Matty (and you and everyone there) have been in my thoughts and prayers. Glad he's holding his own. If only they could speak...Healing hugs to you all~xo p.s. and yes, we compost. It's the best, isn't it? Your goat helper probably makes a world of difference too. Wish I knew someone with a goat, nearby...I am way behind on pruning/planting/everything-ing. I better get busy soon...Happy planting/happy almost spring!

Oh Constance - she is so very pretty in pink! Love how she matches her outfit to her name - talk about coordinating your wardrobe! So sorry to have been absent for so long this summer. Happy to see you once again though, and see how wonderfully you're pursuing your dream! Must catch up more...meanwhile, happy September! Autumn is almost here, hurray! xox

Um, that last letter was s'posed to be an 'o' for hugs - not a 'p,' lol! Though that bit o'weirdness, was probably just me...sheesh.

Lovin' your tree people, Lisa! Life can be so daily, sometimes (and a bit weird too - at least, it has been lately for me...)Sending lots of love to you, today and every day. xoxp

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, dear Constance! So happy we met in this wild & wonderful virtual world. Sending you lots of love and wishing you a happy heart, today and every day!! xoxo (Crossing my fingers and making a wish that this comment shows up. Strange computer things have been going on...)

So glad you are okay! Looking at the news online has been rather shocking. My daughter and her little one have been visiting us down here, while my SIL has been keeping us updated (where they live is thankfully okay, so far), though they're returning later today and the thought of them crossing all that water to get back home seems a little worrisome. Hopefully the waters will continue to recede and everyone will stay safe. Hope you and yours' stay safe too!

"Oh!" - oh my! Oo-la-la! I would have loved to have heard all those banjos - and the gut bucket too (odd but true, just on New Year's I said to my husband, "The world needs more jug bands!" - we were listening to bluegrass & folk music, with someone accompanying on spoons). What fun you must have had. Glad the good times rolled! Thanks for taking us along! xo p.s. I wonder if the character in black might have been representing Pere Fouettard? (I'm not sure of the spelling - but I think he's sort of like Pere Noel's cop who gives the bad kiddos their coal...). Whether or not that's him - still a very interesting character!

Wishing you wonders and joys in 2012! Happy New Year, Constance dear! xo

Oops! I missed Boxing Day too! Santa looks perfectly majestic, there on your beautiful stage! Hope your holidays have been merry and bright~xOx

I am oh so late, but have been hoping and wishing you had a most magical and very merry CHristmas, dear Constance! Hope Santa was extra good to you!! xOx

Bless you! God bless us one and all.

I'm so very sorry, Corey. It's so hard to lose someone you love - and somehow the holidays can seem to make the loss all the harder...Thinking of you and your family, praying that faith and sweet memories will bring some comfort to you all, through such a sad time. xo

Wow! I am awestruck both by this video - and also by your words about it, Corey. It is wonderful food for thought. p.s. wonderful is a word I think of for you too - also, brocante ;) p.s.s. Still praying.

Peace be with you and your family, Corey. xo

Still thinking of you and your family, Corey, and praying. Lord have mercy...

Just got caught up. Praying now. Hugs

Such sweet toys. I love that quote.

Oops - that was s'posed to be 'Xo' not 'so,' lol.

Constance, you and your mama are amazing. I think you have this synchronicity thing down pat. Go you! Making your mom's sweet dreams come true AND making your friend's birthday even more special. That centerpiece is so beautiful. Like a tiny secret garden... so p.s. Your friend's earrings are gorgeous. Makes me wish I could still wear them...

What an amazing woodcarving! I'll pass the link on to family members, up there. Loved seeing the photos of your catalog from the eighties. I think they hold much more charm than the slick, digital catalogs of today (though I'm certain they must have taken a lot of work in those pre-digital days!). What wonderful memories you must have made during that time. Glad your family had a happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for the sunshine you bring to this virtual world!

Reading what you've shared from your heart, Constance, I wish I could give you a hug, right now. I seem to have learned most things the hard way...but I think you're right, it can be those very things that knock us over that help compassion grow and make us stronger too. Maybe some colts need to sow their wild oats before they become stable and get good horse sense...Thank you for sharing your growing pains. I am so glad you grew into beautiful YOU. XOXO

Constance, I am so grateful to 'know' you, here in Bloglandia. Thanks for being wonderful you and sharing what you do! Hope you're having sweet pie dreams, tonight. Happy Thanksgiving, Constance! xOx

Hey Constance - what treasures you're finding this fall. Love all the autumn colors of your world! Are those the aubergine snap peas, you told me about? They're gorgeous. Happy week to you too! xOx

So bright and cheery - in Christmas colors too. What a lovely gift. My husband always grows some peppers (he's more of a fan than I am - they don't agree with me much, anymore - but I still love to look at them). Your post reminds me, I need to remind him he needs to harvest them soon. Thai and little bird peppers, a few on each plant - not sure if there are enough to turn into a wreath, but that would be a great idea. Enjoy your spicy little wreath! xo