Design-A-Weekend

I believe I mentioned I would be gone backpacking over the weekend.

But I wasn’t. We canceled our trip due to…

Waaaaiiiiit for it----

Ya. Typical. I’m used to it. And I love rain. You just gotta be flexible.

So the plan changed, no biggie.

As for me, I sorta designed my own weekend.

We thought using a pane of glass over tomatoes was a great idea. But even this did not have any tomatoes. Only blooms. It has been a really odd weather summer.

It involved coffee and quiet times, school prep, visiting the GW (several of them) and several antique malls, rummaging through a barn sale and some estate sales, hanging out with lady friends at a ranch in the evenings, then driving home each night and sleeping in my own bed.

This mall is located in an actual barn and is pretty quaint

Except for missing hiking, this was the perfect blend for me. I love digging, so all of the rummaging through things was fun. I love being with gal pals and big old lodges. I have weird sleeping patterns and the idea of waking up and having to lay awake and stare at the ceiling quietly for hours, in the dark of the night, made me feel claustrophobic. So having the ranch within an hour’s drive was perfect so I could hang out, but then sleep in my own bed.

I saw several string holders in one mall. I have seen them before, but not many. So it was funny to see about five in one trip.This one was especially cute, in a 60’s sort of way.

This canister set is so cute. And in really good shape. I was tempted.

But I am holding out for turquoise.

Sorry about the reflection. But it is a mirror after all.

At one sale the guy pointed into his shop where lots of things are stored and said “everything’s for sale --- even up there”, and pointed to the rickety ladder on the right! Turns out he is an artist and has his sculptures in galleries all over the country. It was interesting to talk to him and see his studio and work area.

Here is one of my estate sale finds. It was already a great deal at $300.00.

I placed a bid for $100.00 and, when it didn’t sell, I was the only bid, so my bid won.

(I didn’t buy the doll head!)

Grain storage barn, moody against the rainy night sky

Cozy place for playing games and fireside chats

What would you do if you planned a perfect weekend “off”?

This was a great weekend for me and I feel refreshed. I am looking forward to tying up some loose ends around home and finally taking that camping trip later this week!

My Favorite: Herb

Hands down, my favorite herb is fresh BASIL.

I eat it in salads. I eat it in eggs. I used it for my Caprese Salad yesterday.

I make fresh cheese sometimes, just to honor it.

The green color in some of these cheese designs, from my class, is basil.

I love the way it looks and the way it smells. I am sad when summer passes and it is hard to find it fresh.

Yesterday I found a way to extend the season just a little…

This is hydroponic basil. That means it is grown in water. It is sold with it’s root system intact, so all you have to do is stick it in water on your window sill. It was $3.99 a package. It says there are 2 plants, but both of the packages I bought had three each.

Look how sweet it looks on my sill. Hopefully I can find these year round.

Beautiful roots.

It sure smells good! I hope you can find it at a store near you!

I’m going to make some eggs for breakfast!

Whimsy On Wednesday: Hidden Treasure

"A bird's not defined by being grounded but by his ability to fly. Remember this, humans are not defined by their limitations, but by the intentions I have for them; not by what they seem to be, but by everything it means to be created in my image." ~W. Young

The whimsy I have had on my mind the last couple of days is the little piece of “dog”wood above. My grandpa found it once, long ago. I think it was in his kindling pile. He polished it, gave it a coat of veneer and put a little hook in it so he could hang it on their wall.

Since he passed, I have had it on my wall. It is funny how something so simple and sort of silly can make me think of deeper things.





I love it when people see things with rose colored glasses. Glass half full types, who have a tendency to look on the bright side. People who see the best in others, and the sweetness in life. Bright eyed optimists who see hidden treasure.
My grandpa did that, even with everyday things like the piece of “dog”wood. My grandma is that way, especially about people. 

I think God is that way too, when He thinks about us.

