1 Year

Oh my goodness...it's been a year since I've started this journey through blog land. I'm a little ashamed to say that the reason I created this blog was to enhance my business. Through this blog I've only seen a dent in sales. Don't feel sorry for me...I've gained so much more than anything monetary. Things I've never anticipated! For instance...I never would of guessed that I enjoy taking pictures and I'm actually trying to make them look good! It's a work in progress but I'm trying. I've realized that I've created a journal...highlighting events, projects, family, friends, pets, vacations, outings, seasons, holidays and thoughts. Above all...are the friends I've made along the way. I never anticipated this. I anticipated customers but not friends. I never would of thought anyone would care about my extra ordinary life but...that's what we do when we visit each other's blog. We look forward to visiting because we're building a relationship with each other. We look forward to knowing what's going on in each other's lives and what each person has to say. We've shared with each other our joys and sorrows. We end up caring for each other. Caring for people we've never met in person only through words. To all of you that have stopped by to visit...I'm honored that you keep coming back. Your creativity, thoughts, advice, wisdom, kindness and warmth are truly appreciated and inspiring! I'm in awe of you! Thank you. ~amy

One more day in counting to the Taylor Swift & Kellie Pickler concert! My husband and I are taking my daughter and 3 of her friends. Can't wait!

My Summer Hand Bags

After reading Leah's post yesterday from Who Moved My Cheese Straw? about her Caro-Nan Baskets...which by the way was so interesting. Who knew? I thought I'd show you my two favorite summer bags. I've had them for a few years now. The first one is a take of the old vintage wicker purse. It's more modern in detail but definitely a take of the wicker bags from the 50's & 60's. I purchased it at TJ Max. Cute I know but....

below is my pride and joy. Although...I like the newer bag...it can't compare to this one. I bought this on eBay for $5 and it still had the original tags on it! I really like the Lucite handle and trim. It's from the 50's or 60's! Since the summer season is gently drifting by...I thought I'd share and don't forget to stop by Who Moved My Cheese Straw? I know she would love to have you visit. Have a lovely day! ~amy

Trellis Envy

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting another Outdoor Wednesday!

On walks through my town...I've been stalking this pretty trellis with this plant growing on it. Does any one know what type of plant this is? Is it a clematis? Is there a story behind this particular type of trellis that it's growing on? If anyone can give me any information on this...I would love to hear? I think it is so pretty. Planning for next spring already. Have a fun Outdoor Wednesday! Click on the picture for a much larger view.

Playing Kelly Pickler and Taylor Swift songs this week. We'll be seeing them perform this Saturday in a sold out concert. We're so excited here!!! ~amy

....And Off She Goes

Dropped Aubrey off at college on Friday. Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday she was just starting kindergarten. In both instances she was beside herself with excitement to start her journey! I've told her then as a little girl and now as a young woman...simply to study hard and always listen to your heart. Your heart will always show you the way and oh yeah...have fun.

My daughter the young woman

has reached the end...

only to find a new beginning.

Other's see her differently but
behind the young woman,
I will always see my child.
eye, heart, you, 2 ~mom

Aubrey's 1st day of kindergarten.

Her dorm room.

Keeping The Dream Alive

It's our dream that we'll be able to build a cabin/cottage getaway someday. I'm starting to hunt down items for it now. My husband thinks I'm a little a head of myself but when the time is here that we actually have the structure built...he'll be happy we have things to put in it! Right??? Inside the cottage we would like it to feel like you're stepping back in time...except with all of the conveniences of today. Since...we aren't in the building phase yet...searching for treasures keeps the dream alive! One step at a time.

Summer is gently fading. Enjoy your weekend!

~amy

When I saw these horse prints I knew I had to have them. The print and frame boasts 60's don't you agree?

I love the green background.

...and then look what I found.

