cherry blossom spring

I took some pictures of the Nanking cherry bush in our yard, and then had  fun tweaking the colors with my basic photo-editing program. 

This bush produces oodles of small, tart cherries.  I have used them to make jelly, and last year my neighbor made a batch of wine, but usually we just eat them fresh.  While we're standing in the yard.  More fun that way.

While I was snapping pictures, this bumblebee came to visit.  I am not exaggerating (too much) when I say it was the size of a small hummingbird.

OK, maybe not exactly the size of a hummingbird, but it was a big bumblebee. 

bliss

Sometimes you have to ignore the housework, put away your to-do list, and just enjoy the moment.  Yesterday was one of those times for me.  It was an unseasonably warm, sunny, lightly breezy and just perfectly delectable day.  When the kids came home from school I told them we were going on a little surprise get-away.  We headed nine miles out of town to the nearest lake,  made a stop at the sub shop, and had a lovely picnic dinner on the beach. 

The water was COLD.  So cold it hurt to have your toes in for more than a few seconds.  We built a little sand castle,  watched a loon diving for his dinner, and just soaked up that warm sunshine. 

Remember this quote from "American Beauty"? 

"......there's so much beauty in the world.  Sometime's I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much.  My heart fills up like a balloon about to burst....  And then I remember...to relax, and not try to hold on to it.  And then it flows through me like rain.  And I can't  feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life..."

Better than I could say it myself.

a very quilty birthday!

Merry says:

I have to show off the quilt that I received for my birthday.  It was made by my sweet and talented sister.  About a year ago, she upgraded her sewing machine, and she has been cranking out the quilts ever since.  (I've been hounding her to get a Flickr account, but so far she has ignored me.)

Each block is a mini crazy-quilt of vintage fabric sweetness!

Happy Easter!

Spring sprung early in Minnesota this year, so the kids will be searching for candy-filled eggs outside! The sun is shining, and I am looking forward to a day with good food and great company. Happy Easter!

it's my party....favors

My sweet girl just celebrated a birthday. She had a slumber party complete with pizza, popcorn, make-your-own sundaes, and the the newest Twilight movie. I know it's been said before, but I'll say it again, "Why are they called 'slumber parties' when there is very little slumbering involved?"

I made zippy pouches for the girls as party favors, and tucked in cute little notepads and mini body butters. The girls loved them.

Welcome!

Merry says:

Mmmmm.... Can you smell that new blog smell?

Welcome to the shared blog of Becky and Merry, two chatty crafty friends. We've ventured in to the world of blogging as a way to stay in touch with each other, as well as share our adventures in domestic creativity. Thanks for dropping by, and please come back to visit soon!