Christmas Crafts

I think the burlap trend is so cute, but anything pre-made is always so pricey.  I found these banners (pendants?  Not sure what they are called.  Triangle things.) at a craft fair for $1 each, and I painted them myself. I bought acrylic paint and stencils from Michael's.  I am sure I could figure out how to make them myself, but this was easier :)

Decorating for Fall

Autumn is probably my favorite time of year.  I love the warm (but not hot) days and the cool mornings, the beautifully colored leaves, pumpkins, football, boots and scarves, and so much more.  I also love decorating the house for fall. 

 These are some Longaberger basket pumpkins that I have wanted for years and finally got! I haven't found the perfect home for them yet. 

 My future jack-o-lantern :)

 A variety of gourds.  I got them from Wal-Mart, actually!

 Candle holders from Cracker Barrel

 An applique hand towel from a craft fair back in Franklin.  I have one for all the seasons.  :) 

Beautiful fall mums. 

High Museum of Art

Today I went to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta with a few friends.  I went to see Vermeer's Girl With a Pearl Earring, a painting I LOVE! It was so beautiful in person, and I am so happy I was able to see it.  Afterword, we went to eat at the Vortex.  Atlanta is so fun, but I don't explore it nearly as much as I should.  I could not take a picture of the "main attraction"  (although I thought about sneaking one!), but I did take a few photos of other beautiful art at the museum. 

Graduation

Yesterday I graduated with my EdS (Specialist) in Social Studies Education.  Of my ten years in Athens, 8 of them have been as a UGA student.  In some ways I am relieved to be done, but I am also sad. I have learned a lot, gone to many football games, and grown accustomed to being a part of the UGA community.  I know the Lord has plans to fill my time in great ways, but it is a little odd to never go to class again.  My family came to celebrate with me, and we had a good time!

Etsy Inspiration

In my summer boredom, I have been stalking etsy a lot...A LOT.   I found some adorable painted canvases that I was going to buy, but then I decided to try to make them myself.  My handwriting is  not as cute as the girl's on etsy, but I still like them!

Outdoor Adventures

Now that I think we are frost free (hopefully) I decided to begin my garden.  I can only do a few pots at a time, but here is what I have so far: 

Hopefully they will flourish this spring and summer! As I was gardening I noticed a lone flower among the crazy weeds in the backyard.  It was once in a pot last summer, but it died in the heat.  How it got to the ground I do not know, but I moved it to the hanging basket above.  Flowers are a mystery to me sometimes. 

And, we finally have a bird's nest! Last year we had so many and I was looking for one this year! Here it is: 

I am grateful for these beautiful signs of life around me, and I cannot wait to see this fragile egg become a precious baby bird!

New Finds

A few weeks ago I found this great coffee table at a decor/antique market in Peachtree City. It has been refurnished and has a chalk board top! I really like the style! 

I also bought a hyacinth. I have never had one before.  I left in my house to bloom and then recently planted it in my garden. It smells great, and I hope it does well outside! 

Callaway Gardens

On my furlough day I went to Callaway Gardens. It was my first time there.  Many of the flowers had not bloomed yet, but the ones that had were beautiful! We also went to the butterfly house, and it was the highlight of the trip for sure!

Early Spring

In the last few years I have really begun to enjoy gardening, and also keeping flowers in my home. I even have some in my classroom. I think flowers are beautiful and I love taking care of them.

 

My mom also likes to garden, and she has helped me learn what to do.  She bought me some tulips for Valentine's Day.  I'll keep them in their small pots in the house and then transplant them outside later on.  

 I've also planted some pansies.  They have not bloomed too much yet, so hopefully they will soon and the deer won't eat them.  We will see. 

Mardi Gras and Lent

Today is Mardi Gras. I've never been crazy about celebrating it, although I do love a good hurricane! :) But, each year I try to give up something for Lent.  Often it is sweets or candy.  This year, I am going to try to give up something a little harder to resist--worrying.  I often stress about things I cannot change, and I have to remind myself that God has a plan and His timing is perfect.  I have improved in my ability to reduce worrying over the years, but it is still something I need to work on, as it adds stress to my life.  So, that is my goal over the next 40 days:  to worry less and live more.  I hope that by Easter it becomes a habit I have formed. As a part of this goal, I am also going to resist interacting with a certain toxic person, whose place in my life is no longer positive.  I think that will help too. :)