Happy Flowering and Fawn-filled Friday!!

Look what the deer didn't eat!!

Yeah, you, I see you.

Through my window up here.

Full yet?

"Uh oh. I think she's watchin' us."

"What are you lookin' at? My Mom said I could."

Well, they are pretty little spotted fawns...and they didn't eat everything...!

Yesterday Was Wednesday

I have to confess that I wasn't at my best yesterday, at all. For at least midday anyway. I had to call on lots of patience, strength, faith and prayer to not feel sorry for myself. And now I feel guilty.

I did much better in the evening because Michael was lying in the grass next to Ellie who was digging and playing. The gentle music of Van Morrison was playing. There was a breeze. I had a nice healthy supper, outside. Fat blueberries were waiting for me. I got rid of some of my self-indulgent shame...and I will count my blessings today and be stronger for it, I promise.

~Kath

In My Rainforest

Everything is so lush and green here from all of the pounding rains in June, and now the heat and high humidity in July. This weather has inspired these push pins.

I thought they'd be a fun organizer for workspaces

and a natural for dorm rooms!

(My favorite color is green, too...!)

You can find them here in my shop.

There are so many things I want to make and do. I have new supplies, new ideas, and I want to create new gift sets for the new school year. Aah! I will keep my fingers busy!

Painting Pages with Pastels

I haven't written on the left side yet, but I will! I'm working toward doing a spread, rather than a single page.

I needed a pampering day yesterday since the pain level has gone up. I went for a long-overdue haircut and had a pedicure with pale teal green polish. oooh la la.

Hope you are having a creative Tuesday and coping well with the heat and humidity that's going around! {My shorter, more styled hairdo will hopefully prevent the look of the lion's mane!}

~Peace and love, Kathy

Some paint on a Page

With some collaged papers and fabric tape

I really like writing with my white signo gel pen. It works great over textured paint, too.

I have had so much paint on my fingers lately...and I forget...and find it everywhere. oops. This color palette is a new favorite now...

I am having way too much fun journaling this summer! ♥

Annual Triple-Birthday Party

July 11th is a very special day in our family. Hubby and I throw a huge party with family & friends, and every single year, for 21 years, we've never had it rain on our outdoor fun...ever. We've had luahs, Key West themes, and more. Michael made the dinner. I always make three desserts so each birthday baby gets his or her favorite. We sing three times as each is presented. I love this tradition.

We celebrate our son's birthday:

...with a homemade 5-layer ice cream cake.

My mother-in-law's birthday:

...with a mocha raspberry layer cake.

My big brother's birthday:

...with a cherry cheesecake.


~my mom~

And, it even was my parents' wedding anniversary day. AND, when my neighbor can come over, it's also her birthday on July 11th! Happy 17th Birthday, Emma!

And I felt a little bit like it was also my birthday when my dear friend, Kathy, brought me lavender. Kath gave me fresh cut, tied with ribbon, that I sniffed all night, and a big pot of growing lavender with the most amazing little scalloped leaves. I'd never seen this kind before.

~my two babies grew up!

As I sat near the end of the party, I watched. At the far end of the table, my two beautiful children were absorbed in their own laughter and private jokes. My Mom and Mom-in-law were giggling and telling stories. My birthday brother was surrounded by piles of cards and used candles and well wishers. Friends and cousins and my sister-in-law, and Michael, were chit chatting and cracking up. I felt such a tidal wave of emotion. Life is so good. For all of the hard, there is so much love.

This year, I feel my age. I'm exhausted and not doing a thing today. Time out! ~Kathy

Little Garlic Faces

Once upon a walk


I spied these little guys. And I thought they looked like little trolls or perhaps elves...and they should have little faces on them.


My neighbors may have thought I really cracked this time, so instead of drawing faces on them.... I drew them.

Now I can keep them all the time. Little garlic heads.

Wishing you happy smiling little elves and garlic if you like! Happy Friday all!

{Tomorrow is a big day in our family....more to come!}