Getting a photograph through the window isn't ideal, but this is one of my cardinals that visits regularly.

Thought I would share a little ATC (Artist Trading Card) of what I call 'Winter Bird'. At the end of the day, just before the sun sets, the last of the birds will arrive to feed in the twilight.

Just a few of the reasons I have to give thanks.

I hope you and yours enjoy a wonderful holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving.

If you're not a fur baby lover, you will probably just want to skip this post.

I've owned one dog in my life and he was my best friend. I had to say good bye to him on October 25th, and it has taken me this long to be able to write a post. Overcome with sadness, loss and a huge empty space in my heart and in my house, but Ben deserves to be mentioned here.
Yes, he had a wonderful life, the best actually, and this does console me. I don't think anything could ever replace the joy I've had with him in my life. His spot in my heart, was a very special place and I was lucky to have known him. My time with him was a gift, good bye my sweet boy.

The colors of fall here in Michigan can often be amazing and breath-taking. After we have had a hard frost, the trees begin their transformation, and the peak color only lasts 7-10 days. Weather and the amount of rainfall come into play to determine how much actual color we see in the fall. This has been one of those years... beautiful.
I actually waited too long to take these photos. They should have been taken a few days ago, but life gets in the way. I took a walk this afternoon, breezy, cool, with the musky scent of fall in the air. Definitely a day to remember til spring comes next year. I picked up a few leaves along the way...
...and made a card for a friend.
Do you have seasons where you live? I've always felt that the cold we have to endure during the winters are probably worth the changing of the seasons.

I've been missing in action as life has just swept me away. I'm a Realtor by day (and many evenings) and work has been crazy busy, for which I am thankful. I've had family in my home for almost 3 weeks visiting, need I say more? Hopefully soon, I'll be back to a more normal schedule, I miss my crafting time.

Until then, I hope you'll enjoy this photo of my 2.5 year old grand daughter at the fairy ball a couple of weeks ago. She's living in a fairy land kind of world, isn't it wonderful?


I am changing the look of my blog, but haven't finished that yet either. Do you have any feedback for me?

I've returned from my mini vacation to the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The fair is always amazing and always very warm, and this year was no exception with 94 degrees and 100% humidity. We did get rained on this year which was a relief from the heat. The art fair is held all over the downtown and UofM campus area and  is the largest outdoor art fair in the country. If you ever have a chance to visit, you definitely should.

This photo is just one section of the art fair. I've taken a few photos with my phone to give you a taste of the fair.

Are you ready for a little eye candy?


Amazing bookmaking going on with this artist.

This garden is beginning to have a life of its own...a little overwhelming. Remember, I'm a first time vegetable gardener. We've been eating salads and radishes from the garden. Everything that is suppose to flower, has. The green cabbages have 4" heads on them. I guess we're on track. I've read that pollination is problem for some gardeners, with the lack of bees, they are having to hand pollinate. I think I have plenty of bees in my flower garden, so hopefully this won't present a problem here. I found an organic fertilizer recipe on motherearthnews.com. It is 4 PTS seed meal (I'm using cottonseed meal), 1 PT lime, 1 PT Bone Meal and 1/2 PT Kelp Meal. They seem to be enjoying this diet. Who knew veggies needed calcium? What I do know, is that I enjoy picking a salad out of my back yard.

What's in bloom in your garden? These are a few flowers that are in bloom in mine right now. My roses are blooming like crazy. I'm particularly fond of these Happy Chappy Shrub roses in shades of orange, apricot, pink. Their scent is sweet, very aromatic and they will bloom all summer. A couple of varieties of poppies are in bloom, these pink poppies are amazing and grow 3-4 feet tall and will bloom all summer. I grow as many flowers from seed as possible. There is something about nurturing and watching things grow that appeals to me very much. Many of my flowers were started from seeds that friends gave me. This is also another favorite past time, collecting and sharing seeds. My mother had amazing gardens, I'm sure that is where my love of flowers originated. Do you enjoy gardening? What are your favorite flowers?

My faithful companion and I walk every day, all year round. Nature provides an ever changing view on the property. The spring and summer months are my favorite with all of the wildflowers. Each week the view is transformed and it's always a delightful surprise. Ben is my 14 year old golden retriever and soul mate. If you've ever had a close relationship with an animal, you know what I mean. I shaved him this spring for the first time and he is much more comfortable. The vet says it isn't often she sees a retriever this old. I think we can contribute his good health to our daily walk, a lot of pampering and just good luck. I prefer to walk early in the morning because the bird song in the meadow remind me of the ebb and tide of the ocean. Do you have a special place that you like to spend time? Your sanctuary or private place? I'd love to see a pic...

This was the view from my front porch this morning. I was hoping there would be a fawn with them, but not today. I love living in the country, it has always been my dream to own a little property. Maybe I'm a throw-back from the '70's. I hope your day offers a beautiful view of God's lovely handiwork.

My daughter was married to the man of her dreams a couple of weeks ago, after an 8 year courtship. The wedding was in Florida and was just beautiful. We're still waiting for professional photographs, but I snapped this while all of the girls were getting ready. She's so lovely...