Interior Work in Progress

I haven't shown much of my interior yet because I'm in the middle of several projects. So here's a sneak peak.

I have beautiful floral valances that I decided to rework a bit after we painted. Hope to get them back up soon.

Darling Daughter helping mom. She did such a great job. I gave her a little roller so she could handle it better.

She helped for much longer than I thought she would. I just love seeing paint going on the wall. Instant gratification!



Dawn

Hollyhocks

On my way to the attic yesterday I spotted the hollyhocks blooming around the corner in a tiny side yard. They get almost no light there except when the sun is straight overhead. This one was just peeking around the corner.

There are two different petal types growing here. This frilly one...

and one that has rounded edges.

Some white ones too. The first year we moved here I fell in love with these. After the blooms faded and the seed pods dried I collected a gallon size bag of seeds. I planned to plant them everywhere. A week later I went to get the bag to share some seeds with a friend. Imagine my shock when it was full of mosquitos! Hundreds of mosquitos! I should have known not to use a plastic bag but who would have thought those seed pods were full of mosquito eggs? Live and Learn.

Dawn

Lightening Storm

Just a quick post to share a few lightening photos from a storm we had a few nights ago. They are from a still digital camera that also takes short video. The video can be edited in the camera to make 20 or 30 stills from one second of video. I had been so excited about starting my blog I didn't remember to check the video until a little while ago. I'm only posting a few photos from just one strike. It is pretty amazing and a little scary. The whole storm lasted about 30 minutes, longer than most we see around here. I was cowering under cover of my front porch for just a few minutes to see what I could get on camera.

Dawn

May I introduce myself?

Hello friends. I'm so happy to finally have my blog underway. This is my first post! I've been tip-toeing around the neighborhood getting a feel for it. I've visited many of your blogs but was always a little too shy to say hello. I just can't keep away any longer. You all are too fun and friendly for me to stay in the shadows. So here I am on your doorstep, suitcase...uh...er.. laptop in hand, inviting you to my home. If you're inclined to visit again you'll most likely find that I like things casual but pretty. You'll also find my style is a bit of this and a bit of that. I like the flourish of all things French, the tradition of English style, the nostalgia of vintage and the freshness of an American farmhouse.

I am enjoying fixing up our home and making it a place my family and friends feel welcome. I love browsing thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets so that special item can find me. I'm lucky enough to have an attic full (I'm talking packed to the rafters) of things my in-laws saved over the last 70 plus years and I'm finally getting around to going through it. And who can resist an occasional trip to the large discount stores? My home is ever-evolving. I love what I have but it can always use a little tweaking. It's not just about the "things" though. As much fun as we all have collecting, making and arranging, it's the feelings the items bring out in us, the places they take us, the connection they give us that makes them special.

I hope you've enjoyed meeting me and find yourself in a cottage state of mind today!
Dawn