Lattice At Its Best

I don't know if you've noticed yet from reading my blog that I like home interiors and home exteriors. I don't know why but I always have and I've always favored homes built in the 1920's ~ 1960's. I thought I would work in the interior design field. I even went back to school for interior design in my late 30's and got a degree in it but because of multiple moves...I never worked professionally in the field. That could be an excuse but I'm still trying to figure that one out. Frequent relocation's have given me many opportunities to decorate our own homes and that has been fun! I'll get around to show you pictures of our present house someday. Below is a picture of a homes entrance way and door that I'm absolutely in enthralled with. This house is across the street from our church and I have been admiring it for years. Look at the lattice work. How sweet. I thought you might think it's charming also. Have a lovely day. Click on the picture to enlarge it and feel the love even more! ~amy

Out Door Wednesday & Wet And Wild Wednesday

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting another 'Out Door Wednesday'.

Here's a video of "Wet & Wild Wednesday" at Lake Placid Olympic Training Center. Skiers from all over the world train here during the summer for the winter Olympics. We had a terrific time watching them. They incorporate their training into a show called "Wet & Wild Wednesday". We're not talking fluffy snowy slopes here. Wait til you see! Sorry the video is small. Watch it carefully and watch it a few times if you need too. Don't worry it's very short in length. Have a lovely day! ~amy

Pretty As A Picture

I was driving home yesterday after dropping my daughter off at the golf course and I spotted this picture perfect door and for once I had my camera handy. I was able to take a quick picture! A lot of thought was put into the design of the entrance of this home. Everything from the contrasting color of the door to the starry light fixture. The symmetrical planters are just beautiful. Don't you agree? You can't but love their little pooch sitting there so obediently with a basket in his mouth. I could only imagine how pretty the inside of this house is! Have a perfectly lovely day!!! ~amy

My Garden Tour... Colors Of Summer

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting this Outdoor Wednesday.

Please take a stroll through my garden. The colors are just perfect this summer. A lot of rain and not overly hot days have given me vibrant flowers. I hope you enjoy the tour! ~amy

I Had A Feeling I Would Like This

Kurt agreed to go to the movies with me last Saturday to see Julie & Julia. Leaving the house to go to the movies he comments to our neighbor across the way...that he was going to a "chick flick". Although...I think he would agree after watching this movie he found it amusing and some what inspirational...at least I did. I'm not a great cook but I want to explore more recipes now. I'm a blogger and I can appreciate Julie's enthusiasm played by Amy Adam's when she receives her first comment on her blog. I love the trip down memory lane. Meryl Streep and Amy Adam's what a combo! When I got home...I had to go on to ebay and see what Julia Child's first cook book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) first edition" was being auctioned for? Lets put it this way...a lot of other people that saw this movie were inspired too. For now....I'll just have to hope that someday I'll find this 1st edition cookbook at a garage sale...then I'll think I won the lottery! Something to search for!! ~amy

Not The Kind Of Pothole That You Think

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting this Outdoor Wednesday. Below are a few pictures from our visit to High Falls Gorge in Wilmington, NY. While on our hike along the gorge we saw beautiful trees, flowers, wildlife and rock. We even saw potholes. Not the kind of potholes we are accustom to in the Northeast from plows and salt trucks removing snow off the roads. The potholes at the gorge were formed over long periods of time by a whirlpool along the shore of a fast flowing stream. At first...the sand carried by the water will slowly grind away the rock until a small hole is formed. As the hole grows in depth and size...it is able to trap larger pebbles. These in turn continue to grind away at the rock. Eventually...the hole is big enough to trap larger stones. If the water flow is fast enough these will swirl around until they also become round as they grind away at the sides and the bottom of these holes. Click on the images to get a closer look.

Maddie, Christina and me on the trails. Notice we have our jackets on. It has been a cool and wet summer in the East. Can you see the moss on the walls and the cedar tree branches?

Over 600 feet of fierce falls. Notice the trails extends over and from the sides of the gorge.

A visual on how a pothole is formed.

Some of the potholes I took a picture of. Look how round they are. Click on to the picture to get a closer look.