Bits and Pieces....

"There is a time and a season for every activity under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

This morning I find myself scattered about in bits and pieces, torn between what I want to do, what I need to do, and what time and date demand I do. I feel much like a little boy I observed at church one Sunday morning. Before church begins some of the parents of the younger children take turns gathering all those little bundles of energy in the gym area to let them run, play, and get all the wiggles out before going to class. A whistle is blown and the tiny tots line up and away they march leaving pleasure behind them.
One morning I came in the back door needing to drop something off in the kitchen area, so I cut through the gym. The whistle had just been blown and everyone had lined up but one little boy. He was still running and laughing with all his might. His father happened to be one of the parent volunteers that morning. He called to his son who did not respond. Again, he called and all he got was a frown. The third time he called as he walked toward his son scooping him up in his arms and gently telling him that it was time to go to class. The wiggly wee one began to struggle and reach behind his fathers back and cry out, "But daddy, I don't want to! I want to PLAY!" I am feeling much like that little boy today, I want to PLAY! My daily duty of household chores remind me that work comes before play. Time and date tell me that there are appointments to be made and kept. The calender reminds me that I am on a deadline, plus the holiday is fast approaching and all that it entails must fall to my responsibility also. Yet, my heart still cry's out, "I don't want to! I want to PLAY!"
Well, I find that in my life God never wastes anything and this little observation did not get wasted, it is just another little life lesson for me. I wondered how many times God had called me to a task that I felt unpleasant and I responded the same as the little boy, "But daddy, I don't want to! I want to PLAY!" Don't we all prefer pleasure over duty? This all a part of the discipline and growth process, in being obedient to the Father and in exercising self-discipline, which is a fruit of the Spirit.
Just as the father scooped up his little one in his arms, God scoops up my bits and pieces of scattered desires and gently puts them in proper order. He reminds me that not all things in life are going to pleasurable and that there will be demands and duties in each of my ordained days, but, He will also give me a time for pursuits of pleasure. His word says that there is a time and a season for every activity under heaven, so I need not fret over anything I want to achieve or indulge in. If I am obedient to the call of duty God will bless me with the time to pursue activities of pleasure.
I am also reminded that what I do for Him will endure forever and not in what is a fleeting pleasure of this world. God gave us all things to enjoy in proper time, place, and perspective. Finding satisfaction in what we do is a gift from God. So today I am asking God to help me find pleasure in duty and to gather up all my scattered bits and pieces of desire and to put them in proper order. Perhaps He can create a pleasurable piece of art with what He finds.

(Click on smaller images for viewing details)

My prayer for you, dear readers, is that during this busy season you will remain quieted by His love, your time and energy will be expanded and multiplied, the work of your hands will be blessed, and all your scattered bits and pieces of desire will be gathered up and put together in a beautiful work of art that reflects His glory!

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

Photos: Some recent bits and pieces found at a Flea Market and little work of art created with some of them

The Morning After......

The morning after Thanksgiving at 4:00 a.m. I am snugly tucked in my bed while visions of sugar plums dance in my head.....

shivering masses were huddled in doors,
hoping to be the first on the shopping room floors!
Some camped out over night in 28 degrees,
shivering and quivering and trying not to sneeze!
The clerks stood sleepily, eyes all a glaze,
as shoppers rushed in like rats through a maze!
They sought after the most coveted prizes,
In the perfect colors, shapes, and sizes!
They stood in lines ringed round the store,
wishing they were next to rush out the door,
To get to the next sale that starts at 8:00,
"Oh, won't this line hurry, I'm gonna' be late!"
There was pushing and shoving and a cat fight or two,
as shoppers grabbed for the gadget that was new!
Parking spaces were at a premium and shoppers were on a high,
racing from store to store shouting, "Buy, Buy, Buy!"
Timmy got the Playstation 3,
and Amy got the latest Barbie!
All mom got was tired feet,
and dad just watched his wallet deplete!
Bell ringers stood at every door,
hoping to collect a bit for the poor,
Christmas carols played their merry tunes,
while patrons crushed toward the dressing rooms,
Leaving in their wake,
someone to clean up the mess they make!
There were gadgets and gizmo's and doodads galore,
From shiny and tiny to flashy and splashy in every store.
As the weary shoppers lugged boxes and bags,
Their excitement waned and began to sag,
So home they did slowly trudged,
to collapse on the couch never to budge,
With one year to rest up before the madness abounds,
Oh, are they glad that's how often Christmas comes 'round!

