Photos-A-Go-Go, Next Giveaway, Freeform Friday

First Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge

Hi guys. Just me letting you know that the idea of a photo challenge, was so recevied by all of you, that it's a go. Quite frankly, I was inspired by my etsy friend Elle Moss' last photo challenge which I participated in. This is a no pressure kind of thing. It's all about having fun with your camera. The Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge will begin next Friday and will run, Fridays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7/27 through  8/22.  Feel free to share the button and a link to this post. The more people that know about it, the funner it will be.

If you'd like to participate, email me (pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net---- just avoiding spammers gang) a link to your photo submission (blog link, flickr link, facebook link, or what have you) by noon the day prior if you want your photo to be included in the photo challenge post the next day. I hope you'll join in. I'm really looking forward to seeing the variety of shots.

Filling Up The Treasure Chest

I am currently working with sponsors for the next giveaway which will begin in August.  So far, so good.....here's just a little tease.....man I wish I could enter.

If you'd like to be a sponsor, there are a couple more spots left. Contact me soon though to take advantage of all the promotion being a sponsor brings with it, because the spots are going fast. For the rest of you, just hold on tight....you'll be able to enter to win serious awesomeness soon. Promise.

Sunset Meadows

This was Wednesday's sunset. Glorious. It kept changing and getting even prettier until it lit up the whole sky. 



Freeform Friday

It was a good week this week. Sent prints off and away to places like Colorado, Massachusetts and even South Austrailia. In that across the world vein, thanks to Bonnie at PaperKeeper for posting this. I've seen previous versions but hadn't seen this one. If this doesn't make you smile, just a little bit, then there's something wrong with you. One of the reasons I love dancing so much, it's universal.  Enjoy. If you're reading by email, click here.

We're off to the wedding of our neighbor's son tonight and it is bound to be a night filled with happiness and dancing. Imagine that.

Make it a great day wherever you are.

Ciao for now,

Silent Saturday

Elle Moss Photo Challenge/Day 18

Pretty patterns.

Grand Central Station, NYC

See other submissions in the Elle Moss Photo Challenge by clicking here.

Peace out,



Wild Thing & Freeform Friday

The State Of Things

We've been so busy of late, that I haven't had time to get out and play in my flower garden. It has now officially been dubbed Wild Thing.  One of the best part about gardens is, even when you don't have time, as the picture below illustrates....................

...........they still give you gifts.

Perennial geranium.

Bishop's collar. Well, that's what I've always called it but I'm not really sure and I can't find on the web, so perhaps not. If anyone knows what it really is, let me know.

Fern.

A seriously overgrown path with sedum and fragaria..........

....that will soon be a mass of little yellow flowers.

Finally, chives.

Weeded or not, a garden is a beautiful thing.

Elle Moss Photo Challenge

Today's theme is horizon.

It's a pretty good view to have.

Freeform Friday

It may have been the last dance for Ms. Summer this week, but it won't be the last time we all dance to her. RIP Donna Summer. Click here if you're reading via email.





It's a beautiful day here. I'm about to hang a laundry out. Supposed to be the same all weekend.  Tomorrow's the Preakness and I'll have to put at last a couple of bucks on the horse that won for me at the Derby, I'll Have Another.  I might have to try my luck at an exacta or superfecta (will have to brush up on those, but basically betting not only a couple of horses to win, place or show, but also the order they finish....I think) bet to make good on my bet this time, since he's now more than likely the favorite. Other than watching the race, I hope to get out and work at making Wild Thing a little less while. Gar will be working on increasing stock for Lia Artisan Concrete Designs. What's on your agenda this weekend?

Ciao for now,

Time For a Break

Not Nearly Enough

I tend to be a morning tea girl. Not a morning girl, but a morning tea girl. I like my Barry's Irish Breakfast tea.  Two cups please. I don't take a moment out of the afternoon nearly enough, and make a cuppa for myself.  I enjoy having other teas, but for some reason it just doesn't cross my mind.

Well, it did today.

White Heron Cranberry Apple Ginger organic tea. They're a local business. I've mentioned this tea before. It's a fave. Snappy, but not too snappy. Perfect.

