The Wedding Day

We were married on a beautiful September morning in the small town where we grew up. 

We were highschool sweethearts. 

A simple wedding.

I still remember the flutter of my heart as I slipped on my veil, took one last look at my reflection in the glass. 

It felt so perfect and right. 

But the year leading up to this moment was not. 

My relationship with my sweet Blue Eyes caused a rift with my parents. 

A rift so deep, that I became emancipated at age 16. 

I had been on my own for over a year. 

I did not have their blessing. 

But I pleaded with my Father to walk me down the aisle. 

And for them both to attend. 

As I prepared for our special day, I prayed they would come. 

And they did. Reluctantly. 

There were no flowers, only the small bouquet of pink rosebuds that I carried in my hands. 

There was no photographer, 

No glittering reception with towering cake, toasts to our union and dancing into the night. 

A small group of friends and family quietly sat in the unadorned pews. 

My Grandmother. My Aunt Mary. 

His Grandmother. His Uncle Sonny. 

Our parents. Some high school friends.

My sister was maid of honor in a borrowed dress. 

Blue Eye's best man backed out the day before. 

He didn't believe, he said. He didn't think it would last. 

Blue Eye's young brother took his place, wearing the only tux that came in his small size. 

Mustard yellow. 

We cared not one bit. 

Our only thoughts were of each other, of starting our life together. 

Free to create our own destiny. 

I only remember the joy in my heart. 

The love in his eyes. 

And as we walked arm and arm as man and wife into the beautiful morning sunshine, 

we knew it was right. 

xoxo

Next time: We follow our dreams. 

A Quiet Weekend

The weather has been unsettled lately. 

One minute sunshine, 

The next minute rain. 

Everything is wet! 

Ling Ling walks the rail to keep her little feet dry. 

But the flowers are very happy! 

In between rain showers I go out and feed the birds. 

The beautiful Grosbeaks are back to nest and they love the black oil sunflower seeds I provide. 

The gnarly old tree where the bird feeder hangs is sprouting new growth along it's many burls. 

As I walk further on, I hear the buzzing of many bees 

 from my ancient Holly tree, which is just now blooming. 

You can see last season's berries still clinging to the branches. 

These will soon be eaten by robins and waxwings as they raise their young. 

My Ramblin' Man has been gone most of the weekend, traveling on business, so Champ and Whitey keep me company as I trim and sweep the walkway. 

Don't you love how Champ is sitting? 

His floppy ears and big feet make me smile. 

He is waiting patiently for me to finish so I can play fetch. 

He loves nothing better and carries his ball wherever he goes. 

After a rousing game, he is finally worn out. 

Whitey does not understand why anyone would want to fetch a ball, so he steals it and won't give it back. 

 I always need a spare! 

Go ahead, try and get it back! 

Watch out for your fingers!

The day proves to be cool and showery so I use the time to start organizing the closets. 

Winter clothes are put away and summer clothes hung in their place. 

Leaving a few sweaters for cool days like these. 

As the afternoon wears on, I take a break, along with Ling Ling. This is her favorite place to perch. 

Surveyor of her domain! 

From this vantage point she can see the deck, the backyard and inside the house through the glass doors. 

I love how she tucks her little paws. 

Soon the sun drops below the cloud cover and shines its light across the valley. 

At first a small patch of light,

But soon the hills turn gold, 

Lighting the trees on fire. 

Highlighting the landscape with a golden wand. 

Illuminating secret groves of patriarchs. 

Hidden homes of the truly wild. 

I stand transfixed as I watch nature's light show unveil hidden wonders. 

But soon the magical light starts to fade,

Technicolor turns to black and white. 

Until final curtain call once more. 

xoxo

My prayers go out to all those in the midwest and Oklahoma who are victims of the recent tornadoes.

May the Angels be with you.

xx

Vintage Treasures

I popped in to my favorite vintage store recently and found some little treasures. 

Sometimes a girl needs some shopping therapy. 

Especially when the price is right!

Everything I found was under $10, most were just a couple of dollars. 

The first thing I found was this lovely milk glass vase. 

I do love pretty vases! 

I also found the sweet embroidered table runner. 

These pottery pieces caught my eye. 

The hand painted mug is from Greece. 

I thought it was just right for a nice cup of tea. 

The pottery crock has beautiful fish designs, each one different. 

It will be very useful to serve shrimp cocktail or display flowers for a seafood dinner. 

The blue glass fish compote with lid and spoon was my Dear Mother's. 

This sweet little basket stole my heart. 

Here it is with pansies on a pansy pot holder, also once my Mother's. 

I now have two! 

The start of a new collection? 

With dried lavender wands and potpourri. 

The scent is heavenly! 

I found these three glass bowls, the bottom one with a lovely blue tint and scalloped edges. 

I have a weakness for blue. 

With the addition of some ice cream glasses.......

I created a tiered serving dish. 

Perfect for strawberries! 

I also found this hand made pillow slip in perfect condition. 

I love the crocheted inserts. 

It is an unusual size and I will need to make a custom pillow, but it will look just right on a summer bed. 

Of course I had to buy some books! 

You can never have too many, I say!

Especially when they are as lovely as these. 

This one is from 1963. 

With hand painted illustrations on each page. 

This beautiful book has instructions for water color painting. 

Published in 1983, it has wonderful tablescapes. 

I also found two lovely books on Friendship.

Both published in the 1960's, they have sweet quotes and verses and pretty illustrations. 

Here is an example. 

Beautifully frame worthy. 

And of course, something to hold all those books! 

This will be a project, as it needs some updating. 

I am thinking cream or robin's egg blue with decoupaged roses on each end. 

A project for a rainy day! 

I found some sweet 'Little Golden Books' to add to my collection. 

Someday I hope to have grandchildren and it doesn't hurt to be ready! 

I just love the detailed illustrations in these beloved little books. 

I know there were days when I felt like 'The Little Red Hen' when I was raising a family! 

And how magical are these illustrations from 'Thumbelina' ? 

xx

I hope you have enjoyed my vintage treasures and are inspired to find some of your own. 

In this throwaway world it is always nice to rescue a few precious finds. 

Simple little pleasures for very little money. 

xx

I will leave you with a little verse from one of my books. 

'We cannot change yesterday, 

that is quite clear

Nor begin on tomorrow until it is here -

So all that is left for you and for me

Is to make today as sweet as can be.' 

Anonymous

I hope your day is as sweet as you are! 

xoxo