get ready.....

plant something green this whimsical wednesday!  be it a transplant, indoors or out, seeds, plant starts.  enjoy!

photo friday

the surprise of a spider web in the early morning grass!

thoughtful thursday

encounters along the way with others (or places/things) often reveal themselves to be unexpected and wonderful surprises; like the interior of the very plain, nondescript geode!  

whimsical wednesday!

happy national pet owner's day!  this whimsical wednesday's activity was all about pets and their owners.  here on the farm all the kitties got a special treat:  a dollop of whipped cream!  the doggie got a special treat:  a new chew toy!  and the new feeder for baltimore orioles was hung outside.  currently there are no baltimore orioles visiting, however, it is hoped that offering food will lure them.  (according to birding sources, baltimore orioles are due may first.  in order to attract them, a feeder filled with nectar should be in place at least a week prior.  i'm ready!).  did you do something special for national pet owner's day?

miscellaneous

the "gold" has returned to the gold finches.  they are so pretty.  several have been visiting the two finch feeders; counted eight (there are 12 feeding perches) at one feeding session.

the strawberry patch has received it's spring cleaning.  berries are ripening!  soon there will be berry munching!

the meadow has been shorn (it needs to be cut at least every other year to keep it healthy and the natural foliage fresh).  the bunnies and nesting hen turkey aren't very happy but the vegetation will return.  it disconcerts me as well since full, lush tall grasses and wildflowers are preferred to crew cut green.

before the meadow was cut, the dogs and i took a stroll.  for me the mission was to pick wildflowers.  for the dogs it was playtime.  the sweetest looking butterflies were spied resting on the yellow blossoms i was picking.  the butterflies were small and shaded with a subtle lavender gray color.  they reminded me of a seashell i once encountered.  

get ready.....

for whimsical wednesday we will participate in national pet owner's day!  have lots of fun with (and for) your pet.  if you don't have a pet, do something for homeless pets or make a "pet" of wildlife (birds?) by providing food!

photo friday

finished! 

thoughtful thursday

dad has the remarkable ability to stand amid clover, look down and find a four leafed clover! it's astonishing how effortless he manages to make this undertaking seem.  the last time he did this in my presence, he saw one after only a few minutes. a very short time later, he found another one!  others look and look and look and never find the seemingly rare stem of clover.  perhaps, sometimes, we look so hard we cannot see.  that is something to consider when we are engrossed in the urgency of seeking.  

whimsical wednesday!

today we created haiku poetry about spring.  my offering:


spring

the earth awakens
fresh, warm, new, joyous, alive
nature beckons me.

miscellaneous

just because, i dyed easter eggs.  a photo of the outcome of my easter playtime activity was posted on the blog easter sunday.  several were gifted.  the rest will become deviled eggs using my grandmother's recipe. yum!

a smile came when i noticed on easter sunday that all of the african violets in the house were in full bloom!

spring returned last last week with rain and cooler temperatures.  much improved. the first week of april is too  early for 90 degree weather.   it has been lovely to be outside in the fresh spring air amid all the nature that is the farm.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will write a poem in the form of HAIKU to celebrate spring!

haiku originated in japan and it's form is a bit different from the english form.  this is due to the differences in the languages.

haiku is typically about nature.

haiku doesn't rhyme.  instead it follows a pattern.

haiku pattern:
*line one:      five syllables
*line two:      seven syllables
*line three:    five syllables

haiku writing tips:
*write several words you like that describes nature/spring.
*select the words for the poem you most wish to use.
*count the syllables to ensure they will "fit" each line.
*write the haiku poem.
*one step further?  draw a picture to accompany the haiku poem.

(information about haiku poetry can be found on-line.  i did a search using the keywords "how to write a haiku poem".  the above information is from a few of these on-line sources.)

happy easter!

happy easter!

photo friday

the second amaryllis bloom unfurled as the first blossom faded.

thoughtful thursday

this was a day filled with a major problem that had to be solved.  most of the day was trying as i found myself on my own with the concern; it seemed that i was not being very helpful despite diligent effort.  part of the effort required spending time on-line.  at one point i found myself in a live on-line chat with a support technician. he was very helpful in assisting me and we worked through much of the problem. when we were finished, i thanked him with my sincere appreciation for how helpful he was.  he responded with the typical you are welcome but added a statement that made me smile.  he said, "i try to remember that the person on the other side is human just like me and i would want to be treated well myself."  oh, isn't that wonderful?  i wish (i told him this) that every interaction with every person, every day was predicated on that sentiment.  wouldn't it grand if we always remembered that the person on the other side is human? doing so would leave more energy for whimsey!

whimsical wednesday!

creating easter baskets from recycled materials was today's whimsical wednesday activity.  my baskets are comprised of plastic strawberry containers (made from recycled plastic) and shredded used paper bags.  before easter the baskets will be filled and shared.  photos to follow.....

miscellaneous

is it spring?  with temperatures in the high 80s and topping 90, it doesn't feel like spring at all!

having windows open to enjoy fresh air is lovely.

the hummingbird feeders have been up for almost a week now.  no hummer sightings as yet.

the first meadow flowers were picked over the weekend.  they grace the dining room table and are just as lovely as if they had come from a florist.

we found a four leaf clover!

get ready......

this whimsical wednesday we will make easter baskets out of recycled materials.  looking for and deciding what materials to use will be just as much fun as making the baskets!  i'm already thinking....

photo friday

one of life's most heartwarming surprises: flowers delivered at your door and the card  reveals that someone you love loves you too (and shows it by sending flowers)!

