Sunday, July 12, 2015

Antique Summer

In the midst of an antique summer day.
Something cheerful and uplifting about antique worked crochet lace. This piece was given to me by my best friend.  She found it at a thrift shop and immediately thought of me.  It was gifted to me as a birthday gift last year and I believe it has found a warm home among my other much loved pieces of lace.


I often wonder where pieces like this came from, who spent hours crocheting and forming each stitch.  I wonder where they were when they stitched it, what were they thinking, what were their hopes and dreams?


My cherry quilt /table topper seems to have perfectly befriended this new addition to my collection.  I remember stitching the scrappy cherries not knowing where or how I would use them but just knew that some day they would look just right on my table.  Some times projects are kind of like that. We design and create to make our heart and soul feel alive... and when it all comes together it makes sense.  Many of my projects are like that and I often question myself because I want to make so many things but this is an example of why I do what I do.


Perfectly formed pineapple stitches.  I'm so glad this piece found it's way into my life and home. It feels like an old friend.


A friend that knows my heart and soul.  A friend that sits with me when I'm happy and comforts me when I'm sad.  


A flower fairy peeking out from behind to stay with me a while and visit.


Bright and full of life again.



I think I'll sit for a while this afternoon and enjoy some quiet time with my newly loved crochet piece and some inspirational magazines and books.  Solitude and nourishing our creative hearts and minds is always time well spent... especially on an Antique Summer Day.


~Tanya

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Garden Tour

How does your garden grow...

I recently toured many local homes as part of the Water & Rails home tour. I marvel at the talent and time the home owners put into their gardens but more importantly their generosity of opening their gardens to share with others.  


Ponds... water... koi... 


Pink roses!
 Yes, a train. Nestled and designed into the landscape architecture. A working train traveling and passing through.

Whimsical yet thought provoking.  The time and dedication required to allow the garden to grow and evolve. That's where the true heart of a garden is born and thrives.  Each garden reflected the owner's style and personal touch.  Just the way it ought to.


 All aboard!!!

This pond at one time was the ice hockey practice rink for the local university.  Now a uniquely decorated Schwinn bicycle sits nearby.  Oh, if the pedals of the bike could speak! 


Bo came out to meet me.  He regularly runs through two acres of gardens and ponds.  A friendly pooch welcoming me to his home.  Bo showed me where he likes to eat from the blackberry patch.  

Pretty and peaceful.

A local artisan creates one of a kind plant stakes out of vintage plates and door knobs. I had a wonderful time meeting the home owners who all were so welcoming.  Taking the time to visit, chat and hear their stories of their gardens was truly the highlight for me.  How does your garden grow... 

~Tanya