Grace's Garden Walk

of rainy afternoons and tea.

2012-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

~ the rainy day ~

the day is cold, anddark, and dreary;

it rains, and thewind is never weary;

the vine still clingsto the mouldering wall,

but at every gust thedead leaves fall,

and the day is darkand dreary.

my life is cold, anddark, and dreary;

It rains, and thewind is never weary;

my thoughts stillcling to the mouldering Past,

but the hopes ofyouth fall thick in the blast,

and the days are darkand dreary.

be still, sad heart! andcease repining;

behind the clouds isa sun still shining;

thy fate is thecommon fate of all,

into each life somerain must fall,

some days must bedark and dreary.

>> henry wadsworth longfellow

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

{images via pinterest}

waiting for the call.

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

from the desk drawer of a young dreamer...

I sit here... writing this upon my quilted bed. when I wish I was there.

my pen quivers as I write. the outdoor sky weeps. her tears slipping down my window's smooth glass face. I watch and listen in vain, when I wish I was there. drinking the crisp spring air, my heart soaring and breathing in the magic, savoring every breath.

when spring magic touches the earth springing up wildflowers. the trees whispering their secrets in the breeze rustling their boughs.

every time I steal a glance at the window, my heart aches to be there. for the silvery winter that melts into a beautiful spring in your meadows and mountains.

narnia. i breath. someday i will answer the call. i whisper.

love as always,
the keeper of the garden.

{images via pinterest}

lovelies.

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

sometimes there are certain moments in time, where you just breath, "life is beautiful."

I do not think there is anything quite quite so lovely as...

feeling the ocean laps against bare toes...

spending time in a summer garden...

feeling the wind twirl your tresses of hair...

traveling with pen and camera in hand...

"sit{ting} in the shade and look{ing} upon the verdure is a most refreshment" ~ Jane Austen.

taking time to "be still" on a hilltop...

having braids in one's hair...

reading in a beautiful place...

capturing life stories...

sitting down and doing something your heart loves...

journaling.
writing letters.
drinking tea.
being thankful and content.
day-dreaming.
loving.
laughing.
living.

happy wednesday, dearies!

love,
the keeper of the garden.

in love // quotes.

2012-01-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

>> sometimes it's a paragraph or a few mere words with a photograph or in tiny script that touches our hearts and makes the whole world new...

// more pinterest quotes found here //

happy monday, dear friends!

with love always,

the girl in the garden.

stichin' sunday // a giveaway.

2012-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

to-day, I have the wonderful pleasure of introducing to you one of the most darling shops that has been a favorite of mine for a very long while....

| etsy profile // shop // pinterest // twitter // blog |

Mollie's sweet little shop is brimming with the sweetest patterns and printables all made from her own designs. let's take a little peek, shall we?

// crafty characters //

// 1+1 = food math //

// country fair food friends //

// baker's best friends //

// spring rain //

such a cute, colorful array of darling embroidery patterns which will keep your hands busy during the wintry months and add a touch of sweetness to any craft project.

________________________________

// the giveaway //

sweet Mollie has most generously agreed to contribute a few of her lovelies from her shop to be enjoyed by one of my dearest readers!

>> please note.

the prizes below are in PDF form, meaning the winner shall be receiving patterns through e-mail.

// teeny tiny stamps //

{one of my absolute favorites!!! :) }

// baked with love //

{ just in time for Valentine's Day! }

// teeny tiny blog buddies //

{Mollie generously sent me a pattern of this as well and I cannot wait to settled down by a cozy fireside to embroider. :)}

// printable calling cards //

{ perfect to spread the word about your business or blog! }

________________________

>> to note.

{please read the following carefully}

you must complete the mandatory entry before acquiring extra entries.
you must leave separate comments per entry. {example :: three entries = three comments}
when following this blog, you must be a public follower {via Google Friends Connect}.
giveaway will close on the 31st of the month and winner shall be announced shortly thereafter.
giveaway is open to international readers.
keep in mind, winner of this giveaway will not be allowed to enter my next two upcoming giveaways.

>> to enter.

// mandatory entry //

tell me what you would embroider with these sweet patterns

and

visit Mollie's lovely shop and tell me what catches your eye

{one} heart Mollie's shop, add her to your etsy circle, follow her on twitter, and follow her blog.

{leave separate comments per entry you complete}

{two} be or become a follower of my garden walk. {3 entries, 3 comments}

{three} tell me something that has been particularly inspiring or enjoyable from my past archives.

{four} purchase something from Mollie's shop.

____________________

special thanks to Mollie for making this giveaway possible. I really appreciate her support and pray that Mollie and her shop be blessed immensely!

you may begin writing me promptly, dearies!

with love,
the keeper of the garden.

au revoir, auf wiedersehen, hasta luego, farewell dearies!

2012-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

the sky is low, the clouds are mean. the wind complains and moans of life's unfairness. my heart longs to get away from daily routines but mostly to travel.

fare thee well, dearies! I shan't be away for long...this video explains most of it. ;) I hope you enjoy!

bon voyage, ma cherie!!!
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: 6 followers away from 300??? wow. you all are a.m.a.z.i.n.g. and really such a huge blessing in my life. *hugs*
side note :: what do you think of my new garden look? it's not dramatic, but I just thought a few "new flowers" would be a nice touch for a wintry day. ;)

[images via pinterest]

just a few happy thoughts // and first vlog.

2012-01-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is Lord!!!

{psalms 144:15}

// buttered corn bread and green tea //

// the scent of oranges that evoke thoughts of summer //

// simple moments that bring so much joy for years to come //

// cabinets and cubbies brimming with yarn //

// chocolate woolen socks that go up my knee //

// music and photographs that make my heart sing //

// dear friends I am blessed [and honored] to call sisters //

// a suit case ready for adventure //

introducing my first vlog! despite the imperfections {I can't believe after the third attempts of being IN focus this came OUT of focus and ugh, I repeated myself a lot} I still hope you enjoy...

{and yes, this is my first ever Youtube Video. can you tell? *sheepish grin*}

{oh, please excuse the close up at the end. XP}

have a question you would like to be included in a vlog? leave a note!

happy monday, dear friends!

lovingly,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

stationery giveaway + product review.

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

to-day, I have a simply lovely shop brimming with the most darling stationery from modern to a vintage flair. I am delighted to introduce you to...

shop // etsy profile

the sweet owner, Naomi, kindly sent me a set of twelve stationery cards in my favorite colors as well as a few other samples from her shop...

these lovely stationery sets came wonderfully packed, and the shipping did not take long at all...

I love the brown-craft paper envelopes...

are they not darling? I simply cannot wait to start letting my friends with these. wink.

now, let us take a small peek into her cute shop...

she sells a lovely arrangement of notecards and stationery sets from modern, botanical, or vintage...

...in which they are all personalized to your liking. she has a wide color selection to choose from and will kindly personalize your stationery with your name to add a sweet personal touch....

special thanks to Naomi for generously making this giveaway possible!!!

may the Lord bless you and your business this new year! since your banner on my sidebar is up late, you shall be receiving a few month's advertising. ;)

________________________________________________

>>---the giveaway--->

dear Naomi is most generously giveaway TWO personalized stationery sets to one of my dear readers! is that not sweet of her?

>>---requirements--->

{please read the rules carefully before entering}

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry, else extra entries will not count.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry.

{three} giveaway will be open to US young ladies only.

{four} giveaway will be closing at 12:00 N Pacific Timing on the 30th of the month.

the winner shall {Lord-willingly} within the next few days.

>>---to enter--->

:: mandatory entry ::

{counting as one entry}

leave a little note telling me that you visited naomi's shop and let me know what two stationery sets you would choose should you win. also, I would very much like to know what colors you would choose as well!

:: extra entries ::

{after completing the mandatory entry}

{one} heart naomi's shop.

{two} add naomi to your etsy circle.

{three} follow this blog.

{four} tell me what you would like to see posted on this blog.

{five} go vote for my photograph at shutter happy. ;)

{six} purchase something from naomi's lovely shop. [ten entries, leave ten separate comments]

{note :: the extra entries above are worth one entry unless otherwise stated}

alrighty, dearies, you may begin writing me promptly!

a little piece of magic.

2012-01-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

the world is thick with ice and dreary. my life is quiet, and in between moments, I ponder. my thoughts turning to dreaming of the future and of the memories in the past. and if I close my eyes and dream hard enough, I am there.

*listen* I am surrounded by voices excited by the sights they encounter...perhaps for the 100th time or for the first in their life. I hear the train whistle in the background; the familiar classic tunes such as Hello, Dolly's "Put on your Sunday Shoes" and the Happiest Millionaire's toe-tapping "Fortuasity."

*blink* I see a blur made up of a million faces - young and old - their eyes lit with amazement and their lips curved into grins, beaming with delight....

I see balloons floating up and down the red-brick lane, bobbing gracefully on their colorful ribbons in the breeze. but there, in the distance is the sight that takes one's breath away...

the castle.

and that's when it hits you that you have just entered into 'the happiest place on earth.' {okay, so maybe not the happiest place on earth because of all the screams and crying babies in the background but let's just move on okay? :D}

too many things to do and sights to see, where do we start?

// having tea at a mad party //

// a mansion haunted with ghosts //

// stepping into a world of stars //

// the smell of cotton candy and coffee //

// exploring a pirate's lair //

// going on a jungle cruise //

// watching the fireworks //

// the sweetest taste of cotton candy //

// sipping hot chocolate or eating an ice cream bar //

// touring the stars //

// fighting darth vador or jack sparrow //

// hugging princess rapunzel //

// diving under the sea to ariel's world //

// watching alladin live //

// beholding the world of color //

// screamin' at california disney //

a place of smiles and laughs and oohing. a place where memories truly did begin even from my mother's childhood to mine. a little piece of magic very close to my heart.

where do your dreams take you?

love as always,

the keeper of the garden.

