Happiness is a dog named Jake.

Joy in the Mailbox

 Several weeks ago, I received this beautiful little book made by Jan of Laughing Dog Arts.  Jan had a Pay It Forward post and those who signed up were to receive a gift made by Jan.  She had an entire year to make and mail those gifts, but Jan wasted no time and I was delighted to receive this little gem soon after.  It is 3-1/8" x 3" and filled with stampings, tags, little pocket envelopes, and love.  Thank you, Jan.  ♥

                              
   

 

Sweet Linda, of Olde Baggs 'n Stuft Shirts sent me this Valentine.  It, too, is handmade and the love put into making it is obvious.  Thank you, Linda. ♥

                              

I love finding joy in my mailbox!

Mixed-Media by Seth Apter

Seth Apter is a mixed-media artist in New York City.  He specializes in paper arts, book arts, and textural assemblage.  Having admired Seth's work for some time now, I recently purchased the above piece created by Seth.  I love the texture, the color, and the message.
Below are photos of a book made by Seth that I would LOVE to own.  It is a hand made one-of-a-kind artist book called "An Object Found".  A total of 10 pages, the book has been created using vintage materials and hand altered supplies.  It measures 6.5" x 4.75" when closed.  It is completely hand made and hand bound and has a vintage aged feel to it.  You can read more about this available piece in Seth's etsy shop which you will find a link to on his Blog, The Altered Page. Make a visit ~ I know you will find it more than interesting.
http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com
Seth recently published a book, The Pulse of Mixed Media, which I intend to purchase on my next trip to the bookstore.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sweet Savannah !!

Monday Morning Beauty

The snow doesn't stop the birds in their search for food.

Outside my kitchen windows.

   

It is impossible to capture the actual beauty we've been blessed with.  This is just a sampling of the beauty surrounding me this morning.  I have taken many photos, but posting only a few.  The sun is shining bright this morning and soon the scene will look very different.  I am happy ~ my wish for one significant snowfall has been granted.  Now the fairies can start spreading the seeds of Spring.

Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow

J

Jake experienced his very first snow.  He loved it!

It is 1:00 in the morning right now and SO beautiful outside ~ the air is still, it is quiet, it is peaceful, and everything is covered in white.   It won't last, but I am thankful for this gift of winter snow. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete and Father Kevin !!

How wonderful that two special priests share the same birthday and how lucky I am to have them both as friends.  I hope Birthday Blessings will be many.

Monsignor Peter M. Polando in Rome with the late Pope John Paul II

Rev. Kevin Segerblom in December after celebrating Mass at the parish where he is Pastor

Wordless Wednesday

Valentine's Day ~ 2012

"Love is in the air

Everywhere I look around."

♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥

 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

~John Paul Young Lyrics

~Vintage Valentine

Valentine Thought for Monday

My sweetheart

a long time

I have been waiting for you

to come over

where I am.

~Chippewa Song

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love

Valentine Thought for Sunday

"There is only one happiness in life ~ to love and be loved."

~George Sand

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love

Valentine Thought for Saturday

"There's this place in me where your fingerprints still rest, your kisses still linger, and your whispers softly echo.  It's the place where a part of you will forever be a part of me."

~Gretchen Kemp

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love

Valentine Thought for Friday

"Sometimes your nearness takes my breath away;  and all the things I want to say can find no voice.  Then, in silence, I can only hope my eyes will speak my heart."

~Robert Sexton

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love

Valentine Thought for Thursday

"I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live;  there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together."

~Julia Roberts

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love

Valentine Thought for Wednesday

Love freely, love deeply, love purely.  Love yourself the way you've always wanted to be loved, and love others the same way.  Love well, love often.  Find it in your heart to love those who have never shown you love ~ for they need it most of all.  Give so much love that you're certain to get some back.  Open your heart to the woman who lives on the sidewalk with her two daughters.  Love her.  Have compassion for the man who fired you from the job you loved most of all.  Love him.  Love all the Earth has to offer ~ her people, her birds, her stones, insects, trees, mice, and oceans.  Love something ~ anything! ~ with a passion.  Love something larger than yourself.  Call it Goddess, call it God, call it Nature, call it Divine, call it Source, call it Betty.  Call it Love.

~Rachel Snyder

~Photo from The Little Big Book of Love