warm / cuddle

L - Nikon / T - iphone sp

The Christmas tree is blocking her favorite afternoon sun spot. / my cuddle buddy. bunny has recently decided she has to be right up next to me in order to sleep.

adorn / ornament

L - Nikon / T - iphone

I've had this tree topper for many years. It's not your typical angel, but I love her - I see her as a caregiver to nature and animals. Do you put a star or angel on the top of your tree - or something completely unique? / 60 individual petals - 12 flowers - finished ornament (photo put together with picstitch app). the process was therapeutic as a break from studying for finals and i love the results.

rested / ready

L - iphone / L - iphone

A nap before the party and then making fancy. I feel more myself wearing boots and jeans, but I guess every once it's nice to be elegant. The annual company Christmas party is about the only time I pull out the jewels and show a little skin. Now I'm ready to be wined and dined and maybe even be twirled around a bit.
I hope your holiday festivities are fun this year.

share / savor

L - Nikon / T - iphone

I'm enjoying my first cup of Russian Tea of the season a little late this year. I usually make up a batch at Thanksgiving and a second batch to share. Do you have a special treat you like to share at Christmas time? i made sweet potato biscuits just because they sounded good. they were.

glisten / sparkle

L - iphone / L - iphone

"...
And the dream is still alive
From that first December morning
And it always will survive
As long as we can see
That the dreams we find in life
Are the dreams we tend to seek
And Christmas has its promises to keep
..."

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Promises to Keep

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was a thrill of music, story, lights and sound! The nearly three hour show was mesmerizing . The story was enchanting, the light show and pyrotechnics were over the top. A finale like I've never seen anywhere. See them if you get a chance - I don't think you will be disappointed.

garland / lights

L - Nikon / T- iphone

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale
i love decorating for the holidays, but decided against bringing my two bucket-loads of christmas cheer back with me after thanksgiving. i'm sort of regretting my scrooge-y decision. i had thought i wouldn't have long enough to enjoy them for all the effort it would take. but now seeing as i will be here til the 23rd because of work i'm sad i don't have them. i did pick up a string of $5 lights at the craft store when i was picking up DIY-christmas gift supplies. i love the way they make my room look and i'm a little bit less humbug now!

take time /put your feet up

L - Nikon / T - iphone

I guess we both had that kind of weekend. Busy, busy, busy but took time to put our feet up, enjoy some Christmas music and the lights we'd hung. Hope you're taking time to savor some moments of Christmas joy.

precious memories / warm heart

top photo of me and my girl friends taken by my brother / L - Nikon

My fiance (sounds so strange to me) and I went to see Trans-Siberain Orchestra perform on their Winter Tour. It was truly amazing.
From the powerful sound of this group to the simple, precious sound of friends of 60 years singing "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds" - it has been a wonderful start to the holidays.

My parents had a Christmas party today with a group of friends (about 8 couples) they have known for about 60 years. My brother and I helped out. But we were the ones blessed. This group of friends took care of us when we were babies, our families camped together when we were children - even after moving to different parts of the city they've joined hands in prayer every year at Christmas time throughout the years. The group, sadly, is getting smaller as husbands and wives have passed on. Now their children, my friends, bring the widowed parent to the party and this year I got to see a few of the girls. It was such a great time of fellowship and good food and lots of laughing.
Later, as I relaxed at home, enjoying some of the hor'derves I had missed and a hot cup of coffee I thought back and smiled inside at how funny they were - poking fun at their age, or at the stories that they retold but also smiled to think of this bond so strong - it truly warmed my heart.

This song that we all sang was the perfect ending to a perfect time together.

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent pray'rs;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

wrapped up / in a box

L - Nikon / L - iphone

How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? - Dr. Seuss

heart / home

L - Nikon / T -Nikon

May you heart be wreathed in happiness, your home be wreathed in smiles.