// on my 2012 bucket list //

[images via pinterest and weheartit.com]

le happy

2012-01-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

// misty sunrises //

// jane austen's emma //

// inglenooks //

// sunshine streaming through my window //

// pines that sway in the afternoon breeze //

// this post and this post //

// oh, and this one too //

// whimsiness //

// skype //

// quilted beds //

// pinterest inspiration //

// letters from faraway friends //

// smiles //

// musical heart garlands //

// day-dreaming of a [future] magical day //

// red and white baker's twine //

// brown paper packages wrapped with love for a special someone //

// valentine's crafting ideas //

// beautiful blogs [and a new favorite one] //

// lovely photographs //

// my cat's soft purr //

// 1940's curls //

// dreams of snow-laden mornings and lazy summer afternoons //

// french //

// lavender colour //

// distant plans to travel to italy //

// writing //

// drinking tea //

// God's amazing love //

// notes from dear blogging friends, old and new //

what makes you 'le happy'?

xoxo,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: thank you so much for all the encouragement and sweet notes that all of you have been leaving! I appreciate each and every one of them...oh, and the warmest of welcomes to my newest followers!

{images via pinterest}

an in-between moment.

2012-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

uninspired. that word haunts me, and unfortunately, describes my life as of late. a few posts line my draft inbox, but words...they just don't fit together to my satisfaction.

I feel like I'm caught in an in-between measure of time. an overwhelming whirlwind of studies, letters, writing, journaling, crafting, devotions - and I find myself often saying, "there just isn't enough time in the day." and then when I have a quiet moment {which are rare these days, as you know ;)}, my mind goes blank and word escape my grasp.

{rather random picture ^^}

busyness has a tight grasp on a person's life. my semester is ending in my studies with it a load of tests to study for following close behind, whilst my family and I are preparing to take a little trip somewhere that I hold very dear to my heart. waiting makes the adventure all the more exciting, but this upcoming week cannot pass by any faster.

so life has been, well, life. an in-between moment. always waiting for the next sun to rise in hopes of a brighter day.

love from your dull writer,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

stroll by a winter ocean.

2012-01-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

dearest readers,
my eyes gaze upon a dull sapphire landscape. the roar of the majestic and the faraway cries of grave sea gulls echo in my ear while the salty mist lingers upon my lips and ebony lashes. my long hair tangles in the wind's icy grasp...

the day is not clear - beautiful nonetheless - as slate-colored sky bends low with the sea's spray. my heart races as I observe deafening waves unmercifully pounding upon the steely rocks, weathered over time by the violent sea. frothy water moves toward the shore in rage; the wind whistled fiercely through the rustling tall grass.

^^ linking this up to...

many may have viewed the scene as unpleasant as such a tempest shakes the hearts of men with fear, just as much as the rugged landscape it beats upon, but I was in awe of the power that God had given the sea. in times of turbulence or glassy peace, the blend of the salt spray, refreshing gusts, and aquamarine waters - the overwhelming grandeur of the ocean enraptures me, and I thank the Lord to be witness of so much beauty.

beauty is never far away as long as you open your eyes to seek it.

love always,
the keeper of the garden.

inspiring post of the week is by my dear friend gabby @ inspired.

// listening to :: capatain america soundtrack 25 //

^^ yes, feeling patriotic to-day ;) ^^

let's start a revolution.

2012-01-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

the one thing I love about blogging is that someone can draw inspiration from another, and can encourage them to do another thing which in return starts a chain reaction and starts a revolution...
this was inspired by you. every single one of you, my dearest friends.

yesterday, I published about a topic that has been on my heart for weeks, sitting in my drafts for a very long time. it wasn't until yesterday evening that it truly 'clicked' with me why I was writing about this specific topic, and although I personally do not think the post was completely my best way of broaching the subject, I am overwhelmed by your encouraging reactions but in fact the better word to describe it is :

>>---- h u m b l e d ---->

humbled and grateful, that 28 beautiful young women seeking God's best took time out of your busy day to voice their hearts and leave encouragement. that's how I want to view comments and stats and followers from now on, as "oh, look a lovely young lady has taken a piece of her time to specially stop and share their heart and to join my garden walk." not place the expectation that readers should because as dear Miss Elizabeth described the blogging world as a community of friends, and that is truly what I wanted {what started} this little garden o' mine. to be a safe haven for young ladies to connect.

darlings, reading all of your heart musings and struggles that I could exactly relate to, I was inspired. inspired to make this little "petition" I suppose you could name it, because as you link up to your blog to mine, you are saying, "I will strive to be an authentic blogger." not minding so much for the comments or followers as long as you can be true to yourself...true to what God made you to be.

after you enter your blog's link into the linky tool below, please comment to tell me you have done so and tell a little bit about yourself, for I do so want to know a little more about you.

you may also spread the word if you like by pasting the specially made button on your sidebar below, or mentioning this in a post...

blogging is to encourage, inspire, connect, and share with the world the true beautiful young lady that the Lord designed you to be. by encouraging this revolution, I'm saying that I'm not perfect {AT ALL}, but by God's beautiful, awing grace, I can freely and authentically blog for you.

so, dear one, will you join the revolution?

with sincere love,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: a special thank you to Miss Elizabeth and Miss Guinevere for spreading the word about my previous post. you two are the ones you really inspired me to do this.

side note :: I am most definitely going to visit all of your lovely blogs and leave a comment. oh, and the warmest of welcomes to dear new visitors!!!

hello, lovely. would you like to be friends?

2012-01-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

proverbs 18 : 24

a man who has friends must himself be friendly...

this topic has been on my heart for awhile now, but words could not be grasped to write about it until now...

popularity.seems our culture revolves around this single exciting word. the description of a girl being popular brings a thrilling chill down one's spine because 'common we all seek to be accepted and viewed as important by others.
popularity runs through blogging circles just as much as it does through real life.
perhaps you struggle just like me with the thought, "well, I should like to very much have 25 comments per post, 1,000 followers," because in our eyes that's popularity. unfortunately, I was easily swept into the thinking of "being popular" I must do certain things to achieve it, instead of what blogging is truly about. attempting to gain an overwhelming amount of comments and followers, left me exhausted, greedy, and depressed because I had not met the standard of what I called, "popular." I had lost focus of my ultimate goal : to inspire, to bless, to c o n n e c t not compete.

and i was left with nothing but complete and utter unrest and frustration and saying to myself, "I'm not good enough." once inspiration stopped, my stats began to reach and all-time low, comments dwindled, and I dove into the "depths of despair," scrambling to save everything that I had once "built" up by publishing things I knew in the back of my head never truly touched readers like I had hoped.

and then it hit me. after reading some of my archives to-day, I saw the lovely notes past readers left. eight, nine, ten comments became normal back then on posts I now I look back on as dull and incomplete. but then I realized why :: I had been myself. simply me. an old-fashion girl often randomly rambling about life through a thirteen-year-old's eyes at the time.

now I see what the true blessings of blogging are :: friendships.

so darling, stay for tea in this little garden o' mine. my photographs may not be perfect, nor my writing style the most clever you have ever read, but how lovely 'twould be if you stayed.

^^ this is me ^^

hi, I'm Grace. I wear braces and glasses and am rambunctious {sometimes too rambunctious}, random, and somewhat of a klutz. I'm an outgoing 15-year-old social butterfly and often think I was born in the wrong time period. I'm a lover of lavender, lace, and letters, writing and reading, and anything whimsy. I love tea and books and my new owl journal as well as keeping my hands busy with knitting, sewing, crocheting, and card-making. oh, and I believe in good spelling and grammar but I think lower case letters are lovely too. this is simply me.

hello, lovely! a pleasure to meet you. would you like to be friends?

leave a note, and I'll return it.

love always,
the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

for those blue days and other musings.

2012-01-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

dear readers,

>> a tint of blueness. the world is dreary, dark, and grey. like my rambling january thoughts. although the weather fair, how nice i thought it might be nice to blend a smoothie for a pop of color...

blueberries + banana, a hint of vanilla, and orange juice =

bluebana smoothie.

{for those blue days}

-------------------------

and so life goes on. christmas is now but a distant memory, and a clock ticks monotonously, almost melancholy. the beat of "normal" life is slowly sinking in, and I cannot help but feel slightly depressed. my studies have begun again, and my large amount of spare time has been cut back dramatically, even if inspiration freely did flow to me. so rambling thoughts have found their way to my little owl journal, and as inspiration avoids me, I just stare at my laptop with no idea of what to post.

what do you do on a "blue" day?

// listening to //

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: i want to extend the warmest welcome to my newest followers, and also thank all the lovely people who have been leaving the nicest notes of cheer. 'tis refreshing to have comments from new visitors and old.

side note :: a very special event is coming to this little garden of mine in celebration of my second blogging anniversary, once february graces the calendar. ;)

journal entry {no. 1}

2012-01-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

{via weheartit}

>>----> sunday, january 1st, 2012

5:52, evening.

dear journal,

all is quiet as I write {besides the washing machine running a load in the kitchen}, but a comforting contentment bursts forth from within my heart; the kind of happiness to which cannot easily be confined. a new year. the words whisper within my ears, and an exciting thrill runs down my spine. with such a lovely sunday, this new chapter of life has proven to be already quite delightful.

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

i woke up to a misty morning, to-day. my hopes were a bit dashed to not see the sun shining brightly through the pines, but making our way to church service, I realized that the Lord was washing the world, purifying every twig on the bare branches, every blade of grass, every car and home and roof, with dew from the heavens for a new beginning, or "new slate," as one may say. how wonderful 'tis, that the Lord blesses us with such beautiful gift...a new year!

