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

Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Golden Glow of Summer

Have a wonderful weekend!
~Diane~









































"The grass and flowers looked as though fresh-washed by summer showers, and not a single blade was any color but the brightest green.  The air was soft and balmy, though invigorating; and instead of sunlight there was a golden and rosy glory everywhere; something like the afterglow of a Southern sunset in midsummer." 
                                                    Rebecca Ruter Springer


Linked with Tina's PicStory

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Whimsical Art of Bjorn Wiinblad

These decorative wall plaques were designed by the Danish Art Deco artist Bjorn Wiinblad. The images are designed to tell the story of a young couple. Each month represents a different stage in the couple’s life. They start by falling in love in January and end with a new baby in December. These whimsical pieces were manufactured by Nymolle of Denmark in the 1970’s.

This plaque is for March or “Marts” and is titled “Victoire” or Victory. This whimsical image depicts the victorious groom carrying off his new bride. They are accompanied by two angels who hold garlands of roses to celebrate the young newlyweds’ bliss. The image is in red and white. The plaque measures approximately 6” in diameter. There is a hole at the top for hanging. There is some crazing but there are no chips or cracks. Most of these plaques are available in black and white, the red is a bit more rare.



"Victory"






 

This plaque is for April and is titled “ Konflikt” or “Conflict”.  Rain and dark skies symbolize the turmoil of young love. This is a red and white image. The plaque measures approximately 6” in diameter. There is a hole at the top for hanging. There is some crazing but there are no chips or cracks. Both are now available at CraveCute on Etsy.

These wall plaques would make wonderful housewarming or hostess gifts for a young couple or just fun pieces for anyone who loves the whimsical art of Bjorn Wiinblad.

 
"Conflict"



bjorn wiinblad portrait
via Dwell






Bjorn Wiinblad
1918 - 2006

 "Wiinblad's style is marked by bright colors, playful design, and a sense of joyfulness. Often incorporating human figures into his work, Wiinblad's characters were usually round-faced and charming. Some of his better known professional associations include porcelain work for Rosenthal, illustration for Hans Christian Andersen, and textiles for Nymolle Fajance Fabrik."  from Dwell





Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Let's Spring into Summer!


Summer is here and let's not waste another moment!  We have a head start in most parts of the country because of our extra warm spring, so kick back and enjoy. The lazy, crazy, days of summer are right now!  Here are a few of my own images and some from Pinterest to get you in that summer mood!

Stop! Smell the roses!
My roses


















Click on the image below and learn how to make your very own radish wreath!








Learn to see the beauty in everyday things.







Summer is about easy entertaining.







Source: google.com via CraveCute on Pinterest


I have not tried this, but it is just so gosh darn pretty! 


Martini & Rossi Torino Sangria
1 (750 ml.) bottle of Martini & Rossi® Extra Dry vermouth
2 cups (16 oz.) cranberry juice cocktail
½ cup (4 oz.) brandy (optional)
½ cup sugar
2 cups (16 oz.) sparkling water
2 oranges, thinly sliced into wheels
1 lemon, thinly sliced into wheels
1 lime, thinly sliced into wheels

Combine  Martini & Rossi Extra Dry vermouth, cranberry juice, brandy and  sugar in a large pitcher; stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill until  ready to serve.









This is so good! Want more options? Replace the bacon with cooked diced chicken. Add your favorite shredded cheese. Change the pecans to walnuts, sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.


Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2  (16-oz.) package farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
  • 1 pound fresh broccoli
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 8  cooked bacon slices, crumbled


    1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a  shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant,  stirring halfway through.
    2. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
    3. Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets from stems, and separate florets  into small pieces using tip of a paring knife. Peel away tough outer  layer of stems, and finely chop stems.
    4. Whisk together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl;  add broccoli, hot cooked pasta, and grapes, and stir to coat. Cover and  chill 3 hours. Stir bacon and pecans into salad just before serving.







Try a new activity, ride the waves.... maybe not on flying fish, but wouldn't 
that be something!




My Impatiens and Begonia
























                        Above all...



          Source: s-u-n-s-h-i-n-e-soul.tumblr.com via CraveCute on Pinterest

              Just Have Fun!



Sunday, June 17, 2012

Relax, You've Earned It!


Happy Father's Day



via

Wishing for a wonderful Father's Day for all the Dads we love.



In loving memory
of my Father and Grandfathers.
xoxo

Saturday, June 16, 2012

And His Name Is...

Guy Noir, or for now Little Guy!

How did we come up with this name?  Well kitten is a Guy and he is Noir; in French, noir means dark or black. We actually borrowed the name from Garrison Keillor (a local big shot). Guy Noir is a fictional private eye regularly featured on the public radio show A Prairie Home Companion.  Played by Garrison Keillor, the character parodies pulp fiction novels and the film noir genre. Guy Noir works on the twelfth floor of the Acme Building in a city that "knows how to keep its secrets", St. Paul, Minnesota.



Here is Little Guy with two toys. There was a split second to get the picture before the frantic playing continued. Mostly what I got were pictures like the one below.

Blur Fur


Little Guy Noir (Private Cat Eye) Knows How to Keep Secrets









Here is Guy doing a somersault from his basket trying to capture a toy.



Just before he pounced on my head!




A daring acrobat!





Asleep, at last!
I have to say, I had forgotten how active kittens can be. He is as cute as can be and is thrilled when we pick him up and cuddle him.  He was used to playing with his brothers and sisters, so the first few days were a bit rough for him and he needed lots of attention. He is starting to get used to things and loves seeing the big cats when they come by to visit. They are still outside the pet gate but enjoy looking at each other. I am thinking of getting a pet playpen....




Saturday, June 2, 2012

Hey Little Kitty...

We are welcoming a new baby kitten into our home! As you may be aware June is Adopt a Cat Month. I haven't had a kitten for many years and decided this would be the perfect time to adopt.  We found a cute little guy who needed a home, so I will be busy with him for a few weeks until he gets settled in. I found out our home is really not kitten proof, so while I am at it, a little house cleaning and organization is also taking place. The image below is a great example of what NOT to do if you have a kitten - or cat for that matter. String, thread, needles, pins.... aaaak! Keep these items far, far away from the little ones.




I will still try to stop by your blogs to visit, but I may not post anything for a couple of weeks. It just depends on how things go. Of course the first thing I will be posting are pictures of our kitten!

In the mean time, here is a very cute and fun song called "Hey, Little Kitty" by the Peekers!

Enjoy! ~ Diane ~




Friday, June 1, 2012

What To Say About June...


"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer,
the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, 
and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh 
young beauty will ever fade."
                                                                                         Gertrude Jekyll


































Happy June!