Friends… I am the luckiest girl!

Do you ever have those days when you just want to pull over at the side of the road and have a good cry or scream where no one can hear? Yesterday was one of those lonnnng days for me. I truly believe there was a higher power in all of yesterday’s events. Things don’t just happen they happen for a reason, to open your eyes, hugs to let you know things will be OK and friends who make you feel special and that you do matter.

(I found this sweet feather the other day while pulling weeds)

As I was sharing my day with Gary I happened to notice a box sitting on the counter behind him. After I wiped away the day’s events from my face. I went over to the box, and saw my name on it. I gently picked it up and went into my favorite room (the room facing the trees and yard out back). I sat in the chair and opened my gift. Once I opened the box, fresh new tears came, but this time happy tears.

I have a special friend I have yet to meet, but I feel I already know her. I call her my friend because we can write and share about things just like old friends do. Her name is Ina and you can see and visit her HERE.

This beautiful birdhouse has many things on it that I love. The love of the color green, the vintage jewelry, a butterfly pin (the love of my sweet butterfly), the porcelain china rooftop, the love of nature. This sweet birdhouse is a lovely reminder that no matter how tough some days maybe I have the love and comfort of a home, with my love waiting for me and friends near and far.

(my shadowbox tray)

If all my days were happy and sunny I wouldn’t take the time to learn what I am suppose to learn on those not so good days. My lesson yesterday, was to keep me close to what truly matters and is important to me, family and friends.

Have a golden weekend my friends and enjoy!

xoxo...

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

Corner View: Shhh...

This week’s corner view theme is “best kept secret”

I really can't think of any "best kept secret" off the top of my head, because I share my loves and favorite things right here with you

If I don't share, it is usually because of my shyness, that sometimes sneaks up on me from little on and I can get a little bashful. Really!

A few of you already know how much I LOVE ribbon...

... and with this love of ribbon, I decided a couple of months ago to open an Etsy shop

Oh, oh… as I’m writing this post I realized I do have a secret! Don’t tell Gary, I buy more on Etsy than I sell! BUT wait, the good news, is I did have my first sale!

If you are curious and have some time, take a peek at our corner view friends below. I’m sure you will find a secret or two.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, ritva, francesca,
state of bliss, jennifer,dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, victoria, crescent moon,
erin, otliamy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte,kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, virgina, april, b, kyndale samantha, karen, kristina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet,
mcgillicutty, desiree, Jodi travelingmama, aimee, sunnymama, amanda, ali,jenell, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, susi, lily, gillian, jeanette, athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, satsuki, Liza, Cam, Amy

"The secret to humor is surprise"

~Aristotle~

Enjoy!

xoxo

P.S. This will be the last corner view for the summer. We will start up again in September. Thank you Jane for a great idea and my friends for sharing and stopping by.

Another Full Weekend...

but filled with fun, relaxing and learning a thing or two.

Part of our itinerary was a trip to Wisconsin, a chocolate party, to Venetian night on our lake.

We even managed to take Kelly to the park, so she could relax and enjoy the weather or maybe it was all about the treats.

For our bird's eye view of the band and venetian night we ate at Lindy's. I'm not sure how many boats participated, but the theme was Hollywood, so there was a lot of lights.

I had a lobster burger that was sooo... good!

Shades of Blue, a 10 piece band that played tribute to the origianl Blues Brothers played as the decorative boats graced the lake. Almost every inch of sand, chairs, boat docks and deck space was full.

On our way to the car I saw a stretch limo (very streched) and decided to play with the flash.
Between all the activities I was able to attend a workshop with Lou Nettelhorst. His photos are beautiful! I enjoy both his outdoor and abstract photos. He can make a slinky look like a piece of art! I ran out of time to stay after the workshop to take some photos, but I hope to attend another workshop.

Enjoy your day my friends!

xoxo...

Happy Friday: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

If you love dark chocolate, cherries and ice cream...


You will love this recipe!! I promise it will make the perfect ending of a perfect beginning, sharing an evening with friends around the fire pit.

This cherry gadget is so cool!! Have you ever tried it?

Cherry Chocolate-Chunk Ice Cream

(Martha Stewart)
Makes 1 ½ quarts

Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
¾ cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tsp of pure vanilla)
6 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole cherries, pitted (I sliced mine)
2 Tablespoons white rum
1 cup chopped dark chocolate

Directions
Combine the milk, 1/3 cup sugar, salt and vanilla bean in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved; remove from heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining sugar and yolks; set aside. Bring the milk mixture just to a simmer. Using a measuring cup or a ladle, slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg-yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Keep adding milk mixture, about ½ cup at a time until it has all been added.

