Somerset Holidays & Celebrations ...

 So excited to have 2 articles published in Somerset Holidays & Celebrations.

Such a beautiful magazine absolutely filled with inspiration for ALL life's celebrations.

 Love Intertwined

is on pages 110 & 111

 I will be creating more of these for an all white Christmas tree this year ♥

 And on pages 22 through 25

Brown Paper Packages

tied up with string.

Congratulations to New Editor Amber Demien for an outstanding publication.

It was a joy working with you.

♥

have a wonderful long weekend

D

xo

A greeting & a homage to the sea ...

visiting with friends

at their cottage...

looking out at the lake

I spotted him!

I grabbed my camera.

I did not want to miss out on what might be my only opportunity to get a hummingbird photo :-)

I clicked and clicked

even though more often than not

he was barely visible,

camouflaged amongst the cedars.

one morning

I took my coffee outside

and waited.

I could hear him chirping away

but could not see him.

And then finally

I spotted him.

I had never seen a hummer resting on a branch either.

At home they have always been flapping their wings rapidly in mid air.

thank you Hummer for making my day(s)!

boats

lighthouse

the most gorgeous rock

&

refreshing mist

♥

I find myself

at the extremity of a long beach.

How gladly does the spirit leap forth,

and suddenly enlarge it's sense of being to the full extent of the broad, blue,

sunny deep!

A greeting and a homage to the sea!

I descent over its margin, and dip my hand into the wave that meets me,

and bathe my brow.

That far- resounding roar is the Ocean's voice of welcome.

His salt breath

brings a blessing along with it.

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

"foot-prints on the sea-shore"

A birthday & lots of buzzing around the nest ...

a very special someone celebrated his 5th birthday recently ...

and a lovely parcel arrived in the mail addressed to Archer

from his (our) very special & kind friends

Julie Marie & Tessy

who sent along this gorgeous blue bandana ...

and a doggie can never have enough bandana's ♥

yes Archer, I see the little bit of grey appearing ...

you are still the most gorgeous boy to me xoxo

I was so surprised to see it has been a while since I last posted.

I have been a very busy deb BEE

with lot happening here in the Studio

which I will tell you all about soon.

taking in a little

"time to stop and smell the flowers"

time.

Back soon

xo

solitude with good company ...

tea break time

a little bread & jam

and sitting with my thoughts

as I write a card for a friend.

I'd been distracted by an unusual singing {I just couldn't place the bird, although I had heard  the song before} in the garden and then finally,

when I looked towards the pond, I saw 3 Northern Flickers splashing about under the water fall.

letter writing

is the only device for combining

solitude

with good company

~Lord Byron~

***

Have a wonderful weekend

♥ D

Thankful {things I love} Thursday ...

I recently read, with much interest, the healing aspects of "forest bathing".

Now I already knew how wonderful our daily walks left us feeling ~ even short treks through the woods near our home, but I did not know there was a name for it.

It is believed that the trees emit natural essential oils  that are aroma therapeutic.

Oh the wonderful healing effects of Mother Nature.

Shrinrin - yoku is a Japanese term which when translated, means "forest bathing".

I have jotted down a list of ( new to us) forested areas that we hope to visit over the next few weekends.

I think Archer knew all along about the benefits of forest bathing

which is why he is always so happy & eager to head out  :-)

Now I know that I am a nemophilist.

(n.) a haunter of the woods; one who loves the forest and it's beauty and solitude.

the forests too, seem kindly familiar;

and the lakes and meadows

and glad singing streams.

I should like to dwell with them

forever.

~John Muir~

Bucket list ...

beach treasures ...

checking off summertime to-do's from the bucket list I sat and made with my grandson

play ... build sand castles ... have a picnic lunch ...fly a kite ... play more!

{only wish my bathing suit was this cute} :-)

now this was one of the best to-do lists ever

moments shared with those you love

fellow beach bums

and sparrows ...

always sparrows

♥

today

is the youngest

you will ever be

~Anon~