The Floral Birthday Book...

    Since this is my birthday week I thought it would be apropos to share a little gem I discovered. It is a reproduction of a Victorian birthday reminder book and was first published in the 1880's. I absolutely love it. It has a quote from a poem and an illustration of a different flower to go with each day of the year and lines with which to fill in names of family and friends. It would look very quaint as decoration on a table or night stand and is small enough to carry with you.

                                          

     My birthday, April 2, has the purple Hyacinth as it's flower. My copy is the reproduced version, but I will continue to scour flea markets, Ebay and Amazon in hopes of finding the 1800's version. I have added a link here if you would like to take a peak in side. I must warn you, however, that it will be hard to resist. Just think, you will never have to transfer your birthdays from one calendar to another again. Hope you have a good rest of the week. xoxo     

         

My Utmost For His Highest...

     I make no secret of my passion for the printed word. I love the feel, the smell, the touch, the very essence of books. As I continue my blog it will, by my very nature include book reviews, recommendations, quotes and information on the books I am reading or have read. I usually have 3 to 5 books going at any one time. I have decided that it is at the times I am not reading that something is surely out of balance in my life. I need only to correct that balance and my reading continues.
     Anytime I discuss a book I will post a link to Amazon for those who might be interested in looking it up. I love reading a good book and then seeing the movie. I will also post about any movie I have seen or am aware of. It's just sort of fun to see how closely the book is followed, how well the cast is chosen and the characters portrayed.
     Having said all of that you can imagine my frustration this weekend at not being able to find my favorite devotional. I looked high and low. I still haven't found it.  Where could it be? I am never without it.

         I first met Oswald Chambers in 1991 when I bought "My Utmost For His Highest" at a yard sale. I couldn't, however, get interested, so it was relegated to the far reaches of my bookcase cabinet. I have since come to believe that the time has to be right to fully appreciate the writings of this man. When the time is right one can't help but fall in love with this tiny book, or at least the inspiration and knowledge that exudes from it's pages.
     I finally came to know and love the writings of Oswald Chambers in about 2007. Since that time he has never been farther from my reach than arms length. I have given countless copies of his cherished words to friends, acquaintances and family members. Always with the sure knowledge that when the time was right this little book would become their trusted friend. As I read my copy I place one or two check marks in the upper corner. One check for good, two for great. At times, when inspiration wanes I open to these pages and can easily find the best of the best. I would encourage you to get a copy and read it once through. Highlight, star, check, whatever your fancy maybe. I tempt you to fall in love with the writings of this godly man. To analyze, study, read and reread. Often times I read it out loud to Andy. We analyze, debate, and decide upon it's meaning.
    It is my fervent prayer that I will always strive to give "My Utmost For His Highest".
    Now back to searching...     

Spring Break...

                                                          To Louisiana with the grandkids. 

                                                            First stop Jellystone Park.

                                

                     

 We got up Saturday morning and toured the Laura Plantation home.

An historic sugar plantation built in 1805. Offers tours based on The Memoirs of Laura,  

Memories of the Old Plantation Home & a Creole Family Album a detailed account of 200 years of life on this farm.

Next, on to New Orleans to tour the French Quarter.

                                            

We walked along Bourbon Street in and out of shop after shop.

                                                       

An unexpected 2 hour parade left the kids happy,

loaded with beads and exhausted.

Too soon it is time to leave for home, school, and work. If you're ever near Robert, La. with a carload of kiddos be sure and stop at Jellystone Park home of Yogi Bear.

                                                   



Hidden Treasure...

Meet my favorite Easter candy.

PURPLE PEEPS!!!

These marshmallow chicks are made in the USA with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. They come in six different colors and have the cutest little brown eyes. Who wouldn't love 'em. They freeze well too. Imagine my excitement when I found them hiding in the back of my freezer after two years. It was like finding hidden pirates treasure. They were delectably (is that a word) delicious.  Think I'll go have a few.

                                                                  

Introducing...

Four of my five grandchildren.

Moon Daisy

Brown Hawk

Crazy Hair

Tall Feathers

 Have a nice day.

First signs of spring...

 This small, beautiful bluebonnet is just one reminder that spring is on it's way.

 

Soon there will be hundreds and hundreds covering yards, fields and highways.

I can hardly wait!!!  

My New Collection is...

              Sweetheart Jewelry

      The moment I say, "No more collections" something pops up that is simply irresistable.

       I saw this on Ebay and couldn't resist.

   It has me wondering who the man in the photo was, what he might look like today, did he survive the war and who was his special lady.

 So many intriguing questions.