AN ARRIVAL

Look closely... Do you see it?

MOMMA HAS A BABY!

I'm so happy for her! She let me get really close to snap some pics. I have no idea when the baby hatched, I just happened to notice more than one shape in the nest today.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!

LET'S ALL KEEP THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE IN OUR MILITARY IN OUR HEARTS TODAY AND EVERY DAY. AND TO ALL WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY, GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU.

I'VE GOT THE BLUES...AND PURPLES...

The garden is struggling a bit these days as we can't buy a drop of rain here in Florida. Color is not abundant except here in my collection of old buckets and other containers scattered about the back patio.

These blue salvias remind me so much of lavender, which does not do well in our normally wet climate.

They start out with buds that are white...

And then, they explode into these gorgeous blue blossoms. I've been experimenting with soft focus, hope you appreciate the effect...

Scaveola in two shades of purple make a pretty showing in my old triple sink.

Purple cat's whiskers in an old cast iron kettle frame the garden cottage in the background.

Oh and an update on mother dove. Still on the nest. Things are looking good.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED...

I've been trying to host a luncheon for CENTRAL FLORIDA BLOGGERS since before we went to Texas in the Spring but illness, the show, and life got in the way. But today it came to fruition and these lovely ladies came for lunch, comraderie and fun.

We ate some fabulous food contributed by all...

They came bearing gifts... Thanks everyone, I loved them all...

Please stop by and pay these fabulous bloggers a visit won't you?

Top row: Vicki (rustyroostervintage), Kathy (no blog but we are working on her), Carol (The Polka Dot Closet). Bottom row: Sylvia (My-trinkets blog), Sue (Suebees-karen sue blog), Susie (susie-frommyhometoyours).

A SECOND ATTEMPT...

It's so serendipitous... A little more than one year ago, I was working on the garden cottage just like I was yesterday, and something caught my eye near the door. Do you remember the story?

Well last time I only got a shot of the nest and the ill~fated egg that had fallen out. This time I got these beautiful pics of mama herself.

Go HERE if you'd like to revisit the first story or if you didn't catch the first attempt. I left the nest from last time in the sconce as an homage to the egg that didn't make it, and to my delight the mama re~used it. I think she reinforced it a bit and since it isn't perched precariously on a flower pot like it was before I think there's a stronger chance for her egg to stay safe.

I have to say I was really surprised that she stayed right on the nest even when I quietly went about my business right near her. I spoke softly to her and reassured her that I wouldn't hurt her and what a good mama she is. She really seems to trust me. I love that...

Keep your fingers crossed please.

I BRAKE FOR GARAGE SALES...

We've all seen bumper stickers similar to this, right? Well if I was sporting one it would have been on a different bumper today as I was out for my daily walk this morning and happened upon a garage sale in progress. So, being the ever~searching~for~treasure soul that I am I had to make a pass through the goods.

I've been wanting some coral for awhile now but it can be pricey. And there among the bad knick knacks and half melted candles was this.

It's so pretty nestled atop this mercury glass compote and next to my brown transferware collection.

And it was...wait for it...wait for it...

Fifty cents.

Great things come to those who wait.

SHOPPIN' THE FLEAS...

So recently I hit the fleas in search of fresh goods for the Fall show at MARBURGER FARMS in Texas.

First up was RENNINGER'S ANTIQUE FAIR in Mt. Dora FL, which takes place every third weekend of the month. I was pleasantly surprised at the dealer population and what they had to sell.

I snagged a pair of these wooden awnings. Love awnings!

I also found a fab old factory cart that would make a great coffee table, a killer lampshade destined to be wired as a chandy, an old frame in original white crackly paint, an iron crate with old blue paint and a cute little metal table. Atop the table is an iron piece that was the base to something, maybe a serving dish? Very frenchy.... I also found this great framed photo of an old hotel complete with guests on the porch in their Victorian attire. Love it!

This past Saturday I traveled to Lakeland FL for THE FANCY FLEA, a twice yearly show held on Kentucky Avenue in the cute downtown area. I was really blown away by all the great vendors many of whom I know personally.

My friend Deb's booth was so pretty. She owns a shop in St. Cloud FL called VINTAGE SOUL that is a must see...

Next to Deb was Lisa who also has a shop in St. Cloud called HOUSE OF ENVY. Among other things she sells these gorgeous blingy flip flops that would kill in Texas!

Here are some random shots taken at THE FANCY FLEA...

And what went home with moi, you ask? A fabulous chippy painted drawer with a great old bin pull, a funky little pink foot stool, a mirror and my fav fav fav.... a blue glass jar with a crown motif that says CROWN. And just as luck would have it, they had PEONIES at Whole Foods!!!! The jar stays at the house of SWEET PEA, it's just too darn perfect!