Late Winter

I didn't think we were going to get any snow this year, but here it is.  It started yesterday and hasn't stopped.  The temperature is 34 degrees so it isn't building up very fast.  One of our rhody's is about ready to burst into bloom. The snow nipped the noses of the blossoms, but they're paying no attention.









 I like the way the snow looks on the roof of one of our bird houses.  We have several unique ones along our fence.  This is one that my husband built.  It's one of my favorites. 













Here's another one that was given to him for Christmas.  The cheerful face looks so happy, even with snow on the top of his head and on his toes.   You can see the snowflakes coming down in the background.









This little hummingbird has been around all winter, along with some of his buddies.  A little snow doesn't deter him from seeking a drink from his 'fountain'. I wish I could have gotten a shot with the snow behind him, but they come and go so quickly it's hard to get the exact photo that I want.

Thrift store finds

Aren't thrift stores awesome?!!  Especially when I find a piece or pieces that go with what I have at home in my studio.  I had the bottom piece in my stash for MONTHS before I found the small pitcher to go with it.  I didn't realize until I got home that I had a perfect pair.  I made it into a candle holder for a unique home decor.  I'll be listing it in one of my etsy shops, ArtisticButler, soon.

Do you have some thrift store finds that got you really excited?  If so, please share them with me.  I love hearing about what others come up with.

Sea Breezes

Silent breezes

tease a sheer curtain

in the seaside cottage.

Seagull cries

blend with waves

lap…lap…lapping

on the shore.

Mingling scents

of seaweed

and garden roses

calm the senses.

At dusk the sky is brushed

with purple and red,

intensifying with each stroke

as the hues spill into the bay.

Across the island

a snow capped mountain

becomes cotton candy pink

as the moon rises behind

silhouetted trumpeter swans

on their journey to water.

Sea breezes

whisper secrets

through fir and madrona trees

as retiring waves say goodnight

to the shore.

                        ©2011 Laura Crumm

Blog changes...still working on it.

I'm finally getting this blog design somewhat like I want it to look.  Still have a lot to learn, but I'm getting there.  Do you like my new header graphic?  I purchased it from the etsy shop CollectiveCreation. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CollectiveCreation.   I loved working with her on getting it just the way I pictured it in my mind. 

Stay tuned as I do a little more tweaking on the design. 

Winter Bling

The holidays are over and the gloomy, gray January of 2014 has begun.  We've seen several days of cloud cover and rain....not just the normal Pacific Northwest drizzle, but RAIN!!  I'm looking forward to a few days of sun which is being predicted. 

In the gloom of winter we have a bright ray of bling along our driveway.  Our Witch Hazel is in full bloom.  I love that deep yellow and red challenging the gray sky for dominance.  Our Winter Jasmine is also in bloom in our back yard.  Next summer I'm definitely going to search for more winter bloomers. 

The Gifts

In this complex season
we disregard the reason
to honor why we unify.
Again, I sigh.

Shoppers tramp in bunches.
Granite sidewalk crunches
under cloudy sky.

Swipe that plastic card
to buy without regard.
From shop to shop we scurry,
then leave in frenzied hurry
to beat the crowd.

A knitted shawl for granny,
tart apples for the nanny.
(or was it pears?)
We push and shove to snag
that toy for little Mag.
(Somebody swears…
so very loud.)

Once long ago in a stable,
baby sleeping, starry gable,
there was no rush to purchase gifts,
no frantic dash nor angry rifts;
just shepherds and three men who were
offering gold, frankincense and myrrh.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE!

New Etsy Shop

I've opened my second Etsy shop titled ArtisticButler.  I have moved the cake stands from RecycleRoom to ArtisticButler.  Not many on there yet, but I'll be adding more soon and will include candle holders, soap dishes, jewelry dishes and other miscellaneous items.  If you're interested go to the shop and watch for additions.  I'll be offering promotional discounts when I get more inventory listed.
www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticButler