Rust is my middle name...

Just when I thought I'd give this blog a little rest over the weekend, I happened to hear the word "Rust" floating around.  Donna over at Funky Junk Interiors is having a Saturday Night Special party, and guess what?

today's special theme is...

are you ready...

RUST!

Well hey, I just couldn't sit here as a bystander, because like I said...

rust is my middle name.

(not really)

Anyone that likes vintage garden goodies as much as I do just is bound to have some rust.

These are just a few specimens out on the deck.

I imagine my neighbors,

you know the immaculate high end patio store kind,

all think I'm a little wacky.

Guess they're right.

To me, rust is just like a little spice in your food.

Gives it a little extra flavor.

Love my mint in an old florist basket.

And the rest of the jungle.

I had been dead heading the flowers until yesterday when I saw several little goldfinches feasting on the seeds. They were having a great time and were so stinkin' cute out here having dinner,

 that I'm like... "well hey, Go for it!!"

OK, didn't want to feel left out.

 Go by and say Hi to Donna and all the others

over at Saturday Night Special

and see what they're up to.

Hope you're having a great weekend,

I'm painting an old cabinet for my studio.

Show you next week.

love,

Debra

We're Baaaaaaack...

...For Marty's Cloche Party, that is!

Many of you who've known me for awhile

 know I have a little (?) obsession with sheep.

And you will always find a sheep or lamb, or two,

or three...

 thinking their important...

hiding in plain sight...

under glass.

so please go visit

 The Cloche Party

at A Stroll Thru Life

and visit everyone else's...

little obsessions.

Just click here.

I'm not really obsessed....

shhhhhh.

love,

Debra

Visual Feast

Have you met Jacqueline?

She is many things;

talented shop owner,

photographer,

literary giant,

creative stylist,

I could go on and on....

She owns a wonderful store in Albuquerque, NM.

full of gorgeous cottage wares.

She has delighted me at every post,

From her casual and elegant al fresco settings,

to her beautiful store photos,

to an afternoon with her darling grand daughters...

all dressed in white.

So, go say Hello to

 Jacqueline at Cabin and Cottage

Be delighted and inspired...

feast on the beauty of her images,

and make a wonderful new friend.

love,

Debra

Join me?

Recently I've found some odds and end dishes

 that I've just washed and stacked in a pile. 

Roses, red transferware, plain white...

Some were found for just a few pennies because of broken ones in the set.

I'm not much of a "tablescaper",

and I don't entertain a lot,

but I still wanted to "play" tea party today.

Today was the perfect day to send an invitation for brunch and tea.

This is the lower level patio, usually shaded and quiet.

A place to feed the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels and watch the birdbath activity.

The little vintage iron garden set was just the place to have an impromptu setting.

Not only dishes, but mismatched old silver is part of the setting today.

Collecting bits and pieces this last few years has been something I've really enjoyed.

Hope you don't mind that I didn't follow protocol.

Limited space had me keep it all to the right.

White vintage embroidered tea towels are used as a placemat,

and a cherries luncheon cloth sits atop one of my wicker lunch "hampers".

This was my inspiration,

English ironstone salad plates.

I just cannot resist transferware.

And to make sure we're comfy,

settle back into some pillows with a vintage flair.

Chenille and old linens.

My neighbor had this concrete faux bois planter out for the trash truck.

Hmmm...it curiously ended up in my backyard. (?)

So, have a seat, let's relax, and I'll pour the tea.

I'm linking with

Show off your Cottage Monday

A Stroll Thru Life

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

And Between Naps on the Porch

for Tablescape Thursday

and My Romantic Home

for Show and Tell Friday

Hope you're having a wonderful week!
love,
Debra

Wanna be a Barn Chick?

My friend Karen over at Brayton Homestead Interiors is putting together a little Barn Party.
On August 6th she's inviting everyone over to show off their local barns. She had a great post of some of the local flavor up there in her native rural Massachusetts. She gussied herself up in her best barn attire and flirted with the camera to share some great photos of her hometown barns.

So then Barn Chicks was born.

Of course me and my big mouth said, "Heck yeah, Karen I want to do this too!", when I don't even have a pair of cowboy boots to my name. I have some close Texas friends so I guess I shouldn't divulge that sensitive information.

Now go visit Karen and sign up to show off your local barns. (they don't have to be yours personally)  I think it will be great fun to see the regional barns; their sizes, colors, and unique designs. Get as wild and crazy as you like!

Let's see, now where did I put those overalls?...

C'mon all you Barn Chicks, let's show 'em off!

Sign up at Karen's by leaving a comment.

love,

Debra