cupcakes

:: yard sale ::

   

this weekend, the hubby and i hosted a good ol' fashioned yard sale!  we sold most of our "stuff" and donated what was left at the end of the day.  we loved being able to sell the items that we no longer had a use for... but our yard sale ended up being much more than that!  we had the opportunity to meet a handful of neighbors, including a sweet lady who has been in our neighborhood since she and her husband built their house in 1955!!!!!  she was darling, and lovely, and warm.  she chatted with us for a while, reminiscing about our little 50's neighborhood and the changes she has witnessed over the years.  she shared with us that her husband passed away last year, after 60 years of marriage... oh how that just pulls at my heart strings.  she is spry and looks much younger than her age,  it appears as if life has been good to her.  i'm hoping to spend more time with her to learn more about the journey she's been on.  i'm always inspired by the way people show up in my little world, as if they have accepted a personal invitation.  it is a wonderful life, isn't it?   

:: good dog ::

 

in my opinion, one of the wonderful things about philanthropic giving is the passion you can develop for a cause.  because our hearts are so big, there's room to fall in love with many different organizations, which allows us to have the opportunity to make a difference in multiple ways.  monetary donations and time are probably the two most popular ways for any ol' jane to impact the world.  there are, however, other options... we can affect positive change by sharing our stories,communicating our passions, and asking others to do the same.   

a local organization that is very near and dear to my heart needs help!  emancipet  is facing a major challenge... the city of austin has proposed budget cuts that will have a huge impact on the organization's mission to stop euthanasia of animals in our city's shelters.  please take a few minutes to visit their website and take four easy steps in order to make a differencece.  if you feel that passion about saving the lives of our furry little friends, be a good dog and pass this message along!      

:: sweet boy ::

 

today i get to hang out with this sweet boy... i am smitten beyond words.  being auntie kk is one of my most favorite roles.  i love you baby boy!!  you make a difference in my life, by just being you ;-)

{ happy birthday celebration} 

:: cutie pie ::

  

maybe it's the warm summer sun or maybe is a longing for my grandmothers that's tugging at my heart, but for the past few weeks i've had a constant craving for strawberry pie.  i don't have a family recipe and i've never made it before, but i can not get it out of my mind.  my 1947 better homes and gardens cookbook has a simple, easy to follow recipe.  this weekend i have a date with the kitchen.  i must have strawberry pie!

hopefully there will be a little to enjoy and a little to share ;-)

:: i'll be there ::

my day started off on the wrong note, as my car was broken into last night :-( however, this evening i'm reminding of how easily the melody can change!!  there's inspiration everywhere... even in the 60 second breaks during american idol.  i *heart* this commercial from state farm insurance.

http://www.youtube.com/statefarm

very sweet!

:: good humored ::

 

organic vanilla bean ice cream + chocolate shortbread cookies = sweet deliciousness

homemade ice cream sandwiches can put a smile on anyone's face, right?  if only i were able to carry them around with me all day.  i could hand them out to anyone who needed a little sweet treat to cheer them up... that would be the best!

{ ice cream square made by me!  }   

:: sweetness ::

    

definition :: figurative sweetness

synonyms :: compassion, consideration, generosity, gentleness, kindness, mildness, pleasantness, unselfishness

i've been inspired, recently, by a few sites out there in bloggerland {what DID we do without the internet?} written about being nice and daily acts of doing good.  it's so easy in our busy daily routine to rush through our "to do" list, working hard to accomplish our goals.  but, how often do we slow down and offer a warm + fuzzy gesture of kindness?  i am newly motivated to take time each day to offer some figurative {and also some literal} sweetness. 

{ ice cream cupcakes from martha  }  

:: bee cause ::

 

the earth day event {at my real job} was delightful!  we were able to raise awareness about the honeybees, enjoy yummy honey treats, and collect enough money to donate 15 beehives through heifer international.  thanks to austin tidbits for generating some buzz and to everyone who bee-lieves that we can all make a difference!

{ beehive cake from martha :: creative bee from paper-source :: jam + flowers from cannelle et vanille :: dresses + pies + honey + picnic from martha  }       

:: bunny ears ::

 

... because everyone would love a chocolate bunny!  

one in eight americans are at risk for hunger.  we can all make a difference.  check out feeding america to find out how your voice can help.   

:: dear ::

dear friend,

i have always thrilled at the delight of sending cards.  i remember the first time i was smitten with a boy, i would spend hours at the hallmark store looking for the right words to send to him.  i would read every card in the "love" section searching for the perfect message... a way to tell my one-and-only how much he meant to me.  the more words on the card the better, as it helped me to communicate when i sometimes didn't feel like i had the voice to do it myself.   it wasn't only the lover-boys in my life that would receive my gratitude wrapped up in an envelope.  i sent cards to my family and friends every chance i got... special occasions and mundane days alike.  when i picked out a card, i would think about the recipient.  i would imagine their excitement as they discovered it... in the mailbox, tucked in their locker, or marking a gift.  in my mind, i could see that special someone open the card and hear my voice as they began to read the sentiments.  i knew it would fill up their heart. 

these days i continue to enjoy sending cards.  i have a more grown up style... simply stated sentiments vs. the outpouring of poetic feelings i depended on back then.  a kind hello or a heartfelt thank you, i believe a good ol' fashioned docket can go a long way.  what better way to tell someone you hold them dear. 

{ elephant stickers at three potato four   }