I am so thankful for the friendships I have made here in the internet world. These relationships are meaningful for me and I want to wish each and every one of you a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Leslye

awaiting / whats ahead

L-Nikon / T - iphone

So grateful to have my daughter home - seeing her was the bright spot in my day./ i'm coming for you atlanta... thanksgiving


"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~Edward Sandford Martin

twinkle / sparkle

L - iphone / L - Nikon

Well it's official now - the holidays are here upon us... and there is a ring on my hand.

Saturday was the opening night of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights - it was my birthday too. So he took me on stroll around the gardens all aglow with red, blue, pink and green. The night air was pleasant but cool enough to enjoy the warmth of a fire while we roasted marshmallows. The weekend ended with a ring on my hand. : ) I'd say the holidays are off to a great start. Hope yours are as well.

(the ring is so much prettier in person than I was able to photograph it)

at home / and away

L - Nikon / T - disposable camera

falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~John Bailey, "Autumn,"

a good path / a good trail

L - Nikon / T- iphone

What a wonderful weekend it's been. The long weekend started with a nice visit with my friend Judy on Thursday. We enjoyed Chocolate Berry Earl Grey tea (with vanilla froth) and apple dumplings by the fire and talked about different things. She left me with a bowl full of wonderful colored pottery pieces she made that I can incorporate into my metal work - they inspire me so much. I was glad to have a day off on Friday so I could experiment with them - they are the perfect accent to my feather necklaces and a new butterfly necklace I am working on, possibly some rings. Then I was surprised with a life changing question in the woods Friday afternoon and a wonderful Italian dinner to follow. Saturday I had fun teaching my brother how to make a ring - he was very good at it (as expected). He enjoyed it so much that he made 3 rings during the weekend and felt proud of his accomplishment. It was a joy-filled weekend. I hope your weekend was splendid as well. / so happy. it's been too long since i've been in a saddle. my small group from church went horseback riding up near helen, ga (i'd never been to helen - it's a cute little town) this afternoon and the weather could not have been more ideal - and the ride was awesome. i'm back on my goal of owning a horse one day. i will be so happy.

inspired / inventive

L - Nikon / T- iphone

Inspired by a question that was posed to me yesterday I created this ring. I guess it's pretty obvious what the question was... but if you're wondering, my answer was yes. It's a very exciting thing, but also a somewhat scary change for me. I've known Keith for several years as a very close friend but not until recently did the bond become stronger and I think he sensed that I felt ready to make a more permanent life together. Letting go of my fears of change and looking at the whole instead picking at the little bits and pieces, I see that change can be good. And more importantly that love is really what matters. / i decided to be a little creative with my pizza toppings tonight. butternut squash, carmelized onions and goat cheese - strange... different... yet very good.


Will I design and create our wedding rings or go a more traditional route? I just don't know. There are no real plans just yet so I have no details to share but it's fun to think I can make my own rings if I wanted to.

snuggle bunny / crazy bunny

T- iphone / T-iphone

this is the sweetest little bunny. when it's not busy at work I just walk around with him. i'm so lucky. then i go home to a crazy kitty, named bunny, riding my bike. i love her.

not rain / not snow

L- Nikon / T iphone

It's not the snow and it's not the rain that has kept us away. In fact, we've had an absolutely gorgeous Autumn season here in the south. The leaves are just at their peak this week and it's so frustrating to me that I don't have anything to show of it's beauty. I take in it's the gorgeous display of color in mind's eye every single day and it astounds me with it's beauty - blazing in the morning light and glowing in the evening light. I have an incredible 360 view from my office on the 18th floor and I'm amazed daily at the changing mosaic of color in the landscape. Believe me, there have been many clicks in my mind, fingers framing in the photo, eyes zooming in to details yet I have nothing to show - I wish I did. I wish I did.

