Making the most of it~

~When Life Gives You Lemons... Make Limoncello".

I do love this little quote- and I do enjoy a thimbleful of Limoncello every now and then.

~When Life Gives You Rain... Make The Most of The Day".

~*~

Remember this graphic? I used a few months ago. I'll probably use it again~it's a favorite!

Well, today I decided to embrace the wet weather- what else can you do, really? It was a great day for visiting the new market in town, restocking, cleaning the refrigerator and getting things done so the weekend will be free to enjoy. YES!!! Sunny skies are headed our way!

Have a wonderful weekend. And if you have lemons... make Limoncello.

If it rains... take a long walk with one of your snazzy umbrellas.

Rain~Rain Go Away...

~My boring black umbrella~

We are having so much rain...like many of you. I am keeping my boring, black umbrella close by at all times. I don't leave the house without it and I have an extra in my car. It's boring though! I think if we're going to have all of this rain-I may need an umbrella that's a bit more stylish! Do you have a sharp, stylish umbrella?

Perhaps you just grab your partner's golf umbrella?







Maybe when you want to puddle-jump you have this ducky little number?






This is a stylish, classic pattern!

Maybe something a little wild and crazy?

To mimic all of those tiny raindrops-don't you love this polka-dot umbrella?

It's raining cats...and DOGS !

A bold tartan! Perfect for a fall or holiday rainfall.

This one reminds me of a racing flag.

A bright, snazzy umbrella to cheer the gloomiest day.


Do you have a sharp, fun or wacky umbrella? Is it getting plenty of use this summer?

~*~

As I write, I am seeing just a glimmer of sun! I'm going to dash off for a quick walk...but I'm taking my boring black umbrella... just in case.

Beautiful Hydrangea~

~Lace Cap Hydrangea~

These beautiful Lace Cap Hydrangea were everywhere this weekend. I was visiting the south shore of Massachusetts- and it was abundant in gorgeous blue Hydrangeas of every variety.

~Busy-Bee~

This little Bumble Bee was busy gathering nectar from this Lace Cap Hydrangea.

We have a yard full of Endless Summer Hydrangea~ they are a real favorite of ours. I have posted about them before- you can read that post here.

If you have a fondness for this beautiful shade of blue- and you love the glorious flower of the Hydrangea, I encourage you to try the Endless Summer variety of Hydrangea- perfect for colder climates.

Unfortunately, the Lace Cap Hydrangea does not winter well here in the northeast, but it does very well in Massachusetts and areas south of Massachusetts.

My bags are packed...I'm ready to go!

~Lots of books~

I'm leaving for the beach-with books, sketch pad and camera all tucked safely away in my tote.

I hope you have a great weekend.

~*~

See you right back here next week!

A little more SUMMER music~

~Summer~

Another easy, breezy CD for SUMMER listening. Not that easy to locate~ but if you can, it's so worth the effort. Just right for a long drive to a get-away weekend.

A few still available available here.

Leaving Saturday morning for a few short days at the beach.

I plan to read, relax, and listen to lots of SUMMER music.

~*~

What are your weekend plans? I just glanced at the calendar and realized that there isn't much of SUMMER left. Time to squeeze in all of the adventures that we promised ourselves last winter...

Somehow my blog list has vanished-have no idea...just gone!

Computers and blogger!

Perfect for a Quiet Night~

~Diana Krall~

~Quiet Nights~

My husband LOVES Diana Krall- and he should! She is fabulous!

I got this CD for him as a birthday gift. I think I listen to it as much as he does.

Perfect music for summer evenings.

Available Here.

My best Quiet Nights are spent with you!

XOX

Little Black Dress

I'm searching for the elusive, perfect, little black dress...

Not too short~

Not too clingy~

But just right~

We have a couple of events coming up that call for the wardrobe staple.

Any suggestions?

~*~

Are you lucky enough to own the 'Perfect Black Dress'?

The dress that is your go-to item for almost any occasion?

Out and about~

~LL BEAN- Hunting and Fishing Store~

~Saturday~

We were off to Freeport and Portland.

This is the new hunting and fishing annex at LL BEAN. It's really fabulous! Especially if you're into hunting and fishing... My husband is definitely into fly fishing, so we stopped here for some supplies. Then on to the Flagship store.

~Beautiful wood carvings at LL BEAN~

LL BEAN and all of the outlet shops in Freeport are about 40 minutes from our home. This is not the time of year to shop there, as anyone that visits Maine in the summer stops in Freeport!

~Whole Foods~

Fresh-made sausage, figs, steak and sweet ginger cookies here!

Saturday was a fun-filled day-spent shopping and poking around Portland's Old Port.

~My lovely niece and her fiance~

~Sunday~

My sister and I headed back to Freeport and Yarmouth. We were meeting my niece and her fiance, who were in Maine for a wedding. They live in San Francisco, so any chance we have to get together is special.

We had lunch here!

Another day spent, enjoying beautiful Maine weather and spending time with family.

Were you out and about this past weekend?

I hope you enjoyed family, friends, fun and fabulous food.

Please visit HERE for a fab, fun giveaway. The lovely Tonya at Kotori has just launched her new shop. These pieces are simply beautiful. The possibilities for gift-giving are endless.