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

bittersweet is the precise word for entering into 2012. time goes by so quickly, and soon this year shall become another chapter of my life closed, a mere archive to which I hope to say that will store invaluable memories and be fondly looked back on instead of the contrary. 2011 was indeed a wonderful year, but there were definitely heartaches with relationships and alarming "growing up" confusion which {thankfully} many lessons have been learned to build up character instead of tearing it down.

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

i thought it only proper to write down fond memories of this past year, but i live in the present now. it is like the little closing that pastor pat had told the church to-day {he closed the Daddy's message}, "it's good to make mistakes in the past and learn from them, but if we keep staring in the rear-view mirror in the car instead of ahead on the road, we are going to crash into something."

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

so here's to a new slate, dear journal, and a resolution I hope to keep. confine in you more often.

lovingly,

Grace

6 : 21, evening.

when the sun rises...

2011-12-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

a new year will have begun. a new chapter will be written. 2011 has been a challenging year, and I've learned that growing up isn't all fun and games. :) but so many cherished lessons have been learned and so many warm memories have been made.

>>------> a year in review

I've met so many new people I have been honored to name as my dearest of friends. summer was an interesting experience at the waterpark, and spending time with relatives that haven't been seen in years. I met my dearest of friends at Disneyland for the second time in August, on our way home from our adventures in San Diego. my parents surprised me with a trip to Disneyland as well for my 15th birthday the following October which was perhaps, the most magical visits I have spent there. my relationship with our dear Lord Jesus has been definitely strengthened, but there is still so much to learn. my experience with babies has also grown, and my love to help with them has as well.

days this year have been filled with the good and bad, filled with tears and smiles, and while I cannot say that this year has been perfect, what a comfort it is to know that when the morning sun rises, and its rays burst upon the hills, so does a beautiful and bright future.

>>>----------> inspired. aspiring. one year to do so. <----------<<<

// 2012 "to-do" list //

keep up faithful devotions

start a business

gain 300 followers and 100 facebook friends

earn enough money for photoshop

learn how to read a knitting pattern

crochet a project by reading a pattern

plan a sweet sixteen

clean and re-decorate my room

cook a full dinner

bake

become a faithful commenter on several blogs

faithfully write in my journal

write letters

read 10 books in one month

read Jane Eyre and Emma

crochet a blanket {or stuffed animal}

sew a quilt

sew a dress

purchase a cute vintage dress

do well in school

get a job {or run a business} in the summer

write a list of words and quotes

finish La Folia

practice violin everyday

witness, give a testimony

have a complete conversasion in Espanol

get a cork board to make as an inspiration board

research fashion

research for an etsy shop

read books on photography {i.e. improve photography}

new e-mail address

set up “blogger” physical mailbox

rewrite my bucket list and “why I blog” post

learn how to use Gimp

design a complete blog that is not my own

knit a scarf for a sponsor child

knitting campaign

do more product reviews {review a dress}

meet another blogger friend

write to my favourite authors and get a reply

read a complete Dicken’s novel

work on my scrapbook // art journal // project notebook

create a quote wall

hang my paintings and a full length mirror in my room

find a way to earn more money

be in a professional play!

learn HTML code

start Christmas presents in September

host a jane austen {literary} garden party

host a valentines tea party

exercise regularly

get a new hairstyle, learn vintage hair do's

learn more about herbs

write up an FAQ page

try french macarons

learn a bit of Italian

curl my hair and wear it on a nice outing

get a summer job?

photograph more

attend a photography class

make 10 projects from my pinterest crafting board.

take my dearest friends to tea by the sea

help plan a trip to Italy

collect more thread spools, handkerchiefs, and tea cups

purchase something I really like on Etsy

crochet a rug from fabric

crochet slippers

host an "official" crafting day with friends

guest post on a friend's blog

receive twenty-five comments {excluding my response} on a post

have a photoshoot with friends

so many laughs to be heard. so many songs to be spontaneously sung. so many smiles to be photographed. so many more lessons to be learned. so many photographs to be taken. so many adventures to be experienced. so many more people to meet. in this upcoming year.

praying all of you have the most wonderful new year ever experienced!!!

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: what are some of your resolutions?

to inspire :: an eclectic collection of pinterest finds.

2011-12-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

hullo, lovelies!

I haven't been really inspired lately posting wise. it seems like every time I sit down I write a paragraph that seems very sober and not light-hearted, and I don't want to go depressing you even more now that we are moving into a not-so-exciting month of january {sorry to those who have January birthdays ;)}. here are some lovely {and colorful} pinterest finds that I thought might inspire you...

[all photographs via pinterest]

praying you have a blessed day! {a true post will be up soon. ;)}

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: I hope all of you had a very blessed and joyous christmas! do leave a comment and tell me about it...I would love to hear from you!

taking in the moment // one last time.

2011-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

dearest readers,

the days are shorter; the nights longer. december has almost come to a close and soon the last chapter of this year will be another archive to remember upon.

silent night. with december, comes a flurry of events. lights. festivals. dinners. shopping. frenzied gift-wrapping. yet on christmas eve there is a peace about the world as we remember the little babe wrapped in swaddling cloth that lain in a manger so long ago.

sitting here cozily, by the fireside that cheerfully dances within the hearth. the silky hot chocolate within my palms tastes even more magical. stockings hang in their places. the nativity radiates from under the tree.

breathing in the moment. sighing in the moment. taking it all in. one last time with you, dear reader.

[image via pinterest]

>>-----> Merry Christmas, lovelies! <-----<<

from this little garden of mine to yours...

{couldn't resist lucia ;)}

may you all be blessed christmas as we celebrate our wonderful Savior's birth!!!

much love to you all,
the keeper of the garden.

// listening to //

avec l'amour de la france

2011-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

^^^ with love from france ^^^

across a crystal sea, there lives a family of to which I hold a special place in my heart.

there are those special times of to which I open my beloved green mail box, whilst the sun still faintly glints over the western hill, to discover a parcel wrapped in brown paper addressed all the way from this far off country. to my overwhelming delight, I received a lovely brown-paper package just in time for christmas in the mail all the way from a little simply lovely place called france...

oh, what could it be?

J'adore!!! 'tis a lovely magazine printed in french! *swoon* this lovely magazine is brimming with inspiration, and better yet, inspiration just for christmas!

happy sigh. forever shall I cherish this magazine for not only is quite a loverly gift, but because such a sweet family sent it all the way with love from france.

special, heart-felt thanks to the Roux family for sending such a sweet gift for Christmas.

>> Joyeux Noël <<

avec amour {with love},
the keeper of the garden.

>> side note :: extending the warmest of welcomes to my new followers!!! so happy to see new faces around here. *wink*

of hot chocolate and wintry thoughts.

2011-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

the kettle whistles. chink. cup and saucer click.

steam rises along with a dark woodsy aroma. sip. rich. creamy. silky. a wonderfully tingly feeling slips over your whole body. slowly taking the place of the chill.

knitted blanket + hot chocolate = a simply lovely way to watch the world from your window. the realm of winter and ice keeps one inside, to think, to ponder about life. and sometimes wonder what lies beyond the familiar meandering routines of life.

my eyes lazily wander the landscape, from the three green knolls which cozily tuck my little glen I call home. home is where the heart is...always, yet sometimes I sit and dream about countries miles from my little dot on the globe where I am. thoughts of...

italy. france. england.

london. paris. rome.

japan. new zealand. wales. scotland. ireland.

wanderlust. my heart stirs restlessly just like the chocolate swirling within my cup, as I ponder and look outside my window.

what do you dream about when the weather is bleak and cheerless?

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

side note :: happy hanukkah!

// listening to //

{this song is stuck in my head!!!}

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas.

2011-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

a rush of chilled air stings my face when I open the door, causing my red striped scarf to dance about me. the icy world with skies tinted silver and barren trees enfolds, and I proceed into the bitter realm. yet, there is a subtle beauty and warmth one cannot help but feel during the month of december. a sort of magic, as you may say, that seems to overrule the never-ceasing chill which manages to find its way into every nook. the sort of magic defuses in the air that your breath, and brings about joy in the midst of the bitter cold.

life as of late... has been spent {busily} preparing for the most wonderful time of the year to which I am most fond of. six days until christmas is hardly conceivable. {wasn't it just October?}

last minute presents are being wrapped and sent, whilst a deluge of packages and christmas cards arrive in the afternoon post soon following squeals of delight.

and in between the moments, I am able to enjoy a sip of hot chocolate.

it seems as though christmas has come early as friends from all over the country have sent little packages including my darling friends miss johanna, miss gabby, and miss hannah.

and finally I am able to breath to myself, "it's beginning to look a lot like christmas." do you not agree?
xoxo,
Grace

postscript :: every year I wish for a white christmas which seems hardly likely in the middle of California; but there's something about this year that is making me wish even harder. it seems as though a day does not pass as of late when I am not thinking of beautiful white flakes gently falling from the heavens. so, dear readers, please pray. for a white christmas. for me, s'il vous plaît? *smile*

happy golden days.

2011-12-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

the days approaching christmas are my favorite in the year. filled with stringing popcorn, dazzling lights, watching movies, wrapping presents and setting them under the tree. and of course, priceless family time.

a time brimming with tradition, new and old, while reminiscing about christmases that seem so long ago. yes, indeed, these next few days could be described in one word :: n o s t a l g i c.

remembering and smiling past christmases filled with the same tradition and warmth still experienced now =

happy golden days.

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: there is a lovely giveaway being hosted at Raising Homemakers, I highly suggest you enter!

It's (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

inspired by // christmas.

2011-12-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

>> 'tis the season to be jolly. how can you then not be inspired by christmas?

simple. whimsy. woodsy. lovely!

red holly berries. silver bells. coffee pine cones. green wreaths of pine. golden bokeh. ~ they all inspire.

what inspires you during this christmas season?

