freedom......

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." {Ronald Reagan}

** I am still out of town with family , and will be back tomorrow! I totally stole this whole post from my sister .....it was so good it needed to be repeated......xo **

brand new designs.....

...and so do your cookies and brownies......

...have a sweet weekend...

xo

** cake plates available at knack **

slap happy.....

...I was in the studio today prepping about 5 new pieces to start working on......wood filling........sanding......chiseling.......clamping......

... I took a breather, to just take it all in....and this is what I got:

... I am enjoying my new space so much.....and am overwhelmed with gratitude to be able to not only do what I love, but do it in such a beautiful space......made possible by the love , support and guidance of many who love me.......and have cheered me on every step of the way...

...also, I'm LOVING my new couch that was given to me by my friend jen.....it looks so great at knack, and the ship pillows on it.....forget about it......they are perfection together.....

....take time to stop and smell the roses today my friends....

xo

africa.....

....our friend "l" went gorilla tracking in africa this past week...incredible right?... i mean, who does that ?!..and the images she sent back have had me mesmerized......

....the gorgeous children with their bright eyes and beautiful smiles......i want to hug them all....

....and then , to be that close to a massive gorilla.........i would do it in a heart beat.......and it is now on my list of things to do.......

....hope you all enjoy the beauty of another land today.....

xo

interior things....

...know there is a lot going on here, but I somehow love it...

...chalkboard is perfection...and I'm diggin those bar stools....

....pink bug plates....steal the cake....

xo

*all photos from elle decor*

weekend inspiration...

.....took my camera along this weekend and just shot whatever caught my eye...

...looking for inspiration on a couple writing projects coming up.....and some furniture color boards....

...i think i found it.....

...have a blessed monday friends....

xo

25 things.....

1. i'm addicted to chai tea

2. i love the smell of paint.....but promise i don't sniff intentionally for recreation

3. in all my 35 years, i have never... ever worn a bikini in public....because it would indeed create some serious situations

4. i sit under an umbrella at the beach and still get sunburned

5. i sweat like a sinner in church

6. i take baths not showers

7. i talk more than i listen and i wish it was the other way around

8. i would like a jeep wrangler someday.....but i am totally content with my honda pilot

9. i like my 30's better than my 20's

10. i tend to buy all of my clothing in some shade of gray or black

11. i once had my belly button pierced.....but oh goodness what a mess that was

12. ireland is the next big destination for me

13. i've run two full marathons and six halves

14. i miss the shape i was in, in #13...

15. i notice teeth before anything else...

16. i am married to the best for me....and no one else could ever even come close

17. my children are a gift....and i am so thankful for them

18. i was born in singapore

19. my hearts desire is to live out the gospel in my life and pass that on to my children

20. diet pepsi is nice

21. i have never gotten a speeding ticket...

22. i have a fear of flying...and would rather drive any day

23. peonies are my favorite flower

24. i watch animal planet more than any other channel on tv

25. i live in a yellow house

....I did this for my sweet sister, and my cousin anita who tagged me...

.... only because I love them to pieces {and the fact that my sis reminded me SEVERAL times!}....did I agree to grace you all with my lovely list of random things......

...who knew....

xo

good times...

*mine*

..captured these beautiful kids......who I love so very much...

... on our venture downtown.....

...it was such a gorgeous night.....

it was so fantastic.....

here are a few shots that I snapped before the shin dig went down

****

.......words cannot describe how, grateful, blessed, and loved I feel.......it was magical.....

....now I am off to enjoy the weekend.....and revel in the memories of may 2oth.......forever.....

love to all....

xo

totally globe-ular......

.....just had to share my latest find.....

...it's a goody.....and I have wanted one for so long.....

****

on another note...tonight is the shin dig! woo hoo......so excited, and ready to have a great time...

....i'm not one to ask for help....

...so, thank you to all of you who just showed up {literally, a studio full of people!} and worked with me all day....my heart has melted into a little puddle of love and gratitude.....

...as for you my friends...i'll see you tomorrow with stories to tell and pictures to share.....

xo

meet etta...

well friends....here is miss etta.....

{before}

{after}

.......she is the very special piece that I did to give away at the shin dig tomorrow night......

....so, if you are planning to come { or maybe you weren't and now you are! } make sure that you get yourself a little blue ticket......so that I can call your number!..

..I hope you love the turquoise.....and the old calendars that cover the top......I have been saving them for a long time....and knew the timing was perfect......

have a great one friends!

xo

beachy keen......

.......love these bright and cheery watercolors by laura trevey....

...get's me all frothy to be sitting under my umbrella, watching the kids frolic, reading some mags, and listening to the waves.......

....have a great tuesday friends! I'm hoping to have some fun before and after pictures for you tomorrow.......:)

xo

hallways and foyers .....

..love these bright, cheery, funky and eclectic hallway ideas....

...last week I hung all of my recently purchased artwork in our little hallway "gallery"....and it got me thinking about hallways/foyers......

...I tried to get a good shot of my little project....but I'm still trying.....:)

...hope you all have a fabulous monday, and a super great week!

xo

*ideas from living etc