Vintage Tapestry Bag

I picked up this bag at a boutique in Utah named Bed of Roses. This will make the perfect bag to store my needlepoint projects.

Little Sister

A sister is a little bit of childhood that never can be lost. - unknown

The smallest sign....

Everywhere I find the signature, the autograph of God, and he will never deny his own handwriting. God hath set his tabernacle in the dewdrop as surely as in the sun. No man can any more create the smallest flower than he could create the greatest world.
                                                                                                      -Joseph Parker

My family had an unexpected and sad journey back to the States for a funeral recently. We stopped to see my grandmother and I found such peace in her garden. She has a 40 year old hoya plant. The buds start out as hard and waxy and bloom in a star blossom that is velvety to the touch.

Vintage Book Find!

 This weekend I drove my little boy and myself to my favorite second-hand bookstore in Bungendore, Australia. The owner and I chat a bit when I visit and he knows what I am interested in these days. I usually purchase vintage Australia Ladies Home Journal magazines, but I found something new entirely.



I cannot find a publishing date for The Jolly Book, but I am guessing it was in the 1940's. This is my above is a favorite illustration from the book.

This books was published in 1912 in New Jersey. The Trippertrots On Their Travels was read to children over the phone. They could call in and hear the stories.

A Rosy Future

You love the roses - so do I. I wish
The sky would rain down roses, as they rain
From off the shaken bush. Why will it not?
Then all the valley would be pink and white
And soft to tread on. They would fall as light
As feathers, smelling sweet; and it would be
Like sleeping and like waking, all at once!
                               - George Eliot

When I was 14, I visited the Rose Gardens at the Huntington Gardens and Museum in southern California. I was enchanted with the gardens, but especially with the roses and their exotic and sometimes outrageous names. These days I find items within my home that are inspired by my passion for roses. Even though Australia is in its winter right now, I find that I can have the different shades of roses without waiting for the Spring.

I collect a pattern of china named “ Dimity Rose” by Royal Albert. I hunt for these pieces on ebay and budget for a teacup at a time.
I will never run out of rose inspired stationary. Now I just need to use it!

Rose inspired costume jewelry.
My favorite rose scents are Satin by Victoria Secret and Evelyn Rose by Crabtree and Evelyn.
Rosy nails are a must for me. This is only a sampling of the various shades I own. From L to R, Essie’s Shop till you Drop, Butter’s Pink Ribbon, Essies’s Forget Me Nots, and Orly’s Rose Colored Glasses.
Rose lips can be created with Tiramisu (Estee Lauder, Berry Rose (L’Oreal) A Rose Romance (MAC) Rose Hollywood, (Christian Dior) Ripe Rose (ELF)Swatches of the lipsticks from the Top to Bottom:
ELF, Christian Dior, MAC, L’Oreal, and Estee Lauder.

Gardening Addiction

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row.

-- Anonymous

I have found a new hobby that is quite addicting. I have begun to garden. I can’t seem to stay away from the garden center too long. The seed packets advertise blossoms that could make me THINK I could create a secret garden. And what would be in this secret garden? SILENCE!!

There are many versions of the Secret Garden movies, but this one pictured above from Hallmark in 1987 is my favorite.

I wish I had a garden like the ones that are at the Old Parliament House. But I will settle for what I have accomplished so far.

		Gardening VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Of course accessories and makeup can be inspired the flowers and nature.

The organic blush on the right is from Physician’s Formula. The soft colors of the eyeshadow quad from Chanel is appropriately titled “Garden Party”. Clinique has a line of lip products that are a cross between a lipbalm and lipstick called Buttershines. “First Love” is my favorite.

I am embarrassed to admit that this is only a sampling of my floral costume jewelry. Some is from Forever21 and an accessories store here in Australia. I am so glad that big rings are still in fashion, even though after the fad is long gone I will still be rockin’ it! It is nice to be over 30 and not care what people think about what I am wearing.

There are no soft muted nail polishes in this bunch. Garden colors should be vibrant. L to R Essie’s Watermelon, Eclipse in Purple, and OPI Banana Bandanna.

You can never have to many books about flowers. I started to collect these when I was 12 years old.

I have taken to wearing a hat when taking my son for a walk.

Fall into Spring

Spring into Fall

 

“Spring had come once more to Green Gables--the beautiful capricious,

reluctant Canadian spring, lingering along through April and May in a

succession of sweet, fresh, chilly days, with pink sunsets and miracles

of resurrection and growth.” – Anne of Green Gables

Here in Canberra, Australia, we are in Springtime while most of the world is enjoying the Fall season. I have to admit I am a bit envious. I love Fall. I love the smells, the colors and the weather. I woke up this morning determined to embrace Springtime down under.



I pulled my lightest and pinkest blouse to wear.

These are photos of my little boy at the Rose Gardens in Canberra this Spring.