Thursday, June 25, 2015

Sunrise and new recipes

 

Good morning everyone ~ I hope your week is a good one so far. It is hot and humid down here, when the sun is blazing with no cloud cover, it is miserable out.  Today is supposed to be mostly cloudy.  I need to do some hand watering after I ‘break the fast’.

Yesterday morning I was feeling a bit ‘down’, and then caught a glimpse of glorious colors in the clouds.  We had a bit of rain earlier, so I grabbed my camera and headed out. Oh my. The beauty was just awe inspiring and I kept ooohing and aaahing.

Here are the photos.

06-24-sunrise3

06-24-sunrise4

06-24-sunrise6

06-24-sunrise2

06-24-sunrise

06-24-sunrise5

06-24-sunrise7

I forgot to turn the flash off but like the effect of the glistening rain drops caught on the flowers.

06-24-sunrise8

I have been inspired by reading a post by a younger woman than myself. She could be my daughter age wise. She’s been through some rough times, but she’s a real trooper and her attitude and perseverance really inspired me. Here’s a link to her blog, Island Mother. Boy, could I learn a LOT from her. She’s done some major remodeling of her little cottage in the woods.

I learned a new definition for my gardens this week from a commenter in my last post about my tropical jungle.  The word is ‘raffish’. I had to look it up to see what it meant. Definition is this:  unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner -  synonyms:   rakish, unconventional, Bohemian ~ That is definitely my style, was ‘our’ style too. Smile Also, eclectic. Thanks Lynn and to all who commented on my ‘raffish’ gardens.

This gardening style is not for everyone, but it most certainly works for me.

Now about recipes.

On Sharon Lovejoy’s blog in her last post she posted a wonderful sounding peach pie recipe for summer. I bought the ingredients yesterday, and ‘plan’ to make it today. Visit her blog at Sharon Lovejoy for the recipe and other wonderful tidbits about her life. Her posts are always a joy to read.

Another recipe I plan to try is Mediterranean Barley Salad. I’ll post the recipe later with a photo of the dish.  It is another great sounding, healthy recipe for hot summer weather.

As to needlework projects, I started and finished one for a friend, but I won’t show and tell until after she receives it. It went out in yesterday’s mail. Another heart sold over the weekend, that went out in yesterday’s mail too.

Let’s see, another project I started on is working on straightening up in DH’s workshop so that I can ‘work’ in there. Before he left this planet he told me it would now be mine and to do with it what I wanted to make it work for me. I could hardly go in there at first because I would just cry and cry. (Hearing power tools in the neighborhood would make me cry too.) Time has blessed me, God has blessed me with the grief not being so raw and awful like it was. I can go in there now and not cry. I always loved the workshop. It was a dream come true for DH and we built it together from his county ‘approved’ plans. I started clearing off the work benches, there are three wonderful ones. I filled a large trash bag with trash and debris, still a LOT more to do, but I made forward progress and that felt good. I feel my husbands love and encouragement in there.

Well, that’s it for now. I need to get going. I found some great looking you-tube exercise videos for ‘seniors’ and I plan to start trying some of them.  They look like fun and great for me too.

Have a great day wherever you may be ~ FlowerLady

 

42 comments:

Deborah Montgomery said...

Those cloud formations are so beautiful.

And I'm sure your husband would be very happy to know that you are working on getting the workshop ready to use. It's lovely to think that you will be working in a space where you will feel his especial love and encouragement.

Betty said...

Lovely pictures of the clouds. I have always loved watching them since I was child. I cannot wait to see what you do to the workshop and glad to hear that you are doing better. Time does heal the pain alittle, but never takes it away.

Art and Sand said...

Gorgeous photos.

I like that word - raffish!

Susan said...

You are a busy lady these days. Your sky pics are gorgeous and I'm glad you're getting rain. It's been super dry up my way until late last night. Enjoy creating your own little garden workshop. By the way, I love the Bohemian style. I Have too much German heritage in my blood for it, but I love the free-spirit style and am always working in loosening up. Have a nice weekend Lorraine.

crafty cat corner said...

Always trust in nature to lift our spirits, I know it does it for me. The clouds must have been sent for you that day Lorraine.
I'm pleased that time is healing you and the workshop is going to be in use again. Can't wait to see the heart.
Hugs
Briony
x

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Lorraine, great sun rise photos the light is exceptionally beautiful as are the cloud formations.
The word raffish is new to me as well and I really like it ;-)!
Warm regards,
Christina

NanaDiana said...

Those cloud and sky pictures are just awesome. It makes you realize how small we are in the big picture of things, doesn't it?
I am newer to your blog so did not know that you had lost your hubby. I am so sorry---but, yes, grief does have a way of softening over time. It is bittersweet because as it softens we realize that we have "let go" a bit more.

I absolutely LOVE and ADORE Ronda from Island Mother. She is a gem-a true "back-to-the-earth" kind of gal.

Hope you have a great afternoon. xo Diana

Janice said...

Lorraine, the photos are just lovely! We live in a world of beauty, if we just look for it.

So wonderful that you have so many projects to keep you busy, good luck with your 'workshop'.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The cloud photos are amazing. I love watching the skies.Peach pie???Sounds delicious.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, Rainey.

Lynn is a hoot . . . and a wonderful artist like you. :-)

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Love and hugs,

eli

Janneke said...

Lorraine, you are busy with all kind of things, I love it. Your photos of the clouds are wonderful, I love looking at the sky, the couds and the light and then dream away.

Sallysmom said...

Beautiful blog header.

Jane said...

Pretty! You did a wonderful job of capturing them. Congratulations on another sale.

Rebecca said...

TRULY amazing cloud formations! And how I love your "raffish" style. I'm def. going to go "see" Rhonda. Your suggestions are always good ones.

I've enjoyed a new recipe, too - easy one. Rhubarb cake. 4 c. chopped rhubarb, 1 c. sugar, 1 3.5 oz.strawberry jello (dry), 1 white or yellow cake mix (use dry), 1 c. water & 1/2 stick of butter. Mix rhubarb (or any other fruit), stir up with sugar (1/2 cup if peaches, etc.) and jello. Spread in greased 9"x13" pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix on top, pour water over that & dot small pieces of butter over entire cake. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Yum!

Leslie Kimel said...

Your cloud pictures are terrific. And I love the items you've been adding to your shop--the little evening purse is sooo pretty!

Darcie said...

I love your cloud and sky pictures! It really is no mystery how looking at and being in nature raises our spirits, huh? Sometimes it makes us feel so small, but a part of something so big. An amazing feeling.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Hi Rainey - such a cheerful post and must visit for that peach pie recipe...I do like pie. Those clouds are beautiful...nice photos. Raffish is a good, solid English word...you should watch more BBC productions - grin.

Unknown said...

LOL! I picked up the word raffish from one of my British gardening friends as I knew it applied directly to my gardens and have used it ever since. And I use it in the most generous sense meaning that I adore your beautiful gardens. It's also my decorating and personal style sense as well, haha! I love that beautiful golden light after a rain, you've captured it so beautifully! I enjoy your posts so much with the links and recipes. Enjoy your weekend!

KathyB. said...

Somehow lifting our heads up to marvel at the heavens also lifts our hearts . God is so good to us and your pictures show His awesome handiwork. He knew when He created this world that one day Flower Lady Lorraine would need some encouragement and voila, glorious clouds for you.

I like that description , raffish, fits most of my gardens too.

It will be fun to see your "new" workshop. I am on my way to visit the blogs you mentioned.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Your cloud photos are wonderful with the silhouettes of the trees in the foreground! I hope that being in your husband's special place brings you peace in your heart now that time has softened the grief. It will be so nice to work there, feeling his essence. He sounds like a wonderful man. I love your 'raffish' gardens. All of your plants look very happy! Sending hugs xo Karen

M.K. said...

FL, you sound happy and content in spite of the hot weather and the uncertainty of life. What a blessing and encouragement to others! I'm glad you can go in the workshop now. In some way, I hope you feel closer to your husband there, as you work on the benches where he worked with his own hands, and you stand where he stood and you create and work there. May it bring you together :)

Andrea said...

Hello Lorraine, those cloud shots look like i am looking at my own, hahaha, except for the type of trees that are totally temperate trees. I love the colors. And thanks for the "raffish" adjective as i just learn or read it now, so you are now an effective communicator because you found one who will also use it. And i confess my garden is raffish too, or maybe extremely raffish!

Deb J. in Utah said...

I really love your pictures in this post. Thanks for adding to my vocabulary today! Keep going with those exercises! Have a great weekend!

Maryann said...

The photos are beautiful, beauty in creation I've always told people the beauty in creation is to remind us of our Creator and Savior. Hope you have a nice weekend

June said...

Beautiful capture of those glorious clouds Lorraine! I was happy to see you shared the link for the peach pie, as I am one crazy peach pie lover here :) I have already made two this summer and my hips are widening because of them. So now, I get to try a recipe I haven't tried yet.
My heart ached while reading about how going into your husband's workshop was so difficult for you. It makes me reflect on what it would be to lose my own. I can't comprehend it Lorraine, but I pray for you my dear. I hope every day gets easier and easier for you.
sending hugs...

Ronda@islandmother said...

