Saturday, December 31, 2016

OUT with the OLD & IN with the NEW!

GOODBYE 2016 - HELLO 2017

Time to set out for a new journey....

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Friday, December 23, 2016

Christmas tree


Wow, here we are almost to the end, huh?
All the preparations, food and wrapping and 
stores and menu, and now!

So many great memories for me are attached to the Christmas tree.
I like real trees. When I lived in Florida and when I visit Cali, 
so many white fake trees and it's not the same. Many friends
have fake trees in their home, to each their own.
I love a green real tree, and yes messy but I don't care.
The look and scent, oh the memories.
Of late, less people, less noise.
This year a quiet one.
I've been working a lot of late, I welcome the solitude.
Though I so miss the old days of family 
and animals, children really make Christmas.
After the red ticket drawing the night before Christmas
in town, i'll be homeward bound.
Open one gift with a glass of wine and dinner, as I listen
to Holiday music. A child at heart, I'll pretend Santa came and 
open all the other gifts Christmas morning with my coffee!
Then to bed, as I cook for two family members Christmas day.
Cooking and baking and then when they leave, i'll read 
and maybe a nap, and it's over!

Time and memories dissipate, till next year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
debra




Thursday, December 22, 2016

Holidays

The Holidays are upon us and by now your done?
Shopping and gifts wrapped, decided on the menu and gifts heading away already shipped?
Oh well, if not, better late then never.
Without small ones around I feel it's pretty simple.
Put up a tree and wreath and get the food and drinks,
fill a vase with fresh holly, fill the candy dishes and call it a day!
I am one for mailing out Christmas cards, I love that task.
This year to date I have five cards? Usually I have already 
received around thirty!HUM? Either people
moved, passed on or simply aren't snail mailing? It's not only
me this year, many friends have said the same, wonder why?Cost of stamps?
Honestly, I feel birthdays are truly special.
Christmas to me is a gathering of a nice meal and drink and desert with those you care about, be it family and or friends.
Once everyone leaves,
I welcome an afternoon of a few hours to read, as I always get a book or two.
Eggnog & maybe and a nap! 
Try to remain calm and enjoy the moments, and I do hope for a little snow!
Happy Holidays-Debra

Sunday, December 18, 2016

ribbon

So now the gift wrap begins.
Well I collect french and wired wide ribbon.
But I must add, I don't care to wrap.
And since I am into this new train of thought, do what makes
you happy, and no Holiday stress, I may do just that.
This year, gift bags with a nice ribbon tied on the handle,yes!

Friday, December 16, 2016

wreath

My take on a wreath.
My dad never liked them as he once told me, when someone passed away a wreath would be
hung on the family front door, when he was growing up.
 For many years i'd stay clear of them, really.
Then one day I went to a Flower Shop and purchased
a willow wreath, to hang on a wall year round. I like the simplicity 
of it.
The wreath is actually a symbol of life, but stands for many
things, in various religions and regions.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

ivy topiary

Ivy topiary I repotted yesterday.
She needed a stick to help balance the weight.
I know English Ivy is fool proof, but I am using "Mint Kolibri"Ivy instead.
I love Ivy & Holly always have.
My friend Glenora gave me the two ball topiary, and so this is her name.
(i name things)
Should be nice and full come Spring, I hope.
Next to Glenora Ivy sit two bulbs of Paperwhite and Chinese Money,
I am trying to propagate, I found it foraging.
So she sits at the kitchen sink overlooking the dreary deck, till Spring, when the
temps hold at 50 and she can head outside!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

holiday scent

It's raining, a typical island day in grey fog.
Add in the cold.
No worries here as I'm in a Holiday state of mind!
I need scent around me year round, but this season
evokes childhood memories.
Take a pot, and inside place cloves, small pine needle
branch, lemon and orange slices, cinnamon sticks and I had a
spice necklace from Belize I tossed in. Cover with
tap water, bring it to a boil.
Simmer, and you'll smell the aroma-ENJOY!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Christmas stuff..

Christmas things/stuff tend to make most of us happy.
Children especially!
The lights, and ornaments and music.
I'm sorting through the ornaments and lights,and recently
found clip on birds to sit on the tree branches and pink ornaments,
too add to my collection.
Need to cut off the flowers for a Botanical Ink December project, I dried them.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

National Cookie Day

We all love cookies, yes? 
"Cookie" the English word derives from "Koekie" the Dutch
word meaning LITTLE CAKE!
The cookie origin appears to be in Persia 7th century.
In America cookies arrived in the 17th century.
Gingerbread & Macaroons were the popular early 
American cookies.

