Remember that when we come upon  Dark and Cloudy portions of our life it isn’t necessarily a bad thing…

We might just have to look closer  with real purpose to see the beauty… because whether  we take the time to “look” or not, it’s still there.

Please visit Susan and the  OutDoor Wednesday gang… there are some smashing sites to see.

Also remember Melissa at The Inspired Room where she has a great apple pie neighbor gift idea.

And Stop back tomorrow when we will have a wee bit of a celebration on EARLY Halloween!

TTFN~~  Claudia ♥ ♥

As I drove up the canyon last week I came to a bit of a bend in the road that forced me to make a choice.

The majority of “fall viewers” were driving up the wider and less dusty path… so I took the road less traveled…  the serendipitous road  that made all the difference. Which brought to mind one of my life long poems I love.

The Road Not Taken 

Robert Frost
 
 
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

TELL ME… take a minute to re-read that poem and tell me what you think it means?

Do you think it means : the literal (and more common) interpretation, the poem is inspirational, a paean to individualism, to non-conformism?

Or do you think it means: the ironic interpretation, widely held by critics, is that the poem is instead about regret and personal myth-making, rationalizing our decisions?

Or are you with me when I think it means: Not the opportunities foregone or lost – but rather emphasises on choices made and embracing  and celebrating them?

Tell me– really — I would love to hear what your thoughts are!

Or…

Are we all just a bunch of WILD TURKEYS???   Running a muck?

*Amie Beck – pink tree cake* (not my photo)

To my darling Sister, SDD– May you have the happiest of Bdays darling! I miss you and hope you have a wonderful day– you are one of the biggest TURKEYS of them all! Smooch!!

As always visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer where she launches her weekly Outdoor Wednesday party!

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

Typically I don’t fancy myself very “girlie” or fancy feminine. My style seems a bit more on the traditional side.

~~However~~
the Best way to get in touch with my over the top feminine  side,

 is to step into a delicious Boutique.

Dear Lizzie is one of those fantastic Boutiques!

Even down to the soft drape and very pink touches at the dressing rooms– you will be charmed by every cliche` known to PINK-dom. (yes, I have been known to create my own words- now shoosh!)

Can’t you just picture this feathery wreath atop a polka-dot little ones bed?

~Look at the detail in this Pink Chandelier~

Items of every sort, reminiscent of vintage inspirations, are merchandised perfectly.

Been looking for that illusive gift for the Bride? Or the Mother of the Bride? or even her Brides maids?

I adore charms. Look at the selection !! Ohhh my goodness –I could really get myself in a lot of trouble.

From cotton crisp to velvety plush robes– to Whisper White linens– I can picture myself in this fantastic bed –nuzzled up reading the Latest Danielle Steel Romance Novel.

Or best yet, what a fun place to come with a best friend for tea?

Or just a simple Sweet treat?

Laura, at Dear Lizzie’s is as gracious as you would like any hostess to be; stop by and visit her shop and Bistro. If you can’t drive up to Highland, Utah, stop by her website (click here)

Laura, it was lovely meeting you! Thanks so much for the visit.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥

Be sure and check out the other Lovelies at Hooked on Fridays– see what they are all raving about. Melissa at the Inspired Room has some very fun things going on as well. And last but never least, check out all the PINK ones at How Sweet the Sound.

Aren’t these clouds and sky just fabulous? I had to share… who would’ve known 4 hours later we would be having “Severe Thunderstorm warnings“?

This morning while visiting some of my favorite blog friends, I found a new one. Check her out…oooooh my goodness its lovely, especially if you enjoy Hydrangeas. Meet, Susan from Southern Daydreamer.

TTFN~~Claudia

While out on one of my serendipitous adventures; (to come upon or find by accident) I found some of the sweetest cottages. Photographing on cloudy days, for me, are the best.  The colors pop and the contrasts are so much more vibrant.

Nestled up near our University were these sweet abodes. Even though we many only be dreaming of cottage living, I believe we can take inspiration from others and use bits and pieces of that dream to incorporate into our own home.

Step away from the typical and let your unique qualities shine through.

The rock walk way at this entrance was charming.

Look at these divine bushes!

Each one of these home are inviting… each owner just has to be creative and loves life– don’t you think? Also, look at each of the front doors and how artistic they are. 

Simply I was inspired. Check out  the Inspired Room and Hooked on Houses… these women’s blog help me get my creative side thinking!

TTFN! Claudia

A Memory Garden

I’ve had the garden tidied up,
As she would have me do.
This little pal who couldn’t stay
To see the season through.
The flowers were her dearest friends,
The garden was her own,
I’ve watched her work, but never knew
The things that she had grown.
Her, catalogues keep coming, and
Her garden magazine;
I run across the queerest names,
And study what they mean,
I read them all, from end to end,
And when the spring is here,
I’ll have a garden just like hers,
As though my wife were near.

By Albert H. PEDRICK

What a lovely tribute….

Tear drops on a Tulip

I need some planting ideas…. which are your favorite or most successful? (porch facing east)

I follow several blogs to find inspiration. Inspiration not only about how to blog effectively but I have mainly come to find inspiration in my day to day life. Doing this for such a short time, I am looking at  life in a very different way.

I am so blessed and have tried to stay positive and even turn the dark moments into things I can learn and grow  from; but blogging has inspired me to capture more and more the daily moments in time– to be more thoughtful of capturing simple moments and identifying the beauty.

I read a quote that said something to the effect…” My camera is the way I should be looking at my life, always.” (author unknown) But it’s so true.

Being at Thanks Giving Point at the Tulip Festival inspired me to rush home to my sad, sad empy porch pots.

Aren’t these just the saddest little things? So, my goal for this week is to perk them up a bit, break out the lil gardener in me and see if I can grow something that will bring a bit of color and joy to my front porch.

What are you planting this year? Below are some of the cutest little pink flowers I have ever seen… anyone know the name of them?

Another one of my passions is watching people; how fantisically unique they are. I stood on the porch, over watching the gardens, hearing the birds chirp and along came these two devine women…

It was almost 70 Degrees outside… All I can say is, “Cool hats! on a Hot day!”

Happy Mother’s Day!!  Hugs to all!