thoughtful thursday

every year a huge arts and crafts supply catalogue arrives in the mail.  it is 575 pages of gloriously engrossing items to pore over.  there is a ritual to reading such a tome.  it is looked through twice then the third turning of the pages includes paper and pencil to make note of all the items desired to purchase.  the list is always very, very long.  my thought processes go on overdrive as items are discovered; "that would be great to make......" or "i could use that in a sculpture....." or "that art/craft would be interesting to try....."  or "wow! look at that!..."  of course, it is not possible to purchase all of the items on the list nor is there time enough to make all of the projects that come to mind.  perhaps what is most enjoyable about my sessions with the arts and crafts supply catalogue is the wonderful feeling of possibility that wells up in me.  sometimes it is not necessary to actually do something.  sometimes it is enough to know that it is possible.

whimsical wednesday!

today the whimsical wednesday activity was to hang hummingbird feeders.  while in town yesterday, i purchased a 10 pound bag of sugar for making nectar.  (this bag of sugar should last for quite awhile this season unless a swarm of hummers appear to dine!)  this morning, the nectar was made and put in the refrigerator to chill.  the feeders were brought in from the garage and washed.  the two that were hung today are glass; one dad used and gave to me last year and a new one purchased on sale last fall.  early afternoon, the feeders were filled and hung outside; one in the front of the house and one in the back.  putting feeders in more than one location will allow hummingbird viewing wherever we might be outside or in the house.  there's nothing to do now but wait and watch for the hummingbirds to arrive.  if nectar is offered, they will come!

miscellaneous

ants have already begun invading the house's interior!  a friend introduced me to an amazing product to rid the space of ants!  TERRO  is a liquid, borax based ant bait. this was placed about the house in locations where the ants have been congregating. within a half hour of introducing TERRO, the ants flocked to the bait.  after less than a day, the ant population diminished significantly.  wow!  ant invasion relief.

during my travels in the last few weeks, not one new license plate was spotted.  oh, to spy the elusive few to complete the license plate hunt for all 50 states.

in addition to the count of colorful flora of last week's whimsical wednesday activity, the dogwood and red bud trees are now in full bloom.  gorgeous!

turtles have emerged and have been sunning themselves lake side.

watching the coming of dawn this morning, while sipping tea, was a wonderful way to begin the day!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will hang out hummingbird feeders.  a homemade nectar can be used.  mix four parts water to one part sugar (for example, four cups of water to one cup of sugar).  it is helpful to boil  at least half of the water to dissolve the sugar then add the rest of the water.  your hummingbird friends will enjoy!

photo friday

the amaryllis evolves.

thoughtful thursday

some days thoughts are jumbled and there are no words.  it seems wise to pay attention to such a state of being. words could be forced but what does that accomplish?  quiet often speaks volumes.

whimsical wednesday!

it's spring according to the calendar but the temperature (85 degrees) feels emphatically summer!  green is bursting forth in all shades and hues.  spring flowers, the focus of this whimsical wednesday, are everywhere i look.  many of the plants that are currently blooming would have come in succession if the temperature was cooler.  bulbs are blooming; iris, tulips, daffodils and crocus in yellow, purple, white, red.  the strawberries have white blossoms.  the meadow and woods are full of spring beauties, a sweet, delicate white blossom with pink stripes on the pedals.  the violets are happily blooming in purple, pink and white.  of course there are yellow dandelions.  welcome flowers!  welcome spring!

get ready.....

spring is officially here as of tomorrow (according to the calendar).  for whimsical wednesday we shall look for the first signs of spring flowers.  look for them anywhere they may appear; bushes, shrubs, trees, cultivated or naturalized plants. keep a tally of type and color!  may your flower search yield many smiles!

photo friday

a turtle nomming a strawberry! as seen far and wide on the web, but always a favorite for me.

thoughtful thursday

at the end of the long distance phone call with my far away friend a week previous, she said, "you are the only one who understands me".  others have said that to me so it wasn't the first time that sentiment has reached my ears.  as i traveled to my destination last friday, that statement was pondered for many miles.  it occurred to me that being "the only one who understands me" type of person really doesn't have as much to do with any particular, mysterious talent as much as the willingness to listen.  being a good listener is an amazing gift to offer to others.  it's a gift i am pleased to be able to share.

whimsical wednesday!

all day was family night this whimsical wednesday!  i am visiting parents and my sister came for the day from her home in a neighboring town.  the day was spent working on chores around the house for them.  it was very satisfying to accomplish for them that which needs to be done.  i feel very helpful and useful as a result.  wednesday evenings typically finds the three of them enjoying an evening out.  tonight included me!  the evening capped a wonderful day.  did you have family time this whimsical wednesday?

get ready.....

we will be enjoying family night this whimsical wednesday.  do anything you would like to do with your family.  the goal is to take time for and to enjoy each other!

photo friday

the christmas amaryllis in bloom!

thoughtful thursday

today was a day in which it was necessary to be focused on the task at hand; preparing for travel in the early morning.  as usual, there was a lot that had to be accomplished with those tasks that cannot be done until the day before leaving.  as i worked through the to-do list, the telephone rang.  the caller id revealed that it was a long distance call from a friend that needs a great deal of my time when she calls. reluctantly i picked up the phone and offered a resigned hello.  as she talked, i told myself to relax and just listen without the nagging "i still have so much to do!" tugging in the back of my mind.  after more than an hour, she was "full" and said goodbye.  her mood was much improved at the end of the call than when the call began.  i could have ignored the call as caller id offers options about answering or not answering the telephone.  i could have ignored her and continued with my planned day.  however, finishing my tasks on a busy day, even with the detour of giving her my full attention, went just as efficiently as had i ignored the phone call. besides completing my tasks, i helped ease someone's way. having accomplished both made for a more complete and satisfying day.  i'm very glad i picked up the telephone and said hello.

