A Garden View - the Eastern Redbud Tree

It is a sure sign of spring, when my 6 year old Eastern Redbud tree starts blooming! The beautiful purple flowers and airy shape is stunning! Unfortunately, we have a big wind and rain storm coming in again today, and I'm afraid it will lose all the blossoms before they are fully opened. Each little bloom looks like a tiny sweet pea!
The botanical name is Cercis. There are 5 varieties that grown in the west, from shrubs to small (25-35 ft) trees. The flowers range in color, from white to magenta, and some are like tiny double roses. So far, there has been no issues with pests, it also grows quickly. The flowers give way to pretty heart shaped leaves in a few weeks.

Redbud branch in my hanging glass vase I got for my birthday!

This was the best investment ever! I love this tree - it is glorious in all seasons. Have a great weekend!

Time out with a Best Friend

Some times we just need a time out from life, plain and simple. A safe haven to relax, bounce new craft  ideas around, plan your future, get a handle on life. And of course, just eat, drink and be merry!! That safe place for me is with my BFF, Sue. We have known each other for over 30 years,

and have been thru it all. She lives 3 hours away, so getting together is an effort in our busy lives and we make the most of it when we do. She has 3 beautiful daughters, one who grew up with mine : 

It was so nice to see them and have a little celebration dinner, actually a crab and lobster feast that got our visit off to a great start!!!

 

And ended way too soon! We made new discoveries:

Like this humming bird nest, right outside her studio window!!!! How cool is that!
And just relaxed and enjoyed the view.

Alas, today I will take my book on tape, and make the long drive home. I will take all of this newly injected encouragement I get from my best friend, and start a new job, new crafts, and a new view on life in general and go on with daily tasks of living life to the fullest.
Thank you, my dearest, bestest friend! (and Sam, and Sarah)! Until next time....love ya!!

Two Fab Bloggers, Studio feature and My Irish Dad....

First of all, I'd like to thank, Lori, for featuring my studio, in this week's "Featuring Studio Spaces"
 Every week she generously posts a blog about an artist's workspace. It is such a wonderful chance to see how creative everyone is and how we all solve various storage and decorating dilemmas! Lori has a great blog, so make sure you take a look at it and past studio features. You will be hooked!
Next up, Cori . She is my daughter and another great blogger! Every year I think of writing a tribute to my Irish father, and have not gotten it together! (bad daughter....!) Thank goodness, she wrote a beautiful post in a way I never could. You will see were the writing gene came from, although I think it skips a generation!

  So, Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all of you Irish bloggers and readers out there!! And make sure you stop by these exceptional blogs!

Artfire collection!

My first feature in an Artfire collection!! (my eyeglass case) Enjoy! And have a great Sunday!

Spring is Here! Y...

Curated By: countrylady

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

This week's creations

I have been having fun creating some new designs this last week. They are all available for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Leather with zebra print clutch

 

Multi floral brooch

 

"Life's a Hoot" eyeglass case 

Leather case 

Large eyeglass case  

Hope you enjoyed the preview!!! Have a creative week!

59......are you kidding?!?!? (apparently so)

I'll admit it, today is my birthday and I am 59 58. Fine, once you get up this far, you obviously loose your memory as my daughter so graciously pointed out!!!! LOL! The good news is, I won't be 60 next year!!! 59 is the last one I want to remember!  It is off to a good start though....

 

Beautiful earrings from my husband ....

A heartfelt tribute  from my daughter 

And wonderful greetings from new and old friends alike!! Thank you all! Maybe I'll even get cake at work tonite.........yay!