Thursday, May 12, 2011

A new beginning



Ah, spring. A new beginning, for sure. I thought this delightful young lady would be perfect to begin my blog. Opening my front door I notice the grass is growing and turning a deep, beautiful shade of green. As I peek outside I smell that wonderful smell of earth warming after a long winter's nap - a truly lovely thing after the long, bitter cold, and snowy winter. I open all the windows and hear the birds tweeting and chirping, surely just for me, calling me to come out and play.

This morning my husband asked me to step outside to look at something. He pointed to a little bird's nest some busy mother had prepared in anticipation of her own new beginning. It was perched in the ladder on the side of the shed, up safely out of harm's way. Of course I had to peek, and to my delight, this is what I found!

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I literally squealed when I saw these four tiny, bright teal eggs. I've never seen such a shade of blue on a bird egg before! It dawned on me that this would be perfect for my first post, so I ran for the camera and started clicking away. I tried to get the mother sitting on the eggs but she took flight every time I tried. I told my husband that maybe I'm not like a lot of women, because finding these beautiful eggs made me happier than shopping for a $300 purse, because actually I'd rather spend money on fabric or yarn or garden supplies!   I felt absolutely rejuvenated, and even though I am suffering with a nasty cold, (whine, whine, feel free to say oh you poor thing), I asked him to pull out all the planters from the shed. Sick or not, I am going to buy some plants today. I usually start some things from seed, but since winter hung on so long this year I'll pick up some plants already started to get the show on the road. I'll still plant my morning glories and sweet peas and and zinnias from seed though, as I have had pretty good luck with those!

Today I will go to the charming little garden center down the road. I try to frequent the small family businesses in town whenever possible, instead of the big box chain stores. The customer service is great, and the people really know about gardening. They will be more than happy to walk up and down the rows of the greenhouse with you and help pick out the perfect plants. They'll even carry it to your car with a smile, and wish you a good day as you leave. Whatever happened to those days? And just for the record, I also get good service at the larger garden center in town, but this place is just so charming.

Where I live winter sometime doesn't want to leave us, and it can still be really cool, even at the end of May, so today I am just buying some cold weather crops, lettuce, spinach, and onions. I already have garlic coming up from last year, so I'm thinking spaghetti sauce! I will also pick up some organic garden soil, because when it comes to anything we will eat I like to stick with all natural, no fertilizers. I'll plant most of the lettuce and spinach now in the garden, and in about a week I will fill the planters we dragged out of the shed with soil and plant some herbs and flowers and some more lettuce and spinach. I will set the planters along the edge of the back porch, with southern sun exposure. When I sit out in my wicker chairs to take a break and relax with my embroidery project or crocheting, I will enjoy all the wonderful smells of basil and oregano and mint, and whatever little plants that call out to me as I peruse the greenhouses! This is my version of a kitchen garden. I especially enjoy having these plants on the back porch, as I get to enjoy their beauty and fragrance, as well as have them nearby for cooking.

So, this is my goal for the day: Go to the little garden center to pick up these items, and perhaps start weeding one of the many garden beds. We live on a little under two acres, and I have about six HUGE garden beds! Every spring I go crazy planting, and by August I am scratching my head out in the heat, wondering why I must always go overboard! And guess what . . those are just the beds in back. I have another HUGE flower garden in front. Fortunately it is all perennials, so I just need to do some weeding and watering to keep it looking good. I promise to post pictures of all of them for you to see. I know, I can just hearing you sighing now, saying "Oh no, not that!" like having to sit through someone's vacation pictures, but these are the things that make me happy, and perhaps you will enjoy seeing them too!

This blog will be filled with all my hobbies - quilting, crocheting, gardening, painting, knitting, embroidery, baking, (I'm guessing my husband wishes I liked to cook a little more!) sewing, antiquing, and a few others. Little by little you will be seeing them. I used to have my own pattern company where I designed my own dolls and quilts and clothing for children. I no longer have a pattern company, but I continue to come up with more fun ideas. Sometimes I wish I would quit thinking up things to do because I can't even finish the ones I already started! I occasionally have some things for sale, which you can find in my Etsy shop. There is a link on my blog home page.

There will probably never be anything earth shattering or really amazing on this blog, but I'm thinking there are those of you out there who just enjoy the simple things in life. I really look forward to sharing all the little things in my life that make me so happy, and would love to hear about the things in your life that you treasure. May God bless you as you go through your day. Happy spring to you . . . may it bring many wonderful new beginnings!

