Ready for Fall While Looking Back at Summer

Well, here we are off on our

autumn adventures!

Though I am always up for adventures,

I am slow to let go of what came before.

 Do you enjoy looking back 

and savoring days gone by?

Like holding onto that good taste of something

that you just want to last forever?

And did I say slow?

I like to think of myself as living in

the moment...

Being present.

This is something that I have had 

to work at.  

My shutter painted mustard yellow. YAY for paint!

I'm a planner and I'm in love with life.

But I felt that I was missing so much

by trying to do too much and always

thinking ahead or of something else.

VERY distracted.

My daughter and 6 of my grandkiddos. Love them all to pieces.

 That's Escudilla mountain in the background.

My life is so very full of rich family times, just living, projects and change. Right now, I'm 

going through some big changes that I hope to

be able to share about later.

It's been a time filled with many emotions 

and physically exhausting. 

But I'm trusting God and He is

ALWAYS good.

These are just some of my memories that

I captured and a few photos of some of the beauty

of my summer. I hope that you don't mind if  I'm not up to speed with fall.

I wish I could keep up like other folks. I have

tried but it just doesn't work for me.

 I have many more garden pictures to share later.

The magic and calming of music that flows through my days and fills my heart is

a gift to me that I unwrapped as a very young child. It's melodies and harmonies have

filled so many cracks and crevices in my soul 

and changed my life forever. And now that goodness overflows and with God's

blessing, is touching the lives of others.

I am so grateful!

JOY... 

BLISS...

DELIGHT... 

EXUBERANCE...

GLADNESS...

HAPPINESS...

and sisterly LOVE!!!

with a dash of ornery ;)

Simply 

MAGICAL ~

I cannot resist faded petals. I have a collection of geranium 

flowerlets that I've been gathering all summer to be put in a jar.

Fading beauty is a part of life. Aging is a natural process that reveals a beauty all it's own. 

Being able to embrace it all as we pass through each season is a sign of a life richly lived. 

My geranium after wintering in my 

kitchen bay window.

It doubled in size this summer.

I had to cut it back to bring it back 

inside. I love their scent!

Jeff and I play with the group Bush Valley Rounders and the two

 of us have our own two person band called BackRoads. 

We were delighted to have our first summer ever booked from June to September.

We played nearly 30 times. It was a little daunting at times but we did it!

And we're so grateful for all of the support!

On the nights when we play music, the couples get out on the patio under the nights and dance. The merriment of the music rolls out across the valley to meet the mountain carrying the sounds to the elk, deer, foxes, bears, wildcats and coyotes.

 Making our yard and gypsy camp come alive

with flowers and plants is something that I look forward to every year. The refreshing that it 

brings to our spirits is a reward for 

the hours of energy, commitment and time 

devoted to it. During the hottest part of the

morning, I sometimes take a break under the pines

and spend a little time reading and resting.

Three cheers for going on 

a little different kind of adventure!!!

Annnndd.... 

for family togetherness.

lots of clapping! ;)

Cormorants

This week, we will pack to leave for Ohio.

I hope to be hanging around on the blog and coming to say hello.

Now I must go taste the peanut butter pie

that Jeff brought me last evening.

Darbi's in Pinetop, Az...

I lost count of their restaurant awards!

And they have theee best pie on the mountain.

Have a lovely weekend. Please tell me of your

fall outings and adventures.

Thank you for being here!

Hugs and blessings,

Tamara xo

There Was A Time... Shall We Get Back to It?

Hello!

(heart)

Being here feels so foreign after nearly three weeks between posts!

I have missed you and wanted to come and tell you so.

I am trying to  change so many things in my life.

Te be more in tuned to people around me.

I can be so self consumed in the moment.

It has been a beautiful spring here and with the

loveliness of life there has also come the busyness.

There was a time when I was

posting two times a week but I can't seem to stop

overthinking about this and get overwhelmed!

But I'm going to work at getting back to it.

 Spring came early to the mountains and there has been work to do 

outside. The tender care of mulching,

 and weeding. I have to do a sort of plant hovering in the spring

because the baby plants come up and then WHAM!

We get snow and cold temps again.


We had a beautiful, wet snow

the other evening and Liberty and I took a walk and came back dripping wet!

It was so fun and refreshing that I was trying to find reasons to stay outside.

Those walks take me back to my girlhood days when I use

to wander the farm in all kinds of weather.

