I Started to Paint Again: A Rose Painting

My depression caused by my divorce seems to be lifting a bit. I have started to paint again very small paintings, but it's a start. Things are still very overwhelming but It's one foot in front of the other.

A Wild Rose 

This Has Been My Day: Free Clip Art

Have you ever had a day like this? LOL

I thought this would be great for some clip art projects. 

Paris Parks Free Clip Art

I bought this postcard to share with you because it is so typical of the French way of life, They truly love and use there parks.

French Park Postcard Chatelguyon

Luxembourg Park Paris

Luxembourg Park Paris

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Luxembourg Park Paris

A Wonderful Surprise

My Son just Graduated from the University of Chicago and for years I have been sending him care packages. You can see some of them by clicking on this link.  http://teawithlavera.blogspot.com/p/custom-care-packages.html


Well did I get a surprise when a care package arrived for me for Mother's day. When I opened the box I was so excited to find a painting of a rose he did. Then I peeled back some tissue and I found that the box was full of hand made paper flowers.

As if that wasn't enough, taped on the bottom of the box was a large box of Chocolates with a wonderful letter. It made me understand how much the care packages meant to him because it has made my month. I have left the flowers and the letter on my kitchen counter and enjoy them everyday. Though, I did already eat all the chocolates.

Paris Opera Mock Sets

When I was in Paris last summer I toured the Paris National Opera House. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It's definitely worth seeing. You can wander though the building at your own pace. There are lots of rooms to explore. One of the rooms we found was filled with these mock opera sets. They are quite small about 3' X 2' feet, their detail is incredible. These are beautiful works of art. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

If you click on the photo you can make them much bigger so you can see the detail.

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Paris Opera Set Designs 

Color Your Own Get Well Card

Cards have gotten so expensive, 

if you have a tight budget they can really impact it.

So I decided to do a series of color your own cards.

 My first in the series is a get well card.

Free Get Well Card

All you'll need is a printer

 a piece of copy paper

and something to color your card with. 

Free Get Well Card

First print off this image.

Free Get Well Card

and then color it and fold it.

Have a Great Day!

Hovander Park

Hovander Park in Ferndale, Washington has so many beautiful places to walk. 

You can walk along the river and through the farm.

Hovander Park

 One of my favorites is the swamp walk.

You start your walk through a fragrance garden.

Hovander Park

 Then you meander through a small field with grass as tall as you are

 with the sweet scent of grass being heated by the sun. 

Hovander Park

When you reach the swamp you step up onto board walks 

that circles around and through the swamp,

 you feel nestled into the tightly woven foliage

that sometimes opens to give you beautiful vistas deep 

into the swamps' landscapes. 

Hovander Park

 It also has amazing views of the snow capped volcano, Mt Baker. 

Hovander Park Water Lily

If you go in the early morning or late evening in the 

early spring you will hear the most incredible choir of mating toads.  

 Water Lily

If you want to learn more about the park click on the link below.

https://apps2.whatcomcounty.us/parks/hovander/index.jsp 

A Fun Gift Basket Cheap and Easy

Do you have that person in your family who has everything,

so no matter what you get them it never feels right?

Here's an idea that even someone who has

everything, and who can afford everything, would love

and it won't break your wallet.

First, go to a second hand shop like Goodwill and pick out a basket.

They always have plenty of baskets.

Make sure to pick something with character.

Second, head over to a garden shop and pick up a few plants.

Third, line your basket with some plastic and then fill it with the plants.

Keep in mind that you might need some extra dirt.

Water your new flower basket and you've got the perfect gift!

With a little extra thought you can make your basket with a theme.

Maybe strawberries and violas

or

several herbs,

possibly succulents.

It's a fun project and gift. It also works for a perfect in-home herb garden!

Skagit Valley's Purple Iris

Skagit Valley's Purple Iris

Skagit Valley is known for its spectacular tulips. 

So you don’t hear much about their beautiful irises. 

There are not as many farms that grow irises

 but if you miss the tulips

 or you just want a pleasant drive they are worth seeing. 

Skagit Valley's Purple Iris