Friday, December 2, 2016

holly

Holly, i've always loved! I placed a bunch
outside one of the doors, with a green french ribbon.
How lovely.
A friend has two holly trees growing, so I have my fresh supply!
Next a bunch for the inside vases.


Oh, December

 Oh, December is here!
Christmas tree, lights, lots of sparkle,
good food & wine for celebration, gatherings, scents of wood burning,
and holiday music.
Pinecones and pine needles replace leaves on the ground.
Holly, oh how I love holly, i'll put it all over the house.
Also on my beloved dads grave here.
The two new clip-on birds sitting on the willow wreath above
will stay there till the tree comes, then they fly over.


Wednesday, November 30, 2016

bye November

Here we are, the last day of Autumn.
The third season of the year.
 I will miss the scents and colors and crisp 
fresh air days and cool nights. We gave thanks just last week as we gathered with loved ones for a feast. 
We did have some gorgeous warm days where some were still wearing shorts and sandals.
Today it all comes to a close. Boohoo.
Trees shake their heads as the last leaves fall, and soon
holding snowfall on their limbs. Bye November...

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

rain & read

I have always thought of rainy days and reading go hand in hand.
Gathered my pile of magazines and made a mug of hot chocolate,
sat next to the fire and view my pile.
Ran an errand outside amongst the gloom and rain and fog in that raw cold.
Not a bird or a plane in sight.
I love to read, while in town ran into the bookstore, where I could spend the day.
So I will continue to read and sip as the rain pours down and it's due to get worst around dinner time.

Friday, November 25, 2016

projects

I have my work table all set up for my Saturday work.
After errands, after salon and after taking outdoor pictures, homeward bound!
I'll make a cup of tea and turn on the music, sit back and start in on 
Postcards & Notecards. Petals and inks will cover the table top.
The autumn bouquet was just delivered to me by my little beautiful children friends.
Grateful...

Friday, November 18, 2016

sky

Have you taken the time to look up, of late?
You should do it daily and take it all in.
Every season it's amazingly mystical.
Weather it be a blue sky, a wispy sky, cloudy or foggy.
Simply divine!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

face

My cosmetic bag is pretty minimal compared to a lot of you.
I try to keep the weight down in the purse I carry, plus
I don't use much.
Foundation, blush, bandaid, sewing kit,clipper, emory board,
under eye cream, eyeliner, mascara, tweezers, Mason Pearson hair brush & face
brushes. Of course when traveling a few more things are added in another
cosmetic bag, but here are basics.
Products, IT, Borghese, Bare Minerals, Philosophy & Dr. Pericone.
They all zip up in this amazing blush colored BMinerals bag.
For those of you who asked, your welcome to send me photos of yours.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Music

Music-what do I listen to?
Always, I've been fascinated and inspired by visual artists.
In that art/music all mediums uplift my spirit.
Seductive rhythms, instrument tones.
Music has to feel magical, like the core essence of the words,
and or the sounds elevate my core.
I listen to, Tori Amos, John Lennon, Cat Stevens, CocoRosie, 
Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Stevie Nicks, Frank Sinatra,
and a few others, but not as often.
May I say I adore Christmas music!
I enjoy Classical Music, and playing in my car is
George Winston.
For those of you whom have asked, I now have this covered. 

SaveSave

Saturday, November 12, 2016

weekend

On this brisk, sunny, windy AM I was off to an early dump run.
Then met a friend for a breakfast sandwich & coffee.
We people watched from the car, and so enjoyed.
Returned home to photograph a few items, and cook.
As I stood in my blue suede shoes as the wind blew around the leaves.
I managed to take a few good shots. This one of an almost complete
woven Nantucket Basket.
All the hot peppers, broccoli, summer squash & sweet potato will
 be cooked up between this eve and tomorrow.

play

Playing around with flower petals on paper towels.
I had a total day in as my car was being serviced.
Made calls,  tea, hung curtains, got some writing done, took a bike ride (cold!)
organized a closet, purged. Then back and forth to the floor to play,
such fun with flower petals! Almost time to order seeds!

Friday, November 11, 2016

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

YESTERDAY-the first Christmas Cacti
moved in. I'd like to find a white also. A friend has two that grow in a window
and bloom off and on throughout the year. Quite old, around 35 years old.
The Lavender wasn't doing well inside, she will be moved outdoors tomorrow.
Repotting will be done over the weekend which is to be warmer and sunny!

