For a Good Cause

The other day I was able to sneak a visit to my favorite thrift store. It was delicious! Walking through downtown on my stolen time to check out it's new-to-me location. The good Sisters run a clean & useful store, they even launder the clothing & linens before putting them out....& the prices are divine. Favorite unexpected find of the day, wooden shoes, in different sizes & colors throughout the store.
What I brought home....one pair of heart pj pants for little lady, one pink gingham napkin of soft cotton, & 2 black buttons for a shirt that has lost a few.
Sister Mary wasn't there that day, which was the reason I thought I would meander down there, but that gives me a reason to visit again....hey it's for a good cause....

Neighborhood Ice Cream

Aunt Dees
Provider of neighborhood treats
& tomatoes & peas
In season of course.
Yummy, delicious
& remarkably close
Aunt Dees is what your tummy needs most!

Growing dark

Watched the waves throw darkly over one another in the dusk. Boats pulling their moorings in the cove. Pines on the island faded like dark giants. My body stanchion in the wind.

On a boat, when we were young

& the fire we built that night
On the island we finally made it too
Through the murky pea soup sea
& we sat by the waves & sang songs
Listened to the fireworks &
Watched the clouds change colors till they stopped
& we found our way through the rocks, back home

Mama-Made Dress

I don't exactly know how I have pulled things off lately, but things have been being made; buttons have been replaced, stitches knitted, patchwork done, embroidery almost finished. I thank this New England air.
One thing completed lately was this dress. It came together fairly easy. Elastic is placed around the neck which adds a nice gathered look there. Short sleeves that ate belled. With matching bloomers (not pictured) she even likes it. One of the reasons I enjoy having a girl child, oh the things I can make! And she'll actually wear, at least for now, anyway.

the view down below

Lady O truly enjoys the box of Crayolas. Even her Baby was invited.

this moment

Building our communal table

Last week was a bit stressful for the kids with the move & all, so I thought this week we would do some fun activities. First up, make some personalized napkins. I had the kids pick out their fabric (& the Adults too!) and I cut out a paper template about 14"x14". We used the template on the fabric & the kids cut around it. They ironed and together they each helped with the sewing. & viola clean faces!

Where the fairies live

Relish, laugh, reinervate

These are two moments from our very eventful week. Laughing & reconnecting with old friends & visiting places that make my soul shine.
Looking forward to a weekend filled with love, laughter & sharing!

Going, going, gone

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Had me a blast.....

Last few days have included:: saying goodbye to good family & friends; eating ice cream; playing scramble to the top of the stairs; in no particular order, of course. On to our next adventure!

Up and Running

Butterfly

Showing off some of Milo's handy work. This was a gift for a friend's birthday. It was his idea, a little help from me on the design, than his execution. He is getting real good on the sewing machine. I am excited to see what else he comes up with.

Fort Mifflin

We took a drive down by the river on Saturday, looking to explore Fort Mifflin. I am glad we did, it was a treat.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a moat surrounding the fort. It's ancient bunkers situated above the green crusted pond. Located next to the airport the planes flew low over the fort every few minutes.
Fort Mifflin was created during the Revolutionary War which makes it's brick caves quite ancient in American standards. The dark earth in contrast with the bright sunny day, left me feeling intrigued with the place. I caught snippets of hauntings told by a dressed in period clothing tour guide, who later did a weapons demonstration, when she fired a musket.
There was a feeling of just keeping it together there, from the staff and volunteers. Nothing was maned, you wander freely about. Most of the displays are rigged up, with an unfinished feel. & the groundskeeper mumbled to himself while I sat with the baby in the shade of a porch.
What I most enjoyed, was that you were free to explore, sit and enjoy the place. And we did, very much.

Well dressed

I loved this man's fashion choices. From the hat to the shoes, well done indeed. & esp. The shirt. When I asked him about his choices he said one needs a hat on a warm day.
@ the Meineke on Ridge Ave.

Man

Man who cuts the clouds with an axe....pier greeter
Behold!

Seaside Heights, NJ
Casino Pier

A bug in the night...

Filling his tires
With neon bouncing the light
Shadowed green glow night

This moment

One Morning at the Farm

Spent my morning at my best friend's backyard homestead. Visited with Burdie & the girls.


Ophelia enjoyed watching the chickens,


She even was motivated to check out the raised beds.


Pulling carrots,


Admiring the onions


We were even sent home with some produce & eggs!
Lunch was compliments of the farm experience,
A yummy salad, warm from the sun.
The experience made me so excited for our own homestead...

Top

Feeling oh so inspired to make something for my little lady....this is the pillowcase dress. Ophelia who is now on the move, often times is impeded by her dresses while trying to get to her brothers across the room. I decided why not a top? I love the way it turned out. Perhaps when she's walking I will make the dress, till then I think I will work on bottoms to match.

When I see beauties like this
Resting in the Shoprite parking lot, I feel a little blessed.
The rarity of sighting so old, but running, gives me a thrill. I feel the need to take the photos. So I remember.
Makes me think of my Dad, my grandfather & my husband. The greasy hands, the struggle to maintain or to get those old ponies out there on the street.
& the feeling of the ride.

bee balm

Bee Balm
Also known as Bergamot
when taken as an infusion
is good for many ailments
headaches, nausea, sore throats
to name a few...

Today
as I sat in traffic,
with no directions, a crying baby & hungry boys,
already late for a party
& only a faint idea on how to get there
I started to weep
I brought my hand to my face
& caught the scent of it
which transported me to
the morning
where I sought a moment, alone
& went to our old garden
upon arriving I beheld
with great surprise
the bee balm that I had planted
last year
grown full & overflowing the narrow brick border
the honey bees were gathered
and busy, & although I was hesitant to disturb them
I felt compelled to pick a few
bring them into my world of toys and cooking

It was
the scent liongering on my
fingers
a true balm for my frazzled
weary soul

Trumpet

If I pretend quite enough
The car horns I hear in the night
Could be these amazing flowers
Sending their music
Through the window
To herald their summer magic.

What's he building in there?

This old nugget
Rests on the top of Chestnut Hill
It appears to be empty
But,
I can faintly hear a tink, tink
& can only imagine
What's he building in there?

Camping

Visited Hickory Run State Park,
Communed with nature
Ate s'mores
Listened to thunder & rain in the quite night approach
Cradled a feverish baby
Watched a mama bird feed her babies under the eaves
Swam in a lake
Watched the baby splash and kick
Smiled.



& returned to boulder field after a 32 year sojourn
I think this time I will remember it.