Pumpkn Cottage Sundays

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. 
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself. 
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
                                                            Matthew 6:25-35



Southern California is unlike any other place.
We are a car focused society.  We work
tirelessly, commute back and forth to work,
and pull into our garages at night.  Most
of the time we don't know our neighbors
even though we have lived in close
quarters for years. 

Our community is sought outside of our
home with like minded individuals.

Handmade Revolution

There is joy in finding community.

Cottage Fairy Gardens

I have forests in my heart;
Stout trees dark with branches;
Wildflowers;
Wild ever green brooms;
Hollyhocks;
Birds in the branches;
All of this I have in my heart.

          Alfonsina Storni (Swiss-Argentine Poet 1892-1938
 

 

 Had to reach out and touch the green covering.  So tempting.

A walkway fit for a grand Manor house.

Do you have a favorite?  Are you inspired?

Crafty Crack

It's true Pinterest  and etsy are my crack.
I can while away the hours.  The stress
dissipates. the inspiration flows, and
while my mind is preoccupied there is
NO pain, none. How's that for medicine?

The same thing happens when we
thrift.   It is the thrill of the hunt.
The only difference is eventually
my pathetic body will succumb to pain.
I am unlikely to give up, not until Mr.
Lee notices I am dragging my right
leg.

Totally worth it.

Mr. Lee says I have enough Pyrex.  Eye candy anyone?

How cute is this lamp?

A dinette for Uncle Joe.

Creepy squirrel, I would have nightmares.

Mushrooms are so 70s and remind me of my mother's kitchen.

That B, really did have everything.

All these things stayed in the shop 

The Light of Jesus

Congratulations, Iris and Kyle
Thank you for allowing me to participate
and bask in your JOY.

Where ever these two roam there will be LAUGHTER, food,
friends and family.

One of my greatest blessing
Is the uniting of people in love
There is such joy in my heart
And warmth, powerful, quenching
I don't feel nervous because I know
Thou art with me
The light of Jesus glows through me

John 8:12

The closing of the Lenten Season

Today is the last day of the Lenten season.
What started on Ash Wednesday ends on
Easter Sunday.

Forty days devoted to reflection, prayer,
meditation and renewal.  I've always looked
forward to Lent.

Growing up we didn't have Easter baskets or
eggs delivered by the Easter Bunny.  What
we did have was an early Mass, special 
baked goods and a family dinner. My older
siblings would come home to share the feast.

The holiness of Easter and being together
was all that mattered.  My parents are gone now
and my siblings are spread north of us
all the way up to British Columbia.
Still I carry the memories in my heart.

Mr. Lee will set up the sunrise
service at the Chapel where he works
and our little family will be in attendance.
We pray that our children will have
fond memories and carry us in their hearts.

The Power of Craft

There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that
reflects it.
                          Edith Wharton

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edithwhart100511.html#WObpEZSilTUe4IGu.99

When Mr. Lee and I started dating we had
a teeny tiny difference of opinion.
Mr. Lee called my acrylic paints "craft"
paints in a condescending voice. 

In my heart I was a homemaker
who needed to craft.
Oh yes, I worked outside the home
but that didn't define me or bring
the satisfaction of crafting. 

Reading about crafting and crafters
is almost as satisfying.

Embroiders' art and book.
The book Hoopla, by Leanne Prain


Mr. Lee's comment was a put down. 
Definitely, a put down. 
True Mr. Lee is the
artist but I get
more crafting done, because
without the meditative qualities
of making stuff my soul
would wither.

Another great book:
Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover
New Ideas. Advice & Projects from
50 Successful Artist

Musings from Pumpkin Cottage

I used to think I was the strangest 
person in the world but then 
I thought there are so many people in 
the world, there must be someone just 
like me who feels bizarre and flawed
in the same way I do.

Frida Kahlo


Oh yes, Frida, me, too.