.....while I am still nestled all snug in my bed, with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head!

OK, so I had to poke a little fun at all you early bird shoppers. I sincerely do hope if you braved the elements and the madness that you got some exceptional bargains! I actually did a little shopping myself. While all the shoppers in my town headed south to all the super stores, strip malls, and boutiques, I went north, to all my favorite flea markets and antique stores! While others were pushing and elbowing their way through crowds and circling the parking lot like vultures for a parking space, I shopped in relative quiet, with front row parking, and found some very unique gifts(I would love to show you these gifts but the recipients read this blog so no can do!) or supplies to create gifts with.There were no traffic jams or long lines and neither I nor my budget was depleted. Actually I did my "in town" shopping last week because I know how crazy it is here.

I returned home and found that "I got mail!" Yes, there were not one, not two, but three packages waiting for me! One was from sweet Cindy of Cindy is Crafty. I left her comment on some of her art work and she asked me which of the three pieces I liked best, I told her, and she contacted me to tell me it was mine! Well, I wanted to return the kindness and a little something sweet will wing it's way to her on Monday! Her art work was packaged in the most clever way and came with a sweet little note:

Is her pouty little face not adorable? She is perfect inspiration hanging on my design board! I clipped her little note off the package and may use them both in a framed collage to display in my studio space. Thanks Cindy, I just love her!

The second package was from Dawn at The Feathered Nest. It was her gift to me for signing up for her

Pay It Forward Challenge. It was an amazing soldered piece enclosed with an equally lovely note....

Encased in the glass is a copy of one of her vintage post cards backed with beautiful textured paper and it hangs from the loveliest shade of pale green ribbon, green being my favorite color and the shade of this rose fit perfectly in my homes decor! This piece will look lovely in several places in my home but first it will be used in my Christmas decor. Thanks Dawn, this is so femininely beautiful, I love it!

And the third package was a gift to myself. I was under the weather for a couple of days last week so I did some visiting over at Vee's of A Haven for Vee. She had a unique little post that out of curiosity I decided to try. You were to go to Amazon.com and click on book titles then enter your first name and see what comes up and then share your find. Well, this is what I found.....

I discovered this lovely old book and after doing some research on it realized it had been turned into a movie and I had seen the movie and loved it so naturally I wanted to read the book. So I looked on Amazon and there was a 1914 copy available for a very nice price of $10.00 in great condition so I ordered it. I can't wait to read it. It is about an orphaned girl who meets various people and helps them by pointing them to Scripture. The movie starred Virginia Weidler and was titled Bad Little Angel, the theme of this movie was believing in the Bible. The movie was made in 1939 and was more of a comedy than serious in nature.

My posting may be slow this week as I just found out that I am at my photo quota with blogger and I had to upgrade and it may take a day or two. I hope this is all as I have read that some are having problems with the upgrade. Have any of you experienced this? I am still so new to this whole thing that I don't know all the in's and out's yet, but at least I am learning.

I hope you all have a great week and even if I don't post, I will be visiting!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

A Blessing From Me to You.....

"And all that believed were together, and had all things in common...breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God..."
Act 2:44,46-47

Dear readers, I hope you will pause a moment and turn on the sound to your computer and listen to this weeks song choice, it is called, A Blessing by David Petete. This is my prayer for all of you who have visited here at Quill Cottage and who have been such a blessing to me. It is my Thanksgiving gift to each of you. Below the following pictures you will find an added blessing to enhance your holiday celebration.
Did you spy my honored guests among my decor? Peer a little closer to see who they are:
Yes, that is little Squirrel Nutkin munching away on his holiday fare!
And yes, that is little Autumn perched as pretty as you please on the end of a cornucopia! If you missed little Autumn's arrival at Quill Cottage and her adventures along the way you can read about them here. Now, on to the other blessing.....

