Little Free Library Spotting in Belmar, New Jersey!

Quite a while ago, I had heard about Little Free Libraries, but I'd never seen one.

Being a voracious reader and advocate of libraries, I'm intrigued by the concept.

On a recent trip to Belmar, New Jersey, we were driving along, 

and I yelped to my husband, "Pull over, pull over!"

I had spotted a Little Free Library!

I hopped out for an inspection and to snap some photos.

(The hubby no doubt knew that there was a blog post in the works.)

It definitely caught my attention with a cool geometric design 

and a blazing yellow lightning bolt on its glass door.

The inside was just stuffed with books!

So, what's the idea behind Little Free Libraries? 

Anyone can build and maintain a library.

The purpose? To bring a sense of community, to encourage creativity,

to make books available, and to cultivate reading.

It's on a take one, leave one basis.

There are over 50,000 Little Free Libraries located in all 50 states of the USA!

Plus, this has gone global; they're in 70 different countries!

The website gives tons of information on how you can become a "steward,"

including free building plans and ongoing support from their staff.

There's even a map that helps you find locations near you!

(The one we saw in New Jersey is on 6th Ave. in Belmar.

It is not listed on the website's map.)

Here are photos of more Little Free Libraries~

More information can be found here:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Ann Carrington's Brilliant Silverware Floral Sculptures

British artist Ann Carrington is multi-talented.

Today, I'm showing off her ingenious floral sculptures,

which she's created with thousands of pieces of silverware.

She seems to mostly have used spoons as layered petals, 
but also forks, knives and even some serving pieces.
Notice how the aged patinas give a rich glow. 

She's clustered, bent and curved each piece to resemble gorgeous

flowers in centerpieces and swags that are truly striking!

Find more of Ann's art here:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Ann Carrington.

Those Heavenly Dutch Waffle Treats Called Stroopies

Ever hear of a stroopie? 

Neither had I, until I stopped at the booth for the Stroopie Company

at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. I learned that the business is based in Lancaster, PA,

and after tasting a yummy sample, I was eager to hear more about it!

Stroopies, short for stoopwafels, are Dutch cookies made with waffle irons.

These sweet, cinnamon treats have a gooey layer of homemade caramel inside.

While at the Farm Show, I had the pleasure of meeting the

store manager, Adrianne and her helper mom, 

along with Mary, a refugee from Myanmar.

As a social enterprise, the Stroopie Company helps provide 

employment to the refugee population that is re-settling in Lancaster.

As if stroopies aren't delicious enough as is, they can also be half-dipped

into chocolate (from Wilbur's in nearby Lititz, PA), 

and sprinkled with extras like crushed peppermint or chopped nuts. 

There are even gluten-free stroopies!

Ooooh, party trays!

So, of course I brought some home with me.

I tried out a popular way of enjoying stroopies:

placing one atop a mug of hot tea or coffee

allowing the steam to gently warm it.

Heavenly!

Links where you can learn more:

Website
Facebook

Stroopies are sold at the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe  
located at 141 N. Duke Street Lancaster, PA.

Enjoy my posts on the Farm Show:
2017 Farm Show Fun
Our Day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show

And how about this one?
Visiting the Wilbur Chocolate Co. in Lititz, PA

The Beauty & Splendor of Treti Pivni's Traditional Ukranian Floral Crowns

Tretni Pivni, translated "Third Rooster," is a group of stylists & photographers 
who celebrates Ukranian culture by recreating traditional floral crowns. 
The goal is to honor their homeland and to embrace a message of peace.

These vintage photos show the ethnic headpieces of long ago,
followed by more of Tretni Pivni's glorious renditions.  

Brightly colored flowers, feathers and stalks of wheat are 
combined to construct these gorgeous headdresses.
Notice the bold costumes, decorative ribbons, and
layers upon layers of beaded necklaces!

Here's a link to the Treti Pivni

Facebook page where you can see more!

Magrikie's Joyful Illustrations & Scripture Art

Magrikie's art really caught my eye.
Her cheery illustrations and patterns are terrific! 
An Afrikaans, South African, Magrikie has a lighthearted interpretation
of fish, flowers, feathers, fruit and flamingos!
I love her use of watercolors and her lovely Scripture art!
Enjoy every minute of Magrikie!

Find Magrikie here:
Website
Pinterest
Facebook


Images used with direct permission from Magrikie Berg.

Presidents Day: Philadelphia's Washington Monument

In Philly, The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a recognizable building. 

Some know it as the place where Rocky Balboa famously ran up the steps. 

Many of us use it as a landmark to get our bearings around the city. 

Some may recall that directly in front of the Art Museum is a huge fountain;
what most don’t know is that the name of that fountain is the Washington Monument.
“She must be mistaken,” you’re thinking, “That’s the obelisk in Washington, D.C.”
You’d be correct, but in fact, Philadelphia, along with D.C., 
can boast of its own monument to honor our nation’s first president.

Designed by Rudolf Siemering, the majestic fountain was dedicated in 1897. 

The bronze and granite sculpture features General Washington astride his horse. 

An impression of Washington’s face was made and used to replicate his likeness.

The 44' high, 3-tiered monument depicts the man, his times, & his country.
The middle section represents Washington's place in US history:
the period leading up to the Revolutionary War, the victory, and the aftermath.
Two females allegorically represent America.
One is the rallying cry of battle, and the other, 
Liberty as she crushes the chains of oppression from Britain.

Additional sculpted plaques and emblems also depict the time period.

The base of the monument represents Washington's country.
There are four fountains, including statues of Native Americans, representing 
great rivers of the colonial US: the Delaware, Hudson, Potomac, and Mississippi.

(I was disappointed that the fountains were not filled and working at the time.)

Impressive, detailed sculptures of animals native to the US 

are on the sides of each fountain: buffalo, elk, moose, a bear and a bull.

I encourage you to stop by the Washington Monument and see it for yourself.
As is often the case, photos don't do it justice.
A great monument to a great man and US president,
located in the City of Brotherly Love.