Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Dollhouses and Perspectives on Beautiful Music

Dollhouses and tiny trinkets let the imagination of little girls and sometimes big girls soar.
Here is the first stage of the dollhouse which I think will become a mercantile filled with treasures just waiting to be taken home!
The color palette of this little gingerbread cottage will emerge. I am thinking a chabby chic...






So there you have it,,,Stay one in the contruction and the development of "The Merchantile".

This is not a dollhouse but our little Doll! He is stretching and wagging his tail as I ask him if he is ready for a walk! Now I know he's chubby but he loves going outside and walks are the best in his book!

This next item is fasinating and needs to be shared.
(This is True! According to Snopes.)
This is a great story/lesson!!
You just never know . . .
THE SITUATION
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist and again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . ..
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
Enjoy life NOW .. it has an expiration date

















Friday, January 21, 2011

Blossoms or Snow?

With all the cold, wind, and snow I thought it would be a bit refreshing to visit a bit of summer.
Hollyhocks say summer to be in the best way possible. Gently, beautifully, with the artistry that can only be God's work.
In my last post I created a list of things I'd like to do today, tomorrow, and someday!
The first item on the list is one I feel confident in saying for today I have accomplished creating a comfortable home. I will take some pictures soon to share with you.
We purchased a brand new love seat at one of my favorite second hand stores here. It still had the tags attached to it.  The best part of this purchase was it's price-$125.00! The second best thing about this love seat is that it is a rocker. I love relaxing in it while reading or crocheting.
Now, a new piece of furniture inspired us(Hubby got involved) to make some other simple changes that added up to a refreshing atmosphere. Sometimes just rearranging or moving the artwork on the walls can give one a whole new perspective on things. I swapped out the lamps from our bedroom with those that had been in the livingroom and like magic the transformation took hold. I promise to take pics and post them in the next few days.
I am recovering from a cold so this weekend will be about rest, refuel, and restoration of my spirit. A weekend for me! Hubby has the Packer/Bear game so he's all for whatever I want to do!
Happy Wife-Happy Life is his motto! I like it too!
Have a weekend of change, rearrange, renew, restore whatever your spirit moves you to do.
And as always - enjoy every moment to it's fullest.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snowflakes, a Puppy Dog, and Thoughts to Design...

 It's snowing today. We got about 3-4 inches and it has slowed down to flurries. I had to take a few pictures it is really very pretty.

Now I have to tell you that Buddy is waited patiently to get outside! He loves the snow. So hubby got bundled up and off they went.

Here's our silly boy after coming back in from outside. He likes to roll around on an old towel to dry himself off. He has such a proper expression he looks like he waiting for a regal introduction. Sir Buddy Boy maybe?!       
Anyway, enough of that before I bore you to death.
I have been thinking allot for the past two weeks about a new word for the year and have finally come to a decision. My word for the year is "design" and here is a list of things I'd like to design...
1. a comfortable home
2. healthier relationships
3. go kayaking
4. a new food plan
5. a travel adventure
6. a YA novel
7, a business adventure tied to English and Reading
8. pass on a few nuggets of knowledge
9. walk daily
10. collect art by Jacque LaLande
11. find an old school friend- Susie
12. Christmas in Savannah
13. Revisit Cape Cod and hang out on the Beach
14. Be a better friend
15. Create a personal masterpiece
16. Grow flowers and vegetables
17. learn to knit
18. learn something new
19. visit a zoo
20. donate something to a museum
21.get the office organized
22.Write a cookbook
23. visit the Smithsonian
24. join a book club
25. drink more tea
26. Meet Mrs. Clinton
27. Read the Bible daily 
28. Sort, organize, and complete Christmas projects
29. tai chi
30. take a creative writing class
31.a musical instrument-guitar maybe
32.create an art journal
33. create a Haiku journal
34. send all birthday cards on time -no more belated cards
35. Volunteer
36. be published
37. Explore an abandoned building
38. attend the longest rummage sale in the country
39. Open a resale shop
40. be published
41. Meet all my Blog friends
42. Attend a silent retreat
43. Spend more time with the girls
44. give John an unexpected gift
45. be of service to others
46. get all photos organized
47. create memory books for Emily and Amanda
48. find a fabulous dress for Emily and Brian's Wedding
49.be an extra in a film
50. find a small white table - a perfect table for my office for projects
It all begins one one simple step, one simple gesture...

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year

Happy New Year...
May God walk with you and guide your steps in the upcoming year.
One day at a time all things are possible with Him.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I am Back and Just in Time for a 100th Blog Anniversary!

Teddy bear Inspiration
Learn to Listen Like a Teddy Bear, with ears open and mouth closed tight.
Learn to forgive like a Teddy Bear, with Heart open not caring who is right,
Learn to love like a Teddy Bear with arms open.
As I think about 100 posts I can hardly believe how much time has passed.
It is an incredibly busy time for me and I am still pondering what direction to take with this blog so stay tuned as the ideas become reality!
Here's hoping the next 100 posts will bring enlightenment, simple pleasures, and many new friends!
God bless you during the preparation of your upcoming Christmas celebrations...
Diane




Monday, November 29, 2010

I'll Be Back Soon...Very Soon!

It has been some time since I have posted. I am beginning to find balance and will be back to start a new on Saturday.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Girl's Week goes to Chalkfest

Girl's Week took us to Chalkfest.  A wonderful creative adventure for all who participated whether artist or critic, visitor, or creative muse...













May your creative juices flow!




Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Walk through the Flowers

          Our walk begins at the lake and the water lilies are in bloom.  


Enter through the arch and stroll slowly up the stairs.
Wildflowers and tiger lilies.


