A Perfect Beginning

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I can't believe it is Memorial Day weekend! Can you?

If you need a salad this weekend. I highly suggest this Kitchen Sink Chopped Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing. I added a bit more ingredients to the salad then the recipe called for. I originally found it on Pinterest, but you can see the recipe HERE

We have a busy weekend, but I hope we can find a day to relax in the backyard. Do you have any plans for the long weekend?

Enjoy your Memoral Day weekend and please take a moment to think of those who fought and are fighting for us to enjoy the freedom we have today.

Hugs,
Joyce

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example

~Benjamin Disraeli~

Corner View: In The Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, I am lucky enough to see the beginning of a sunset coming over our lake

or watch a sunset getting ready to be tucked in for the night on another lake.

Maybe even see an angry cloud or two

and then there are times, I have no clue what is in the sky.

Do you see the pink little streak?

To see more of what is in the sky, visit Francesca'scorner.

Thanks for stopping by my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce

All I need is one star in the sky, to make a wish just for you.

~Joyce Gallagher~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:01:00 +0000

It is official, we are part-time Tennesseans. Now to get things moving, so we can spend some time in the mountains. I can't wait to see what Bo does at his home away from home. I made sure his microchip is still in place (I heard sometimes they move), his tags are secured on his collar and his shots are up to date. He will be getting another shot for ticks. I heard they are supposed to be bad this year and Tennessee is known for them.

A friendly reminder: We had an incident the other day, that still gives me chills to think the "what ifs". With the warm weather upon us, you might be having projects done in or around your home with workmen coming and going. If so, please make sure they close your door completely or lock the yard gate.
We had some workmen here doing outside work and without us knowing, left the backyard gate open. After the guys left, Gary let Bo outside, after a moment he thought he better double check the guys didn't go in the back and leave the gate open. Sure enough the gate was open, thank goodness Bo was just sitting there looking at the open gate. In that short time Bo could have wandered off, but he thought about it first, giving Gary a chance to check.

While we tackle our "to do list" this weekend, I'm sending you warm wishes for a golden weekend!

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Corner View: On The Ground Or At My Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

When I feel sluggish or stressed there is something to be said about taking a walk.

My favorite walks are the leisure kind, so I can see the smallest treasures at my feet. It maybe tiny pinecones

Or the way branches may fall from a tree, giving a masterpiece design.

Maybe simply the way someone dropped a handful of colorful M & M's in the sand.

One thing is certain someone loves to lay his head and body on my feet!

To see more things on the ground or at your feet, visit Francesca's corner.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Go ahead, fall down. The world looks different from the ground.

~Oprah Winfrey~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Last week on my way home from work, I had to pull over to sit and admire the sky. It was the perfect gift to end the day.

Have a golden weekend!
Joyce
xo

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky

~Rabindranath Tagore~

Corner View: Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

As the years go by I watch the role of my mom change, but the memories of once this strong woman stays young within my heart.

The older my mom gets, I realize she doesn’t need a gift I saved my allowance for as a child or the big fancy wrapped gift as I grew older, she simple wants the gift of time. Our day will be spent together and hopefully if the weather holds out a stop to the nursery to pick out flowers and plant them in a garden container for her patio to be enjoyed throughout the summer.

Stop by and visit Francesca'scorner to see other links on this week's topic, mother.

An early warm wish to all of my friends wither you have children, a mother to many, or a mom to four legged fur babies and to my special friends whose hearts are filled with wonderful memories of your mom, the best Mother’s Day.

Love,

Joyce

A mother's heart is a patchwork of love

~Author Unknown~

No iPhone Photo Today Because…

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:01:00 +0000

It is someone’s birthday- Mr. “Bo”jangles!!

It has been 2 years, since he jumped out of the rescue van, like a crazy dude with his big clods (feet) flying in the air and won our hearts.

Bo will be one spoiled birthday pup. His grandmom is baking a special birthday cake for him and his day will be full of special surprises. Shhh… he will be getting a new water and food dish for home and the cabin, squeaky toys and endless treats. His sweet birthday crown came from Paloma's Nest.

Our weekend is a full one, with a birthday celebration, dinner with friends and celebrating Cinco De Mayo.

Have a golden weekend!

