Welcome Home, Papa

WELCOME HOME, PAPA!

*****Yaya*****

Island Fun!

It seems a new tradition has started on our little island. We islanders are now at a risk of being "FLOCKED"!!!

Here, I am being "FLOCKED" by the Flamingo Sisters and their helpers.....

And here, they are sooo CAUGHT helping the flock to "FLOCK" in our yard!
It seems, if you are having an event, you are likely to get "FLOCKED". As y'all know, we are having company come to the island for our daughter's wedding, so I get to play host to the flock of pink flamingo sisters as they help us greet our guest. I just love it!!! What an honor it is to have them stay for awhile.....
If you are not laughing out loud yet, you will be.....I heard through the island grape vine that about 2 dozen more pink flamingos may be joining the flamingo sisters for the next "FLOCKING"..... Can you imagine!?!

AAaaaaahhhhh, it's ISLAND TIME!
2 margaritas, one for each hand.....
Jimmy Buffet music playing.....
The smell of shrimp starting to boil.....
Hammock swaying in the island breeze.....
A flock of pink flamingos in our yard.....
Wish y'all were here.....


*****Yaya*****

Divine Moments

The Divine is present in nature.....

It also dwells within us.....

Reconnect to divinity and empower your life.....

As long as you believe, all things are possible.....

Blessings

*****Yaya*****

An Island Sunset

Rambling thoughts from the island cottage.....

When I look out over the marshland I realize I am so ready for less chaos. I'm ready to discover my creative self. To paint, read, write....to connect with flora and creatures of fin and feathers...

Music by the marsh.....

8:00 AM Bacon, lettuce & tomato sandwich with coffee and fresh fruit, on the deck.....

10 AM Explore the island by bike.....

12PM Lunch of pasta salad and cold wine, on the deck under an umbrella.....

1PM Absolutely nothing - soak up the sun - feed the ducks - nap in the hammock.....

7PM Fresh seafood dinner.....

9PM Star gazing from the deck, sipping wine, listening to my music.....

Just being at the beach with friends and family restores my soul.....

Summer dreams - sleeping on the screened in porch.....there are roll down canvas to keep out the rain.....

If I could be anywhere it'd be a place that beckons me to linger for a lifetime and a day.....

Blessings

*****Yaya*****

Rosemary On The Beach

I will set aside some time today to empty my mind and open myself to wonder...

You can because you think you can...

Not only must you know precisely who you are, but you need the confidence to show it...

Blessings

*****Yaya*****

A Sunday Afternoon Tea

Oh, you beautiful bride-to-be.....

Greeting guest at her tea.....

Oh so lovely!!!.....

A summer afternoon tea spent with wonderful friends and family.....

Treasured moments in time.....

And what a beautiful tea table! And the flowers.....gorgeous fresh flowers in every room....

Oh so lovely!!!

A beautiful Southern Belle and a lil' Southern Belle in the making....

Oh so lovely!!!

The matriarch of the Southern White house and the grand dame of Flat Rock, arriving.....
She is truly sensational.....
She walks on sandled feet, moving with the grace of a swan.....
She wears time with regal grace.....
She has always been one of my role models and will always be.....
Oh so lovely!!!





The very beautiful bride-to-be, getting a hug from our very beautiful grand dame.....
Oh so lovely!!!



Another beautiful Southern lady, my Aunt Bobbie.....
She makes the most wonderful chocolate cake in the world, and my favorite! I shared her recipe in an earlier blog. When I make chocolate cake I always use her recipe and now my grandangels will ask, "Yaya, do you have any chocolate cake?".....
Oh so lovely!!!






Yes, that's me, Yaya, on the left and my mother, seated and holding Gracie....and the beautiful 'Lady in Red', and lovely bride-to-be is Jodie, our daughter.....




Another wonderful Sunday afternoon in my South.....
The making of beautiful memories....
Carefully preserved treasures put away in my memory box for safe keeping...


Blessings
*****Yaya*****

My Tropical Paradise....

It's still island time.....time to relax.....

Cross the bridge and leave the mainland behind. Turn right and drive along the bay passed the old Pelican Pub.....Turn left at the Octopus tree. From here you get a glimpse of our tiny, colorful island cottage. It's an old cottage with a tin roof, immersed in oleander and fan palms. It feels very tropical and airy, especially when it's cool enough to throw open the shutters and windows. I think my favorite place is the hammock. There is nothing better than spending a summer afternoon swaying in the island breeze, listening to birdsong and the grandangels playing, while embracing the simple pleasure of this tiny island cottage and island living....

*****Yaya*****

Welcome to the island cottage...

