'her hair was wily and unpredictable'

(especially when you have weasels for hair...)

*new in the shop*

putting things in order is a good thing...

Hello dear friends! Being here on my blog, I see that my entries are getting a little few and far between but it's all for good! I have been changing things and getting things in order (finally). I am continuing to realize the importance of dedicating yourself to what is valuable. I feel as I rid myself of certain empty pursuits or at least limit certain things, the time I have leftover is abundant and productive. I have not been online as much as I and it has proved to be for the better. I have missed out on being up to date with certain things, certain friends (and thus, certain blogs as well) but it's alright. I am having more time to do illustrations for various projects, write my own stories (finally!), get more domestic duties done (and thus have more family time available) and most import, establish my spiritual life more with reading and prayer. Oh, and let's not forget physical activity with walking, bike riding and family time like throwing the frisbee around and paying more attention to our little 'garden'. life is good, is it not?

Scenes from the past month:

funny dress up, hearty and delicious soup, 80th birthday celebration, family diary entry, african cats, impromptu gardening....

the things you see when you are locked out of your house...

Last Wednesday we were accidentally locked out of the house for about an hour. While waiting for someone to come home to let us in, we were able to notice the little things that we often pass by in daily routine...

 

 

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back

and realize they were the big things.”

 Robert Braul

letters, ice tea & a welcoming sign

There are many things I enjoy but two things I believe many of friends know that I especially do: writing/sending letters and having tea. I've been writing letters since I was a child and never lost my love for handwritten mail. I believe by the time I was about 18 or so is when I started decorating envelopes, whether with drawings, clippings or even paint. Sometimes I wish I took a picture of each and every envelope I did that I was so proud of just to have a record of it. It inspired me to begin yet another little hobby tumblr, The Emphera Mail, where I will be posting photos of letters I send out. I'm also recording what posts and packages inspire me on one of my pinterest boards.

I also started getting together with a small group of good friends once a month for tea, sweets, savories, good conversation and fellowship. Again, in typical Andrea fashion, I started a blog for it as well called Kindred Gathering. I usually post the monthly invites along with a few photos of the treats. This time I forgot to take pictures but in place, I posted my very simple recipe for our little family's favorite beverage, Spiced Ice Tea Lemonade (or Arnold Palmer, whichever you prefer) and I thought I would like to share it here as well:

The days needs to continue on in other ways but before I leave, here are a couple of photos of with Nat and her 'welcome sign' she made for fairies (for those traveling past our front yard, of course). Have a great weekend everyone!