Pour mixture back into saucepan, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5 to 8 minutes. The custard should retain a line drawn across the back of the spoon with your finger. Remove vanilla bean from milk mixture, and discard. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; Stir in heavy cream; let cool completely. Cover and transfer to refrigerator until chilled at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

Place cherries in a small bowl and cover with rum; set aside. Pour custard into an ice-cream maker and process according to manufactures’ instructions. During the last minute of processing, add cherries and their liquid, along with the chopped chocolate. Continue processing until set, but not hard.
Transfer the soft ice cream to a plastic container, freeze at least 3 hours and up to overnight.

"Friends are like the best ice cream,
there is always room for more"

Have a golden weekend my friends!



xoxo...

A Day Of Treasures

Don't you enjoy a new day to see what it unfolds? Some treasures are delivered...

Inside an large envelope was this wonderful children's book written by John Lithgow. I won it over at Fifi Flowers Design!

I know my nephew Maxx is going to enjoy reading this book or having it read to him, since he is only 3 years old. It comes with a CD too. I can't wait to give it to him. Thanks Fifi!!

Some treasures are hidden... Out of nowhere between the rocks and a few weeds popped up this little flower.

... And some just surprise you! During my evening watering I noticed, most of my herbs and vegetable plants are holding their own, but not really producing. Except for the mojito mint plant is flourishing. Mojitos anyone?

Enjoy!

xoxo

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:21

Corner View: 7:45 P.M.

This week's corner view was to share what we did Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:45 P.M. Our weekend was laid back, but really nice since the last serveral weekends have been busy. It was like having date night every night!

Friday Night: We decided to stay home. We ordered a pizza, opened a bottle of wine, lit some candles and watched the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" with Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, and Drew Barrymore.

Saturday night: I DID IT AGAIN, I forgot my camera!! There could have been some fun shots too! We went to our favorite place, Lindy's Restaurant in town for dinner. Thank goodness I had these photos from a previous visit.

The funny thing is, we actually sat at this table and ate a fabulous fish dinner with grilled vegetables. It was nice to see the Barth family (owners) and friends popping in and out for dinner. Out on the beach deck Hiline Band was playing. The place was rocking with people dancing on the deck, picnic tables and on the beach. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Sunday Nite: At 7:45 we actually had a little fire going, roasted a couple of marshmallows without any mosquitoes in the backyard. Of course I had the pleasure of listening to Gary play his guitar.

I like my marshmallows crispy!

Do you remember what you were doing this weekend at 7:45 PM? If not, visit our corner view friends to see what they were doing.

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, ritva, francesca,

state of bliss, jennifer,dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, victoria, crescent moon,

erin, otliamy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte,kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, virgina, april, b, kyndale samantha, karen, kristina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet,

mcgillicutty, desiree, Jodi travelingmama, aimee, sunnymama, amanda, ali,jenell, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, susi, lily, gillian, jeanette, athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, satsuki, Liza, Cam, Amy

Have a golden day my friends!

xoxo...

My Garden Runneth Over...

... well actually my little garden hasn't completely rised to the occasion, but Kim's cucumber garden sure has! Check out her wonderful abundance HERE

Seeing all of her cucumbers got me a little hungry for one of my favorite cold pasta salads. This salad is perfect for this time of year to add any of your favorite vegetables from your garden. The recipe is Jamie Oliver's The Best Pasta Salad, that I slightly modified.

The Best Pasta Salad
11 ounces (310 grams) small shell-shaped pasta
3 cloves garlic (I like garlic as you can see I added an extra one)
9 ounces (225 grams) yellow cherry tomatoes*
9 ounces (225 grams) red cherry tomatoes
1/2 cucumber
1 handful black olives, pitted
2 tablespoons fresh chives
I handful fresh basil
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

*I actually added half of a green, orange and yellow pepper instead of the yellow tomatoes.

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the pasta and garlic, and simmer for about 5 minutes or until al dente, and drain. Put the garlic to one side for the dressing. Put the pasta in a bowl.

Cut the tomatoes, cucumber, and black olives into bite sizes and add to bowl with pasta. Roughly chop the herbs and place in the same bowl.

Using a fork mash the cooked garlic cloves on a cutting board with a little salt. Once completely mashed put into a small bowl. Add the vinegar, salt and pepper, whisk in extra-virgin olive oil. When completely blended add to pasta bowl and gently mix. I refridgerate for at least a couple of hours to marinate all the way through.

If you have a wonderful cucumber recipe, feel free to share with Kim. While she isn't tending to her garden she is teaching future Veterinary Technician by day. Thank you Kim for taking care of all the animals you do and for teaching others to do the same!!


From my heart to yours!

xoxo...