The colors are so rich and vibrant.

I love hollyhocks. They say home to me as we always had hollyhocks growing along the side of our home growing up.
Get a bowl there are ripe berries just waiting to be picked.

I love the randomness of this garden space.


Linger as long as you'd like...I spent hours enjoying it all.
Have a joyous, nature filled day...and join me for Day 2 of my Girl's Week journey at Amanda's New Digs.

Amanda's New Digs-Day Two of "Girl's Week"

    The next leg of my "Girl's Week" journey was to visit daughter Amanda and see her new digs.
She recently accepted a new position with the Marshfield Clinic and has had to make a quick move.
So she has moved into an efficiency apartment in town. It is on the second floor and is adorable.

A picture of the Marshfield clinic; Amanda's new employer.

We had a great time and did a lot in a few days.  We shopped the second hand stores,
had some wonderful meals together, played at the farmers market, and just explored the city she is now calling home.

These sculptures greet you when you enter the city.
These wonderful creatures are all made of recycled metals.

This last picture is of a mural dedicated to all our soldiers and veterans.


Our time together was fabulous and it put my fears to rest. You see when she told us about the apartment she had found I had visions of a dirty, disparaging downtown area and I feared she would not be comfortable or safe, God has been good to her. The new environment is clean, active, and safe. Amanda can walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.  She is only minutes from work and now has time to shop for an apartment that will become a long term commitment. Our little girl has grown up and is doing what she always dreamed of doing.  She is a pediatric social worker being of service to infants in need and their families. We are so proud!
With that I am on my way to my next stop...daughter Emily's and Brian's.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Girl's Week in Wisconsin

     I had the best time traveling the country side of  Wisconsin and over the next few days I'll share my adventures.  My first stop was the "Girl's Only Weekend "with my younger sister Linda.  Her in-laws have this wonderful cottage on a small lake in the Kettle Moraine area.  The weather was beautiful, the wild flowers were in bloom and the lake was just waiting for us! We spent the weekend relaxing, sharing conversation, the water, and some wonderful meals. I am blessed to have a wonderful sister who is also a wonderful friend.
As we got unpacked I couldn't wait to take a walk down to the water.
The whole spot reminded me of lake side vacations we had taken with our parents as children,

The stairs ascend all the way down to the water.

At the bottom of the stairs is a second cabin that is adorable.

And the lake! I loved swimming, the row boats, and just communing with all the nature that surrounded us.

It just says RELAX! or PLAY!
We swam 3 miles on the second morning. There was a small sand bar at the other end of the lake and Linda wondered if we could make it? Just like kids we had to try!

This is the entrance to the property from the lake to the upper cottage. It is almost magical enough to be a the inspiration for a poem or short story. Note to self!
On Monday we visited an Antique Mall, had a fabulous lunch, and said our good-bys.  I miss her already! But she is only a phone call away.
Tomorrow we'll take a walk through the gardens...then onto daughter Amanda's new digs!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Surprise Outings

Sunday afternoon has held some surprises. Hubby suggested an outing after church and as I hesitated he said he wouldn't take no for an answer.  You see between teaching daily, and working on my Masters by night it hasn't left a lot of down time so off we went. Our first stop was the Rubbarb Festival. It was held at Govener Small Park which is a park, a museum, and  an art gallery.  There was music, ice cream with fresh rubbarb sauce, art and craft dealers, a pie baking contest, a barbaque cook off and of course the grounds themselves.

But saddly Buddy had to stay home. The park does not allow animals on the grounds.
So, he enjoyed some time on the balcony while we had coffee and english muffins with apple pie jam.
Our first stop on our visit to the festival was the one room classroom. What else would a teacher visit!
The desks were adorable and the students seemed to be having a fabulous time. Notice the slate boards, the children jumped at the opportunity to work on arithmetic.
In the corner of the classroom was the imfamous but ever dreaded dunce hat. I am so glad they don't exist in the classroom any longer.
Ths comcrete sign was salvaged from the original schoolhouse in Kankakee, Illinois.
This fountain is at the beginning of the gardens around the museum.
Make a wish!
     The columns in this deplay are from the First Bank of Kankakee.  They were salvaged as renovations took place in the downtown area, stored and were finally placed in this garden as their final place of rest.
It was a beautiful afternoon.  We finished with a late lunch, early dinner out and then home. Two weeks remain of the school year and I can't believe how fast the time has flown.  Our seniors will  be graduating next Saturday, the underclassmen will have exams the 27th and 28th and then June 2nd we will say so long until. next August. Whatever will I do with all the free time! Let's see...decorating projects, cleaning, crafts, restoration of some antique toys, travel, mother-dauther weekend, sisters weekend, walks, pleasure reading, time with John...oh the possibilities are endless! But for now I have a task or two to attend to. I must go and grade some student worknow. Have a marvelous Monday!










Friday, April 30, 2010

Time...How Precious It Is

    My life seems to have been reduced to a juggling for time.  Now understand I am not complaining just     recognizing how precious time is and how important to LIVE it not just fill it.

I live a life filled with learning, loving, and new discoveries daily.

How wonderful it is to have tea in a pretty cup.

I embrace a softer style.

I love the seashore and the gifts it leaves for us.

Translucent color that highlights the reflected light within our home.

This photo is cloudy but it looks like a field full of tiny white blooms.

Treasures that make me smile and inspires creativity.

Grandma's thimble...How many garments did she sew in her lifetime? Thousands I suspect!

The elegance of coffee, a bit of dessert, my favorite book of the moment, and hubby sharing a few relaxing moments.

Just for today I will Thank God for all the gifts I have received.
Have a wonderful weekend filled with living fully.