Birds of a Feather

These little stone birds were a gift from my son for my birthday.

Every morning I start my day by going outside to feed the birds. Living among the tall trees and berries attracts many types of birds. In the Spring, the sound of their singing is like a living symphony.

'In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence' - Robert Lynd

This lovely bird bath was a gift from my Hubby on Mother's Day.

'A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song' - Chinese Proverb

'The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind' - Carly Simon

My son did landscaping in the summers when he was in school. He found this birdcage lying in a field, rusty and covered in dirt and asked the owners if he could bring it home. He cleaned it up and painted it and now it looks lovely in my front garden.

'I know why the caged bird sings' - Maya Angelou - Quoting a lyric by Paul Laurence Dunbar

This little clay bird from Mexico has been with me since my first year of marriage. He had a mate, but it was broken. He has lovely painted flowers on his backside.

'A wise old owl sat on an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why aren't we like that wise old bird?'

Edward Hersey Richards

This ceramic owl was a gift to my Mother for Mother's Day when I was a small girl. I walked with my sister a mile to a little gift store run by a little old lady.  She kept it all these years and I brought it home after she recently passed away.

'I hope you love birds, too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.' - Emily Dickinson

These beautiful orange and black birds grace my feeder every spring. They are devoted to their families and stay together until fall when they fly away for the winter.

'There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots. The other is wings.'

Hodding Carter, Jr.

My son made birdhouses for everyone one Christmas when he was a struggling student and had no money for gifts. Everyone still talks about what a special gift it was.

'Use what talents you possess: The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best.' -Henry Van Dyke

I painted an old baker's rack and keep it on my deck with one of the birdhouses my son made.

'The bird of Paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp' - John Berry

My dear Father made this eagle as a very young man out of cast aluminum. He was a tool and dye maker his entire life.

'You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren' - William Henry Hudson

He also made this set of flying ducks. I inherited them when my Mother passed away. Dear dad is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. These ducks are nearly 60 years old. They now grace the main beam in my living room.

'No bird soars too high, if he soars with his own wings' - William Blake

This decorative bird cage has been used for bridal showers, weddings, and anniversary parties, filled with flowers and decorated with ribbons. My beautiful pet Cockatiel uses it as a perch when he comes out of his cage every morning. I open the curtains and he watches the wild birds.

'It is the beautiful bird which gets caged' - Chinese Proverb

My beautiful 'Birdy Boy' came into my life as a lost pet. I had a housekeeping business and while at a lovely home on a lake, the owner called for me to come outside to 'see the beautiful bird' on her roof. I instantly recognized him as a Cockatiel and asked if she had some wild bird seed to coax him into the window upstairs. He was clearly exhausted, panting with his colorful wings extended as he collapsed on the roof.

We put the seed in a dish and I called for him in my best chirpy voice. To my astonishment, he hopped right over and started pecking away at the seed in my hand. I quickly scooped him up and we found a box and poked holes into it so I could bring him home. I had never owned a bird before and the owner of the house did not want him.

He is loving, intelligent, comical, and sweet. He has been my loving companion for almost 12 years now.

Of course I had to buy him the biggest cage I could find. 3'x4' and it sits in the large window of my loft, safely away from the family cats. Every day he is allowed to fly free for an hour or two while he accompanies me on domestic duties. (Cats not allowed)

 He has taught me that birds have feelings, they express devotion, they know when there are intruders (hawks, eagles and crows are loudly announced), they have preferences in tastes (broccoli, strawberries and grapes) , they defend their territory (you are not allowed to reach into the cage and move things without a fuss) and they bond with one person.

I have never looked at birds the same way since.

I have three bird baths. This one was my first and is many years old. A gift from Hubby.

'I realize that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes' - Charles Lindbergh  Interview shortly before his death, 1974

This beautiful birdbath was a gift from my son for Mother's Day last year.

'The bluebird carries the sky on his back' - Henry David Thoreau

'I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs' - Joseph Addison 1672-1719

I will end with a quote from one of my favorite books, 'Green Mansions', by W.H. Hudson

'Have you ever observed a humming-bird moving about in an aerial dance among the flowers - a living prismatic gem....it is a creature of such fairy-like loveliness as to mock all description'

Seaside Tray

Supplies

Wooden tray

Two shades of blue-green craft paint

Off white craft paint

Decoupage Medium in 'Matte'

 Photocopied Nautical Image

Clothesline Rope

2  thin bristled paint brushes (1" wide)

This is a fun project that gives an old wooden tray a pretty make-over, and is so easy to do.

I found this nice wooden tray at the local 'Thrift and Gift' and although it is sweet, I thought it needed a new look. It was nice and sturdy, and the price was right at only $5.00. I love trays for carrying food and beverages, corralling condiments or cutlery, or just looking pretty on a wall or shelf.