I am reminded of the quote above (below the picture) which I once read in a book I tried more than four times to finish but never did. It reminds me that it is okay to be on the path I am walking right now -- the beaten zigzag of learning and making mistakes and not being who I was created to be on a given day.
Because walking this path, as confused as I sometimes find myself, and how, so many times, I am just bumbling through like a bull in a china closet, it is all part of becoming ‘enlightened’ to who I truly am, causing me to grow into who I was created to be. And, more importantly, to really know Who God is and what He planned for me to do here (Ephesians 1:17-18).
I am still learning. And that’s okay. God sees me as that girl. Already, today.



I hope that, today, you can find something sweet and unexpected, some whimsy in an everyday thing, reminding you that you are a work in progress...

And you are beautiful.

Oh and look, by way of a foggy follow-up, here’s another reminder… I’d love it if you gave this song a listen while you look at the pictures below. Beautiful, sung acapella by Rescue. Fog keeps us from seeing what is underneath. But it still looks really beautiful.

This fog dissipated in a matter of a few minutes, while I got my coffee.

And I could again see the fertile valley below.

Whimsy On Wednesday, My Napoleon Dynamite Chair

Awhile back I posted about how much I love whimsy, and why. I meant to start posting about whimsical things sometimes, thinking "Whimsical Wednesdays" has a cute ring to it.

That was awhile ago and, well-- no more whimsy has made it’s way to this blog, on a Wednesday or any other day. At least not intentionally. But you can bet I have been collecting whimsy in real life. I like a little chuckle, something that tickles my fancy, every once in awhile. It sort of breaks up the monotony around here, the hum-drum of everyday life...because that really happens alot around here, as you can imagine.

One of my friends commented, “Unfortunately, that line between whimsical and tacky is varying widths, and some folks need glasses to find it.” Okay, THAT made me laugh because it is so true! I hope I don’t cross that line.

But you might wonder when you see my whimsy for today…

Since I referred to it last week, I thought that, today, I’d post about my cheerful and ugly whimsical chair.

Here’s the picture from Craigslist. It’s a little blurry because it’s a picture of a picture that I took to send to my niece. I knew she’d laugh.

This is my Napoleon Dynamite Chair. It’s a 1940’s chair with 1970’s upholstery. I bought it off Craigslist for 50 bucks. I love the eclectic, risky retro feel of it.

And anyway, it’s sort of a test piece. Right away I have a gauge by which to measure one’s likes and dislikes, maybe even personality or mood, based on their reaction to this chair when walking into our music room.

It sort of takes you by surprise when you walk by the door and ---WHOA! There it is!

I think that’s funny. I love seeing and doing the unexpected.

I’m not loving the area rug, so it will eventually be changed.

When I sit there, I am surrounded by things I really like, many of which remind me of people or events I treasure. I even love the french doors leading into the room.

Some people don’t like my silly chair. That doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. Because I know it’s questionable. Even my own sons don’t like my chair. I think that’s funny too.

Personally, I think it’s a hoot -- not to mention practical. It has really wide, flat arms where I can rest a book (or a magazine) or a cup of coffee. I keep a Bible which belonged to Grandma M, an adopted grandma of ours who recently passed away, on one of those arms too, where I can think of her often.

My sons say there is a floral couch in the movie Napoleon Dynamite which they think looks alot like my chair. They paused the movie at just the right moment and showed me which couch they meant. It was important to their emotional development that I acknowledge the similarity. And, being the caring, sensitive mom that I am, I went with it. And, ya, okay, I’ll admit -- it does have the same basic colors. But mine has a much denser floral pattern. It’s even a bit louder!

There it is, all situated and comfy. You can see how big and cozy it is when I curl up in it, cuddled up in the blanket the stewardess told me I could take if I didn’t tell because she isn’t supposed to advertise that we can take them I acquired from Lufthansa, once fall sets in. In a long, long time from today.

That blanket, though tucked under the pillow and not really a compliment to the chair, gives me something to snuggle in, and reminds me of the trip I took to India and the precious people there, who I will always remember.