Nov 1 / Gratitude

L - Nikon / L - iphone

Happy November! And the holiday season begins...
Beginning on this first day of November, I will be posting, along with many other blogger and flickr folks, a month long celebration of all I have to be grateful for. Seems fitting to start with HOME. Even more specifically, my physical HOUSE. I am so thankful to have a beautiful, albeit small, house that is structurally sound and protects and keeps me warm and safe from the environment. My dad helped build this house and it has many special touches that make it just perfect for my daughter and me - now just me. It is situated amongst evergreens and hardwoods in such a way that I feel I am the only one around. I love my house... it is home.

P.S. The remaining gratitude series will be on my autumnsun blog.

pink noses/ blue eyes

T- iphone

"please! take me home with you. i will love you forever."

Taylor has a job now. Yay! for her - yay for me. She is a "pet placement counselor". It's a job that she will enjoy this last year of college - allowing her flexibility with a little spending money. I think she likes it a lot - how could she not when she gets to play with these sweet little guys.
This is the company's mission statement that she had to recite at training:
"We are dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. To our customers who already have pets, we are dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond."
I think she'll be good at her job.

new product / new skill

L- Nikon/ T- from Oma

"Travel light, live light, spread the light , be the light." - Yogi tea tab

Delicious tea and some new crackers from Trader Joes. You should try them - Raisin Rosemary Crisps are really good with brie. Or goat cheese topped with chopped pecans. Yum!
opa is so cute makin' brooms! (look he even matches). oma sent some pictures from their week of learning at John C Campbell Folk school - this was my favorite.

Indian Summer

L - Nikon / T- iphone selfie

Not a true Indian Summer I know (we haven't had our first frost) but... October in Atlanta - some days are cool - wanting a fire in the fireplace kind of cool, and some days are hot like summer - needing the air-conditioner back on kind of hot.

spring into fall

L - Nikon / L - Nikon

"Departing summer hath assumed

An aspect tenderly illumed,

The gentlest look of spring;

That calls from yonder leafy shade

Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,

A timely carolling".

- William Wordsworth, September

The freshness of spring is no more and green of summer has faded but a beauty remains like no other - autumn.

daydreaming / dreamy sleep

L - iphone / T - iphone

...and Autumn is officially here. My favorite time of the year. I get so anxious for the season to begin, with it's cooler temperatures and bluer skies, and to walk amongst the crunching of leaves... to wrap in blankets, to eat chili and drink hot teas... to marvel at the colors on every leaf, to roast marshmallows and warm my feet(s).

what do you look forward to in the coming of autumn?

to work / to class

L - iphone / T - iphone

First autumn color was on my windshield this morning, but I am wondering where did September go? / there's one good thing about rainy days - duck boots

make ready / get ready

L - Nikon / T- iphone

“Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail.”
- John R. Wooden

from where i stand / from where i sit

L - iphone / T - iphone

no words today. a break in the busy busy day

words / notes

L - Nikon / T - iphone

It's good when packages contain things we need (jewelry supplies for me and school books for her) but it's always more fun when they contain something we want - books for me and records for her.
I ordered these random books based on blog mentions or amazon recommendations. I'll let you know if they're any good. Do you have any good books to recommend? I'm always looking for a next good read. / i was excited when the UPS man came to my door this time - all of my text books had already been delivered so i knew this had to be the records i ordered. yah!

spot of a heart / heart of a spot

L - Nikon / T - iphone

I know it's really nowhere near to being autumn here in Georgia even though the poplar leaves have started to turn and fall. But if you sit out in the early morning or late afternoon however, you can pretend that it is - the temperatures are quite nice at that time. / sorry i can't help taking photos of her. i'm like a mother with a fat photo book of her children (except they're all on my iphone). she doesn't look very comfortable but she likes it here.

rays / light

L - iphone / T - iphone

"The sky is the daily bread of the eyes." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This week the sky's have been brilliantly painted and the mornings have been pleasantly cool. Seems no matter how hot it's been and what day school starts there is always a bit of fall in the air the first day of school. This week was no different. Happy back-to-school for those teaching and learning.

