Old Souls Alive and Well

Monsieur Julliard grandfather to Ringling and Gollmar children of circus fame

Artistry among the stones

Lady in Blue

An English Shoemaker

A young lass who helped this state become famous for dairy

A lovely bronze relief sculpture

A lively young Swiss that died young in a tragic train accident in Chicago

This New Jersey native came here to build those rare covered bridges so long ago

Lady in white ,a doctor's wife that  was surprised by a bear on a cold winters night

A Ringling brother in repose thinking about his circus past

A solitary Union soldier who made it home to rest peacefully

A former slave who came with the underground railroad via Kentucky for a new life.

Up close bronze relief

Floral chapeau butter queen involved with the local creamery here that still stands today

I have the privilege of living in a town with an interesting and colorful past.  Which is why I love it.  So much to see and experience on a daily basis.  Never a dull moment that's for sure. LOL   I live in a place that has a famous theatre a world renowned circus  rare cranes,old trains,rookeries and other wildlife areas tranquil lakes and nature trails galore and of course a very cute and active downtown.  What I really love is the events that happen here.  Really more people should make a circle on their calendar for next year to make a stop along their summer or winter travels. Seriously ,you are missing so much if you don"t  check out what we have to offer in this small corner of the world.  I think I learn something new every day and then some.  Yesterday I attended an event that was so wonderful I must share it.  The local historical society has put together an event that has brought our old cemetery to life.  A great time to share with old and young alike.  All in all I really learned alot about this little old town and have a even greater appreciation for the struggles of all the people who have come before us and the mark they made on our future.  I say thank you,thank you and letting us believe that anything is possible. 

Bicycles and Beyonder....





My little red  riding companion ready to go for the day

Arriving at our destination bench paraphernalia in tow

The beginning of a new project yet again!



A brilliant green and red against a beautiful vintage backdrop



A local gallery leaves chalk to bring out the Picasso in all of us:)

Today was a great day! Started that way and ended the same.  Can a girl ask for anything more?  Maybe not so I think I will just go with it so I can tuck it away in my memories for another day.  First of all the weather was perfect and the sun was shining upon us.  The sun has been a rare visitor here so far this summer.  I started with a breezy ride on my bike heading downtown.  Exercise is always good prior to a happy breakfast of eggs and cheesy hashbrowns and sausage oh yeah and some oj.  Hey, it"s Sunday and the best day for a breakfast out.  So, I say to myself why not? No guilt here.  Remember I rode my lovely bicycle sooooooooo I did work up an appetite.  Once myself and my breakfast companion were full we decided to relax.  What better way than to take our knitting and head for a park bench and shoot the breeze and actually get a few projects done.   Hey was there and ready to relax.  Got in a few sites and pics while I was there and thought I might share a bit here.  I also had an outing with another friend for later in the day at the nearby cemetery very interesting indeed.  More on that later....I am apologizing ahead of time for my bad video so sorry....Next time I wlll show more

Fireflies and summer travels

This guy is hard to capture on film ,I could not resist the pic so here it is

I saw mom and babe as I drove by had to stop

They are so cute don"t you think

Getting braver by the minute

Across the way  a bird of some kind enjoying the view

Summer is here when the sandhill cranes arrive for the season

Yes, how about a bit of color here my first peony now alas gone until next season

Just a wonderful old barn with great patina.

Here is more of that great old barn love the old red color and the steeples on the top

I really would love this in my new studio it captures the spirit I would like

Okay so I "ve been quite busy and have failed to post anything of late.  I am working on many things at the present time,but know that I will post my tutorials soon.  Just finishing a few projects so I can get moving on everything else I need to do.  Oh,summer time it makes you want to be outside as much as possible enjoy my garden and just currently loving the fab weather we are having.  Can it be we have a real summer on our hands????  I  am really working hard on making my much neglected backyard a place I might want to spend a bit of time.  Last night I was witness to true summer delight the lightening bugs:)   There were so many that it appeared as if Christmas time was upon us with a  fab display of twinkling white lights.  Thought you might like to see a few things I have seen along my travels of late.  Actually I am trying to buy some time here,but I am sure all of you know what that is like so I need not go on.....I am also currently designing a studio to work in and need ideas although I know what I like.  I do want to make it fun and useful at the same time and have a place I can create and dream up new designs and projects as I go.  Can"t wait!!!!  See you soon and yes I will have something to show for it all.  In the mean time thank you all for your patience it is much appreciated.

Sew Tragically Creative: Quilt Revival#links

Sew Tragically Creative: Quilt Revival#links

Quilt Revival

Back for the finish

Wait to see an easy scallop edge binding soon!

This used be an old brass chandelier,paint is my friend LOL

This my friends needs help ,and I have two of these beauties.  Cannot wait to see this looking fresh and new

Remember this quilt I was working towards completing?  Well, stay tuned as I will soon post a tutorial on making and applying a scalloped edge binding.I know I like this  for a softer look than just a straight edge.  So look for it soon.  More projects to come such as revamping an old chandelier and reupholstering a vintage chair.  Is there any projects that you might like to see?  Let me know.  I am also thinking on adding a page for a how to or ideas etc...I would love to hear what you think and perhaps what kind of things you are all interested in seeing.  Any ideas please send them my way.  I would love to hear them.  Have a great Memorial Weekend!

Travelling Through Spring

Saw this fun metal sculpture at my favorite breakfast place last weekend

Spotted these goats on the way to garden place. 

Then they began to multiply before my eyes

Snoopy goats!  Just had to check out their new visitor.

Made a lovely arrangement from my lily of the valley and other flowers.  Loved this play on light through the colored vases



This is a bell flower and is a great shade plant.  My favorite perennial!

 This week I just finally started to buy my plants to add more color to my garden and front porch.  Finally, the weather is warming up to really make me believe that YES I can plant  my flowers and they will not be left to wonder what will happen weather wise.   I also would like to share a very creative use of used or throw away metal things I guess I would put it.  We happen to come across some curious little goats on the way to the garden place so here it is just as we experienced it.  Have fun with it......By the way I changed up my blog appearance and I do hope it will be much easier to navigate and do hope it is easier on the eyes.  Still learning the ropes here and hope to improve as I go along.

Beauty Continued.......




I believe this is an angel"s trumpet I know I have seen this before on the westcoast

Always a show stopper!

Lush and green so perfect...

The bark caught my eye or maybe the absence of it perhaps....

Wishing I could maybe borrow these for my garden

A breeze sends a most pleasant scent my way....gardenias.....

Life among the profusion of vivid color of flora and greenery.

Bugs beware

An end to a flowerful journey

I did say I would post the remainder of my garden stroll to the beautiful gardens I recently had the opportunity to partake.  So without further ado I will share some more.  This time it is the tropical end of the spectrum ,so very fragrant and the sounds so tranquil almost stayed too long.  Made a person feel as if they were in a rain forest.  Feast your eyes and pretend you have been dropped into a tropical dreamscape and go from there.....