Backyard Blue Bliss...

As May closes and June begins I am very happy to spend time working in my beloved back yard.  A few years ago Mr. C built a deer fence to protect this area from the voracious plant eaters.  Now we have beautiful roses and other plants.  This blue bridge is a gift designed and built by Mr. C for our Anniversary a couple of years ago.  We waited twelve long years for this bridge and it was so worth the wait.  I got to select the powder coating color and therefore have my beloved heartthrob blue to gaze upon.  Thank you Mr. C!

This is my view as I stand on our kitchen deck.  I never grow tired of seeing this beautiful view.

Here is the shadiest part of the back yard.  I have hostas and my dwarf blue hydrangea.  No little flower gems planted yet this summer as I have been beyond busy.  We have been clearing and preparing our land for fire zone protection.  Three giant truck loads to the dump in three days was a huge job but our property looks ever so much better.  I am not showing photos of all at this time.  Right now I am focused on sharing my little back yard I love so much.

Here is the other side view of our bridge and plants.  Can you imagine this was all horrible construction ground when we moved in sixteen years ago?  So much work we have done.  It is good to review from time to time to realize just what we have accomplished.

And here is my very first blue hydrangea of the season.  It is so beautiful and precious.  My very favorite.  The leaves got a little damaged from some hail we had earlier this month but the plant is doing very well in spite of her rough weather.  This is a dwarf hydrangea and therefore the blossoms are only about 3 inches at the largest stage.  Every winter the plant goes to nothing but some sticks and I always hold my breath for this very reveal.  Mr. C gave me this from one of our local nurseries a couple years ago and I adore both...Mr. C and my Dwarf Blue Hydrangea bush.
I love spending time here and never mind the hours it takes weeding and primping.  We are blessed.
What will June hold in store for you?  For me I will be taking a blog break.  Ah but not a sad one...I will have lots to share very soon.  This will be a time for Mr. C and I to re-charge and rejoice in life!  It was just a short year ago on June 21st that Mr. C was injured in his trauma accident.  Thankfully he is fully recovered and we are sincerely grateful.  Life is never certain and therefore it is important to cherish every moment and make wonderful memories.
Blissful Blessings to all...

Meeting Pen Friends...

This is a quick update to meeting my pen friend/s.  We were a happy group of 16 last evening at a local coffee spot.  Time flew so fast all of a sudden it was announced closing time.  I met Cory aka Dogwood and we totally got along like we had known each other for years...which we have but only via snail mail, email, blogging and FaceBook.  I adore her just as I thought I would.  Here is her blog link to check out.  I made the little fabric envelope pouch for postcards and cards and gave it to her.

I also gave one to Lindsay who featured my blog during NLWM and was our wonderful cheerleader.  And I made one for Martha who organized this meeting of like-minded creative souls.  Thank you very much!

Late in the day I decided I just could NOT arrive empty handed.  I knew Martha had invited 18 ladies so I got busy.  All packaged in little envelopes and ready to hand out.  Out of 18 I only had two left over.  Wow!

Nothing too elaborate however these were not time and labor simple.  I cut out white felt hearts.  Took my favorite vintage red safety pins and beaded them...twice as the heart was upside down first time.  I stitched with red thread a heart button to one side and the beaded pin to the other side.  I merely made these to show I was very heartfelt to be part of such a great group of creative ladies.

Are there any photos of the group?  No.  Not one.  No one took any pictures...no cameras and no cell phones.  Too busy talking and sharing and laughing and carrying on.  I feel certain we will get together again. I had a wonderful time and was sad to see us all go in different directions.
When I got home Mr. C wondered what was wrong because I was home in just two hours.  Who knew the coffee house closed so early in the evening.
Spent most of today outside with Mr. C and a hired helper doing serious weed abatement and land clearing of debris and downed tree limbs.  Fire season is here and we don't want any extra fuel close to our home. Another day of it tomorrow should finish what we started today.  It will be at least three (3) full truck loads to the dump.
May you be enjoying this lovely month of May and doing whatever makes you happiest.  Whether outdoors or indoors this is a great time to create.  Creative Bliss My Friends...

Gift Cupboard & Dresser...

I have mentioned my gift cupboard and dresser before and thought you might like to see what I am talking about.  This is a downstairs linen cabinet Mr. C built for us.  I have displayed lots of game pieces and astronomy themed items here just because I like to see them.  Ahh but inside...well let's just say there aren't all linens behind those doors.

Here is a sample of gift items I keep on hand for year round giving.  I will admit that I haven't organized the shelves in a while however I do know what types of things are on each shelf.  I also know what items I have and for whom based on where I place them.  At least twice a year I completely empty everything and re-consider if things are gift worthy.

