Hello from the mountain top!

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Hi darling ones!  I hope you are having a beautiful week...

Our vacation is just like a little slice of heaven.  We were concerned with the weather forecast which ominously promised lightening rain storms from our arrival day, Sunday, through Wednesday.  We did indeed drive through a magnificent and slightly alarming rain storm complete with lightening flashes for the last hour before safely reaching our destination.  It was early evening and we managed to get settled in, went out for pizza and stopped by the grocery store for picnic supplies (and ice cream) during a break in the rain.  It rained heavily throughout the night, but we were snug as bugs in our charming little accommodations. 

The next morning, Monday, brought birdsong and sunshine with a few scattered clouds...Let the fishing begin!  We have had glorious weather every day. 

Two mishaps have befallen us (well, me).  First, I dropped my camera and it landed with a very hard thud on the pavement.  It is indeed broken.  A relatively new camera (a birthday gift last fall from R) so as you can imagine, I'm sick about it.  That's why you've not seen any breathtaking photos of our surroundings as of yet.  R does have a fairly decent camera on his phone, but we will not be able to transfer them to my computer until we return home.  I promise you there are some completely stunning photos of a meadow connected to a lake inlet that will surely look like heaven.  I'll share them with you here upon my return from our trip.

Yes, I did mention there were two mishaps.  You won't believe this, but Josephine II came to an untimely end yesterday.  She snapped in half.  Tragedy!  I think the name Josephine may be jinxed so I will come up with a new name for her replacement.  Any name suggestions from you, dear friends, will be appreciated.

Our trip is almost at an end and we've enjoyed it so much (except for the above mentioned mishaps, of course!)...I do love to travel, but I also love to be back home. 

I have a couple of photos from last year's trip here to share with you today.  It will have to do for now....


A fire ravaged mountainside on the trail to Rainbow Falls.


Two beauties alongside the road.

Thank you so much for dropping in!  Your presence is truly appreciated...xo


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We're off..



Last year at Mammoth.  Breathtaking, isn't it?

Happy Sunday, dear ones! I hope your weekend is turning out to be a wonderful one...


It's been a year since R, the boy, and I have gone anywhere on vacation. Today, we leave for Mammoth and we are so looking forward to it. This is not a long getaway, we'll be home next weekend. Still, it will be time for us to do lots of lovely things...

During the day we plan to:

Fish. Josephine II is ready for her maiden journey, after last year's Accident.
Hike.
Sit under the trees alongside one of Mammoth's lakes, and sketch.
Read.
Write. I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one in our little group doing this...
Picnic.


In the evening, we'll most likely be;

Working a puzzle.
Playing a board game or cards.
Joking and goofing off.
Enjoying a nice dinner.
Planning world domination.  (Just checking to see if you're paying attention.)


The main objective is to relax and rejuvenate. There you have it, our low-key week in the mountains. We'll be hitting the road in the next couple of hours. Hopefully, those lightening storms in the mountain weather forecast are someone's idea of a bad joke....

I will have my computer with me and plan to do a couple of posts this week with photos of our trip, if all goes according to plan. I hope you have a beautiful week and make many happy memories, lovely friends.


The boy. Last year on Lake Tioga at the perfect fishing spot.


As always, thank you for stopping in to see me...
You always bring happiness with your comments...xo






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Coming Soon...





French Herb Wall Art


Derived from my original sketch
Hand-embroidered
Pure linen in mocha
French spelling of sage
The first of many in this Fringe garden series

One of my newest home decor pieces.  It's the first of a series I'm working on.  This piece will be available soon on my website (which is a work in progress).  Much more to come...including other forms of Fringe home decor.


In other news...

Yesterday our boy left for three days with his paternal grandparents.  I was hit with sadness and tears when he was waving goodbye to me as they drove away.  Thank goodness he didn't see it!  I know, I'm such a sap.  The image of him waving goodbye is frozen in my mind.  I can't help thinking that soon he will be waving goodbye to me as a young man, leaving for the last time.  These motherhood heartstrings...infinite and complex, twisting, crossing, changing colors....

