ivy, the poem

ivy

acute, emblematic

mapping, sustaining, vining

established by long persistence

chef d’oeuvre

-þÿ Āςhl℮үHàⓁĿ †

verbena, the poem

verbena

skirted, starlet

dividing, drawing, daring

beauty in symmetry

lady

-þÿ Āςhl℮үHàⓁĿ †

One Lovely Blog Award

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Blossoming Tree. She has been gracious enough to pass on the One Lovely Blog award to me. This is especially warming considering I haven't blogged in months. It is greatly appreciated and means a lot to have readers stick with me even while I take extra long breaks. :-) Thank you Blossoming Tree!

Snoopy Sweet Treats

If these weren't in the shape of a dog bone, I'd be inclined to start munching on them myself. How delicious do these puppy treats look? Yum!! Not only are they peanut butter flavored, but they are also handmade and all natural!! Thank you Grandma Paw Chow!

A Poem and A Picture :: Nest

Fine Art Photography by EAGMe on Etsy.com

Phoebe. Spring Nesting

It would be easier if I could have a conversation—
explain myself to you, phoebe.
You, who have inhabited our joists (or are they yours
by squatter’s rights?) for so very many years.

What I want to say is, simply, I mean you no harm.
I will go out of my way to ensure your safety, that your nest
is undisturbed, that when I pass you needn’t fly away.

I admire you. You exhibit characteristics beyond rebuke.
You are an example of selfless living, devoted, as you are, to your brood.
Your manner is mild, your athletic ability magical,
as you swoop and snap yet another tiny fly for your babes.

Most of all, it is your endurance that I admire—
not only the day by day effort you display, but the year by year.
I will tread softly, and I will watch you for another year. Lord willing.

Poem by Hanque O . . .

Eco Tutorial: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

I found this fabulous post on the Eco Etsy blog about how to make your own laundry detergent. It has the recipe and simple instructions, including adding an essential oil for scent. I love finds like this!

Upcycling for Gardeners :: Silver Garden Markers

Upcycling for Gardeners!!

Check out these Custom Vintage Silverware Garden Markers from Monkeys Always Look on Etsy.com. They are silver plated, so as they age, they tarnish more and more, adding to the character. How lovely! These will definitely outlast the marker & popsicle sticks I am using right now. Should I be embarrassed about that?

The Last Straw (you might ever need)

Eco Straws :: Yet Another Way to Go Green!

This is such a fabulous idea! Straws by Carli on Etsy sells these super durable, reusable straws made of glass. They come in various sizes, some big for smoothies, some typical for just a regular beverage. They are made of the same glass as Pyrex, so these babies are extremely tough. The best part? (besides being green)... They are dishwasher safe!!!

Happy Etsy Day everyone!

Happy Etsy Day everyone!

Make sure you visit Etsy.com today to celebrate.You can read an article about Etsy Day in The Storque by clicking here:http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/etsy-sellers-unite-for-etsy-day-join-in-3821/

If you haven't already signed up for an Etsy account, today would be a great day to do so! There are SO MANY amazing artists who sell things on Etsy. I know you'll find something that you love. Maybe it will even inspire you to start your own Etsy shop!

Honeymoon Photo Ops :: The UK's Red Telephone Boxes

Pictures in the original red telephone booths. Now that is an absolute MUST for my honeymoon trip. How can you go to London and not pose in these scarlet British icons?

"Allo Big Ben" photograph by Yann Pendaries on Etsy.com

London Statues to See on the Honeymoon

Only 15 more days until the trip of a lifetime... My honeymoon in London, England! I am so excited to see the artwork and architecture that grace the city, such as these beauties:

"m o t h e r" by The Artful Apple on Etsy.com

This photograph was taken at the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.

(I hope to come back in the same state as this statue, if ya know what I mean... Is that TMI? Hahaha.)

"w i n g e d" by The Artful Apple on Etsy.com

Awaiting the Arrival of Spring

It seems as though Winter has overstayed its welcome this year... I am fully prepared to take on Spring with open arms.

"Fleurs Blanches"

"Les Baies sur la Branche"

Marco LaGrenouille's exquisite photography of nature is available at Etsy.com.

Lemonade Award

I've been nominated for a Lemonade Award!!


This is a great opportunity to make new friend and get more traffic onto your Blog. I want to thank BJohnson Jewelry for nominating me!! You just made my day.

The rules are as follows:
1)Put the lemonade award logo on your blog or post.
2)Nominate 5-10 blogs that show great attitude and or gratitude.
3)List and link your nominees within your post.
4)Let them know they have received the award by leaving a comment on their blog.


I decided I would nominate the following blogs:
http://mea-culpa-aromatherapycreations.blogspot.com/
http://mysnugville.blogspot.com/
http://bookwormzreader.blogspot.com/
http://createcrochet.blogspot.com/
http://stonehousestudio.blogspot.com/

Take a look at these individuals blogs and give them some love!!!

Kreativ Blogger Award

I received a blog award from Anji Gallanos!

Thank you so much!!!

Here are the rules:
List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KREATIV!

7 Things I love:
1. I love annoying my cat Cloe. She is so used to it by now that she just sits there and takes it, just waiting for me to get bored and move on.
2. I love getting massages.
3. I love traveling, road trips and hiking.
4. I love wearing my big floppy hat when I garden.
5. I love rinsing conditioner out of my hair. This one sounds weird, I know. But it is so silky smooth!!
6. I love reality TV. Had to copy you on this one Anji!
7. I love this life that I am living!!

I pass this award on to:

The Pure Gardener
Gabrielle's Garden
New Dominion Blues
Parallel Botany
Fun Gone Bad
Creations Anew
Equivoque

Coaster Kick

Anyone else out there a coaster finatic? I guess Mom has ingrained it so far into me that I find I am now obsessed with using them. Company comes over... whip out the coasters. Having a beer? Set your brewsky on this! I even go so far as to use them for wine glasses. We all know that red wine need not be chilled and therefore does not condense on the outside of the glass. Well.... where's the coaster? I'm still gonna use one! Plus, when they are as beautiful as these from New Dominion Blues Studio on Etsy.com, why wouldn't you want to flaunt them in front of guests?