Porch Sitting, Iced Tea Sipping Good

Looking for a good read or something to browse while sipping iced tea on the porch?  If you are a fan of beautiful magazines, I have two to recommend. So many publications are disappearing in this strange economy.   The first magazine was introduced to me by my generous friend, Barbara.  "Garden and Gun" http://www.gardenandgun.com/  is a publication that both my husband and I enjoy.  The current issue has  articles Southern Dream Towns, Good Dog by Tom Brokaw, A Modern Fish Camp as an example.  Each issue features well written articles on design, food,sporting equipment and clothes, and destinations Southern.  The photography is amazing.

Another keeper is "Delta Magazine" http://www.deltamagazine.com/ .  This slick little publication comes from the center of my old stomping grounds.  It is published byJ. Scott Coopwood of Cleveland, Mississippi.  Always chock full of lovely photos, recipes and well written articles.  It is one I keep to look at over and over again. 
Every month an interior design feature and also a feature about a party which might give you an idea or two.  Many issues have featured history articles that are truly enlightening.

Julia Childs, You Look Shameless

Morning came with a difficult task at hand, the pruning of Julia Childs Florabunda I and II.  I could hardly say good morning.  They are prickly little devils.  I wore my gloves, not the cute vintage lime green ones but the heavy duty garden variety.  

Sadly my patio gate and both Julias look less glorious this morning.  Hopefully the pruning will encourage more beautiful butter yellow flowers.

The up side is I am now enjoying the flowers inside today.

They look and smell divine.  Just hope my pruning technique worked.

Mother's Day

After work this morning I went shopping for a graduation gift.  It was difficult to see all of the Mother's Day items for sale.  This is my first Mother's Day without my mom.  I think of her everyday.  Please remember your mother on Sunday and have a good visit with her.  I am thinking of and missing you today, Sarah Clyde Proctor Rowe, Sassy, Sally.

Sally and Aunt Bibbie's dog Zigfield.

Rebecca, Sally, Daddy Guy, Mawmaw, Lindsey, and Paula

Sam and Mary Virginia, Jimmy and Sally, Linda Hodges and husband, and on the far right Verna and Kyle at the Skyway at the Hotel Peabody back in the day.

Sassy rocking in her Moroccan dress.

Thanks for letting me share.

Followers and Comments

I love followers and their comments.  Comments keep me on my toes and let me know you are interested.  Any suggestions for a blog post?  I am open to that as well.  Maybe you have an interior design question.  Until then I keep blogging.

Caroline's Birthday

My cousin, Caroline, is celebrating her birthday today.  This is a photo of one of many celebrations we have shared together.  Lillie, her mom, is holding the birthday girl here.  You blog followers might recognise this as the Lillie of Living Life with Lillie.  Once again our grandmother and mothers pulled out all the stops to entertain us.

Here we are gathered in a kitchen to share a meal.  Jimmy has taken over the high chair and Caroline is forced to sit in a chair much bigger than she.  I don't remember even having a booster chair.

Caroline is on the back row being held by cousin Lindsey. She is in the white dress.   Caroline was the youngest and so cute.  We wagged her around all the time.  This was the kind of happy gathering we remember from our childhood.  There is Sassy holding a child as she always was.  Caroline and Sassy loved each other and had a very special relationship.

Once again Caroline being mauled by cousin Lindsey.  The red indicates maybe Christmas.  We were a happy lot.  So many memories of Caroline.

Caroline and cousin Paula mugging for the camera at cousin Lindsey's wedding.

Caroline has been a part of all of the most important occasions in my life and some of the not so important.  She is bright, beautiful and accomplished.  She never fails to make me laugh. 

Here is a toast to Caroline and our many happy times to come.

Good Morning Julia Childs

Julia Childs Florabunda.  My first attempt to grow roses.  I love the name and the color.  Color is a rich, buttery yellow. 

 I have placed these two in pots on either side of the entry gate to my patio.  I know I must cut the roses so that I will have continued growth.  I am terrified to cut Julia Childs I and II.  I have received advice from a few people who have some experience with roses but I just can't  make myself cut these beauties.  I will water again today and maybe tomorrow have the courage.  If any of you have experience with roses please advise.

I am on my second year with these seven pots of blue scaviola.  I was told last year to cut these plants so growth would happen and it worked.  I have managed to keep the squirrels from eating the roots so far.  I plan to cut the scaviola on the same day I cut Julia Childs I and II.  I will post photos of the roses in a vase once I find the courage to cut.

Until then Good Morning Julia Childs I and II.

Art in More Detail

Water color by past Paragould resident.

My last blog was Art in the House.  I wanted to share art in more detail.  Art Stroll sponsored by Main Street Paragould is this Thursday night.  The weather prediction is for perfect weather and you might discover a new local artist that might capture a mood or feeling you have been having.

Pastel by Merle Mueller.  She is no longer with us.  She was once owner and editor of  "The Spotlight"  a local newspaper.

"Binary Star System, Sunset" by Edwin Faughn past resident of Oak Grove.  This photograph was taken in 1997.  Edwin is with the Pink Palace in Memphis now.

Pet portrait by Gail Ford of Rector.  She is showing at Art Stroll and has donated a contemporary work to be given away this year at Art Stroll.  Great local talent.

Watercolor by Maria Bustimante.  This was purchased at one of the first Art Stroll events.  Doesn't show up well in photo but it depicts a lazy river, local geography.

Both of these works are by Sara Howell.  Artist and gallery owner from Jonesboro.

This is an oil painting done by local artist Roberta Castleberry.   She works in oil and watercolor.

This wire and bead sculptured cross was given to me by a friend in memory of my mother.  She purchased it at Sandra Holt's Gallery.  The gallery is a wonderful addition to our Main Street line up.  Sandra also does professional and excellent framing.  Be sure and visit her gallery during Art Stroll to see what is new.

We have had and have some talented artist in this area.  You might discover art by someone you know.  The event will also offer specials by Main Street merchants, food, beverages and music.  An event not to be missed by the residents of Norheast Arkansas.  I'll be there Thursday night and hope to see you.