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

[images via pinterest]

merry and bright.

2011-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

// a chill hangs in the air. //

// small clouds form as my breath rises into the icy night. //

*click of the door's lock*

warmth.

*sigh*

// we welcome the embrace as we rush inside. //

warmth surrounds me. as I type, I sit by a cheery fire dancing contently in its snow, white brick hearth. I sit by a tree, wrapped in light. bokeh dazzling from its boughs.

the weather outside is frightful, but inside the air is delightful. the last of winter's chill from our evening outing has slipped away as though it had never been. my striped knee-high socks still gracing my feet, are the only remains of my winter clothing.

an evening spent by a cozy fire. the soft click of my laptop's keys. peace. sigh. I am content.

life is beautiful. especially during christmas.

>> there seems a magic in the very name of christmas. ~Charles Dickens

^^don't you agree?^^

2011 christmas list.

2011-12-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

well, I browsed over Kiley's list and thought it would be fun and sit down to compile a "dream" Christmas list. :) first off, though, I know Christmas should be wholly focused on celebrating Christ's birth but just like Kiley, I admit I do love presents as well {although, I really don't get excited of opening them until like a few days before christmas morning}.

washi tape. tape? really? yeah, but it's not just ordinary tape. it's Japanese washi tape. this would be the ultimate stocking stuffer. :)

{listing}

personalized vintage stationery. love this!

{listing}

whimsical stationery. i've been admiring this for awhile. :)

{pure loveliness}

poloroid. it can be old or new. large or especially mini. i love them to death.

{indeed pure amazingness}

good quality yarn. focusing on my knitting skills this year so yarn, knitting needles, etc. would prove most useful. :)

jane austen christmas journal. <-----<< titles says it all. *swoon*

jane austen knitting magazine. <----<< again, this says it all. *faint*

{via}

knitting needle organizer. someday I'll make one of these even if I don't receive on for Christmas. :)

crochet hook organizer. love!

{listing}

the problem is, I am interested in so many things that I WANT so many things. :P overall, anything crafty//vintage//handmade is awesome. :)

linking up to...

what do you want for christmas this year?

a winter's eve musing.

2011-12-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

// kettle on the stove whistles softly //

// *chink* porcelain tea cup and saucer click //

// chocolate aroma; creamy white foam bubbles over //

*sip*

// hearth bursts with warmth; cheery flames dance //

// golden bokeh adorning the tree //

// downy couch //

*ponder*

// rooftops glistening with frost in the morning sun //

// frosted windows //

// knitted wraps and wooly socks //

// warmth from the oven //

// scintillating lights //

// dreams of days brimming with snow //

// warm uggs //

// letters enfolding warmth and love from a faraway place //

// afternoons filled with daydreams and wanderlust //

// brown paper parcels adorning the doorstep //

// this post and this post //

// the words joyeux noel and nostalgia //

// christmas photography //

warmth. music. words. joy. love. peace.

>>----bliss---->

an old friend.

2011-12-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

a slight *squeak* and *creak* of the wooden desk's door. a small puff of dust is released into the air, tickling my nose. my beloved writing desk, scarred with scratches and marred with age. how long has it been since I have opened you? a month or two? and there, amidst the cluttered pile lie three treasures from the past. I smile.

among the blessings of life, a little letter that arrives in my green mailbox is perhaps the most cherished, and not just because it brightens a day or even the week, but because {as memories fail you know} the sweet hand-written script brings warmth even months --- years --- gone by.

but letters are not only a piece of paper with scribbles from a pen, but I can rightly say they are a friend. a comfort to connect with another kindred soul, experiencing the same challenges and encouraging my walk heavenward with their simple and sweet words.

to-day, I opened my writing desk to find three letters written by two beautiful young ladies. both older than I. yet, even though their lives are lived miles away from mine, reading their notes written months ago {as I am terribly behind on my letter writing} gave me joy, brightened my day with a radiance stronger than the day I received them, because they were carefully written by a dear sister. e-mails, text, and comments connect {for I am a very big supporter of blogging ;)}, but nothing compares to a letter.

so this Christmastime season sit down and write a letter. just write.

because you may not know how much it truly means to the receiver.

lovingly,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

new month. new look. hullo december!

2011-12-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

quietly. silently. a realm, chilled and icy, unfolds outside my frost-bitten pane of glass. the world turns into a dull gray and white, stark contrast compared to the brilliance of autumn's colors. the trees begin to don ermine collars of crystal to cover their bareness, as skies fill with flocks of geese. softly. silently. it creeps. gently. bleakly. the air begins to chill. the sky bends low with clouds tinted silver. thus winter makes His descent upon this little glen shielded between three knolls, wooded with barren oaks and gold-leafed pomegranates bedecked with red jewels left behind.

winter. i breath. a shiver crawls up my spine. welcome. i sigh. a tinge of dread accents my voice, but all the same I welcome the callous season who's chill manages to creep into every little nook. for on the wind chilled with frost and snow {if we're blessed}, rides a season which i am always fond.

winter. my goodness how november has passed! {between you and me, I am quite relieved, as now I can sing throughout the house at the top [perhaps, not the top] of my lungs my favorite christmas melodies as I pack my brown-paper parcels into the mailbox with a clear conscience}.

mist-filled mornings. silvery skies. frosted blades of grass. woodland dreams. snow-filled forests. icy panes of glass. holly leaves and wreaths made of pine.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may fetch my gold-trimmed teacups from the high shelf and fill them with silky hot chocolate brimming with puffy marshmallows, all the while warming rudolf red noses from the cold.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may fetch {or purchase} a pair of fuzzy warm socks, while hanging ornaments upon the traditional pine.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may don my woolen mittens and scarves.

>> new look. how do you like it? some people aren't liking it so much, but I'm loving it, and it took a LOT of work to adjust the HTML.

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: special thanks to Bethany for the basics of blog template. {copied from my crafting blog}

life as of late.

2011-11-29T12:19:00.001-08:00

sometimes words are longed to be typed on a blank white canvas. sometimes photographs beckon to be taken. and it's at those right moments, I sit and write and snap and click "publish," sharing with the world my simple story that I claim as my own.

>> life. has been quiet. sometimes there are points in life when one simply sits back and rests. life has been good. quiet. simple. perhaps, not a flow of inspiration but my hands have been busying themselves with gifts instead of words, but I thank the Lord everyday that there are those sweet, blissful moments when one can simply and peacefully rest in Him.

>> a season of thanksgiving. thanksgiving festivities have settled down, and life has returned to normal with it's steady rhythm. thanksgiving was a quiet affair, filled with good food, crimson starbuck cups, car trips, and a breath-taking ocean views. for you see, our Californian holidays are spent a little differently than that of the lovely concepts of frost-bitten afternoons as a turkey roasts in the oven.

the next day was spent shopping for clothing and gifts. after leaving our beloved thanksgiving retreat, we returned home with parcels of grey cozy cowls for the winter months, hot chocolate kits for neighbors, chocolates for extra sweet treats in packages, etc. indeed, 'twas refreshing to get away and smell the salt-spray of the sea, and a treat to rest from school.

>> change. holidays are wonderful but albeit too short. thanksgiving break is now a distant memory, but 'tis a comfort to know that a cheerful days filled with warmth and family and traditions loom on the horizon filled with scents of cinnamon and anise, warmth from the oven, and flames dancing cheerfully in the hearth. bidding farewell to beautiful autumn, we now slip into a season of celebration.

{via pinterest}

>> to craft. baker's twine. striped brown paper. ribbon. cardstock. and of course listening to celtic women's heavenly voices in the background.
spare time has been devoted to wrapping christmas presents, hand-knit earlier this october. honestly readers, if you can get a head leap on christmas gifts next year, do! 'tis so rewarding!

{via pinterest}

soon traditional decorations will be put up on the tree along with garlands and lights, and presents wrapped in brown paper and twine will be tucked neatly under the tree. vine street {annual community get-together} is quickly approaching, along with visits from family up north - all the the beat of celtic woman's O Holy Night. the countdown to christmas has begun, and 'tis most definitely starting to feel a lot like christmas.

{^^can you not tell I love pomegranates?^^}

what are you looking forward to these up coming weeks?

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

// listening to //

blogging help.

2011-11-29T09:47:00.001-08:00

I hate to write these types of posts because they seem so out of place, but I woke up this morning to find that I can't upload pictures because I have exceeded my Google memory. what??? that means I can publish pictures in a post but no more pictures on my sidebar or most importantly no new headers!!!

to anyone who knows the solution, please e-mail me here. I really want to post a new header next month, and need to get this fixed. your help is very much appreciated.

thank you,
the distraught blog designer.

wylde ivy product review.

2011-11-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm late with this and I apologize. :) the winner of the blue cheveron notebook from whitney's shop is ::

comment no. 24

Emily Ruth said...

I added Whitney to my Etsy circle.

borrowingphotographs (at) gmail (dot) com

3:52 pm, november 14, 2011

congratulations, Emily dear! I am so happy that you won, as one of my faithful followers {and commenter :)} you deserve a prize. ;) please e-mail me here within 48 hr. to claim your prize by including your e-mail address, and I will have whitney get in touch with you shortly.

