A Beautiful Spirit

Saturday we held a second memorial service for my Mom

 here in the Adirondacks...

It was an intimate, meaningful and personal service

 conducted entirely by family.

 Mom devoted her life to serving others.

She had a beautiful spirit.

She was loved by so many ...

... we miss her.

Shabby Chic Surprise

Since being the lucky winner of Dusty Lu's Give Away...
...I have been looking forward to receiving Rachel Ashwell's book...

Shabby Chic Interiors, My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets...



It arrived in the mail today!

I have loved Rachel's style for years...
...how lovely to have an autographed copy of this wonderful book!



Rachel dedicated this book to her Mum...
...who was born the same year as my Mom...



I love that.



Thank you Rachel...
...and thank you Lulu for hosting this wonderful give away!
I am one lucky girl!



My hydrangeas are fading in this heat...
...but so am I ! :)



At the Flea this weekend...
The Brocantess and I came across a box full of these old cold cream jars...

Mimi has vision...
...she bought them all and then let me take a few home.



So pretty...
The good news is that Mom was released from the hospital today and she and Dad are back at my sister Mary Beth's home.



The other good news is that those law school grads in Buffalo have completed day one of the BAR exam ...Whew!
By all accounts...it was difficult!

They are getting ready for the next part tomorrow so keep them in your thoughts and prayers!
Thank you!



I am linking to White Wednesday over at Kathleen's Faded Charm...
For more participants click HERE!

To enter the 52 FLEA 500th Post Give Back....click HERE...
Winner to be selected on August 1st !

Hope you all have a good night and a wonderful Wednesday!
:)

500 POSTS GIVE-BACK !

Yes, it is true.
I have just about reached 500 posts.
Who knew that I would have that much to ramble on about?
Who knew that I would have that many things to show you?



Mr. Flea knew.
Starla knew.



Well, now it's time to Give Back to all of you who have been so gracious, generous and kind...
Thank you for welcoming me into this community with open arms...
Thank you for allowing me to express myself and for all your encouragement.



Thank you for your inspiration, your creative ideas, your beautiful blogs, your kind comments and your support.



This 500th Post Give-Back is going to be your choice...
You choose...
...because we are all different...



The winner will receive a $52 gift certificate to the online store of their choice...
...It can be any online store....any Etsy shop...

I have my favorites...
...and you have yours!

You choose!



OR....

The winner can have me choose 52 things from my stash of vintage treasures...

...a mix of buttons, vintage trims, clock faces, ephemera, millinery flowers, art papers, religious metals, old keys...etc., etc.

If the winner picks this option, I will select vintage items from my many collections to reflect the winner's tastes and wishes!



I wanted to make this Give-Back very special...
...from my heart...
...and my home...
to you...



...and I wanted to make it personal...
because...

...YOU are important to me...



This 500th Post Give-Back is open to every one...
...it doesn't matter where you live in this beautiful world...

You do not have to be a follower of 52 FLEA ...
You do not have to have your own blog...



...but I am grateful to those who follow along.
It makes me feel pretty good to know you want to come back and visit again...so thank you!

...and I am thankful to those who take the time to leave a comment.
Your kind words make my day!



To have one chance to win....simply leave a comment on this post.

To have two chances to win....tell me if you are a follower.

To have three chances to win...
...please spread the word by posting about this give-back or listing it on your sidebar....
...and then let me know you did.

On August 1st one winner will be randomly selected ...

... the winner may choose either

the gift certificate
OR
the surprise package !

Good Luck friends!

Again....a sincere thank you!

Show Off

Could anything be more beautiful?

This deep, rich, luxurious blue hydrangea has drawn us in... Her dramatic beauty has eclipsed the other blossoms in our garden.

She's such a show off.

:)

Everything is Green

Summer is really here...
As I walk around the yard...everything is SO green!















I just love summer!

The weekend is upon us and first up....
The Where Bloggers Create Party is here!
This is an amazing event which lets us all peek into the studios and creative work spaces of all of our blogging friends.

I told Karen that I would keep the button for the party up on the sidebar to let everyone know about this fun day but that I was in no shape to participate....
...in fact, I think I should organize a Where Hoarders Stash party....

Anyway....be sure to check it out!

I also just stumbled upon another McLinky party that my green post happens to fit into...so for more green posts click HERE to go to Frippery!

Our new assignment for my art course is up and it's all about paper and collage!
Hooray! I am making a big mess with my paper, scissors and glue!
I have to....it's my homework! :)

My Mom and Dad arrive from Florida tomorrow and we will all be together for Father's Day....
I am making some cold salads and haven't quite decided on whether to make the orzo salad or Mr. Flea's favorite pasta salad...
Have any good summer salad recipes to share?
:)

Faded Blue Hydrangea

Loving the last faded blooms of our hydrangeas...
...the colors of summer now softer...yielding to autumn's palette.

...soon enough we will be in the season of sparkle and magic!
Hope you are enjoying a calm and relaxing weekend...
Take care, Laura