I do love seeing the new plants popping up and 

the trees heavy with blossoms.

There's also been the sorting and cleaning out of every 

"nook and cranny"! It has felt good but has been a lot of extra work.

But in the midst of the work, I've been having so much fun

 learning new songs and playing a lot of music.

It truly is my #1 obsession!

And I'm excited that there are many singing opportunities

coming up. I enjoy the people so much but

to be honest, I am not a very good performer.

I'm more of a passionate, closet musician. Haha! So, I'm having to learn to 

be more expressive when singing for others.  I always felt like that

was show-offey. But I understand now that it's just enjoying

myself and letting it be about the music not me.

Isn't there always so much to learn?

(the azalea bush that my daughter gifted me for my birthday. 

I love pink!)

 There was a time.. 

I tried song writing. 

Have you ever let something die just because

you felt you weren't good enough?

Maybe it's time to turn that negative thinking around and try again. 

Don't think too much about it. 

Just follow your heart, Dearie!

There was a time ...

when I worked like a crazy person making things..

Well...I have been working on projects again now that

the biggest part of the sorting is done.

I have finished another book page, angel. 

She is woodsy and all about spring!

I will share her soon.

And my late evenings and Sunday mornings are a good time to make cards

for friends and family. Thank yous.. Birthday cards and any other

reason that I can find to make them! I do enjoy paper crafting so much.

Do you have certain times set aside that seem to work for you?

There is a new friend that has taken up residency here... 

I will call him my new studio assistant.

He was a gift from my husband.

He received a very nice bonus from work and he

bought ME a gift :)

He is so very thoughtful and giving!

I will reveal this new little love of mine before too long.

I'm so excited to have him along as my crafting and artistic pal! 

What's been happening with you?

I know that life isn't always fun and exciting.

There are hard things and lots of hard work. 

Even when most of life is going well.

I hope that you're finding the grace and strength to 

work through the hard things and that there are good things

 to bring magic to your days and put a smile in your heart.

Thank you so much for coming by and may your cup 

be full and overflowing.

Tamara XO

A Pie Pumpkin..All Glittered Up and Some Thoughts About Life

It's a very blustery day here in the Arizona mountains.

And tonight we're supposed to have temps in the teens.

I hope to get outside to day, brave the wind, dodging the 50 mph gusts and gather the rest of my flowers for some creative and fun way to enjoy them for a little while longer.

I cannot believe that I still have roses, 

cosmos, petunias and snapdragons.

What a beautiful fall it's been but I find myself standing 

by the wood stove quite a bit these days.

There's a very simple project that I'd like to share with you today.

I made a bunch of them while I was in Ohio and gave them as gifts.

And I brought several home to make more.

The materials needed are:

 *pie pumpkins

*acrylic paint.. your choice of color

(I used Vintage White)

*glitter (I used gold)

*ribbon, tulle 

*a button or some kind of embellishment

*hot glue gun

I put a coat of paint and let it dry.

Then painted the top half of the pumpkin

again and sprinkled it with LOTS of gold glitter :)

Oh my! 

At the Sugartree cabin in Ohio, I had glitter 

ALLLL over the place. It was so fun.

(Glitter and I mix like milk and cookies!)

After this dries, you make a bow or two out

of your ribbon. Then attach them and your 

embellishment with hot glue.

SO simple and pretty quick too. 

The drying time takes a bit.

I have given several as gifts. 

They would be perfect as a hostess

gift or for just someone special. I took one to the owner

of the nursery where I bought the pumpkins and

she asked if it had been for a fall wedding decoration.

 With Thanksgiving coming, there are endless ways

that one could use them for decorating.

They are very inexpensive to make and so fun and festive.

I took this one to my brother at the nursing home.

Just a small way to share a little love.

And we need lots of that don't we?

That's one thing that always makes a difference

in a person's life. Spread a little cheer and happiness

with a simple gift. Just let someone know that they

were thought of and loved.

Here's a lovely song for you today.

It's a moving version of 

What the World Needs Now.

ent

Yesterday, I made some special memories making

hot-cocoa mix with my granddaughters. 

And we also went about the yard

picking all the flowers that were still blooming!

They had little baskets to fill for their mommy.

They were so excited! 

Oh, the precious love of little girls for their mommy. 

Sweet sweet sweet!

I will share pictures later. 

It's time for some Christmas music! And

we've been working on some songs for 

sing-alongs and special events. 

