Pictures from My Porch

on this rainy Monday morning.

Pink Magnolia

These pink magnolia trees are blooming in a couple of our neighbors' yards. They're gorgeous & I want to plant them in the front and back yards.

Prince & The Pea

Do you know the fairy tale of The Princess and The Pea? It came to mind as I was taking these pics of our little Prince Gilbert.

Anniversary Party

In honor of the one year anniversary of our girls' adoption, we invited family over to wrap up in warm blankets, eat too much junk food, and be subjected to an outdoor showing of Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
We are so very grateful to know these two girls and to be called a family. We praise God for them!

Vintage Thermos Vases

I'm loving these beautifully worn thermoses with sunflowers sitting on my kitchen window sill.

Vintage Camera Display

It's not uncommon to find funky old cameras in second-hand stores. I love all the boxy shapes and varied designs. Each one is a little sculpture. I've received some of these as gifts and others I've picked up for around $1-$6.
I was so inspired by Tim Melideo's vintage camera display, that I did my own version.

A Very Cooperative Little Hummingbird

Thanks for holding still and letting me take your picture, lil feller!

Oh yes, we did!

Visiting Olvera Street

. la cucaracha serenade . vibrant colors . fresh guacamole . hot sun . snow cones .
. chihuahua sombrero . silly souvenirs . great memories . all four of us .

Getting to Oregon

What should have been a three hour flight turned into a two-day ordeal. After two cancelled flights, no luggage, and a lost laptop, I did finally arrive in Oregon. Fighting frustration and fatigue, I had to be deliberate to find the beauty in my circumstances. But it was there. It always is.

Gathering Outdoors

Thrifted quilts and a thrifted wagon made our front yard picnic so sweet.

Old Tools as Art

I don't know why I am drawn to old levels. Maybe because they help make crooked things straight. And it's such a simple design, just a little bubble in a tube!
Whatever the reason, I've been accumulating them. One was in our garage, one belonged to my mom and dad, and others I picked up at thrift stores. I love the texture, the geometric shapes, the wear, the unknown story.
I had them displayed on a shelf, but as I continued to gather them, the shelf became too full. I love the way they look side-by-side on the wall.