Posted in Homemaking, Photos, Womanhood

Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern

This is the table arrangement for a wedding I helped cater not so very long ago.

Pattern for tranquil joy
Pattern for tranquil joy

The task, here, was to seat 30 for the rehearsal dinner, in a rather smaller dining area, while the bride’s helpers prepared the larger dining area for the reception the following day.

I was totally pleased with how it turned out. The wedding colors were brown and yellow and I love how the walls cooperated with this plan. The centerpieces are simple tissue paper flowers, homemade, but exuberant and joyful. The entire theme of the wedding was whimsical and fun, so these fit in with all the rest of the laughter.

In fact, the entire setting seemed to fit the pattern for this wedding: relaxed, inexpensive, whimsical, inviting,  joyful, and at the same time, calm. The symmetry I think helped to anchor all that explosion of yellow.

We began with little idea of how it would work, although we had measured the room, and figured the dynamics several times.

I think it worked.

Posted in Inspiring, Photos, Wisdom

Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above

From Above
From Above

We almost always view these lovely creations from above, but lately, at night, I have seen the underside of this poor thing as it tried to batter itself through this screen into my house. I went outdoors in the morning and took a photo of it, knowing I would need it for the next photo challenge, and sure enough, I did.

I enjoy when this happens, when I “just know” I will need the photo for the future. That happened with the bear I photographed so long ago, and many other times.

Most of us look at most things from the upper side, from the more presentable side, from above. How few times we know anything of the underworkings, of the heart of a matter! No one can tell the moth spent hours battering itself to no avail. “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, you’ve seen, anyone has seen. We cannot know until we walk a mile in each others’ shoes. How the feet hurt!

Next time we look at a seeming beautiful exterior, let’s remember: There is another side.

Reach out to everyone you can. You will be surprised.

Posted in Blessings of Habit, Homemaking, Photos

Gardening Challenge: Change

tilled garden
Tilled Garden Plot

Once there was a LOT of crimson clover growing here, but we tilled it under. That part was easy because we planted a ground cover that was easy to use this way, on purpose. Imagine. It nourishes and improves the soil, lending its life to the new growth to come, but we do not need it overshadowing what is going on, now. In the past the ground cover guarded the soil from weed overgrowth and dehydration. Now that job will belong to us.

Also, we tilled in some vicious weeds–Bermuda Grass–not wanted here, not stealing nutrients from our little babies. It was unable to do much destruction over the winter. Now that the summer is coming, it will try to take over. We will be vigilant about this unwanted growth, which is still present in the form of root pieces hiding amongst the fresh, lovely soil, waiting for the chance to pop up, unbidden, strong, and destructive.

Change will come to this garden.

change, garden, new, progress
Brand New Growth

New growth. It’s taking the place of ground cover and weeds, which are not needed, now.

As the plants mature, they eventually bear fruit.

Cucumbers, dill, peppers . . .
Cucumbers, dill, peppers . . .
Corn! . . .
Corn! . . .
Squash . . .
Squash . . .
happy fruit
Tomatoes . . .
carrots
Carrots . . .
bushel of greens
Greens . . .
radish bouquet
Radishes . . .

How are things changing in your life?About all the changes a garden can bring. Not just appearances!

Posted in Blessings of Habit, Good ol' days, Inspiring, Photos

The Top Ten from Twenty-Twelve

In order of most traffic generated, here they are:

1. Is This Happening in the USA? Yes!

2. Launch

3. Ode to a Wringer Washer

4. Dreaming . . .

5.  I Have a Confession to Make

6.  Wrong

7. Movement

8. Blue

9. One Mom’s Description

10.  Create

And with that, I’d like to add my own favorite:

How to Save the US $20,000,000,000

Okay, now you have some great reading material to get you through the long night. See you in a couple of days, I hope!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!