Thursday, November 10, 2016

nesting

One week into November and I look around and make a list as "To Do"
for the upcoming months.
Flower projects, knitting projects, on top of the on going writing projects
and cooking and baking projects.
Creative endeavors to include weave a basket and make a quilt!
My work is so cut out for me...

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

hair story

Hair-every woman seems to be obsessed with.
I'm asked often about products I use.
Mine is super soft to the touch, long and dark.
Come summer it picks up red tones as when I was a child it was auburn.
I wash it 1-2x's per week. Oil it over night once a week with Argan oil.
Products I use, Aveda, Redken, Philosophy & Wen.
Brush twice a day only. Wide tooth comb when wet.
Firm believer in the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, and cool water,mainly
for scalp health.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Cozy Autumn

Here we go into a period of cozy. By now you've added more blankets to the bed, 
and you've changed out the area rugs for wool, and window coverings.
Now the heat must be turned on. Of late, i've managed to just kill the chill 
and the heats off during the day.
Looking at temps going forward,time to establish a good temp for your
nest till May!

Friday, November 4, 2016

I am...

I am giving up on what is no longer serving me.
I release it to create space within for what inspires me...

Thursday, November 3, 2016

oh,November..

Mornin all..
Well my AM starts with a muffin and mug of dark roast coffee.
As I look out the window, we seem to be in deep thick
pea-soup like fog.
I went out the back door to feed the backyard birds,
then opened the front door to look up at the sky
and can't see very far down the street.
Enjoy your beautiful day, hope you have a blessed one.
Now to my to do list, and a second coffee!
OH, November

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

apple pie

My dear friend,wanted to make an apple pie. She'd already
purchased her favorite apples from the farm.
So, one afternoon in her kitchen she started peeling as I combined the
ingredients into a bowl as the oven warmed.
Into the oven it went for 1 hour. The scents were
amazing.
The pie was delicious!

skin

Many have asked about my skin products here it is.
Philosophy, Josie Maran, Dr. Denese, Tatcha,and my 
beloved Clarisonic facial divice.
I am a trained Aesthetician.
Always into learning about hair and skin, really.
Steam once per month.
I am a firm believer in exfoliating, and masks.
No soap-cleansers-Tatcha & Philosophy.
Pure Argan oil on hair & face when needed.
Always under eye cream.
Any further questions via Twitter or send me an email.
No worries

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Oh, November!

OH, NOVEMBER!
We start to think cozy in our nests and wardrobe.
Thanksgiving on our minds at this point.
Foraging, bring in some of the outdoor wild growth for decor.
Pinecones and chestnuts and greens.
Try to get outdoors for the fresh crisp air..enjoy November.


Sunday, October 30, 2016

HALLOWEEN MONDAY..

I AM ALL SET FOR OUR HALLOWEEN PARADE.
Here's my mask hanging on top of my
feather boa.
Noticing of late, the parade down Main St.
with children and their families, has been watched by mask wearing onlookers.
So, I am ready. I love to watch it, it's the child in me, and everyone's so happy.
I will be joined by my mask wearing brother who's visiting and Sconset Jessie dog
wearing a neck like tutu and sequins.
Events are organized here for the children. Unlike my childhood where 
we'd knock on doors for 1-2 hours and fill a brown shopping bag
with candy and return home. My parents would inspect every candy as my four siblings and I dumped our bags out. We were allowed to
eat one candy, brush and wash for bed, as school was the next morning.
Hope you all enjoy your festivities. 


fleur

A gorgeous bouquet of flowers some days, is all one needs
to lift ones spirit!
Here are blush pink hydrangea and hot pink gerber daisy.
One of those days when I feel I should've been a Therapist...

Thursday, October 27, 2016

bulbs


Bulbs, every year this season is bulb time. 
Paperwhite, and thinking ahead to Spring.
Recieved my lovely Anemones so I am happy. The bulbs are tiny and head
into the freezer. The paperwhites are in bulb vases in the windows.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

fish taco

On a soft small flour shell I make chicken or fish tacos.
On this one is cheese, halibut fish, lettuce, shrimp, hot peppers,
 and a lemon olive oil sauce.
Warm the shells first, pile on your likes,and it's a meal.
Easy, quick and delicious!


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Dogs

As far back as I can remember there's been a dog in my life.
I love all animals, farm animals I adore. Best friend to a man is a dog.
You've heard the statement, and it's so true.
This is my friend's dog 5 yr. old Sconset Jessie.
She's a Tibetan Terrier. Smart, well behaved and I call her an angel in fur.
I take her all over with me. When she sees a camera she sits!
Always thrilled to see me, and loves walks and rides in the car.
Everyone needs a dog in their life! Amazing loyalty and love!

