Flowers in England

How does one choose what to say about the trip of a lifetime?  Ten days in England and 3,000 photos later, I don't know where to begin.  So I'll share photographic memories with you by subject matter - and first up will be flowers!  Everything was so green, and the flowers were incredibly beautiful, in every nook and cranny, and of all shapes and sizes.  I do so miss the annuals and perennials we could have in more northern climates.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed the gardens!

The above photos were taken at Moreton Hall Farm, our first Farm Stay UK.  What a lovely place, and what a gracious hostess!  Of course, I was quite happy about the dogs and cats, as well!

The photos that follow were taken at David Austin Gardens.  David is an exquisite breeder of roses, and the free public gardens seemed to go on forever.  

 

At our second farm stay, Manor Farms, the flowers were, again, in glorious bloom.  I even got to see (and smell) peonies, which my mother always grew.  

Roadside fields of poppies - oh, my!

The flower shop where John bought flowers for his mother's grave.

And more along the way.....

And I am not done!  

A Privilege....

Listen, I don't often share this mess with the world, so consider yourself privileged to see it.....going from a 17' X 23' studio to my little room has not been easy, but I make it work!  Here you see the mess of journal making......

Okay, and a few other projects I am in the middle of.....stuck in indecision!  I am using the grunge boards for the front and back covers.  Here are a few I have almost ready to bind...

And one of my "piles" (there are several more) of materials for another I have yet to begin....

I'd love to sell them, but honestly don't know if I can handle the time it would take to establish an etsy or ebay site, so they will serve as gifts for now, or I should say, when they are done.
Thanks for visiting me in my "studio"!

Who I Am

Most of my coworkers see me as an extrovert - but although I have it in me, I basically am not.  I love my quiet time, time spent with one special friend or a small group of people, learning about what makes them tick, what makes them laugh, or what breaks their heart.
Some might consider me ADHD or ADD - because I jump from one project to another.  That makes me smile.  It's just my creative mind.  Sometimes we creative types have to leave a project for a while to allow the options to roll around in our heads until just the right next step presents itself.  (This is my rationale for why the dress remains cut and french seamed, but unassembled.)
I am attaching a link to a wonderful article I'd like to share with you.  Your comments to me are always appreciated and looked forwarded to.

http://advancedriskology.com/alone/
Introvert

Another visit to Harns Marsh today.  Not as eventful, since the variety of birds continues to diminish as the summer season comes on, but still lovely.

Limpkins

A flock of white pelicans in flight.

Why one should look both ways....

Heron

Take to the sky!

And last, but not least, flora in the morning dew....

To all mothers, and those who honor their mothers, a few images of joy:

Graduation day!

On Friday, my beautiful, intelligent daughter, Natalie, graduated from college.   Her sister, Stephanie, her father, and many friends helped celebrate this accomplishment.  I am so proud to have two college grads - not everyone gets (or takes) the opportunity!