I hope you have a beautiful Thursday, dear friends!  I have a long list (yay for lists!) of things to get done while he's away.  If I finish everything on the list, I may just treat myself to a little reward tomorrow...

Thank you so much for stopping by to see me...xo



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The third Wednesday of every month...


Do you know what that means?  Well, it's the day of my Lillyella home decor feature.  Yes indeedy.  Remember last month when I mentioned my new gig?  I am contributing a home decor post on the third Wednesday of each month for the lovely Nicole's blog, Lillyella.

This month's post is titled


I had such fun writing the post!  I hope you'll take a minute or two to go check it out.  While you're there, you'll see there are lots of other wonderful features and posts by Nicole as well as featured guests. 

Enjoy your Wednesday, lovely friends!  Thank you so much for dropping by...You really do bring little bursts of happiness to my day with your comments...xo
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Photo of the day..



National Geographic's Photo of the day...



I don't usually publish two posts in one day, but I just was so mesmerized with today's National Geographic photo that I couldn't resist.  I hope you find it as amazingly beautiful as I do.

Don't forget to check out today's Turquoise Tuesday feature here!

Have a lovely evening, dear friends...I'll see you tomorrow....xo
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Turquoise Tuesday...


Hello, darling friends, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday!  I chose tea cups for today's featured theme.  I love tea so I thought this would be a fun item to focus on this week....You'd be surprised to see how many turquoise tea cups there are out there.  Here are five items found on Etsy that range from whimsical to rustic with a beautiful photo print thrown into the mix, all with the common theme of turquoise.  I hope you enjoy my selections...



Made to Order Tumblers by Clear Mountain Craft






Tea Print by aux petits oiseaux



Vintage Snack Set from beppiebags



Made to Order  Royal Cup by CircaCeramics


So there you have it....this week's feature...turquoise tea cups (and a print).  Aren't they all great?  Don't they make you want to go sip a cup of tea (or coffee)?  Actually, these cups could be used for so many different things; to float a blossom in water, sip some soup, fill with a snack (granola, crackers, you name it), an organizer for holding some bits such as beads, thread, paper clips,  rubber bands or any number of little treasures.  So many options for one small cup!

Thank you so much for dropping by to see me...I'm so glad you did.  I hope you have a beautiful day....xo




Ah...Summer...





Today's breakfast.  Iced coffee and icy cold fruit.  I love summer.

Happy Monday, lovely friends!  I hope you make some wonderful memories today.  I'll see you tomorrow for Turquoise Tuesday!

Thank you for visiting me...xo



Beauty by the sea...





Happy Saturday, dear friends!   Do you have any plans for this weekend?  The sun is shining and there's a gentle breeze here.  In other words, a perfectly perfect morning.  This is the first morning I went with iced coffee when I woke up.  That's my way of knowing summer is truly here, when hot coffee is not as appealing as iced coffee first thing in the morning.

R took this photo with his phone on one of our recent beach walks.  I think this raspberry shade of hydrangea is my favorite.  This was a huge gathering of hydrangea bushes just steps away from the sand.  A bounty by the sea.  Completely gorgeous.

I hope you have a beautiful day...Don't forget to take the time to stop and enjoy nature, dear ones.

Thank you for taking time to stop by...xo
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Down de bayou...



I'm thrilled to do this post about an Etsy friend I've known for around three years now.  Kerri of Bayou Salvage.  She's an amazing woman, filled to brim with talent and kindness.  It's important to know that she also is a Katrina survivor.  She's got what it takes, and that's the truth. 

She was approached by Anthropologie about her Bayou Salvage line.  They want her creations in their flagship New Orleans store this September!  Isn't that just the best thing?  I'm almost speechless with delight for Kerri.  It's so well-deserved, and I know she will enjoy great success. 

So here's to you, dear Kerri!  I'm proud of you and wish you all the success you so richly deserve, sweetheart.