There is rich symbolism in the tradition of Thanksgiving that can not only be traced to the Pilgrims but also to our spiritual heritage. When raising my children I had and still have a strong desire to pass on our spiritual heritage and often looked for creative ways of doing so. One way was through visual aids. I came across a recipe for a Thanksgiving Blessing Mix several years ago and using it as a jumping off point I added to it, changed up the symbols meanings to meet my teaching needs and a family tradition was born. This year I added a poem to the mix and I offer this little tradition to you:

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

For this sweet and salty mixture you will need:

Bugles
Mini Pretzels
M & M's
Pumpkin Seeds
Mixed Nuts
Mixed Dried Fruits of your choice
Candy Corn
Hershey's Kisses
Gingersnaps
Oyster Crackers

Mix all ingredients and place in individual bags for each guest to take home. At each place setting provide a little dish with a few of each of the ingredients. Share what each ingredient symbolizes (this information is below). I have the recipe, symbol meanings, and poem, printed up in book form for each guest to follow along and as a take home gift. I invite you to use these as part of your holiday celebration, just cut and paste them into the print program of your choice and Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Symbols:

Cornucopia

The bugles represent one of the most recognizable symbols of Thanksgiving, the cornucopia, also called the horn of plenty. It is a decorative motif, originating in ancient Greece that symbolized abundance. The original cornucopia was a curbed goat’s horn filled to overflowing with fruit and grain.

This symbol reminds us of God’s great abundance towards us. His Word reminds us that He supplies us with abundant joy (Psalm 36:8), abundant life (John 10:10), abundant grace (2 Corinthians 9:8), abundant power (Ephesians 3:20), abundant supplies (Philippians 4:19). “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The Fruit

The mixed dried fruits remind us of the fruits the Pilgrims enjoyed. They also remind us of the fruits of the Spirit and the Christian graces we should all display daily. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22 & 25)

The Candy Corn

The candy corn represents the corn the Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to grow. It is also a reminder of the sacrifices of the Pilgrims their first winter, food was so scarce that the settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn each day. Without the knowledge of planting and growing the seeds, they may have starved. Some varieties of corn that are grown today are known as “sweet” corn and are sweet to the taste. These kernels of corn represent God’s Holy Word. A few “kernels” each day will sustain us, nourish us, fill us, and keep us spiritually alive. Scripture is sweet to the taste, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter, than honey comb to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

The Gingersnaps

The gingersnaps represent spices commonly used in many foods by the early American settlers. The spices remind us of Jesus’ sweet sacrifice for us. He was anointed with sweet spices upon his death by those who loved him, “And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, had brought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.” (Mark 16:1)

The Oyster Crackers

The oyster crackers represent the oysters the Native Americans harvested from the sea and brought to the first Thanksgiving celebration. They are a representation of forgiveness. The oysters were harvested from the depths of the sea, which reminds us that upon asking forgiveness the Lord casts our sins into the depths of the sea. “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and he will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19) What is laid to rest on the bottom of the ocean floor cannot be retrieved. What is forgiven is also forgotten.

The Pumpkin Seeds and Mixed Nuts

The pumpkin seeds and mixed nuts represent harvest time and the tradition of pumpkin pie. Harvest time should remind us of the true harvest spoken of in the Bible, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35) The harvest Jesus was speaking about was not a harvest of crops but that of souls, people who need forgiveness and are seeking salvation from their sins and in need of assurance of eternal life. This is also a reminder that we are to be continually active in this harvest, seeds of faith need to be gently planted and tenderly nourished.

