I think most pregnant ladies feel they are not looking their best in the 9th month. But don't hold off pictures for that reason because they can prove otherwise.

In between a bout of stormy days and high heat I was able to do a few maternity photos at sunset of my beautiful friend. It was still really hot but luckily there was no rain. We went to local grounds not far from our houses that provide a variety of backdrops. I have scouted most of them out since some are off the road a bit but we ended up finding a big patch of black-eyed Susan and caught the light just before it set in the apple orchard. How perfect to help tell the story of a baby born in summer sun.

(And yes, that's a One Direction reference in the title. We hear it a lot in this house.)

I love lamp

As I was out treasure hunting a while back I came upon this little art deco lamp. I loved it and carried it around with me for a while but decided to put it back on the shelf. I do that a lot. I talk myself out of things before I get to the counter. I figured one more thing to re-wire was the last thing I needed. But I really wanted it though.

Then the next day I came across this page in a magazine and there was "my" exact same lamp but with a great antique bronze finish. Who said anything about re-wiring?? So I went back and got it. Now I just need to figure out the best way to get it to look like its former beauty-queen self.

And now a little Anchorman-

Have a happy Wednesday.

linking to Funky Junk Interiors

linking to House of Grace
Somewhat Simple

In Memoriam

Carolyn Joyce Montgomery

I remember the first time I met my mother-in-law. She was far from being that to me since I was just the high school girlfriend of her youngest son. Jon invited me to his house for dinner and then we played Trivial Pursuit with his parents. I liked her voice right away. It was soft with a slight southern drawl. It wasn't harsh only subtle. She spoke slowly, carefully. She said it was "delaht-ful" to meet me. I liked the way she said it. I like the goodness that emanated from her voice. Its sound forever echoed in my mind.

It wasn't until years later that I saw her again. Jon brought me back to the old house to see everyone and this time we played Chickenfoot. She was still kind and soft spoken but now I was going to have years to see her true goodness, dedication to her church and God, devotion to her husband, love for her grandkids and quick wit. She was truly a lovely and talented woman.

Once when we were visiting she was knee-deep in piles of jeans. She held up a patchwork of denim that was to be the covering of the quilt on which she was working. She had organized a jean drive so she and some other ladies could make quilts for the needy. She wanted something durable yet soft so it would not wear out so quickly. She was always thinking this way, wanting the best for people. Smiling, she said she only had 10 more to go.

Her deterioration over the past few months have been quick. But before her body and mind succumbed to disease, we made a trip to see her. There were moments of lucidity on our visits, just enough time for her to recognize Jon and tell him what a good baby he was and that she was so happy he was there. I was touched by that sentiment and it summed it all up for me at that moment - what really mattered. And while our hearts are heavy at her passing today, we are thankful that her mind and body are at peace and that her parents will be so happy she is there, with them in heaven.

Walking thoughts

"It is a great art to saunter."

~Henry David Thoreau

I think a leisurely stroll working our arms and legs in rhythm creates a kind of meditative state. We can open ourselves up to inspiration and gain better perspective about what's on our mind. It's where some of the best thoughts and ideas are born. And those simple surprises found along the way make a little stroll a grand adventure.

Happy sauntering.

Friday (the 13th) Finds were not unlucky

I scored a few deals on some things that I didn't even set out to find in my travels today. They seemed to all be kitchen related too, except for the sweet Craftsman jig saw I got at a garage sale...

But the kitchen stuff had me extra giddy when I saw a Polka dot Pyrex. I won't even tell you how much because you'd cry. It was that cheap.

...and the old bottle holder. I scooped it right up thinking it could house some of my big oil bottles for cooking or maybe some colorful bottles as vases or just hold some water bottles for now. It's a little delicate so I can't really cart it around. She'll just have to stay put and look pretty.

and then there were some other things but they'll have to wait until next time. Tomorrow I may even see if the lucky streak continues. Just looking of course.

Our 4th

was pretty quiet, minus the fireworks, but we were ok with that. We started the day with a 3.5 mile walk/run and then caught up on some chores. My friend called me lame for that, which was true, but you gotta take advantage of a day off in the middle of the week sometimes.

Jon made us a nice holiday meal and then we dug into a dessert of Watermelon with Feta cheese. It was as simple a day as you could get but so nice to relax with the kids.

This has me laughing

I can never get enough of animals being cute. I'd rather see this than survival of the fittest stuff. Jon likes seeing the Jaguar running after its prey and I yell at the tv for the Gazelle to run faster. It never works. I know that has to happen but this is so much more fun to watch, don't you agree?

It's all fun and games until one gouges out your eyes, of course, but until then, this is cracking me up! The flip-over part at 1:18 is my favorite and maybe them playing on the swing at the beginning.

Enjoy.

Back to the cutting board - DIY

This summer has been amazingly busy so far. My day job is occupying so much of my time and mind. Truthfully, I am at a crossroads but I have no doubt that a solution will come.

So right now I am taking a little break from emails, info. packets, and talking with people on the phone to get to a few other things that I really like to do. I might die if I don't do that.

So...the other day I found an older wood cutting board. I have always noticed them in magazines and wanted a few of my own, like this.

Leaning against the window

via Elle Decor

under the shelves, next to the stove
Domino magazine

left side, leaning on wall

Domino magazine

I've seen them at antique malls and pass by, figuring I'd get them another day. But you know what happens when you think like that? Yep, you snooze you lose.

So I'm at the thrift shop (where else) and spot it, thinking, 'Hey that's got possibilites.' so I snatch it up, turn it to see the price (a whopping .99 cents!) and take it to the counter thus ending my self-imposed thrift store purchasing hiatus.

But I wanted a better patina and to make it food safe. So I pulled out my trusty mouse sander to smooth it and then wiped on just like Mr. Miyagi, using Tung oil that I use on my counter tops.

Now it has a nice, warm glow and is so safe you could lick food right off of it.

Have a great day!

Linking to Under the table and Dreaming

Southern Hospitality

Knick of Time