Taylor got an iphone and I think she's going to be more prone to sending instagram photos than anything else so I may change the format here to accommodate.

full circle / transformation

L - Nikon / T - phone pic

What's old is new again. So many things are coming full circle these days. The film cameras, lps and the record players, vintage style for home decorating and clothing, back to basics, etc.

Sometimes as children become teens we think what happened to my sweet child. But they seem to come back around too. We as parents, worry when our children go through many changes while growing up and spreading their wings. My daughter has never really caused me much heartache or worry but we all know children aren't perfect and I have to admit there have been some periods where she kept me up at night - literally. But this summer of her 21st year I am aware that she has become a mature young woman in her attitude and behavior; and I might add, a truly delightful one. This summer with her has been pure joy for me and she seems to have felt the same. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her as she finishes her senior year in college and how she will use her many talents.

There is a scripture I always hung on to through the bumpy patches.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Her newest creation of the butterfly seems perfectly fitting. She has developed into a beauty.


“How does one become a butterfly” she asked pensively “You must want to fly so much you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” “You mean die?” “Yes and no,” he answered. “What looks like you will die, but what’s really you will still live” —–From Hope For The Flowers

This really has been one of the most fulfilling summers I’ve had in a very long time. Being back in Atlanta and surrounded by the strength and love of my family throughout the past three months has really grounded me and made me realize the characteristics and traits that I want to further develop in my final year of school. Always striving to be productive, making sure I am resourceful in my endeavors, and being appreciative and respectful (essentially treating others as I would want to be treated) of those around me are all things that I have worked on during my time here. Of course I’m not insinuating that I wasn’t any of these things before! I was raised and taught by them! I’ve been immersed in an unbelievably caring and uplifting environment for my entire life. But I believe that I have grown and matured an immeasurable amount – that, I am very pleased with and proud of. This summer will provide a wonderful foundation for my last year at UGA and has shed a very nice light on the things I need to focus on.

me / her

T - Nikon / L - Nikon

I have lovely blue hydrangeas for hair and a orange butterfly flutters by. She has hair of feathers and a bluebird perches high.

I sit and watch as she draws - she doesn't hesitate with her stroke. She's confident with every mark - precise with the placement of her ink. I am in awe - amazed at her talent. But more than anything it is her enthusiasm and delight that brings me such happiness. When she sets her mind to something and has a vision, nothing will stop her. These portraits were started on Saturday and tonight, as I write this, both of them are complete. I wish I had just half the creative energy she's had this summer.

picked / cleaned

L - Nikon

...and eaten
This evening I picked a few before the birds ate them. They’re good straight from the tree but next I think I'll try them with chocolate.

Chocolate Covered Figs

• 4 whole fresh California figs with stems
• Fine sea salt; as needed
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Wash and dry figs; dust lightly with salt. Set aside. Measure chocolate chips into microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave for 30 seconds more and stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Holding fig by stem, dip in melted chocolate and set on wax paper-lined tray. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand until chocolate is set.

Serves: 4

iced / nice

L - Nikon / T - Nikon

Whew, it's hot. Today T and I went to Athens to do a little clean up and decorating to her apartment. She hasn't been there all summer and it was a bit stuffy and hot inside but it didn't slow her down any. While she worked, I had my mind on that sample of iced coffee I got at Starbucks yesterday.
She's been so incredibly productive this summer. During her time home she has organized my basement (not a small task - in fact a huge task), made a new mannequin and decoupaged it, painted shelves, created a upholstered headboard for her bed, and after she organized my mom's fabric closet she found some fabrics that inspired her so she quilted her very first piece and made a pillow cover out of it. In addition, she shopped for and cooked the meals for our weekly meal with my parents all summer long. And she told me today that, before she goes back in a couple of weeks, she plans to sketch out the portraits she has wanted to paint of me, my mom and her (each separate paintings of us at age 20). I'm so very proud of her. So proud that she chose to make good use of her summer. And you know what? I think she is proud too - she told me today that it's been the best summer. Now that's a nice thing to hear.

lush / plush

T - Nikon / L - Nikon

lush fresh juiciness of blackberries and plush green softness of moss - these are the luxuries of summer.

"Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit."
– Henry David Thoreau

thrill / chill

L - iphone / T - phone

There is no way the summer is almost over, right? Wrong. I can’t believe it’s flown by so quickly.. Our last post on June 30th seems so long ago! But we have been very busy little bees all summer, whether we were taking short weekend trips (a relaxing getaway to Savannah at the onset of the break) or weeklong trips to the big city (one of our more recent travels to Chicago, a first time for both of us). In between, I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with my families on both sides. I was able to go see my cousin graduate from high school in California and spend some quality time with my grandma, which I don't get very often and really enjoyed. We also spent just last weekend in Kentucky with my mom’s side of the family (and we had a record number of attendees, I might add!). Each vacation was very different- some action packed and others with more down time than anything else, but each one has been such a blessing in its own way and I have loved every second of all of them.

After all, It’s not always about the activities you do or how quickly you do them, it’s all about who you spend your time with and allowing yourself to enjoy the down time that you may not normally have.

I hope you are all having an exciting summer or at least a refreshing one.

refuge / retreat

L - Nikon / T - Nikon


This little kitty was very shy - she wouldn't venture far from her safety zone, her refuge from the world of over-eager children wanting to play with her. Her brother was a little more accepting of the attention - even let Taylor pick him up. Taylor wanted to take both of them home with her. I hated to say no, but I had to. However she is going to try to place them in loving homes so they will be protected and loved. / i took this photo when i was in southern california a week ago. sad to say it's the only photo i took to speak of. this hotel room was my retreat - rather it was where i was stuck for lack of having a car (too long of a story). we had some good times and i have to admit there were some boring times. that's just the way it goes - summer has some of both.

Happy 1st day of Summer

L - iphone / T - phone pic

Taylor is away in the great sunshine state of California on this first day of summer. She said it's been a little chilly there, but it's probably a nice change from the heat and humidity of Georgia. Before she left town she re-did her "live by the sun" banner and this summer she has definitely been living by the sun - tanning every day. I did that when I was her age too, but she is smarter than I was - she uses the appropriate sun screen.
Ah summertime! There is a care-free quality about it isn't there? - even when we work every day like the rest. There's the excitement for summer vacations. We are looking forward to our summer trip this year to Chicago. Where are you going this summer?

dignity / inelegant

L - Nikon / T - phone pic

In the language of flowers, the magnolia blossom is symbolic of dignity. But in this heat it's having a hard time living up to it's reputation. We've had little, to no, rain and the flowers are suffering. But it looks like we might get some needed rain this weekend. / bunny is hot and lazy in the non air-conditioned heat of my apartment - keeps her out of trouble.

"What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance."

-- Jane Austen

Find a place in the shade and breath in the summer scents. What's one of your favorite summer scents? The sweet fragrance of gardenias in the evening breeze is one of mine.

Enjoy the weekend!

fun / sun

L - iphone / T - blackberry

A double dip dose of summer fun and sun.

healthy / healthful

L - iphone / T - iphone

Taylor worked with me in my metalsmithing studio over the weekend. It was fun having her down there. She made herself a ring that says "bend don't break" and I snapped this phone pic while we chatted because I thought she looked so cute and summery in her little dress and hair all pulled up. She had a healthy glow to her skin after working landscape with her dad the past couple of days, but I don't think she was too happy about the t-shirt tan she got. She's pretty smart about using sun screen just like she's pretty smart about the foods she eats. "Ants on a log" is her idea of a great snack. Whereas I tend to go for the Snickers bar. What's your favorite type of snack?

splish / splash

L - iphone / T - phone pic

"Spring being a tough act to follow,
God created June."
- Al Bernstein

It seems as though summer came early. The flowers are already wilting in the hot sun. But I for one enjoy the heat in the day and the cooler softer evenings that June so often has to offer. How's the weather in your part of the country? / it's not much of a view, but it's private - relaxing and quiet - and i love it. especially in this heat.