Joyce
xo

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years

~Abraham Lincoln~

Corner View: Things That Make Me Go Hmmm…

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

This topic is an easy one for me because there is a lot of things that leaving me saying hmmm… One thing in particular is working on a cabin that is several hours away from us. Even though I love the mountains, the beautiful sunsets and just being right there with nature I never saw myself in a log cabin. Don’t ask me where I thought I would live in the mountains, I just never gave it a thought. LOL… This is a photo of our cabin, I took back in March when we were there. I can't even image what it looks like now with all the trees blooming.

The cabin needs work before the fun stuff can happen, like decorating. I’m not a matchy gal, or have plans in making the cabin into a bear or timber theme, only because that isn’t me. I have been on Sundance catalog (thanks Kathy) and saw some things I like. Trying to find cabin blogs and catalogue sites has been a tough one, so as I normally do I am going to dance to my own tunes and work with the stores I am comfortable with in my hood. Trying to find the balance and not leaving our new cabin neighbors saying hmmm… scratching their heads wondering about them northerners is not the only thing to figure out, now to get some of this furniture up to the mountains without paying an arm and leg in shipping charges. Hmmm…

To see more hmmm… moments,visit Francesca's corner. Kudos to Heather for a fun topic!!

Thanks for stopping by and make it a golden moment!

Joyce

The obstacle is the path

~Zen Proverb~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday!

I'm sure I have shared more than once how black my thumb is, well this sweet plant is another reason why.

I received it as a gift from my neighbor friend, Suzanne. It came in a little pouch and looked like a dirt ball. It was supposed to live no matter what. Well... as you read "was" I managed to destroyed this sweet plant. Sigh... I hope I can find another one.

Have a wonderful and golden weekend!
J
xo

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died

~Erma Bombeck~

Corner View: Room With A View

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

This is the view that took my breath away, left a lump in my throat and my eyes misty. This is our view, from our home away from home.

Our realtor, Jake said he saw my face light up as I watched the sunset and knew this was the place. Yes, Gary and I are in the process of starting a new adventure! It took only two trips to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee to know this is where we want to spend some of our down time. I will share our progress and updates of our little cabin as we move forward. In the meantime stop over at Francesca’scorner to see other rooms with a view. Thank you Victoriafor a wonderful topic!

Enjoy your view!

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

The windows of my soul throw wide open to the sun

~John Greenleaf Whittier~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

I enjoy the view of a blossoming tree in spring.

Susanna asked me to list 5 things about me. Hmmm… what could I possible list that you don’t know already.

I took polka dancing lessons when I was younger

I don’t like liver or meat. (However, I will occasionally have a bit of meat per doctor orders)
I enjoy listening to country music
I like Brussels sprouts
I used to be afraid of dogs

Enjoy your weekend and make it a golden one!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Spring is a time for rebirth and fulfillment of new life

~Bryon Pulsifer~

Corner View: Typical Family Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Our typical dinners at home during the spring and summer months, involves a lot of grilling with a side dish or two, some nights we simply have a nice green salad with lots of veggies and some kind of meat for Gary. We share in the cooking and cleaning up, so we can enjoy an evening walk or a run in the park with Bo.

Our family dinners wouldn’t be the same without our Mr. Bojangles having his dinner too. I purchased this sweet "little dinner is served at..." sign, years ago at Anthropologie for our Kelly girl and just kept it up for Bo.

If we are really good, we will sometimes have a special dessert!

Want to see what others are having for dinner, visit Francesca's corner? Thanks Theresa for a great topic!!

Oops, I almost forgot to share a recipe. In the first photo our meal was a burger for Gary, a veggie one for me, baked beans and an old fashion macaroni salad, found HERE.

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,

Joyce

Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live.

~Jackie Windspear~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Happy Friday the 13th!!

I took this photo last month, while Gary and I were driving around Tennessee. I thought the home looked interesting. I wanted Gary to turn around and go back, so I could get a better photo, but I wasn't sure if someone actually lived there.

Have a golden weekend!

Hugs,

Joyce

Property is the fruit of labor; property is desirable; it is a positive good in the world.

