Place – Sanibel Island, Florida

On By TimelessladyIn Place4 Comments

We recently spent five days on Sanibel Island, Florida. It was our fourth time down, and the devastation from Hurricane Ian is still visible. Yet, the islanders and businesses are booming back. There were still shuttered areas, but many businesses have reopened. We were saddened to see that the hotel we always stayed in, The West Wind, has been torn down, but we are hoping they will rebuild it. The place we chose to stay in, Periwinkle Cottages, was terrific and a perfect substitute for The West Wind.

Sanibel is known for seashells, and the beach did not disappoint us. Fighting conchs, enormous cockleshells, and pristinely pink scallops, the photograph does not show the beauty of the shells. We also found a few olive shells, whelks, and many small shells with holes for stringing into projects or jewelry. I also found an intact angel wing seashell and managed to get it home in the same condition. If you have a chance to visit Sanibel Island, I can promise you will find shells.

I have to limit myself on how many I bring home before I even step on the airplane. I packed a large plastic container inside my suitcase to be filled with seashells. Doing so keeps me from bringing home too many. There were mountains of shells on the beach while we were there. I highly recommend wearing water shoes if you plan to go. Seashells are beautiful, but walking on them can feel like sharp gravel under your feet.

Phun – A Unique Shower

On By TimelessladyIn Phun6 Comments

“The lizard in the image is a Common House Gecko (also known as Asian House Gecko, Pacific House Gecko, or Moon Lizard), scientifically known as Hemidactylus frenatus.” ~Google

A common gecko was small enough to wander into the shower through a small drainage slit in the window frame. He was so adorable. I didn’t want him to die in the cottage we stayed in by becoming shut up in a closet or cabinet. With just a small prod to his tail, he jumped on my thumb; he was half the size of it, and I deposited him in the front garden. I hope he enjoyed the shower we shared.

The photo was taken in Sanibel, Florida.

Project – Weekend Project/Flower Pounding

On By TimelessladyIn Projects20 Comments

A way to preserve flowers is to pound their essence and color into a sheet of paper. I had some handmade paper, measuring 6×4, with deckled edges. I found it the perfect background for pounding some of my garden flowers.

I started my flower pounding with violets. Years ago, I transferred some from the woods into my garden beds. I have hundreds of violets in my grass and flower beds in early spring. I don’t mind them at all. I pull them out if they overwhelm my perennials or annuals. Because they sow seed, there will be many more to take their place next year. They are also a great ground cover for areas I don’t want to weed weekly. The leaves are a host for the fritillary butterfly. 

The beautiful violet color is easy to transfer. I place the flowers and leaves on the handmade paper, then, using a piece of tracing paper to see what I’m doing, I place this over the flowers and pound them flat with a small hammer. It is easy to work in a corrugated box based on the floor rather than on the floor itself. Some flowers stick to the handmade paper. I let these sit for a few minutes, and then gently remove them. Voilà, there is an impressionistic-type print of the flowers.

After drying the paper out for about two weeks, I used a 005 permanent marker to create a few lines, using the photos I took before I pounded the flowers as a reference.

I love the way the finished product turned out. I will continue pounding flowers all summer, labeling each pounded flower print with where it was taken from in my garden or other places. At the end of the summer, I intend to make a handmade book containing all the prints.

Phloral Arrangement – IAVOM/Damask Rose

On By TimelessladyIn Phloral Arrangements18 Comments

The roses in this arrangement are a type of damask Rose. The blossoms are usually one of the earliest to open in my garden beds. They are a lilac-blue color, and the soft petals are abundant and fragrant. The small arrangement is within a crystal votive, easy to fit in a nook of the house that needs a bit of brightening.

Thanks to Rambling in the Garden for hosting this challenge.

Phloral Arrangement – IAVOM/Easter Monday

On By TimelessladyIn Phloral Arrangements4 Comments

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter Monday. My IAVOM (In a Vase on Monday) is a day old since it was Easter Sunday’s table arrangement. Three rooting bottles hold a sprig of Aucuba evergreen, deep purple Iris with a slightly grapelike fragrance and variegated tulips. All flowers and foliage were gathered from my garden beds. A piece of glittery tulle ribbon dressed up the bottles a bit, and the arrangements were slim and not cumbersome as they decorated the tables.