Pontalba Pantaloons by Bayou Salvage


Thank you so much for visiting, dear ones....xo





Flower-Gathering



Flower-Gathering
by Robert Frost

I LEFT you in the morning,
And in the morning glow,
You walked a way beside me
To make me sad to go.
Do you know me in the gloaming,
Gaunt and dusty gray with roaming?
Are you dumb because you know me not,
Or dumb because you know?

All for me and not a question
For the faded flowers gay
That could take me from beside you
For the ages of a day?
They are yours, and be the measure
Of their worth for you to treasure,
The measure of the little while
That I've been long away.


~This is one of my favorite poems ever written.  If I'm feeling a little unsettled or discouraged, peotry can uplift me.  As with most poetry, I feel the meaning is left for individual interpretation.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on what this poem is saying to you...

As always, I'm so happy you stopped by.  I hope your day is filled with beautiful words and flowers...xo





Turquoise Tuesday...

Hello, dear friends, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday!  I hope you are all having a fabulous day so far, and I'm so glad you're here.

Today's feature will focus on summertime, as did last week's Turquoise Tuesday.  This week it's all about us, ladies.  What to wear to the pool or the beach.  The perfect swimsuit.  To me, this knot-back maillot by Cala Ossidiana is indeed the ultimate and sexiest swimwear.  This suit is timeless in it's design and beauty.  I absolutely adore it.  It's definitely not your average maillot.



Knot-back Maillot in turquoise by Cala Ossidiana


So there you have it, this week's feature.  I hope you'll tune in for next week's Turquoise Tuesday as well.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in, lovely friends!  Your comments are such a delight...xo



Sunday fun...

Hello and Happy Monday, dear ones! I hope your week is off to a wonderful start.

Oh my goodness, I had the most fun yesterday at the swap meet! We haven't been for quite some time due to the craziness that has been our life lately. Yesterday morning, as R and I were having our coffee, he said, "Hey, why don't we go to the swap meet today?"...Well, no one has to ask me twice. It turned out to be a fabulous finds kinda day for us (well, me especially).




This Royal Deluxe typewriter is like a dream come true.
I can't wait to show you the font in a future post.
It needs a little love, some keys stick, lots of dust and one case hinge is off
(but included in the case).
Any guesses what I paid for this Royal gem?




I do love antlers, as you may already know.
This too was a steal.
I'm so pleased to add this to my little collection!




These two tiny butterfly specimens are delicate and so...me.
Only $5 for the pair.




This collection of mother-of-pearl buttons is enough to make me a happy girl.
Another steal at the swap meet.




The boy found his own treasures today too.
He told us this ammo case is his favorite swap meet find of all time.



He also bought this really old stamp pad.
It's old and worn and the perfect shade of red.
He paid half a dollar for it.

Don't forget, sweet friends, tomorrow is Turquoise Tuesday! Yay! I hope to see you then...

Thank you so much for stopping by to see me. I get such joy out of reading your comments...xo






Just peachy...


Peaches as far as the eye can see....Above is a photo of my countertop yesterday after picking peaches off our little tree. It's so loaded down, the branches are drooping, and the poor little tree looks like it's in pain.

About half of these peaches aren't even ripe, but they were all in such tight bunches that if one peach was picked, three others fell off. I had to do it though. The dang Peach Thief has been traipsing boldly up and down the branches, nibbling here, munching there and generally leaving a wasteful trail of half-eaten peach havic at every turn.

He's basically become my Nemesis.

Anyway, I digress...As soon as enough of these peaches ripen up, it's Mama D's peach cobbler time! I wish you could come by and join me for cobbler and coffee...

Have a beautiful Sunday, and thank you for visiting...xo

More Fresh Fringe...

sexy disarray
sunshine yellow
whimsical posy brooch



winding and ruffled
sculptural
pure white


Victorian meets modern
fresh spring green
tiny vintage skeleton key


You could say I've been busy this week. Creating, that is. It's been wonderful, and there are plenty more new pieces to come. I wish I had more time in the day as the hours simply fly by.
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I hope to get back to doing the weekly shop updates soon.