~Abraham Lincoln~

Corner View: Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

My plan was to surprise Gary with an omelet this morning, so I could get a photo for this week’s topic, eggs. However, it didn’t happen because I signed into work first and got side track. Oops…

So… instead here is a tile I painted a few years ago to show where eggs come from.

Besides a fluffy omelet another favorite egg dish is quiche.

And the deviled eggs are Gary’s favorites.

I couldn’t end this post without my “good egg”, Mr. Bojangles!

With this week’s topic being, “eggs” I will be curious to see what others come up, so join me on hopping over to Francesca's corner. Thank you Theresa for this week’s topic!

Wait, don't leave yet I just realized, we have our corner view anniversary coming up on April15. Sending you all an early Happy 3^rd Anniversary!! I don’t know if this week’s topic was planned for our upcoming anniversary, but it ties into our “new beginnings” 3 years ago, connecting, sharing and friendships from one corner to the next. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for your sweet comments you leave every Wednesday. You can see my first corner view post HERE.

Back to work for me, but in the meantime have a golden egg of a day!

Hugs,

Joyce
xo

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.

~Bernard Meltzer~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Will you be hiding an Easter basket? I know I will! Poor Gary, I wake him up early to start the hunt. Something tells me, Bo will win again this year in finding his.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover!
Celebrate and make it a golden weekend.
Joyce
xo

He takes men out of time and makes them feel eternity.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Corner View: Work and Play

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:22:00 +0000

This week's corner view topic is "work and play". Instead of watching me behind the computer, camera lens or getting rid of dust bunnies, it would be more exciting to see Bo busy at work and playing .

With the simple word “park” mentioned, Bo agreed it was a good idea too! So… I grabbed my camera bag. I flung it over my shoulder as if it was light as a feather. I thought, hmmm… I must be getting stronger the camera bag seems so light. Well… once we were at the park, I opened my camera bag and no camera, just lens! I forgot I had the camera on my desk from a photo job I did over the weekend. It isn’t iPhone Friday, but thank goodness I had my cell phone with me!

See how intense Bo is focusing on his ball? This is hard work for him.

So is jumping high to catch the ball in his mouth.

And the pleasure of victory as he carries the ball back, to only start the cycle all over again.

I had to add this photo because after several times of work and play with Bo, he can get a bit tired, but he wants to keep going.

To see more work and play visit Francesca's corner. Thank you, Sunnymama for this week's topic.

I hope there is more play than work in your day!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

There is work that is work and there is play that is play; there is play that is work and work that is play. And in only one of these lies happiness.

~Gelett Burgess~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:01:00 +0000

While taking a walk in the woods a couple of months ago, I came across this image and had to do a double take.

It made me smile to see another way of using duct tape.

Enjoy your weekend.
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

~Oprah Winfrey~

Corner View: Self Portrait Or Where I live

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:49:00 +0000

This week’s corner view theme was a choice of two topics, either self-portrait or where I live. My pick is where I live.

In the months ahead you will find me living most of my free time outdoors, in our garden.

I start off with good intentions, trying to keep a handle on the weeds, until they win and overtake the garden.

...And I decide to just sit back and enjoy.

To see other's choice of topic, visit Francesca's corner. Thank you Elsa for this week's topic.

Hugs,

Joyce

P.S. Photos were taken last year.

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

~Gary Snyder~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Since today is iPhone Friday, I had to share my new iPhone Air Jacket!

At Power Support, you can create your own jacket using one of your photos. Of course Mr. Bojangles had to be on the jacket.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Hugs,

Joyce
xo

I want to put a ding in the universe

~Steve Jobs~

Corner View: "In Hindsight"

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:44:00 +0000

The first thing that comes to mind for “ in hindsight” is an incident that happen when I was in my 20’s. It is fresh in my mind only because I happened to share this week with a friend’s daughter who was leaving on a trip. She is about the same age I was when the incident happened.

I just started working at O’Hare airport (Chicago), but was still living in Wisconsin. With my early hours to get up for work, I would often meet my friends at a nightclub where we would all hang out and dance.

