Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

June 1, 2011

Summer

Filed under: Food,Life,Seasons,Shop til ya Drop,Things I Love — gardener @ 7:16 am

  I love summer.   In fact, I guess you could say that I love ALL seasons for all that they bring to the table, but more and more I’m finding that summer is ranking amongst my favorite times of the year. 

You may wonder why-   As those Spring days are leaning towards Summer, I’ve found that the baby ducklings are coming into their own, and it won’t be long before they leave the nest and go about their own lives.   It’s the process of nature- and something about watching them grow from a duckling into a full-grown duck makes me smile.

Picnics-  I haven’t been on one in ages- unless you count us eating dinner outside on days like today- but when I see dinner ware like the one to your left-  how can you NOT want to go on a picnic?   In fact-  I’d rather eat on them all summer long- they are just THAT cute-     If only there was a Pier One just around the corner- I’d be highly tempted.     Then again- there’s always online shopping.    They would be really cute for my end of July tapas get together with some of my favorite people.

Fruit- Is there anything not to like about summer fruits?  BBQ’s and well- the list goes on-   Time at the beach, longer daylight hours and of course-  my birthday. (Didn’t think I’d leave that out did you?)  

So tell me- What are your favorite things about summer?

May 19, 2011

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Filed under: Home,Shop til ya Drop,Things I Love — gardener @ 10:51 am

Marcel and I had dinner outside tonight, and even though it was a little chilly outside- I couldn’t help but love every second that we spent surrounded by the beautiful flowers and herbs that we planted over the past couple of weeks. Surprisingly- I’m already noticing a huge differnce in the size of the plants, and it won’t be long before they are flowing with blooms. I can’t wait. While we were eating- I commented that a outdoor fire pit would be perfect, especially if we could have it close enough to offer a little warmth- but yet far enough to not be overpowering. Since Marcel is even more cold natured than I’ve ever been- I could tell he was thinking about it. He didn’t say much- but the wheels are turning. In the meantime- I’ll continue to enjoy my little peaceful spot filled with color.

April 28, 2011

Fun Times

Filed under: Life,Seasons,Things I Love,Women — gardener @ 12:28 pm

I need to check in on my 101 things in 1001 days list and see if I’ve done anything as of late that I can check off. Today- I visited friends, both old and new, had a great lunch, did some walking around a new city (at least to me) and yes, ate a cupcake. It wasn’t just ‘any’ cupcake- it was an Oreo cupcake it was delicious! I brought a caramel one home for Marcel and tasted it too and it was just as sinfully good, but in a different way.

I also walked in the rain today- and spend some time walking around inside a cube shaped house. Fun times!

April 23, 2011

Love Great Deals

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Things I Love — gardener @ 6:21 am

A few weeks ago I found some Whey Protein on sale at one of our local health food stores.  I’ve been wanting to try some for a while now- to help boost my protein levels, plus to give me a little protein boost post work-out, but I was less thrilled with the prices.    So I held off on buying it, because I didn’t find it a priority.   When I walked into the store looking for Olive Oil soap and found it for more than half off, I  pounced on the deal.  (You all know how I love a good sale.)     I’ve been using it on and off since.

Yesterday, I walked 8 miles at the beach.  The first thing I did after coming home and drinking a huge glass of water was to add a little of the whey protein to some low-fat milk.  I drank it right up.     Since then, I’ve been thinking about making it into a froze concoction that will be perfect in this weather.

Right now-  I am headed out with a tall glass of water and a magazine to read for a little while.  This day is too perfect to spend inside.

April 6, 2011

Indulgence

Filed under: Shop til ya Drop,Things I Love — gardener @ 7:36 am

  It is absolutely no secret to anyone who knows me that I love handbags.  I also love red, so when the two merge- it could be dangerous.   Shopping is one of my ‘things’ (I do seem to have many) and when I saw this bag-  all I could think of was how much I’d love to own it.

No, I don’t own it, although Marcel did ask me how much it was- and I think he was tempted to buy it for me as a little surprise.   Oh how I was tempted, but I know that I’d really like to have a new sofa and living room furniture, so I had to think-   sofa- handbag ,  handbag- sofa.   The practical side won, so it looks like it will be a sofa as opposed to the indulgence that I’d really like to take.

I’m not giving up though-    

Everyone has their vices- and handbags just happen to be one of mine.