The Pretzels

The pretzels represent arms folded in prayer. The Pilgrims were sustained by the power of prayer and despite any hardships they faced they had a continual attitude of thankfulness. This is a reminder that our prayer life is vital in keeping worry at bay and keeping our hearts and minds quiet and focused on being thankful. “Be careful (worry) for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The M & M’s

The M & M’s represent the memories of the Pilgrims who came before us to guide us into a nation under God, to give us religious freedom, to inspire hope and the promise of a blessed future. This is a representation of the sweet sacrifice Jesus made for us by giving his very life for us. His sacrifice provided us with hope and not condemnation and gives us the bright promise of a blessed future in heaven. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

The Hershey's Kisses

The Hershey’s Kisses are a representation of the love of Christ, family, and friends that sweetens and enriches our lives, for these we offer thanksgiving: (based on Colossians 1)

To all who are gathered this table ‘round,
May grace and peace to you extend and abound

From God our Father and Christ the Son,
May abundant blessings be upon every one

We give thanks to God and the Lord Jesus Christ,
For His abundant and willing sacrifice

It is our privilege to lift up in prayer,
All those for whom we love and care

May we each be filled with the knowledge of your will,
Wisdom, and spiritual understanding that is real

May we each walk worthy of your call,
Being pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to all

Help us to be fruitful in every good work,
Increasing in God’s knowledge and no duty shirk

Strengthen us with all your might,
May your power surround us bright

With patience, self-control, and joyfulness,
Let us give thanks to the Father who has so richly blessed

Who has given us an inheritance as saints of light,
Who delivered us from the darkness of night

Who gave us redemption through His blood,
And offers forgiveness like a rushing flood

This washes us clean from the stains of sin,
A forgiveness offered to all men

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift,
To you, dear Father, these we do lift

Bless them and keep them in your care,
Help them with the burdens they bear

Fill our hearts with thanksgiving, prayer and praise,
For the abundance that fills all our days. Amen.

Thanksgiving Blessings,

Miss Sandy

Give Thanks For The Little Things.....

"The still small voice of gratitude."

Gray - For Music St. 5.

Dear readers, we are fast approaching Thanksgiving and Miss Sandy's heart has been touched with gratitude lately for the small things in life. So often I am grateful for the big things or the obvious things, so much so that I may overlook the little things. I think I take too many things in life for granted. I've spent much time thinking and praying upon this. I asked that I have fresh vision and heightened awareness of the small blessings in life.

Well, Scripture says, ask and ye shall receive, and receive I did this very morning. I was loading my dishwasher with a few stray dishes from last night and in a row were three small cups, all of which had been held in the little hands of gorgeous grandson. Tears welled up in my eyes at the sight of them. I just felt so overwhelmingly grateful for that little life but more than that for those little hands, being able to watch them explore and learn new skills, watching them marvel at God's creation as they probe and discover.

Just yesterday he and I went outside and like always Hannah had her camera ready to capture all his cuteness. I watched him pick up a fallen leaf.....

and feel the texture of it in his little hand, fingers flexing over the surface, he curled his little digits around it and gave it a squeeze, then he released it and watched it flutter back down to the ground. Next he found a small stick and he held it in his little fist and fluttered it around like he was twirling a baton, after closely examining it, he decided to taste it, but Hannah spoiled his fun. Since it was no good to eat it was quickly discarded.

On the deck he spied some tiny acorns wedged in between the wooden decking. Down he squatted and one tiny finger poked at them.....and a little thumb came to help in grasping them from the crack. He held them so close to his face that his eyes crossed and then he gave them a toss.

He discovered some small colorful pebbles.....
in the bottom of a container I use to put candles in. In went the little hand closely followed by the whole little arm, a few finger flexes followed as they felt of the smooth stones, then they clutched and drew forth a handful that were promptly released in a tiny shower upon the table top where they were examined, touched, and one by one put back into the container.

A flash of red caught his eye and he dashes over to the huge potted plant only to pluck a flower.....
and then try to put it back. Out in the yard tree bark was touched, little palms whisked over blades of grass..... Little feet scuffed through gravel and crunched dry leaves.....A tiny head was tilted back as the sky and tree tops were studied......A curious little look crossed an angelic face, head cocked as if trying to figure out what the wind was as it ruffled wisps of his hair and kissed his cherub cheeks. A music sweet to Hannah's ears sounded forth from his lips as he laughed..... at leaves raining down upon him. He saw, heard, felt, savored, and yes even tried to taste every little thing around him. He didn't miss a thing.

