Patina General

Drawer Memory Boxes

Finally finished up a client project last week that I thought would be fun to share. It's a great way to use up some extra drawers that you may have laying around, and create some sentimental art for your home.

New Garden with the New Camera

This was the week; I was determined to get the new SLR camera out of the box, put the lens on, and start taking some pictures. And what better subject matter to learn on, then pretty flowers?! It's not like I need to be nervous about wasting film developing any more, right?

Glensheen, The Congdon Mansion-Part 2... My Favorites

Here's a small sampling of my favorites during our visit to the Congdon Mansion in Duluth, Minnesota.

Minnesota State Fair

Last week was the beginning of "The Great Minnesota Get Together", and the weather was perfect to enjoy it fully without getting too hot or wet! We went the first day, and what struck me the most this year was the beautiful gardens and foliage everywhere. 

Glensheen...The Congdon Mansion in Duluth Minnesota, Part 1

During our recent trip to the Northshore, Bethany was excited to tour the Congdon Mansion. The guys opted out and took in the train museum instead.

A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman: Medicine for my Soul

I have been reading a lot these last few months. Books. Not magazines with pretty pictures; books with no pictures and lots of words. Inspiring words from inspiring authors. Which is unusual for me, because I'm usually more of a doer and not a reader.

Deep Down Cleaning & Lemon Oil

I've been tackling some long over due deep down cleaning in our home.

Cameras: Some Things Old, Something New

I went to National Camera's annual tent sale last week in search of an SLR camera. I've blogged for 6 years now with a point and shoot Canon, and it's served me well, but the beautifully, clear images I'm seeing all over the internet made this vintage-paced lady decide I can't put the learning curve off any longer.

A Few Days Away... the Northshore

A few days away with no schedules to keep and some quality time for our family, just what we needed before Jonathan headed back to college and Bethany full speed ahead into soccer season.

Succulent Love

For the first summer ever in my gardening life, I decided to try out a collage of low succulents for my tabletop containers. I've loved the subtle textures and colors of these beauties for years, but haven't been able to stomach their prices. But this year, at Lowe's, a full display of their beautiful options, plus a reasonable price on small, individual pots made me pull the trigger on a whole new world.