Island style.....

flipflops.....

soft old t-shirts.....

ponytail.....

beach towels on the clothesline.....

bicycles.....

margaritas.....

sunsets over the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.....

fresh Gulf seafood.....

Island time.....

*****Yaya*****

Salt Air...

and seagulls....you can almost smell the fresh scent and hear the gulls cry, can't you?!

A few rambling thoughts from the island cottage.....

Life's a little easier down here - miles of deserted beaches and sunsets waiting for you.....

Little Hemingway cottages by the sea.....

unhurried.....

When on the island, live in the moment...just breathe and smell the air...

Slow down and surrender to a dreamy, laid-back island style.....

*****Yaya*****

A Little Beach Time

Look, Yaya...the seagull wants a cheese curl....
Bliss....it doesn't get any better than this....a day at the beach with the grandangels.....

Come on in, Yaya....run and jump!

A summer state of mind.....

*****Yaya*****

Such Southern Grace

An outdoor winding staircase, just for the lovely bride.....

and the balcony is the perfect place to stand and toss her bouquet.....

We're off to the beach.....

mermaid greetings and sand dollar blessings.....

*****Yaya*****

L.A.

Yes, I am in L.A.!!! Of course, to a Southerner, that just means lower Alabama. Things have been in a major tissy here of late. I had to pack for the trip to the island cottage, plan a wedding, work on guests list, well, I could go on and on but I will not exasperate you. But isn't it such fun to be in the mist of planning an event!?! I just love it! Don't you just love this old sunken garden. This is where the wedding of our daughter, will take place. Here in our L.A., it is such a beautiful and graceful, old Southern city. I need a mint julep, dahlin', or some iced sweet tea. Merciful heavens, it's hot down here today!
Just look at this elegant and beautiful old building. It is the office of our daughter, and our son-in-law. What a wonderful afternoon we had last Thursday and lunch at that special little Italian place was delicious. Nothing better than fresh Gulf shrimp served on a Greek salad in an Italian restaurant in the deep South.







A few rambling thoughts from the island cottage.....
'scuse me while I kiss the sky.....
This is cloud ten.....
Island dreaming becomes a reality.....
Color your world.....
Front porch living.....
Mermaid greetings.....


Blessings


*****Yaya*****

Sonnets And Wild Roses

SONNET LIV

O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem

By that sweet ornament which truth doth give!

The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem

For that sweet odour which doth in it live.

The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye

As the perfumed tincture of the roses,

Hang on such thorns, and play as wontonly

When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:

But, for their virtue only is their show,

They live unwood and unrespected fade;

Die to themselves, Sweet roses do not so;

Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made:

And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,

When that shall vade, by verse distills your truth.

William Shakespeare

Sonnet XVIII

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer's lease hath all too short a date:

Sometimes to hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complesion dimm'd;

And every fair from fair sometimes declines,

By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;

Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st;

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

William Shakespeare

Sonnet XCVIII

From you I have been absent in the spring,

when proud-pied april, dress'd in all his trim,

Hath put a spirit of youth in every thing,

That heavy Saturn laugh'd and leap'd with him.

Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell

Of different flowers in odour and in hue,

Could make me any summer's story tell,

Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew:

Nor did I wonder at the lily's white,

Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;

They were but sweet, but figures of delight,

Drawn after you, you pattern of all those,

Yet seem'd it winter still, and, you away,

As with your shadow I with these did play.

William Shakespeare

Sonnet CIX

O, never say that I was false of heart,

Though absence seem'd my flame to qualify.

As easy might I from myself depart

As from my soul, which in thy breast doth lie:

That is my home of love: if I have ranged,

Like him that travels, I return again;

Just to the time, not with the time exchanged,

So that myself bring water for my stain.

Never believe, though in my nature reign'd

All frailties that besiege all kinds of blood,

That it could so preposterously be strain'd,

To leave for nothing all thy sum of good;

For nothing this wide universe I call,

Save thou, my rose; in it thou art my all.

X
Sweet rose, fair flower, untimely pluck'd, soon vaded.....

XXI
As it fell upon a day
In the merry month of May,
Sitting in a pleasant shade
Which a grove of myrtles made,
Beasts did leap and birds did sing,
Trees did grow and plants did spring;
Enough of Shakespeare, roses and spring.....
The lovely pink rose bush belonged to my great-grandmother McCain, so it is rather special to me.....

Blessings.....
*****Yaya*****

Essentially Lilly

I just love this very beautiful coffee table book. Even though it has been around for several years, I just found it the other day while shopping for bargins at Burkes Outlet. It was priced at $30 dollars when it came out in 2004. I got it for $9.99 and it has filled me with days of summertime inspiration. This is such a fun book and oh so beautiful. If you have a Burkes Outlet near you, it's a must have book at a great price.
The colorful shift dresses make me want to just buy a sewing machine and make myself dozens of those little dresses.

