Beauty in the Storm

 Hello friends~

I'm not going to say how long it's been since I last posted.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

All I can say is that I miss you all

and I am trying.

And it seems that I'm not the only one absent.

As you can see by most of my photos, I am a country girl.

So at least that explains WHERE I am and what I'm DOING

 much of the time. 

You'll often find me

wandering about in the beautiful outdoors working

or taking in as much beauty as I possibly can.

Is there anyone else out there that feels the draw of that

magical and wondrous place

outside your four walls?

The other day my daughter and I saw a T-I-N-Y

fawn hopping through the field with it's mother!

So sweet.

Makes hanging around outside so very worth it.

If someone told me that I was part gypsy,
I would nod my head and say,

"I knew it all along!"
;)

And then there are the storms...

 This photo made me think of the song

 Gentle on My Mind,

 sung by the amazingly talented guitarist and singer,

Mr. Glen Campbell.

He will be greatly missed.

"You're moving on the backroads by the rivers of my memory and 

for hours you're just gentle on my mind."

Such sad days when we lose one more of the great artists.

I had just learned that song in the last week and I'm so happy that I did.

It will be a honor to sing it and I will always think of him when I do.

 It's always nice to have a friend nearby during stormy times.

 The beauty of it all just calls my name.

It feeds my soul and brings me peace in times 

when chaos is looming and threatening.

While it's pouring rain,

 the lightning electrifies the air and the thunder 

is rolling through the mountains,

it's a good time to jot down what's been happening 

and send some letters off to friends and family

  in  far away places.

Do you like writing others and making handmade cards?

After the rain stops, it's fun to wander around outside.

There are usually some little surprises just waiting to be spotted!

Here, a Cicada has just some out of it's shell.

Hmmmm..

Kind of ugly...

But sort of miraculous.

How DO they do that?!

I have a time lapse video of the one above coming out. 

I had to watch it for twenty minutes. 

I got impatient toward the end and almost missed it!

Are those raindrops on my wings?

During my wanderings, I often find little treasures to create with.

What have you been doing?

I know everyone has such interesting lives and this time of year

is full to overflowing with work and play and 

special outings with family and friends!

I'd love to hear about some of your adventures!

I do hope that you are well and that 

life is treating you kind.

As always...

Thank you so very much for coming by and visiting my

little online world. 

Blessings and happy summer days to you!

Tamara xoxo

An Ordinary Matchbox Altered For Spring

Happy day everyone!

I hope that your week is going well.

I have been absent again! 

I'm not sure where the time goes but I am determined...

to figure this out!

And I'm actually praying about letting it go for awhile.

I love it but I'm not sure if I can make it fit with 

the other things that I've added this year.

I need to simplify my posts.

I joke with my husband (though it's very true!)

about how I am SO good at complicating things.

But I am learning to turn that around.

YAY!

The magic and beauty of spring can be found 

all around. I have been walking about and finding lovely surprises 

all over the yard. The most wonderful have been the two peonies

that I marked off of my list of survivors from last year's plantings.

I am so happy and excited about seeing them come up and am anxiously

waiting for them to grow!

I want to share just a little project with you today.

It's an altered matchbox.

I love taking something ordinary and making it pretty.

Do you like to do that?

I apologize for the photos.

They aren't very creative or even good.

 I  covered it with some pretty, spring paper and gathered some embellishments.

Ferns are one of one of my favorite plants.

So I picked some to use.

 Boxes are so fun to decorate for gifts, craft storage or for decorations. 

And the possibilities for decorating are endless!

This one is pretty simple. I do love losing myself in creating with details though.

***********

I have been so very busy with family outings.

This last week I had a spontaneous shopping trip

with my youngest daughter, a visit over breakfast with two of my daughters and

granddaughters. Thursday, we took five of our grandkids to 

see Beauty and the Beast.

Family outings are so special and celebrating

those relationship often and having fun

makes lasting memories that we'll always treasure.

This evening there's a girls night out eating dessert and going

to the movie to celebrate a daughter's birthday

and then.....

tomorrow dinner with our oldest daughter and SIL to

celebrate their anniversary..

WHICH WAS IN NOVEMBER!

HAHA! ;)

With a (very) large family, and packed schedules, 

it sometimes takes months to squeeze those special outings in!

 Having girl time with Liberty is something I try to do once a week. 

That probably sounds a little odd, but she's getting older and 

she is a good, kind dog. She deserves special 

attention and I love doting on her.

It's always a good time to work on adding a little color or 

something new to add some cheer to my home.

There's something warm and wonderful that happens to a room

when you add something new. I can imagine it smiling.

A bit like getting a new scarf or pair of earrings! 

This floral cheer came from a flea-market.

I loved the colors and it was only a dollar! I was so surprised....

I bought a pile of pieces to bring home and sew into pillows or something.

I have been reading the most wonderful book!

It is packed with inspiration and wisdom.

I will share it with you soon.

(I need to get busy on my posts!)