The picture that hangs above it was left to me by Grandma K, another adopted grandma. She was our neighbor when we first got married. Her husband gave it to her when they were dating and he wrote on the back of it. I always admired it hanging on her living room wall. So here it hangs in our home, where I think of her every day. It is perfect for a music room.

Even the books and the plant on the table are special for one reason or another. The chair just gives me one central place where I can have all of that loving goodness in one very whimsical spot!

What whimsy do you have in your life that makes you chuckle, or think about those you love?

I love whimsy.

I’ve been saving it up so I have lots to share too!

What Do You Subscribe to?

I used to be a voracious reader. Seriously, I’d read book after book after book. I still enjoy reading, but my choices are so much different. I rarely read a novel anymore. It’s usually a biography or more of an informational/instructional book. Or a story I am reading to or with one of my children for school or for fun. Novels don’t seem to capture my attention enough to really get into them.

I do enjoy reading magazine articles, especially with beautiful pictures. I can get from the beginning to the end within one cup of coffee or tea, curled up on my new Napoleon Dynamite Chair (more on that another day) from Craigslist.

For years, my dear Gramsie subscribed to Guideposts and Reader’s Digest for us. Those were sweet and pleasant reads. Sometimes they were informational, sometimes inspirational, but almost always at least casually enjoyable. Guideposts stopped coming a few years ago. But this is the first year of no RD. Gran is winding down and it’s sorta hard to experience the process, even if it is just a magazine.

Back in the day, I subscribed to a certain magazine. Mostly because I liked the idea of it. Looking at it made me feel like, by merely having it on my coffee table, I’d be able to create a ethereal, magical home with lots of feminine appeal. Oh, and INCREDIBLE gardens. Wondrous, lush havens where we could find a cool respite on a hot day, glass of lemonade in hand, whilst whiling away our leisure time.

Well, namely:

Can you see why I felt that way?

Well, that was short lived. I think I subscribed off and on for a year or two. Being married and working full time, then being pregnant and sick, then being a mother – life was busy and finances were low.

Oh, I recently noticed they are back in print so I went to their website to check it out.

“Serenity awaits you in every issue of Victoria magazine. Unabashedly feminine, Victoria offers the best in charming home décor, gracious gardens, entertaining touches, intimate profiles of inspiring women, and off-the-beaten-path travel destinations. Leave the every-day behind with Victoria. “

Well, according to this, I still could create that magical oasis -- if I subscribe. They have a free issue offer, so maybe I’ll sign up for it and maybe we’ll see. <Probably not.>

Then I subscribed to this more practical resource (calling it a resource makes it sound very utilitarian, thereby justifying the cost. Very clever.):

Yummy – This issue is even about soup, my fave!

I have subscribed to this for years and years. And I use it all of the time. And I have all of my back issues. My kids use it each year for our extended family cookie contest at Christmas. There are recipes I’ve made for most of the kid’s lives in it, including special things I make almost every holiday. I LOVE it. Very practical recipes, not calling for alot of ingredients I don’t already have or frequently use. Yes, you can get many of their recipes online. But not all of them. And I don’t always want to pull up the internet every time I want to cook. My kids, especially my daughter, also enjoy looking through it. And I want to encourage that sort of thing.

While fishing through other people’s magazine’s for a project I was working on for a bible study assignment at church, I came across a magazine that I have always enjoyed looking at in the doctor’s office. It reminded me how much I loved it. So I decided to subscribe. I have received two issues of Sunset so far and it does not disappoint!

If you know me very well, or you have read a few of my blog posts, especially this time of year, you know I love camping (in fact, I am camping right now). So this was the perfect first issue for me to receive.

With cooking, NW destinations, camping, great outdoor features, gardening and home decor, etc. It is definitely my style. I have either made or am going to make several projects or recipes they feature each month. The pictures are beautiful and make me just want to get out there and experience all that life has to offer! I am loving it and look forward to each new issue.

So, hey! What are you reading these days? Do you subscribe to any magazines? Check any out from the library? What book is on your nightstand or on the arm of your version of a Napoleon Dynamite chair?

