Buttercups and Barbed Wire

As Summer is changing over to Fall ~ 

think back to Spring 

warming up to Summer.

The air is hot and humid.

Mountain fields are full of Buttercups ~

little blooms of cheerfulness

waving in the breeze!

Such a lovely place!

Dainty flowers fenced in

by weathered wood and barbed wire.

A yellow carpet as far as you can see!

 

Rural beauty!

Live your Authentic Life ~
Be the Real You!

Blessings,
Martha

The Charming Footstool

Have you ever considered

the lowly footstool

to be an important part of 

your decor?

 

What do you notice first in this room

designed by Sarah Richardson?

(via)

I eyed the pair of upholstered stools 

in front of the arm chairs...

they are like little gems.

As gorgeous as they are,

this is something everyone can do.

   

The stools don't have to match, 

although there is something to be said

for symmetry.

 

If using a lot of color

or a busy pattern, 

twin stools may work better

than an unmatched pair.

(via)

You can find two small tables 

or two piano benches...

whatever works! 

Wrap the tops in a bit of foam and batting 

and upholster with your favorite fabric...

you can have the same look.

(via)

 An upholstered footstool

is an inexpensive but

clever way to introduce a special

color or fabric to your room design.

 

 (via)

 If you prefer antiques

or a vintage style,

there are plenty out there,

with original textiles

like this tapestry,

or gorgeous cane tops

with turned legs.

(via) 

 Or you can always pick up

a great stool anywhere

and upholster it with

a grain sack or vintage remnant

like I did with this one.

 

 Brenda, of Cottage4c blog

created an adorable

show-stopping footstool

out of a Coke crate.

 (via)

 They truly don't get 

any more charming than that!

So whether you

go for one or two,

(via) 

~footstools

are an incredible way

to add the extra touches

you need for a finished look. 

Live your Authentic Life ~

Be the Real You!

Blessings,

Martha

The Little Library

I love stumbling upon surprises!

I was taking photos in town and

came upon this little building.

At first I thought it might have been

a doll house turned bird mansion... 

but to my surprise, it was a

Little Library!

 Titled the Little Free Library -

I was so intrigued!  

You know I had to check it out!

 The sign reads:

"This little Free Library is a gift from friends

who wanted to PAY IT FORWARD.

They hope you will do the same!"
"Take a book, return a book."

 I found all sorts of books inside - 

for children and adults!

 What a charming building!

Great attention to detail - 

it just makes it that much more special!

 This particular lending library was donated

by our local county 

Retired Educators Group!

Puts a lump in my throat

as they continue to care

and give to their community!

 Wouldn't this be a special treat

to find in a park or

on a city corner in your town?

 Kudos to Mr. Richard Negley!

He did a fantastic job!

Truly this Little Free Library

is more than just a gift of reading ~

but one of friendship, 

compassion and community!

Notice this library is called The Conner School.

Teacher, Mary Lou Conner, 

who passed away in 2009 at the

age of 95 was a charter member of

our local Retired Teachers Association

and over her life received many

awards and accolades.

Her love of education and

her support and time spent volunteering

in several literacy programs,

improved countless lives

in our rural area.

In her memory,

this Little Free Library

continues to 

inspire the love of reading!

I had to dig a little further ~

Little Free Library

began in 2009 by a gentleman named

Todd Bol honoring his late mother,

teacher and educator,

June A. Bol .

This Little Free Library

sits above the St. Croix River

in Hudson, Wisconsin.

What a wonderful

memorial,

as the program

has touched thousands

of people

in the United States

and now Europe!

If you are interested in starting your own

community Little Free Library

or want to read more about it, 

visit  

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

Their Mission ~

To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.
To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity, and wisdom across generations
To build more than 2,510 libraries around the world - more than Andrew Carnegie!

Weathered Wonders

Monday was a rainy, summer day!

I headed out to meet 

a woman selling 
furniture from her home.

When I arrived,

I was greeted by the most 

adorable flower garden.

A heavy rain had just

cleared and the sun was 

peaking out

between the clouds!

Her home was surrounded 

by green grass and flowers

and a multitude of

wet, weathered wonders.

 Everywhere I looked, I found a surprise!

 Beautiful, bright colored flowers,

long and tall,

or hanging and trailing from baskets,

all glistening with rain drops.

 All sorts of places to sit

and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Dainty blooms and Turtles ~

 whimsy and a profusion of color ~

 made me a believer!

 Everywhere I looked,

there was something to see!

I got permission first 

before I snooped around her yard!

I didn't want to wear out my welcome,

 but it was like a secret garden!

 I even found surprises up in the trees!

 So in the damp yard, as the wind chimes clanged

and the rain dripped from the trees ~

I felt a sense of peaceful joy!

Live your Authentic Life ~ Be the Real You!

Blessings,

Martha

Little Red

How could you pass it by?

This little gem of a barn, 

setting on the roadside?

Full of charm and quaint in size,

 

certainly for the owners ~ 

a prize!

Can't you imagine her glorious red dress?

trimmed with white and looking her best?

  

 All her parts are working still~

door knobs, hinges, she is a thrill!

Once a place to hang a sign,

 directions to a garage or a place to dine!

 She's still in use and looking good,

 gorgeous color and weathered wood!

 As she ages and the years pass by,

 

her special wiles will multiply.

Folks like me who pay our respects,

 will slam on our brakes and strain our necks!

To see this gift from our past~

 and pray silently that she will last!

So, thank you little red barn, 

I'd like to say, 

You are quite special 

and made my day!

Live your Authentic Life ~

Be the Real You!

Blessings,

Martha