April 5, 2011

Surprises

Filed under: Gratitude,Life,Things I Love,Travel — gardener @ 9:46 am

Earlier today Marcel brought in the mail. He handed me a card and said that someone left it in the mailbox for me. My name was scrawled across the center of the envelope, but nothing else. From the lack of postage- I knew it had to be from someone local. When I opened it, I saw a beautiful card with a picture of the lavender fields in France on the front. I figured it was from one of my neighbors, but instead it was from one of my dear friends, Hein (Desere’s husband). He went to France last year and I told him how much I’d love to see the lavender fields there. He said he’d take pictures. I forgot about it, but apparently he didn’t. The card said that since he’d forgotten to take a picture of the fields, he was giving me the card instead.

I can’t begin to describe the joy that I felt from that card. I love surprises and it’s the ones that completely catch you off guard that are the best. This one definitely ranks high on my list of ‘catch me completely off guard’ surprises. That little card made my day- and also showed me once again just how truely blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life.

April 2, 2011

The Joy of Pets

Filed under: Pets,Things I Love — gardener @ 8:09 am

The weather has been absolutely perfect today, so when Marcel and I got home from a little running around- we decided to take our adorable little JJ for a walk over to Desere’s house.  She was sitting in the back yard soaking up some sun and we decided that we’d join her. 

Aside from my mother-in-law’s, JJ has never really been to people’s homes.   We never want to assume JJ is welcome, and Desere is actually allergic.   We asked if it would be ok if we brought him, since we would be sitting outside and she was fine with it.   I’m happy to report that he acted like the perfect little gentleman, and I was a proud pup owner.  

Desere went through some old balls of K and T’s and found the one that you see in the picture.  She gave it to JJ to play with, and you would have thought he’d been given a piece of gold.  He played, played and played some more.

By the time we walked the 3/4 mile there, he played with the ball and then walked the 3/4 mile home- the little guy is exhausted.   Isn’t it amazing how animals can bring such a great amount of joy to our lives?    I don’t know what I’d do without both him and Mister M.   They are truly a bright spot.

March 25, 2011

Surprise Phone Calls

Filed under: Things I Love,Women — gardener @ 11:39 am

Last night the phone rang and Marcel answered it. He brought it to me and when I asked who it was, he said he didn’t know. As soon as I said Hello and heard the other person speak, I knew it was my friend M. from Australia. We’ve talked several times in the past on the telephone and even though it has been quite some time- that’s one voice I won’t soon forget.

It was SO wonderful to catch up with her, share a few ideas and thoughts with each other and a little laughter. We both agreed that it had been far too long and we need to do it more often. Thank you again, M. for the wonderful surprise. It was definitely the highlight of my day.

March 12, 2011

Saturday Smiles

Filed under: Gratitude,Inspiration,Things I Love — gardener @ 7:34 am

After waking up to a cloudy morning- the sun has broken through and as I type this- is shining on my shoulders. It feels great. The slowly rising temps and the sunshine have really energized and inspired me the past few days and I feel better than I have in a long time and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

Before I head off to the bathtub, I thought I’d share 5 things that make me smile today. I’d also love to hear what is bringing a smile to your face today- and every day.

5 Things that Bring a Smile to My Face Today

  • The warmth of sunshine on my shoulders.
  • Movie night tonight with Desere.
  • Clothes on the clothes-line, blowing in the wind.
  • Leftover quiche for dinner, which means no cooking!
  • Sleeping late.

February 28, 2011

Thinking- Again

Filed under: Inspiration,Life,Shop til ya Drop,Techy,Things I Love — gardener @ 11:52 am

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. I know- no surprise, right? I like to think, sometimes too much and tend to be pretty analytical. That is often a good thing, but there are also times when it isn’t.

In this case- I think it’s a good thing. Mom and my BFF have been spending some time together once a week and they’ve been coming up with ideas on designs for applique’s and also embroidery. This is a GREAT thing- especially since I can’t be there to help encourage and inspire mom. She is very talented, but underestimates herself, so S. being there with her, pushing her is really producing results.

Mom and I have talked about going into business together for a while. Actually it would be HER business, but I would handle the web aspects of things. She would do the work, and I’d keep the emails and orders flowing smoothly. S’s husband is a creative genius and he’s in the process of creating a logo for her. Personally, I think it should incorporate a tulip somewhere in the mix.

It brings me joy to see others that I love succeed and do well with things they are passionate about. I want to see everyone live their potential. Those are things that make me smile!

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