Drop by and take a peek.

More studio dreams~

I adore small, cozy out-buildings! I would be ever so happy with any one of these as my studio.... This first one, with its gorgeous gardens to beckon me nearer.




This Gothic, with a rain barrel right outside the door. The statuary would be inspiration for a special Lifescape.




The French doors would let in light, and I could putter in the little herb garden when I felt the need for an afternoon break.




I would hang lots of wind-chimes in the outside entry-way. This would provide lovely music in which to work peacefully.

Not so much for the light, but the angled interior would make for interesting placement of all of my art supplies and funky furnishings.

The thatched roof gives this one the feel of old England.

I know I would have a jolly good time here!

I would languish with a glass of lemonade on the little porch area and then kitty and I would get to work inside. Me with my brushes and she settling in for a long nap.

A very private space in which to get lost...for hours!

Perhaps perfection~ plenty of light, a bistro table and chairs for sharing a glass of wine at days end.

Even more perfection- with gentle rolling waters right outside my door...

Ahhhh... to dream.

Do you dream of a private, special spot in which to work...or play?

Fabulous Farm Store~

~Fentiman's Botanically Brewed Tonic Water~

This little bottle of Tonic Water- makes the very best Gin and Tonic. Found at The Green Spot farm store.

If you enjoy a summery gin and tonic- look for this! You'll never want regular tonic water again. It's even great as a refreshing beverage by itself!

~Farm Stand~

Actually, it's a farm store! The bright yellow building has been in business for 30 years-run by two sisters. There are no business cards or website- the name is The Green Spot!

~*~

It was a bright yellow spot in my day! This place had it all. Wonderful meats, a bakery that was amazing, homemade pickles of every kind, wine, nuts and the produce... oh, the produce. There was everything one could ever want...except for my figs {and they are due in any day now}.

There were lobsters-fresh from the Atlantic, crab, clams- and really just about anything you could ever want to make a fresh, delicious, dinner-Maine style!

Oh, I could have spent hours poking about the shelves of homemade jams, jellies, relishes, dips-and jars upon jars of fun candy for the little tykes.
The Green Spot is about 35 minutes from our home... but that's not too far to travel to support our local farmers, fishermen, bakers and candy makers!

~*~

I know that our friend over at PvE grew up helping out at the family fruit market.

Oh to be a guest at that dinner table!

~*~

Do you have a favorite go to farm stand? I'd love to hear about the offerings.

~*~
Of course I didn't expect to fall in love, so I didn't have my camera. Photo compliments of google search.

Guest Bungalow~

~Guest Bungalow~

This is a small section of a completed Lifescape. This one is going to a woman that has been renting this adorable guest bungalow. It's a very sweet cottage at the rear of the main house on the property. She will be moving on to a new and exciting phase in her life. The Lifescape includes some of her favorite activities, special pets and the Lupines that wildly surround the fields overlooking the nearby lake.

Perhaps you know of someone that may like to have all of their favorites illustrated in a Lifescape. It's a personal and lasting gift of memories and special events.

Dinner with Friends~

~Dinner with Friends~





Last evening we had dinner with our very good friends. Reconnecting with good friends when it's been far too long.



~Friendship is such a gift~



Admittedly ran short on time for a creative post- but this was one of those simply great evenings.

Photo source~ Real Simple

What will it be?

~Chilled Pinot Grigio~

When my husband gets home from work we love to chat about our day over a beverage. My cocktail of choice is a glass of nicely chilled Pinot Grigio.

~Fresh Strawberry Daiquiri~

But last Sunday, he made these... Fresh strawberry daiquiris. I had frozen lots of whole strawberries last June and there were a few bags left. The daiquiris were cold, refreshing, not too sweet and just right for a quiet Sunday evening.

~*~

Do you have a special beverage~ virgin or otherwise that you enjoy at the end of a busy day or on quiet Sunday evening?

My Week~

~Sketch and paint~

Getting started on a new Lifescape. My very favorite subject too!!!

~A trim and color~

Just has to be done... long over-due!

~Auto Repairs~

Just has to be done.... Water coming in from somewhere!

~Laundry~

Well... you know the drill...Just has to be done!

~*~

What's on your "to do" list for the week?

~*~

Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Pizza Salad~

~Pizza Salad~



This is a {light} way to enjoy two favorites. Make or purchase a good, thin crust pizza. When warm from the oven, top it with your favorite salad. I think it's the perfect Sunday summer supper.

This also works well for an impromptu lunch with friends or drop-by guests.

At this time of year when we have an abundance of fresh greens and other delicious vegetables, it's a nice change- and really... kids love it. "Eat some of your veggies and then you get to have pizza".

Hope you all have a yummy Sunday!

A Special Belated Birthday Party~

~Cupcakes~

~Erin- 4 years old~

Our darling Granddaughter Erin, turned four on June 13th. We were not able to have the whole family together, so we will celebrate today. There will be sunshine, balloons, cake, ice cream, swimming, a barbecue, gifts and the all of our family in attendance! It really doesn't get any better than this.

~Happy Birthday Sweetheart~

Cupcake photo~ Google images

Erin Photo~ Pop-Pop