Birds, butterflies and books

I took my coffee out to the deck this morning.

I wanted some bird time before it was too hot to be outside.

A little Tufted Titmouse was first to say, "Good Morning."

A male House Finch came right up too.

There has been little wind this past week.

The Wind Harp has been silent.

The Gold Finches have the prettiest song.

They are known as the Wild Canary.

I watched the moon cross the morning sky.

I looked through a few library books.

I like these bags.

I also looked through a pillow book.

I need a pillow for my yoga practice.

Something for when I sit in zan-zen.

I think the pincushions are darling.

It would be fun to make a kimono.
I have a few Japanese things and do love wearing them.

Another inspiring way to use paper.

Once the sun was high I had to go inside.
It is so very hot this July.
Yet when I saw the Giant in the Mimosa tree I grabbed the camera
and stood in the sun for a few minutes.
Mimosas and Giant Swallowtails are so tropical.
Makes 100 degrees seem normal.

On the way back to the house I spotted a Chick-a-dee
staying cool.

A caterpillar came in with me.
My husband took it back out.

I brought out our caterpillar field guide.
It is that time of year again.
Our caterpillar is a Large Yellow Underwing.

There have been other cat sightings.

This is a Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar.

My husband is great at finding cats.
I will need to get my habitats set up again.
It is fun to watch them spin their cocoons.

I am leaving the sewing machine open.
I want to get back to my sewing.
I still have some mending to finish
before I start a project.
This straw hat needs an inside band.
It is uncomfortable without one.

I found a pretty piece of cotton
in my fabric stash.
I need a new summer nightgown.
I think I will go to the fabric store and buy a pattern.
It has been many years since I cut out a pattern
and sewed up a garment.
A nightgown will be a good place to start.

I brought up a red silk skirt and blouse.
I like the skirt but not with the blouse.
I think I will restyle the blouse.
I am wanting to work up a cute red outfit
to wear in September.

While on vacation I bought a few wooden puzzles.
I think tonight I will put one together
and see how it turns out.
I'd like to spray paint a few little things tomorrow.
They will dry quickly outside.

The mini wooden boxes
are very cute.
I think I will use one in my handbag.
Perhaps it would look good in red.

Life in a painting

We walked last night as storms gathered.

I felt the energy of the wind.

I felt as if I was in another world.

 I awoke this morning and the air was full of dancing lights.

Butterflies greeted me in the garden.

I harvested mint for winter teas.

I finished my car blanket.

My husband fixed my magnifing glass.

I will decorate my blanket with Myrtle-wood buttons.

Sometimes I feel far, far away.

Wrens and Crows

Last October I made a note to make a couple of crows
for decorating.

When I found this book at the library I decided I needed a couple of wrens too.

This little found fabric bird is charming.

It is too hot and humid to be outside.

These dog days are perfect for sewing.

Bugs and Mosaics

I have a special spot in my heart for the Fiddlehoppers.

In July I celebrate the Grasshopper.

I have brass crickets and grasshoppers for my hearth.
I like to listen to the sounds of the Fiddlers at dusk.

I like going outside and taking photographs of the bugs. 

I like bugs. It is my favorite part of summer.

I have begun my study of mosaics.

Just getting started.

Thinking of how to set up my work space.

I am reading lots of books

and gathering my supplies.

It might take me awhile to get everything together for my first project. I am giving myself all the time I need.

I like these drawers for organizing supplies.

I like found materials too.

I shall be looking for my tools when I shop thrift stores.

From now on I will be saving any chipped or broken china I have.

I love the idea of Dancing Girls.

I see a set of coasters

from vintage thrift store china.

Could be a fun first project.
Or maybe a tray.
I can always use a tray.

This is cute.....

I think Mosaics are in my future.