----------------------------------------------------------

| click to enter shop |

it's amazing how scents can transport you to a place or pull a memory from your mind. wylde ivy esty shop is filled with the most wonderful scents to transport you to beautiful places.

remember the lovely sponsor I had during the autumn event last month? well, ashlee, the shop owner kindly allowed me to do a review on a few of her products from her shop, and most generously sent two of the loveliest products as well as two heavenly samples which make me swoon whenever I catch a subtle scent from them. :)

the day the package arrived, I was just about to go out the door to join my neighbor's birthday party celebrations, when my neighbor and her friends came up my path and handed me a package addressed to me. excitement washed over me and I quickly ripped through the packaging. in an instant, a lovely aroma surrounded me as if packaging itself was saturated in a beautiful perfume.

inside I found two big treasures nestled in the white paper packaging. one of which was...

this lovely bella vanilla perfume!!!

now, I am not one who wheres perfumes that often, as my mother cannot handle strong artificial scents {and I have grown to be the same}, but this perfume was different. when I sprayed a bit it permeated the room with warmth and a tingly, sugary aroma filled with a most beautiful vanilla scent. it took a lot of self-control to NOT use a great amount of it. :)

this perfume is made of extremely fine quality and is long-lasting. sometimes I steal a drop in the morning and can still smell the wonderful aroma by the end of the evening.

if this one perfume smells this good, I hope to purchase a few of her others someday for gifts or perhaps, for myself. ;)

to my complete surprise, ashlee also included one of her body scrubs in my favorite scent : lavender.

mama and I are very fond of soaking our feet in the bathtub on cold winter's nights, thus 'twas a treat to try this in our soaks...

the sugar scrub is for the whole body, thus I tried a bit on my face one evening, and my skin felt so soft. the scent is alluring, filled with both a creamy vanilla and a lovely lavender scent.

to top it off, she also sent me two samples of her "forgotten rose" and "she walked delicately" oils and perfume. the rose is amazing, and ashlee beautifully accomplished the art of bottling the scent of roses, for whenever I open the petite bottle I am transported back to summer days filled with sunshine and lots of dew covered roses.

and lastly, but certainly not the least, "she walked delicately" was a simply wonderful aroma. dark and a bit alluring it reminded me of a twilight evening walking in the forest infused with a hint of jassmine.

from the bottom of my heart I give my thanks to you ashlee, for generously sending the loveliest products.

I will definitely be saving up a bit of money to purchase from you soon. :)

:: why you need to purchase from wylde ivy ::

{one} the shipping was incredibly fast {only two days!} thus it's perfect for last minute Christmas gifts.

{two} her products are made of extremely fine quality and are long lasting.

Wylde Ivy perfumes are super concentrated perfume oils dispersed in professional perfumer’s alcohol. These alcohol-based sprays are concentrated and very long lasting.{from a product listing}

{three} her scents are so enchanting that you and your friends will love her products, making the perfect Christmas gifts for friends!

{four} she is having a sale right now, so you would be saving money!!! :)

be sure to add her shop to your favorites!

happy sunday, friends!

the keeper of the garden.

in focus | a photography project.

2011-11-26T16:29:00.001-08:00

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.

// Ansel Adams //

a year passes so quickly. so silently. so many memories that follow. so many memories lost. yet, a photograph captures the memory in a minute's time. memory fails. photographs last forever. photography isn't about how lovely a photograph looks, how detailed the camera captures the landscape; it's about embracing life the Lord gave us and cherishing the moments.

{{one}}

sometimes I struggle for words. yet photographs are another story. pictures hold a thousand words; they tell stories by themselves. because behind the shutter lies a photographer, and a mind beholding a memory. so because yesterday was my first anniversary owning my beloved Nikon D3100. because I love photography. because pictures tell a thousand words. I'm introducing my latest project...

{{two}}

I'm not promising this project is going to be a success, as life gets busy and photography isn't a HUGE priority {though mind you I love it}. but I want to improve and take more photographs and share my journey with you.

{{three}}

{{four}}

won't you come and join?

love,
the keeper of the garden.

{{note :: since I shall be posting my photographic progress here on my main blog, my photography blog will be closing, thus please stop following. thank you so much for your support on my previous A Tinge of Blue, a Speck of Red, a Patch of Green!}}.

postscript :: my dearest friend miss Johanna is hosting a lovely giveaway, giving away some darling prizes. why don't you go visit her parlor here. she's expecting you with tea. ;)

the One who's knitting my life together.

2011-11-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

it starts with a simple strand of yarn. perhaps, one may call it pretty but they would agree to call it insignificant by itself. yet when two simple needles, made of metal or wood, meet with the simple strand of yarn something beautiful happens.

*click, click, click* the captivating needles go. meticulously the hands of the knitter weaves the strand together, magically creating the yarn to dance across the needles. *click, click* with every stitch, with every skimming loop the artist places a bit of their soul into it. soon thereafter a skein, an insignificant strand of yarn is turned into a masterpiece.

life is busy and most often time chaotic. when I can find a quiet moment to spare, I steal myself away to knit. there is something alluring about the way the needles repeatedly go back and forth creating a row; something comforting as the needles slip through the loops and click to the rhythm of my heart.

and then, as I was weaving a bit of cotton yarn into a scarflette, I realized that knitting is like my life. it starts with a strand of yarn that the Maker takes and weaves, knowing that every strand - every insignificant strand - serves a purpose in His design.

over the years, He knits and weaves a complex design by adding different strands to the ultimate masterpiece. perhaps, he adds a color we normally would not have chosen, soon seeing as time progresses the beauty of it and what we call an every-day, "blessing." He adds a new color that lasts perhaps but for a season that we would have normally kept.

perhaps even sometimes we tend to think we can take the project into our own hands and mimic the design on our own, adding what we think is best. then realizing, what a tangled mess we knit together, we shamefully take it back to the Master once again allowing Him to knit our lives together. so goes our life.

I often think to myself, I have knit so much....but He's only begun.
and only then when He breaths, "well done," we will know when the project is complete.

postscript :: I have returned from my blogging break! :) oh, and if you're stumped on handmade Christmas presents, be sure to visit my crafting blog.
p.s.s. :: neat giving being hosted here.

add a little whimsy | make life a fairytale.

2011-11-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

it's in the little things. in our thoughts. in our dreams. in our fancies. in our memories.

perhaps, sometimes it's the way the sun gleams upon a bit of grass or draping across the treetops.

sometimes it's the rustling of the breeze brushing through the willow's quivering branches.

sometimes it's a blossom or two of early spring adorning a bare branch...

...or a myriad of blossoms in a meadow.

sometimes it's the reflection in the water.

sometimes it's a bit of lace or ribbon flitting, twirling about.

sometimes it's the feeling when you listen to the ocean thunder....

...or the silence that overcomes the evening.

sometimes it's the way the water ripples.

sometimes it's in the gentle rain...

...or on a quiet sunny day.

sometimes it's the way the lights flicker when eventide falls...

sometimes it's in color.

sometimes it's in black and white.

no matter where it is found or what it might be, it's the little things found in our busy, confusing life that make us stop and sigh, connecting us to a world past our own, a world of vivid imagination.

it's the little things that make life beautiful.

add a little whimsy | make life a beautiful fairy tale.

{for more images like that above, visit my whimsical pinterest board}

product review + november giveaway {no. two}

2011-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

the winner of the lovely leave bracelet...

and cute key//lcok necklace from Pure Beauty esty shop is...

miss bethany from jars of sense!!!!

congratulations, dear! I pray that you enjoy your prizes! please contact me here with your contacting information {email and shipping address} within the next 48 hr. as the winner of this giveaway, you will not be permitted to enter my next giveaway to keep things fair.

__________________________________________

etsy profile // shop // blog // twitter

I am so excited to host this next giveaway as it has become a favorite among my list of etsy shops. the sweet etsy owner, Whitney, runs a very cute shop filled with unique and modern paper products including...

>> the cutest card sets...

>> and unique notbooks...

at such affordable prices, these would make lovely christmas gifts which are both handmade and inexpensive to ship!

{ product review }

whitney most generously agreed to send me one of her lovely notebooks//journals as a product review. I was so happy when it arrived in the mail yesterday...

the notebook itself came in very good packaging...

it is of very good quality {love the baker's twine} with a cute, modern, quircky pages within...

it is so perfect! I have been writing my blogging posts down on paper before typing them out, and this is a cute/wonderful place to put them! it's just the right size to tuck in my purse for those "inspiring" moments. ;)

Although the shipping was a little while {I can't complain since this was so generous of her, and it wasn't an actual purchase} I definitely HIGHLY recommend purchasing from her during this holiday season!!!

:: the giveaway ::

Whitney has kindly contributed this lovely blue chevron journal hand bound with red and white baker's twine for a giveaway!

:: item description ::

Handmade mixed paper notebook. 4.25" x 5.5"

This notebook is perfect for throwing in your purse to jot down notes and lists and inspiration.

Each notebook's front and back cover is made of printed cardstock and the inside includes 30 pages of mixed paper (ie: computer paper, accounting paper, engineering paper, graph paper, and notebook paper). All books are hand bound with divine twine.

special thanks to Whitney for generously giveaway one of your cute journals.

__________________________________________

{{rules}}

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry else all other entries will not count.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry. {a comment worth 2 entries? leave two comments!}

{three} when following my blogs, you must PUBLICLY follow via Google Friends Connect.

{four} you must leave a way for me to contact you if you win {blog address, facebook, or email}.

emails WILL be published, thus you may want to write something like this ::

lilym{at}gmail{dot}com

{five} giveaway ends Saturday, November 19th at 12:00 Noon Pacific Timing. {a week from to-day} Late entries will not be accepted as the comment form will be closed on that time or a little thereafter. winners will be announced later that day.

{six} this giveaway is open to US residents only. {sorry to my international readers!}

_____________________________________

:: how to enter ::

{mandatory entry}

>>counting as one entry<<

take a look around Whitney's shop, telling me what catches your eye

AND

publicly follow my crafting blog.

{note :: if you do not own a blog or a google account, you do not have to follow my blog}

{extra entries}

heart whitney's shop. {one entry}

add whitney to your etsy circle. {one entry}

visit whitney's blog. take a look around. leave a sweet comment on one of her posts! {two entries}

follow whitney on twitter. {one entry}

publicly follow this blog, add me to your etsy circle, or follow me on pinterest.