I chose two shades of sea colors to paint the tray. I had paint from a home improvement project, but you can use craft paint in two slightly different shades to give it that 'beachy' look. I painted the tray with the lighter shade all over, let that dry and then with a dry 1" brush, very lightly stroked  the second color on top, here and there, to give it a weathered look. Always follow the wood grain when painting for a more natural look. Let the tray dry and then turn it over and paint the bottom and sides the same, as the bottom of the tray will be visible whenever it is carried.

For my 'Seascape' I chose a beautiful little watercolor painting that my Dear Mother had done when she was a school girl. Of course, I didn't want to use the original, so I took a color copy, using regular computer paper. You can choose a picture in a magazine, download an image, or use a small watercolor like I did. Keep in mind that any type of printed material on the back of an image, such as a magazine or newspaper, may show through after applying the decoupage medium, so color copies are the way to go.

I also wanted to give it a real 'nautical' look, so I decided to apply thin rope around the inside edge. I chose clothesline rope because it is thin, soft, and bends easily, and can be found in any hardware or home improvement store. The 3/16th size is perfect. The ends tend to fray, so dip the end in the decoupage medium as soon as you start applying the rope. Also, keep in mind that it will stretch if you pull on it, so be careful not to stretch it or it will pucker. The decoupage medium will completely seal the rope and make it waterproof.

 I like to use the Matte decoupage medium, rather than the gloss, as it leaves a soft sheen and is more forgiving of imperfect brush strokes. I like to apply it with a thin bristled 1" wall brush. Be careful of loose bristles, as you want to remove them before your work dries or you will have a permanent reminder! Also, I always use plastic underneath, as it won't stick to the project like newspaper will. I just use a kitchen trash bag.

Once you have your image copied, center it by using a measuring tape to make sure it is evenly placed. Use a pencil to mark around opposite corners of your image once you have it in place, then remove the image. These marks will be your guide for replacing your image after applying your decoupage medium, and will be permanent, so make them light (but not too light, you want to be able to see them through the decoupage medium) and as close to the edge of the image as possible.

Once your image is removed, you can start applying the decoupage medium. Using your 1" brush, apply it to the main body of the tray where you will be placing your image. Use an ample amount of decoupage medium, as you will want to be able to brush it on smoothly without any dry spots, following the grain of the wood. Work quickly and coat the entire base of the tray. Work in a little extra around the edges where you will be applying your rope. Keep your brushstrokes as straight and even as possible and try not to brush over an area twice, as it will get sticky, so use a good amount of medium, but not so much that it puddles. You may be alarmed at the appearance of your work, but have no fear, although the medium looks white when it is wet, it dries clear. 

Place your image on your placement marks and press down lightly but firmly with your fingers. Try not to pull on the image, as it might tear or distort once it is wet. Tap down the edges to seal.

Next, starting at a corner, place the rope around the edges. Don't cut the rope until you have it completely placed around the edge, or you may come up short. Remember to seal the end with decoupage medium to prevent fraying. Gently lay the rope down without stretching it or twisting it. The rope will be rounded at the corners, so you will want to round out your starting and ending corner to match. Don't worry if the rope doesn't lie completely flat yet; once you go over it with more medium, it will adhere.

Once your image and rope are in place, go over it once more with the decoupage medium, starting with the edges and letting the medium drip down onto the rope, tapping it with the ends of the bristles to make sure the rope is coated completely. Then, using enough on your brush to keep it flowing smoothly and using nice straight strokes from side to side, following the same grain line as before, finish coating the entire base.



Next, coat the sides, being mindful of any drips on the outside, as they will be impossible to remove if they are allowed to dry. Work quickly and don't brush over any previous areas, as it will set up fast and be too sticky to smooth over. For that reason you will want to work on one area at a time.

Let your tray dry a few hours or overnight and then turn it over and coat the bottom and sides with decoupage medium to seal it and make it washable.

To give your tray a nice weathered 'Salty Spray' look, brush on a little off white paint, then quickly wipe it off with a wet cloth, letting a little remain in the corners and on the surface. Work quickly, one area at a time, as it will dry faster than you think. You can allow this coat to dry and give it another coat of decoupage medium to seal it, or you can leave it as is. I left mine unsealed, as it gave it that rough driftwood feel. It will still remain washable. Remember, do not submerge your tray in water, simply wipe clean.

I hope this gives you inspiration to create your own little reminder of a wonderful day at the Sea.