Joy In Whimsy And In Fango-Mangoes

Whimsy: 1. An odd or fanciful idea; a whim.

2. A quaint or fanciful quality"

I love whimsy. Sometimes I see it somewhere and it is outlandish -- or so loud it practically forbids even the birds to sleep a wink. Those times I am glad it isn't my own whimsy, but it brings me a great deal of joy to look upon for a moment or two. It looks fun and happy and is not just "going with the flow". Out of the ordinary.

Maybe I am in the doldrums, driving down the road, a bit mopey. Then I spy a silly yard ornament or a ridiculous Bobble Head Elvis on someone's dashboard. It makes me smile. Even if just a little.... or when someone creates art that is contradictory. Like the now well known Bear Dance. I remember when it first came out I loved it. In fact, we still have it in our basement family room. I love that the style is traditional, like an oil painted feel that is sort of stuffy, and you glance at it with little interest. Then you spin your head back around after your eyes tell your brain that it is not what you expected, for the subject matter of bears dancing and having a party in the woods is far from stuffy! (I like it better without the words on the bottom, but this is what I could find)



There is a house nearby that is painted in at least 20 colors I'd say. Not shades of the same color, but actual different colors -- pink, purple, green, yellow, blue... The man who owns it told me it was his wife's idea and he wasn't really that cracked up about it. But he did it for her anyway. Now we all know his dedication to her, don't we? Since it was built and painted I have admired it. I don't want it. But I love seeing it up on the hill as I drive by. Even the style of the house is similar to one from Grimm's Fairy Tales!


A neighbor on our road painted their well house like a child's color collage. (Remember making those, coloring for hours and hours in hopes that your step-mother might frame it and put it over the piano?)


Whimsical. It's fun and unexpected to see.


Our front door is a little whimsical (especially without a doorknob).




And the metal finial to an old wood stove that we have in our perennial garden is quaint.



Can silly looking Flying Nun goats be whimsical?

This is Clementine. I think that even her name is whimsical. Oh my Darlin'...


Today I saw this bus shelter and I think it is adorable.




A few years ago I painted our old, worn out Adirondack chairs in loud and busy colors. I wish the picture showed the true colors of periwinkle purple, forest green and orange. I will need new ones soon and I shall paint them just the same!

I put them in front of our living room window so I can see them when I look out. They are even more unique now that they are barely holding together. I love the metal flower too, crafted by a local man. I bought it at a Farmer's Market.

The fire-hydrant-turned-watering-spigots in the Healing Garden at the Burn Center where my cousin is right now is whimsical (pictured on page one of the pdf document linked above). The kids who come to visit loved ones can fill watering cans here and go around and water the plants and flowers. You can see why they call it a Healing Garden. These suffering people need whimsy much more than I do.

We have a watering can shaped like a flamingo. I bought it as part of the decorations for a birthday party for my husband. The theme was Flamingo Lounge and we all dressed up in styles from the 80s. I'll post more about that another time.
Our baby boy makes that cute watering can even more delightful. He carries it around and calls it a "Fango-Mango". Isn't that sweet and whimsical? I kind of hope he never says it correctly.

And look! Another natural smile instead of a cheesy grin.

And now each time we drive down our driveway I get to hear Little Man say "Mama! One, two, four Fango-Mango!" (this is his way of saying there is more than one of something). Because, well, look what the neighbors put in their new garden... in front of their new barn... which is right at the bottom of our driveway...


Two Fango-Mangoes! Fango-Mangoes are whimsical aren't they?

Especially in the northwest,

out in the country,

in front of a barn:)

I love whimsy.

So there you have a few of the things things that give me my whimsy joy. Do you love whimsy? What whimsy is in your home or yard or life? What whimsy makes you smile? Or do you prefer to stay more traditional?

Maybe I should start "Whimsy On Wednesdays"!....



(I must consider the question: Where is the line between whimsical and just plain tacky? There definitely is one...)