There, That's Better!

I liked this just the way it was. The print of the tiny couple kissing, hanging below a rescued piece of window trim, brought me joy. I was happy!

UNTIL...a few days ago I spotted this forlorn print, pitched out to the curb. I'm sure I heard it sobbing that its useful days were over. Oh no, not to my eyes! I saw all kinds of potential.

Apparently the print and paper backing were holding the frame together. A few clicks of the staple gun solved that problem.
I popped open a can of paint...that had been notified to be on standby, and pulled the brush from the plastic bag where it was still wet from the last quick project.

There, that IS better. Yep, I like using the frame like this. Until I think of something else to try...such as move the "dangling" spoon! It's all just rescued "stuff" and so I'm happy!

I hope your day is happy too! And remember, just "Do Your Best". That is all!

Love, Rachel

Enjoying The Day

There they were as we rounded the bend, the fluffy pair of geese with not a care. I "think" one quacked to the other, "Just stay outa the road, just stay outa the road and run for cover if necessary. "

Their life appeared tranquil and peaceful until it was interrupted by our blue Yukon slowly going by with a curly haired passenger hanging out the window aiming a silver camera their direction.

They were just enjoying their day. I enjoyed seeing them. I hope you do too.

Breathe deeply. Inhale the joys of Autumn.

Love, Rachel

P.S. I have heard that geese and other fowl mate for life. Have you?

Happy Birthday!

When the coffee spills and things just don't go the way you plan, they love you anyway. That's right, siblings. Everyone needs at least one brother and one sister, I think!
I am very blessed to have a whole collection of brothers and sisters! We come in many shapes and sizes and have a LOT of ideas among us! Today is one of my sister's birthday. This is the last sister to celebrate a birthday this year. I call her "beautiful star", but her name is Esther. You always understand when the coffee spills! Happy Birthday to my sweet sister!
Love, Rachel

Handy Little Gadget

A friend was throwing out her leftover yard sale stuff. Did I want any of it she asked me? Well, I looked and looked and came across this handy little thingy that is pictured above. Is it a planter or a shelf? I decided to use it as a shelf right by the door...it's a perfect place to set a hot cup of coffee when your hands are full.

I thought about painting it white of course, but hhhmmm....maybe I'll just leave it this rusty reddish brown color...I kinda like it's drabbiness. Is drabbiness a word? What do you think? Should the shelf be painted white?

Oh, and another thing that I retrieved from my friend's sale castaways is the beautiful ivory soup tureen that is shown in the post below. Yep, the one right behind the pink porcelain baby shoe. I can't wait to serve a big pot of soup from it. Just think, two items that she was throwing out, I will use and I love them!

Do you recycle?

Love, Rachel

note to self..."no, drabbiness isn't a word...at least I don't think so...spell checker doesn't think so either...oh well, tah tah for now

A New Day

a new day
another step forward...that's it...just keep putting one foot in front of the other

Does anyone else like tiny porcelain baby shoes? I have a few. Aren't they adorable?

Love, Rachel

Land That I Love

~Fasting for mercy~

~So long, for now~

Love, Rachel

Happily Ever After

Recently I was given the opportunity to design and make a black satin aisle runner for a wedding. I trimmed the edge in red satin. Do you know how long it takes to sew a 75 foot seam several times over on a 75 foot runner? Well it's a loooong time! Then you may wonder how long it takes to iron it? Oh, only about 2 hours!
Amy, thank you for the roses...the little unexpected gift as I left the reception. I'm enjoying them so much. Your wedding was beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to have a part in your special day.

Love, Rachel

Success

Success is defined in many ways from different perspectives. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote one definition I enjoy contemplating. It follows.

"To laugh often and love much;

to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;

to earn the approbation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better,

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch,

or a redeemed social condition;

to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;

to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived---

this is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Birthday to my sweet sister in law, Annette.

She is one who succeeds! You'd think so too!

Love, Rachel

A Cup of Joy

May your day be filled with JOY...

from sunrise

to sunset,

find joy in

breathing fresh air

the laughter of children

nice weather

bathing in hot water

seeing the wind scatter leaves along the ground

hugs

the ability to make yourself beautiful with a smile!

It's all there. Gotta go get it!

Joy!

Love, Rachel

P.S. Don't you just love the hint of robin's egg blue that edges the top of this tiny little pitcher? I do! I think I'm lovin' that color now!

Christmas Music?

...gustily singing from our fully expanded lungs, as we playfully pounded the keys...

~little princess version~

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. It's so much fun to ride in a one horse open sleigh! Yay!"

Now how does she know it's so fun?

Well, singing and playing sure is! When do you start enjoying Christmas music?

Obviously, we started a few weeks ago!

Have a fun "fallish" sort of day.

( hhhmmm hhhhmmm, jingle all the way...)

Love, Rachel

P.S. Is "jingle bells" stuck in your head now? giggle smile!

October Featured Porch

If you haven't met the extremely talented Donna Lynn and her beautiful dog, you don't know what you're missin'! This amazing lady can sew, build furniture, paint a house and probably anything else that sits still just a tad bit too long! She arranged all the flowers for her son's wedding and "baby-sat" his puppy to boot. She home schools, cooks, and loves her family. Her beautiful home was featured in Country Sampler this spring. Donna Lynn zips her way around blog land leaving happy messages of encouragement and cheer.


She has a BFF Victoria who is highly talented also and made this beautiful and crisp fall arrangement in Donna Lynn's window box. It is simply breathtaking.


Donna Lynn, whipped these little black wooden benches together in a couple of hours. Can you imagine? In my opinion, this porch ensemble is darling beyond description!



Tiptoe up and knock on the door. Her pumpkins send a seasonal greeting. I think I smell mulled cider perking. Give Donna Lynn a great big hug at Blushing Rose Antiques, and tell her I sent you!




Have a wonderful day!

Love, Rachel

I have been still and I know...