Trying new things

Tried my hand at flower gardening last week! I must document this because odds are that by next week, all will be dead. I'm not one to follow directions- this has proven difficult in baking, sewing, vegetable gardening, photography... hmm, okay, everything. Yet, I'm stubborn like my Father and like doing things my own way. It's the creative process that I enjoy. Following directions brings little fun. Maybe it's my pride that gets in the way. However, I'm sure that results would be far different (and far better) if I simply learned from professionals. All this to say, I love Ranunculus and sure love that we have some in our yard. Even if just for a short time.  Next up is our vegetable garden! I learned a bit from last year's tomatoes and hope to have a more successful year.

 

Flowers & Craft Space

Flowers, flowers, flowers... so many flowers in our yard. I'm loving it. Some that we planted in pots, others that we woke up to one morning- they literally just appear and disappear  (planted by past renters). I had no idea that I would enjoy "gardening" of sorts. Never had an interest in it, never the least bit intrigued- until now. And, I love it! I must clarify though; I'm not sure I would call it true gardening. Yes, there's dirt, gloves, shovels- but nothing like my impressive neighbors who seriously work magic in their yards. It's more like a number of potted plants and veggies here and there and some sprinkled wild flower seeds. It's a start!  PS- I found out one of my flowers (Larkspur) is poisonous! Yikes!

'The earth laughs in flowers.'  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

In other news, I constructed a very rudimentary shelf out of a 2x8 piece of wood and L-brackets. It does the job and cost us less than $10! It was created in mind for my little craft wall in our office. Andrew has generously shared his office space with my craft craziness. It's turned out very well as it feels like we are spending time together while working on our own things in the same room. Unanticipated bonus for sure! I anticipate some changes with this wall (I need a "bill" & mail station), but it's a happy space for now and will do!

 When not at work, running errands, with family or friends... this is where you'll find me! Right where I want to be... Home ;)

It was magical timing

 There we were, headed to Multnomah Falls, driving through beautiful winding roads with the Columbia river just past our view. Green at every glance and wind blown branches beneath our tires. Little cottages and farms fit perfectly in every country cove. And then we saw it- a white sign that read, "Lavender Field ahead." My heart jumped; I gasped; Andrew looked at me with a smirk because we had just finished talking about how I still wanted to go to a lavender field before the summer was over. It was magical timing. 

The field was small, the farm was quaint. We were the only visiters. It was perfect. Every sense was engaged. The bees bzzzzzz'd, the scent of lavender filled my nares, the sun's heat warmed my bare skin, the sights were gorgeous, and I even enjoyed a cold lemonade upon returning to the car. This little stop on the side of the road may have lasted less than 10 minutes, but it was glorious and the perfect little summer surprise.

Barn Wedding Flowers | Anna & Jeremy

 

  

Remember this wedding that my hubby and I photographed last month? Well, I also had the pleasure of assisting with the flowers! I think this may have been my favorite part because it was something I'd never done before. My dear friend, Catherine, has done many weddings and was kind enough to do Anna & Jeremy's wedding! She's amazing, let me tell you! 

The bride, Anna, wanted gerbera daisies and anything barn-ish looking as the wedding took place in a barn on a beautiful Washington farm. But, simple was the key word throughout. So, naturally, we went with burlap and raffia.After a slight mis-hap getting the flowers, the bouquets were put together and all went smoothly. I didn't post photos of the corsages for moms/grandmas and boutonnieres for the grandfathers/fathers that we also made, but they were there!

 The gal in green is another Anna (not the bride). She has a sweet blog that you can check out here. Anna is the sister of Catherine and was a great help as a stand-in bridesmaid, bride, hot tea bringer, and 3rd eye. The gal in the red is Catherine. Great work Cath! And, thanks for teaching me and letting me help!