49 comments:

  1. That picture is Adorable...That birds nest is BEAUTIFUL...those eggs are so vibrant

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  2. hi my dear!
    I havent really been here the past few days But i have an email in my draft box for you!
    your post loos SO amazing!!!
    I am so proud of you :)

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  3. Dear Julie, What a wonderful first post for such a very cute blog! I couldn't believe my eyes that the photo was of real eggs. Truly amazing. I welcome you to our community, and wish you much success! Elizabeth, Creative Breathing

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  4. Miss Julie this is such a gorgeous site. It is such a pleasure to meet such like minded people. I would much rather find things than buy them although there are some vintage treasures that I am willing to pay for! Love it here and can't wait to see all that you have to come. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Miss Keren did a wonderful job...Smiles...Renee

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  5. Welcome to the blogland! Can't wait to get to know you better. You sound like a girl after my own heart. I'm adding your button to my sidebar as well as my blog list. Blessings!

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  6. Julie,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself! I look forward to seeing what you do and share here. I'm loving your blog theme, it's oh, so cute.
    I, too, cannot believe the color of those eggs! I always love to see the pretty blue tiny eggs in the nests around my yard, but these are so vibrant!

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  7. Oh Julie!!!!! LOVE your new blog! I came via Elizabeth and I can't wait to see what happen here! Your graphica are wonderful and I love your "signature! Too cute! This is going to be a wonderful place to stop in and say hello! Sandy

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  8. Welcome! I was looking over your playlist and I think it's wonderful. I want to listen to everything! I plan on stopping by again. Can't wait to see your crafting goodies.

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  9. Hi Julie,

    Welcome to the world of Blogging! You totally scored becoming friends with E!

    Jill

    ps I can't believe those eggs were really that teal!

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  10. Welcome to the neighborhood! I think you may be surprised by how many incredible women in blogland share your feelings, values and interests. As I read your profile, I was amazed that you were decribing me! (minus the crocheting, but I'm determined to figure it out one of these days.) I certainly must thank Elizabeth for sending us to your sweet blog. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your fabulous gardening efforts. Now I must go find the 'follow' button so that I won't miss a thing.

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  11. Stopping by from My Vintage Mending and Creative Breathing...my two favorite blogs. I'm looking forward to following your vintage adventures.

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  12. Julie...welcome to the neighborhood!

    I am looking forward to visiting with you.
    We have something in common..our homes have Ric-Rac in their names!!

    Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

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  13. Welcome.
    A friend of Elisabeth's is a friend of mine. Really cute blog. You will have so much fun. Come over and visit me, I am having a giveaway.

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  14. Oh my gosh, I just got home and found all of these comments. I am so excited that you all stopped to visit, and I really love hearing from you.
    I'm so glad everyone enjoyed those beautiful eggs as much as I did . . . and yes the color was incredible! How lucky I was to find them. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me. It's a good thing I grabbed the camera right away because two days later I peeked in and the baby birds were out of the eggs. If I get a chance I am going to try to save the shells!
    To Miss E, it is such an honor to have you post about me on Creative Breathing. I'm so excited I'm darn near giddy! :) How will I sleep tonight????
    To all of my new friends, thank you for visiting. Your kind words mean so much to me. I look forward to hearing from you again. We will have so much fun - I have so many wonderful things to share with you.
    I am very blessed.

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  15. Julie, Though I am a relative newbie to the blogging world myself, still I welcome you. I love to see the fun things the gals come up with in crafting, but I also love to see the pictures and hear the stories the gals share from their world. I look forward to what you will share with us in the future.

    The robin's eggs are beautiful, thanks for sharing the wonderful color God created for her to bless us with.

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  16. Hi Julie, Your eyes are such a beautiful discovery! I'm like you...things like that thrill me much more than anything you can buy. I just know I'm going to love your blog.
    Blessings, Angela

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  17. Well hello there Julie! Elizabeth pointed us in this direction this morning. what a delightful little visit! I LOVE the music and your sweet and bright spirit is shining through! Looking forward to more visits here. Welcome to blogland. Be sure to stop and visit me, I have nothing special going on right now, but stop by anyways. Have fun gardening today. I'm on my way outside to start pulling some weeds and cleaning up my VERY poor excuses for gardens.. (I mean that seriously!)
    blessings!
    vivian

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  18. HI Julie,,,,,I think you stole my profile!! LOL It sounds a lot like me except I don't quilt ot make dolls or jams and jellies and my trailer would be Red and Aqua. (Those eggs are my favorite color.) I am following you now so I don't miss any posts. I love being in on the begining of things. I love your blog header, too. Did you design that? Too cute.

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  19. Hey Julie!!
    This is amazing!! Your such a wonderful talented person!!! I'm very glad to have met you, your an inspiration to me!!! Love the eggs too! :-) You will have to teach me a thing or two about blogging :-) I still have all the ideas you have suggested to me in the back of my mind, and working to doing those :-)
    Love how you designed the blog, very pretty oh and LOVE the music!!!

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  20. I found you through our Dear,Sweet Elizabeth, your blog is so cute I love the polka dots, and I too love I love Lucy, Lucille Ball is all over my house. I'm following your blog so I will be back!