{one entry per each}

add your link and join my old-fashion handmade christmas event here.

{three entries}

post about this giveaway on any of your favorite social networks. make sure to leave the link.

{blogger, facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc. etc.} {one entry per each}

purchase something from whitney's shop. {five entries}

_____________________________________

alrighty, ladies! ready to win this fabulous journal?

you may begin writing me promptly!

>>postscript :: I also started my Old-Fashion, Handmade Christmas a week early!!! be sure to join here.

*I was not paid to do this product review and photographs and writings are all my own.

Giveaway has been closed! Thank you to all the girls who entered!!!

rest.

2011-11-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

well, do you have some of those days where you can't be who you wanna be...~sleep by plumb

>> for hours, i sit there. at the desk with pen in hand or fingers upon a the typewriter I tap against a white canvas. my pen tickles my chin impatiently...my fingers glide over the typewriter's sober black keys making a slight *click.* the sound furthers my frustration and I sigh, shaking my head ruefully.

>> beauty in so many things. autumn. photography. words. yet they taunt me by keeping out of my grasp. my page filled to the brim with ideas but words teasingly evade me.

>> the key to inspiration fits but the lock will not budge. I am missing something. wearily, I throw myself upon my quilted bed and close my eyes and sigh, gingerly fingering the textures stitches woven throughout my comforter. the subtle scent of lavender clinging to the cotton sheets greet me, and I welcome the rest and the relief that it brings.

>> my dear friend, the wind, rattles my window. my curiosity pricked, I quickly don my crimson scarf and camera answering the call...a world of beauty transformed in november's cloak opens before me. the breeze whispers a secret through the boughs responding in a shower of ginger and scarlet leaves twirling around me. and I embrace it.

>> my fingers ach to click the well-known shutter. *click, click* within seconds a memory that holds a thousand words and emotions, captured for a life time.drinking in the crisp air and the golden stream of sunshine I breath out happily singing to myself, "oh, happy autumn day!"

__________________________________________

>> autumn is fleeting. time is fleeting. soon thanksgiving shall be upon us and then christmas. the thought is unbelievable. what a beautiful world unfolds outside my window waiting to be explored and experienced. time in front of this computer will not give me that experience.

I need to reflect upon my life. the words, "I am fifteen," keep whispering in my ear. where is my life going? the question often enters my mind. tending my garden has become somewhat of a chore. I do so love writing for you, dear readers, to inspire and to express my creativity through writing, but inspiration is coming slowly to me, and I feel that blogging is a bit dry at the moment. I had my season filled with many posts flowing from my typewriter, but it's slowly coming to a trickle.

and so I am saying farewell to my garden but for awhile. I shall be returning soon. my garden shall be in the process of preparing for the colder months. designs shall be put up for the yuletide. when january's icy grip settles in, straw must be laid down as beds must be prepared for springtime...a thought so far away. the last of the summer weeds {blogs that I do not often visit} shall be pulled. a giveaway shall be posted when my current one end later this week. my writings shall be recorded in my faithful journal when inspiration dawns on me and will be posted at a later date.

what time is devoted to my blog, will be focused more on my handmade christmas endeavors and my yearly old-fashion handmade christmas event {hosted at my crafting parlor} everyone must join! starting next week {a week earlier than planned} I shall be posting handmade tutorials and gift ideas, recipes, etsy treasuries, and link up's to inspire your christmas gift making!

until then, my dear readers! how I shall miss you!

sealed with love,
the keeper of the garden.

be sure to join my...

starting next week!

november giveaway {no. one}

2011-11-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

well, I had planned to refrain from hosting any more giveaways until the holiday seasons had ended, but two generous sponsors agreed to sponsor my blog, so how could I refuse? :)

__________________________________

shop | etsy profile

to-day we will be having a little peek into Miss Emily's delightful shop. she sells eclectic and somewhat quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry that I am sure you will enjoy.

:: the giveaway ::

Emily has kindly contributed these lovelies for a giveaway including {handmade with lots of love, of course}...

{I apologize for the small images...working on it. :)}

a lovely green leave bracelet....

:: description ::

This beautiful bracelet leads you into autumn with the leaves made from dusted glass in dark and light green. It has a silver chain and a barrel clasp.

and this cute key charm necklace...

:: description ::

Which one is the key to the garden? This wonderful necklace has tiny little locks and keys. It has two clear beads along the necklace and an 18" silver chain with a barrel clasp.

special thanks to Emily for contributing these cute pieces of jewelry.

_____________________________________________________________

{{rules}}

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry else all other entries will not count.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry. {a comment worth 2 entries? leave two comments!}

{three} when following my blog, you must PUBLICLY follow via Google Friends Connect.

{four} you must leave a way for me to contact you if you win {blog address, facebook, or email}.

Emails WILL be published!

{five} giveaway ends Saturday, November 12th at 12:00 Noon Pacific Timing. {a week from to-day} Late entries will not be accepted as the comment form will be closed on that time. winners will be announced later that day.

{six} this giveaway is open to US residents only. {sorry to my international readers!}

_____________________________________________________________

:: how to enter ::

{mandatory entry}

>>counting as one entry<<

publicly follow {via GFC} my crafting blog

AND

let me know what you are going to be doing for the holidays {Thanksgiving and Christmas}.

{note :: if you do not have a blog, you do not have to follow my blog}.

visit Emily's shop and let me know what catches your eye. {one entry}

heart Emily's shop. {two entries}

add Emily to your Etsy circle. {one entry}

publicly follow this blog {via google friends connect}. {three entries}

send me a friend invite on facebook or add me on pinterest. {one entry per each}

purchase something from Emily's shop. {five entries}

_________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!! Thank you to those who entered!

no rain // no rainbows.

2011-11-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

//scene one//

{curtain rises. girl enters from stage right [[audience's left]], rushing to the stage left window}.

>> as I type, grey clouds huddle together. their own heads like grey umbrellas waiting for the downpour. the sky bends low. dark and looming they quiver in the icy wind.

>> between storms sun rays dance only but for a moment. the wind shakes the glass pane beside me. the spicy pines bend in reverence of the strong gusts.

>> a torrent of drops cascade from the heavens. I curl up onto my quilted bed beside a purring cat embracing the scene. how small i feel as the drops dances before my eyes. outside my window.

>> the sun shines through. the drops glimmer like diamonds. softly the rain begins again. how quickly then it begins to fall!

>> low! it stops. silence overtakes. not a quiver nor a drop. beyond in the distance a pale speck of blue peeps through. stark contrast against the sober grey. sun once again makes her presence, more vibrant than before. clouds once again attempt to end her stream of gold.

>> again she falls! softly, gently she falls. kissing everything in her path, cleansing every tree, blade of grass, rooftop, road, and flower. a feeling of excitement bubbles within my heart as I watch Him wash the world.

>> oh, rain! how I love your sound! your soft patter on cat's feet upon the roof. the gentle *ping* *tink* of your drops upon metal. like a perfectly harmonized symphony you fall.

>> oh, rain! how I love your scent! the sweet dew upon the spicy pine. upon the broken street. upon the newly sprung grass. a world cleansed and brand new. if I could preserve your scent, spring I would name it. heavenly spring indeed.

>> a chill hangs in the air. mama calls me away from the window and I must bid your the brilliant spectacle taking place outside my window, my very own window, a "fair thee well." the sun triumphantly conquers the clouds, reflecting ones as pure white as cotton. and I glance longingly out the window, whispering to myself before shutting the door, "come again rain! come again soon."

{girl exits from stage right, closing door. curtain closes}

// end of scene //

| i like the smell. i like the sound. i like the breeze howling as it pours. i like to see the way the drops swirl and dance in sheets, creating a veil of beauty. i <3 rain. i not only like the mere sight of it, but what it symbolizes as well.

have you ever noticed how radiant the sun shines after a dark storm? how so much more beautifully it looks to your eyes then when the storm first began? that is because we appreciate the sunshine more. so goes the troubles in this life.

life is going to be filled with tears. whether of joy or sorrow they are going to fall. there are going to be days filled with turbulent drops of rain, and clouds blocking out the sunshine. there are going to be sheets of rain pouring down on you, and you will think you have lost sight of the light. and then, just when hope is lost the sun beams down more radiantly than before, revealing a band of vibrant colors against a bluer sky, and you are at peace.

for without rain we would not grow. and without raindrops there would be no brilliant rainbows in this life.

sealed with love from a girl enjoying the rain,

Grace

postscript :: yes, miss johanna wrote a post on the rain as well before me this morning, but I promise that these writings are my own ideas. we both have been experiencing huge storms {mine has subsided} of rain on the west coast, and we both love the blessing of rain that it brings. then again, I suppose great minds think alike? :)

{pictures via pinterest}

a simply old-fashion heart.

2011-11-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

i dream of an era filled with elegance and all sorts of whimsiness filled with...

porcelain tea cups adorning a silver tray...

lacy gloves and straw hats tied with ribbons...

lavender silk ball gown with mother-of-pearl buttons...

lace dripping down a gown made of blue...

pearls and feminine trinkets that tell stories of the past...

handkerchiefs hand-embroidered with silk ribbon and french knots...

letters in calligraphy script, the scent of lavender and roses sticking to the aged parchment...

garden parties being hosted below a canopy of spring blossoms...

cream colored collars...

trinkets, letters, and objects hold secrets and tell of the fascinating lifestyle of the past. young ladies just like you and I who dreamed the same dreams, love the same feminine objects, aspired to be the best they could be.

whenever I step into a small antique shop, my heart sighs aloud as I gingerly finger the little trinkets that have survived the past. each holds a secret. each tells a story.

do you stop to listen?

with sincere love,

a simply old-fashioned heart.

