Summer's Glory

Start with a glorious sunflower for inspiration . . .
 

 

Gather a bunch for unapologetic delight . . .

Add a rich, blue plate for contrast . . .

Make it a calico plate, smothered with wild flowers . . .

 

Simple burlap bows to tie the napkins . . .  

And the napkins must be yellow, the color of ripe corn . . .

Flatware that evokes unfurling flowers . . .

 

A pretty glass, as blue as the summer sky . . .

 

A wheelbarrow to hold the salt . . . 

The days may be getting shorter . . .

 

But summer is still alive with possibilities . . .
 

 

We may as well enjoy it . . .

Featuring:

Dinner plates - Blue Calico by Burleigh
Water goblet - The Dollar Tree
Flatware - Treble Clef by Gourmet Settings
Napkins - Sferra, Mustard color
Placemats - Pottery Barn
White pitcher - Pottery Barn
Wheelbarrow Salt Cellars - Pottery Barn, from several years ago
Burlap ribbon - Joann's

Joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.  Stop by for some delightful inspiration.

My first 5K!

It's so true that when we declare an intention, a true, deep desire to do anything, the universe opens up the flood gates and sends us the resources with which to accomplish them. 

The moment I made a commitment to change my lifestyle into one that focuses on health, I have been the recipient of tremendous love and support.  My family has astounded me the most!  They have been there for me every step of the way.  They have changed their eating habits, embraced exercise, learned about diabetes and educated themselves on what makes my glucose spike and how I can avoid it.  Gone are the cookies, and the candy, and the bad carbs.  Everyone has lost weight . . .

At work, suddenly, I find myself surrounded by co-workers who are committed to health!  They have shared their enthusiasm, tips on eating and exercising, and given me their understanding and encouragement.

And that is how I found myself in this photo surrounded by friends, co-workers and family:  My wonderful husband, Leo, and son, David; my friend and boss, Leo and his wife, Angela, and the guy who challenged me to try this, my friend and co-worker, Justin.  This entire group joined me on my biggest challenge to date - a 5K walk.  As a bonus, we also helped raise a little money to help find a cure for Lupus.

When the walk ended and I walked into the finish line, I stopped for a moment and thanked God:  “Thank you for sticking with me.  Thank you for sending me angels to help keep me on the right path.  Thank you for all the grace and love that you have bestowed on me.”  I'm glad I remembered to do that.

I'm joining The Tablescaper for her Seasonal Sundays blog party.  Please stop by.

L'après midi dans le jardin

Summers are so short!  Time to enjoy a little respite in our backyard!

I fell in love with the heart-shaped wrought iron chairs last year . . . the fact that they also swing and that they are red just put me over the edge.  I had to have this set! And then, it went on sale!  Who could resist?

  

For my college graduation, a dear friend gave me a picnic basket that included these charming napkins.  She understood, even before I did, that I always seemed drawn to cute little garden bugs.  When she found this fabric, she made me some napkins.  Aren't they wonderful?

The little herb patch in the backyard has really done well this summer.  Right now it's exploding with thriving plants.  So, I picked a little of this, and a little of that . . . and in no time ended up with a bundle of “herbes fines” in my hand.  And then, the little voice in my head started chanting:  “Cucumber sandwiches . . . cucumber sandwiches . . . ”

I used tarragon, parsley, lemon thyme and chives in the cream cheese spread.  Oh, my . . . this is marvelous . . . I adore cucumber sandwiches!  My idea of heaven includes cucumber sandwiches and a cup of oolong tea every afternoon . . .

I also made some ham tea sandwiches on marbled rye pumpernickel bread for my husband . . . He is not a fan of cucumber sandwiches . . . Alas, nobody is perfect . . . 

I'll be busy pretty soon drying herbs and making pesto, but for now . . .

I'll just sit in my backyard and enjoy a quiet summer tea . . .