Week-end Dreaming

Whatever your plans are, I hope the week-end fulfills all of your dreams.

 …and if you are dreaming of drawing in the sand….

 check this link out for inspiration

Happy week-end & happy dreaming everyone!

Weathervanes In France

Although it is feeling a lot like spring here today, the weatherman is saying there is cold weather still to come later in the week & I know that many of you are bracing for yet another snow storm. With so much changing weather this year, it makes one think how dependent we are on all those weather reports. It is funny to think how not so long ago people relied on regarding nature & the direction of the wind to predict weather patterns. 

When in France I love to look at the lovely old weathervanes that were lovingly made for just this purpose. One of my favorites is the funny little one above, so simple in its homemade design. It is on the house just across from mine & I see it every morning when I open my shutters.

It is fun to look up in search of unique & pretty weathervanes. They can be quite lovely,  simple or ornate.

Rosters seem to be a popular choice. I love these double rosters on a slate roof.

This tower in a town center with its unusual belfry is toped with a tiny weathervane, which can be seen better in the closeup below. This was a way of sharing information with the whole village. The bell tolled the hours while the weathervane gave wind direction.

Another favorite has to be the farmer below with his oxen plowing his field. To me it is a beautiful piece of folk art. But it is also a reminder of its real use & how weathervanes helped generations of country people foretell coming storms.

While I am thinking of the French countryside & these artfully created weathervanes,  I am linking up with Paulita's meme Dreaming of France.

 Wishing all of you the best in weathering the next storm.

New "Old" Shutters

Slowly but surely we have been renovating our house here in Charleston. In between bouts of cold & rainy weather the exterior facade has been getting a fresh coat of paint. 

Now that the work is finished, the colors really sparkle. The yellow is just a shade brighter & the white trim a lot cleaner & whiter.  The subtle difference  can be seen in the before photo above.

A neighbor had a stack of old shutters that she no longer wanted & she offered them to us.

With a little bit of work the shutters looked like new again, well, new "old" shutters that is.

Once they were hung they looked as if they had always been there.

And now with the return of the sunshine, our house has a bright new look to go with the coming spring.

Happy Week-End

It looks like the sun might be coming out to dry out soggy Charleston.

 A visit to Diggity Doughnuts' little blue truck, what could be a better way to start off the week-end!

 The most delicious doughnuts in the world & vegan & wholegrain too!

All fresh ingredients & flavors….we got Margarita, Raspberry & Champaign & Dark Chocolate & Cherry….Yumm

Things are looking up in the low country! Hoping your week-end is filled with sunshine & sweet treats!

A Little Heart

 This being Valentines week & all, I thought I would express my love of France with a few hearts.

 I love how so many of the houses from the middle ages in France are decorated with them.

When in France, I never tire of looking for hearts. On doors or windows, elegant or rustic, up or down, I always keep my eyes open. Whether, a child's happy drawing or heart shaped confetti this symbol of love always makes me smile.

A heart felt wish for a very happy week to each & everyone.

 I am linking this post with Paulita's meme Dreaming of France @ An Accidental Blog.

A Little Bit of Color….

…..to brighten up these grey winter days.

I hope each of you are finding ways to bring more color into your day.

Happy Lunar New Year

I had every intension of posting this on Friday, which was January 31 & the commencement of the Chinese New Year. As you probably already know, this year is the year of the horse.

In fact it is the year of the wooden horse. I read a little about what all of this means & what to expect from the year of the wooden horse here. One of the things that caught my eye was that education & intellectual growth, is associated with the wood element. So this year is a good year to take a class or learn a new skill.

As it turns out I learned only yesterday that the beautiful College Of Charleston offers a special admissions program for senior citizens. Students over 60 years of age can take courses for free with only the cost of $25 for registration plus the price of books. What a wonderful opportunity! I am thinking that perhaps some further education might be in my future this year.

Wishing all of you a Happy Year of the Horse! May you find happiness in the pursuit of learning & person growth!