She who plays too hard, pays later...(but oh what fun it was!)

Been away from the blog for a bit because of "so much to do, so little time!" Work of course takes up a great deal of that time so the week days were filled with that and regular housekeeping chores and errands. Oh yes, and Tuesday PM was doggie Skye's obedience class - she is doing so great!! Then there was this past weekend, which was absolutely filled with perfect weather and lovely things to do. Unfortunately, sometimes when you play too hard you pay afterward - and sure enough, following the fun came a fierce bout of sciatica. My right leg has a circulatory problem already and several days of non-stop activity and walking didn't help. Right now it hurts like all get out (that's a good ol' Southern phrase ya'll) but is getting better through bed rest, Iboprofen, and hot moist compresses. Other things helping me feel better have been several cups of green tea, going through pictures, and just remembering the highlights of a beautiful weekend. Time to share...

ALL day Saturday was spent with dear friend, Trudie, running in and out of pretty much every vintage and antique shop in the area that we know about! My main mission was to find certain small but special items to put in a basket being prepared as part of Heidi's (Foxgloves, Fabrics & Folly ) Very Vintage Easter Basket Swap. Found most things on my list at the very first stop - yea! Shreveport Trading Company happens to be a favorite haunt for vintage and antique treasures and this visit didn't disappoint. Of course that didn't stop me from looking through everything at all the other shops - sometimes it is just as much fun "fingerprinting" places (as my cousin Ellen calls her look but don't spend forays.) Can't reveal yet exactly what items were purchased because I don't want to ruin the surprise for soon-to-be basket recipient Tanya but I've taken pictures and will post those after Easter.

During our running around, Trudie was looking for some furniture for a particular corner in her living room. She didn't find it, but later in the afternoon a stop at King's Ransom Antique Mall yielded what was marked as a Scottish school desk - a darling little wooden piece at a great sale price. It must have been from the era when children wrote on slates in their laps because the "desk" was actually more of a stool with an open compartment at the bottom to hold an ink well and perhaps some books or other school supplies. The top of the stool had a hole in it so a student or teacher could pick it up and carry it where needed. Just too cute, and perfect for her granddaughter Layla's playroom at "Mimi's" house. Sold!

About midday we did stop in at the Glenwood Tearoom for a delicious lunch and, of course, some tea. Harney & Sons Yorkshire Gold gave me the boost needed to continue on our Saturday adventure for several more hours! We finally ended up back at Trudie's home - a fabulous old house in an historic part of town. She and her husband have been having the place re-done a bit at a time and the result is like something out of a magazine! Here are some pics she graciously let me take to post and share -


Azaleas are coming into bloom all over the area and this bright pink grouping is SO pretty


The living room is next on the "re-do" list but I love the current blue and white theme.

Trudie had a sage green in mind for the master bedroom, but fell in love with the resulting shade that is more like Spring green.


The corner cabinet was a Natchitoches, LA find - she watched and waited 2 years for the price to come down to one she was willing to pay - now that's patience!


This guest room is a vintage haven in relaxing brown and white - but I'm so glad they kept the whimsical "sky" ceiling from when it was their daughter's bedroom.




And in the guest room corner - a perfect spot for Mimi and Layla to spend storytime.


Another guest room was formerly the bedroom of their son, who is now a fireman - so quite naturally, Trudie (and mostly her husband) collect firefighter-related antiques and vintage memorabilia to fill this wonderful space.


After our Saturday outing, a Fireman Fred childrens book was added to the collection.

Doesn't this fabulous old house inspire one's inner decorator?! Love it!!

After leaving Trudie's I spent over an hour walking up and down the aisles of Hobby Lobby (more wear on the leg) and then headed home to put together the afore-mentioned Easter basket. So much fun, and it turned out great if I do say so myself! Still need to add some ribbon and a few candies, then in the mail it goes for swap-partner Tanya to enjoy.

Saturday's running around was over and Sunday was another glorious sunny Spring day waiting to be reveled in. I just knew the flowers tended by a local Master Gardener (I'll just call him Mr. Charles because I don't know his last name!) would be in breathtaking form, so camera in hand I headed out to pick up Mom for church but stopped along the way to capture some shots. Those of you who have read my earlier blog posts will remember that this talented gardener grows things right up to the very edge of the parkway service road that borders his back yard. It is a gift of love shared freely with passersby. Small areas of grass and pathways have been left between some of the beds but otherwise every inch is filled with spectacular color! The palette changes with the seasons but right now, looking like a Monet canvas, the irises hold center stage. A few poppies and other floral varieties are dotted around for interest. Even the small flowering trees are filled with blossoms. What a perfect way to enjoy God's world on a sunny Sunday morning!!

No narrative needed here - just let the vibrant hues and delicate shapes formed by the hand of our Heavenly Father and nurtured by Mr. Charles give your spirit a lift...