So may I suggest that it's time for a break. Put the kettle or the coffee pot on,or get a glass of water. Step away from the computer for a few moments. Go ahead, recharge yourself.

Elle Moss Photo Challenge

Think it's day 8 of the Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge. Theme today is 'Favorite Place'.

Pretty happy where I am. Right here at Sunset Meadows.

sunset meadows 4/8/2012

sunset meadows 9/12/11



sunset meadows 9/12/11

Have a gread Wednesday. I'm working on the list and organizing at the same time and Garrett is doing the same downstairs in his studio.  Going to go with the saying I posted on facebook yesterday, "let whatever you do today, be enough."

Love it!

ciao for now,

How Green Is My Valley

via soul role

Beneath My Feet

I'm taking my cue from Elle Moss' 21 Day Photo Challenge theme today. Grass. So many shades, so vibrant, so quick to grow. (What is with that by the way?)

via handmadebyemy

via mamma earth creations

via soul role

Day 7: Grass

My grass inspired entries for Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge.....me and my wellies in grass and Lucan making his way up the hill.

They're both all about the grass.

How's your day going? Mine's half gone and I don't know how that happened, especially since I've been up since 5:30. Where does the time go?

ciao for now,

Rose Colored Glasses

Better Than Dirty Glasses

I don't know about you, but I'm generally a 'half full' kind of girl. I try to see the good side of things. It's not always easy, but usually there is some good even with the worst of the worst. I believe if you focus on the negative, then that's where you're energy goes. When that's where your energy goes, that's what comes back to you. Kind of like a cosmic karma boomerang. That's not to say that I look at things unrealistically.  I don't. I am an optimist securely grounded in reality.  I may look at the world through rose colored glasses, but that's because you can see better through rose colored glass than dirty ones. 

1. pretty little thieves 2. sew lola  3. Maaike van Nierop 4. sc handmade

5. Kate Burke  6. Shellyka 7. Stella Kenton Body Shop

Are you an optimist? Or do you usually look at things half empty? How do you think your outlook affects your life?

Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge

It's day 8 of Elle's photo challenge and today' theme is 'dress'.

I love this toe to to shot of my great nephew Cayden and my great niece Sophia.  Pumas to MaryJane's. Ripped dungarees (as Great Grammy would say) to hot pink tutu.  The polar opposites of boys and girls. Sugar and spice and everything nice vs. snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.

I hope you enjoy your Monday. It's gray here today, but the rain hasn't set in yet, so that's something.

Gar was absolutely thrilled with all of your comments about Lia Artisan Concrete Designs. You really made his day.  He's out stocking up on supplies while I work away at my desk with the hound snoring behind me.

You gotta love it.

ciao for now,

Oh Happy Day

via lia artisan concrete designs

Saturday

Let's get a couple of things out of the way.

#1. Thank you all very much for your kind words and support and that includes our family and friends. It means a lot.  Gar would like thank you all as well and will be reply to your comments soon. Your feedback about Lia Artisan Concrete Designs and his collection is really appreciated.

#2. As predicted, we did dance to this last night. THE ENTIRE SONG. The whole damn thing. Did I say phew?

I dare ya. I double dog dare ya.





Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge

It's day six of Elle's photo challenge. I am really enjoying coming up with pictures for each day and seeing what others are submitting.

Today's challenge: low on the ground.

It's a beautiful, sunshiney day here.  I am hoping to get out and enjoy some of it.  I'm about to hang out some laundry, the breeze is perfect for drying.

Have a great day in your corner of the world and we'll do the same in ours.

A Simple Thought For The Day

via EmilyMcDowellDraws

Good Reminder

I came across this the other day and aboslutley LOVE it. Don't we all need to remember this now and then? Consider yourself reminded.

via EmilyMcDowellDraws

Day 4 of ElleMoss 21 Day Photo Challenge: Rainbow

Since there has been no sun, and it's finding it hard to get out from behind the clouds and rain, no rainbows here.

Luckily I captured this Rainbow of Yarn last month at the farmers market.

Holy moly! Did anyone else notice it was Thursday?  Big project underway in this house. Think good thoughts for the Gman's new venture which he's been working hard on and is almost ready to launch. More soon. Promise.

See you on the flip side,