Jar of Sunshine

I was greeted this morning with a text from Janice with this photo of her dried calendula I mentioned a few days ago...it looks like a jar of sunshine. If that was the only joy I experienced all day....I would have been all set.

But then I found a little gem in the yard while I was working.....

...and it put the day over the top and it was only 9:00.

It was no bigger than my pinky nail.....and I almost missed it.  But looking and seeing is what I love to do....and this is just another reminder of how that can be rewarded.

We had friends over this evening for pizza in the back yard.....and it was wonderful on so many levels.  First of all I spent a good chunk of the day sprucing up the gardens....and finally cleaning the patio area....and that's something to celebrate.  But even more important was the opportunity to safely connect with people we care about trading stories...and  sharing our joys and challenges.

It was like a second jar of sunshine.  

Bling String #2

I just got another fun "bling string" in the mail from my friend Ellen.  It's mostly sunflowers and birds...and was inspired by my funky coat rack.


I love this see through gold frame segment....
and all the little jewels and bling mixed in.

The coat rack was painted by an artist from Maine and is made out of an old telephone pole. It sits in the corner of the living room...right near our front door and is quite a conversation piece.

I'm not sure exactly where the sunflower bling string will go....but for now it will live next to the coat rack tacked to my door frame.

Thanks Ellen!  See you soon!

"Bling String"

It was a wonderful trip and I was so pleased to be able help Margie...but it's good to be home.  I was greeted by a wonderful package from Ellen...who, if you remember got a box of goodies from my stash not that long ago.

She made me one of her "bling strings"...with some of the things from the box...and some of her own stash.  She called it "Rainy Days and Mondays" and I just love it!

There is a different design on each side of the shapes...and in no way do the pictures do it justice.  I will find just the right place for it....probably in my guest room in Maine...which is "Ellen's" room when she visits. Thanks Ellen!

Felt Garland

Happy New Year's Eve!

I am quite fond of felt garland...and have a nice little collection going.  I loved the way they looked on the tree...part whimsy...part homespun. I tried several times to photograph them....but none of the photos did them justice.  Now that they're off the tree....I have a chance to show them off before I tuck them away for another year.

I have made some and bought some. The colorful one on the far left and the all red one are "Free Trade" products.