Monday, March 3, 2014

March is here

 

Hello Friends ~ What beautiful weather we are having down here in so. FL.  We got another bit of ‘cool’ weather which has been a blessing. Today I worked out in my main garden for a couple of hours. I know when it’s time to quit, with the first stumble, that always lets me know I’ve had enough. Getting too tired to pick up my feet. There’s still more to do, but I’m happy with the days’ accomplishment.  I was sweating too, but not as bad as in the summer.

Here are some pics from around here the last few days. Quite a few actually, hope it isn’t too much.

I’m looking south at the north side of the caravan.

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I’m now inside looking north/east. I want to put something on the door of the shed, but haven’t figured out what yet.  Need to look in my ‘stash’. Smile

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When I went to work the other morning, on the desk was a sweet beaded hanging glass pot.  My friend had found two of these at the thrift store and gave me one.  It looks perfect in FlowerLady’s  ‘gypsy caravan’.

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This is a fold up chair, one of two that we used to use when we set up at a local flea market many, many years ago.  I’m going to make a new back and seat using those two valance pieces I bought for $2 each.  I’m going to sand down and probably just oil the frame work.   The yellow cedar hope chest to the right, I found ‘curbside’ a few years ago. It was out front of a day care place, I made a u-ie and picked it up.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  I was going to repaint it if I left it in the house, but since I moved it to the caravan, the color is bright, perfect and gyspy-ish. It makes a good bench and is great storage.

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Now on with what’s blooming around here.

Hibiscus

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This is ‘hugs-n-kisses’ hibiscus before it opens, unfurling. I was going to take a picture after it opened, but forgot to.

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Below is ‘Heirloom’. Such a beauty and the scent fills the space around it.

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Here are the same two blooms a couple of days later after a rain, fading, but still beautiful.

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This is sweet and deliciously scented ‘Angel Face’.

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Next is a sweet little rose Mm. Laurette Messimy.

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I love the curled petal in this photo.

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Now, here is my latest needlework creation. It was inspired by https://www.youtube.com/user/wwpaperprintablescom

I don’t have silk ribbon yet, so used ribbon I had.  I’m sure the silk is nicer to work with. This lady buys white silk and colors it with Promarker pens. I want to get these eventually, but will have to wait a bit. I thought there might be some inks in the workshop, so I went out to Mark’s domain, now mine, and found a box of never opened set of 6 Pelikan drawing inks.  I decided not to use those though as I thought of my tin of Pelikan 24 water colors and as I was working on this piece, she said you could use just about anything to color the silks. So, after I had all of the bits embroidered on the piece I colored them in with watercolors. Cool!

A spider rose is the big one, then we have French knot ribbon roses at the bottom, I still need lots of practice with this one, then a what is supposed to be a dog-rose on the left, not a very good one, and then little ribbon rose buds in the middle.  The French knots all around are DMC Perle cotton. The only things not tinted with watercolors are the larger ribbon leaves and the border which is DMC perle cotton too.

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An online blogging friend and fellow embroiderer, Shirley from Stitches and Life blog sent me a link via email for silk ribbon today and I plant to buy some as the price is reasonable.  Shirley is an exquisite embroiderer, I am a novice.  I do love embroidering with thread and now ribbon. 

While working on this piece I thought about my dear husband and wanting to show him my latest work. I know he would like it and would lovingly encourage me to keep on learning and doing.

I am thankful for the day I had, thankful for our 43 years together, thankful we will be reunited one day to live forever with Jesus our God and Savior/Creator. Wow! That keeps me going each and every day.

I would like to ask for prayer for a new and dear online blogging friend Tammy and her husband Jack. He has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer that there isn’t treatment for. Pray for them to have strength with each new day and that they will feel God’s love and peace flowing through and surrounding them. This is a rough place for them to be, I know all too well.

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we want.  But as a believer in Jesus I believe He works all things out. Through our trials and tribulations, He draws us closer to Him and lifts us up. One day we will know all of the reasons why and have all of our questions answered.

