Photos of the Week

My photos for the week taken at Red Butte Gardens.....

I could visit this place every week, but we usually only go on the free days once or twice a year.  I just love being surrounded by all the beautiful plants.  I could take pictures of them all day!  And to think this is all possible in the desert!

Photos of the Week

My hollyhocks are in full bloom......

The only problem I have with them is that they fall over so easily.  We had to stake them down.  But they are so pretty and kind of rare these days.  They are old fashioned flowers (at least around here) and that's part of the reason I like them so much :)

Photos of the Week... and a belated giveaway winner!

My photos from my busy and fun 4th of July weekend.....

After partying with family for the 4th, we actually made it to the mountains to go camping last weekend... the first time in about 6 years!  It was amazingly beautiful and green, but it dumped buckets of rain on us at night and our tent is not completely rain proof... so we got a little wet, but we survived! It felt good to get away and be in nature for a day :)

And I know I promised to announce a Craftsy Class Giveaway Winner last week, but I didn't get the winner picked out until today... so please accept my apologies.

So, our winner is........ Christina@homeofcreativity.co.za!

Congratulations!  You will be receiving a link to sign up for a free Craftsy Fine Art Class soon!

Photos of the Week

Happy July Everyone!  I hope you have some fun plans now that summer is in full swing!

We've been keeping busy with family and the great outdoors and...... the cherries from my tree :)  The world is a beautiful place this time of year and I find myself taking pictures constantly.  I got some good ones of this little bird in my back yard.  I think it must be injured because it just sat on my deck railing for about an hour without moving, even when I got really close to it.  Never seen that before.

Photos of the Week

Oh summer... I live for this time of year!  These pics are from a walk we took over the weekend on the river trail.   Lots of bugs and lots of weeds, but it was still nice. The spiky weeds have these pretty purple flowers all over them that I couldn't stop taking shots of.

I'm still not sleeping that well, but at least I now have a nice massage chair to help my back muscles relax.  It has prevented a couple of migraines already!

Photos of the Week

The cherries on my tree are just about ready to eat... yum!

It's been a rough couple of days.  Not much sleep for reasons I don't understand.  Sometimes my body just won't let me sleep and it's frustrating.  Today I'm taking it easy and watching movies at home.  My amazing husband is taking his own vacation time to help me out with the little guy too.  I couldn't make it without my husband :)

Photos of the Week

"Don't waste your money on a new set of speakers

You get more mileage from a cheap pair of sneakers"

Guess that song?  It's an older one... but probably not considered an "oldie" yet.   I was listening to it as I walked around my neighborhood in my new running shoes.  The last time I bought new running shoes was in 2005- yikes!  Tells ya how much I haven't exercised in the last 8 years!  

While I can't really run yet (every time I try I end up with a migraine), I still love walking.  This is the most beautiful time of year and even though I don't live in the nicest neighborhood, it still has some beauty.  I'll just say that older homes have character :)

Photos of the Week

What's your favorite flower?

I have a hard time choosing between hollyhocks and geraniums.  Luckily I have both planted in my yard at the moment!  The hollyhocks haven't bloomed yet, so I've been enjoying my potted geraniums on my deck.  Never underestimate the power of surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.  It's so good for your mind and soul :)

Photo of the Week

Love this time of year....... love the lilacs!  These are from a neighbors yard that I walk by often.  We've planted two tiny lilac bushes in our yard and I can't for them to grow up and produce blossoms like these :)  

Hope you're all having a good start to your week!

Photos of the Past Two Weeks in California

I'm back from California! Bet ya didn't even know I was gone, right?  I try not to advertise online when I'm going away, especially if it's for two whole weeks like this time.  Southern California is crowded and not too kid-friendly, but man, is it gorgeous! This trip was worth saving for!  Here are a few- ok actually a lot- of photos of what I enjoyed :)

We visited LOTS of beaches, always my favorite, and a few other places in LA,Orange County, and San Diego you might recognize.  My little Porter LOVED Disneyland and it turns out that the beginning of May is the best time to go there - 68 degrees and not crowded- awesome! 

I tried to keep up with emails and comments while away. I think I replied to all of you who have your emails linked to your comments at least.  As always, thanks for your comments- they mean a lot to me!