Images on a Trip Away from Home

Whenever I travel to a new area, it's fun to see houses that appeal to me.

Sometimes, it's almost serendipitous. For example, I've been telling my hubs for quite a few seasons that I really would love to have an arbor in our back yard.  While away recently, I stopped the car to take a picture of this arbor----my someday dream come true.

Hope no one was looking out the window when I snapped this photo from my car.  The gorgeous plants and the way they were arranged just tugged at my heart.

Look at all the potted flowers, too!  I counted at least a dozen of them.

I might someday get the arbor but how about one of these seaside homes?  They probably go for only a  million or more!  But hey, it's fun to look!

Now this scene near the ocean was worth more than a million to me and it was free for the asking.

The water reflected glints of brilliant sunshine which sparkled every time the waves rolled in and out.  I had to squint my eyes as the brightness was so intense.

It was like walking among liquid diamonds. Beauty was everywhere, in every direction.

Sometimes the gifts we are given so freely make us millionaires without bank accounts. For such gifts, I am deeply and humbly grateful.

WHAT IS ONE UNEXPECTED GIFT YOU RECEIVED LATELY?

Decorations from A Baby Shower Extravaganza

Honoring a a woman who is about to give birth to a new, sweet, and totally innocent life is a good thing to do.

At a baby shower extravaganza attended last weekend, the party house looked "festivas" and guests had a great time. 

Huge balloons in the shapes of baby feet bobbed as well as one that looked like a stork.  Streamers livened up the room, too.

 

Out in the front of the house, a baby carriage sign and more balloons welcomed guests.

A floral arrangement with white roses and blue hyacinths was quite breathtaking.

A simple flower in a vase on a lace runner was more simple but also beautiful.

More flowers in unique containers:

A homemade CONGRATULATIONS sign hung above the fireplace. It even had a hand painted baby boy on it! Kudos to the artist.

The mirror  and bookcase sported decorations, too!

Future Grandma even had her toesies painted blue, in keeping with the baby boy blue theme. Yowzers!

As guests left the extravaganza, they could take a small box of chocolates from a very special chocolate shop called Catherine's!

Pretty soon baby will be here, loved from the tip of his toes to the top of his head.

WHAT KIND OF DECORATIONS HAVE YOU LOVED BEST AT BABY SHOWERS?

(To see the food that was served at the baby shower extravaganza, see yesterday's post.)

Flowers Are Food for the Soul

Today, Writing Straight from the Heart is joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

 Check out her blog to see some of the other entries for Show and Tell Friday.




The most beautiful sound in the world is a doorbell ringing to announce the arrival of fresh flowers.

Last Saturday, while immersed in baking, cleaning, cooking, and decorating for Easter, the sweet ding dong came!  My adorable niece, who was bringing her new boyfriend to Easter dinner, sent them to me.

Now why did tears come into my eyes when I saw the enchanting flowers?  Guess I'm a sentimental marshmallow heart but receiving flowers always makes me cry.

The colors, shapes, and scents of flowers never cease to amaze me.

The Creator is a wonderful artist, isn't He?  How could He create such a magnificent array for His children on earth?

Swirls, soft petals, brilliant and pastel colors, and every possible shaped flower are part of a bouquet. It's all so breathtaking.

Whenever your spirit feels down, and you cannot bear another disappointment, go get some flowers. They truly are food for the soul!

WHY DO FLOWERS MAKE US HAPPY?