Each day is a gift, I don’t know how many times I’ve said this in my blog, but it is oh so true. Let your loved ones know you love them, forgive them, encourage them, and be kind. None of us knows when our time on this earth is over.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

32 comments:

Rebecca said...

It's not that I don't admire your beautiful roses....it's just that I'm totally infatuated with the caravan!

I adore the pieces you're adding to its interior! Kind of "gypsy-like" in appearance...

I also appreciate the clarity with which you express your faith and trust in the Heavenly Father and the hope you have of seeing your dear husband one day in His Heaven.... ♥R

Anonymous said...

No such thing as too many photos! I love seeing your yard, flowers, and beautiful embroidery . . . and I always look forward to your posts.

Love and hugs,


eli

Betty said...

I love the hanging pot and the flowers are so pretty. Snow here again, can't wait for spring.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The embroidery is exquisite.Of course I always enjoy seeing all your flowers and the best part of visiting your blog,is the encouragement you always share.
Hugs to you.

My Grama's Soul said...

I always love coming here to see all your pretties......and you are such a POSITIVE BLOGGER. I like that!!!

xo

Jo

Jane Westwell said...

So many lovely things in this post... it's hard to know which to pick. I love the soft, faded quilt on the folding chair, the beautiful mauve roses that I'm almost sure I could smell (though it's a cold and wintry night here!) and the caravan of course! You stay so positive, you're a real inspiration :-) JJ

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, We are back from a wonderful trip in Arkansas. I posted photos today.

Send some of your great weather up here to us. We have had rain--then ICE---then SNOW--and now it's just very very very cold. Winter is not finished with us yet. Darn.

Beautiful flowers and love your new needlework creation. Gorgeous.

Hugs,
Betsy

Sallysmom said...

God is using you for your new friends. I know he chose you specifically because he has already tried you in fire and he knows you can be a good friend to these people. I will pray for you that you will be open to God's guidance in this situation.

Deb J. in Utah said...

I love your creativity and your "can do" attitude. The caravan is looking so nice and cozy. So sorry to hear of your blogging friend's husband's illness. Life is temporary and we must live each day as though it is our final act. I don't know what I would do with out the faith and knowledge that loved ones and families can be together forever. Thanks be to God - death is not the end.

Unknown said...

Lorraine,
As usual your flowers are beautiful, but your ribbon embroidery heart stole my heart:) And you say this is your first attempt? I can hardly wait to see what you will produce in the future!!
I did take a moment to pray for your friend and her husband, it's things like this that make me especially thankful for My Lord Jesus Christ. How can anyone make it without him?
blessings to you,
Teresa
sugar, spice and whatever's nice

Sunray Gardens said...

Your blooms are lovely. Hopefully this is our last snow of the season and that I can get out there soon and see just how much destruction there is.
Cher Sunray Gardens

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Oh my
you are so creative and smart.
I love everything you share.
Now
I have snow everywhere and am iced in :(
but it will pass :)
Thank you for the joy your sharing brings me
and just being you....

M.K. said...

Such true words, and comforting ones. We have only a few short years more on this planet, and then all of eternity! Think of having all the time you could possibly want to do everything as slowly and enjoyably as you like, and never running out of time.

I love your gypsy caravan. I love the idea of a small place, bright, light, and warm. It's good you know when your body is telling you to stop and take a breather :) Take care, friend.

L. D. said...

You flowers are fantastic but I do like the creative hideaway in you backyard and watch as you keep adding and transforming.

Sandy said...

Enjoyed your post today, Lorraine. Keep your wonderful attitude about life and the afterlife. Loving as He taught us to and keeping Him the center of our lives is the most important thing we can do. And I will say what your dear husband used to...keep up the beautiful work on your needle arts.

Maryann said...

