an adorable little "DWARF"!

Isn't this little dwarf just adorable??  This an ATC  I received from another artist in a swap.  The swap was for "Fairies and other Mythical Folk".   I was just tickled all shades of pink to be able to add this one to my collection.  What a fun little ATC!  What a fun little "mushroom dwarf"!

a different kind of "PURPLE MAJESTY"

These irises are just one of the colors or varieties growing in my yard and I think they are just ... WONDERFUL!!!  Purple is one of my favorite colors and these just make me smile!!  Behind them is another variety that is more of a "smoky lavender" color with the orange "fuzzy" part on the petals.  I LOVE THEM ALL!!! 

aren't NIECES just NICE!!

This past Wednesday,my hubby and I were able to take a drive to Moab, Utah and meet up with two of my nieces and their hubbys.  They were vacationing in the area doing bike treks, hikes, rafting the Colorado river, jeeping in the rocks and sand and such.  On the left is Melanie, from British Columbia and on the right is Lynnelle, from Denver.  Melanie's mom is my sister, Marilyn and Lynnelle's mom is my sister, Jan.

Short visit, but such a treasured time.  Of course, Bramble is in on the family fun!

now ALEX begins his "GROWN-UP" Life

We just returned from a trip to Glendale, Arizona where we enjoyed the activities of Alex's high school graduation.   He is actually our "step"-grandson, but still our grandson.  He's a really swell guy and has been such a joy to get to know.  He was in 5th grade when our daughter married into their family.

In this picture from left to right is my hubby, Bill, me, Alex, Jim (our son-in-law) and our daughter, Robin . . . who is also my best friend.  In front, kinda scrunched down is Delia, our "step"-daughter/granddaughter.  She is 20, graduated and on her own. Jim's mom, Mary, was also there (she's taking the picture), having flown out from Vermont.  It was VERY, VERY HOT and we are thankful for air conditioning. It was a wonderful time to be together and to celebrate.

"A ROSE for MELODY"

This is an ATC I made as a "Thank You" for a hostess for an ATC swap in the Yahoo swap group I participate with.  I love this image of a beautiful rose and thought that embellishments of lace, ribbon and a cute little Victorian shoe were just the things to finish it.  I've called it "A Rose for Melody" and it is one of my originals.  I truly hope Melody likes it!!!

ATCs are such fun to make and I enjoy the swaps so much.  It's just so neat to see all the different interpretations by different artists.  My collection is one of my favorite things to look through from time to time!!

now I have "GLAM GLOVES"!!

I received a "Random Acts of Kindness" gift from Farmgirl Marlene this past week . . . the cutest pink "glam gloves".  Long, rubber gloves with flowers on the cuffs.   I can use them around my house, but I'm thinking they'd be great to take with me when I go "tent glamping".  I think they'll just be envy of everyone in the campground . . . when they see me in my farmgirl apron and washing dishes with my beautiful pink "glam gloves"!!  How fun!  Thank you Marlene

"Happy Mothers Day" . . . from BIRDIE

I have only one daughter, Robin.  Her nickname is "Birdie" for obvious reasons.  She is a grown woman with her own family, is a teachers (part-time mom to a whole passel of other peoples kids!).  She is is also my BEST FRIEND . . . and PARTNER IN 'CRIME'!   She made this card for me for Mothers Day . . .it also very beautiful inside with a wonderful poem!  It is WONDERFUL!!   It is BEAUTIFUL!! THANK YOU ROBIN!!!!  LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH

SALVIA, THYME and a FORK

In one of my rock gardens I have planted irises (you can see their buds at the very top of the photo),and garden mums that bloom in the fall.  But also some purple salvia which is so hardy and long-blooming and then my creeping thyme is starting to put on its tiny little flowers. I hope to plant more of this in other places, it's a wonderful ground cover.  Along the right side is a young aspen tree . . . and a pitchfork!  I love my rock gardens!

oh my . . IRISES !!

Some of my favorite flowers are irises and I have several different ones planted in my yard.  This one is one of them and I call it my "Golden Beauty".  As you can see the top is a golden color blending in with the lovely shade of  plum/purple.  This is a photograph that I made into an ATC for a Farmgirl Connection ATC swap!
Looking forward to the opening of my other irises.

TOO HOT to HANDLE??

A collection of potholders and hotpads just made for sale in my Farmers Market booth this coming season.  Thought they'd be great to go with my aprons too!  The little red "mitt" shaped potholder is an accident but I think it'll be one that I can "run" with.  Using Insul-bright and Warm & Natural inside.

teeny tiny APRON

Isn't this just adorable!!   An apron ATC for the apronista!  This was made for me by an ATC artist in a Yahoo ATC swap group I participate in.   ATCs are "Artist Trading Cards" and are only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches . . . tiny little art pieces.  Making them is just plain fun . . and very addictive!  Thank you Kathy for this CUTE ATC!!

from my daughter last MOTHERS DAY

My daughter started doing Zentangle art, doing some wonderful pieces.  This is the card she "zentangled" for me last year for Mothers Day.  Since Mothers Day 2012 is about here I wanted to share this stunning beauty with you.   I just love it and the best part of it is the piano keyboard section .

 I am a passionate musician and pianist!