Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Monday, May 4, 2015

Breathing in Spring . . .




 Breathing in Spring  . . .
I can not get enough of it :) 

When I was a child my grandma had 
a "snowball bush" in her yard.
I don't know the real name for them,
but I am excited because our new home has one.

I was so busy working last year 
that I didn't see it when it bloomed.
So this spring it was a very welcoming surprise:)

While I was in Enterprise last week 
I visited the local nursery
and made some lovely purchases.

~~~~~*****~~~~~

This bleeding heart.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
Also a delphinium (no photo)
If it blooms this summer, 
I'll be sure and takes it's picture. 

 and a Dark Pink Dogwood Tree.

It is going to be a beautiful addition.


 When I was at the nursery they had
some cowboy boots planted just like these.
I had an old pair in the well house,
so I had to copy their idea.

This is a tee shirt that I bought for 25 cents.
It was too short, so I added a polka dot hem,
and a few circle flowers and raggy edging,
to tie the hem into the shirt.

 After I wash it the flowers should fray
a little bit and I think I'll like it even more.
Hey, even if I only wear it around the house
 and to work in the garden . . .
it's a great buy, right:)

When I got home last week 
I was awestruck by my fading tulips.
Aren't they pretty :)
They looked so bright and showy from the road.


And I was delighted that my lilacs were still blooming.

~~~~~*****~~~~~

 I wish that I could give you all this bouquet

 or one of these . . . 

but since I can't,
I'll just wish you all a lovely 
Spring Day,
and if you live in the southern hemisphere,
a lovely Autumn Day.

~~~~~*****~~~~~
God Bless You.
Your blogging sister,
Connie:) 
~~~~~*****~~~~~

60 comments:

  1. I love looking at your pretty flowers and spring is such a lovely time of year. Thanks for sharing them Connie. Take care and enjoy your day and week.
    Julie xo

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    1. Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by and visiting. It's Spring glorious . . . I love this time of year when you can have the heat off and the a/c off . . . and the windows open to fresh air and the smell of blossoming trees and rebirth of all that is green. I guess I have a small case of Spring Fever . . . I'm in love with the season:)

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  2. I think you snowball bush is a hydrangea (sp) I have always wanted one too.....those snowballs can be dried and carry over into fall....for decorations. Love all your flowers.
    Louise

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    1. Hi Louise, I'm so happy to hear from you and thank you. The bush is probably ten feet tall, I didn't know they grew that tall :)

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  3. So many beautiful flowers in your yard. I love the succulents in the boot and you just convinced to to purchase a bleeding heart plant for my yard too.

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    1. Hi Brandi, bleeding hearts are a very old fashioned plant and they are so pretty. My neighbor, in our old neighborhood, had one in the front of her house that was about four feet wide. I looked forward to seeing it in bloom each year.

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  4. a lovely sunny day! i like all the flowers... and the tshirt is a pretty u[cycle for a quarter! havw a wonderful day

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    1. Not bad when you can dress half your body for 25 cents, LOL.
      It was fun and I have been working in the yard so much that I needed a sewing break :)

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  5. I love what you did to that t-shirt!
    The snowball bush is a viburnum. I love them. They remind me of old-fashioned plants. Ours is just starting to bloom, but the lilacs are blooming all over our yard. They smell wonderful!
    Great job gardening!

    Cindy Bee

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    1. Hi Cindy, I am loving all the plants that where already on the property and wanted to keep adding more, until I have things blooming each year from spring to fall. I really enjoy picking bouquets from the yard for the house. Last year I planted zinnias and sunflowers in the vegetable garden and during the winter I read that they are some of the best plants to grow among your vegetables, because they attract bees. I guess I just got lucky. I planted them because I like them, but now knowing that they are great for the garden and for the bees . . . I'm planting even more this year. I truly admire you for your work with bees. Most people do not realize how important they are to our civilization. Bravo, Bee Lady!

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  6. Such pretty flowers. We had a huge snowball bush in our yard when I was growing up, It sat between two huge lilacs. I loved them both.
    That shirt is awesome. Great bargain and what you did with it is terrific

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    1. Hi Ann, thank you . . . it was fun and what a bargain, right:)

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  7. love all your flowers. What a great idea to lengthen a t-shirt, never thought of doing that.

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    1. Well, the shirt was only 25 cents, so I knew that if it didn't turn out, I really wasn't out anything :)
      I like trying new things.

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  8. Hi Connie, So many pretty flowers! No wonder you are breathing in spring! We had a snowball bush on the farm growing up too. Love them. Cool T-shirt for 25 cents. So clever you are!! Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, don't you just love spring! Hey, I am sorry about falling behind on my pen pal letters . . . I'm sure that it is my turn. Can I blame it on all of my spring projects?

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  9. Lilacs and tulips! I have many happy memories of these flowers blooming in my childhood yard!