whimsical wednesday!

we wrote letters to those we are closest to for this whimsical wednesday to celebrate national letter writing week.  my letters to daughters, son in law and grandchildren have been written and will soon be in the mail.  once received, they will be reminded of just how much they are loved, respected, enjoyed by me.  did you write letters to those you love this whimsical wednesday?

get ready.....

this week is national letter writing week. we have written letters before but this whimsical wednesday our letter writing will be different. offer letters to those who live in the same abode with you.  those closest to us are strengthened when being told how much they mean to those they love. if you live alone, send letters to your closest family members that are far away.

photo friday

winter daffodils!

thoughtful thursday

there is something absolutely wonderful about sharing a home with cats and dogs. they brighten the home in a way that nothing else can or does.  they are definitely our very special friends.

whimsical wednesday!

happy leap year day!  it was a gorgeous day.  very warm for february, almost 70 degrees, and sunny! perfect weather to be outside.  whimsical wednesday's activity was to do something extra with this extra day. i always have tea so my extra was to have tea with a friend!  my friend arrived, tea was made and we sipped our tea on the porch enjoying the beautiful day, the tea and friendship!  happy leap year day! what was your leap year day extra activity?

miscellaneous

the amaryllis continues to amaze.  each stall supports four separate blooms that cluster together in a star burst array; like fireworks!  the second stalk's bloom has begun to emerge.

daffodils are blooming. these have appeared a month to a month and half earlier this year. and dandlions continue to bloom.

i am attempting to root an avocado pit.  i have lost count of the times i have tried and failed to root an avocado pit. i persevere!  if rooting is ever successful it will be awesome.

get ready.....

whimsical wednesday is leap year day!  leap year day is an extra day of the year we are gifted.  for whimsical wednesday, take this extra day and do something extra. take an extra long bath or an extra long walk or drink an extra cup of tea or spend extra amount of time with someone in person or on the telephone.  whatever you wish to do make it extra special and extra whimsical!

photo friday

the amaryllis blossom emerges.

thoughtful thursday

when driving, do you take note of the wee critters, like the woolly worms in the fall, that might be at roadside? i do. and i wonder; have they just crossed the road or are they just beginning the journey?!  

whimsical wednesday!

this whimsical wednesday's activity found us exploring the internet for websites full of whimsey.  i found two sites that are really neat.  enjoy my selections and please share a few of your own!

www.creativewithkids.com
this is an interesting website about all things creative to do with kids but it can be enjoyed even if one is not going to share with kids.  i found this link at www.craftinwithsuz.com.

asphalt archeology
this is an amazing urban art project of photographs by artist mike mission.  i found it quite by accident while browsing twitter, linked in a tweet.

miscellaneous

a blue heron has been visiting the lake here on the farm for several years.  it's always a delight to look out the window and find him lake side.  the ducks find the heron a curiosity as they glide back and forth amid the area in which the he is standing.  yesterday i was fortunate enough to see him in flight with a great surprise: his mate!  he is a pair!  that is the first time i have seen the two of them together.  perhaps little herons will soon visit the lake as well.

the pair of canada geese continue to visit daily.  they are very polite at feeding time. they wait until the home flock has had breakfast or dinner before coming forward to munch corn themselves.

the wild turkeys appeared yesterday as well.  they pecked their way across the cow pasture before crossing the road to the farm.  they also know where the home flock eat their meals so that is their destination.

this last week has brought forth the beginnings of a blossom on the amaryllis.  it's red.  and it appears that three separate blooms are forming.  film at eleven!

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will explore new websites.  look for those that are full of humor, fun, art, anything in the realm of whimsey.

photo friday

the winter dandelion became a puff ball.

thoughtful thursday

this week's whimsical wednesday activity provoked thought of a simple yet beautifully moving emily dickinson poem. it seemed appropriate to feature it this thoughtful thursday.

If I Can Stop

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

whimsical wednesday!

february is mend a broken heart month.  it seemed appropriate to make a whimsical wednesday, especially the day after valentine's day, the best day to honor this important observance.  it was an open activity day in that everyone would select the best way to mend someone's broken heart.  this isn't a typical whimsical wednesday activity.  however, somewhere in the outcome there's a touch of whimsey.

my activity was difficult to settle upon; i had been thinking about what to do since monday.  this morning i knew what i was going to do but i also resisted because it was going to be very difficult to do.  i did it anyway.  a long distance phone call was placed to an old couple without family that was (and is) in need of attention.  they were very surprised and happy to get the phone call.  they were given all the time they wanted.  when the call was over, i was worn out but glad (and relieved) to have done this for them.  then i made myself a soothing cup of tea.

miscellaneous

tuesday is typically errands and lunch with friends day.  this tuesday was valentine's day.  the few stores where i shopped were all a-buzz with activity; everyone purchasing flowers, balloons, candy, cards and other tokens of affection for their valentines.  as a result there was a festive feeling to the day.  this carried over into the restaurant as many of the diners were there for the occasion.  i had fun surprising my friends and the restaurant servers with a small valentine i had made.  it brought a smile to see how pleased everyone was to be remembered.

one stop was the dollar store.  everything in the store, obviously, costs a dollar. the laugh of the day came at the entrance of the store.  just inside the door was a free standing sign proclaiming: THE DEAL OF THE WEEK!  pictured was the so-called "deals" with the price being one dollar!  it's the DOLLAR store! everything costs a dollar! how is that a deal?!?!?!?!  definitely a hoot and a half.

last week i opened the door for one of the kitty cats to go out.  what floated before me, as i was standing on the porch, was the tiniest snowflake i had ever seen.  it made me giggle. i watched it float away and thought of dr seuss' horton hears a who!  

get ready.....

it is most likely no coincidence that february not only features valentine's day but is also "mend a broken heart" month.  this whimsical wednesday, do something, anything, for someone to help ease their way.

photo friday

the christmas amaryllis, mid-february.

thoughtful thursday

facts, facts, facts.  this is what i have learned about smiles:

*women smile an average of 62 times per day, while men only smile an average of 8 smiles per day.

