Hibernating And Nesting

I am a planner, so with Gary going out on a business trip, and a big snowstorm coming our way. I spent the weekend checking things off my list so I can be snug as a bug in our little nest.

I'm sure there are a lot of hearts dreaming of spring, but I'm about to confess, I don't really mind the long winter months. There is something about hibernating, being close to home that warms my heart.

With that being said, I hope the big snowstorm that is being predicted in our corner, stays in our corner and doesn't head towards the east, where our friends in the east coast have been having their share of the snow to last a few winters.

Have a golden day my dear friends!

Hugs,

Joyce

xo

If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.

~Chinese Proverb~

Have A Sweet Weekend

I came across this new bakery called, Sweet Whimsy Pastry over the holidays. 

I like chocolate, but my favorite dessert would have to be anything lemon, lime, keylime and rhubarb.

Do you have a favorite pastry? Or favorite bakery or pastry shoppe?

Have a decadent weekend my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.  Coincidence?  I think not!

 ~Author Unknown~

Corner View: Favorite Fine Artist

This week’s topic is my favorite fine artist (painter, sculptor, etc.)  How is it possible for me to list just one?! I think you know me by now I can't just pick one. Off the top of my head my favorite artist of the past is Pablo Picasso.

(The girl before a mirror image of the computer)

One of my many favorites pieces of his work is, The girl before a mirror.  I love how he uses color to express himself and fill his canvas full of color. Yet some of his art can be so simple as a few black lines.

(photo from Dale Chihuly's website)

My favorite glass artist of today, is Dale Chihuly. The vivid colors and shapes of his work is, so magical.

Unfortunately I don't have enough room here to list all of my favorite artists of today, but here are three that make my heart dance daily. One is my dear friend, Patricia, her art can bring memories alive and fill your heart with love. You can see some of her beautiful art on her blog and HERE.

This painting is from another wonder friend and artist, Martha . I love how Martha's can make colors come together and go hand and hand. To see more of Martha's stunning art visit HERE. 

This art piece is by Clare and my favorite of her collection. Her art isn't only beautiful, but as if she sees a bit into many of our lives. This image reminds me of home, comfort and how G and I sleep some nights. You can see more of her delightful art HERE.

The wonderful thing of having favorite fine artists of today is we can met them if we are lucky and they can paint commission work. I know Patricia, Martha and Clare can create that special gift for either yourself or that someone special in your life. 

See I told you I could not just list one!

To see more favorite artists, visit Theresa's  corner to see the list of our corner view friends. Thanks for a great topic Theresa!

Have a golden day my friends!

Hugs,

Joyce

xo

To wake the soul by tender strokes of art

 ~Alexander Pope~ 

A Quiet Monday, But A Splash Of Blue

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Ours was nice, but busy. Which explains for the short post. Yawn...

One thing I do know for sure is Mr. Bojangles will not be wearing blue, not even a splash of blue, on Super Bowl Sunday. His doggy t-shirt will be green and gold. Thanks to to the Green Bay Packers. Yahoo...!

Speaking of green, a few of you asked about the dish above. You can find the recipe HERE. My mom made this for one of our family gatherings, it really was good.



Have a colorful Monday!

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.

~Pablo Picasso~

Football, Food And Freezing Temps This Weekend!

Our weekend will be a cold one, with single digits and Sunday is a big football game, Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. 

With gathering for the games there is always food, friends and good times.

Our neighborhood friends are down the middle as for cheering for the teams. Half of us are originally from Wisconsin and the other half were born and raised in the Chicago area. May the best team win! 

Seeing this last photo of cheese you know what team I will be voting for!

Have a golden weekend my friends and stay warm.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

P.S. The photo in my last post was taken in Florida of a wall near the water.

Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.

~Duffy Daugherty~

Corner View: Organic Form

 Excuse me, while I look through some photos for this week's topic, organic form.

In the meantime I thought I would show you a few of my organic breakfasts!

Ok, here is my organic form.

To see more organic forms visit Theresa's blog to see the corner view list. Thank you Nadine for the great topic.   

Have a golden day!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson~

What Rhyme With Grapes?

A week of wine and dinning. Last Monday we started the week off with a wine tasting and a five course meal at Slyce with friends.

All the wine we sampled came from Washington state. I am a Riesling girl and now have a favorite, 

Harvest Select Riesling.

Our week ended with another wine tasting on Friday for my "after" holiday party at work.

We also made a  6 gallon vat of our own wine with Greg, owner/winemaker of Bev Art


He walked us through the steps and process of making wine while we sampled seven different kinds of wine.

