Florida’s Great Blue Heron

There are some huge pine trees here in this part of Florida.

Can you spot the nest?

What builds a nest THIS BIG?

The Great Blue Heron!

What a joy to see a pair of herons build their nest at the park this summer.

I wish you could hear the sounds they make. It reminded us of a swan or maybe a goose squawking.

I’m joining Mary for Mosaic Monday

and Diane for Beautiful Sunday

and Sunny Simple Sunday !

Have you had a chance to get outside and enjoy nature this summer?

Talented bloggers!

What beautiful things we see on our favorite blogs.

I was happy to receive some giveaway wins the past couple of weeks and want to share the links to these amazing ladies with all of you.

I won this pillow sham from Sweetwater Style .

I put it on my red sofa at first...

but then I moved it to the lanai!

Doesn’t it look beautiful out here?

And this is where I spend most of my time. (and yes, it’s air conditioned just like the rest of the house! Air AND fans....it’s Florida!)

Thanks Mary! I love it!

I won a gift certificate to the Leslie Janson Etsy store HERE and got to pick out what I wanted.

I chose this beautiful necklace.

And don’t you love to get things in pretty bags like this one? Visit her blog HERE !

Thanks to Angie at Knick of Time for the fun giveaway!

I’ve been busy ‘creating’ this week!

Have you made anything lately?

When it’s HOT outside...READ!

I love to read and this summer I’ve been in the mood for mysteries. Right now I am reading books by Nancy Atherton.

 

They are light reads...fun mysteries, that you can pick up at the library....perfect for long summer days.

We saw “One for the Money” this weekend. It’s based on the first book by Janet Evanovich. I love her books and read this one awhile back. The movie was good and stayed very close to the book...which I like! I fell in love with Stephanie Plum...the main character. She is played by Katherine Heigl and she is absolutely perfect for the role! (and yes, that’s her 4th book under the dvd)

I found this Bible at a book sale and it’s one I’ve never seen. It’s an Olive Pell Bible. Olive Pell was an artist and a poet. She published this Bible on her own and in the forward she explains, “In it the magnificent Elizabethan English of the King James Version has not been tampered with in any way. Not one word has been changed. It has only been reduced in bulk to it’s purest spiritual essence.”

It’s interesting and I will enjoy reading it for awhile. I’ll keep my complete Bible handy, too so I can look up scriptures she’s left out. But I like it and I’m glad to have a copy of it. (published in 1952)

I always like to have 2 or 3 books going at the same time. I even found a Brad Thor book at the thrift store! I can’t wait to read it, too!

What are you reading right now?

Some fun things to try and a WINNER!

I was visiting Chatty Crone and saw this! She has the most fun blog HERE !

So here goes...try this!

Mine were happy, naive, reserved and secure.

What are yours?

And Vee from A Haven for Vee told us how to make these. The link is HERE !

I made one...

and then another one...

and so on....

and on....

well you get the picture! IT’s FUN!

And now for the winner of my ‘Snow in July’ giveaway!

This was the sweet comment,

“Every time I see shells i think of you, such a great room, I love the name of it too. Your new tote bag is a beauty, so summery! Your photos are amazing.”

And who said that? My sweet friend Laurie!

Congrats girlfriend!!!

I’ll leave you with something Chatty Crone, Sandie sent me this week! Thanks girlfriend!

Sweet Southern hugs to you ALL!

“Love One Another”

I hope everyone is enjoying their day.

It seems like all of my favorite bloggers have been quiet this weekend. I know I have been sobered by the tragedy in Colorado.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering. Something like this really does affect us all. God bless you.

I’m joining Mary for Mosaic Monday

and Diane for Beautiful Sunday

and Sunny Simple Sunday !

I’ll announce the winner of my giveaway HERE Monday morning!

Sweet Southern hugs!

“Snow in July!”

Here in Florida, we enjoy white sand beaches

and beautiful white foamy ocean surf.

My hubby and I spent Christmas Day at Canaveral National Seashore last year. My post is HERE !

It was in the upper 70s that day and we played in the water and picked up seashells.

I love to decorate with seashells...

especially in my lanai!

You can find touches of white everywhere...

a white shell tucked in the greenery...

or a white Egret hand painted on a Christmas ball.

And if you are in the mood to make some pretty things right now go to the Toymaker website HERE ! They have printable cards and projects like this beautiful bird!

Go to this page on the website to download the pattern on your computer to print. (this is just a thumbnail)

Think of the fun we can have with Christmas in July!

And to add to the spirit of giving, would you like to win a handmade tote bag? I made this one in a pretty red and white cotton fabric

and added a touch of Florida.

(a seashell from Canaveral National Seashore)

 

All you need to do is leave a comment (and please be a follower). This is open to everyone! It’s my way of saying thank you to all of my loyal readers!

I’ll announce the winner on Monday!

I’m joining my girlfriend, Marcia at

the Little Shop Around the Corner !

Will you join us for the fun?

***Sweet Dreams***

I added something special to my bedroom this week!

You’ve all seen my bedroom a bunch of times!

But have you ever noticed the tray I have on my cedar chest?

This week, I got a Swan from Raggedy Angie.

She makes the MOST beautiful swans in existence!

But where will I put it?

I have so many spots that need a swan.

Do you think I need more than one?

Of course Angie and I have been friends for a long time. She and I share the love of Raggedy Annies and I’m always visiting her blog to see if she has a new one. She has a fabulous collection.

So when she sent the swan that I ordered from her, she send more goodies! The little doll is even from her Grandmother’s collection of dolls.

 

I will treasure it, Angie! Thanks for making my bedroom more beautiful and sending me such thoughtful gifts!

Visit Angie’s blog, ‘Just a Lil Raggedy’ HERE ! She custom makes the swans so don’t be shy....ask her about them!

I’m joining Katherine’s Corner this morning!

So do you think I need more than one? heehee!

July ‘Notecard Party’ Cedar Key

Oh, this is my favorite party!

And it only comes once a month!

I’m sharing photos I took at Cedar Key, FL this month.

Do you think they would make pretty notecards?

Why don’t you join in?

Visit Vee at A Haven for Vee

for all of the particulars!

She’ll have the linky online tonight!

And Vee, can we do 6 notecards next time?

Happy July!

“A Sunday Drive” Florida Style?

Let’s follow the back roads of Florida!

What?

Where?

Why?

Bear !!!

I’m joining Mary for Mosaic Monday

and Diane for Beautiful Sunday

and Sunny Simple Sunday !

Do you want to take a walk

in the Ocala National Forest?

HAVE FUN!