Tropical Birds in Tennessee

Back home from a vacation in Tennessee! My family has visited the area many times. We enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

This was the first time we visited Parrot Mountain and Gardens. What a wonderful place. Hundreds and hundreds of tropical birds. I was so enchanted by the birds, I didn’t fully take in the tropical vegetation and the cottages.
 Domestic parrots and cockatoos often outlive their owners. Parrot Mountain takes birds in need of a home or in need of rehabilitation. There is a huge variety of birds in the bird garden where birds sit on open perches. Visitors are allowed to feed them and have them perch on  shoulders and arms.

Because many of these birds come from loving homes, they’ve been taught to say words. What fun to hear ‘I love you’ or ‘whatcha doin’ and turn to find a cockatoo peering at you hoping for a treat.

The lorikeet aviary was delightful. Step into the avery with nectar in hand and the lories descend. Birds being birds, we wore long sleeves and took hats to wear. I forgot to put my hat on. Thankfully, my hair didn’t get any ‘special treatments’.
The staff members were helpful in every way. They were readily available to answer questions, take photos or rescue unsuspecting visitors from sassy glasses snatchers and ear nibblers. The visit to Parrot Mountain and Gardens was the highlight of our trip.

Have you visited Parrot Mountain or any other tropical bird attraction?

Ebb and Flow

“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.”

These words by Bruce Barton (American author, advertising executive, politician) ring true for me as I look back on the first quarter of 2012. The energy that accompanied the hope of a new year has ebbed under the weight of life.

But with the Spring comes a glimmer of what I’ve searched for through this Lenton season just past. A clearer vision. Fresh hope. Still hazy on the horizon, but there. Emerging.

“May your unfailing love rest upon me, O Lord, even as I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 33:22

The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The rhythm of living.
The turning of the tide.
The ebb and flow of life.
For everything there is a season…
Out of hope – progress.
Change.

Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Daisy Card

I needed a quick card this week and turned to the stash of cards given to me over the years. The ones that are special at the moment but not ‘keepers’ … but yes, I have kept them because how can I toss something someone paid hard earned cash for, not to mention the time spent choosing it especially for me? Those cards are beautiful and bright. Using pieces of them in the cards I make extends their life.

Do you like the daisies? Those are from the front of a lovely card given to me by my wonderful mom-in-law (who bears no resemblance to the mother-in-law jokes out there.) A bit of embossing, a snippet of dotted ribbon, paper lace punched with the Doily Lace punch by Martha Stewart and ‘Ta-daaa‘. A cheerful card.

What secrets do you have for creating a last minute card with a minimum of fuss?

 

 

Easter Sunday

A day of joy for Christians.

He Lives!

Alleluia!

Good Friday – A time of reflection

Good Friday

FROM THE SKIT GUYS

A dramatic retelling of Jesus’ last day. Hear from six individuals who were close to Jesus before his death on the cross, Good Friday. This video sets the stage for Christ’s resurrection and shows God’s forgiveness and love for mankind. (Still in the beta phase, the video did not come through as a picture. Please click on the link below. It is so worth watching. Note: there is sound.)

http://skitguys.com/videos/embed/1402/

Spring Mantle

Sorted through my collection of vintage doilies and ladies hankies to create this mantle for the warmer weather. I didn’t want to make the commitment to permanently whitewash the large barn board frame, so I took white chalk and rubbed the frame to lighten it. The fourth hankie from the right – purple floral – is round!  The handkerchief in the hob nail fan shaped vase is extra large.

Made these pom-pom flowers after seeing them time and again on Pinterest.

Vintage buttons in an old Ball Mason Jar. The tiny pink buttons are mother of pearl that has been dyed.

 The pellet stove heats the entire house.

I have to admit, the mantle has turned into a ‘touchy feely’ attraction. Every time I go by, I rearrange folds or fluff a pom pom. Who knew it would become interactive decor.