There are so many special ones. 

Traditional, country, folk and it goes on.

I will share some of my favorites with you.

We had two birthday celebrations this week for my

husband's 60th birthday and there are more to come.

When I think of how much the average person

has to overcome in this life, by golly, it's good celebrate

 them and life at every opportunity!  

As we approach Thanksgiving, there are

a few things that I'm particularly thankful for today.

*A good dermatologist report.

I'm at high risk because of my years of over-exposure.

I have learned some very valuable things about protection.

If you are interested in knowing, I will share.

I will say that skin checks make a difference!

*My husband being here.

The two year anniversary of his roll-over accident

is almost here. His pick-up was totaled. 

He was treated and released.

(I lost my first husband in a roll-over accident 

when I was 24)

 *Protection from a black widow spider.

Yesterday, before the girlies arrived, I was

prompted to straighten a little pile of pillows where

they often play. There I found a very large widow spider.
A spider.. ewww  Happy thought indeed.

To quote Lizzy in Pride and Prejudice  

What are you thankful for?

What have you been doing?

Are you ready for the holidays?

I hope that life is treating you kind and that your days

are rich with love and the beauty of life.

Merci Merci 

And many blessings to you,

Tamara xo

A few candle lit moments ~

Happy Tuesday..   

Friday or Saturday

Oh my..

did I lose the week! 

Are you glad that it's it was a short work week?

What did you do over the holiday weekend?

I hope you were able to take a rest from your labors and enjoy whatever

refreshes your mind and body.

What a beautiful weekend it was here in the mountains.

We spent much of it out in the woods with three of our daughters and many of our

grandkids. We hiked among the most gorgeous wildflowers. And the kids all played in the

south fork of the Little Colorado River.

I am here to confess that I am behind in comments and emails.

Last week was very overwhelming. 

Watching girlies and keeping up with our big family.

And I didn't feel well most of the week. Allergies.

I'm sorry I have not responded. 

Sometimes I just can't seem to think through the details..

But! I will come and visit those of you who have stopped by to say hello!

It's kind of a sacred thing to me to make sure that I

remember those who have visited.

Thank you!

We helped with a concert at The Outfoxed.

It's always such a pleasure. Our youngest daughter

plays many instruments and sings. She came along to play the fiddle and guitar

and sing a few duets with me. There are no words to describe the joy that I get from 

sharing these special times with her. 

I only know that when we sing together, time stands still.

I'M SO GRATEFUL~

She's almost 20 and I know it can't last forever.

We were so busy this past week trying to hold on to and make 

the most of the last days of summer. But sometimes I have to take some time to

rest my mind and enjoy the quiet and some of my special things. 

With the glow of candles or twinkle lights to cast their 

magical light and a cup of my favorite chamomile tea in hand, 

 my anxieties away slowly melt away.

I found these crystal candle holders at a thrift store..

I love the way they reflect the light and when you gently touch them together,

they ring out with a sweet little chiming sound.

I never have enough. Candles are a favorite of mine inside and out.

I also enjoy a stroll around the yard. 

 Brutus loves rolling around in the thyme.

Our work is slowing down outside as the nights have cooled quite a bit and 

the sun is shifting in the sky. 

So I've been able to work on some projects.

I have so many started

I've been working with air dry and paper clay, playing with acrylic paints

and planning some Christmas projects for some sales coming up.

I'm not really making a lot of progress but it's ok.

There are always so many ideas swirling around in my head! Sometimes

I would like to work late into the late but kowing that the next days work is waiting

to greet me early in the morning, I try to behave myself and go to bed.

Do you ever experience that?

***************

I have been hoping to add more to this all week.

But it was like my week just went spinning out of control.

Mostly because of responsibilities and not feeling well.

I was all fuzzle headed and didn't accomplish much.

I'm thankful to be feeling much more myself today.

****************

We received some sad news.

We lost a friend at the Foxfire.

He took us under his wing just two short months ago.

He was diagnosed with leukemia six weeks ago. And now, this man that was so 

talented and gracious, is gone. 

And it happened so fast.

We are in shock and so very saddened.  

I know I talk about it all of the time.

I hope I don't bore you and sound like a broken record.

But once again, I've been impressed to live like we're celebrating every day.

The people... all the blessings.. using our talents

to make ourselves and others happy.

Do MORE of what you love, dear friends..

Hug more ..laugh more...

I want to sparkle with love and shine with generosity.

