I'm Feelin' a little Aloha today.....

How about some IZ  for a Wednesday pick me up. I love this song, his voice brings so much to it.

Over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole OFFICIAL VIDEO from Mountain Apple Company on Vimeo.

Aloha my friends,
Joane

Happy Birthday John James Audubon!

Happy Birthday!

National Audubon Society

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_James_Audubon

Happy Easter Everyone!

I love Easter. It's a nice holiday that does not bombard you with commercialism (except maybe for Cadbury Cream Eggs and, since it has to do with chocolate it's totally forgiveable!).

When I was little, every Easter my sister and I would wake up to find a big basket of candy with the traditional chocolate bunny inside. I would always get a new dress too. To this day I still like to have something new to wear on Easter. We usually have a nice lunch at mom's house and "the Bunny" hides eggs for the kids. We then make deviled eggs and eat them until we are in a food coma.I have only one unpleasant memory of Easter. One time, we were at some park and every time I went to grab an egg someone else would take it. I cried that I didn't get any eggs that year.

But, all in all, Easter always brings the family together and that's what matters. Have a Happy Easter everyone!

I'm getting that "Salem Itch" again.....

For the past few years my husband and I have been going to Boston/Salem for vacations. We didn't go last year and we won't be going this year or even next year due to our move and the possibility that we might be buying a house. Boo Hoo!!! Both my husband and I get an "itch" to go to Massachussetts right around this time of year. It sucks not be able to go so I have to consol myself with looking at old pictures and going online to see what's going on over there. Not sure if this helps to ease the "itch" but, I can't help it.

Ever since I set foot in Salem several years ago I felt like I came home. I've never lived anywhere in New England but, everything felt familiar. Not just in Salem but, other places in Massachussetts that we visited too. Cape Cod was everthing I thought it would be, Plymouth was quaint and, I think Newburyport is on our list of places to retire. Why don't we move to Massachussetts if we love it so much? Well, it's a pretty big move (we're coming from California) and, as far as buying a house goes, it's not much less expensive than California. Plus, we have no family out there.

So for now, Massachussetts will have to do as our vacation spot. I'd like to share one of my favorite shops in Salem. It was the first witch shop I had ever been into and it was truly magical! I didn't end up buying a lot there but, I love to meander and look and smell all of the witchy goodness.

The shop is called The Broom Closet. I know Salem does not lack in it's selection of witch shops but, I guess because this was the first one I went to, it's one of my favorites.

Here is their link The Broom Closet.

Do you have any favorite "haunts" (pun intended!) in Salem? I would love to see pics if anyone is willing to share.

Also, does anyone know of any good books that take place in Salem/New England? I read "The Lace Reader" a couple of years ago. I like mysteries, historical fiction, fiction, I even like children's books. Can you tell how desperate I am for a Salem fix?

Anyway, thanks for sharing any info you might have.

xo,

Joane



The Joy of.....

....my morning cuppa joe!

Please, do not make me think or talk before I drink my coffee. I drink the Starbuck's House Blend with 3 sugars and 3 vanilla Coffee Mates (yes, I like it sweet). Once the concoction is created I take it to my desk, and while I'm waiting for the computer to start up I have those first few hot sips of coffee. Ahhhhhh! I'm human now.

This is the mug I drink it out of everyday. I bought it at a renaissance faire a couple of years ago. It's nice and big and keeps the coffee hot.

What do you need to get you going in the morning?

The Artwork of Myrea Pettit

Rachel D over at Lawn Tea told me about the fairy artist Myrea Pettit. I'm so glad she did! Her work is beautiful. I emailed Myrea and asked if I could display her artwork from time to time on my blog and she sent me this....


Amour de l'Iris by Myrea Pettit

I've never seen anything like it. Both the fairy and iris are gorgeous! Here is a link to her website Myrea Pettit and if you google Myrea Pettit you'll find many of her images. I only ask that if you wish to use her artwork in any way contact her for permission.

Enjoy!
Joane

The Joy of... and, looking for a new perfume...

The Joy of .....Cecile Brunner roses.

Today I went for a walk with the dogs to the usual park. Every spring in the park there is a huge Cecile Brunner rose bush that blooms. I love the fragrance of Cecile Brunner roses. I guess, to me, it's the smell of spring. I plucked a bloom and smelled it all the way home. I love the color too. That soft, creamy, antique pink. So sweet and old fashioned.

I think another reason I love these roses so much is that they remind me of my grandmother. She had a bush in her backyard and, I loved the fragrance even when I was little.

The fragrance of a Cecile Brunner is not like that of any other rose. It smells rosy with a bit of a spice to it.

So, I'm asking my friends out there in blogland if anyone knows of nice rose perfume they can recommend? Not too sweet or rosy and,  maybe something with a bit of spice?

Would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!

Fairy Friday

Ahhh, Friday at last.

Title: A Beautiful Fairy, Virginia Frances Sterrett, Old French Fairy Tales

You can find this image for sale at Artsy, Craftsy.
And, here is a Wikipedia article about Virginia Frances Sterrett
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Frances_Sterrett

She had a very short life but, produced amazing artwork.

Enjoy and have a lovely weekend!