I sat thinking over all this and I thought, Lord, that's what I want, to not miss a thing no matter how small and to be grateful for it. I thought of how long it has been since I expressed gratitude for my senses. The ability to see which enables me to drink in the sight of this beautiful little boy. The gift of hearing that enables me to delight in his laughter. The ability to breathe in his sweet little boy scent when I hold him close. The blessing of being able bodied to feel and touch as a little hand holds onto mine. How long has it been since I have savored all the small flavors in life? Perhaps it is because I am no longer new to this life that I overlook the little things and perhaps that is why God gives us new little lives to remind us to wonder, marvel, and to be ever observant and grateful.

Tiny hands and tiny feet,

Little lips that smile so sweet,

Bright blue eyes that sparkle and shine,

Oh Father, I'm so glad he's mine!

A little life to behold,

Through his eyes I watch the world unfold,

A gentle reminder to THANKFUL be,

for ALL THE LITTLE THINGS just as precious as he!

My prayer for you, dear readers, is that you too will rediscover the childlike wonder of all God's blessings anew. I hope that each of you will have fresh vision for whatever little thing you may have overlooked and that you would be filled with wonder, awe, and gratitude for the simple abundance that surrounds you.

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

"Giving thanks always for all things..." Ephesians 5:20

Honored and Blessed.....

The Mother Goose ATC Swap is over and the swaps have been made. I was honored with the first prize, which I found quite amazing as this was my first attempt at making ATC's and because all the entries were so awesome. I feel truly blessed to have been able to participate and to not only give but to receive original works of art like these. Thank you to Lenna at Creative Swaps and Leslie at Alpha Stamps for sponsoring this swap.

Here is the oh so sweet Mother Goose Tote that I won as first prize from Alpha Stamps......

Each participant also received a fun Goosey Goosey Gander toy cut-out sheet.....
Lenna threw in a wonderful packet of collage materials......
And, Lenna created this wonderful handcrafted ATC holder for each participant. It is made from hand painted and stamped cardstock with a ribbon tie closure.....
Now for the ultimate treat, the beautifully detailed mini works of art.....

First I removed a darling little ATC by Rena Matus, it is a Humpty Dumpty themed card. The picture does not do this piece justice. It has a white satin background that is hand stamped and embellished with clear and yellow glitter. Humpty is stamped on white satin and quilted with silver metallic thread and then applied to the background. On the back Rena tweaked the traditional Humpty Dumpty rhyme to read as follows:
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

this little egghead was just to darn cute

to have a great fall

so out came the blankets and out cam the sheets

and the Royal Eggcatchers caught Humpty

before he hit the street.

Too sweet! Thank You, Rena, I love it!

Next I pulled out a rather royal lady indeed, the Queen of Hearts, making some tarts. This royal lady rests on a lush red velvet background and is embellished with a bejeweled silver crown and mini pink seed beads. This lady traveled here from the U.K. and was made by Frieda Oxenham. I think the baking beauty is wonderful, thank you, Frieda!
Then out came Mistress Mary, quite contrary, and I think her garden is blooming beautifully! Mary is a fabric background who is decked out in seed beads, buttons, lace, and a snippet of ribbon with part of the rhyme imprinted on it. The edge is finished off with a pretty decorative stitch that reminds me of little shells! The back is finished off with a pretty piece of tone on tone paper. The blooming beauty was made by Victoria Talcott Wormell. Thank you, Victoria, for this little work of heart!

Next I pulled out what looked to me like a Victorian Valentine! The fabric background is a pink and red harlequin pattern with a fabric overlay of the Queen of Hearts baking her tarts. She has been framed in a rich red embossed heart shaped frame. The flower embellishment is velvet with cute red satin heart topping it off. The back is an awesome black and white print with a shimmery pink ribbon overlay that has a climbing green vine on it and the title of the piece. This sweet treat was made by Megan Hull. Thanks, Megan, for this tiny treasure!