*it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile.

*smiling, however slight, lifts the spirit and makes people feel more positive, secure and calm.

*random smiles for others lift THEIR spirits and can make a huge difference if they are experiencing a difficulty.

*smiles help to disarm tense or negative situations.

it would seem that we should all smile often and everywhere; even at home alone.

whimsical wednesday!

simple yet heart felt valentine post cards were created for whimsical wednesday.  a stamped outline of a heart allowed me to color the inside of the heart with a red crayon (i love to color!).  under the heart was stamped "happy valentine's day". each post card was inscribed with a personal note.  the hope is that each valentine recipient will like my valentine greeting!   did you enjoy creating homemade valentines today?

miscellaneous

have you been writing in your memory book and putting items in your treasure box?  i have.

the winter continues to bring more spring-like weather than winter weather.  it was sunny yesterday for the first time in about a week.  all the kitties and the dog were lulling in every available patch of sunlight that streamed through the windows.  the sun room door was opened to allow a flood of light to come through the glass of the storm door.  the fur arrayed themselves in the shaft of sunlight that covered the wool rug on the floor.  does it get any better for a furry friend?  just observing them made me feel cozy and calm; provoking smiles.

get ready.....

valentine's day is next tuesday so we are making valentines this whimsical wednesday.  simple or elaborate.  all are heart felt and really lets the recipients know they are special and loved.  enjoy!

photo friday

february 1st, whimsical wednesday's "go outside day"
a dandelion in winter!

thoughtful thursday

it's groundhog day.  according to the news, mr groundhog saw his shadow.  that means six more weeks of winter.  never mind that winter is supposed to last six more weeks anyway.  a day like groundhog day is just an opportunity to enjoy something out of the ordinary.  take advantage of each day dedicated to whimsey!

whimsical wednesday!

today's whimsical wednesday "go outside day" activity was grand! the weather was near perfect; more early spring in feel than midwinter. the bird feeders were refilled.  the lawn was searched for signs of emerging bulbs and the foliage of several was discovered.  the three birch trees shed paper thin bark and i walked the area to collect all the pieces i could find (the bark is collected for use in art projects). a blooming dandelion was spied and the camera retrieved in order to take a photograph of this whimsical flower. the highlight of the day had to be sitting on the porch, watching the world of the farm and sipping tea.  february first and i enjoyed a pleasant interlude from the serenity of the porch!  while rocking and sipping the birds entertained; with the ducks floating about the fluid water of the lake and the gold finches chowing down at their feeders.  it amazed me to see two eastern bluebirds.  following their flight paths it was evident that they were coming and going from one of the bird houses.  that prompted the task of filling a mesh fruit bag with the dryer lint i have collecting to offer to the birds for nest building material. this was hung near the bird houses.  i returned to the porch to observe the birds for awhile longer before walking about once more. as i reentered the house i was pleased to have enjoyed such a lovely whimsical wednesday.

miscellaneous

temperatures have been near 60 thus far this week and that trend is predicted to continue.  that will make for a pleasant "go outside day" for whimsical wednesday.

the amaryllis is growing quickly now.  one of the stems is twice the length it was in last friday's photo.

having the house closed up for the winter is the perfect time for burning candles. it's a real pleasure; enjoying the glow of the flame and the warmth of the scent.

it's always a treat to look out the window to find wood ducks on the lake with the home flock. they are elusive so catching them in action is grand.

get ready.....

it's winter and even when the temperature is mild we tend to stay indoors just because it's winter. this whimsical wednesday we are going to have a "go outside" day.  look at the earth to discover what winter brings that isn't present (or is in an altered winter state).  if there is sunshine, absorb some rays for a dose of vitamin d. take a camera to snap shots of anything that interests.  it doesn't matter how long you remain outside just do it. enjoy!

photo friday

the christmas amaryllis in progress......

thoughtful thursday

most of us typically have a lot of projects going at the same time; hobbies, household, dealing with calls, appointments, paperwork, people.  often this leaves us feeling fragmented and never finished with anything.  that induces stress because we feel overwhelmed.  one day this week was spent taking care of several tasks that finished many open projects here at home.  another day this week was spent going to appointments and other errands that finished several items on the pending list.  it is liberating to accomplish so much in such a short period of time.  having all of those musts completed has helped promote a sense of efficiency that leaves me calm instead of experiencing so much stress.  take one day a week to tie up loose ends.  you'll feel the relief i have felt this week and there will also be more time for whimsey!

whimsical wednesday!

it's opposite day for whimsical wednesday!  my opposite activities were great!

instead of getting up at the usual time, i slept late. such luxury for a weekday! the furry creatures in the house were especially pleased with this opposite activity, it seemed.  when i awoke in late morning, i was covered with dog and kitties.  they were happily snoozing too.  for their benefit i laid with them longer; enjoying being drowsy, feeling their warm little selves on me and listening to the rain fall against the windows.  

i tackled another opposite and it is one that doesn't come easily.  i actually read the manuals of the digital camera and cell phones to learn more about how to use these instruments of technology.  typically i manage to use technology on a very superficial level.  if i can get it to at least function that's good enough.  i know i'm not utilizing the instruments to full capacity.  i know i don't get full use of anything technical (i STILL can't program a vcr) because it's just not in me.  but i worked at my opposite activity and learned a lot more about the camera and the simple cell phone.  i feel empowered!

