You could lose yourself in the fragrance and softness of the petals. I’ve grown them for years. They grow high enough to stand and bury your nose in the beautiful bloom. They are definitely one of the joys of summertime.
Thank you to Becky for hosting the Simply Red Challenge.
Eyes were upon me, I felt something watching as I browsed through a greenhouse in search of bedding plants this year. It was a small fledgling sparrow, its feet wrapped around a twig of a bougainvillea plant in a hanging basket. I was in love with his sweet expression, but then wondered if it was sweet, or maybe a bit annoyed at me for disturbing his space. I bought another bougainvillea hanging near the one he perched in to remind me of the moment. Sweet. I think this is one of my favorite photographs taken in May.
As I left the greenhouse, I noticed the nest he occupied as he grew above the door. The bougainvillea flower is part of Cee’s Flower of the Day.
“Raindrops on Roses, and Whiskers on Kittens…ummm…Bunnies?”
~ Oscar Hammerstein II
The Lens-Artists Photo Challenge for this week is Favorite Things. For me, as is true of most of us, God, family, and home tops the list. After these three there are hundreds of items, situations, places, that I love-the list could go on and on.
It’s pouring rain today. Most of the Northeast coast of the U.S. is experiencing rainfall. I thought it a perfect day to photograph a garden rose wearing a veil of raindrops as a favorite thing. When I went outdoors, instead of a dewy rose, the sweetest vignette presented itself: a bunny using my hanging plant as an umbrella. I think this clever bunny is guaranteed to bring you a smile.
I often reblog my favorite tips for seasonal projects or recipes. Every year I also repeat my recommendation of The Nativity Story as a reminder of the events that led up to Jesus’ birth.
My heart is always filled with gratitude as I watch this realistic depiction of God’s perfect plan to bring salvation, through his Son Jesus Christ, to all mankind.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with holiday shopping and activities. For those of us who find it relaxing to pull up a seat for an hour or two of seasonal entertainment, here’s a terrific movie channel and schedule available through Countdown Until Christmas/Christmas Movie Database. The Journal Sentinel also has a day by day movie schedule that is worth a look. Take a look at this amazing collection of Christmas and holiday movies and their air times. There is also a search box on the site with an amazing database of movies.
I’ve already been playing Christmas music and loving every minute of it. One of my very favorite CD’s is ‘A Walton’s Christmas – Together Again.’ This CD was given to me by my sister many years ago. Not only is it a perfect choice for Nurturing Thursday, the music and show are also an excellent selection for Throwback Thursday. It’s easy to see how well-loved and played the CD has been over the years by the battered state of the case. If like me, you are immediately uplifted by the opening chords of this song, enjoy listening to the Youtube video below. If you have never seen ‘The Waltons,’ try and find these reruns on your cable channels for enjoyable Christmas nostalgia.
I’m enjoying the series ‘Victoria’ on PBS. If you love history, you will enjoy this well-made television show through Masterpiece Theater.
“Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.”~ Bob Marley
As young as they are, my grandchildren already talk about memories they have of ‘Nanny’s house.’ My middle grandchild said to me recently, “When I was a baby, I came here, and I would sing.” It turns out this singing was Bob Marley’s song, ‘Three Little Birds.’ When my grandson was a toddler, I watched him several days throughout the week, we’d play Reggae and when our favorite, ‘Three Little Birds,’ filled the living room with its lilting notes, I’d pick him up and we’d dance together. He remembers these moments.
I came to love Reggae music later in life. I’d definitely say ‘Three Little Birds’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve said before in these posts, the wisdom in the song, echoes Jesus’ words in the Bible.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
~ Matthew 6:25-27
Today I read an article with a little more proof that Reggae music will make you smile. Dogs prefer Reggae.
Another Reggae group that fills me with joy is Christafari Band.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixqj-jkL8pI
The dreariness of winter can put a blight on your happiness…take a few moments to listen to some upbeat music and smile.
A favorite Christmas gift was this jar of buttons and note from my mother:
“These buttons were from Granny Broadwell’s button tin. Many of them were from the clothes she wore early in her marriage. I can remember some of them. The value of these buttons are not very much, but the person whose clothes they adorned is valuable and precious to all of us. I wanted you to have them. I know you will treasure them. Love, Mom”
I placed the note in an old frame. I want to find a piece of burnt sienna overlay to place over it, for protection, and to give it a look of age. If I can’t find what I want, I’ll try to create a piece out of things I have lying around the house.
Season Four of ‘Fixer Upper’ premieres tonight on HGTV at 9:00. I’m looking forward to another season of watching Chip and Joanna Gaines transform shabby houses and yards into unique and beautiful homes and landscapes.
If you have a chance take a look at their new magazine and book, just out this month on newsstands and in bookstores. The book can also be found on their website Magnolia Market.
