Monday, December 31, 2012

Could've Been



My eyes dance to light on the floor of our hall
There in the shadows a silver key ring shines
Stooping to retrieve
Sliding on my ring finger
Just a fit!
Thoughts speed on my mind's race track
You and me - two twain in one flesh
Cuddling the ring to my chest
My eyes shut
Dreaming of what could've been.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Renewed

Out of chaos
Random pain
Meaningless repetitions
Comes a flood of meaning
Fresh wind enters
Welcome refreshing breeze
Life's renewed


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fire's Out

Ignite.
 Emblazon.
 Passion flames. 
Combust.
Sparks stoke grief.
 Waning embers dissipate.
Cooled.
 Dazed.
 The fire's out.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Holly Alternative



How do you adorn your mantle? In Newtonia, I have donned my Mother's mantle with Nandina. It is the perfect alternative to holly berries and they look just as festive.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sweet Potatoes, the Only Way


The rich and nutty flavors are not laden with gooey marshmallow and brown sugar in this simple recipe (though nice occasionally at Thanksgiving). Here's to a beautiful fall and healthy cooking!

Skillet Fried Sweet Potatoes

(a cast iron skillet is best)

- Slice sweet potatoes in desired chunks

- Drizzle olive oil and toss until well covered.

- Sprinkle cinnamon and seasoned salt.

- Toss several more times. The potatoes may need more olive oil.

- Cover the skillet with foil. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

- Remove from the oven and remove foil.

- Toss several more times and place back in the oven.

- Bake for 15 to 20 more minutes or until the potatoes are soft when forking.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy Canisters

After years of searching high and low for perfect canisters, I discovered these. It seems we limit ourselves and the creativeness in the kitchen when we box our kitchen in by labeling with unimaginative labels such as "Sugar" and the like. What are your thoughts?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

2, October 2010

My Heart ---
sings in volumes
in deepest notes
and harmonies not written

Some day
these volumes
these notes
these harmonies
will be played with dedication,
"My Love".


The Frost - 11, November 2012

Glitters on my windows.
The day is before me.
The engines roar.
The hum of cars - all are hurrying.
We bustle on our way to make the day into what we've planned.
The Frost, like an envelope to open - the wrappings of the gift - the day.

-

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Alone - 5 May 2011

Tears fill our eyes.

What do all these emotions mean?

What joy or sadness encourages a swelling of ever ready springs? 

We cannot comprehend all sadness deeper than a desert well.

Sadness plunges us down.

Down.

Alone.

Calm.

Sad.





Alone.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

14, October 2012

I lay here
on my bed
earbuds snug in my ears
Coldplay's, "The Hardest Part" streaming

It's quiet outside
nearly eleven
the week is before me
stretched out
like a white canvas
ready for color
borders, definition.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Very Useful Prayer Guide

A friend sent me a useful prayer guide that I simply must share with my friends and family here on my blog. If you are married, this will hopefully be of help to you or if you have a desire to be married. It's not to early to start praying for your future spouse.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Garnier Thiebaut Linens



Where have I been? These are truly the most beautiful linens. The colors are vibrant. The designs are diverse. The method of linen weaving is state of the art. I researched the company to discover they are made in France. Can you imagine how great it would be to take a field trip to the factory?

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Classy Shoes



For a long while I have wanted a pair of spectator shoes. Mum recently handed me a catalog of womens' shoes. "There's some really cute shoes in here!" I was pessimistic and dubious as I flipped through the catalog. And then! I happened on the page with these advertised. Spectator meets oxford shoe. Perfect. Stylish. Classy.  

Saturday, October 13, 2012

"Saddle Lane - 25 October 2012"

Leaves dance down the dark street.
Is it beginning to rain?
Is that mist?
Is that the rustle of leaves?
Quiet.
Listen.
Listen - to still, ever so faint whisper of  leaves as they take center stage.
Quiet.
Ssh...
Did you hear the wind?
Did you hear the rustle-bustle-tussle of their crisp-layered-organza-paper-thin-sheath like dresses?
Oh no!
Is that a thunderstorm?
Is that rain?
Could it be the refreshing breeze of an autumn evening?

Friday, October 5, 2012

The Bookmark


New use for sightseeing tickets...

Monday, October 1, 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Stained Glass Quilt


A view from the underside.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Hello, Beautiful Chair!



Roadside treasure hunting pays off when a chair with good lines just needs a bit of reinforcement and fresh coat of paint. The things people throw away.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Catching My Eye





Etsy's selection of silk screen towels and hand built pottery dishes are catching my eye. They, to me fall in a category with etchings, calligraphy and watercolor. The medium is simple. The venue is limitless.

And if you haven't heard of Celadon green, Dictionary.com describes it as "any of several Chinese porcelains having a translucent, palegreen glaze". What a soothing green! Just can't get enough.


Thursday, August 30, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Fossil Investment


Yes, I did it at last - my first Fossil bag which I purchased on eBay for half of it's original price. New with tags. Bingo!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Morning Sunshine Quilt



Halfway there. This quilt is inspired by vintage fabrics from BettyGram. Which little one will receive this?    We shall see.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

British Shop

Hunting has paid off! John Lewis is the web-site of the week for simple home furnishings.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Painting with Kids


This was our inspiration.

Pancakes!


Turtle 


Flower or Sun

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Best Web-site of the Week


Bar none, Dash and Albert is the pick of the week! Amazing.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Summer Flowers


My adopted grandmother, BettyGram gave me a bundle of vintage flour sack fabrics several years ago. They are ending up in a quilt, a wanna-be vintage quilt. This time, it's all about the azure sky, sunshine and summer flowers.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Sunshine Baby Quilt


Somethings just look great in the sunshine, like quilts.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Color Inspiration Galore


This blog is amazing. Tweak your favorite color and select "Go get it" to be shown a selection of color palettes based on that color. Fantastic! I'm going to be using this for years to come.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Monday, July 16, 2012

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Murphy's Kitchen Shop - Stillwater Trip


Fiestaware in a rainbow of colors.


Howabout an English teapot in your favorite color?


These remind me of the famous English crockery, Cornishware

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Quilts from Stillwater Trip



The subtle colors of these unfinished quilt tops are similar to the color combinations that have been brewing in my own imagination recently. I like the designs as they are simple but have impact.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Friday, July 6, 2012

Newtonia Guest Bedroom



A few things left over from moving my sister's stuff to her added with a few sheers, revitalized chair and several pillows - The guest room is ready. Amy Style.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

New on the Nightstand


Frances Mayes is known for Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany. I'm excited to read her book on discovering poetry. English Pleasure Gardens was written 100 years ago and has been recently republished with all the same fantastic line drawings by the author. Writing Tools introduces useful knowledge every writer should know. 


Added to those three are two others: a book on Benjamin Franklin and a collection of Twentieth Century American poetry. It's difficult to put any of these books down.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Cherokee Street: Ruth's Vintage Clothing


St. Louis vintage shop.


Impressive collection of silk scarves. They always catch my eye.


 A few hats of unique form.


How about a vintage beaded clutch?


Ooh, there are hat boxes. 

Friday, June 29, 2012

Individual Teapot - St. Louis Estate Sale


Staffordshire - England. Stackable. $4.25. Can't wait to share it with overnight guests. Keeper.