Fill my space with light and life and sweet inspiration.

Anyway..

I decided to post this as is to say hello

and wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Love and hugs to you all.

Tamara 

Where We Play Music and Just life...

Hello!

I've sure been enjoying re-connecting with many of my blog friends.

I have missed you all so!

One thing that I'm learning to understand very well is that there

are seasons and sometimes they are short-lived.

So I'm trying to be as present as possible and

make the most of each one.

Live it to the hilt.. Keep that momentum going.

Celebrate.. reflect..

 give it all you've got!

My youngest daughter (19) has developed a love

for 70's music. Every evening she turns on her Spotify

playlist, cranks it up and we dance and sing and laugh

while we clean up the kitchen.

We have been having

*SO MUCH FUN*

Last evening, my husband joined us and he 

was playing his electric guitar!

 Imaginary of course. 

{Big smiles}

*******

I had shared a couple of weeks ago about playing

music in the neatest place with the nicest people.

I promised to share some photos.

Well, here's a picture of

The Foxfire stage.

Wednesday evening is pickers night.

Anyone who wants to can come and play.

Any kind of music.

We take turns and we also sing and play together

(My favorite part is blending everyone together. It can

get pretty crowded up there sometimes.)

We're building a wonderful camaraderie.  

We' re supposed to go tomorrow eve.

My 6 year old grand daughter has caught on to the chorus 

of one of my new songs and will be singing it with me some time.

That will be a special time for us for sure!

Here's Emmy Lou singing it if you'd like to watch and listen.

I didn't take pictures about the place. It's a small,

intimate gathering and I didn't want to disturb anyone.

There's a restaurant also.

It's only seasonal. 

There are two rooms to it and they both have

 garage doors opening to the outside. 

It's all very unique with rustic decor, wonderful owners, 

sweet waitresses and delicious food!

And the scenery is breathtaking.

It really is a fun place to spend a summer's evening.

It's a mix of locals and travelers.

My little dog... A heartbeat at my feet~

Edith Wharton

That would be Liberty. 

She is really the sweetest dog and so sensitive.

She hugs ..she smiles.

And is very obedient.

(Except she sneaks cat food now and then ;)

Here I am taking a break from my morning

watering and outside work 

and there lies my faithful companion.

Every now and then, I lay her comforter on my bed

and we have a snuggle time. She gets a caramel cream candy and

then takes a nap while I read or rest.

 Lovely lilies..

They're all sunshiney for me even when it's cloudy.

 Some  flower container fun.

Yard sales and thrift stores are a great place to find 

unusual pots for your flowers.

I found this one for a dollar!

Hmmm... 

Here is a purple coneflower that I rescued from the ground

after a little kangaroo rat chewed it off. It was his last dirty deed as

we live-trapped him. He was eating away at my flowers..

Quite quickly I might add! 

(He was released by the Little Colorado River also..

So he/she and the bunnies are now neighbors :)

And, as you can see, there was a small eight-legged passenger.

Critters .. critters everywhere!

That's just one of my favorite things about gardening.

All the new friends one makes :)

Speaking of friends, I've been thinking of our Piglet, Eyore and Roo

a lot lately. It's been a year since we turned them loose back into the wild.

 About 10 days old..

Their eyes weren't even open yet.

Such sweetness.

About 4 weeks..

We miss them a lot and wonder how they're doing.

They're in a bunny paradise by the Little Colorado River.

We released them at 6 weeks. 

 I've been collecting petals all summer long.

I've filled a jar on my dresser and now they're overflowing all over

the top of it. They're just as beautiful as they dry.

I can't bear to throw them out.

Two of my favorite colors together. 

Pink and yellow.

I'm working on a beaded bracelet combining these two colors 

then adding some bronze to that.

Nature is so generous with her beauty and the inspiration that flows 

from mingling with her is boundless!

I hope that you're enjoying your summer.

Oh my..

So much to take in on a daily basis. 

We are so Rich Rich Rich...

in so many ways.

I hope that you feel it, too.

It's beyond amazing to live this life.

I understand there are trials and sorrows, too.

I could go on about that. 

You might be surprised, Dear friend.

Do you think that sometimes, tho, it's the ones that

have lost the most that celebrate all the more?

Something to ponder.

Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious week! 

Maybe we could all use a little more

of "Mary Poppins' " magic 

in our day. 

Hugs and blessings..

Tamara