Slow, slow, slow your boat . . .

When I was teaching, my co-workers frequently referred to me as "The Energizer Bunny".

I taught a 0 Period class beginning before most of the staff had arrived, taught classes in addition to being the Activities Director (dances, assemblies, field trips, games, etc.) and coached volleyball after school.

I retired when I still had all that energy and for the first year of retirement, I tackled my days as if I was still on the job.

On my first day of retirement, I began a personal 30 Day Pinterest Challenge and spent that first month checking things off my list - Done and Dusted.

But, things change.

My body goes on strike after a day of gardening so gone are the lists.

Nowadays I slowly "row my boat" - crafts and sewing rarely occupy my time.

Playing house will always be a favorite diversion -

I always seem to be moving something around.

These days I get my kicks from long beach walks

and the thrill of finding pieces of sea glass in rare colors.

I take pleasure in simply looking at the sky

and enjoying the palm trees that abound in our neighborhood.

And then there is this one who is always getting in the way of my photos - I guess it's her way of saying, "put that camera down and take me to the beach!"

Lulu has always had her priorities right so I'll take her on a slow walk along the beach - I can't believe the color of the water on our beach today!

Slow, slow, slow your boat
Gently down the beach
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Paradise is within reach.

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Monday Social

"I must have flowers, always and always" ~ Claude Monet

It has been raining for ages (or at least it seems like it) and I'm not complaining after years of drought,

but as you can see despite lots of green, I don't have many flowers blooming.

I've been relying on Trader Joe's a lot this winter 

either in grouping the few garden flowers I have with TJ's flowers

or using full bouquets of flowers I purchase.

The pink flowers on the mantel (I'm bad with names) have lasted a few weeks, but sometimes I only get a few days out of flowers.

Of course I love all the flowers in the house,  but I do wish they lasted longer.

Via

I've been looking for flowers that I can display without water

so they will dry nicely - statice always works well for me.

The thistles should dry well also, but I'm not sure what to expect with the berries.

So far it's been 5 days and everything looks fine without water.

I like buying roses, drying them after a few days

and then mixing them with fresh and dried flowers in vignettes.

Hydrangea plants last quite awhile - they don't do so well once I plant them in the garden.

As the rain continues in southern California, I've decided I'm going to use more and more plants in the house.

And, even though it has been dreary here all day, the plants brighten up the house.

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No Self Control

I have been organizing and purging since January of 2016 and my rule has been "no more stuff".

But, I have been thinking about this 2' long wooden bowl since December

and I finally caved in and brought it home last week.

I convinced myself that one new thing wasn't a problem.

Then I spotted these plates at TJ Maxx on Monday and my internal debate lasted about 1 minute.

Wait, there are bowls too!!!

Seriously, how could someone who loves mix and match decor pass up

blue & white, polka dots and splatter paint?

When I set the plates in my cart, I was hoping that they would work with my mix & match Paola Navone flatware,

but sadly, the blues clash with one another.

Fortunately, I have other navy flatware 

and red flatware will be fun for all the patriotic holidays.

I even found the perfect spot to keep the plates on hand.

I will have so much fun creating table settings with these dishes.

 I chose the splatter paint, dots and lines for their initiation.

This photo captures my decorating style - the candlesticks don't match, the chairs don't match, the dishes don't match . . .

When I showed the dishes to my neighbor (a blue & white girl like me) she flipped a plate over to see who made them and it turns out they are Royal Doulton.

via

The entire collection is fun, but I will show self control and be content with my plates and bowls.

But, if I come across any of these pieces at TJ Maxx, I'm pretty sure there will be no self control.

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