Coastal Memories

I saw this beautiful oil painting on Esty done by the talented Shelley Koopmann (Please check out her shop, PastelPaletteArtwork).  To me it conjures up very fond memories of combing the beaches of Maine looking for sea glass, shells, and any other treasures that can be found.  A wave would go out, and I'd be tempted to venture quickly out on the shiny, wet sand for that too-tempting-to-leave gorgeous piece of roughed up glass, only to have to hurry back quickly before the wave came roaring back trying to get my shoes wet. 

I like that his picture has a lady fully clothed on a beach...it is usually quite cool on the beaches of Maine even in the summer. This is how I was usually dressed.  Only the heartiest actually swim in the frigid northern Atlantic!  I remember my feet going numb quite quickly --not to mention ache!--whenever I decided to take off my shoes and socks and venture out into the water to my ankles.  It has been many years since we've had the chance to go to Maine.  It is definitely a destination spot--not one of those places that you can just stop at on your way to someplace else.  Perhaps next year we will have the chance to go and comb the beautiful beaches while filling our lungs with the fresh salt air--much like our lady above is doing.  But, until then, I shall just enjoy Shelley's artwork and the wonderful memories it brings. 

Huge Summer Sale!!

Having a short, summer sale the next two days in my Etsy shop.  Enter "SUMMER40" in the coupon code section to receive 40% off your order. 

A Door County Sunset

We went up to Door County...the county in Wisconsin's peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan...last week for a little bit of R&R and camping.  We froze at night in our little tent, believe it or not, but had a great time.  We hiked and fished and shopped.  We went to Wilson's under their famous red and white striped awnings for ice cream.  We had a yummy cinnamon roll at Grandma's Swedish Bakery at the Wagon Wheel Resort.  We walked among the boats at different marinas in the little towns up the coast.  We saw the goats on the grassy roof of Al Johnson's restaurant. It was a perfect few days, and we left relaxed and refreshed (as we always leave Door County).  Did you see the feature in Victoria magazine about Door County?  I haven't read it yet but was glad that Door County was getting some much deserved attention.

A "big deal" is to watch the sun set in the evening--hoping to see a "green flash" after the sun goes down.  One evening we watched from Sunset Park in Fish Creek, and the second evening we climbed the 75 foot tower at Peninsula State Park and watched from there.  When we got to the top...and well out of breath...I saw this pretty sailboat heading into the harbor.  I love the color of the sails.

Then we watched the sun set from our wonderful vantage point.

Going....

Going...

Going...

Gone! 

Ahhh...while we never did see that green flash, it was definitely another end to another perfect day in Door County. 

Catching Up

It HAS been awhile since I blogged last.  Life has gotten busy.  There is only so much time in a day to get things done.  My little blog has suffered.  I can't possibly go back to when I blogged last and catch up on everything.  But I shall try....

In a nutshell:  We finished school at the end of May.  The kids did well this past year, and I'm very pleased with their work.  They are taking a break from violin for the summer but are still working on their piano lessons.  Our daughter is taking swimming lessons to get a little more confident in the water than she is.  We are still doing those lessons, and I certainly see improvement in just this short time.  They are also taking art lessons this summer. 

We went camping for two nights already.  It was fun to get away, and we hope to do some more in a few weeks.  No big vacation is planned this year--just short camping trips around the state.  We really would like to get up to Door County this summer.  I see the newest issue of Victoria magazine has a nice article on Door County.  They are well deserving of the publicity.  It really is pretty and relaxing up there in the "thumb" of Wisconsin.

There have been plenty of parties we've been going to:  graduation, birthday, etc.  My mother-in-law's 70th is on July 4th, and we are helping with a big celebration for her. 

I've been working on many projects.  Unfortunately sales have been a little low, but that is to be expected this time of year when there is so much going on and people are putting their money toward vacations and family get-togethers.  I've been working on some felt projects (I really do enjoy making felt things) and, of course, my vintage jewelry embellishment projects. 

 

Mom and I are thinking of trying a craft show this fall.  She has been in many; I haven't been in any.  We're waiting approval.  I'm not very good at "production", but if we are approved to be in it, I will need to work on that until November. 

Well, I'll try to be more faithful at writing in the days ahead.  Happy summer day to you.

Home Again

I'm back!  My husband had his vacation early this year.  We saved our pennies and worked very hard (especially my husband...working extra hours to save up) and went away to Montana for just shy of two weeks.  It is a state we had always wanted to go to.  Of course, driving out there and back took four days total--it was long but worth every mile.  We went to upper Wyoming first going to Cody and splurging on a rodeo (the kids loved it!) and driving through Yellowstone National Park where we saw Old Faithful, the Beehive, and of course many sulfer-smelling, steaming pools.

We drove through the Bighorn National Forest.  Wonderful! 

Yes, it was a little chilly, but the mountains were gorgeous and the wildflowers were a delight.
We then went on up to Montana where we gold panned (didn't find anything) and searched for sapphires (did find many...but I'm saving that for another post!).  We stayed in camping cabins (thankfully there were heaters in most--froze one night in a cabin that didn't have a heater!) and had many picnics.  I was able to do a little bit of shopping (a different post on one of those places).  My husband enjoyed a little fishing on Father's Day after church...because it was Father's Day it was a no-license day! 

I enjoyed the mountain roses everywhere.

We went up the northwest side of the state and spent time at Glacier National Park before coming home.  We saw plenty of exciting wildlife.

Due to rain and the snowmelt, the rivers, falls, and streams were swollen and rushing...but beautiful. 

The Indian Paintbrushes were everywhere.

The "Going-to-the-Sun" road (the one that goes over the mountains in the park) was opened the second day we were there.

 It was quite a ride, to say the least, but we enjoyed it!

We had a super family time and totally enjoyed God's awesome creation. 

What I sent to Deb

 
This is what I sent off to Deb (Garage Sale Gal) in the Bloggerette Sorority Summertime Matchbox Swap.  Deb likes yellow and pink, so I made her a box with those colors (and some sparkles, of course!).

Inside I put lots of vintage bits and tried to keep in mind her favorite colors of yellow and pink-- including a pretty doily with small yellow and pink flowers, golden vintage thread, some metal stars, a string of pearls, and a house-shaped tea strainer.

I added some vintage paper bits, a round container of glass beads including little fish beads, and a mini salt shaker with sea glass in it from Maine.

I also put in a little box filled with pretty buttons (including an ice cream cone button) and baubles with summer colors and themes.

Deb was a great partner, and this was certainly a fun swap.

Long Overdue Swap Exchange Post

My apologies to Deb of Garage Sale Gal fame--my swap partner in the Bloggerette Sorority "Summer Matchbox Swap".  Deb was a fabulous swap partner.  She sent me this most beautiful matchbox that she decorated.

The theme of the box had to be "summertime".  Deb knew I like pink and green and did a great job combining the colors I like with pretty shells.  Isn't that rose "drawer pull" pretty?   



Inside she put a whole bunch of fun and pretty things--things she made, vintage things--all with a summery theme.  She decorated some clothespins with tiny, colored shells.  Sooo, pretty!



Then, what she couldn't fit in the matchbox Deb kindly sent along in a pretty pink scarf.  I especially loved the vintage strawberry perfume from Avon.
 
Then to top it all off...Deb sent an extra thank you note for what I sent to her.  She was a great partner, and I'm very appreciative for all the effort and time she put into this swap.  Thanks, Deb!

Little Teaser for Deb

Sent off Deb's (of Garage Sale Gal) swap box today as part of the Bloggerette Sorority's "Summertime Matchbox Swap."  Here is a little, itty, bitty teaser of what her box is like.  I hope she likes what's inside.  I'll do a full post with pictures once I know she has it.