Thanks to Rambling in the Garden of hosting the IAVOM challenge. 

Praise – Gratitude

On By TimelessladyIn Praise2 Comments

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

The person who associated a work with this deed has dedicated the work to the public domain by waiving all of their rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

Phloral Arrangement – Holy Week

On By TimelessladyIn Phloral Arrangements15 Comments

I love receiving palms at the end of the Palm Sunday service. I added mine to my IAVOM (In a Vase on Monday) arrangement. The only other plant material is crabapple buds draped gracefully from slender branches. They are lovely, about to bloom, and seem to have the slightest of sweet scents. A small handmade cross, received at Hart’s Sunrise Easter service in Northeast Maryland two years ago, adds a touch of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice for us.

The vase is a blown glass pitcher of Jamestown Glass. Thank you to Rambling in the Garden for hosting the weekly challenge, and to the Ragtag Daily Prompt challenge host.

I hope the days leading up to Easter Sunday will be a blessed week for all my blogging friends.

Philm – Weekend Matinee/Favorites for a Rainy Day

On By TimelessladyIn Philm5 Comments

I am sitting beside a window covered in a drenching bout of raindrops. The wind is blowing, and it is cold for April. Tomorrow is forecast to be mainly in the mid-40s. Our local weather forecaster reported eleven days out of the past fourteen have been overcast or rainy. Bah! It is a good weekend to watch a few movies.

Two oldies are musicals. There is something about the musical genre that always can cheer me up. The first is, of course, Singin’ in the Rain. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, who I loved in everything she starred in.

The second musical is also a favorite: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I can sing most of the songs from both musicals. Although I don’t know all of the words, I’m a ringer on the first verses and choruses.

Third, I’ve chosen Green Card. There are so many reasons to watch this movie: the lovely and talented Andie MacDowall, the surprisingly endearing Gerard Depardieu, the breathtaking setting of an indoor apartment garden and rooftop, and a good story with a surprise ending. This movie is one of my favorites from the late 80’s/90’s era of sweet romantic comedies.

Enjoy this trio of oldies.

Praise – A Beautiful Hymn/Oliver Holden

On By TimelessladyIn Praise6 Comments

GOD IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE 

by 

Oliver Holden (1765 – 1844)

 They who seek the throne of grace

Find that throne in every place;

If we live a life of prayer,

God is present everywhere.

In our sickness and our health,

In our want, or in our wealth,

If we look to God in prayer,

God is present everywhere.

When our earthly comforts fail,

When the woes of life prevail,

‘Tis the time for earnest prayer;

God is present everywhere.

Then, my soul, in every strait

To thy Father come, and wait;

He will answer every prayer;

God is present everywhere.

Amen.

I found these lyrics by chance as I looked through a songbook with a signature and date of 1890 on the front piece. I loved the rhythm of the lyrics/poem and thought they were perfect for my April 6th Signpost.

I also enjoyed learning about Oliver Holden’s life. A carpenter by trade, he fought in the Revolutionary War.

I stumbled upon this amazing rendition of the song while searching for the tune on YouTube. I was astonished by the beauty and rendition of the lyrics, some added by the additional composer. The song touches my heart. I hope it touches yours as well. Because I am not sure about the copyright of this song, I am only posting a link to it. Thanks so much.

God is Present Everywhere – Matt Jackson

Photo Challenges – The #’s Game 66

On By TimelessladyIn photo challenges9 Comments

I haven’t participated in Judy Dykstra Brown’s Numbers Game for quite a while. I came upon the challenge today, and happily, I had three photos that were either 187, this week’s number, or had a sequential run that included 187.

The first is a photo of a beach on Block Island, Rhode Island. We spent many happy vacations there, and I am so glad I took dozens of photographs on each trip.

The two tulip photos were sequential, having 187 in their number. They are a perfect addition to the challenge for this time of year. 

I love tulips. The outdoor varieties are just now beginning to open up. They aren’t as long-lived as the daffodils and never seem to spread, but they are beloved when they appear. Tulips are also a favorite of mine to purchase as vased-cut flowers. They always are a cure for the winter blues in the middle of February.

People – St. Patrick’s Day

On By TimelessladyIn People12 Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In honor of my grandfather, half-Irish, on his mother’s side. She was born in Galway County, Ireland.

