“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Be of Good Cheer



Vintage Illustration from "The Happy Rabbit" by Patricia Barton

Even though the snow covers the ground and the cold air took my breath away when I stepped outside this morning, I experienced something that made me very happy.  I couldn't help but feel joyful when I heard the cheerful voices of the finch and chickadees today when I went out to refill the bird feeders. 

So this afternoon while starting to write my blog post, I thought about complaining about February seeming like the longest month of all, but I stopped and I decided to change my mindset. No complaining about the weather because it is what it is.  Instead I thought about this morning, enjoying the song of the happy little birds and the pretty shadows on our new fallen snow.

Occasionally we've all had heartbreaks, illness and innumerous sufferings that have troubled us.  I know a few blog friends who are going through really difficult times right now, and they are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for any of you that are going through rough times now that I'm unaware of.  But, if you're like me and you're in a good place, then for goodness sake don't let the little things get you down.

Try and find a bit of joy in your day... 
it can be as simple as the song of a little bird.

~~ Diane ~~

What kinds of simple things give you joy in your everyday life?









Friday, February 20, 2015

I Wish I Were...



In the middle of an island, in the middle of an ocean.....



Which way are you heading?! Cheers!  #Caribbean #Travel












"...There is a good kind of waiting which doesn’t put oneself on hold but rather adds layers to the grandness of one’s being worthy. This sweet waiting for one’s fruits to ripen doesn’t stumble over itself to be the first to give but waits for the giving to issue at its own graceful pace."  --2014 © Toko-pa Turner







TONY BENNETT
"In The Middle Of An Island"
(Nick Acquaviva and Ted Varnick)

In the middle of an island
In the middle of the ocean
You and I beneath the moonlight
With just the monkeys and the palm trees

In the middle of an island
When it's time to do some kissin'
Plenty time for lotsa lovin'
And walkin' barefoot in the sand

Though there's no island at all
Just a picture on my wall
My darlin', how I wish we could be
(I wish that we could be)

In the middle of an island
In the middle of the ocean
You and I forever, darlin'
In a paradise for two
(In a paradise for two)


Though there's no island at all
Just a picture on my wall
My darlin', how I wish we could be
(I wish that we could be)

In the middle of an island
In the middle of the ocean
You and I forever, darlin'
In a paradise for two
(In the middle of the ocean)
(On an island kissin' you)








Tropical Island (1 oz coconut rum 1 oz spice rum  1 oz banana liqueur 2 oz pineapple juice 2 oz orange juice a splash of grenadine)



Tropical Island 
1 oz coconut rum 
1 oz spice rum 
1 oz banana liqueur 
2 oz pineapple juice 
2 oz orange juice 
a splash of grenadine







Flamingos in The Shade on a Tropical Beach, Renaissance Island, Aruba | Get Into An Island Frame Of Mind | View Vacation Packages!





Sandman :)  Make your sandman along the shore of Hutchinson Island here in Jensen Beach!

  



Tahitian Sunset



Hope you enjoyed this little escape. 
It's still cold, it's still winter, but I can always dream....

See you in blogland!
~~Diane~~

Image source: some are from Microsoft images others from Pinterest

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Vintage Valentine

My favorite Valentines are the ones from the 1950's through the 1960's. Here are a few I've collected over the years! I've also included the lyrics of a favorite old love song called "Where is Love" from the musical Oliver. Tony Bennett included it on his "Snowfall" CD a few years ago. It's really a lovely song with beautiful lyrics.





















































Where is love?
Does it fall from skies above?
Is it underneath the willow tree
That I've been dreaming of?
Where is she?
Who I close my eyes to see?
Will I ever know the sweet hello
That's meant for only me?
Who can say where she may hide?
Must I travel far and wide?
'Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to ...
Where...?
Where is love?
Who can say where...she may hide?
Must I travel...far and wide?
'Til I am...beside the someone who
I can mean...something to...
Where?
Where is love?


Songwriters
LIONEL BART

Read more: Oliver - Where Is Love? Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Oliver! is a British musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. It premiered in the West End in 1960, enjoying a long run, a successful Broadway production in 1963 and further tours and revivals. 





































Sunday, February 8, 2015

Snow Moon


I'm behind a bit, the Full Moon Of February actually occurred on the second day of the month, alright... so I missed that. We are now in the phase called the Waning Gibbous, 82% of a Full Moon. Another blogger gave me the idea about the moon the other day, however it had been on my mind for a few weeks because of a cookbook, I'll explain a bit later.  First you probably want to know more about the February Moon.....




"Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult."           ~~~~ from The Farmer's Almanac


Therefore, this month, we have the lovely Snow Moon.  The moon is shining so bright these nights and reflecting off the snow, that we thought the neighbors had left a spotlight on outside.  Of course it was the beautiful Snow Moon instead.  I actually took these photos a few months ago, the clouds were illuminated by the reflecting light and made for some interesting images.




Now let me explain about why a cookbook has me thinking about the moon.  Well it is the illustration of course. As you look at the photo below you will see that the words "Cake Secrets" are encircled by a full moon.  That is what attracted me to the cookbook from the beginning, the gorgeous artwork on the front. The lovely swans on a moonlit lake with the dark blue background is just beautiful.


The photo below is of a cookbook from 1925, called "Cake Secrets".  Few of you have probably heard the name Igleheart in association with cake flour, but what about Swans Down? The Igleheart Brothers sold the company long ago, but Swans Down Cake Flour is still around today.




Cake Secrets Recipe Booklet from Igleheart Brothers which became know as Swans Down Cake Flour. Published in 1925 by Ingleheart Brothers of Evansville, IN.  This book sold a few weeks ago. If I ever come across another I will snatch it up!

















I digitally cleaned up the image from the cookbook, removed the lettering and turned it into the lovely image above. Unfortunately the original artists name was not mentioned. 

Who knew that a cookbook could be so lovely?  I must say that so far this is the prettiest cookbook I've ever come across.  Everyday I find something beautiful to enjoy, whether it be a little cookbook, a fluffy cat or a blue sky.  I hope you find something enjoyable in your day too.

~~~ Diane ~~~



Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Whiskers Wednesday

It's been a busy two weeks since my last post! Family visits, increased sales in my shop (woohoo!), Super Bowls, etc., etc., ...... always something keeping me away from blogging!

I have been active on an Etsy Team and did a blog post last week (here) on Collecting Cookbooks, and apparently my old brain thought that I had done a post so all was well. After starting to catch up again in my CraveCute shop with packing and mailing items... I started to think what is missing? Of course I knew it was my bloggy pals. I saw a couple of Tweets and G+'s come through with new posts of some of my favorite bloggers and realized I had better get back over to my own blog and do a post!




We had a nice fluffy snowfall last night and Guy Noir and I went out for a walk this morning. One of the photos was just Purr-fect for a tweet pic with hashtag (#WhiskersWednesday). All of the other cat geeks post their cats pictures. I think Guy is one of the handsomest out there!














Here are a few other shots of our yard and snow. It was a light and fluffy snow that sparkled in the morning sun. I wish the camera had captured it better but take my word, it was really pretty!











Many of you on the East Coast have had to put up with tons of snow this year, while we here in Minnesota have barely had any.   We are about a foot below our average snow fall this year.  We may get another few inches by the weekend.  Finally we'll have enough to ski and snowshoe. It's been kind of an ugly winter, so this snow was a nice change!

I promise, I will be around to your blogs soon.  I hope you all have a lovely week and of course a wonderful Whiskers Wednesday!

 ~~~~ Diane ~~~~ 
Guy Noir ~~~~ 
~~~~  xoxoxo