The excitement of what I'm learning in my personal life or

through my reading sometimes bubbles over and keeps me up late

journalling and drawing.

Do you ever have thoughts or ideas that you want to get onto

paper before you go to sleep at night because you know it will be vanish

while you sleep?

I loved this entry.. it came from the devotional:

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I have to remind myself of this often and so it really spoke to me.

What speaks to you?

Well dear ones..

Here's wishing you a lovely new week!

Thank you for coming by. 

I hope you were able to take away something

with you that was encouraging or inspiring!

Blessings and hugs...

Tamara

Peanut Butter ... Just Add Sprinkles! Nurturing the Wonder of Nature

I hope you're having a lovely day and week so far.

I realize more and more how blessed I am. 

Health...  Food... Shelter...

 and just so many wonderful people in my life.

My life is so rich and full of interesting challenges, enrichment and beauty!

I'm so grateful. 

We live in such a time that there is so much inspiration and 

opportunity to learn more about the things we love.

I must admit, I have to limit myself in this and and keep my feet firmly 

planted as I dream and work toward growing in my music and artistry.

But it's so exciting!

I am still working on the deep cleaning and purging of personal and

household items.  It's also been a soul-searching time as well, which has brought 

about some revelations and changes that I'll share in my next post.

 It is very freeing and I'm finding myself more focused

on the things that really matter to me.

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

Today, I want to share some pictures of a 

recent project that I did with my grand daughters. 

It's super easy, fun and serves a purpose. 

Not porpoise ;) Silly me....

The project is

Peanut Butter and Birdseed Pinecones

There's not much to explain.

The only thing that I did differently this time was to

 add a screw to hang it by. It was easier than trying to wrap

the ribbon around the pinecone itself.

 I added some sprinkles to the seed just to make it more 

colorful and festive. 

We all know that's what little girls love!

And honestly, I like it, too.

 And the birds like a sweet treat now and then.

This is potentially very messy but the cake pans helped a lot. 

 The girls did a wonderful job!

Peanut butter was thoroughly smushed into every crack!

They love watching the birds and helping me feed them.

I allow them to take the little, yellow bucket outside. 

Using a small measuring cup,  they each count out four scoops 

as they pour the seed onto the patio.

I don't use bird feeders. They eat so much! 

I sometimes feed them three times a day. 

 We took them outside to hang them in a tree.

 Sweet birdwatchers!

 It didn't take long for the birds to find them

and now they are picked clean.

I loved sharing this project with girls. They had so much fun making them!

 Their mom helped, too.

 I wish I had gotten a picture of the three of them 

with their pinecones.

It's wonderful way to teach them how magical nature is and how to 

be a part of helping the lovely creatures of the wild. 

It also helps nurture that love and wonder for nature that kids already have.

What kind of magic and wonder is happening in your world? 

I'd love to hear about it.

Thank you so much for coming by. 

Happy March 1st!

Tamara XOXO

Decor Easily Crafted from Your Garden

Hello and happy November!

It has been a wonderful start to my day.

It's raining.

 That's always a treat!

Burly, our black cat, is laying all cozy on the rug next to

the woodstove and he looks up at me

with sleepy eyes and meows as if to say 

"thank you for the warm fire."

Don't you love it when your animals are all

happy and cozy? It warms my heart.

I've been outside a couple of times this morning

to grab wood for the fire. 

I do love the smell of the rain-soaked earth and leaves.

I have candles lit all over the house to add some light and warmth

 to this wonderfully chilly and cloudy day.

The window is slightly opened so I can hear the raindrops

hitting the metal roof. The tea pot is whistling to let me know that

I can pour it's boiling, steamy goodness in a cup now.

The laundry is in and I have my tea and can now sit down

 and write to you on this fine day!

I do hope you've had a good week. 

On to my post content...

Do you like using natural findings in your decor?

Sticks.. rocks.. bark.. dried flowers or even pretty, native grasses.

These are garlic seed heads. I thought that they would look pretty 

painted gold and put in a pitcher or a jar. 

I love how you can see the tiny black seeds inside.

I had this spray paint on hand and I appreciate the quality. It came from a florist.

I hope you don't mind my sweet, pet photo bombs! 

They are so curious and often nearby when I'm working.

Here are the seed heads drying.

Do you think they're pretty?

And here they are. There are so many different ways that one could display them.

I'm thinking that they would also adorn a gift very nicely. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Have yoou been thinking about and planning for the holidays?

Are you working on any special projects?

I have finished my angel that I mentioned awhile ago and will

share that with you soon. I'm just finishing up some glittery, 

sheet music ornaments.

It's sort of a mixed time of year for many.

If you like making gifts or crafts to sell, one really has to begin 

several months ahead. There are already 

Christmas Bizarres and craft shows happening! 

And if you want to plan special outings, they really have to

be planned in advance or you may not get a ticket!

I have been making some plans for a special outing before

Christmas. I am so excited about this surprise!