The clover isn’t out yet. A few more days of warmth and the shamrocks will begin to emerge. I always find a four-leaf clover or more in the yard.

Postcards – The Good News

On By TimelessladyIn Postcards8 Comments

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ~John 14:2-3 (NKJV)

Do you know Him? My Jesus…

He will receive you freely. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior, believe that only He can save you from your sins, and commit your life to Him.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33 (NKJV)

Pheathers and Philm – Weekend Matinee/The Birds

On By TimelessladyIn Pheathers, Philm5 Comments

I have a few favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and one of the top three is The Birds. The film was released in March 1963. It’s hard to believe it was created so long ago. Even though I have seen it multiple times, I still find it engrossing. Writing this review is beginning to beguile me to watch it again. The film is available in many venues and is often available to rent in DVD form in public libraries.

A real-life story about birds behaving badly takes place in Ocean City, New Jersey. We are regular beachgoers in the summer, and Ocean City is one of our favorite spots to visit. Unfortunately, they have a problem with ornery seagulls. The birds have become masters at stealing food from those walking on the boardwalk or sunning on the beach.

Seagulls have victimized my family; although it is funny, it leaves you hungry to have most of your hoagie or french fries stolen right out of your hand or lap. The birds have even learned how to get into beach bags and will drag a bag of potato chips across the sand until it bursts and the contents spill out.

The town has found a way to combat the problem naturally by using predatory birds. The hawks and falcons don’t need to attack any of the gulls or smaller birds; all they need to do is be visible and fly along the boardwalk and beach a few times, and all the seagulls leave for a friendlier boardwalk and beach.

Although having my snacks or lunch stolen by a seagull is extremely aggravating, I still love seabirds. Hearing that distinctive cry of a gull passing overhead always gives me a bit of a thrill. The ocean and seaside are one of my favorite spots in the world.

Phloral Arrangement – IAVOM/Forced Tulips

On By TimelessladyIn Phloral Arrangements20 Comments

A few weeks ago, I brought some tulip bulbs into the house from the cold confines of the garage and placed them on a bed of rock and water. They began to grow almost immediately, and this week they bloomed. They are a short variety of tulip called Antoinette. As they mature, they will lose their vibrant yellow color and become creamy. They are delightful to see as we gather at the kitchen table. A burst of Springtime for the winter-weary; they bring high hopes for warmer weather in March.

This is the first time I’ve posted on IAVOM (In A Vase on Monday) in quite a while. There hasn’t been much in the garden to pick and display. Thanks to the host, Rambling in the Garden. I’ve enjoyed being able to take part this week.

Philm – Weekend Matinee/Two Romances to Close out February

On By TimelessladyIn Philm4 Comments

A Walk in the Clouds is a movie I can watch repeatedly and always come away from feeling happy. A beautiful setting, after World War II, in California Wine country creates a perfect backdrop. A Walk in the Clouds can be found free (with ads) on YouTube. Take a peek at the Movie Trailer I’ve included to see if it might be a weekend romance you’d enjoy. It is rated PG-13, but a few scenes might be inappropriate for younger children.

I recently rewatched Return to Me on Amazon Prime. I had forgotten what a sweet movie it is, graced with a stellar cast of characters. I won’t give away the plot other than to say it is a wonderful romance. Return to Me is also free on YouTube with ads.

Full YouTube Movie Links (With ads)

A Walk in the Clouds

Return to Me

Perspective – Throwback Thursday/Grandpa and the SS United States

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective7 Comments

For years, as we have crossed the Delaware River into Philadelphia, the Walt Whitman Bridge has given us a view of the SS United States in dock since the 1990s.

Photos Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

I have always felt a kinship with the ocean liner. My grandfather worked as a painter for most of his life in the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, or as our family called it, the Shipyard. Yesterday, when it began its final voyage down the Delaware River towards its resting place in the Gulf near Destin,Florida or Mobile, Alabama, I became a bit teary watching the live YouTube video of its progress.

We often eat at the restaurant, Riverwinds, shown in the aerial view of the Delaware as the ship moves down the river.

I’m delighted the ship was not scrapped for parts. Instead, it will be sunk and become a reef, preventing erosion. It will likely become an interesting destination for divers. I like to think of colorful fish and coral ‘painting’ the ship with the help of God’s hand.