monday motivation - smile

 Did you ever think about giving a smile to someone as a gift or a little spot to record smiles.  Sharing a smile can be just as motivating as it can be contagious.

 Last friday evening I hosted a party for a friend's big birthday celebration and let me just say, there were so many smiles.  I created this bouquet with sunflowers, chinese paper lanterns, mums and some other odd dried items that resemble a ufo.  All the same it makes me smile.

A wonderful florist created this centerpiece for me and I love all the shades of orange.  It just makes me smile.  Share a smile today or even a hug with someone who might just need some motivation.

from day one

 
Today is my 26th Wedding Anniversary.  From time to time, I do share personal bits here on my blog so bear with me while I do a little zen happy dance blessing.

I can honestly say that from day one, it was true love.  Yes, the law of attraction pulled me toward him spiritually, physically and mentally.  Many say we are driven or "type A."  We were up early this morning and I made it to the track for my morning walk, he had to leave for an early conference call but we look forward to this evening to celebrate, just the two of us at Xavier's in Piermont which opened in 1987, the year of our wedding.

We have worked together as husband and wife to create a life together, raising our children, tending to our daily needs, work and all the activities.  Some days go smoothly while others can feel a bit like driving down a rough bumpy road but I feel so incredibly blessed to have wonderful families and friends to enthusiastically share this life.  Our community is also a great place to live surrounded by friends and families who know what it takes to make it in this busy life.  We dearly miss those who are no longer here on this earth, but each day we know that from day one, our love has grown and every layer or year adds a nacre to our patina.

Thank-you to my family, my friends and to you my dear husband for 26 years of support, praise, honesty and love.  Thank-you to my blog readers too for allowing me to share the years.

light source

There is a certain light of day that needs to be embraced now.  It is the afternoon light source.  There is a rhythm or cycle of change as we turn our pages to Autumn which has my attention.  I find myself cutting from my herb garden and savoring the fresh scents that will soon be a distant memory.

In a few fast weeks, we will be cloaked in a blanket of dark and seeking every light source and ounce of sunshine.  I just had to share this with each of you.  Enjoy the light of day.  May it provide a source of comfort and warmth.

monday motivation - the joy of apples

"Like golden apples in silver settings are words spoken at the proper time." (Proverbs 25:11)

Yesterday morning, I gathered up these apples from my apple tree and thought about the joy of apples.

An apple a day keeps the Doctor away, an apple in a lunch box, or gifted to a teacher or friend.

A good apple is very much like a compliment which brings joy to whom it is given.

Now on this monday, I am baking a French Apple Cake  adapted from 

Around my French Country Table by Dorie Greenspan and David Lebovitz.

Give three compliments every day and feel the joy of the Autumn season.

Do apples bring you joy?

Sunday Celebrations

It's Sunday and today there are many celebrations.  It is Ardsley day in our village and there are always lots of fun things for everyone to do.  

I often get involved in helping others to create special gifts and this was a bouquet created for a dear friend who celebrated a special anniversary.  

When her husband asked for my help, I immediately said, yes. 

 Her passion is gardening so I really wanted to create the look of an english garden celebration!

This evening the River Arts will have a special celebration at The Dobbs Ferry Historical society and I am proud to attend and to have donated a work for the auction.  

Feel free to attend if you are able. 

 I look forward to celebrating and to meeting you!

wedding day

Today, the above artwork will be on the church program for Elizabeth & Russell.
I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.  Enjoy your wedding day.

Hello Rosie

Things are still very green around here, however, I do feel that a change is upon us and leaves and ruddy colors will be coming our way.  I happened to fall in love with this sweet gal named Rosie, who belongs to this lovely lady.  Inspired to capture her optimism in a water color, I was rather pleased with the end results.  Getting away from the black line and letting graphite lead my way and then building the watercolor seemed freeing.  The entire time I worked, I felt Rosie's eyes gazing upon me and her sweet tongue licking my legs.

I just had to share this here on my old blog and in hopes that those of you who think I might have vanished have indeed not.  I have a new blog on wordpress which is making me feel rather inadequate.
Loading things up seems to always be a challenge for me.  I would be grateful for a bit of support if anyone has mastered word press.  You can certainly leave a comment here or there or anywhere.