These three pieces have several things in common. Easy to pack for a lightweight and striking accessory on any vacation. Perfect-for-summer shades of refreshing white, yellow and green that will go with just about anything from a tank top and flirty skirt, jeans and t-shirt, a little summer frock or shorts and a blouse. These designs can be dressed up for a night on the town or casual and carefree on that last minute errand run. They can all three be worn in the office with the right ensemble.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend so far, lovey friends! Be sure to take some time to smell the roses. Thank you so much for stopping by...xo




I'm nuts about it...

Sterling Silver Peanut Pin by terminy. One of a kind.



Please forgive me for the bad pun in the title, but I couldn't resist. Plus, I really and truly am nuts about this peanut! Peanut is one of my favorite words, a little fact about me you may not have known.

Seriously though, I think this is a brilliant idea by terminy. A sterling silver peanut. Who wouldn't want it?

Thank you for dropping in, dear ones and TGIF....xo



Fresh Fringe...

Hello and Happy Wednesday, dear friends! I hope you are having a beautiful day.

This petite pillow is a brand new Fringe design. It’s the first in a series of new home décor items coming your way. It’s the tiniest of ponies (only 5" square)…perfect for any little cozy nook in your home. Nestle him in a bookshelf, on a favorite chair, on a table or bed as a little sculptural décor accent. You can use this pillow as a pin cushion, or a friendly companion from home on your next trip. This little huggable pillow is one-of-a-kind. A tiny heirloom addition to your home.


Made of the highest quality, beautiful, buttery soft linen. I hand embroidered a horse head designed from one of my horse sketches. I had my childhood pony, Buttons, in mind when I drew this pony’s face.


This is a one-of-a-kind piece. Anything hand embroidered is one-of-a-kind, in my case. Each piece is sketched by hand and then lovingly embroidered by yours truly. That can never be exactly the same again.

I hope you like my new Fringe Home piece. I have lots of other designs in my new line. Time permitting; they will be here in the near future...

As always, I am so grateful that you stopped in to see me. Your visits and comments make me happy...xo







Turquoise Tuesday...

Happy Turquoise Tuesday, everyone! How are you doing? It's a rainy day in July here. Very unusual indeed. I want our normal July weather! Sunny and clear blue skies...

At least I can imagine a beautiful, sunny day with today's Turquoise Tuesday feature. I have decided to feature a very special photographer. My darling brother, a.k.a. Brock Street. He took this perfect photo on his vacation in Mexico this year. Isn't it the dreamiest?



I hope you have a terrific Tuesday! Thank you for spending a part of your day here with me...xo






Fresh Fringe...finally...

Hello and Happy Monday, dear ones! It's been quite some time since I've added new designs to Fringe. Ever since the Bump in the Road, actually. I've had many new pieces sitting here in my studio, waiting patiently for me to give them the last bit of attention they need for showing. I'm slowly getting back to where I was before, creatively. I hope to get back to my weekly shop updates soon.

Here are the first of my new designs. The Keepsake Neck Ruffle was designed with the same philosophy I use for many of my Fringe pieces. Combining the past with the present. To me, it adds more meaning to my work. As you know, I love adding vintage components to my designs, and here are three more examples of just that. I hope you'll enjoy viewing them...



Keepsake Neck Ruffle 001
Bright white, sky blue.
Tiny vintage skeleton key.


Watery blue, chartreuse green.
Tiny vintage skeleton key.


Dainty, feminine pink.
Vintage mother-of-pearl buttons.

These lightweight collars are adjustable, thanks to the velvet ribbon ties. Perfect for the warmer months ahead of us. I love making them...They're so ruffle-y, fun and ultra feminine. I have 4 new color combos coming up this week at Fringe.

For those of you here in the U.S., I hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend. We had a lovely day yesterday. This morning it's rainy, but hopefully it will clear up enough for the little impromptu barbecue gathering we're having here with a couple of our neighbors...

Thank you so much for visiting! I'm so happy you did...xo