“It’s Not This Time of Year Without…My Nativity.”
I also watched one of my favorite Christmas movies yesterday, The Nativity Story.”
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiSfup00uZY
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
There’s a good reason this Youtube video has near 22 million views…it’s a perfect way to start the Christmas season. One of my favorites. Enjoy!
“Aspenglow was written about Aspen, which is a resort town in Colorado. They have a celebration every year called Winterskol where many skiers come down the mountain holding torches, thus the Aspen glow.” ~ Songfacts.com
I bought this first as a vinyl album, oh let’s see, probably many decades ago. Smile! I recently saw it in CD form in a Christmas Music Display. I’ve played it several times since then. A gorgeous song filled with beautiful words and sound effects.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74eJaVQFybI
One of my favorite films this year was McFarland. Released in 2015, the film is still available On Demand, Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD, and other venues. Don’t miss this inspirational true story. Make sure and watch until the very last minute as the original McFarland Cross Country team makes a cameo appearance.
The Durrells in Corfu is another of my new favorites. Episode 1 of Season 1 premiered last Sunday evening at 8:00 on PBS, but you can find it online or On Demand also. I loved the ‘quirkiness’ of this sweet series and can’t wait for more episodes.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHx23I7LNsU
Poldark Season 2 begins Sunday night on PBS. I watched the first season, and must admit, I am old enough to remember the original series broadcast on PBS in the 70’s. The first season was very well done, the characters compelling, the setting magnificent; I’m looking forward to enjoying Season 2.
The planet Mars is close to earth in June of 2016. This week will provide you with a good opportunity for viewing the red planet. Nasa’s website provides good information on how to best view Mars. Nasa – Mars in Our Night Sky.
“In 2016, the planet Mars will appear brightest from May 18 to June 3.” ~ Nasa Website
Since I don’t have a photograph of Mars for this post, I searched one of my favorite royalty-free sites for a good example. I found this interesting atmospheric photograph, taken of Mars in 2014, on the Morguefile site courtesy of Tom Wildoner.
I came upon this year’s nesting Barn Owl and realized it was time to repost the information for Cornell Bird Labs.
Take a look at the live-streamed “Bird Cams.” If you love birds you will love this site. To start the live cam click on the arrow. If it appears to be a still shot, look closely, you will see the soft movement of the owl’s breath. Thanks again to JaneM who shared this site with me.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Cam
This is my fifth year creating content for “Minding My P’s with Q.” Some good ideas and posts from past years are buried deep in the archives. I’ve unearthed a few November “phavorites” from 2011 to the present to share once again.
Growing a Sweet Potato Vine is easy and a fun way to continue gardening indoors.
When you bring in your houseplants from the porch and yard be sure to check for Stowaways.
Pumpkin Cookies, nutritious and delicious, are a perfect November snack.
You can use Pressed Autumn Leaves to create structures within pressed flower cards.
A Milk Carton Cloche is an easy way to extend your growing season.
Amaryllis are available now as bulbs or potted plants for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday cheer.
Paper Snowflakes on my windows are one of my favorite Christmas decorations. To have enough by December 1st, I will begin cutting at least five every day.
Last, but certainly not least, enjoy the beautiful “A Song of Thanksgiving” by U2.
I love the how-to show Flea Market Flip. Recently, while walking through a local town, my husband and I passed a small red formica table. I loved it, and knew I had to have it; the price was right, only fifteen dollars. The table is about the size of a TV tray. It is perfect for crafting, a computer table, eating, etc. Another advantage is the table is lightweight. I can carry it up and down flights of stairs, outside, and all over the house. Wherever it is needed the table goes.
I liked the aged look of the wood on the table, but the edges were a bit jagged and rough. Since I use the table for crafts, I decided yard sticks would be a quick and easy cover, useful, as well as decorative.
I measured the table, sawed, sanded and attached the yardsticks with Aleene’s Tacky Glue.
I’m real pleased with the finished table.
Check out Flea Market Flip!
Times might feel shaky…people might let you down, but keep your eyes upon the Lord. Walk on the Water! I consider this one of the most uplifting and beautiful music videos I have ever viewed. Please take a few moments to watch it. Take the words to heart. You won’t be disappointed.
I had a good time visiting Birthday Jams. You enter in your birthday, and they tell you what song was #1 on the charts that week in the US. The drop down menu also allows you to check out what was #1 in the UK, Top Dance Tracks, and Alternative Hits. Number one on the US charts when I was born, way back in 1957, was Elvis Presley singing “Jailhouse Rock.” Give this fun site a try…I would love to hear in the comments section what was number one when you were born. Number One Song the Week You Were Born.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKVb1066OPo
“Diana” sung by Paul Anka, was number one in the UK.