Monday, October 24, 2016

daily "TO DO" list...

The evening prior to a new day, I make a list.
I must, as way too often i've much to remember.
My list sits on my desk on a pink lined pad.
There are times I take it out with me.
I decided to go larger as a backup, then cut it off
when done and draw on the back side. Luv this gadget.Anything to help make life move
 in a smoother pace!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

read

I love to read. Rainy days are often spent in bookstores or libraries.
I had to cut back on my magazine subscriptions, so now I'm down too
five. As monthly they come in and I'm reading a book or two, then
the newspapers, you get it.
These three I'm currently reading, my son had the NG book signed by her for me.
The wow factor on fashion a Twitter friend signed hers for me and the T&C
a monthly subscribe.

knit

Knitting is all the rage again. My Grandmother tried to teach me at age 12,
to knit and I was a tight knitter, to no avail, I gave up.
Then I wanted to knit my son sweaters and again at age 30 approached
this craft but head on. Took a class and was told to start with a scarf. Oh no not me!
I dove in and made my son a pullover sweater, then one for my dad.
Then Scandinavian sweaters and then Portuguese Fisherman knits.
Then Hats and Gloves.
This Season I plan to knit hats and sweaters, and this time one for self, I have never made myself a sweater!

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Cookie

These are my breakfast cookies. When I'm in the mood for other
than eggs, or toast.
Healthy and also for Tea time.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Autumn=SOUP!

I love soup. Soup to me is such a great meal. The various textures and tastes,
especially the next day.
This is Kale, Chickpeas, Potatoes, Onions & Potatoes.
In a wine- herb -water blend.
Serve with a crusty roll.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Nasturtium

Weather for our area said three days of heat. I am counting day 5 now.
Fine with me as the heater can remain off!
But, it has been rather hot out there.
So I made a few ice cubes with chopped Nasturtiums from the garden
for my Cranberry juice, as I sat on the deck listening to bird song!


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Heat Returned..

It seemed like it was time to turn on the heat. A few of us tossed the idea around, but we knew
once you turn it on there's no going back.
The news came of three hot days in a row, yes indeed they came.
Pulled out the maxi skirt and sandals, windows in car down rather than air conditioner or heat.
As I sat at my desk writing, it hit me we are half way into October.
I needed some fresh air.
Toting my foraging basket and flower snips off I went. Picked up the mail,
enjoyed the sun and fresh air while I foraged.




Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Hoop Earrings...

Though I admit I am a girly-girl, and as I age it's getting worst. But, 
I am not one to shop till I drop. Get what I need and call it a day.
I love nice things, but how much does one need?
I like classics in everything and may get an item or two each season
considered to be "ON TREND". 
Having said that I am happy to see "Hoop Earrings" are on trend as
this is all I wear, for years now. (Sometimes a stud.)
They will never be out of style!




Sunday, October 16, 2016

My Secret?

What is my secret you ask?
I PRAY & Meditate, But I pray...


Etching..

My first etching-I simply adore.
I love black and white sketches and that sort, so this is special to me.

FAVORITE QUOTE

"TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT IS CONSTANTLY
TRYING TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING ELSE
IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT"
-ralph waldo emerson-

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Yesterday...

Yesterday I went out searching for new plant pots. Needing to repot a few
Ivy and Rosemary to bring inside for the winter.
Indoor Paperwhite bulbs happened to be in my path, so picked up a few.
These bulbs you can plant in dirt or in bulb jars
or in rocks and water. Many people don't care for the scent, I do.
Then I saw this pink trug I needed to mix the dirt with coffee and egg shells.
According to the Farmers' Almanac, yesterday was barren, no planting. So I held off till today.
So went my yesterday... 

Friday, October 14, 2016

Knitting

My new knitting basket contains my first project
of the season. The wool and angora I'll start knitting up
as of Full Moon Sunday. Basket from Plum & Sparrow,
even more stunning in person!

Eat Cake

I like cake. So what to do when we know sugar is so bad for us,well
figure it out.
I work on recipes using honey or coconut sugar.
I actually enjoy deserts period, but there's something about frosting
and CAKE!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Make Time...

Get yourself in the moment. Find time to relax
daily. I drink both coffee and tea, but afternoons when
I need to unwind mentally and physically, Tea time for me.
You may want to try it.