Minestrone Soup and Irish Brown Bread

Even though it is June, here in the Pacific Northwest it is still cool and damp. That calls for something to warm you up after a long rainy day. I really love Minestrone Soup, just for that reason. It is good and hearty, with a nice mellow flavor. The perfect accompaniment is Irish Brown Bread. Both recipes are very easy and healthy. The Minestrone can be cooked in a crock pot, or just as easily on the stove top. Purchase an extra can of beef broth to add if you are reheating the soup the next day, as the liquid tends to get absorbed. The Bread should be prepared right before serving so you can enjoy it warm out of the oven. It can also be frozen, or reheated in foil. I also love it sliced and toasted in the morning with my coffee. It does not keep longer than two days, so freeze what you are not going to use.



Minestrone Soup with Pasta, Beans, and Vegetables


Serves 4

Ingredients

3 cups reduced sodium beef stock

6-8 slices thick bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15 0z) can white (cannellini or navy) beans, drained

2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1-2 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried sage

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper

1 cup small pasta (broken spaghetti, ditalini, or sm shells)

1 medium zucchini, chopped, or 1 cup cut green beans

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh or frozen spinach, defrosted (optional)

Grated Parmesan and Basil sprigs for garnish, if desired

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine broth, bacon, tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, sage, bay leaves, and 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours.

Alternately, in a heavy soup kettle, bring to a low boil, turn down heat and simmer on Low for 1 and 1/2 hours.

Thirty minutes before the soup is done cooking, add the pasta, zucchini or green beans, and spinach. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves and season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garnish with basil, if desired.

Irish Brown Bread

Serves 4 - makes 2 loaves

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup quick oats

1/2 cup wheat germ

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 3/4 cups buttermilk (1 pint)

2 Tbsp honey


Heat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix flours, oats, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk together buttermilk and honey.

Add to flour mixture, stir to combine until soft dough forms.

Turn dough out onto floured surface, and turn a couple of times to coat with flour. Divide in half. Shape each half into a round loaf. (Keep these evenly flat so they will also cook evenly. If too tall, the middle will be doughy.) Place loaves 3 in. apart onto a prepared baking sheet; bake 10 minutes at 425 degrees, then reduce temperature to 400 degrees and finish baking, 10 more minutes, or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool 15 minutes.

Coming to Terms

It has been a sad time for me, losing my Mother not even 3 months ago and my Father in a nursing home with Alzheimer's for the past few years. I have tried to keep my spirits up by staying busy, connecting with my own grown children more often, and keeping close to Hubby. But sometimes, you just need a little bit of solitude to contemplate things. I love to take walks around my little 5 acres of Paradise and get back to nature. I am very fortunate to be able to do this. I realize that. But it came after many, many years of hard work and sacrifice.

We were very young when we decided to give up our comfortable life in suburbia and move onto raw land a state away. We had been searching for a little piece of Paradise, something we dreamed of way back in High School when Hubby and I would cut class and sit in the park and plan our life together. We knew we wanted at least 3 children, and a home in the mountains. Beyond that, we had no plans on how to achieve that, but knew our love and determination would bring us the happiness we desired.

And so I thought about how we managed to attain this little Shangrila as I strolled along.

 We sold everything we owned to buy this land and moved with 3 little babies under the age of 5. We had no electricity, and no well, but we had a nice big old camper with a full bath, nearly a full kitchen, and Hubby built a 16' x 20' shed (which we still use and love) to house a living room and a small bunk room for the children. We hauled in water and gathered rain water from the roof. We had propane appliances and heat, and a gas pump for our water. But no television or electric lights. That came a year later.

My parents had already moved onto a parcel down the road and my Dad, with his optimistic encouragement, assured us we could build our own home and that he would be available for assistance whenever necessary. This was the second home my Dad had built and he was an old pro by then. But Hubby had never built so much as a dog house before!

I remember the first time we came here. We came to visit my parents who had just bought their land. We were astounded at the pristine beauty of the forest, the amazing view of Mt. Rainier, the herds of Elk grazing in the wild flower meadows. And there were more parcels for sale. We simply had to have one.

And so we traded it all in, the comfortable life, Hubby's solid job, even the nice little car. We needed something rugged to 4 wheel up to our new life, as the road was barely passable. Were we crazy? Absolutely! But we knew if we passed this by, another chance might never come along to live in such an amazing place.

And so fast forward, years go by, we struggled to build, using every available cent, every available vacation of Hubby's. By then we had 4 little ones, all needing our attention. Things were put on the back burner and we lived with unfinished rooms, projects on hold. Little by little we raised the kids, and stuck to our goals. We would get an income tax return and buy sheetrock for walls, or a bonus, and put in ceilings. I went out to work whenever I could, never having a career so to speak, but doing what I could to help out.  And every evening, Hubby and I would take a walk to remind ourselves of why we were doing it all.

