let's celebrate!

Good day! How lovely 't is that you have joined me in my garden on this lovely summer {albeit a wee bit hot :)} afternoon. Well, since my May Garden Party was such a success and since my little garden o' mine has been very quiet as of late, I decided to host an August Garden Party! Although, 't is not to be as grand an occasion as my past garden party, I still have ten wonderful people who are sponsoring some lovely giveaway and have gathered a few craft tutorials and guest posters lined up for you as well, since I shall be away for a week during the festivities. 

Let's start this end-of-the-summer garden party with another garden party tag, shall we? Pictures would be quite wonderful in your post as well. 

{one} can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

{you can list a few of your favorite things, pastimes, and an insight to your daily life etc.} 

Well, most of my readers know me pretty well. If you are new to my blog, stumbling upon my garden through the garden party, first off welcome! I am so delighted to have you here. 


Secondly, I am a fourteen years of age Christian young lady {turning fifteen the 25th of this October}, an avid reader of historical fiction {I simply cannot obtain enough!:)}, aspiring writer and photographer, dreamer of whimsy, lover of vintage and any old-fashion, baker of sweets, gardener, inspired by beauty, and daughter of the King of kings. I am 100% of Chinese heritage, but my heart belongs in Europe where I hope to travel one day. I am a crafter, most definitely, loving to knit, crochet, embroider, hand/machine sew, and make cards. To learn more about me visit "about the keeper of the garden" at the top of the page. 

{two} what are a few of your favorite summertime activities?

Swimming is a big part of my daily activities. I am usually found either at the local pool, teaching little ones how to swim, or at the waterpark as a jr. camp counselor.

I also enjoy a great deal of reading, blogging, baking, crafting, gardening, and things that I do not have time for during the school year, although, sadly this year I did not complete everything on my "to do" list. 

{three} tell us a few of your fondest past summer memories.

Hmm...well, I do remember going on a lot of vacations with my family during the summertime and to this day I am still traveling with family during the summer. My family and I have been all over including Hawaii, Los Angeles, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe {Nevada} and more.

I also cherish the memories of swimming in the river in Yosemite, climbing the rocks at Happy Isles, and listening to the chirping of crickets in the crisp evenings.   

{four} what was your favorite memory of this summer?

Well, relatives from all over the country came to stay in our  little "neck of the woods." My aunt and uncle of Oregon as well as Washington, my cousins from Virginia, my aunt and uncle and cousins from Arizona as well as my recently-moved sister spent a day at the beach, which was more like an "unofficial" family reunion. I saw people that I hadn't seen in years which was so nice, besides, spending a day in the cool water of the ocean was quite refreshing!:)  

{five} one summer you would like to travel to ________ for a week {or two :)}

If I had a choice and money was no object, I would most definitely choose Italy. I yearn to walk up and down the cobblestone streets of Italy, and hear the waves lapping against the shore of the Mediterranean. 

{six} a few things that bring joy to your heart during the summer.

Well, the beach, first of all. Spending time with friends and family. Hot days and cool, breezy evenings. Starry skies and listening to concerts from the fair. :P Swimming. Golden sunsets and the buzz of bees pollinating lavender. *happy sigh* Summer is one of my favorite seasons...   

{seven} what is your favorite summertime treat? favorite scent?

That has to be...fresh fruit. As much as I LOVE ice cream, root beer floats, cupcakes, etc. I am so in love with fresh, farmer's market fruit. Watermelons, cherries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines - it all suits my taste. Lavender is my favorite summer scent, to be sure, oh, and the scent of BBQ's and campfires. Ahhhh.... 

{eight} of the places you have traveled to, favorite summer vacation destination?

I would have to say...a little town nestled in the Colorado mountains by the name of Durango. Oh, it was SO sweet; we spent a week out of our two week vacation in this little town. We walked downtown quite often, eating at this delicious restaurant that served blue cheese coleslaw, shopping in the little used book stores, and since we were staying during the fourth of July, the fireworks were amazing!!! I remember tasting the best barbecue chicken at the town's annual BBQ cook-off. :D *sigh* Fond memories {a lot having to do with food ;)}...      

{nine} photographer or writer of summer? 

Both, really. I am a writer at heart, but photography is my passion. 

{ten} when summer finally ends {and believe me its coming all too quickly}, what will you miss the most? 

Probably, waking up at 9:00 in the morning, the sweetness of the summer air, and the freedom that this short season brings.

{Copy and paste the above questions. Once you have completed the questionaire, copy your direct post link, and link up to this post for all to see. :) Simple enough, no?} Cannot wait to read your answers. 

I think that we shall get along splendidly during my garden party, and oh what fun it shall be! :) 

Oh, and do stay for a spot of tea, for a giveaway is coming your way. :) 

Much Love,

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