heart spottings

Happy Monday! To start this glorious week, (I just know it is going to be fabulous) I want to share my most recent heart spottings. The last photo is my favorite because it comes courtesy of my four-year-old son. He knows of my heart finding obsession from our nightly walks and is always keeping his eyes open. The delight in his voice as he exclaimed "look mom. the skull's nose is an upside-down heart. take a picture of it for your blog," made my day. 

Enjoy, have a delicious week, and keep heart hunting would you!?!

Fellow Blogger Love

Gotta love blogger awards. Really. I would like to know who thought this concept up so I can give them an award. Seriously, recognition from another blogger, someone you admire, is such a warm fuzzy. And ironically, they always manage to come when I need a boost of spirit to remind me that I do this blogging thing for so many reasons. 

Please check out septembermom's blog, "My Voice, My View" and you will understand why this award, a friendship award, makes me want to do cartwheels. 

Generally, when a blogger receives an award, they pass it on to other bloggers that they would like to recognize. This time, I am not going to do that. But I have good reason..... anyone who comes to my blog, reads my posts, and leaves comments, deserves this award. I hope each and every one of you know how important you are in my life. You are encouraging and supportive and, in all honesty, you help me love myself. Our blogging connections have helped me realize that I have something to give to the world. Therefore, it would be inauthentic and untrue for me to name only seven people. I am grateful for you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

btw~ If you have read this far... :) ... please take this award and pass it along if you would like. You deserve it!

Master Gardener's Plant Sale

click to enlarge

While in Tacoma for my birthday, my mom and I went to the Washington State University Master Gardener's Plant Sale. It was a feast for the eyes, with beautiful, locally grown plants sold by the original growers. An entire room was dedicated to tomato plants complete with free educational material and helpful attendants. It was a great way to start the day. I left with two roma tomato plants, one sungold tomato plant, three Tradescantia zebrina, aka "Wandering Jew," and a bunch of gardening know-how that I didn't walk in with. 

Hope this collage (of only a fraction of the plants I saw) inspires you to get outside and create your dream garden. 

Guardian Angel and a feature

I altered this vase as a housewarming gift for my little sister. A guardian angel to watch over her and help her create a home full of happiness and love. 

To create the wings I shaped a wire hanger and covered in with pattern paper. I made a head out of plaster of paris, but didn't like the way it turned out, so at the last minute stuck a couple silk flowers inside the floral sand. The flowers are temporary- I am making a wire photo holder to take their place. 

I liked this project so much it was hard to give away. :) I will definitely have to make another one for myself!

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Join me in a happy dance to celebrate me being featured on Gayle Dowell's blog, "This Artist's Journey." I am tickled pink by Gayle's kind words and the friendship that we have developed via blogging. Thanks a million!

Grateful

Everywhere I look, everything I see, today, I am reminded to be grateful. Grateful for my friends, whose birthday wishes continue to remind me that I am loved. Grateful to my family, especially my mom and sister, who gave me the best birthday weekend, leaving me wanting nothing but more time with them. Grateful to be right where I am at, in this moment, infused with joy and love. Thank you to everyone who made my day special. And if you are reading this, it is you.

The adorable owl above is a birthday gift from a special friend, Erika Lee Sears. Obviously she is a super-talented oil painter and I am honored to have a piece of hers. But what I love most about Erika is that she is a wonderful listener. I am lucky to have her as a friend. Erika, you make a difference in my life. Thank you.

Birthdays always bring reflection and self-assessment. My 28th revealed the support and love I have in my friends and family and that is something I can celebrate every day. 

World's Greatest Lover Dethroned

I spotted this at Goodwill and could not pass it up. Broken and donated to charity. Someone has been officially dethroned.

I envision a dramatic, heated argument escalating to the exchange of demoralizing insults and climaxing with the snapping of the trophy. One says, "You were never the world's greatest lover anyway." The other responds quickly with, "You know what, I don't give an f*** what you think. Give the stupid trophy to Goodwill for all I care." And so that is where it ended up. 

I had to buy it. How could I leave such a meaningful piece of recognition behind to be shuffled around and put aside day after day? That wouldn't be right. Do you think my hubby will notice that it is glued together?

hee hee hee

 

humbled

I am deeply humbled in accepting the lemonade award from Jamie of Starshyne Productions. I admire her and look up to her. Her work, in the name of creativity and spiritual freedom, is invaluable. This is such an honor.

♥Thank you Jamie♥

A Lemonade Award is given to bloggers that show a positive attitude, gratitude,and a willingness to share their ideas, support and online friendship. In other words, people who make lemonade when they get lemons!

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 7 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.

3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

I intend to continue the spirit of recognition and gratitude by awarding the lemonade award to the following people:

Michelle of 3rd Eye Muse : besides all the eye-candy she creates and posts on her blog, she is an all-around kind, soulful person. and I have a piece of her art... lucky me!

Kim of Something to Say : generous, talented and beautiful. 'nough said.

Megg of More to Me : this woman has a radiant spirit. although we are still in the "getting to know you" stage, she is someone i would dearly love to meet in person. her positive attitude is contagious.

Emily and Molly of Habit :  this is a two-fer-1. no. 3-fer-1. habit is a blog dedicated to noticing and capturing the "stuff" of daily life. It features excellent photography and short, well-chosen words. it has help me become aware of the beautifully mundane. If you click on Emily or Molly's names above you will reach their individual blogs which are both award-worthy themselves.

septembermom of My Voice, My View :  tenacious enough to blog daily, her words are warm and genuine. 

Kristybee of Kristybee... The Blog : a talented photographer who radiates authenticity. she is new to blogging so visit  and leave a comment encouraging her to stick with it.

Britt of TwoFish : jumped into making and selling art bravely. i admire that.

If only I could publicly recognize everyone who inspires and encourages me. I love you all.