what did you do for opposite day?

miscellaneous

being ignorant of all things amaryllis, i wasn't expecting what evolved in the development of this plant.  over the weekend the stems on each side of what i thought was the main stem grew a very strange shape at the top of the stem.  after looking at it for a few days i realized those strange shapes at the top of the stems were the blooms forming! so the plant is backwards from what i have been describing it!  there are two main stems and they aren't in the center.  they are on either side of leaves.  the amaryllis experience has sure been interesting.

it's about five thirty pm and the sky is still light; twilight but light.  it feels like the earth is staying up a little later at night.

a flock of at least 12 pairs of cardinals were counted at the bird feeding station over the weekend.

get ready.....

wednesday is national opposite day.  we will celebrate opposite day by doing something(s) opposite for whimsical wednesday.  what is opposite is anything you want it to be.  if you usually wear black, wear a bright color.  if you watch tv, don't watch tv.  if you dine at home, dine out.  make opposite day happy and fun.

photo friday

after it rained recently i looked out the window to discover raindrops dripping off the bittersweet vines that are just outside the dining room window.  it was magical!

thoughtful thursday

an amaryllis bulb was received as a gift in the third week of december, 2011.  for more than a week, even though it was given the right conditions for growth, nothing happened.  i have never grown an amaryllis bulb before so each day i would look at it, with concern, when i got up in the morning and still found no signs of life.  had i killed it before it ever had a chance?  then one morning i found the smallest tip of green peeking out of the top of the bulb.  it amazed how excited finding green emerging from the bulb made me. the amaryllis was alive and had begun to grow! but that was the extent of the excitement for awhile because there was no visible growth for several more days.  when the stem was finally an inch in length, it seemed like a huge milestone had been achieved in the world of the amaryllis bulb. more time passed before there was evidence of two stems emerging on either side of the main stem.  the main stem slowly revealed several separate stems amid the main stem.  the two side stems have remained single, but very plump.  the amaryllis has lived with me for a month.  the main stem is only three inches in length.  one of the side stems is almost that high and the other is approximately one inch high. mom and i have laughed that the christmas amaryllis could very well be an easter amaryllis!

one day this week i looked at the amaryllis and it suddenly took on new meaning. perhaps this process was not only a flower bulb growing but also a lesson in progress.  progress is moving forward, getting beyond where one began.  it is important to remember that progress, however slight and slow, is nonetheless progress.  progress requires patience.  progress demands that we pay attention to each step forward.  progress urges us to be excited about each step forward because this is success in succession over time.   the amaryllis will be celebrated when it has finally progressed to a fully matured plant and blooms unfurl at the top of stems; even if that does indeed take until easter!  take your time, amaryllis.  i'm with you, patiently, each day!  

whimsical wednesday!

the whimsical wednesday activity was to search the thesaurus for alternatives to words we like or use often.  this task wasn't as simple as it seemed.  it took a great deal of thought before getting to the activity today because it was difficult to decide what words to focus on.  here are my selections:

pleasant  (adjective)

definition:  acceptable; friendly

synonyms:  affable, agreeable, amiable, charming, cheerful, civil, civilized, congenial, convivial, cordial, delightful, enchanting, engaging, enjoyable, genial, gracious, gratifying, jovial, lovely, refreshing. 

the synonyms for pleasant seems to be broad so i will continue to use pleasant.

peachy (adjective)

definition:  satisfactory; agreeable

peachy was actually a synonym for acceptable and was listed as peachy keen.

synonyms:  adequate, delightful, pleasant, pleasing, tolerable.

peachy is a word i use when asked how am i by others.  since it's the synonym of satisfactory or agreeable, i will continue to use peachy.  tolerable would be a good alternative.

grand (adjective)

definition:  impressive; great

synonyms:  admirable, august, excellent, glorious, illustrious, magnificent, outstanding, smashing, sublime.

grand is grand, however, smashing is similar to peachy in tone and verve so i will try to utilize smashing when describing something as grand.

content (adjective)

definition:  happy; agreeable

synonyms:  at ease, can't complain, comfortable, contented, fulfilled, gratified, satisfied.

while there are alternative words for content, content says it all; no need for another.   

looking up words in the thesaurus at dictionary.com provoked a thought.  what are the alternative words for thesaurus?  alternative words do exist for thesaurus!

thesaurus (noun)

definition:  a book of synonyms and antonyms

synonyms:  glossary, language reference book, lexicon, onomasticon, reference book, sourcebook, storehouse of words, terminology, treasury of words, vocabulary, word list.

the word thesaurus is a cool word and brings to mind some manner of dinosaur. the urban dictionary offers several definitions for thesaurus, my favorite being "thesaurus: the smartest dinosaur known to man."

miscellaneous

last week brought the first snow of winter.  this week it's over 60 degrees!

the twitter following for the whimsey project continues to increase in number. that's really exciting.  wish that many followed the blog.  hello and thank you, tweeties!

seed and gardening catalogues have begun to arrive in the mail.  i enjoy browsing the pages of the beautiful plants or what they yield; especially during the winter when it's cold, snowy, windy and dreary.  what these catalogues offer as much as seeds and plants is possibility.

as someone who loves words i read dictionary websites.  lots of interesting surprises about words are revealed.  i read on dictionary.com that one common word has no rhyme: angel!  imagine that.

spied a license plate from nevada yesterday.  it was already checked off the sighted list but it's always fun to see a plate from afar more than once.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday we will delve into the thesaurus.  select a sample of your favorite words.  then utilize the thesaurus to find alternatives to your chosen words.  you just might find new variations to use!

photo friday

bunnies! what my young grandchildren consider the perfect christmas gift for a grandmother.  