2nd cup / 2nd nap

L - Nikon / T - Nikon

With a little time to spare this morning, I sat outside and enjoyed a second cup of coffee and read a little of my book before going off to my metalsmithing workshop. It was a 2 day workshop on soldering. And even though I know enough to get by, I figured there are always new tricks to learn - no matter how many classes I've taken. In fact, I learned several new tricks - one was how keep solder from flowing by using yellow ochre as a resist. I wonder what's something new you are learning this summer? / bunny misses kodi and it shows - look at this mopey little face. today i had great plans of spending the day at the pool but it was very short-lived because it was sooo hot. already 96º and it's only May. it was really relaxing however.

p.s. I hate that we have been so slack in posting here on our blog. With the end of the school year for Taylor and then a nice little vacation in Savannah we got very far behind. Forgive me for not visiting you - please don't think I'm not interested any more. I love reading your blogs but I have not been good about commenting. It makes me very happy when you continue to visit and comment on our blog so I feel badly for not doing the same.

gathered / arranged

L - Nikon / T - Nikon

Just as she used to do when she was a child - she picked wildflowers for me and gave them to me for Mother's Day. The simplicity of this little arrangement brought a smile to my face better than any bought flowers could do.

then / now

old photo album photo / Nikon

To my beautiful mother who means the world to me. Happy Mother's Day. I am so lucky to have you as my mother. -a lovely, caring, strong and virtuous woman in every sense of the word.

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." -Anonymous

(my mother still holds my hand sometimes - a constant guide, a comforting touch, a friend)

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. I hope it was beautiful in every way.

for pleasure / for knowledge

L - Nikon / T - itouch

"Concentrate and nurture your mind with your best thoughts and great literature."

- 54 precious keys to happiness

(part of the series)

While I read to escape, she reads to absorb.

cute little journal from this etsy shop

Happy May Day!

solo post - L , Nikon

Sing a song of spring on the first day of May.

"Let's twitter and tweet

Like the birdies in May

Get into the mood

And be merry today

Forget all your troubles and warble away

Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do

Oh!"

- Bambi soundtrack

I hope your day was beautiful and bright.

intricate / simple

solo post - L, Nikon

"Trust that your intuition is your supreme inner intelligence." - 54 keys to happiness

No matter how much knowledge we gather, sometimes it's simple intuition that gives us the answer we need.

hope / faith

L - Nikon / T - Nikon

" Sustain hope and faith." - 54 precious keys to happiness


I hope you all had a beautiful Easter Sunday. I was happy to have Taylor home for the weekend and to spend time with my brother and my parents as well. The weekend couldn't not have been more relaxing and enjoyable. This Easter Sunday was one of the prettiest I can remember so we spent most of the day outside -just sitting and talking, laughing and playing with the dogs. No Easter egg hunts but I did fix a basket with a few goodies for Taylor. I don't think one is ever too old for such things do you?

"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life. " - S.D. Gordon

running / soaring

L - Nikon / T - Canon

"Keep the child in you alive. " - 54 precious keys to happiness

(sorry for the repeat of the last one - it just seemed appropriate for these photos. After all, it is an important one and worth hearing again, right?)

Evee just turned 12 on April 6th. Pretty old for a dog but you'd never know it in the way she behaves. She still has puppy energy. I love to see her running like the wind, ears flapping, loving the warm sun and cool breezes of springtime. / with two weeks left of school and breezy weather, we decided it was a great day to fly a kite. unfortunately the dollar store two for one kites weren't all that reliable, but my friend has some sort of kite whispering abilities that made hers soar. i gave up and decided that all i could do was document, but i vow to get better soon, in the sun and freedom of summer.

peek / boo

solo post, T - itouch

bunny is a funny cat with a lot of personality. i like playing games with her in the morning.

"Keep the child in you alive. " - 54 precious keys to happiness
(part of the series)