A FASCINATION WITH THE FASCINATOR..............
I went to a bridal shower, high tea, over the weekend, and it was suggested that the guests wear hats. I really didn't give it much thought, because there was no way I was going to wear a hat. I don't own a hat, and the reason I don't own a hat is that I don't look good in a hat.
The day before the shower I was speaking with a friend who said she was wearing a fascinator. A fascinator, well a fascinator is an accessory I can do. The wheels started turning, and I remembered that I happened to have many "cupcake" headbands........doesn't everyone. Actually I had purchased these headbands with large cupcakes on them for all my friends, and myself, who are celebrating a "medicare" birthday this year.
On with the fascinator........I used tulle, mini rosebuds from my garden and lavender. I made one for myself and one for my friend Denise. It is so wonderful having a friend who doesn't question wearing a cupcake fascinator, but embraces the thought. I think we looked fabulous, and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed having it on my head. Europeans have such a sense of style, and gracious way of dressing.
The fascinator was originally designed in the 1700's, and in the last five years has taken center stage with the Royals and Hollywood wearing it to red carpet and sporting events.
PEARLS ARE PRECIOUS, BUT FRIENDSHIPS ARE PRICELESS, SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS......... AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK

Imagine my surprise as I heard Simon bark, and looked out the window to see the garden "peeps" arriving to mulch ..........
There are not enough words to express my gratitude to my wonderful husband.
Who knew "garden peeps" could  bring such joy to ones life.
These wonderful young men are even removing a few day lilys for me.....today I am a very blessed Gardener.

                                                                                 It's a mulch train

VIEW FROM THE GARDEN

Last I wrote I was in serious pain from weeding. Well today was to have been another day of weeding, but to my amazement and utter joy my "peeps" showed up yesterday, and with
precision and speed the garden was weeded, and I have no pain. Granted because of my obsessive nature I am headed out to tweak the weeding and move some plants, but I owe my husband a huge thank you for finding the "peeps" and making sure they showed up. His kindness is huge, however I think secretly he was afraid I was going to ask him to help me again.....

I don't know whether this is spring or summer because it came so quickly, but it was time to put the "summer clothes" on my bed, and nothing says summer like dove gray and white.
Well, the garden is calling and I must go........
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WAKE UP WITH REGRETS...
AND IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO LOVE THE PEOPLE WHO TREAT YOU RIGHT
ENJOY THE DAY, AND REMEMBER TO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS

Time waits for no man.........and believe me it doesn't wait for anyone who has a garden. Last week we were having frost warnings, and yesterday my garden was beyond lush and overgrown.
I worked cleaning, schlepping, weeding for 7 hours, and to say that there is not a muscle in my body that is not crying today. My husband joined in the "festivities" half way through, and he was beyond a lifesaver. I was having a breakdown, and Alan saved the day, he saved me. I know that he hates manual labor, and could care less about my garden, but believe me no one does a better job.
My friend, Denise, suggested I hire someone to help................I would love to hire someone, but can't seem to get anyone to show up. The average garden worker wants $20-35/hr. and I can't find some one to help me......and I do mean help, because I am glad to work along to get the job done. Last year I had my dog walker help me, $20/hr. and she made it very clear that one day was more than enough, and she would not be doing this again. It isn't that there are no jobs available, it is that no wants to do the available jobs.
I will get everything done, and now because of my hubby I can breathe, and see that there is an end in sight.
We built a new garage, and somehow I lost a place for my potting bench, which was also causing angst, but I was able to create a potting area right in the garden, and I even have room for my garden angel, who of course is dressed appropriately with her pearls.
Speaking of pearls, Shop Hop was a success, and there are now more "girls" who can put on their new pearls.......so enjoy the day, and PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS

The sun is shining today, and the air has a bit of warmth in it.........I know spring is coming soon, the calendar told me so. I am supposed to be working in my studio today getting ready for a show that I am doing next month, but I wandered outside for a bit of fresh air, and snapped this picture...the squirrels have eaten all the tulips except for this one and 2 others.
Today I had a person come and teach me how to do things on the computer, and on my iPad. I do love technology, but why do they make it so difficult to figure it out, when in reality it is not. When you know where to go, and what to click, it really is something I can actually do.
I had given my husband a Kindle a couple of years ago, and somehow, he could not find the movies I thought I had downloaded on the device. With the help of Lisa, my computer angel, I have found the movies which had taken to the cloud, and they are now safely and securely downloaded on the device.
I could go on about passwords, with which I seem to have practically filled a book, but I was able to straighten that out as well when Lisa was here, and the last thing, she set up was my Square account on my iPad, so that I can now take credit card charges when I do the show next month.
Technology is amazing, and I am exhausted from all this knowledge I have learned today.
So PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS........... LEARN SOMETHING NEW THIS WEEK, AND ENJOY THE FACT THAT WE ARE NOT GETTING OLDER, ONLY BETTER

50 SHADES OF SUMMER.......HYDRANGEAS FROM MY GARDEN

Looks like tiny little pearls on each petal
 

Summer Pasta Salad

Easy Summer Pasta Salad.......penne pasta, cucumbers, peas, blanched green beans, grape tomatoes, shredded Parmesan cheese, and dried wild blueberries (Trader Joe's) which give it a little burst of sweetness.......toss with a pear champagne vinaigrette.

FASHION FADES, BUT STYLE REMAINS BRIGHT.....

SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND ENJOY THE DAY