{all photographs via pinterest}

november's simple life.

2011-11-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

november, dear thing, can it truly be you?
why just a minute --or was it a month? -- ago october was visiting me too!
november, dear thing, I love you very much,
your vibrant color pallet, the smell of cloves, and and the sound of the fallen leave's crunch!
november, dear thing, thanksgiving is in the air,
with warm pumpkins pies oh-so-fair!
november, dear thing, how bare the trees look now, whence you come to a close,
then decembe settles in which I perhaps, love the most!

november, darling thing, come and stay,
by the fireside while the giggling leaves play,
november, must you go so soon? why, stay for tea,
but november {dear thing} whispered to me,
"winter must come to be."

{written by grace 2011}

>> n o v e m b e r. dear thing. autumn's letter to bid the world farewell. one beautiful month of autumn since passed. the new word "november" lays atop the calendar. the joyous autumn celebrations of october settle down in preparation of a more cozy holiday -- nay -- tradition for that is what it has been for generations.

>> t h a n k s g i v i n g.a time dedicated to gathering together with family from near and far over a filling meal, reminiscing past memories and traditions as well as creating new ones.

>> w i n d. the wind swirls about the world outside my window. leaves tumble from the sky down like rain and flit about down the worn street below the rustling pines. the faint clink of chimes in the distance floats in the air mixed with the birds' sweet warble.

>> h o m e w o r k. homework, now a common sight, stand on my desk. once crisp books now stand with ware as a new quarter ends and another begins. day after day, notebooks are filled with lines of scribbles. spanish. biology. algebra. literature. grammar. history. the titles glare at me and I reluctantly accept them. but oh, how I shan't miss them during christmastime holiday! :)

>>c r a f t s. my trinkets that rest upon my wardrobe and desk are soon to be cleared away in preparation for the rush of christmastime sewing, knitting, and wrapping of gifts. {if you couldn't tell already, i <3 christmas. like a lot. :)}

>> n o v e m b e r. autumn's last "farewell," and winter's first "hullo." won't you come and stay?

xoxo,
Grace

pieces of april product review.

2011-10-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

hello, readers!

remember the lovely etsy owner, April, who sponsored my summer garden party a few months past?

| shop // facebook // blog // twitter |

well, I am very excited, as she kindly has agreed to sponsor a product review as well, allowing me to choose any one of her beautiful items from her shop Pieces of April.

the package came very nicely wrapped. triplely wrapped, in fact. :) the contents within were reassuringly safe from any damage that may have come through the cruel world of shipping.

shipping was incredibly fast. the package arrived within two to three days.

april kindly sent me this lovely pink, peony pin in which I squealed when I saw it...

since 'tis so adorable, I think I shall pin it onto my grey ruffle coat {as pink and grey go splendidly together.}

along with my "order," she also includes a free gift in the packages...

these bobby pins sweet, are they not?

// summary //

shipping was incredibly fast {{perfect for last minute gifts}}.

prices are extremely reasonable for good quality items.

packaging was extremely good. one who purchases from her shop can be rest assured that their item will not break.

items are of good quality {my brooch was made on a vintage pin}, handmade, cute and stylish.

april provides courteous and fast customer service.
{have a question? you will not have to wait weeks nor days to hear from her}

// ordering information //

almost all orders april ships come with a free gift of some type.

all orders come with a packing slip with specific details included.

april promotes her other business by including in her orders either a sample or flyer.

depending on the item itself, an order will either be packed in a mailing box or envelope. all rings from her shop come in a mailing box.

I highly encourage you to visit her shop here. she sells the sweetest handmade accessories and cards that are unique and give the perfect, feminine touch to any outfit.

special thanks to sweet and generous April for making this product review possible.

*{{all thoughts and photographs above are my own. I was not paid to do this review}}.

fare thee well october.

2011-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

goodbye dear october!

goodbye golden hilltops.
warm afternoons.
clear crimson mornings.
victorian reenactment.
birthdays.
good bye light sweaters.
lacy, gossamer scarves.
goodbye days spent at the seaside.
afternoons spent on mama's old quilt.
goodbye watercoloring with Julia.

hullo november!

hullo, grey buttoned coats.

hullo, crimson cable cowls.

hullo, warm pumpkin pie.

hullo, owl notebooks filled with my writings.

hullo, letters in my mailbox.

hullo, brown paper packages tied up with strings.

hullo, corn bread with butter and honey.

hullo, pumpkin spice latte.

hullo, knitting needles by the fireside.

hullo, apple cider.

hullo, inspiration around every corner.

what's your favorite part of november?

>>images via pinterest<<

fifteen.

2011-10-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

o c t o b e r 2 5 t h

i stirred awake as the clock in the room next door chimed, "it's 7:30. good morning house!" and for the first time in a long while, i didn't mind rising at such an "early" time. my cat greeted me with an impatient meow. even though 'twas early. even though the sun didn't greet me with her golden rays over the distant hills. to-day was going to be a wonderful day. a very special day. because...

i turned fifteen.

yes, like miss carlotta, i like birthdays---a lot. the fact of wrapping presents in lace and twine, writing cards with special messages, and making the whole day very special, appeals very much to me. and it truly makes one realize how loved they are by so many lovely people.

every year my dear family and friends make my birthday so special, but this year has surpassed them all. in fact, as i type the festivities are still going on. :)

the morning was filled with all sorts of sweetness. an e-card from a dear friend, a letter & package sealed with a "G" from another on the table, and a note from my darling Father. but the "icing on the cake" so to speak, was the post written by my two dearest friends in the whole world Miss Johanna and Miss Bethany.

and so from the bottom of my heart I give my thanks...

|one|

dear mama and papa :: you are the best. period. you always make everything so special. everything so memorable. these fifteen years spent with you have been absolutely wonderful! I am so thankful for all the love and affection you have shown through sweet hugs, self-sacrificing actions, and sometimes even through things unspoken.

in other words :: you just make life wonderful. :) *hugs*

|two|

dear miss johanna and miss bethany :: wow! that's all I can really say. I often stop and ask myself, "how can I deserve such amazing friends???" not a day passes when I do not thank the Lord for you and and our wonderful friendships that I am blessed to experience. you two are so incredibly sweet, and I cannot truly describe what you both mean to me.

|three|

dearest Johanna :: you have blessed me once again. I cherish your friendship so very, very much. from the first time I meet you, I only had dreamed - prayed - to call a girl like you just, "friends," even, "acquaintances," but how grateful I am that I can call you my dearest, "sister." you have encouraged me in some very hard times and strengthened my walk with Christ. and that is one of the most precious, priceless gifts that you could give. love you so much, deary!

|four|

dear facebook friends :: you all are too sweet! all your sweet notes on my wall made my day SO special! thank you so much for taking time out of your day to do so. ;)

|five|

dear Gabby {a.k.a my twin sister} :: from the first time I viewed your blog, I knew I had found a kindred sister in you. ;) finding the package in my mailbox was a special, special treat and I thank you so much for the sweet letter, parcel, and words of wisdom ;) that I will treasure forever. love you so very much!

|six|

dear church family :: we have been through a few hard times in the past, but through it the Lord has brought us through it strengthened in wisdom and in love. you have always been there to support me, and you are the family that I had always dreamed of. :) thank you so much for also making my birthday so special with your sweet smiles and warm birthday greetings.

|seven|

dear neighbors :: one seriously couldn't ask for better ones. thank you dear Valerie for always greeting us with a sweet smile and a bright spirit. it's always fun to visit you. ;) thank you dearest Alysia for the sweet handkerchiefs

|eight|

dear violin teacher :: thank you so much for taking the time out of your morning and calling me just to simply say " happy birthday."

|nine|

dear Miriam :: thank you so much for sweetly calling me on my birthday. I really enjoy our little tradition. ;) you always make my day by hearing your sweet voice, and I loved chatting with you. thank you also for the sweet cinnamon-smelling package that sweetly greeted me when I returned home. someday we shall see each other---that's a promise!

|ten|

dear Joanna :: 14 1/2 years now. wow! thank you so much for our girl's day out. definitely we should do it again. :)

|eleven|

dear Aunt Sue :: you are THE BEST!!! :) thank you for always making my birthday so, so special. 'twould not be the same without you. wishing you could be with me now. next year to be certain. :)

|twelve|

dear disneyland workers :: thank you for making me feel "famous." :) the {free} happy birthday button will be a treasured, little trinket to remind me of the new memories made there for my fifteenth birthday. especially want to thank the worker of the "Jungle Cruise" who called me "Princess Grace." ;)

|thirteen|

dear starbucks :: thank you for sending me the birthday coupon for a free drink of my choice. I really enjoyed the yummy, venti, vanilla chai frappichino with extra whip cream to-day. :)

|fourteen|

dearest camille :: thank you so much for the sweet package that also greeted me when I returned home. :) the "little somethings" you included inside were a sweet treat, but the scriptures you wrote down for me are priceless jewels that I will forever treasure. thank you for your dear friendship, no, in fact thank you for being the sweet sister I had always prayed for. <3 you!

|fifteen|

and to my dearest readers :: thank you. that's all I can truly say. without you my little garden wouldn't be the same. your sweet, cheerful, encouraging comments are little drops of sunshine that brighten my garden making it flourish. I cannot begin to form words to say how grateful and thankful I am for your support, for your kindness, for your warm, tender love. reading each and every comment to wish me happy birthday brought warmth and joy to my heart. you are amazing. each and everyone of you.

with fondest regards,

the keeper of the garden.

// to be continued //

farewell from the old-fashioned girl {+ fall fashion winners}

2011-10-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Before I leave, I have to share with you the winners of the Fall Fashion Giveaways....