And last but certainly not least I pulled out this pastel piece. This one had the theme of Mary Mary Quite Contrary and here we can see her garden is in full bloom. The floral fabric background has the sweetest scene zig zagged on it, a tiny child is peeking through the garden gate, a bit of green rickrack and ribbon with a snip of the rhyme printed on it edge the piece. A bit of lace and buttons round out the design. On the back is the sweetest lace pocket holding a tiny tag. This sweet garden scene was created by Cynthia M. Zdanzukas. Thank you, Cynthia, for this blooming beauty!

I hope you have enjoyed viewing these tiny treasures.

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

A Fairy Tale

"Divinest Autumn! who may paint thee best,
Forever changeful o'er the changeful globe?

Who guess thy certain crown, thy favorite crest,

The fashion of thy many-colored robe?"

R. H. Stoddard - Autumn.Dear Readers, in an earlier post, I told you I was expecting a visitor, well, she finally came! I was so very excited to see her. I had long awaited her arrival. She was originally due to arrive on September 23rd but she was delayed. She blew in with a brisk chilly wind on a cotton candy cloud kind of day, like this...... She is quite the traveler, her delay was due to so many interesting stops along the way. She was in Corey's neighborhood for a foreign film festival. She thoroughly enjoyed a 1947 french film with English subtitles entitled, La Belle et La Bete, (Beauty and the Beast). This is a beautiful and magical film, I too have seen it and highly recommend it. She brought some still shots from a program to share (click on smaller images to enlarge).....

From there she arrived in her distinct style in the US where she traveled east to west and north to south! She loves to fly and her preferred mode of transportation is by private charter. These are a few of the ways in which she has winged her way around the world.....

by bird, butterfly, dragonfly, and moth!

You must understand that she is no ordinary lady but a bit stylish and quite colorful. She paints the landscape in her unique style where ever she goes, in colors like these.....

Upon her arrival she left a note on my front stoop. She had written upon a leaf with a blue jay quill dipped in golden ink and weighted it down with a lovely heart shaped stone.....
I alerted a few of her friends, with whom I was sure she would want to visit and they gathered for her arrival. You might remember a few of them that I mentioned in an earlier post. Meet.....

Old Brown and Squirrel Nutkin! Peter Rabbit sent his regards but was unable to attend as Mrs. Peter Rabbit had just give birth to twins, Honey-Bunny and Cottonball!

We only get to see her once a year and our time together seems all too brief. Now The Fairy Tree is not exactly the kind of quaint B & B you or I would be comfortable staying in as the name seems to suggest, you see, it is a real TREE......

She arrived sporting a multi-colored cape like this...
A stylish new chapeau (hat) rested upon her head. She fashioned this creation herself and she was carrying the latest in handbags. She was wearing a gossamer gown of the best haute couture (she is quite fond of using french words after her visit to France) and her feet were shod with tiny ballet like slippers. Her golden tresses were styled to perfection and she had tiny jewels pinned in her hair.

I gasp when I saw her delicate dress.....
And I asked her where she got such lovely fabric, so shimmery, light, and sheer, almost like a wedding gown. She giggled and said she had actually been visiting with a relative of mine and her gown was fashioned from scraps off the sewing room floor. She had been to see my cousin, Jaime of elyseREUBEN Couture Gowns and Molly's Clothing! She brought with her some wonderful news - Jaime's gowns had been chosen for three bridal magazine covers and she brought pictures......

Congrats Jaime! I'm so proud of you! Much love XXX OOO!

She said that while she was in LA that she met someone who was related to someone famous. You know that happens all the time out there and she had her picture taken with him. This was amazing to me as she is a bit camera shy, but here it is......She met the cousin of the Travelosity sponsor, The Roaming Gnome!

I inquired about her stylish new hat.....