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  21. woohoo! i Picked up my dvd yesterday!!
    Thank you again Sweet Friend! :)

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  22. Darling Blog~ thanks for stopping by to visit it will be fun to become new friends, I am now your newest follower~ oxox, Diane

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  23. Hi Julie,

    Thanks for stopping by and WELCOME! I just know you're gonna' have fun swappin' stories and such with all of us. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, unfortunately this isn't my first experience with cancer and caring for someone. I cared for my first husband's sister while she battled ovarian cancer, and lost the fight at the age of 40, and four years ago I cared for my father who died of lung cancer. Now I am caring for my mother, and I consider it an honor as she's always been there for me. I'm so happy your mother survived her battle, and I pray she never has to go through that again. I'll stop by when I'm able, but I'm glad you signed up to follow me as my summer giveaway is soon to be mentioned and I wouldn't want you to miss out.

    Big Hugs,
    Meri

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  24. Thanks for stopping by my blog....and for your sweet comment.
    I am excited to enjoy more of your blog!!!

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  25. Welcome to Blogland. Nice to see another from the Windy City around. And even better that you are a lover of Polka Dots, Ric-Rac and of course the hook.

    You will love it here and have tons of fun and meet so many new friends. Hang in there as we all have been having some challenges with blogger acting up this past week on the commenting and sign-out loop, just know it's not you doing something, it's blogger.

    Can't wait to see your next posting...

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  26. Welcome to blogging, Julie and thanks for the visit! ♥

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  27. Hi Julie. What an adorable blog, love it and will visit often. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I am glad you like my recipes. I didn't visit you sooner because I had some computer issues and will be posting again on my blog soon, so please stop by. Kat

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  28. So nice for you to stop by!!! Your blog is super cute and happy!

    Happy new follower!!

    Jennifer

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  29. Beautiful nature! Thanks, too, for your visit!

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  30. Thank you for stopping by Three Pixie Lane! I am your newest follower! I love the name of your blog, the look and the content! Gook luck to you! I started almost exactly one year ago and it has been a blast! When you get some more posts, stop back and I will give you a 'shout out' at Three Pixie Lane! It is just lovely over! I look forward to coming back! Christie

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  31. Well to blogland...what a sweet post! By the way I love the name of your blog :-)!

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  32. Hay,

    Your blog is so lovely.
    I follow your blog.
    Please take a look into my world.

    Groetjes..Marijke
    www.marijkevanooijen.blogspot

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  33. Stopping by to say hello! Look at that! 50 new friends waiting as excitedly as I am to see what you have to share with us. This truly is a most special place to be! Elizabeth

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  34. Julie, I have no idea what kind of chickens those are! lol! My son brought them home from school and I forgot to ask!

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  35. Hi Julie, thank you so for coming over to my blog. Thank you for the sweetness. I am glad you like.

    Can't wait to see what you have going on!

    Blessings, Linda

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  36. Julie I just love your blog. It is fun to meet people that like the same things. Hope you will stop by to visit me at http://donnaslavendernest.blogspot.com/
    Hugs
    donna

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  37. Your blog is lovely and I love those birds eggs...what gorgeous colour they are :) I have never seen birds eggs that colour before. I have put your blog into my Reader and so I will follow you and read all about what you get up to. Hugs Vicki

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  38. Anyone who says Aunt Bea is their hero has to be an okay person!

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  39. Thank you for visiting my blog Julie and for your lovely comment...I look forward to visiting yours in the future new friend...it looks so pretty!...
    Susan x

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  40. Welcome to Blog land!! I hope you'll find it fun!

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  41. Your blog is beautiful! Welcome to blogging...it has really been fun for me to blog the last few years...I've learned so much from others!

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  42. Hi Julie! Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your nice comment. I just love what you've done with yours and can't wait to come back for more! I can't get over the gorgeous color of the bird eggs. They almost don't look real, do they? Beautiful! BTW, I do love me some Aunt Bea and June Cleaver! LOL

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  43. What a lovely first post! I just discovered your blog so thought I'd stop by and say 'hello' :) x

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  44. Hi Julie,
    I stopped over from Bluebird's Wing after seeing your cute blog name and picture. Your header is adorable and I can't wait to see what's in store in the coming days and months here.
    Good luck and I will be stopping back often!
    Angela
    PS. I just love the color of those eggs!

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  45. Welcome to Blogging! Enjoyed your blog -- LOVED the bird eggs -- I'm with you, I would not buy a $300.00 purse but I would climb a tree to see those eggs!

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  46. Have just found you! I love the idea that there will probably not be anything earth-shattering on here. I'm more into peace and quiet, with some laughs thrown in. It sounds like your blog will be a favorite of not just me, but many others as well! Congratulations on getting it going! Leslie Anne

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  47. Impressed with your play-list and I think it is really wonderful. I want to listen all songs. I like your blog theme, wonderful.

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  48. Excellent finds! And I ADORE the music you play on your blog. These are some of my faves! =) Instant smile!

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