"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Napoleon Hill
These girls defy the notion that chickens can't fly. They think outside the box...er...the coop. They live without apology! They live without fear! They toss caution to the wind! These are no ordinary hens - meet the Ruffled Feathers Aviation Association. They've dusted off the confines of hen house society and flown the coop. Some days I wish I were as bold and daring.
"Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character." Calvin Coolidge
I say hang industry and self-control and go thrifting! There are so many delightful treasures that add such character to the wardrobe, to the home and to the imagination. I am sad that garage sale season is coming to a close but I thought I'd share a few nifty-thrifties that followed me home.
I'm a bit vintage ticklish and these charming peckers found my ticklish spot at a church yard sale the other day.
And then to my delight I found this tin! Perfect for Emma's little kitchen. I've been giggling ever since.
This is Emma's baby - she calls her 'be-be'. Grandma found her thrifting and brought her home so Emma wouldn't feel misplaced by the new baby. She's hand painted porcelain - perfect for learning the lessons of gentle holding.
Emma's be-be is a bunch more quiet than 'baby Comfy' - and she sleeps all the time. But her foot fell off the other day - Emma doesn't seem to mind.
What captures the imagination better than a key? I've been smitten ever since I watched Mary Lennox find the key to a secret garden. Something about a key promises hope. It reminds me that the greatest treasures need to be unlocked and if we hold the key we have unlimited access.
Do you hold the key to friendship? To wisdom? Or to wonder? Tell me, do you hold the key to your husband's heart? Just what keys do you hold? Better yet, are you using them as often as you could?
"Find yourself a cup; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." Saki Story
I found an antique store in a neighbouring town - it was a serendipitous discovery. I collect tea-dishes for myself and my daughters. We aren't big tea drinkers but hot chocolate or sparkling apple juice transforms into a charming elixir when sipped from a teacup.
This collection waited at my favorite thrift store for many many months. Every time I went I would pause at the display and imagine the tea parties we could have only to convince myself we couldn't afford it. Later I would lay in bed and think about this lovely collection and kick myself for not bringing it home.
"If it's still there in the morning I'll buy it!" I'd promise myself but when faced with the price tag I'd again and again talk myself out of the purchase. This happened a handful of times when finally one day my 'teacup-angel' had enough of my 'humming & hawing' and marked the set at 1/2 price. Lovely for me!
Something about a tea party gently lifts me into my femininity. Teapots make me smile - something about them remind me of friendship. So, friend, please come on over. I'll pull the 'tea' on while we talk of hundreds of things.
Butterfly summer
Magically spun
Gentle corner
Stung with cold
A long ago Queen
Cheery charm
Petal-strewn
Surrounded with tradition
Friendly arrangements
Soft spoken advice
Weedy chaos
Fabric-by-mail
The enchanted realm of childhood
Don’t they sound like playful blog headings? These words paint pictures in my mind that inspire me to write. I am not the most talented writer but I love to do it. As a goal I am going to write under these headings to help sharpen my skills as a writer and to try to inspire my daughter to do the same. "