The winner of the lovely Purse is ...

Miss Rosi

Please take a moment to contact me here, please.

The winner of the beautiful scarf is ...

Miss Hannah

Please take a moment to contact miss grace here, please.

Congratulations to both of you ladies!

______________________________________________________________________

sadly, the time has come for me to say farewell to all of grace's sweet readers. it has been such an amazing joy to tend her sweet garden for a time. the aroma of her lavender atmosphere greatly refreshed my soul. today, I just want to take a moment to say thank you |

dear grace | first and foremost, I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lovely garden for a time. it has been such a blessing to get to know your sweet readers, and share with them an abundance of autumn activities. autumn is certainly my favorite time of year. and I want to thank you for making it special for me. working together with you on this event, I feel, has only deepened our friendship and bond. thank you for everything.

dear readers | you all were such a wonderful pleasure to write for! each and every thought shared here was joyously embraced, and treasured within my heart. you ladies are so very sweet, grace is so very blessed to have you stroll about her garden. I pray that within the near future you may have the opportunity to visit my home, and come to know me well throughout my hopelessly old-fashioned letters.

may the Lord bless you all.

| The Old-Fashioned Girl |

happy birthday sweet girl.

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

today is dear Grace's birthday, sweet readers! what a joyous day it is to be sure. over the past month, I {{Johanna from An Old-Fashioned Girl}} and sweet Bethany have collaborated together with sumptuous plans as to what we could possibly do to add just a hint of surprise to Grace's special day. soon we came to the conclusion that a loving post would be the best way to show are warm affections towards this dear girl. however, therein lay one small impediment. we hadn't the slightest idea how we would go about becoming a co-authoress on Graces blog, without her suspecting that is. yet, the Lord had plans. days after I had offered up a prayer, my former blog was completely ruined! everything gone! destroyed.

and of course, Grace, not knowing what a dangerous thing she was indeed doing, let me become a co-authoress of her blog for a short time. *hee-hee* our Lord works in mysterious ways, does He not? today, He has worked in a way of which I had never imagined He would. yet. here. I. am.

... for grace ...

| a few words from two dear friends |

My dearest friend,

I still remember the day when I visited this garden for the first time. you were the 'new girl' in the world of blogging, and had only a few posts to your name. yet I saw in you a kindred spirit from the very first buds which bloomed herein. I was at once charmed by the lovely atmospheric style in which your portrayed your thoughts. for within each of your letters shared here, you shared with me a bit of who you are. a girl who I knew could someday be my very good friend. one blessed day, the Lord put his hand upon my life, and orchestrated a way for us to become better acquainted. we became good friends. we became as sisters. and through the love of Jesus, our friendship blossomed as though it was a bud residing here within the walls of your garden.

today, I feel as if I could say I have known you forever and ever. how can it be that I have only to say I have known you for a few short years? however, through the short years I have known your sweet presence; you have become one of my dearest friends. you are a simply amazing young woman, dear girl. although many miles may forever separate us, you are never far from my thoughts. hoping that you know this; I thank the Lord continually for bringing you into my life. you have truly been an example of His loving kindness. you are truly an example of how great God is.

thank you for being who you are. thank you for being my sweet Lavender Friend. praying that, as the years draw on, our friendship may never grow dim. you are so precious to me. may the Lord draw you closer to Himself in many ways, sweet girl. may He continue to work within you, and shine His face upon your life, filling you with His radiance and joy. may you continue to steep in his grace.

Love Always,

Your Old-Fashioned Girl

Dear Grace,

Happy 15th birthday dear, sweet friend! Ever since I first laid eyes on your blog, which was when I entered your homemade card giveaway some Christmas' back, I instantly knew that we had become friends! I have always been impressed by your lovely writing style and how warm you make your readers feel through your lovely posts. Your friendship has been a true blessing from the Lord and I thank Him alone for sending you to me! :D I want to publicly share what a wonderful friend and encouragement you have been to me and thank you for all your warm letters, friendly e-mails and all the times you have blessed me with such a sweet friendship. Though I've yet to speak with you in person or see your sweet face I know that we will always be friends close at heart! May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you dear sister, as you journey towards His path and may be give you many joys and blessings on your birthday this year! May you grow closer to Him this year than the last and truly become a woman of the Lord. May you be a blessing to all you meet and come in touch with, which you have always done. God bless you and have a very happy birthday! :D

~Bethany

___________________________________________________

Please stop by, and take time to wish Grace a happy birthday, sweet readers!

Blessings,

| Johanna |

winner's announced. you could be the one!!!

2011-10-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

congratulations to our winners of our "walk through the orchard," garden event!!! thank you to all who entered our giveaways. we pray that you had a lovely time enjoying fellowship as well as the wonderful world of autumn that our Creator sends to us every year.

I love giveaways. in fact, they are even more special to me as Johanna and I "met" each other by her sending me a handmade giveaway prize what seemed to be so many summers ago. :)

well, Johanna and I were suppose to announce the winners of the giveaways on the morrow, but as it is my birthday and the only time we could draw them was to-day, this is the time we decided upon announcing them. before I announce the winners, however, I am going to present the rules {{please read carefully}} ::

{one} winners have a week to claim their prize within the time of announcement else a new winner will be drawn.

{two} winners must contact me with their
name,
e-mailing address,
blog url {in case e-mailing does not work},
and home address
in their message here and not on this post.

please leave us a comment telling us you have sent this message.

{three} if sponsors do not contact you within the next few weeks, please let us know.

unfortunately, not every sponsor keeps to their commitment, thus if a sponsor continues to not to reply to messages nor sends the winner her prize, we hold no responsibility, but will try to get in touch with the them every way possible. yet, we need your help to send your messages promptly.

{four} giveaway winners listed below will not be permitted to enter the next two giveaways posted here.

:: winners of the "tea time" giveaway::

winner of the lovely fall, cupcake poster is...

comment #4
Miss Eden Mckoy!!!

winner of the pumpkin, tea cup necklace is...

comment #21
Miss Romi!!!

and finally, winner of the lovely fall tea cozy is...

comment #28
Miss Emily Ruth!!!!

:: winners of the "seal of friendship" giveaway ::

winner of this lovely harvest card is...

comment #26
Miss Kendra Lynne!!!

winner of these darling sticker seals is...

comment #71
Miss Samantha!!!

winner of this lovely, purple Celtic braided crocheted headband is...

comment #130
Miss Hannah!!!

and finally, winner of ONE of these lovely hairclips is...

comment #72
Miss Shannon!!!

:: winners of the "harvesting sunshine" giveaway ::

winner of the beautiful bird print is...

comment #52
Miss PolkaDot!!!

winner of this lovely, butterfly ring is...

comment #16
Miss Bekah!!!

winner of these lovely gold earrings is...

comment #85
Miss Bethany!!!

:: winners of the "sugar n' spice" giveaway ::

winner of the darling, pumpkin pie candle is...

comment #31
Miss Cassie!!!

winner of this lovely pumpkin pie slice necklace is...

comment #93
Miss Grace!!!

{not me, though. :)}}

:: winners of the "aroma of autumn" giveaway ::

winner of these scrumptious-looking, oh-so-yummy, sugar scrub cubes is...

comment #87
Miss Nina!!!

winner of a single slice of this delicious pumpkin spice soap is...

comment #132
Miss Julia!!!

and because every girl in this giveaway had already won something, we randomly chose another winner for this bottle of perfume {winner's choice}...

comment #11
Miss Grace!!!

{again, not me!!! :D}

and finally...
:: winners of "pulling out the knitting needles" giveaway ::

winner of this PDF earwarmer pattern is...

comment #79
Amy Caroline!!!

winner of FIVE PDF patterns {winner's choice} from Bonita Patterns is...

comment #45
Belle + Bee!!!

AND FINALLY, winner of the lovely craft bag + smiley face stitch markers {{winner's choice of removable or snag-free}} is...

comment #92
Miss Lily!!!

congratulations, ladies!!!!!!!!!!

we pray you are blessed by your prizes.

and special SPECIAL thanks to our wonderful sponsors who make these fun giveaways possible.

a stroll in the woods.

2011-10-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

i was in my garden one day, enjoying the last traces of summer cloaked in the beauty of autumn's radiance by going on a long stroll.

the wind twirled my locks, and i closed my eyes, embracing it...

opening my eyes i beheld a worn path wrapped in tall grass that had long since dried out. the sweet, subtle scent of the tall grass filled my nostrils, and the wind lead me to follow the mysterious path I had never seen before.

forward it lead me, tugging at my scarf and hair until I picked up my leisurely pace and raced through the meadow. onward, onward I ran - er - flew through the rustling grass, my heart beating as wildly as the wind. until i stumbled onto a soft bed of leaves, giggling and sighing and drinking in the moment of complete bliss.

when I opened my eyes again, a path wound through an old forest I had only heard grew along by garden's edge, but never thought to explore. gently, the wind whispered into my ear, and I cautiously followed the call.

the crisp *crunch* of leaves under my boots echoed in the silence. the solemn cry of a majestic raven responded to the rustle trees above. i cast a glance behind me to see how far I had lingered into the forests mouth, only to find a small glint of sunlight from the world outside. but the wind encouraged me onward, onward i followed.

the silence remained. not even the wind stirred. yet anxiously i waited. as though i knew something wonderful was about to happen. and slowly the curtain of deep, eerie darkness begin to lift as brilliant beams of fire burst through the forest canopy...

leaving behind a gorgeous array of ginger, scarlet, and gold replacing every bit of darkness.

again and again I twirled, drinking in all the wondrous color that surrounded me. the wind showered leaves of gold upon me.

and I whispered a small prayer of thanks into the wind to the heavens above,

that I could be witness of so much majesty.