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Monday, April 30, 2018

Nesting

So I have a thing for nests.
For years now I have been gathering
 them when storms send gathered bundles
 from tree or bush to the ground.
The eggs here aren't real 
and I don't know what kind 
of birds have built them.
But, they are each an individual work of art.
This was used fall leaves 
woven right into the nest.
 I actually shared some 
with daughters this spring.
Time to share the lovely.
This one has a "mud" center.
A find late winter this year.
This is a purchased nest.
Like the greens added to it.

This "nest" was made by Rebecca Ersfeld.
A vintage crochet thread 
spool base with crocheted ruffle.
And a velvet ribbon handle.

Nests just seem to go 
with lilies of the valley.
A few years back we made this
 nest at Creative Haven.
Burlap wrapped peat pot,
and vintage book fringed
 to frame the nest of spaghnum moss.

Always a way to add a breath
 of spring blessings 
with a nested twig globe.
Sometimes a photo edited in the
Waterlogue App brings a new view-
as colors gently fuse.


Oh, yes,
I will walk the grounds 
after the next windy day.
And maybe........

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Spring Time- New Life

It seems like spring blooms 
just help me to get a new lease on life.
After long winter gray days,
 I tend to forget. 
There has been the 
"every year of my life faithfulness".
  Spring has come to the world- 
each and every year.
Not with some wimpy staggering 
into a season transition,
but the herald of full color panorama.
It might be the 
trumpet of the White Easter Lillies,
or the tiny-petaled phlox 
and the burst of tulip drama.
I have been sorting through the "piles of life"
 today and came across notes 
from a conference that I attended 
with storyteller Kate McCord.
I really like these thoughts-
"Spiritual practices can help us lean into Christ 
and focus on God's love. 
Looking backwards in our lives develops
 our sensitivity to see, 
especially if we focus on seeing 
God's love and goodness 
in the day that has passed. 
Facing the now with Christ, 
helps us to prepare for the now- 
looking for Christ in the moment.
As we grow in our relationship with God- 
we need to focus on this "storying" relationship."
This ties in to what we spend 
so much time in teaching about visual faith-
our "spiritual amnesia".
We need to find spiritual practices
 that work for us-
our own IEP.
Then we have systems, 
with the help of the Holy Spirit,
 that help us 
remember God's Faithfulness. 
Then, we can better share our stories.
A review of the days passed helps us 
lean into "truly living" in the present days.
He does truly refresh my soul.
I see that in His Word,
and all the sprinkles of the gifts of
spring time- new life. 

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Paw Patrol Birthday

A Paw Patrol party for Mr. Griffin.
A fine celebration 
for when you turn four!
A celebration with 
full size posters and  balloons.
 The faces of Mr 4.
That is the best.
A family hug.
Auntie Jess.
Gigi and Gordy.

A very fun game.
 Thanks Uncle Jess and Uncle Dan.
 Presents are sure fun to open.
Right Jack and Uncle Dan?
Everyone needs a dragon hat 
and money in the birthday card 
is super great too!
 JUST DO IT.
READY fOR ACTION.
Brother Gordon and Cousin Jack
ready and willing to help celebrate.

The blessings of a fun young man
turning four-
thank you, Lord.


Thursday, April 26, 2018

Here and About- St. Louis- Part 3


A morning stroll through the 
Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Cloudy, overcast, and cool.
 Soft light that allowed
 the colors to shine through.
 The delightful mix of colors- 
in mass and singly.
 The enclosed tropical dome-
the Climatron-
 brings vivid colors and blooms.
 And sometimes it is just the contrast
 in foliage that brings visual delight.
A boost of spring to move us along 
in the blooming season.


Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Here and About- St. Louis- Part 2


A menu of Ice cream Martinis of all flavors
 await the diner at 
Fountain on Locust in St. Louis.
Dill pickle potato soup 
and Almond Joy sundae-
just 2 of the note-worthy treats
 at this Art Deco inspired eatery.
FountainOnLocust

 For Maximum Visual 
Stimulus
stop by YUCANDU
in Webster Groves.
Yucandu
All sorts of classes 
and party set ups galore.

Mixed-media findings heaven.
 Right next door is 
a SCENTsational shop.
KIND Soap company.
KINDsoap
They make many of their products-
right in the store.
Lovely packaging,
beautifully displayed,
with a cold, lemonade drink welcome.
Can't go wrong with that!
 As we finished out our day
 we met the lovely shop owner 
of PAISLEY boutique.
She just happened to graduate 
from the same high school as myself-
Norwell High School in Ossian, Indiana.

xopaisley

Just never know who might be 
waiting at the counter 
to serve you some local goodness.



Here and About- St. Louis- Part 1

So- What do you get in the Shaw District
 in St. Louis
 when you combine a 
talented young shop owner entrepreneur 
with a flair for vintage goodness?
 Yup- the sweet life at 
Bonboni Home and Gift Co.
Bonboni-St. Louis
 Bonboni Shop owner- 
Lauren Thorp

Bonboni is a mixture of handmade, reclaimed, 
salvaged, quirky and awesome.
Pre-loved, well-loved and newly-loved 
mingle with authentic art audacity.
Bonboni showcases a fun sense of play
with an appreciation of past.
A blessed outing with friends 
makes the adventure even more fun.
Close to the Missouri Botanical Garden-
so don't miss this close-by stop.
                                                                                                                                         Pat Maier photos


And what do you get when you combine 
the charm of a Paris bakery
 with fine artistry and a sense of humor?
la patisserie Chouquette
simone faure
                                                                                                                                   Pat Maier photos


Perhaps a cake that appeals
 to the men in your life?
Special occasion, 
wedding or stop by for pastry and coffee.
The visual delight of a macaroon display, 
and the display stands in waiting-
 all hint of the changing of goodness.

Two fun St. Louis
establishments-
 just waiting to meet you 
at the door.