Hi Lorraine How sweet of you to mention me on your blog. Thank you. Raffish....I like that one....describes what I've got going on too....am looking forwards to your salad recipe. It sounds perfect for summer. I am glad for you that you are now enjoying your husband's workshop. Think of it as a blessing for you. I'm glad I've met you. Ronda

Terra said...

Stunningly pretty cloud photos, dear Flower Lady and I like the term raffish and eclectic. That is a comfortable style of gardening, especially suited to your tropical climate and your style. That is my style too.

Meems said...

I wonder if your sunrise photos are from the same morning this week that I was having coffee and ooohing and ahhhing over the eastern and western skies as the sun came up??? Wouldn't that be cool. If we were admiring the same clouds at the same time so many miles apart!! You are a brave and courageous woman, Lorraine. It takes a lot of strength to get past the loss of your DH and to clean out the space that meant so much to him. It is there that he created so many things just for you and your cottage and garden. I'm glad to hear you are able to start working there. It can't be easy. Love and hugs.

CraveCute said...

Your photos of the clouds and sky are beautiful. Have a wonderful week!

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Morning is the best time of the day and you caught its wonderful moments.
Have a nice week, Lorraine!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful glimpses of your sunrise colours. Such a special time of day.

Rue said...

Gorgeous pictures! I love the beauty of storm clouds.

I think your garden is lovely no matter what you call it.

I got my heart on Friday and I absolutely love it. Thank you!!

xoxo,
rue

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

A lot going on at your place. Those clouds are amazing. There is always something beautiful if we just look.

jerilanders said...

Raffish IS a good word, I guess it would describe my gardens as well. I am glad you can enter the world of your husband workshop, it must hold a hundred good memories that will never fade.

Sally said...

Hi Lorraine,
You took some wonderful pics of the clouds.....I love the trees outlined in them.
The picture of the flower with raindrops glistening is beautiful.....a lovely error...frame worthy.
Stay cool if you can.....how I personally hate heat and humidity.....it makes me feel bad for you!
God Bless you as you create a space for yourself in the workroom.....I hope clearing it out brings back a flood of joyful memories!
Happy Gardening!

camp and cottage living said...

OOOH and AAAAh, for sure! That's a very pretty sky and I would love to have your raffish garden, it's so much nicer than a well planned organised one.
I think you will love spending time crafting in your hubbies shop. I would imagine that you will find it comforting now to work where he worked.
Blessings to you Lorraine.

Dewena said...

Hello Flower Lady,
The Florida clouds are gorgeous! We lived there for 3 years and we still talk about those skies.

I will visit your young blog friend. I know that what I love about your blog is, well of course your gardens but also just reading about your day, your breaking the fast, and your tackling jobs like this one of beginning the one you've had to wait on. I'm sure the memories are everywhere but perhaps this was such a personal one.

May the workshop bring you new joys,
Dewena

Jillayne said...

Thank you for the blog links Lorraine - they both sound wonderful and I'll pay each a visit. Peach pie is a favourite of mine but the peaches won't be ready for a while yet - we're just in the midst of cherries right now. Hot and humid are the order of the day here as well and it's been wearing on me. Tonight we had a massive thunder storm which poured down buckets of rain and it feels cool and refreshing - thank goodness!
I'm glad to hear you are going to use the workshop... You will feel close to Your DH in there and I think it will be a place of great peace for you... The pictures of the clouds are so beautiful and uplifting - no wonder you felt better after seeing them... Warm hugs, jillayne

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

No wonder you grabbed the camera...beautiful sky shots ! :) I will go check out that blog :)

Melanie said...

Hello there, FlowerLady! I'm Melanie ~ a friend of Rue's. I just came over from her blog after reading about the beautiful heart that you made. I just skimmed through a little bit of your blog and it looks lovely...I am going to add your blog to my blogroll and also "follow" you, as I hope to get to know you better and read your blog more in-depth when I get a little more time. I hope that you will come visit me at my blog and perhaps get to know me a bit better, too. I am so sorry that you have lost your beloved husband. I have been married almost 31 years and know that time is so precious...you see, we lost our oldest son almost six years ago at the age of 21. So, I know loss, too. God bless you...and it was good to "meet" you.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi FlowerLady, so nice to meet you. I am visiting from Rue's post. Loved the beautiful ribbon stitched heart you designed and the tiny one inside the card. You are so talented and I am going over to visit your etsy shop next.
Beautiful post and those clouds are so pretty. You captured some great shots.
I am your newest follower. I am a decorative artist in Texas. Stop over to visit anytime.
Happy 4th of July.
Hugs
Celestina Marie

L. D. said...

The shots of the clouds are so wonderful. Ominous in some ways but the colors are so good.