This is a large antique dresser I have that has been taken over with more gift items.  This began merely as an overflow for Christmas gifts.  That was at least five years ago.  Now I keep it filled all year long.  I love having lots of options for gift giving any time of year and for any occasion.

Yes, I sewed this past week.  I love this fabric and it has a wonderful sheen that does not show on camera. These are two different sizes and would be great for computer netbooks or tablets.  Of course I can't try them as I don't own either of these items.   Waaaaaaa.....

Because they are closed with a zipper I like to add a beaded accent.  This one has a tiny little heart charm.

Here is the larger fabric pouch.  I did a very simple quilt line on this one so as not to destroy so much of the fabric floral design.

This is the smaller of the two.  Each one is padded for body and protection of contents.  These are now residing in my gift cupboard.
A new week and lots to do.  Mr. C and I are doing a painting project I will share soon.  I am also very excited as I will be meeting some of the NLWM participants as we get together.  Can you believe I will finally meet my very first pen pal of five years ago?  She and I live just 5 miles apart and shop at the same Ben Franklin yet have never met in person.  It is time!
Our weather is continuing to be dry but ever so glorious with blue skies and perfect temperatures.
I hope you are able to enjoy more Spring and Summer weather after those long hard cold Winters many of you endured.  And for my friends who are enjoying Fall...enjoy those gorgeous colors and changing foliage. Now to get creative and have fun and make things I love to make...

Freedom, Bless Our Troops...

I am not one to put into elegant heartfelt words just what I want to convey so I will keep this simple and sweet.  God Bless Our Troops...Men, Women and Dogs who are risking all to allow us our freedoms. Thank you sincerely from my heart and soul.
My friend Celestina-Marie has written a beautiful tribute to her father in this post of hers.  Thank you dear.
Mr. C and I are spending our weekend close to home and we are savoring our freedom.  Taking a few walks, having a picnic and generally being thankful for all we have and enjoy here in America.  Amen...

Necklace of Memories...

This is my Necklace of Memories.  I put this together a few years ago and smile each time I see it or wear it. When I wear it in public it really is a conversation starter.  Unique.  One-of-a-kind.  Eclectic.  Quirky.   Some people might not like it but then others want to rush home and make their own version.
Here is what I did...

I began with some sturdy necklace chain.  There is some weight to this finished piece.  I finished the back with a lobster clasp and split ring for safety.  I made it adjustable with a length of the chain finished in another ring for interest in the back as well.  I gathered my most cherished rings I no longer wear.  From costume to semi-precious.  Each ring has a story and history.  Me being a "Border Hoarder" it is easy to save all these from decades ago.

I won't bore you with the stories however you might recognize my 1970's MOOD ring.  A genuine Flower Child cannot be without her mood ring.  I made it the center piece.

Here is the back closure and ring.  Remember Coral rings that were hand carved?  This one is of an Eagle. Another one on the necklace is a fish carving. And yet another is a heart carved in the Coral.   Did I wear these?  Oh yes I loved them and wore them often. Here you can also see that I wove some sheer organdy ribbon through the chain.  I think it gave a softer look to the otherwise chunky chain.  I also took lengths of ribbon and tied them here and there between the rings to soften the look. I used a neutral gold ribbon against the silver toned chain as the rings are of all finishes and colors.

I have a total of 22 rings on this necklace and I know the story for each one of them.  I attached the rings with wire wrapped through the chain and then through the ring.  If I choose to I can merely cut the wire and the ring will be free to wear again or pass along to someone if I wish.  I could also change out the rings if I wanted to.  Lots of possibilities.

Tell me what you think of my Necklace of Memories.  You won't hurt my feelings.  I like it and that is what counts the most.  It brings me smiles and happiness.  It reminds me of people and places I have enjoyed.  It allows me to enjoy my baubles that otherwise might just sit in a drawer and get lost or forgotten.  When I brought it out to take the photos, Mr. C asked about it.  He had not seen it before and was interested in its history.  He was reminded of his "nail" ring he had given me from his living in South Africa before we met. Wouldn't this be fun to make for a gift for a family member or dear friend?  Some day I shall place it in a memory frame and give it to my daughter as a keepsake.
Today is overcast and teasing us with cooler temperatures and just a spit of rain but nothing to even reach the ground.  Thankfully it is snowing over Donner Pass.  Not a lot but we will take all we can get.  Mr. C fed all of his roses and most of the other plants we have.  I fed four other varieties yesterday with a different food. More weeding and it still isn't even close to done.   I am enjoying all the flowers and greenery.
Summer is coming fast.  Enjoying the great outdoors...barbequeing with family and friends...picnicing in the park or at the lake or beach...walking, golfing, playing tennis or whatever you like to do...as Nike says it, "Just Do It"!  Creative Bliss and thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.  I read every one.