I've been in a creative funk lately, and can't seem to think of anything to make or create when I look at all the work there is to be done in my yard! And my house, too, but I'm ignoring that for now....

Just look at those azaleas... you'd never know from that shot that I need to rake around & under them desperately, and then mulch, and cut back the dead wood, and pull the briars out of them and..... SIGH And that's just the azaleas. I haven't even mentioned the roses I bought & haven't put out yet because I haven't pulled the vinca vine out of the way to make room for them either! Egads. Maybe I can get to some of it this week.... if I can climb over all the dust bunnies in the house and get out of the house to do it!

See why I don't have time to be creative?

Sharing What's Good

I originally titled this post "Sharing My Goodies" but decided that wasn't quite right. As you can see, I was lucky enough to be the recipient of Sylvia's generosity in the Bellatoria Queen's Tea Swap & have nejoyed my treasures soooooooooo much. I wanted to share some photos of what I've done with them so far.


This adoable little bluebird is now perched in the arrangement on my dining room table (pictured here) and the nest he originally came in looks great in my new cabinet that houses some of my pottery collection.


Look at the cute box to the right of that nest!! Sylvia embellished that herself and had lots of goodies tucked inside. I loved them all, but my favorite was the 4-leaf clover pin which I'm wearing tomorrow to bring extra luck (interpret that as sales ha!) at the store. The tag in the nest is also one of Sylvia's creations and it all looks perfect together.

Now, I have to tell you why I changed the title of the post to "Sharing What's Good". The other day I was feeling a bit "show-off'ish" (I'm not sure that's a word, but bear with me...) about posting photos on here. One thing every adult family member I had cautioned me about growing up was how it wasn't appropriate to brag on yourself, to live your life so that others would do that for you. And not to be a show off about my "things" which were just that -- things.

Then it came to me that I am really proud of my things -- my own finds and things others have given me. These items my friends and family have given me -- well, it shows a real effort on their part to connect, to try to find things that will be especially treasured. I am sharing photos of these things but what I really hope to share is appreciation for those connections. And I have to say, I have some pretty great things, just none as valuable or beautiful as family & friends.

Big hugs all around! :)