April Showers?

Yeah, a bit pessimistic, but very true and so funny!

Let's ignore the frizz and laugh along with each other

through every one of these bad hair days.

And don't forget your umbrella.

(From Ford, of all things.)

Curated Color: Spring Green

suesmithglass

 The many shades of green, including emerald, kelly or lime,

bring forth emotions of harmony, balance and growth.

Experience these fresh, calming greens!

arquitetura-pessoal

elenaarsenoglou

mosaicartsource

allanpfriedlander

Here are other Curated Color posts:
True Blue
Sunshine Yellow
Outrageous Orange
Warm Brown
Navy Blue
Bubblegum Pink
Wonderful White

Easter Blessings!

FrenchPressMornings

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn,

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,

and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

His countenance was like lightening, and his clothing as white as snow.

And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, 

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.

Come and see the place where the Lord lay."

Matthew 28:1-6

Easter blessings to you and yours

as we celebrate the

Resurrection of Jesus, our Savior!

Visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Florida

The Edison home.


Did you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were wonderful friends?
Edison, 16 years his senior, was Ford's mentor.
Their winter homes were next door to each other in Fort Myers, Florida.

While visiting Florida recently, we spent a day touring the
Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Set on 20 acres right along the Caloosahatchee River,
the sight includes historical buildings, the Edison Ford Museum,
and the Edison Botanic Research Lab.

Our guided tour was wonderful!
So many intriguing things to hear about these gentlemen!
If you're ever in the Fort Myers area, set aside a day to visit this great piece of history.




Edison's study. His wife had this Moonlight Garden added for him.

There are hundreds of orchids scattered throughout the gardens!

The light and airy interior of the Edison home,

with Edison's portrait above the fireplace.

An electric chandelier. Notice the long cord hanging with a switch.

Wall switches were not yet being used.

The Fords' master bedroom.

This map shows the close proximity of the 2 friend's homes.

The Ford estate.

The interior architecture and decor of the Fords' home

was much more informal and rustic than that of the Edisons.

Some of Ford's automobiles are on display.

Staghorn ferns always catch my attention!

Here I am with my new friend Mr. Edison, under his enormous banyan tree.

Planted in 1925 as a 4 foot tree, it now is 40 feet tall and covers an area of 1 acre!

What an interesting day! Very well-spent!
Learn more at the website for the

Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Make Mine Tea: An Herbal Tea for Every Ailment

Nora Annie Birch

My daughter Laura has turned me onto tea!

Lavender chamomile is my current favorite, but that may change since 

she's always discovering new teas for us to try.

For me, just the simple act of sipping a cup of hot tea 

seems to slow me down and lessen stress.

I happened upon this chart by hello natural on the healing properties of various teas.

I never knew that peppermint tea can help with stuffy noses

or that ginger tea can ease motion sickness!

Handy to know. See which teas might apply to you!

You may enjoy this post: The Art of ... Tea.

The "Frivolous" Animal Art of Chasing the Crayon

UK Illustrator Tracey Long, of Chasing the Crayon, creates "frivolity for your walls."

Her beautifully detailed drawings of birds and animals often include a touch of whimsy,

a dash of humor, or an unexpected bit of fun, such as a thimble hat or a dapper pair of shoes.

Tracey says she takes inspiration from "stories, poems & tales...the taller the better!"

I know you'll enjoy her lighthearted style and marvelous talent!

Here's where you can find more of Chasing the Crayon:

Website

Etsy

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Tracey Long.

Gala Gardens Glass Art: Flowers & Origami Cranes

Iris


Beautiful stained glass flowers are grown at Gala Gardens!
Marilyn is the creative gardener who plants her blossoms in cute clay pots.

Imagine how pretty they'd look on a window sill with the sun shining through!
Enjoy this variety of spring blossoms that will bloom all year long.



Daffodils

Tulips

Lily of the Valley

Orchids

Even a cactus!

I was delighted to see that Marilyn 

also makes these amazing origami cranes! 

Find Gala Gardens on Etsy and Twitter.

Images used with direct permission from Marilyn at Gala Gardens.