On one particular Friday I left the nightclub, as I turned the corner my gut was filling with fear, but I thought to myself not to over react. The sidewalks were dark, so I decided to walk on the streets along the parked cars and under the street lights. I kept thinking to myself there is nothing to be afraid of. Not knowing all along this was my intuition telling me something. Half way from my car and half way from the club, suddenly a man crossed the street coming towards me, asking me about a street. His question threw me off because the street he was asking about was near the airport an hour away. When all of a sudden he grabbed me, laughing at my fear. As I tried to scream nothing came out, until suddenly the scream was released on the top of my lungs and the guy took off running. Looking back I am thankful I was able to scream, and he ran, otherwise this story could have had a different ending. The lesson learned from this incident and still today, is to listen to that inner voice.

To find out more about “in hindsight”, visit Francesca’s corner. Thank you, Nicki for this week’s topic.

Make your day a golden one!

Hugs,

Joyce
xo

May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, The foresight to know where you are going, And the insight to know when you have gone too far

~Irish Blessing~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Oops, I did it again, I have been away another week. While my drunken stew is simmering, I thought this is a perfect time to do a quick post.

This week has been another full and busy one at work. I even have managed to slowly tackle my little corner studio. I have been sorting through ribbon making room for more. Some would think I have a problem, but really I'm not a hoarder, I just love pretty ribbon. I even managed to stamp 30 bags for an Etsy order. All in the week of losing an hour, not too bad, huh?

Well my sweet friends I should get back in the kitchen and start the corn beef and cabbage.

A day early, but have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo
P.S. The photo is from our trip to Tennesse. I purchased this vintage St. Patty's postcard a couple of years ago (I'm not promoting smoking, the smirk of this fella made me smile).

May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:34:00 +0000

We are back from the mountains of Tennessee and managed to avoid most of the bad weather that was following us.

Having my love by my side, surrounded by mountains, trees and lost in my thoughts with no Internet service leaves me with a sense of refuel and peace.

There is something about the Tennessee mountains that keep drawing me back to them. This weekend my plan is to catch up on some blog reading and if the weather is nice a long walk in the woods. Do you have a lot on your list this weekend?

Wishing you a bright and golden weekend my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Activity conquers cold, but stillness conquers heat

~Lao Tzu~

Friday: iPhone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0000

The bird and butterfly magnets were my gifts I handed out on my birthday. The came from my favorite shop, The Backdrop! They reminded me of spring. Don't you agree?

Wishing you a golden weekend my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing~

Corner View: Birthdays And Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:02:00 +0000

I'm going to do a double play on this post and combine my corner view post and announce the winner from the give away ! I'm not sure what the theme was for corner view topic this week, so mine is going to be birthdays.

I know there are some that are so-so about their birthdays, others enjoy their birthdays and then there are some that take it over the top. Hmm... guess where I fall in?!

My dad loved his birthdays and from him I have learned to embrace and love this day. It isn't about the gifts, it is about spending the day (in my case days) with the ones that mean the world to me, the birthday cards and passing out treats/tokens. It also is about the day that was created just for me, it is my day, a day that I can eat as much cake as I want with lots of frosting. My family knows my piece of cake always has to have an extra flower frosting on my plate.

I can't remember when I started passing out treats/tokens, but I realized that handing out a treat/token on my day was the smile I received in return was my gift.

Now for the announcement of the winner for the year subscription to FOLK magazine. Umm... my assistant not only picked one, but two winners!

So.... Leslie and Patricia please send me your addresses. Thank you to everyone for particpating in the give away! OK, my friends I need to start my day and venture out to pass some birthday tokens!

To visit more corner view topics, stop over by Francesca's corner.
Have a golden day!
Hugs,
Joyce

It takes a long time to grow young

~Pablo Picasso~

Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Joyce) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

There is something about living in a small town, when one is in need everyone comes together.

(my iPhone photo)

A couple of weeks ago a group of friends came together to support sweet Lily. She is a second grader with the bluest of blue eyes and angiosarcoma cancer.

(photo from Lily's page)
The Guardians of the Ribbon came to be part of the event. They are a group of firemen and policemen, that dress in pink and drive a pink fire truck spreading awareness, supporting all women in their fight against cancer.

(photo by April)

April with Portrait Creations was on hand to take photos of anyone that wanted a photo in front of the pink truck. Well... you know Mr. Bojangles wanted to do his part.

(photo by April)

Have a bright day!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Firefighters save hearts and homes

~Author Unknown~