Happy Friday! Face To Face

I can’t believe another week has gone by. Last Sunday I had the great pleasure of meeting Patricia with PVE design! She was commissioned to do illustrations for a wedding, downtown Chicago. Visit her blog to see some of her beautiful illustrations from the wedding (If you have a special moment or place and would like to capture the fond memories, I highly recommend to contact Patricia).

She is not only wonderful, kind, generous, gifted, beautiful inside and out person, but someone you would want for a friend. I already knew this before meeting her, by visiting her blog, corresponding via emails and handwritten cards. The fun part was to finally meet her! It was like meeting an old friend I haven’t seen in ages, trying to catch up. As we ate our sesame crusted ahi tuna salad at Atwood Café (thank you Gregg for the wonderful suggestion), we went from one topic to the next, before finishing the last.

Photo from PVE design
Before I continue, I’m going to ask you to imagine yourself being in the backseat of the car, riding along with us. I hope Patricia doesn’t mind me sharing our hairy moment at the end of our visit, but it still makes me laugh. As my friends know there is always a story for me to tell and this time there is no exception.

After brunch we took a cab back to the hotel where Patricia was staying to pick up the car and head out to the airport. I didn’t even think to ask which airport she was departing from, so off we go chatting away driving towards O’Hare having a good ole time. When Patricia mentions, you know I’m going out of Midway, right? Screech….Whaaaaaaaaaat? Oh dear I don’t even know where Midway is from this end of the world. I immediately made my way to exit off the express, to turn around and get back on towards the city. We thought we were headed in the right direction when it was Patricia who suggest we better ask someone. I didn’t see anyone to ask except the car that just pulled up behind us at the stop sign. Quick, I put the car in park and jumped out. If only you could have seen the look on the 2 girl’s faces. Their eyes widen as half dollars and I could see they were starting to roll up their windows, as I’m running towards them with my arms flying above my head saying no I’m fine I just need help. Once again we were headed in the wrong direction! We needed to get back on the express where we got off. After a few minutes, I looked over at Patricia, saying this can’t be right we are definitely going back downtown. By now the traffic was getting heavy bumper to bumper. My purse was in the backseat with my cell phone in it and even if I had my cell phone close to me, Gary wasn’t home to get me out of this jam.

As we are inching along, time was ticking. Oh dear all I could think was how much was this airline ticket going to cost me if she missed her flight (I would have insisted on paying any difference since it was going to be my fault she missed the flight). We spotted a taxi up ahead so I was able to inch my way up beside him. I rolled down the window, asking Patricia to yell out the window to see if we are going in the right direction, when Patricia came up with the brilliant idea- maybe he can take me to the airport. The cab driver said he would and to pull over. The only problem there really was nowhere to pull over! We both made it to the side of the road in the mist of HEAVY traffic, we all hopped out at once, Patricia runs to the cab as I pop open the back of my car for the driver to get her luggage. Minutes later Patricia called to let me know she made it to the airport on time, minutes to spare. Whew… yahoo… thank you cab driver…! The funny thing is I think it took both of us the same time frame to get home, but miles apart! As Patricia said we will always remember our first day of meeting one another. Thank you Patricia for a fabulous Sunday afternoon, I truly enjoyed myself!

Oh yeah, would you believe I had my camera the WHOLE time and didn’t take one photo?!!

If you are meeting new or old friends this weekend I hope your time is filled with laughter and joy.

Have a golden weekend my friends!




xoxo

Friendship lives inside your heart.

Friends together, friends apart.

A Peachy Day...

For a Happy Thursday!

There is nothing like a summer evening to take a walk or ride for an evening cone. Is ice cream, custard or yogurt your choice?

Have a golden one!

Hugs n' kisses,

Corner View: Unveiling, showing your true self

This week’s topic “unveiling, showing your true self” was a tough one for me. I’m usually not comfortable talking about myself and stepping to the front of the line. My comfort zone is more behind the scene kind of gal or in this case behind the lens.

Then I got to think unveiling is more than the outward shell, it is also the internal part of me that makes me who I am.

My faith, the love of my family and friends that help me become the person I am today.

My love for life and finding the hidden treasures of the day...

To embrace and listen to the peace around me...

To always hold onto the child within

To live life and be the best I can.
Thanks to Tonya at Kotori Design, this is how I would have looked like a 100 years ago. Some days I feel this photo was taken a 100 years ago, but that is for another day, another topic.

To see more of unveiling moments of our friends visit:
jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, ritva, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer,
dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otliamy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte,
kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, virgina, april, b, kyndale samantha, karen, kristina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, Jodi travelingmama, aimee, sunnymama, amanda, ali,
jenell, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, susi, jodi, lily, gillian, jeanette, athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, satsuki, Liza, Cam, Amy





Hugs and a golden one!


xoxo