 

thoughtful thursday

even though i don't make formal resolutions each new year, there is one resolution we should all undertake:  the determination to make a concerted effort to be in touch with others.  of everything life has to offer, the persons we are connected to is the most important.  write, call, visit.  do it all and do it often.  and please remember to remember those who might be alone, misunderstood or forgotten. they need it the most!  

whimsical wednesday!

january! hot tea month!  for whimsical wednesday we celebrated by enjoying hot tea in any form that suited us. since i drink hot tea everyday, i wanted to do something in addition to drinking tea for my whimsical wednesday activity. hot tea surprises were created to share with others. craft materials that were already in the supply box were used to make teabag holders.  mini brown bags were embellished then a foil wrapped teabag was tucked inside.  

miscellaneous

january weather continues to be more sunny and mild than cold and dreary.  any winter day that's sunny and mild is one more day without cold and dreary with the possibility of ice and snow.  i'll take it!

the christmas amaryllis has grown another half inch and has 6 main stems.  two additional stems have begun to sprout on either side of the main stem.  when this amaryllis actually matures it's going to be amazing.

yesterday a friend and i shopped at our favorite scrapbook store.  there is often a free make and take, a simple paper craft project that is designed to demostrate different techniques and use of products.  it's a lot of fun to walk in and be greeted by a free make and take.  it's almost ridiculous how excitedly happy these simple projects make me.  (it doesn't take much to amuse or satisfy me and that's a good way to be).  several of these have become projects that i make at home as gifts for others.

also yesterday the mail presented me with an amazing tea themed handmade thank you greeting card.  love it! this morning i awoke to discover that the dog had chewed a handmade christmas card still on display that had fallen to the floor!  oh, sadness!  it was like the victory and defeat of handmade greeting cards all at once!  thankfully, the creator of the christmas card has agreed to send another.  that gesture will make it necessary to send a handmade thank you card!   there can't be too many handmade greeting cards.

 

get ready.....

january is hot tea month! oh, i love january for that reason alone being a dedicated hot tea drinker! for whimsical wednesday we shall indulge in hot tea in any way that suits our day.  i have a great idea for hot tea treats to give to others that i want to create! how about you?

photo friday

this is marmalade; the kitten born with two others in the fall.  she has gotten so furry we have taken to calling her puff ball.  just looking at her makes me laugh.  

thoughtful thursday

it's the first thursday of 2012 so we are into the first week of the new year.  about this time each year people make resolutions.  usually these consist of self improvement.  often the goals are so grand that failure sets in rather early in the year.  many don't make it through january before a resolution gets broken.  several years ago i resolved to make no more new year's resolutions.  instead, i resolved to make each day the best it could be for the circumstances that came with that day. that best meant to be as kind, patient and content as possible; even if that was just with and/or for myself.  i also resolved that each day was a new day and the opportunity to begin again.  as resolutions unfold, this strategy has worked rather well. it might work for you.  happy new year!

whimsical wednesday!

we created treasure boxes for whimsical wednesday! it took awhile to decide on the container for my treasure box because it was important to use something already available (to recycle). several options were found, considered and discarded.  a box in the closet seemed to be the right fit for my treasure box.  it's large enough without being overwhelming in size and has a lid.

the decorating of the box will have to wait because i just can't decide what i want it to be.  thus my treasure box will be a work in progress, both in style and what it will contain.  when my friends come for a crafting day i will pay attention to the outward appearance of my treasure box.  should nothing inspire, the box shall remain unadorned and will be a "plain brown wrapper" treasure box.  all that will be within will belie the outward appearance.  that is just as appealing to me as anything that could be added to the outside of the box in the form of decoration.

did you create a treasure box this whimsical wednesday?

miscellaneous

home again from new year's with family.  even with all the vehicles we shared the roads with in both directions, we did not, unfortunately, see the few remaining state license plates that are left unchecked on our list.  we shall prevail at some point.

holiday decorations were being undone all along with way.  the few i have will be on display until epiphany, the 12th day of christmas.  the amaryllis grew almost an inch in the time i was away.  the wreath was moved to an outside door before leaving last thursday to keep it from drying out too quickly.  it's nice to see it on the front door now where it can remain for longer than it could have had it stayed inside.

with the dropping temperature, the ducks are contending with a lake that is freezing in places.  right now they have gotten themselves caught in the middle of the lake. they will figure it out.  silly ducks.

it's about five pm right now and the sky is still light, faint but light.  the sunset is lovely.  longer days since the shortest day of the year, december 21st, is evident. each day, as we travel through winter, is a sign that spring is coming.

happy new year.  may 2012 to kind to all.

get ready.....

create a treasure box* this whimsical wednesday.  a treasure box is a container for all those special items you find yourself acquiring along the way.  for example, my treasures would be anything the grandchildren would give to me; like a rock, pine cone, feather, something found during an outdoor adventure.  the contents of a treasure box reflects the person who possesses the treasure box.  make a treasure box just for you that is you!

