 1. We're related.
 2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

 
WHAT KIND OF LITTLE GIRL WAS YOUR MOM?

 1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
 2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty 
bossy.
 3. They say she used to be nice.

 

 WHAT DID MOM NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DAD BEFORE SHE MARRIED HIM?

 1. His last name.
 2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk 
on beer?
 3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to 
chores?
{{having been a former elementary school teacher in one of my lives, i can attest to the fact that these answers are mild compared to what many teachers hear!}}

 
WHY DID YOUR MOM MARRY YOUR DAD?

 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot
 2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
 3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

 
WHO'S THE BOSS AT YOUR HOUSE?

 1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof 
ball.
 2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the 
bed.
 3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

 
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOMS AND DADS?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work. 

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause 
that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..

 
WHAT DOES YOUR MOM DO IN HER SPARE TIME?

 1. Mothers don't do spare time.
 2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

 
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO MAKE YOUR MOM PERFECT?

 1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of 
plastic surgery.
 2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

 
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR MOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

 1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid 
of that.
 2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did 
it not me.
 3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of 
her head.

 
Here's sending out loads of gratitude to all the mothers of the world, and those who practice the gentle art of mothering {a trait found in many women who never had their own biological children}, the world is a sweeter place because of you.

And special hugs and whispered prayers for the precious hearts that for a number of reasons, find this day extra hard. May grace give you the strength you need...

Xo, Sue

p.s. Joining Miss Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday today!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen Cafe

 
Oh YIPPEEE SKIPPEEEE!

Been so busy catching up on real life [meaning less computer time] that I almost missed the news about Kim's newest inspiring adventure, TEXTURE TUESDAY!

I'm also known to spend way too much time out of doors once Spring hits my hometown. Like it's done! The above photo is one of my favorite of favorite trees...The Red Bud tree.

After applying a couple of Florabella actions, I added five layers of Kim's textures:

~scratches, 2 brushed linens, just golden, and an all time favorite, grey day!  

 
Thought I'd show the original pic before I applied the textures. It wasn't that long ago that I knew "zero" about Photoshop, and even less about adding textures to a photo. But both of those changed when I happened across Kim's blog! I took a couple of her online classes and a whole new world of fun was discovered.

If you've ever wanted to learn Photoshop {any of the versions}, I have, and will continue to highly recommend Kim's classes. There's even a free one to get you started. Just click on this link and you'll find the listing of classes on her sidebar.

 
Dragged home from the greenhouse a few pots of these adorable flowers to add to my flower beds last week. They are called Scabiosa, or more commonly known as the Pincushion flower.

Kim Klassen textures that I used: just blush, mona, sepia scratched, and 3 layers of softly. {also used a texture from flickr from boccacino}.

Head over to this post and check out all the other players in Texture Tueday and be inspired!

Hippity Hoppity....

 
Sometimes a little whim has me chasing rabbits...

...or bunny ears...specifically felted bunny ears....

...with wires in them so they can bend!

 
...and might as well make a hat to stick them in....

...and don't forget to hand sew some vintage bias tape around the edges so you can tie it on to someone's head...and add some vintage pom pom balls too!

Easter's on its way you know....

 
...and he could sit on a glass jar filled with chocolate eggs covered in pretty pastel foiled wrappers! {or jelly beans!}

But don't buy them just yet because you know you'll eat too many of them...

 
Those little pom poms made from tulle would sure make a sweet bunny tail...

 
Another one of the dollies thought she should have a chance to have her picture taken in the new hat as well. Have you ever noticed the tendency in curly-haired folks to stir the pot of life just a tad more than straight-hair folks do? That's why I religiously take a flat iron to my curly hair...it improves your personality. Seriously.

Since this little hat I made reminded me of this Ralphie scene from A Christmas Story...

 
I'll leave you with one last picture of a "Ralphie" version of my new hat!

 
Just being silly today.

But also wanted to share the scrumptious ground cover phlox that is showing off in my flower beds right now. Wish it would bloom all summer, but it doesn't....such a hardy perennial to plant that will naturally spread over the years.  

Hope you're finding some time for silly too. It's important too you know!

Xo, Sue

p.s. AND speaking of time, And of PS {PINK SATURDAY} I'm linking to my fellow Duke Blue Devil's fan, Miss Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to play in her weekly Saturday event! Saturday's are typically not a good day for me to play on the computer so it's fun to HIPPITY HOP back aboard for today!

So many blessings!

 
Spring has returned.  The Earth is like a child that knows poems. 

 ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Everyday there is a new plant peeking out of the ground, others stretching to new heights, an explosion of colors all around me....oh, how I adore Spring. And March Madness....as in NCAA basketball tournaments. Seriously. Die hard fan of college basketball. Especially the ACC, and specifically the Duke Blue Devils.

Despite the warmer weather calling me outdoors, I do come in for the games I need to watch. Which is most of them! And blessings heaped upon blessings, my Dukie boys are still in the dance!

As if all of that isn't enough, I was also blessed to win Cherie's {Humble Pie Designs} recent giveaway! {check out her She Art she has posted on her blog...next class begins April 11th!}

 

Amy Barickman's scrumptious book she was most generous to donate to the cause...

 
Lots of special little touches in the box as well....

 
It's filled with articles from days gone by...Department of Good Looks makes me smile. When stress has the better of you, it's time to melt into the mattress of the couch. Such timeless wisdom...

Speaking of stress, and the NCAA games, and not being someone who sits still very well....

...I've been reading through this book while watching the games. This little illustration from the book sort of jumped off the pages to me. Sparked an idea to keep my hands busy...inspired me to stitch some little embroidered flower medallions...

 

 

 
....lots of stitching going on during the games...the little flower pieces are stitched to a 100% cotton batting...the quilt squares, if you will, are pieces of vintage wallpaper first glued to a sheet of paper {also did a linen backing version} and then stitched...

 
Okay...and maybe I pop a few of those healthy ALMONDS {covered in sugar and chocolate} into my mouth as well, to relieve stress, of course.

I'm a big fan of cheetos and nacho doritos too but those leave orange fingerprints on handwork...m&m's don't!

Also tucked into the box was this pattern of Amy's...I'm pretty sure I could see myself melting into the couch in a pair of those jammie bottoms...

Good thing all my little ones are old enough to drive themselves to where they need to go these days.  Cuz back in the day when I was the driver to all the practices...

....and my gardening time was interupted to make the next run...

...i can't tell you how many times they'd ask if I was going to change into normal shoes before we left. They'd be asking the same question if I ventured out in these fun jammie bottoms as well....

 
What's wrong with these garden boots?! Why didn't they want their mother to wear them out in public? 

Oh well. You can't please all of the people all of the time.

Unless of course, you put a sweet package in their hands like the one I received from Cherie! Cherie who is always such a bundle of warm encouragement and talented little creator of all things artsy! Thank you so much {and Amy too!} for such wonderful gifts.

Xo and many warm blessings, Sue

GO DUKE!

Inspired

Been missing in action...meaning, I'm in full action mode, just missing from blogland! Too many fun things, life, the daily grind...you know that story.

But these recent offerings from Pottery Barn are way too inspiring not to share. Especially for all those still stuck in winter...mostly against their own will, I might add!

!!!all photos to follow are from pottery barn website unless noted differently!!!

 
 
 
 
 

...those plates in the delicate pastel shades and ruffled edges make me swoon....

...i'm convinced that food even tastes better when served on pretty dishes!

 
 
 
 

 

 
As much as I prefer "real" flowers, I must say that these apple blossom silks are deliciously lovely.

 
...same to be said for these spring magnolia blossoms which are currently in full-glorious-bloom in Georgia. They are stunning in person...and there is also a white version of this magnificent tree.

But as much as I love so many items in the recent offerings from Pottery Barn, if I could only pick one, this would be it....

 
....ahhhhhh.....place your orders for Mother's Day girls!

 I'll sign off with a couple of photos from what's happening just outside my windows...

 
 

 
 
 

Happy inspired Spring wishes to all....let us all do our part to make the world a more beautiful place. {and i don't mean with just "things" :) }

Xo, Sue 

Happy Day of Love

 
...thirty-seven years sharing this special day with my sweetie...

...six of them while dating {{{high school sweethearts}}}

However, Valentine's Day isn't just for sweethearts. It's a day to remember all those special people in our lives.

 Blessed are the we who have friends and family in our lives.  

And for those who've had their hearts crushed because they've loved {and that would be most of us} love is always worth the risk. High risk, high reward. But I would rather look like my old Teddy Bear...with a few love-rubbed spots on my heart, than to have a heart that was never taken out of the box. 

You too, I hope...

May your day be beautiful, however you plan to spend it...

 
 Speaking of love stories, I noticed Karen at My Desert Cottage is hosting a Share Your Love Story event today! I always think the stories of how couples met are so fun to hear. As for my beloved and me, we met at the ripe old age of 16 at a bowling alley.

He loves to quote the line from the 1981 Dudley Moore movie "Arthur"...

"Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature."

YYYYYYYYYYY

credits: textures used on photos from Kim Klassen and Designerdigitals