It will take several weeks before our wine will be ready to bottle and label. I will keep you posted on the progress of our wine.


In the meantime, my friends I hope your week starts off fruitful!


Have a golden day.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Making good wine is a skill. Fine wine is an art

~Robert Mondavi~

Ending The Week With Love

I recently received the i love your blog award from two wonderful blog friends, Cindy and Julia  

1. why did you create the blog?
My dear friend Gregg suggested I start a blog while I was recovering from some health issues, three years ago.

2. what kind of blogs do you follow?
My blog following is just like my circle of friends, a wide variety. I follow several that are geared towards dogs, photography, art, cooking, vintage, inspirational, family, entertaining and styling. I also like to follow blogs in Europe to see a bit of their corner of the world.

3. favorite makeup brand?
MAC and Bobbi Brown

4. favorite clothing brand?
I don’t have a particular brand. I do like anything comfortable, simple and relaxing i.e Anthropologie and J.Jill

5. your indispensable makeup product?
Burt’s Bee lip balm and lip gloss

6. your favorite colour?
Apple green

7. your perfume?
When I do use perfume, I wear Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Spray Perfume. It has a light soft scent.

8. your favorite film?
films with happy endings

9. what country would you like to visit and why?
Tibet and Europe for their history and culture

10. make-up the last question and answer it yourself: Name Five women you would like to meet?
Mother Theresa, Katharine Hepburn, Doris Day, Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres

The rules require that I bestow this award of love unto 10 others, so if you want to play along, consider yourselves recipients. I hope you join in the fun.


Have a golden weekend my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."

~Elisabeth Foley~

Corner View: Winter

Remember the other day I said our snow melted? Well... it is not only back, so is corner view.

It snowed all day yesterday, as if on clue for this week's topic winter. Winter in my corner not only brings the wind chill to burrr... cold, but also snow.

The snow not only covers the trees, but a little nose that likes to play it.

I know, I have shown Mr. Bojangel's snowy nose before HERE but he is such a hoot out in the snow. He makes me laugh as I watch him jump, run and play dance all by himself. Hmmm... maybe he does have his own imaginary snow angel. I think he rang the bell* almost every hour yesterday or so it felt like it. He wanted to be outside,so he could play and eat the snow. The only time the bell wasn't ringing was when he was on his walk. At least I was getting some good exercise in the meantime.

To see more winter views, visit THERESA'S corner.

Have a golden day my friends!

Hugs,

Joyce

xo

* we have a bell on a leather strap on the door knob inside, so when Bo needs to go outside to do his thing, he hits the bell so it rings. Sometimes he rings it, just to go out and play or chase the squirrels.

January brings the snow, Makes our feet and fingers glow

~Sara Coleridge~

Daydreaming And Cleaning

The snow is gone, but the chill in the air still lingers. Soon it will be time to start thinking of filling the garden pots.

I think, I even noticed that daylight seems to be longer the last couple of days. Or could that be wishful thinking? In the meantime, I will enjoy the day with a cup of hot cocoa and start to tackle the basement, cleaning and organizing.  What are your plans for the day?

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

~ Hal Borland~

The Eyes Have It

This is one of my favorite photos from Bo's first Christmas.

He has the right idea, relaxing in his new bed surrounded by all of his new toys. I think red is his color, don't you agree?!

Have a golden weekend my friends.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.

 ~ Martin Buber~

Trying To Finding The Middle

I'm sure there are others out there trying to find the balance or the middle of trying to get everything completed. Since going back to work in November- I'm struggling with trying to get everything done that needs to be done. I find myself forgetting things more easily, I get overwhelmed, not the multi- tasker I was at one time. Hmmm... or could it be old age already?!

I only go into the office one day a week, but also work from home. Between work I try to visit my favorite blogs, keep the fort down, and work on other commitments. 

Before I know it, the day is gone and I stumble into bed. I'm beginning to think I need to take a juggling class or a meditating class. Does anyone know of one in my area? Life is good, and I know my schedule is much easier than others. I'm just trying to find the right balance for me. What do you do to find the balance?

I hope your day is not only golden but well balance.

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Meditation helps you do less and accomplish more.

~Deepak Chopra~

Friends And Food Go Hand In Hand

The past week was a week full of catching up with friends, sharing meals and laughter around the table, along with a couple of date nights.

While eating out at one of our favorite local restaurants, Slyce . I heard the pizza was also a favorite of Daniel Zeman.

He listed Slyce as one of the top 8 pizzas in 2010 on his Serious Eats Blog . Good job Brittany and the crew at Sylce!  

Have a golden day my friends.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

"Laughter is brightest where food is best"

~Irish Proverb~