*thank you to granddaughter, megan, for this grand whimsical wedneday activity idea!

photo friday

our christmas JULKAPP that i made for family when they visited during the holidays.   this swedish tradition was discovered in my research on holiday celebrations from around the world.   a julkapp is a gift wrapped in many, many layers of paper (the more layers, the more "successful" the julkapp is) and left on the recipient's doorstep.  the julkapp took more than two hours to wrap (with recycled christmas paper and ribbons) and about an hour to unwrap.  it seems it was a successful julkapp!  this was such fun we have decided to have more julkapps in future christmas celebrations.

thoughtful thursday

i'll be away the remainder of the week so here's the rest of this week's posts early......

this year the house has the most christmas decorations ever.  and all of them have been given to me by others.  first came the table top tree a few years ago.  it's about two feet tall and all the decorations, save lights, were in the box with the tree (it never did get any lights added).  it stayed in the box until the first year the grandchildren were able to visit the day after christmas.  they decorated the tree. for the last few years they have taken care of decorating this little tree.  the tree stood alone until this year when a plethora of decorations came my way.  a friend had a live wreath sent as well as an amaryllis, however, at the rate the amaryllis is growing it might more accurately be called an easter decoration!  no sooner had the wreath been hung and the amaryllis watered, another friend gifted to me a charlie brown christmas tree, complete with a single red ornament on a sagging branch. then the neighbor arrived with a tree to put outside on the screened porch.  when plugged in, the bright lights shine all the way to the road.  wow!  an outdoor christmas decoration. the best part of having these christmas decorations about is that all of them are thoughtful offerings by special people who just didn't think my house should be devoid of outward signs of holiday spirit.  these decorations bring a smile and a silent thank you to all who contributed to merry christmas here!  (and family were very impressed when they arrived to more than just the table top tree!)

whimsical wednesday!

megan, jacob and i have mixed and baked the ice cream muffins!  this two ingredient delight was enjoyed by the family.  this first time treat was assessed by the participants:

megan: tastes like mamala (me).
jacob:  tasty.
scott:  dense yet soft, butter would be good on them.
sarah:  would be enjoyed more if in a different flavor.

the muffins really have the texture and consistency of muffins.  the ice cream flavor used was "death by chocolate" a rich chocolate ice cream with nuts and brownie bits.  we decided next time we bake the muffins to try vanilla (what the recipe called for) or butter pecan or a fruited ice cream like strawberry or peach. the muffins were tasted warm, just out of the oven, and it was decided that warm made them taste especially good.  we'll taste them at room temperature later to compare.  (if warm is better, there's always the microwave to reheat them!)

a thank you to my sister for sharing the recipe with me. she got it at a cooking demonstration she attended recently.

here's megan and jacob with the muffins right out of the oven......

get ready......

ICE CREAM muffins for whimsical wednesday!

here is the recipe:

1 cup softened ice cream
1 cup self-rising flour*

*make your own self-rising flour:
mix together:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

mix together the ice cream and flour

spoon into a greased 6 cup muffin pan

bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes

enjoy!

photo friday

jack frost visited this week for the fist time this winter, nipping at the "nose" of the land as depicted on the holly tree.

thoughtful thursday

this week has been filled with christmas gifts; wrapping gifts, wednesday's unexpected gift activity, gifts being exchanged with friends this week before christmas, and more to come with family on christmas day and throughout next week. the reason for the tradition is to offer a token of esteem to others the way the wise men offered gifts to the baby jesus.  it is important to remember that gift giving isn't the fulfillment of someone's "want" list, as though receiving gifts is like procuring items on a shopping list.  the most special gifts are those filled with love for the person receiving the gift. and the best gift in return is that the recipient is thrilled to have been thought of by someone at christmas.

whimsical wednesday!

those i wished to treat to an unexpected christmas gift were all thrilled.  very pleased and surprised to be thought of with christmas cookies and homemade jam (yes, both!).  it was such fun to arrive on doorsteps of neighbors unannounced and greet the person who opened the door with a "merry christmas" and "this is for you".  what i received were also gifts; hugs and smiles and the joy of having made others happy.  i also treated the mail carrier and she left a note thanking me for the goodies!

a friend came for lunch and an afternoon crafting session.  she worked on two different christmas tree ornaments while i worked on another project.  she surprised me with an unexpected gift by leaving a set of her ornaments for each of the grandchildren.  they will like them a lot especially since they are from someone they know and like very much.  toward evening the doorbell rang and there was another friend.  he also surprised me with an unexpected gift; a huge ham for us to enjoy for christmas dinner!  indeed we shall.  neither of these friends know about the whimsey project so they don't know about whimsical wednesday activities. however, for me, they were active participants in the whimsey project today and i am so pleased that they were.

miscellaneous

lots to do took me to town today.  i was there much longer than anticipated or wanted to be.  however, there is a benefit to being out after dark this time of year: the decorations of the holiday season can be enjoyed.  the city decorations were enjoyed until town disappeared in the rear view window and the country was before me.  along the way, a house here and there shone with the a magic that is only present during christmas.

tomorrow is the first day of winter, the shortest day of the year.  the following day will bring a few more minutes of daylight and for each day thereafter until the longest day of the year, june 21st, the first day of summer.  the rhythm of the earth. and the creatures of the earth, including humans, follow this rhythm as well.  happy winter's eve!

get ready.....

for whimsical wednesday, give someone a christmas gift.  this someone should be a person who would never expect to receive a gift from you; be that person known or unknown to you.  gift suggestions: something simple, possibly homemade, such as cookies or jam.  we'll be santas this whimsical wednesday!

photo friday

a lovely christmas gift from a lovely friend.  it is so lovely it seemed sad to hang it where it couldn't be looked at regularly.  solution? it was hung in the kitchen!

thoughtful thursday

this time of year, beginning soon after thanksgiving, brings wonderful holiday greetings in the mailbox.  these cards are greatly anticipated as, each day, one wonders "who" might appear in the daily mail.  every card is special and wonderful because each is a tangible expression that someone is thinking of you.  among all these greetings there are those that are particularly extraordinary.  not extraordinary in an extravagant sense but for the thoughts, feelings or memories that are provoked.  one such card arrived in yesterday's mail.  my sister, who is an expert papercrafter, created a christmas card just for me (and our brother no doubt).  the card features a photograph of all of us sitting on the hearth by the fire one christmas when we were children.  the sentiment, "i smile because you are my sister.  i laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!"  made me both smile and laugh, nodding that, yes, indeed, that is absolutely, without a doubt, true!  this card will remain a treasure and it caused me to hope that the old-fashioned tradition of sending holiday greetings through the mail will never cease.

whimsical wednesday!

a web search yielded serveral christmas traditions from around the world that could be readily incorporated into our christmas traditions.  it was too difficult to decide which one or two to select so all are being offered for whimsical wednesday. these activities can be done as explained or altered to fit into different family dynamics. enjoy!.......

