Hollyhocks?

Dreaming of Hollyhocks surrounding my church studio, just as the snow and ice storm is scheduled to arrive.

You've seen this picture before, and it's equally beautiful, but today I'm not in a snow mood, I'm in a Hollyhock mood. Summertime means: the sweet smell of grass, dirt in my fingernails, the sun on my face, frolicking amongst the wild flowers, twirling my new dress from Anthropologie whilst engaging in tomfollery on the open prairie. 

Had you going didn't I? 

For now, I'll just pour a cup of hot chocolate, turn on the fireplace, and snuggle with my favorite blanket. If I feel brave, I'll put on my boots and head over to my snow covered studio. It's always peaceful in there.

Thoughts and prayers for the people of Haiti,

Ele

A Bit of Heaven

Peeking through the cottage garden, I see my favorite windows.


The windows of my church studio, A Bit of Heaven, are beautifully framed by hollyhocks in colors of pink. I have not spent any time in their this summer, but soon, I hope.


The cottage garden is home to a purple bench,


multicolored pots filled with moss roses, a weathered angel, and a vintage spade.


A sweet rusted red tricycle also has a spot in my cottage garden.

Tucked behind my green potting shed is a secret place to sit. Look carefully and you will see a vintage iron headboard beside the deck, and a vintage iron railing hanging on the wall.

In this same spot, a vintage wooden ladder rests against a tree.

Blessings, Ele

Fleurs en Bleu

Looking out my farm house kitchen window, this is what I see.

My vintage church studio building surrounded and covered with snow. It is looking pretty lonely as my visits this time of year are few. I am still cleaning, and organizing my house.

It is cold outside, but the sun shines brightly. The air is fresh and crisp. Despite the beauty of winter, it is this time of year that I begin to hold on to the promise of spring blooms. I am well aware of designers who are shouting, "get rid of the silk flowers", but I wonder.....do they live where I live? Do they KNOW that the upper mid west growing season is extremely short? Do they realize that some of us yearn for blooms. Dare I say....even fake? Every year, I promise myself that I will not succumb to traditional FAKE blossomry, but I do. Especially when I came upon this huge bouquet.

My dining room table can seat 12 people, and this bouquet is a grand size. I was also pleased at how well it matched the upholstery on the chairs.

Fleurs en Blue.

Flowers in Blue.

Admiring the blue hydrangea flowers, I realized that I have a blue flower theme in my home.

Blessings, Ele