And she said she got the idea for its design while visiting at The Feathered Nest. She said Dawn's blog banner gave her the idea, that and an unfortunate encounter with an empty nest, a tree branch, and a one loony Luna who thought she might enjoy a loopy loop. A close brush with a tree branch left her new doo filled with twigs, leaves, and acorns. Upon arriving at Dawn's she peered into an antique mirror and exclaimed that her formerly groomed tresses looked like a birds nest! Hmmmm, an idea was born. I hope that Dawn won't mind that she snitched a few feathers from her banner as a final embellishment....
Her tiny handbag was her attempt at going "green" which is all the rage right now she tells me. It is made from natural fibers, burlap, which was recycled by some of her fine feathered friends who wove it from hay string which they found discarded on a nearby farm. She used 100% natural materials for embellishment, tree bark, lichen, moss, acorns, pine cones, leaves, grapevine, and a few more of Dawn's feathers, AND get this, it is totally bio-degradable! Here it is..... Her little bag is very much like that of Mary Poppins, you won't believe what all it will hold. First she pulled out the most delicious little green velvet acorn .....And said she got the idea from Cindyforeyes aka Cindy is Crafty . Cindy made these little cuties with a yoyo maker and she was so generous in sharing her technique and even offered to send along the little acorn "caps" if they were needed, too sweet!

Then out spilled the softest pink scented rose petals.....

I asked her where she got them and she admitted to plucking a few from here and there like when she visited Miss Rhea's Sweet N Shabby Roses and Cute Pink Stuff, she simply plucked them off of a hand painted birdhouse, some from vintage dishes and I think she even got some from the fabrics! I am beginning to think my little friend has a problem, sticky fingers!

I asked where she ever found such tiny yet stylish slippers.....And she said that Pinkpomegranate catered to all the Belle's of the Ball and had the cutest shoe selection, not to mention the most wonderful costume designs. She says she wishes she could be one of the porcelain skinned, beribboned, bejeweled beauties like she saw here.

Speaking of Jeweled Elegance, I noticed the little jewels adorning her hair and told her they were quite becoming on her......

She sighed and said she had such a hard time making up her mind, should she sport a glittery crown like or something more simple like Swarovski crystals or a tiny woven birds nest, from the Secret Garden Collection at Jeweled Elegance, filled with Swarovski pearls in pink or blue like the ones she saw here? What's a girl to do? She finally decided that her hat was quite a statement and you cannot wear a crown at the same time so she settled on the crystals.

She also brought along snapshots of her travels.....

She was inspired to try her hand at photography after visiting Q's Corner, where a picture is truly worth a thousand words. There is very little dialog but you don't need it, the photos are stunning!

Autumn, that is my little friends name if you have not guessed it already, seemed to tire a bit and decided to take a walk about our property. I snapped a few shots of her in a contemplative mood as she studied the handiwork around her...... I sat beside her in the lily garden beneath the stone bird bath offering her her choice of toad stools......








We sat quietly for some time and then I said, "A penny for your thoughts." She said she had traveled far and wide and seen everything there is to see. She is blessed to have the opportunity to do this every year. She was thinking upon an interview that she saw being taped and was deeply moved by. She had the pleasure of viewing the presentation entitled, The Interview With God, where she was enthralled with the landscape photography and carried away by the background score, but mostly profoundly moved by the message of God's closing words, "Just know that I am here." "ALWAYS"

She smiled as I handed her a penny.....

And we decided to toss it into the wishing well.....
What did we wish for? That you, dear readers, will be incredibly blessed in whatever season of life you are in and by knowing that our Heavenly Father is with you and available to you.....ALWAYS!

Blessings,

Miss Sandy

P.S. All these wonderful sites have been added to my Friends to Visit section of the sidebar for you viewing pleasure.

Photos: Pumpkins - Johnstons Pumpkin Farm, Cotton Candy Sky above my home, Scenes from La Belle et La Bete, Robin at the Old Mill, Butterfly in my Grandmother's garden, Dragonfly at Petite Jean, Luna and Polyphemus in my yard, Forest Scene at Petite Jean, A Leafy note on my stoop, Owl in my back yard, Squirrel at Lobo Landing, Two little motherless bunnies, The Fairy Tree in our woods, San Diego Style Weddings Magazine covers, Flowing water at the Old Mill, Wildflower on the bank of the Little Red River, Bird Island at sunset - Destin, FL, Nature trail at Petite Jean, Turtle Rocks at Petite Jean, All photos of little Autumn were taken at my home.