Ya Gotta Love Bunnies.....

I love bunnies.

We had them when we were kids.

My kids had them when they were young.

My youngest daughter's kids had them, and I have two of their hand raised bunnies.

I found a fibre artist on Etsy that does needle-felt sculptures.

It takes about three months for the artist to complete an order...but it's worth the wait.

When I received my order, I was very impressed with the work that went into the bunnies.

These bunnies made my heart sing!

Their faces are so sweet, and the detail is perfection.

They are whimsical, yet the expressions are so realistic.

What's not to love?

They are pieces that will be cherished, and handed down.

They won't be saved for Easter, but will be enjoyed everyday.

Ya gotta love bunnies.....

Have a happy day!
Debbie
xo

Happy Fall!!

We've had rain for the past few days, and wind that is blowing leaves off the trees that are starting to turn color.

The temps at night are in the forties, and we've even had them dip down into the thirties.

Fall has arrived.

I'm one of those Summer lovers....so letting go of my favorite season is difficult....but once I give in, I embrace the new season.

After decorating the porch, it was easier to make the change on the inside of the house.

Once I pull out the pumpkins, and colored lights, the fun begins.

I don't usually decorate with darker colors for Autumn, however, this year has me going for the warm bronze and golds for the season.

I keep this photo of two of my granddaughters on the windowsill...and I  decided to decorate around it.

It's such a sweet, and fun picture. Adding warm decor around it felt appropriate.

Hydrangeas are everywhere in the house. I dry them for arrangements, and also just for decoration.  They are such a cheery flower that help get me through those cold, long Winter days while waiting for Spring.

A lot of the Fall decor stays out past Halloween. I just remove the bats, and jack-o-lanterns.

The leaves, and other pumpkins and gourds are appropriate for Thanksgiving. I just add a couple of turkeys.

I am looking forward to see what everyone is going to do for Autumn this year.
Happy Fall to you all!!
Debbie
xo

Savoring the Summer-like weather.

The Honeysuckle vine is thinning out, and the leaves on the trees are showing signs of Fall.

The weather, however, has been Summer-like for the past week.

The local greenhouse is selling mums and pumpkins.

In order to scoop up the white mums while I could, I went and bought them over the past few days.

The two hanging planters are losing their colors, but they make a nice backdrop for the transition to a Fall porch.

The containers are a mis-match of colors, sizes, and styles....but they aren't the focus right now.

Hopefully, it's the Fall flowers, and little pumpkins that people will notice.

Hoping to add a couple of Cinderella pumpkins to this mix....just waiting a little longer....savoring what's left of this Summer-like weather for a few more days.  

Smooches.

Debbie

xo

It was a good day.

A lot of our summer was spent painting the siding of the house.

It was a very light grey, with white trim, and dark grey shutters and doors.

I was hoping to have new porches, and a deck put on....but that will be a project for next year.

Something Jim is working on are these arbors for over the windows.

I saw them online, and asked if he could possibly make something similar to the pictures I saw.

Tada!!!!! This is what he came up with, and I just love them!!

I am hoping that next Spring the Honeysuckle vine will climb over the top of the arbor.

This is the second one he's made.

There are three more windows on the "water side" of the house, and he will make one for over the garage door, also.

I purchased some Fall flowers, and little white pumpkins for the porch.

I'm waiting for the Cinderella pumpkins to arrive at the greenhouse.

I like the pinks and teal green colors with the whites.

The cooler weather usually means more roses will be blooming.

The deer, rabbits, and Japanese beetles have destroyed most of the Summer roses this year.

I put up a scarecrow to, hopefully, deter anymore deer from coming into the garden, and wiping out what roses might bloom this Fall.

Who says a scarecrow has to look scary? AND be skinny?

Mine is not only stylish, she's also a "plus size".....if she's going to be wearing my clothes, than she's going to be wearing an XL!!!

I've been every size, from 122 pounds, to...well, we really don't need to go there....the point I'm trying to make is this: I've been up, down, and all around. I wish I could stay down....but have always fluctuated.

I have my fat clothes, and skinny clothes, and the ones I'm wearing now.

If I can stay somewhere in between, I am okay with it.

It's been a struggle with Crohn's Disease, and the meds I take.....

Anyway.... weight is not my focus anymore. It used to be when I was younger.  I know I should try harder than I do to be healthier.....but I don't.

Seeking joy was my focus today. Looking in the nooks and crannies of each moment. Reaching....up. Leaning in. Searching Scripture. Praying.  Letting God handle the stuff that's out of my control....trusting Him. 

It was a good day.

Debbie

xo 

Starting to dry flowers....

Oh my.....I can't deny it any longer....Fall is upon us here in Northern/lower Michigan.

Just 14 miles north of here the temperature dropped to 30 degrees last night.

It's time to start cutting the flowers for drying.

A few of the hydrangeas are ready to bring in.

I love loading canning jars with them as they dry for Fall arrangements.

They also look pretty in ironstone pitchers.

The bees were busy as I was cutting the flower heads.

I dry the blooms upright where ever I can find an available spot.

Like on top of the French cup rack.

In sweet little pitchers.

And empty vases.

The bushes are laden with flowers that aren't ready to be cut yet. 

I don't think I'm quite ready to cut ALL the flowers off the bushes. I'm hoping to transition over to the Fall season a little at a time.

The cooler temps means the roses will make another appearance before a hard frost.  That gives me a few extra for drying for wreaths.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Debbie

xo