A few images from my abode this morning.
Awoke early, to do a bit of xmas shopping,
taking a leisurely 20 minute walk to the shopping centre.
The streets were quiet, the odd car or noisy motor bike
disturbing the peace
every now and then.
But what bliss to not own a car and be in touch
with natures elements. My mind wandering, as I looked at
the deep blue skies above me,
of the ocean not all that far away.
The sea breezes and salt sea air beckoning me.
Alas I can feel it out there, but today I would have to dream....
as I set about my daily business.

I made an arrangement yesterday consisting of
hydrangeas from the garden, on the mantelpiece.
keen on obscuring the ugly gas heater now that it will no
longer be of any use over the coming summer months.
It took some time before I was happy with my choice of painting.
My husband painted this one in oils some time ago
titled 'Breezy Day'. I think it sits well with the floral arrangement.

My xmas shopping is finished. For the children only
I'm glad to say. I refuse to pander to the commercialism
surrounding this season and buy very little as I believe love
cannot be measured by the material things we give to people,
much as the corporate world try to brainwash the
general public into believing otherwise.
For the future of our planet - I sincerely pray .

Andrea

What can surpass the beauty of roses?

The quiet and gentle passing of

a flower that was once in her prime;

with grace, she ages beautifully while

the scent of her old wilting petals

lingers on.

A used hand- crocheted coat hanger in the

softest of pinks, fading peacefully.

I like picking up old padded coat hangers such as these

on my travels, so long as they are of good quality.

The coat hanger sits comfortably atop this old hat box,

originally covered in an unpleasant rose patterned

paper. Once painted over entirely in an old white,

I allowed the paper to peek through on the inside with the

merest suggestion.

This way, it is more subdued and tasteful.

I have not decided yet, how I will put my hat box to use.

I might start collecting the old scented roses from my garden as

they begin to wilt and place them securely inside as a potpourri.

Andrea

From the lavender garden

above- French Lavender (lavandula dentata)

Lavender.
My favorite herb.
Here , a bee enjoying it just as much as I.

I use lavender for many different things.
It's an indispensable herb, with a myriad
of uses.
I like to use both the flowers and leaves
of french lavender
in my cold process soap.
Here, a slab of lavender soap,
curing and waiting to cut into bars.....

I also like to use it in sachets ,
in the linen closet, and I even use the english
variety occasionally in cooking.
It also makes a very relaxing tea.

above - Spanish Lavender (lavendula stoechas)

I have three different varieties of lavender
in my garden, all beautiful and unique in their
own right.
She is native to Provence in France, where she grows right
out of the limestone rocks in abundance.
Her appeal is universal and timeless.


'here’s your sweet lavender
sixteen sprigs a penny
that you’ll find my ladies
will smell as sweet as any"

Lavender Sellers’s Cry, London England CA 1900'

Hello friends.
Spring has opened it's flowering buds here in Australia,
and with the spring comes a new energy.
Days, once again spent out of doors,
enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine,
as new life springs forth all around us.
Today I thought I would share some photos
of a recent homey project...
rejuvenating some old tin canisters that,
(you guessed it),
I picked up from an op shop along time ago.
They were previously a very tired pale blue,
and my kitchen in need of a color lift, it was time to bring these
canisters back to life.
So I gave them a coat of acrylic paint in a sunny yellow,
and handpainted some labels in off white.
They have certainly given my kitchen a boost.
(note my daughter peeping into
the top cupboards, to see what goodies she could find......)
Andrea

My collection of old laces, ribbons, braid and paper flowers
in an old tin container ready to be put to good use.
I 've been sewing together some little lace satchels
filling them with the dried herbs of lavender and geranium.
They make pretty and useful additions to the linen cupboard where they
freshen the air and repel moths. Again thrift shops are my
shops of choice when looking for materials.
Soon I hope to make these available for purchase, but for now
it is off to do more sewing.
Andrea