By the River with Mac

"Hey lazy!"




"Huh?"




"River Trail time!!!"




"Hurry up! Walk Faster!"




Over the bridge.




Still havin' fun, but working up a sweat.




Down to the shore.




Sniffing shoreline trash.




The Arkansas River.

Hillcrest Cottage Roses

Hillcrest Cottage's roses are in full bloom. Their wonderful scent fills the air as Hillcrest Cottage welcomes family and guests.

Jeep Update

I would have never thought that tires could be so important. Just when I think I get this Mom-of-boys thing down...I learned something new.




And...who could ever guess that I would ever even look under here...or even care what was there?




Only because of this guy...a 16 year old that has been patiently waiting and dreaming of "lifting" his Jeep and getting mud tires ever since the Jeep keys were handed over last August.

Only because of him would I EVER look at the tires or those red things underneath or anything close to it. But, if it means a lot to him, then it means a lot to me.

My New House

I know it isn't good to buy a new house on a whim...but I couldn't resist. This house just spoke to me, and before I could think about it too much...it was mine.




It a real fixer-upper, but I can see the potential. Come on in, and I'll show you around. The front door needs a fresh coat of paint.




But, I really like the front stairway.




This room with the fireplace is my favorite...warm and inviting. Probably needs a rug.




The play room.




I suppose you have figured out by now...it is a wee little house. Got it at my favorite junk store...$20.




Here's the side view.




And, lastly, the adorable windows which open. I have furniture in the attic and am looking forward to moving in!

Spring Fever

When I last wrote about bicycles, it was with much regret. It's been two years since my last bike was stolen, and I've been haunting my favorite neighborhood junk store ever since...keeping my eyes open for another bike. On Sunday, I spotted this purple- beach- bike- beauty...spiky things still on the tires...hardly ridden...35 bucks.




Mac the Labradoodle has spring fever and begs to join me outside whenever she is allowed! We spent all day Saturday in the back yard, and I have two tick bites to show for it.




Underneath a canopy of Carolina Jasmine...




I have created a secret spot for quiet reflection.




Sadly, the wonderful chiminea evenings are winding down...maybe there will be one or two more before summer arrives.




The native violets were allowed to pop up by my front door. I think they are beautiful and remind me of my childhood. I used to pick violets for my mom. She would always display them on the kitchen sink window sill as proudly as any FTD floral bouquet.




My first rose open this week, and I took the time to stop and smell...an important life discipline because the roses don't last long. Just like the time I took last night to listen to Davis play all the new country songs he has learned on his guitar.

As he sang to me, he had the sweetest smile on his face...not a smile of performing for me, but a smile of pure enjoyment. He really loved what he was playing, and I decided that if he liked this genre of music, then I would ,too.

My mind's video camera was rolling and the camera clicked an entire roll of film (even my mind's camera is film, not digital) as I intentionally captured a priceless moment with my 16 year old son. It was a rose opening. With two sons already away at college, a moment like last night is a beautiful thing.




And, lastly, this was my first week to recycle...ever. (No judgment, please.) We have lived in Hillcrest Cottage for ten years with no recycling bin, and I had never made the effort to ask the city for a new one... until one of my teenage friends decided to hold me accountable.

Thanks Allen, I feel better now.

Blog Giveaway

Check out this blog and you may win some cool prizes. I am becoming quite the winner through blog giveaways...so...you might win,too!
Off the Beaten Path Ministries Blog

Easter at Hillcrest Cottage

I could pretend that Hillcrest Cottage is surrounded by rolling meadows filled with wild flowers...or...admit that the positive side of not having yet mowed the lawn for the first time this spring has produced many beautiful wild flowers.




Oh, the sweet smell of Carolina Jasmine when it's in full bloom.



I love the shady hide-away produced by the vines thickly covering this area.






This old bath tub was a part of Hillcrest Cottage's landscape when we arrived 10 years ago. The guys used to fill it up with water on hot Arkansas summer days. I keep thinking I would like to make a fountain out of it.








Mac the Labradodle enjoyed an afternoon outside. She loves to smell flowers...and eat them, too.

Happy Easter!!!

My Lucky Day

It was my lucky day when I received an email announcing that I had won a blog giveaway from Reloved Designs.
Yesterday my prize arrived in the mail!




With a sweet note...as most Etsy sellers politely include.




The packaging was very thoughtful and personal... like opening a gift. This is typical of most Etsy sellers. When you receive handmade, you can feel all the love and care that goes into each personally- made product. It is so refreshing.




Imagine my surprise, as I had already been admiring the look and feel of the tiny package, when I discovered the box, too, was handmade...from a re-cycled Chex cereal box. I love it!




And...look...my prize! This is a handmade pistachio shell flower brooch! Thank you Reloved...Unique Handmade Treasures from the Creator's heart to mine!

Check out Reloved's blog...a behind the scenes look at how she makes these pieces.