Beauty Amongst the Parched Land

Hi! Thought I'd post a few beautiful shots I was able to capture after spending some time with family last week.  It has been scorching hot out and everything is turning crunchy and burnt.   You don't even want to see our front yard!
So I will show you some of these shots

                                                          All photos this post by Angela 


                            Flowers still holding their color and blooms ... I sure hope it rains soon!

 Look closely below - can you see the mama dove nervously covering her babies?   I couldn't see them but the neighbor friend I spoke to said he couldn't bear to water the plant now.  He didn't want to disturb the nest.  What a plush home she has made!  Right?

These grapes were a fun to surprise to see on my aunt's fence.   I didn't ask if they squish them to make wine!  A Lucille Ball TV episode is suddenly coming to mind and making me smile....

Speaking of smiling - I wanted to snuggle (kidnap, perhaps...) with my cousin's furry animals.  I surely miss having a lap dog. Someday soon...

I've been surrounded by lovable Yorkies lately and I love it!  Have a great week and stay cool!  Drop me a line - what fun things have you done this summer?  I can't believe July is coming to a close.  Well it's not over til I have my birthday then it's off to August already!

Top 5 Current Faves

#1  My Kapoosh wooden knife block.  Genius!  After being frustrated over the lack of drawer space in my teeny kitchen (only FOUR drawers to work with) and no room to put my fancy knives, I found this at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Actually, mine is the 1 tiered version.  I love that all of our combined knives fit in there.  No slots to worry about.

#2 Tarte SmolderEyes Eyeliner Pencil.  Made with Amazonian clay this stuff stays on and is waterproof!  I really like it and must say it puts my gel eyeliners to the test.   Tarte - if you want to send me more colors to try out I'm in!

#3 Tyler Candles Auto Glam car freshener.   I just bought a couple at a cute boutique in town and I'm loving the Beach Blond scent.  It reminds me of summer with the smell of suntan lotion and vanilla.  Yum!
Maybe I should consider stocking up some for when I'm driving my car in below zero temps and I can go to my happy summer place!

                                                                  via Country Living

#4 Flags and Americana ... tis the season I suppose but I was really into it this year.  I do love having a porch to decorate!

#5 Discerning the Voice of God - by Priscilla Shirer.  I'm in a book study with a group of women and really enjoying going through the workbook and writing out prayers.  This may be a good way to journal later, too.

Well that's just the short list!  I'm going to run out and get some chai tea or coffee for a little more energy for a birthday party/reunion I'm going to later.   I was up early taking some photos of lovely adult twins at the park.  I sure hope they turn out well!  God bless, Angela

Stars and Stripes Forever

Happy Independence Day to my American friends!

                                                        all photos this post by Angela 

Do you like my teensie Blythe doll I bought?  I've wanted a Neo Blythe doll for a long time but they are pricey and I couldn't justify buying one just because I think that they are cute.  I've always loved dolls.  I've had just about every kind you can think of.  Cher, Marie Osmond, Shirley Temple and Buffy from Family Affair.   I still have them all but they are well loved and worn.  I must've vegged in front of the TV forever as a kid!
So anyway, I came across this little cutie while shopping at TJ Maxx and she was on clearance for $5.  Apparently the Littlest Pet Shop series included Blythe which is made by Hasbro, I believe.  You know I'd love to find one in a brunet.  

Here's a shot of the banner I bought for the front porch (which still needs lots of work that involves painting and scraping ... just waiting for the 100 degree weather to subside)

Please have a wonderful holiday - be safe - God Bless America.  May He shed His grace on thee

God Bless America
Written by: Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.