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    1. Hi Sandi, I know that they keep mixing breeds of plants and coming up with better and improved, but I like the old fashioned one the best :)

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  10. Your flowers are ALL gorgeous! We had a big snowball bush in our yard when I was a kid growing up. I have never heard another person that knew what I was talking about when I said snowball bush! My grandmother had one on her farm, too. I LOVED that bush. Your lilacs are beautiful. They are my very favorite Spring flowering bush. I wish the lasted longer.
    Love you shirt. You can't go wrong with the price and I like it all "dolled up". xo Diana

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    1. Hi Diana, the Soroptimist's have a thrift store in Enterprise. All of their clothes are 25 cents. I brought home an arm load of denim to cut up and turn into projects. It's a great shop to visit when you are in the area:) I just came in from going out hoping to pick one more lilac bouquet, but they are all looking a little bit spent. They still look pretty from my window, but close up . . . not so much. That is probably part of the specialness, if they bloomed all summer we wouldn't have the love for them that we do.

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  11. Oh how I wish I could grow some of those beautiful flowers here in Florida! Not that we don't have our fair share of gorgeous glowers, but so many that I love won't grow here. The lilacs are absolutely stunning...but so are the snowballs, tulips, bleeding heart...and, well, you get the picture! I just love them all! Your boots are adorable with the succulents but they look like good boots to me! What a creative way to extend the length of a shirt. I have never thought about this before but I will remember this if I find any tops at the thrift stores that I love but aren't long enough. Too cute! I think you should model it for us...:) Have a blessed and beautiful spring week Connie!

    Hugs, Vicky

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    1. Hi Vicky, ha-ha . . . I'm afraid that I am far from any model that would want to be posing on the internet, LOL Those boots were good, but they were in the well house just sitting there and I knew of no one that they would fit. Now, of course someone will come along . . . that's the way it goes. I do like the way they look hanging by the backdoor.

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  12. Your "snowballs" look really lovely in the jars you chose to display them in. Aren't spring flowers just spectacular? Every year I say Autumn is my favorite season,and then... Spring comes. I don't think there is any place more beautiful in the spring than right here in the Northwest... So many beautiful colors and scents and all so fresh and green from the spring rains. Love the boots :) And when your dogwood begins to grow it will be a gorgeous addition as the years go by.

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    1. Hi Gloriade, I have wanted a pink dogwood for many years. I sure hope that it likes living here and that it will thrive.

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  13. Lovely yard you have going, that boot idea is too cute and wow you really dressed up that .25 shirt so cute. How wonderful to bring in those wonderful smells and beauty from your yard!

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    1. Hi Connie, I absolutely love picking bouquets from my yard. My goal is to have flowers blooming from early spring to late fall and have bouquets in my house all the time. Happy that you liked my boot and tee shirt projects:)

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  14. Happy Spring Bank Holiday to you, Connie! Your flowers are wonderful! Our tulips are a mixture of 'going over' and 'hanging on in there' but I am still enjoying them.

    Love you very cleverly adapted T-shirt - I bet you get more than one wear out of it!

    It is very very blustery today (though sunny) after torrential rain for nearly 24 hours, but in the main it has been a lovely holiday weekend. Love to you! Lxxx

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    1. Hi Lynne, those tulips were about gone . . . but from the road, as I drove up to the house they welcomed me home with their "Hang In There" attitude and they made me smile.

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  15. I can't get enough of the spring either Connie! I know the day is coming soon that it will be so stinkin' hot you can barely walk outside so I am enjoying it so much! Your flowers are all so lovely...love the snowballs and those boots with the hens & chickens popping out are just adorable. I like what you did to the tee shirt...you made it an original!

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    1. Hi Debby, I do get a kink out of up-cycling things and giving them a new direction. When I saw the boots at the nursery I just had to come home and make a pair of my own:)

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  16. Hi Connie! I just found your blog through Nancy - and btw - so happy the two of you got to meet! I have already enjoyed reading your blog, and look forward to getting to know you better! You and I share an obvious delight in beautiful flowers! Just loved all the pictures of your flowers, and your thoughts of spring! Also - about the snowball bush - I remember we had one growing up as well, and we called it a snowball bush too, but I have no idea what the "real" name is. So funny! Enjoy the lovely spring days you are having!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by to visit. Meeting Nancy was a pure joy, if you ever get the chance be sure and try to make time in your schedule. She is a sweetie. I do love flowers, yesterday I planted morning glories and a trumpet vine. I want our little acre to be blossoming all spring, summer and winter :)

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  17. Hi Connie, Yes, it is your turn I believe! And I forgive you with all your travels and gardening as I am in the same boat! Write when you can and enjoy yourself! Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, I have been busy, I thought about you when I was in Oregon and was going to send you a postcard, then remembered that I didn't bring your address with me. Have fun in your garden, and Happy Mother's Day!

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  18. Your snowballs are Hydrangeas....I have a hydrangea bush that blooms pretty pink blooms. I've had it for 15 years...it was given to me when my granddaughter was born.
    Cindy

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    1. That is so sweet; I'm sure that you think of the day you became a grandma, each time it blooms:)

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  19. Beautiful flowers, Connie. Those boots are a great idea for any shoes that could use a new purpose.

