Summer Fun

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon;
to me those have always been the two most
beautiful words in the English language.”                    
                    ~Henry James

   I had a week's break from work and it was so lovely! I did all kinds of summery things with my family and had a chance to de-stress a little. I went out of town for a few days and did a little antiquing (which is one of my most FAVOURITE things to do!), visited a lake with my sister, brother in law, and a friend, saw movies, went to a FABULOUS bakery, and generally had a wonderful time! I took lots of pictures and here are just a few that I wanted to share with you including me and my sister at the lake, an outdoor cafe I visited, a ballroom in a hotel that I walked through which was gorgeous, and the FABULOUS french bakery my parents and I visited. The beautiful lady in the bakery photos with the eclair is my lovely Mum! I hope everyone is enjoying the last few weeks of summer too!

Sewing

"All my scattering moments are
taken up with my needle."
            ~Ellen Birdseye Wheaton, 1851

   I freely admit that I am not very good at sewing - a few untidy stitches maybe but I cannot create a piece of art with a needle. I admire the intricacies of antique needlework, embroidery, and ribbonwork and I always wonder how women of that period were able to make such lovely things! I love to peruse the collection of sewing things at the antique store where I work - the delicate little paper packages of vintage needles, tiny boxes holding empty spools of thread, pin cushions made out of miniature cast iron shoes or the puffy lace skirts of little dolls, buttons and buckles made out of pearl. So many pretty treasures! I would love to go back in time and step into one or two of the shops where Victorian ladies used to buy their ornaments and tools. What a dream that would be! Here are a few photos I have taken of bits and baubles, old fashion clippings, ribbons, and sewing things...

I am linking with:
Vintage Thingie Thursday

Pretty and Pink

"Dwell on the beauty of life.
Watch the stars, and see yourself
running with them."
             ~Marcus Aurelius

   I am trying to learn how to relax and slow down a little. I'm not very good at it. It's summer but it still feels like I'm rushing everywhere and worrying about everything. I have a week long holiday starting monday and I plan to totally de-stress - easier said than done with me but I'm trying! I always admire people who seem so serene and calm about life. What happens happens and it doesn't get to them, or at least it doesn't appear to. I want to be like that! Summer 2012 goal: become serene! At any rate I am slowing down a little - at least in my thoughts. No more frenzy!
I did a few random pictures this week which without really meaning to have all turned out rather PINK. I hope you like them and are enjoying your summers, remembering to relax, and appreciating the simplicity of a beautiful life.

I am linking with:
Pink Saturday

Drawing by Jennelise