Meanwhile my parents were there to encourage us, while also struggling to build their dream home. I think back to that time and realize that they were nearly the age we are now, when they undertook this project. And I wonder how they found the energy and the stamina.

We would have many shared experiences, living here in the mountains, dealing with weather, wildlife, setbacks, and triumphs. My parents had the wonderful quality of always looking at the humorous side of things. We would sit together in our half finished houses and laugh until our sides hurt over the impossible situations we would find ourselves in.

And now I must Come To Terms with the reality that even though Hubby and I are at a very comfortable and content time in our lives, my parents lives are over. The home they so lovingly built is now being sold to help pay for my Dad's care. This home is at the end of my road, within a 5 minute walk down the quiet gravel lane. My children grew up skipping down this road to visit Grammy and Papa. I always knew it as a safe haven for me whenever I needed a home cooked meal or a cup of coffee and a shoulder to lean on. Now I must stand on my own, but with my roots firmly in the ground, sure of my place and secure in the legacy that my parents left me; Never give up your dreams, Always stick to your goals, Provide a safe haven for your children but encourage them to fly on their own, Teach them that they can overcome any obstacle and always remember to take the time to be Grateful for what you have, where you came from and where you are going. And always look on the bright side. Thank you Mom and Dad.

Organizing Bookshelves

This week I was not feeling the greatest. I had come down with a cold and the weather outside was pretty miserable for the most part, so I stayed inside and rested. But I am not one to sit around for long and after a while I started looking for something to do that wouldn't take too much energy. I had recently inherited some beautiful classic leather bound books from my Dear Mother and also her beautiful colonial desk. I wanted to find a special place in my already overstuffed cottage for these lovely new things, and so Hubby and I started measuring and thinking of new arrangements of furniture and books. It turned out that all we had to do was move one tall bookshelf to a little alcove beside the entrance to my bedroom. That left a small wall space the perfect size for my Mother's Desk.

I sorted through all of the books already on the bookshelf and did some purging and made room for the beautiful leather classics. I also had a set of leather bound encyclopedia's that I purchased when my children were in school (B.C.- before computers). These I kept in a glass door bookcase in my living room. I thought they would look beautiful with the new books and so I moved them out of the living room and onto the bedroom bookshelf.

That left my living room bookcase in a shambles and so that needed to be organized, also. I keep all of my antique and classic favorites in that bookcase. I have some nice old novels in there, some dating from the early 1900's. I also have a small collection of children's books by my favorite illustrators, Jesse Wilcox Smith, Kate Greenaway, Elizabeth Gordon and Arthur Rackham. I love Victorian children's books and fairy books. I have a collection of fairy books that I haven't even set out yet because I need more bookshelves.

I am pleased with how the bedroom bookshelf turned out. The living room bookcase still needs some work, but it will have to do for now until I get some new bookshelves. I am working on that. I have two bookshelves in my shed that need some painting that I will be working on in the next few weeks, one for my cook book collection and one for, well, we will see. Fairy books? Photos? I will share that project with you when I am done.

I thought I would show you what the rest of the bedroom looks like while I am at it. I am currently contemplating buying new linens and duvet covers for the bed. I was thinking maybe something with a prairie look, striped ticking, calico, and homespun. Well, I am getting ahead of myself here.

After entering and going past the new books, Hubby's desk sits to the right. Beyond that is my Armoire,  the bed in the middle, with my vanity and a comfy little chair opposite the desk.

From there sits another matching Armoire and our cozy little wood stove that we use on very cold nights, the sliding doors leading out to the deck, and then back around to my Mother's desk. (With the television and stereo thrown in there).

You can see the bedpost peeking up on the bottom right of the frame!

My Mother's desk is so perfect in it's little place. It needs a chair, and I will be looking for that. It has to be something small with a colonial type style. Maybe with some gold stencilling to go along with the stencilling on the desk.

And I also need to start reading.......Let's see, 'War and Peace' or the 'Illiad'? Yikes!!! Maybe I will start with 'The Scarlett Letter'. It's not too long.

Have I mentioned that I love, love, love books? I have a loft above my bedroom (which isn't finished yet, but we will be working on that this winter), that is lined with bookshelves, stuffed full. Mostly gardening, botanical and craft books. Some of the botanical books have beautiful hand painted illustrations. I search used book stores, thrift shops and library sales to find them. It is always a thrill when I find a new one to add to my collection. Poor Hubby puts up with all of my collections, and gamely helps me in organizing and putting together book cases. He is such a gem.

Well, I am feeling better now and the sun is coming out, so I will leave you now to pursue outside endeavors. Hubby has been off on work break all week long and has been busy setting up the canopy on the deck, putting out umbrellas and rearranging pots and hanging baskets for me. I will show you the end results next time.....Hope you are having a sunny day and if not, you have found a beautiful book to escape in!