Good Citizens

This week we celebrate both Canada Day and Independence Day. As a multinational I am lucky to have ties to different parts of the globe but consider myself a citizen of the larger community of Earth and enjoy celebrating the best of all the nations.

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Adlai E. Stevenson

Photo was taken on a hill overlooking Saint John New Brunswick and true to form, was a bit overcast that day.

“If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a good citizen of the world.” Francis Bacon

This photo was taken at Snug Harbor (Duxbury) with a disposable camera on a very foggy morning.

If I had of been framing up the picture today, more of the flag might have gotten included. What I was taking the picture of was the Harbor Master’s office, where I worked for one of the best summers of my life. My current office does not provide anything like those kinds of views.

Check out more Sky Watch Friday photos on this link.

If you are into crafts and home decor Kari and Kijsa are hosting an on line flag waving party here.

My contribution to Mixed Media Monday's challenge on Places.

Glorious Horizons

"Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-fruitful path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb." Sir Winston Churchill

Photo taken on the road to the family farm in northern NSW. I had been trying to take a photo of the city skyline all week. Most days of the week my glimpse of the sky is out the windows of skyscrapers and commuter trains. Tried a few things that are out of the scope of my little point & shoot camera. Will keep trying while posting photos of some of my old favourites. Don’t forget to check out who else is participating in Sky Watch Friday.

A canvas project I am working on for family with vintage photos and ephemera.

Seasons

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. " Henry David Thoreau

This was quickie snap while running up the railway platform to my commuter train. Every once & while it is nice to take the time to look up and enjoy our surroundings rather than just rushing past the beauty of the early morning sky when even the sun is still weary eyed.

Thanks to all the Sky Watch Friday participants by posting photos of their own patch of sky, I am remembering to appreciate it more often.

Sharing a peak at the first draft of this year’s Christmas cards. Suppose it is a little too early in the season for some but if everyone wants specially hand made cards, the schedule needs to start early.

Here in the tropics where Christmas is in summer red & green are a hard combination to work with and poor little blue and crystal snowflakes do not last long in the heat.

Instead I experiment every year with different color combinations and themes that reflect the spirit of the season with a little summer twist.

Apparently Santa & I am not the only ones who work on Christmas out of season. Found another Mandi at Whispering Dreams who has a special Christmas blog.

During what has been hectic week in the office, found it rather fun to put the earplugs on and listen to her music play list of Christmas songs.

Christmas music always makes us feel good but there is one on her list that I had not heard in a very long time of Bing Crosby & David Bowie "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" from a Christmas special in the late 1970s. Think that might be my new favourite.

It might be a little out of season, but what is your favourite Christmas song?

Timeless Treasures

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder

Believe it or not, not every day in the tropics is bright and sunny. Be sure to check the links for SkyWatchFriday here to see the most amazing photos from around the world.

Big thank you to Shannon of Paint Mine Pink for being such a great swap buddy and sending this huge swag of goodies. Shannon has the most fabulous etsy shop so it was sure to be a great time.

The Boudoir Swap was hosted by Louise of the very famous Beachy’s Cape Cod Cupboard. Do check out her etsy specialties, truly one of a kind.

Sneak peek from classes we are teaching in the next few weeks on the theme of timeless treasures, check here for more info.

Why Not

Some men see things as they are and say, "Why?" I dream of things that never were and say, "Why not?" George Bernard Shaw

Frequently attributed to the Kennedys, but George said it first.

This week’s Mixed Media Monday theme is by the sea and this is one of my favourite pieces as seen in the Idiots Guide to Altered Art. The book is really good value in the number of techniques that are explained in a way that helps everyone to give altering a try.

2 Roses

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me”." Erma Bombeck

Not sure if I have used this quote before but do like it for these photos of Rose & Rosalind. Two ladies with lives filled with adventure.

My first post to the Mixed Media Monday group.

Far Far Away

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" T. S. Eliot

The north coast of NSW has vantage points on almost every corner. Seeing this huge expanse of horizon stretching before you it is easy to dream of all kinds of wonderful adventures and that all kinds of things are possible. After a long dry season it was great to get a good dose of rain to bring all the plants to life again.

SkyWatch Friday is hosted by Wiggers World, click here for the long list of links from all over the globe posting a view of their patch of the sky.

Small Things

"We are not all capeable of doing great things, but we can all do small things with great love." Mother Theresa

Card of recycled papers for the 2 Peas May Card Sketch.

The lovely patterned back ground is from an old book, the butterfly to hides the postage stamp’s origin as Hungary which did not fit the Asian stamped theme.

These are part of my small offerings to Beachy's Cape Cod Cupboard Vintage Boudoir Swap , handmade card and the flower is decorating a lusciously scented soap. The butterfly tag on the soap is a recycled Red Rose Tea collectable card,