Your stitching is beautiful and you know I love all the flowers in your garden. Thank you for sharing them. I echo your sentiments on treating each day as a gift, we don't know how many we have. Life can change with one phone call. Thank you for this reminder.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Your blooming roses are gorgeous...Your Heart stitchery is roses is most lovely. Hugs Judy

GRACE PETERSON said...

I'm so very sorry for your friend and her husband. So very tragic. You're right. Every day is a gift. These are the good ole days. Your embroidery heart is precious. I'm such a fan of roses and hearts. And of course your REAL roses are exquisite. I sure wish I could find curbside treasures like you do. Wow. Take care.

shirley said...

Your garden is wonderful I thorooughly enjoy seeing the pictures it must be a very tranquil place wo wander.
Congratulations on dyeing your ribbon. This piece is beautiful and I do like the soft blue french knots in the background.

your caravan is like a little magic place in your life and must contain many memories for you.

KathyB. said...

Your embroidery is beautiful ! I especially love the way you're bringing together different stitches and threads with ribbon. It doesn't look like yo9u need much practice.

I am lovin' your gypsy caravan make-over and the creative way you're decorating.

Mrs. Mac said...

I have yet to see a robin in my yard .. but I hear they are in town. That's always a happy day when they return. Have a blessed week.

gld said...

The embroidered piece is beautiful.

I love seeing all your 'things'. The beaded vase is very pretty and looks wonderful in the window.

Your last message is so true. Each day is a blessing. I feel so sorry for your friends. I know you will be a great comfort to them. WE need to live each day as if it was our last but we often forget that. Your blog is a good reminder for us.

Karen said...

Rainey, your embroidery is stunning. I have never tried silk ribbon work, but I can see you have it mastered. The beaded pot looks wonderful in the Caravan. And all the roses, oh, be still my heart.

I just know Mark is so proud of your accomplishments. Changing the light bulbs was a big chore to do on your own. You always remind me not to take anything for granted; how very true. Thank you dear friend for your gentle reminder to cherish the time we have.

camp and cottage living said...

Lorraine
Your post is so encouraging to me. You have managed to stay strong in your faith when many wouldn't.
I will pray for your friends, for sure.
I enjoyed your gorgeous flower garden ,seeing the changes in the caravan, and your latest project.
I have to say I would never have known it was your first ribbon art project. It looks great!
blessings-Kimberly

Julie said...

you got me blubbering on this one!!!!! I too, think the world of our mutual blogging friend, Shirley, over in Aussieland! We will have to tell her how close we live to each other and how we wish she were here too! i LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your silk embroidery!!!!! it seems to me i used to do a little back in my 20's. I need to find a place online, or get a book on how to make all the really neat things like you do!!!! Seriously gorgeous!!!!!
I'm quite sure your husband is looking down and is so proud of you!
xoxo-Julie

Anonymous said...

Hi Lorraine, the beauty you share always delights me.. thanks :)

Cranberry Morning said...

The photos are so beautiful! Sometimes it seems like Florida must be on a different planet from Wisconsin. :-)

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Rainey, the flowers are beautiful, does that mean spring might come?

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Hi my dear,

I loved peeking around your garden and smelling your flowers.

I am SO sorry about Tammy's husband. Tragic. No, you're right, we don't get to plan out our lives.

Sending love,
Sharon

Dorothy said...

I loved the rain kissed roses. So pretty and lush. Enjoy your time in the garden.

Blessings,
Dotti :)

George said...

I enjoyed looking around your yard and caravan, but I must admit that I'm envious of the roses in bloom. Hopefully we'll have some in a few weeks. Thanks for visiting my site and for the birthday wishes.

BernieH said...

So sorry to hear about your friends Tammy and Jack. I will be keeping them in my prayers.

It's great to hear you've been able to get out into the garden for a few hours quite comfortably. You would have been very pleased with the work done.

I just love the beaded hanging glass pots. They are lovely looking things. The fabric you've chosen to cover the folding chair is gorgeous too.

Loved the Hibiscus and Roses, and your new creation is exquisite. How I wish I could do something like that!