Fairy Breath of Summer~

Happy first day of summer!

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

~Henry James

Are you doing anything today to celebrate the arrival of summer? 

  

 Each fairy breath of summer, as it blows with loveliness, inspires the blushing rose.  

~Author Unknown

 June 21 marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and simultaneously heralds the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere.

Being kids at heart, we picked up a plastic 'kiddie' pool at the discount store to sit and splash in as the days heat up. Perhaps we will break it in this afternoon! Speaking of warmer days and sunshine, I made a summery card a few days ago. There seem to be plenty of birthdays in June, July and August so I am stocking up while having fun~

 I used: 

        

• Prima flowers
• Liquitex Modeling Paste for clocks (center)
• Liquid Pearls
• Sizzix weathered clock die cut
• Lindys Stamp Gang Starburst
• My Minds Eye The Sweetest Thing paper
• TCW 6x6" mini time travel stencil (used w/ modeling paste)
• K & Company sticker

 I used Lindys Stamp Gang to color the center flower golden and put a dot of Liquid Pearl in the two smaller teal flowers.

  You can see how this easel-style card stands up when displayed. For this Cherish The Journey greeting card I used half pearls as a the card rest. Lifting the card front over the pearls allows one to fold it flat. There is space inside to write a sentiment.

 Then followed that beautiful season...Summer
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The last few evenings we've been playing Yahtzee while listening to 70's c.d.'s - so much fun! It's official: summer is here!

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Winter- It's Official!

Happy Winter-time! Late dawn, early sunset. Short day and a long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, after which the days get longer. I've been enjoying picturesque snow scene photos on so many of your blogs and it makes me wish for a white Christmas! Alas, here in southern California we have blooming flowers and swaying palm trees, so I have to enjoy your 'winter white' vicariously. Instead of snow dusted trees, we have bright yellow ginkos. 

I came across half a dozen Gingko trees in a large patch of deep green grass - each bright yellow tree had a 'skirt' of fallen leaves at the base of it's trunk. The day was slightly overcast, and the yellow was so bright and cheery that I just had to take a photo.

These sunny colored leaves danced and curtsied in the breeze. When I returned home I felt like doing a little dance myself; I had special mail waiting to be opened! 

 Thank you, Marjolein and Carol, for taking the time to craft a handmade card and send it to me! What a sweet surprise. I ooohed and ahhhed over them - love the tiny bell around the reindeer's neck and the nifty way the Santa card stands up.

 
  Here is a glimpse of the mantel. There are nutcrackers and soldiers made of wood, metal, cloth, glass and wax! There are nesting toy soldiers, a wee soldier inside a bell, and even a wooden bowling pin set. It is nice to have all the decorating done, and now we can do a few fun things before the big day. Today we went to see The Hobbit. Loved it!

 Hope you are caught up with your to do list and get the chance to enjoy this first day of Winter~