This is probably a Palm Beach gathering but it could be a Sunday afternoon tea any where in the South.

We could all use a little pampering.....

Photographs by Ben Fink.....

Illustrations by Izak Zenou....

****Yaya****

Let's Go "Lilly" Style

And more Lilly to get you inspired for the beach and summer wear. The style is so classic that it never goes out of style. That is what I love about classic pieces. I am not one to be dressed in the trend of the moment but in a simple classic that feels and looks great.
Another Lilly table setting.....

Don't you just love those floral skinny cropped slacks for summer. I have been collecting Lilly inspired clothes for the spring and summer season. One day soon, I'll show you what I found.

Illustrations by Izak Zenou for "Essentially Lilly"

Photographs by Ben Fink for "Essentially Lilly"

****Yaya****

More Lilly Inspiration

In my new favorite book, "Essentially Lilly" by Lilly Pulitzer and Jay Mulvaney, you find this beautiful table setting just bursting with color......(Photographes by Ben Fink)
And just look at the lovely illustrations by Izak Zenou, from the Lilly book. Isn't it the best feeling to find a GREAT book that you enjoy looking at and reading over and over again. This book is just so beautiful and inspiring. I love all of the color. It is really putting me in a summer frame of mind. I can hardly wait to get to our little island cottage next week. I have already started packing.

Oh so Palm Beach style.

No rambling thoughts from the country house this time......it is well past midnight and my bedtime. Goodnight to all....

*****Yaya*****

Inspiring Tidbits

Lilly Pulitzer says, "If you save your best china, crystal and silver for special occasions, make breakfast in bed an occasion". I decided a long time ago that I would use all of the good things everyday. It fills each day with that special feeling. I love sipping a glass of wine from my best crystal stem glasses.
Don't you just love the headboard!?! And just look at all of those cushions. Now I feel better about the many cushions I have on every bed. And, isn't she so very lovely. Even though this was years ago, I still love the style. The classic shift dress is something I collect and continue to wear. It's the perfect thing to have in the closet if someone calls up for lunch. Step into the shift dress, pull hair back with a fabric twist, brush on a little bronzer blush, mascara, lipstick...loop earrings and a splash of Joy. Slip into a darling pair of sandles and you are out the door in minutes. Toenails are always painted, of course. Don't forget the bangles and a big ring or two.
Photographs by Ben Fink for "Essentially Lilly"


Two of my favorite things....a box of Country House bath herbs and the "Essentially Lilly" book.











A little pampering for the lady of the house. Wonderful scented herb bags. They are so easy to make. Use material for wedding rice bags...cute into a square and fill with your favorite herbs. Tie and toss into your bath water. I have Lemon Balm, Lavender, Mint and Rosemary in my little courtyard herb garden. There is nothing more relaxing.




A few rambling thoughts from the country house.....
The art of being good to yourself.....
If you ever forget how beautiful you are, call me up and I will tell you.....
How you feel about yourself affects everything that you do.....



BLESSINGS.....
*****Yaya*****

It's All About Our Birthday Boy!

Yaya and lil' Beck, the birthday boy!!! As I said before, he is all about horses so his party theme was "Horses, Cowboys & Cowgirls"....His Yaya was more than happy to dress for the occasion.

Gathering around to sing happy birthday.
Happy Birthday to you.....
Happy Birthday to you.....
Happy Birthday dear BECK.....
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!


What a dahlin' horse cake! Made especially for Beck by his mommy and daddy. It was delicious, too. Horse cake, cupcakes and cookies were enjoyed by all.




Note.....I am loading 2 or 3 pictures at a time rather than putting all of them in one post. For some reason, my system keeeps locking up and I lost my pics and party post. I started over and decided to do the party in several groupings. My spacing is still off, as well. No matter how much I double space, indent or triple space, it puts it all together once it is actually posted.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECK!!!

A Birthday Surprise For Beck

Auntie Jodie arrives at the park with this beautiful baby Labrador. Mose, big brother to Beck, spent the night with his Auntie Jodie, Houston and lil' Gracie. On the ride to the birthday party, they were discussing what to name the new member of the family. Mose said, "JACK".....so JACK it is. Mose went on to say, "Jack, like Jack Frost"......It seems that the newest member of the family is named after Jack Frost. Isn't he just adorable!?!
Aunt Jodie arrives with JACK and gives the birthday boy a big birthday kiss.

Beck meeting JACK.....

A few rambling thoughts from the country house.....

"Ti amo" - saying "I love you" in Italian.....

What better time to savor the children's giggles than a springtime afternoon in the park.....