    We're waiting one more week to make sure all the frost mornings are gone. We have planted some wonderful herbs, which I love to use in cooking.

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    1. Hi Denise, I'm starting a small herb garden, too. Fresh herbs are so nice :)

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  20. Visiting from A Joyful Cottage! All your blooming flowers are just lovely! Spring is finally here in the Northeast and I will be going to the garden store soon! Love the boot planters and t-shirt!

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    1. Hello AnnMarie, I just came from your blog and I am now a follower. Your dessert is wonderful . . . I am now wanting chocolate, LOL.

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  21. Hi Connie! I've popped over from Nancy's blog, too, and am happy to be here. I'm over on the other coast but am also a quilter and lover of seasons and all things family.

    Your flowers are so pretty! Our lilacs have faded but the azaleas, iris, oak leaf hydrangeas, abelias, and - yes - a snowball bush are all in glorious bloom. The abelias are "Grandeflora" and their wonderful fragrance perfumes the air.

    I look forward to taking a happy look at your quilts!

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    1. Hello Barbara Anne, I am happy to meet you. Your flowers sound amazing. I planted three azaleas this spring (they were hot house so I am sure that they were blooming earlier that in nature. I hope that they all weather our next winter and that they become a permanent part of our landscape, to look forward to each year. Do you have a blog? I would love to visit it :) Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  22. Your garden is so lush unlike our drought ridden gardens.

    I love the cowboy boots!

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    1. Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by. I loved your last post:)

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  23. Connie, I have been so behind in visiting, the Flea is taking all of my time, you are truly one of my favorites! So many things to comment on, lovely flowers and those cowboy boots are perfect...How cute. OMG you are a genius, I never thought of adding fabric to a too short shirt or lace or anything...I am so going to do that!!! Thank you for the idea

    Carol

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    1. Hi Carol, I can imagine that you are burning your candle at both ends right about now. Thanks for taking a minute to stop by and visit. Oh, how I wish that I could attend your Flea . . . maybe some day, I could plan a visit to my brother's at the time of your Flea:)

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  24. Always so many fun things here! Love all the flowers.
    I thought that our little bleeding heart didn't make it through the winter, but lo and behold it's growing and thriving.
    I love those snow ball bushes. They are kind of an old fashioned bush. I also love flowering quince, but you don't see too many of those anymore.
    How creative you are to make-over the shirt!! Super cute!!

    Have a happy day, and enjoy the blessings of this season.

    ~K.

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    1. Hi Kerin, just the day before yesterday I was at the nursery and I saw quince vines. Is that what you are talking about. I am unfamiliar with them so didn't get one. I did get a trumpet vine and a honey suckle vine. Thank you for your lovely words. We are having old friends over for a barbecue this afternoon and the reassuring words of having a nice yard is very appreciated :)

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  25. You must have a green thumb Connie! Your flowers are so healthy and beautiful and I love the tee shirt you made into something special. Thanks for the get well wishes today. They are much appreciated. Sweet hugs, Diane

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    1. Hi Diane, Thanks for stopping by to visit . . . here's hoping you have a lovely Mother's Day :)

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  26. We had snowball bushes when I was growing up and I hated them, guess I preferred smaller flowers.All of your flowers are beautiful. We live near Lake Michigan so everything is late here. :-(

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    1. Hi Linda, I was raised in a house that was just a block from Lake Michigan, so I am familiar with your weather. I do miss summers there and lighting bugs. We don't have them here:)

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  27. You have a beautiful garden! The lilacs are wonderful! It's like I can smell them!

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    1. I have been enjoying them so much this year. They smell like heaven . . . or what I hope heaven smells like :)

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  28. I remember the snowball bushes when I was a young girl too. Your flowers are sooooo pretty Connie. Love the boots.... so cool you already had a pair. Love how you doctored up that shirt too :)

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    1. Hi Sherry, I have really been enjoying my spring flowers and planted some seed for summer flowers, zinnias, sunflowers and cosmos. I have so much fun picking bouquets from the yard:) It must go back to always picking wild flower when I was a kid back in Indiana. Around here in the desert, our wildflowers are the homes for insects. When our daughter was young she can home one day with a bouquet of wildflowers for me. I notice a couple tiny insects, so I took the bouquet outside and gave it a spray of bug spray. Bought it back in and set it on the table. The next morning that table was covered in tiny dead bugs. That was the end of picking desert wildflowers, LOL.

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  29. What gorgeous flowers and what a creative idea using those boots..

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    1. Thank you, Becky. I saw it at the nursery and just had to come home and do it, too :)

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  30. I grew up with a snowball tree in the yard so was thrilled to find one at my home (purchased about 20 years ago). When it blooms it brings sweet memories with it. Your yard is so lovely. Lucky you to have Lilacs blooming, I love the smell but had to prune mine last fall so no blooms this year...bummer...I miss them.

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  31. I'm now a follower...not sure why I wasn't before...silly me. BTW love the cowboy boot idea!

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