Greece:  a special spicy/sweet bread called CHRISTOPSOMO (christ's bread) is eaten during the christmas meal.  it is made into different shapes and the top usually reflects the profession of the household (dad).

Latvia:  the first christmas tree was displayed here.  there are 12 days of gift giving, beginning on christmas day. a special dish for the christmas meal is brown peas with bacon.

France:  new year's cards are sent instead of christmas cards.  the new year's cards wish luck and joy in the new year.  a favorite food item is pate.

Russia:  stars are hung on the end of sticks and carried about outside.  these are "stars of bethlehem".

Poland:  special "stalls" (JOSELKI) are created in the market places; each stall decorated to depict a scene from the christmas story.

England:  apples and candy are hung on the christmas tree.  presents are not open until christmas afternoon.

Czech Republic:  no matter how full the table is set for family, a place is set for the christ child for christmas dinner.

Mexico:  designs are cut into brown paper bags that then contain a light to become a lantern (FAROLITOS). these are placed outside to "light the way" to christmas celebrations.

China:  red paper chains are created and hung on the tree and around the house. the chains symbolize happiness.

Sweden:  JULKAPP is the practice of wrapping a christmas present in many layers of paper. the more layers the more successful the julkapp is! the present is left on the doorstep of the recipient.

miscellaneous

raining today.  i like rainy days, especially if i can be in the comfort of home.  tea is very grander than it already is on a rainy day!

i do not participate in many holiday activities.  one i do is the annual cookie exchange.  this year's was on saturday last and such a wonderful time.  now i get to package the cookies as gifts for others; which i enjoy doing very much.

there are even more birds at the feeders now that the temperature has dropped lower.  one of my twitter followers said she was feeding hummingbirds.  where, this time of year, are hummingbirds?  california! she has hummers all year.  that would be lovely.  although i do look forward to their return each spring as that has a special magic as well.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday look for something about the holiday season (whatever you celebrate this time of year) from another culture.  it could be music, stories or lore, recipe, activity; whatever you fancy.  after making a selection, consider how to incorporate it into your holiday celebration any way you would like.

photo friday

this photograph is so whimsically magical to me.  while walking across the lawn at mom and dad's house, i looked down to discover these button mushrooms growing amid the grass, clover, violets and wild strawberries.  the mushrooms were so cute and such a surprise they made me giggle.

thoughtful thursday

the cookies are baked and packed for the cookie exchange this weekend.  so much of celebration is ritual; sameness.  we wonder why we do the same things over and over again, year after year.  we could "shake things up" but when we do it doesn't seem quite the same.  ritual in celebration isn't just something we engage in, it's what we look forward to throughout each year.*


*this was posted on friday because it didn't get tended to on thursday.  just sayin.....

whimsical wednesday!

there are now 20 homemade gift certificates ready to give away!  all of them were created entirely with paper,  glue stick and colored markers.  the certificate base is a neat index card; bands of color alternating with white bands in red, yellow, green, blue and purple.  these colors offered a vehicle for colorful paper shapes (circles, squares, flowers, butterflies, buttons) to be used as embellishments on the cards. the colored markers added another element of color that produced vividly festive gift certificates.  hopefully all the recipients will enjoy their homemade gift certificates.  no doubt grandson, jacob, will really enjoy his:  time with me to play the games of his choosing and time with me to watch ernest movies (ernest goes to camp; "death from above!" giggle....).  like jacob's gift certificates, everyone who will receive one or more will have the gift of me!

miscellaneous

sighted several license plates last weekend; alaska, west virginia, virginia, south carolina.....  all have been previously spotted on the road during the year.  a new one, mexico! was also seen.  i'd still like to see the six remaining states that have yet to be spied.

it's cold enough now that the birds are enjoying suet cakes along with the regular bird food.  it's so pleasant to look out the window at the bird feeding station and see so many birds; cardinals, jays, woodpeckers, finches, wrens, sparrows, doves,  the wacky vocal crows.  people and birds have a wonderful friendship.  people feed the birds and the birds give people  tremendous pleasure.

get ready.....

the gift of self is the best gift of all. giving someone your time, attention, effort can't compare to any gift purchased no matter how wonderful that purchased gift is.  for this whimsical wednesday, let's make the gift of ourselves to give each other this holiday season.  create as many gift certificates for those you would like to give yourself to.  personalize each certificate to the person receiving it.  it might be for a movie and popcorn, whether at home or at the theatre.  it might be game night.  it might be help with cleaning the garage or attic or yard or other chore that requires a lot of energy to complete.  it might be any number of household chores, like doing the dishes.  it might be baking cookies.  it might be for a surprise!  the gift certificates can be as simple as words on a piece of paper or as elaborate as decorated cards.  enjoy!

photo friday

the delightful thanksgiving cactus added cheer to our holiday.

thoughtful thursday

just a week ago the house bustled with people; laughter, conversation, activity! in the week since memories of thanksgiving have come to mind, bringing many smiles. the best part of a special occasion ending is the opportunity to look forward to the next special occasion!