I am not perfect.

August garden of Sunflowers, Pumpkins, blueberries, apples and 3 pears

This post has been floating around in my head for quite a while now.  Here’s where I’m coming from:  I really like Instagram.  For me it is an easy way to flick through loads of pretty pictures.  Pick a category, any category, and you’ll find someone who eats, breathes, and lives all day long just that category.

I also love taking pictures!

Here’s where my feelings of imperfection come in.  That eating, breathing, living just one category of a thing, is just not me.  I have lots of interests and I’m always jumping all over the place trying to get as many different things in as possible. My Instagram feed covers just about every topic you can imagine 🙂

So my garden, while I love it, is anything but a masterpiece.  I manage my time in the garden to allow me to do other things.

early summer garden

My crochet projects?  If I set my goal to 3 projects a year, I can usually nail that!

This year’s crochet project challenge was a sweater!

Biking?  I really like biking but I don’t want to spend every free minute on my bike.  I’m happy if I get out twice a week; one short bike ride and one long bike ride.

My husband usually keeps me company on my bike rides, which I think is awesome. I love this route along the water in Annagassan.

My house is clean and tidy … if I am given plenty of notice before company comes over.  Otherwise, we sport a “lived in” look.

this is as tidy as it gets … Did you spot the Irish time on the left and NY time on the right? 🙂

This is me, and all of my imperfections.  I have fun with what I do, and I am O.K. with that.

August is for making lavender wreaths! They are whimsical and “artsy” rather than “perfect”.

You won’t find me specializing any time soon.  That jumping around from interest to interest is what keeps me going.

spring time garden

Last year I tried my hand at painting an old cabinet and I had so much fun I’m going to try painting a dresser this year.  One project at a time.

Refinished bathroom cabinet added some zing to this room!

At this stage in my life, I can tell you pretty certainly that this is who I am.  I love what I do, all of it.  I accept that I’m not in any “perfect” category, but I am in a category of “good enough to make me happy”!

How about you?  Would you say you are “good enough to make you happy”?

In peace,
Dana

Another one of my favorite past times: coaching swimming! I’m lucky enough to be a part of my daughter’s swimming.

 

A Simple Garden Wreath

Garden Wreath collage updated

everything you need!

I love wreaths.  I love using plants from the garden.  I love making things with my hands. (that’s a whole lotta love!)  What a great start to my day to be able to make this wreath!  I dried all the flowers this season and it was so easy to put it together.

My video is not a “how to” but more of a summary.  I wasn’t sure how the wreath would come out so I didn’t video me making it.  Next time I will!

Super easy to make!

Super easy to make!

We’ve had some much needed rain, but now the sun is out and it is just glorious.

Enjoy the video, and enjoy your weekend!

 

In peace,
Dana

Making a simple Christmas wreath

Christmas wreath 2013

Christmas wreath 2013

We finally hung our Christmas wreath outside!  The weather has continued to be rather mild in temperature, although there has been quite a lot of rain. Thankfully, the sun has also come to visit us even if for short visits.

Christmas wreath 2013

Christmas wreath 2013

I had one more straw wreath frame, and greens left over from my large outdoor wreath, so I decided to make another wreath to give away.  I really enjoy making them, especially when working with eucalyptus, pittosporum (Tom Thumb) and lovely evergreens.

Straw wreath form

Straw wreath form

It does take some time to cut the greens into a small(ish) size, and then pin them into the wreath form. But it isn’t difficult to do, especially when using floral pins.

Floral pins and garden sheers

Floral pins and garden sheers

Piece by piece you pin the greens on!

Filling in the greens to cover the straw.

Filling in the greens to cover the straw.

The evergreens are just my base. I wanted the color and different textures from the Tom Thumb Pittosporum and eucalyptus to be the main focus of the wreath.

Adding Tom Thumb Pittosporum for texture and color

Adding Tom Thumb Pittosporum for texture and color

Filling in with pittosporum

Filling in with pittosporum

The family were watching A Christmas Carol while I was finishing up the wreath. I could watch too, from where I was working.  It was an animated version, but still quite scary! We are finally on a break from all of our activities and able to relax together as a family.  I’m so glad we have taken the time to watch those Christmas movies (even if for the 100th time!).

Eucalyptus added with the pittosporum

Eucalyptus added with the pittosporum

Now I had to decide how to embellish it!  I decided to go with a very simple look.

A few gold balls

A few gold balls

A gold French horn

A gold French horn

A gold bow

A gold bow

Watching that video on how to make a bow on Youtube has come in handy this season!

A simple Christmas wreath

A simple Christmas wreath

I was really happy with the finished wreath.  Yeah, I was having second thoughts about giving it away!  🙂  But it was for some special people (my in-laws!) so I stuck to my original plan and gave it to them.

Photo with no flash

Photo with no flash

Christmas is almost here.  I have enjoyed getting ready by visiting with neighbors,  friends and family and sharing our baked goods.  Mostly, I’ve enjoyed our time together as a family.  I hope you are able to enjoy time with your friends and family, too.

Merry Christmas!
Dana

A handmade star

My friend Susan made this star for me!  Isn’t it fabulous?

Two more sleeps!

Two more sleeps!