My youngest daughter, Mikailah celebrated her

20th birthday last month. This trip will be an extension of her celebration

since we were traveling and also since we have decided to

dedicate the WHOLE birthday month to celebrating each one.

It am thrilled!

We will go on special outings that relate to their interests,

 have dinners, give gifts and just show them special appreciation 

with notes and cards. Don't you love celebrating the

 special people in your life?

That would be near the top of my list of favorite things! 

It's so fun~

This evening, I'm taking my husband to see

Deep Water Horizon.

(Nov. is his birthday month)

It's a very serious movie and not easy to watch.

There is much loss.

But for many, the ending is miraculous and it's very well done.

Whatever you're doing, I wish you joy and wonder for your day.

Thank you for your visit.

Blessings,

Tamara

Harvested Herbs and An Herbal Wreathe~

Hello dear friends...

I'm just popping in at the library to 

make a few visits as time allows and to show you 

a little project that I made before leaving 

on our trip.

I've been having the most wonderful time

visiting family.

My time visiting our kids in Tulsa 

was much too short but my travel buddy

has limited time. But we are making the most of 

our time. 

The new grand baby stole my heart...

how is that we have one heart but that it

can be taken captive again and again

by these dreamy little people?

And of course her brother and sister

are as dear to me as ever.

The heart just stretches and grows

with each new addition to our family!

The autumn morning was cool and crisp.

Golden leaves floated to the ground and the red sumac leaves are

a brilliant scarlet. I keep hearing an owl across

the field at our cozy Sugartree cabin.

We listen to the rain hitting the roof while we sit all

snuggled in our blankets among the twinkle lights and

pumpkin scented candles..

(My daughter says she's never leaving.)

When the rain stops, I have some weed eating to do

so we can get into our mini-gypsy camp here,

share some hot drinks and

have some fire-side sing alongs. 

*********

Rinsing piles of herbal goodness 

to go on the wreathe~

About mid-summer, I decided to move my 

potting bench area.

This area is a under our front porch. 

It was closer to where I unload and water my new plants.

So I'm fixing it up a bit.

I have shared about my herbs before. 

I enjoy them so much. 

They add so much beauty to my garden.

They are a joy to cook with either fresh or dried and 

I also love to use them for wreaths and crafts.

Making a wreath is very simple.

I usually buy my grapevine wreaths

at thrift stores.

I cut the herbs that I want to use and leave a nice

long stem on them for wiring.

And then I rinse them and shake off the excess water.

A basketful of fresh Thyme...

Do you have a favorite herb?

Oooo... 

It would be hard for me to choose.

Rosemary...

Thyme..

Basil

But I think fresh Marjoram is 

my absolute favorite.

It's sweetness gets me every time.

Here is the finished wreathe.

All that green gorgeousness and scented deliciousness!

I hope you're enjoying these 

festive days of fall..

the colors 

the scents

the sights

festivals and

all the yummy things to eat!

I have run out of time to write.

We're meeting my niece and sister for

a snack at Theo's.

They have wonderful coney dogs

and the best Arnold Palmers there!

Thank you for coming by and I

hope your week is full of all

sorts of good things.

XO

Tamara

The Framing of Nature~ A Collage

Hello sweet people~

How are you?

( some music for you.. Brian Crain's  Summer)

I am FINALLY rested from my trip and have been successful in

fighting off a cold and stomach virus.

Life has been rich and full with 

visits, outings and celebrations.

Last Friday, three of my daughters and myself

watched Steel Magnolias and we

 had  the FuNnEsT  time....

Laughing ..crying... sitting with our mouths wide open in disbelief!

The gave me a card and the cutest little wheel barrow planter

made from rough cut lumber. It was a late Mother's Day gift.

They're so sweet

I will share that later.

**********

Today, Id like to show you all this little framed project using a few 

collected treasures from nature.

I painted my thrifted picture frame.

First I dry brushed the frame with Vintage White acrylic.

Then by mixing some paints, I created some colors that matched

and softly brushed and blended them together in a few places

on the frame to add a few highlites.

 French sheet music seemed a wonderful background for these natural beauties.

And here I share ONE of my treasure boxes filled with

collected treasures. Aren't treasure boxes so much fun?

I have several different kinds.

Special cards and notes..

Bits of papers from special events

and trips and places.

Trinkets... jewelry..

Do you have special treasures that you've kept tucked

away in a special place?

A beautiful, dried rose resting atop an old weathered bone.. 

It seems kind of strange but maybe they are a perfect contrast

of thought and substance~

********

Life is such a wonder and I've been enjoying it so much.

And of course there are the bumps too.

But they make us stronger and cultivate compassion in our hearts.

 And still, there's such beauty that surrounds and amazing people to celebrate.

And here we go into the next season of this year!

I hope that yours will be filled pleasures and quiet times of

resting in your special place reading or listening..

To your heart or .....

the buzzing of the bees and songs of happy birds.

HAPPY SUMMER

Thank you for coming by!  

Sending many good wishes your way.

xo

Blessings,

Tamara