Special Link (the rest are below)

I love this quilt, love this blog, but most of all love her sweet heart and her great idea.  So, buy a net and take a chance. 

Late Link Love

I LOVE Hydrangeas, so I loved this and this!

I love the video and I love her post, and I embraced imperfection a long long time ago!

Oh, I love this little summer quilt!!

Something so sweet about these little hoops of color.

It’s been a while since I have mentioned any treats on a stick…….

Or any cake wrecks……

Or tents……

And you know I love food on a stick, cake wrecks, and tents!!

My neighborhood has a new website.  Check it out here.

Be Back Later

Links will be up later, hopefully today.  Just too too tired last night to make that happen.

I Believe She’s Amazing

Okay, so yes, I do cry every time I watch Mama Mia when all the women throw their many chores and cares and responsibilities aside and run singing and dancing into the streets on Dancing Queen. 

And then I saw this, and for some reason I cannot fully describe, I cried all the way through.  All of those beautiful young women, so strong and so uninhibited!

Then I saw the video again on Andrea’s blog and was sort of relieved to see that she too cried.  Anyone else have this reaction?!

Wednesday Link Love

Check out these cotton candy cupcakes at Cookies and Cups.

If closets weren’t at a premium around here, it would be cool to do this.

Wish I had done some of these when the hands around here were little.

These are fun, aren’t they?

I somehow didn’t get caught up in the World Cup frenzy, but I loved watching this video.

I don’t care for coffee, but maybe this Vietnamese coffee……I mean, sweetened condensed milk with just about anything……..

I would SO love to have one of these chairs!

Check out the before pics, and then click on the link to the ezine. 

Yes, I can do this, and yes, I will do it!

How adorable are these? 

Maybe in the absence of scrapbooking time, I could at least pull something like this together, which would still give my kids a visual history…..

For Today

Outside my window…..  it’s so hot, and I am begrudging all of the porch sitting that this heat has cheated me out of!  I’m missing my neighbors and their stories!

I am  thinking...about the Phoenix Hill Farmer’s Market tonight. When the market opened up several years, it was the fulfillment of a dream and a lot of groundwork that some of us had been involved with  for years.  For the first year, and maybe even the second too, every time I pulled up there my heart just swelled.  I loved seeing all of my neighbors and I loved getting to know our farmers and having that connection with our food.  Not sure if it’s been because of the weather, or if there are just sooooo many farmer’s markets this year, but our traffic has been so very slow and it makes me worried for the farmers and for the future of our market.  I’m hoping it’s just a lull due to weather.   I encourage everyone to buy locally grown  food,  build friendships with the amazing folks who work so hard to bring that great food to the market, and strengthen the bonds of your community.  And if you are in or around Phoenix Hill, get to that market on Tuesdays!

I am thankful for...my home and my own bed!  I had a lovely visit to Grand Rapids this past week but boy was I happy to see DH at the curbside waiting for me upon my return!

From the kitchen….I can smell the big bowl of fresh peaches I bought at the market today.   I just had to have one as soon as I got in the car, and it was sooooooo delicious and sooooooo juicy that when all was said and done I had gotten it not only all over my face and chin but my clothes and steering wheel were covered as well.

I am wearing.. the mumu.  I mean, it is after all Summer!

I am reading...  My Life in France by Julia Childs.  It’s very interesting and good.

I am hoping...for a break in this weather.  Maybe then I would get out and make some half-hearted attempt at taming the wild things growing in my yard and flower beds!

I am hearing...my little Herbie dog barking.  Every night K brings him into the office and puts him in his bed and goes to get his water bowl.  Every night he carries on to no end, certain that she is going to forget his water bowl which she never ever does. 

Around the house...I have piles of projects in every room I think!

A few plans for the rest of the week…My good friends are coming in for a visit from North Carolina.  This weekend is Urban Goatwalker Coffee House weekend which I always look forward to.

Here’s a picture for thought I am sharing-

Had a retreat here on Saturday and will return there for a big church gathering on Sunday.  I highly recommend their bright creative space.

Today I have joined with other women who are choosing to linger on the simple things on Tuesdays through The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Mother

My mother turned 80 on Thursday.  I was out of town, but didn’t want an opportunity to pass to say a little something about her.  She proudly announced yesterday that from now on every birthday will be her 80th, leading me to think maybe 80 is the new 39.  You would probably not guess her to be 80, especially if you saw her schedule.  One of the many wise things she has done has been to always have some friends who are younger than her.  She has a delightful circle of young (relative term) friends who keep her hopping. 

I’m grateful for the many wonderful threads of her woven into the fabric of who I am.  The best in me, I got from her.  One of the things I most remember about growing up was the way she would find reason to celebrate our smallest victories, and I’m hopeful that I have continued that tradition in my own home.  My mother’s love language was food and she was fluent!

Happiest of birthdays to my mother on this her first 80th birthday, and for all of her 80th’s to come.