Sweet 40

I cannot type today. At all. Maybe because I'm too old now. LOL!

 

I've hit the 4.0. so it is time to reflect back and try to think of my defining moments, or significant things... I don't know, it's such a long way back... ;)

First loves:

Photography

National Geographic. We had a few copies - some how managed to get a "free" subscription for awhile (it was expensive back then). Those copies were read, re-read, studied, tagged, and treasured!

After wanting to be a photographer F.O.R.E.V.E.R. I remember wanting to be a Naturalist (scientist - observes nature). Would have been cool, without all the science stuff, and being out there in the cold, and all ;) (or in the water with these things). But SO glad there are people that will do this, 'cause these images are awesome!

Then came Ancient History. I loved (love) Ancient History. We had a fantastic high school teacher - you could just tell she loved what she taught. And she was super cool, going on archaeological digs herself, traveling the world - awesome! Makes such a BIG difference when kids have great teachers - it inspires them to learn more, to go the extra step...just saying.

Egypt:

 

 Rome:

Greece:

 

 

Of course Architecture came next. After studying for a couple of years, plus working for Architects for a few more years, I decided to love it and leave it. It's a passion, a love, but not my career. Sorry, but Architects (at least the ones I worked for) were too crazy for me!

Russell Hall Architects (Queensland)

Gaudi, Spain

 

Frank Lloyd Wright

Next installment tomorrow. This old bird is ready for bed!

Spring Wreath

With all this beautiful weather lately here (although a little windy) I decided to get out and start tidying up the front yard. Lots of weeding and trying to rack up leaves (sorry, neighbors - it was a little windy and, um, those leaves just flew away too quickly for me...oopps!). Also got the Spring Wreath out and on the front door. Of course I still need to finish painting the front door, but that's for another day ;)

We made our Spring Wreath last April - following is the original post and how we did it!

A TV-free day today, so we had to think of something to occupy our time. The park this morning was great - wore out 2yr old for her nap! Now to occupy 4yr old for a little while - so we decided (well, actually I decided) to make our Spring wreath for the front door!

I purchased a 12" wreath form from Joann's, and some green "grass" knitting wool(? thread? stuff? :D) I purchased 2 balls of the green stuff! You also need flower ribbon and pins (in a color that match your flowers, so for example we used pink, white and red pins for our wreath).

To start I just tied the end onto the wreath form.

Now the fun begins - winding on the wool, around and around and around the form. My 4yr old started out strong, but was soon fatigued and decided drawing was more her style. So I picked up where she left off to carry it on for the team!

She kindly stopped her artwork to take a few photos of the craft project in action! Thanks G!

At the half-way mark I tied on a bow.

I already had some flower ribbon, but you can easily find this type of ribbon at the craft store. Just make sure you are able to cut individual flowers out, or, in my case, a few to pin onto the wreath.

We also had a butterfly to add, and that finishes out the wreath! All ready to hang on the door. This craft was so simple. The only thing was the winding of the wool that took a little time, but once you got started and got to see it "grow" it was so cool and I couldn't wait to see it finished.

Beautiful!

{This is on the "blue door"}

Here it is now, on the yellow door plus some garden/flower photos (had fun testing out my new camera!)

Ballet Inspired Wedding...

Absolutely beautiful. Obviously ballet is rather popular at the moment due to Black Swan. This is so pretty.

Check it out at yanphoto - lots of beautiful images.

These were my favorite images. LOVE the chandelier! 

    

This girl reminds me of my cousin, who is just about to get married! Wish I was home (Australia) to be able to go. I know she will be a beautiful bride :)

Remembering...

The beautiful Jane Russell... rest in sweet peace...

Tease of a Thursday

Oh, how I wish my office looked like this (so pleasing to the OCD), instead of the crazy mess it is. But I'm working on it...

or even this from Ballard Design (this pleases my design senses):

dreaming and scheming...

Whimsical Wednesday

Maybe just a little birthday wish list ;)

Cutest shorts with the cuff!!

 Lilly Pulitzer - sweet dresses.

 

Shabby Apple - so cute (just block out the snow)!

 

Fossil

Terrible Two's Tuesday

Double Trouble

Another great find at the local Goodwill. Knew these would be perfect for my little experiment. Hoping to spray paint them a blue, and really hoping I get a better result than the Thrifty Decor Chick did on her Goodwill vase.

Mmmmm, pretty pink and shiny brass!

I tried to unscrew it all so I could get the ceramic part out, but that ended up being WAY too difficult for this ADD person, so I just taped it off.

I spray painted with white Rust-Oluem spray paint first - they didn't have the blue I was looking for.

I let that dry over two days and the finish looks good so far :)

 

Next up - the blue!

Spray painted light coat to begin with, then went back about 10 minutes later for a second coat. I'm going to let this dry for a few days then do another coat.

So far, so goo, but will be keeping fingers crossed. Big reveal soon :)