The Last of the Summer Flowers

Here are the last bouquets of the summer.  The last little bit of happiness the garden offers before all turns to orange and brown.  It is amazing how a few cut flowers brought into your home can cheer the atmosphere!  I love roses!  The more you cut, the more they grow.   A little work and the joy that it brings is endless.  It doesn't get any better than that. 

Here is an exerpt from Country Living magazine from several years ago that I really enjoyed!

To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch the renewal of life -- this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.

-Charles Dudley Warner,

My Summer in a Garden(1870)

Collecting Vintage Ephemera

Above is a vintage 1916 bluebird postcard from my collection. I love collecting vintage greeting cards and postcards.  They have such wonderful artwork and cheerful messages.  It is easy on the wallet.  I usually find mine for around a dollar a piece.  If I am lucky I stumble along them for less or I get a bundle for a couple bucks.  An easy way to start your collection is through eBay.  I have found many vintage treasures online.  The cost for shipping is minimal for such items.  Happy Collecting!

Collecting Things You Love

I have found that when I am drawn to something, whether it is because the color is speaking to me or it has a time worn charm, that it all seems to work well together in my home. Many people try to match their decor. I believe that you should stick to what you love. There is something comforting when you are surrounded by vintage items mixed carefully with new items that have been thoughtfully arranged in your home. Inside you, there is an artist, even if you don't know it. It doesn't have to be expensive to collect treasured items. Often times I find them at garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales and my favorite local antique shops.