Before the Colours Come

It is mostly green in the back garden right now. The youngest hydrangea doesn't have any blue blooms; I do hope they come this year. I cut a few branches off the magnolia tree to let a little more light in on its leaves.

The cone flowers have yet to show any purple petals, but it won't be long before the colours come.

In the meantime, these two photos will take me to Ireland. 

I'm linking with the second Green Day at "Raindrops and Daisies". I'm sure Fiona would be happy to have you visit!
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For those on Facebook: 

 ★ On "Feature Your Photo on Facebook" you are invited to post one original photo (and a comment about your choice) on My Little Home and Garden's Facebook page. ★

Everyone is welcome.

Spray Away on a Summer Day

 If you spend enough time around certain people, you're bound to be influenced.

Bloggers. 

There are plenty of them who can create wonders with a can of spray paint.
With that inspiration, I was willing to try and

spray away on a summer day.

I took aim yesterday. 

I wasn't creating anything new, just working on developing my trigger finger and renewing a couple of old pieces around the home and garden. Call it the east coast part of my heritage, but a name like "Blue Ocean Breeze" was bound to get my attention. Granted, this soft colour is probably more reminiscent of the Caribbean...

 than the Atlantic.

Enamoured with the colour, I started to spray a black, decorative birdcage, a small plastic pot (just in case I needed it) and an obelisk. Being a bit trigger-happy, I neglected to take a "before" photo. Just imagine the obelisk as once being black, then white, after mother nature and her minions had taken away the original finish.

I do hope that tomato plant grows to appreciate its oceanic support.

As for the bird cage, I hung it in the lilac tree.

For now.

Would you leave it in a tree, put a plant inside, maybe a flameless candle...

If you have any ideas, do pass them on, please.

Meanwhile, I'll go and try to get the remaining flecks of  "Blue Ocean Breeze" off my fingers...

Gloves. 

Hindsight.

A Little Reminder:

For those on Facebook: 

 ★ On "Feature Your Photo (Friday on Facebook)" you are invited to post one original photo (and a comment about your choice) on My Little Home and Garden's Facebook page. ★
Everyone is welcome.

 

✬ Online Photo Editing: There's a New Kid in Town

Have you met Ribbet yet? A few days ago I received an email saying that this new online editing tool, which is set up like the now-defunct Picnik, was up and running.

Or croaking, one might say. 

It has plenty of basic editing tools, effects, the ever-popular collage maker, and many premium features. Currently, the premium features are free when you register. (I used my blog name and email to do so)

Have fun if you decide to give it a whirl!

The link is here.

I hope some of you find this helpful.

I Love a Parade!

Last Sunday afternoon, the downtown was alive with the colours and sounds of an annual parade celebrating the variety of cultures in this area. I'd already visited the Peony Festival on Saturday so was free to find a shady spot and watch this procession.

Here's a 20 second taste of the event.

The summer season is getting into full swing and I'm determined to enjoy local festivities!

How about you?

I'm linking with Mary at Little Red House for "Mosaic Monday". Drop by to see her and you'll find a wide range of collages.

Cool, Leafy Greens

After some hot and steamy days, it's time for some leafy green coolness.

Bring on the lemonade!

For those on Facebook: 

 ★ On "Feature Your Photo (Friday on Facebook)" you are welcome to post one original photo (and a comment about your choice) on My Little Home and Garden's Facebook page. ★

Fiona, over at Raindrops and Daisies, was one of those who joined in last week for the first ever "Feature Your Photo". I'm happy to be linking with her as she introduces "Green Day" on her blog. Pop over to Ireland and join this brand new meme.

I Should Be Ironing

I should have been ironing. 

Instead, I took a walk outside to check on some of the roses. 

I'm a bit surprised they weren't flagging in the heat.

Like me. 

I'd linger longer,

but I should be ironing.

Peony Festival

This weekend was the annual Peony Festival in my area. There are over 300 varieties of peonies in the gardens. In its 8th year, the free event now attracts many visitors from this region and beyond.

Although spring came early, plenty of the peonies were still in bloom and, happily, the sun was shining.

A few artists had stalls featuring watercolours, painted screens, bits of jewelry, sculptures and other assorted wares. These dancers sprang up, unannounced, on the grass. Whether the language I heard being spoken by their leader was Mandarin or Cantonese I don't know, but they danced to the accompaniment of a single drum. (The peony is a flower of great cultural significance in China.)

One woman, who was also watching the dancers, mentioned she had lived in the area for 24 years and that it was her first time being in this park by the creek. Does your home area often any places or events you wish to explore this spring/summer?

Thank you for visiting.

I'm linking with "Mosaic Monday" at Little Red House.
Thanks to Mary for being our hostess.

Reminder of "Feature Your Photo"

Hello! This is just a quick reminder to those interested in "Feature Your Photo". The original post can be accessed here.

In short:

 ★ On "Feature Your Photo (Friday on Facebook)" you are welcome to post an original photo (and a comment about your choice) on My Little Home and Garden's Facebook page. If it is a shot from your blog, please say so. That way guests can find their way over to you to see more! ★

Just a friendly little gathering!

It's already Friday in some parts of the world!  

:)

One Quick Photo: A Pink Rose

Sometimes a little bit of delight, whispering, is plenty.

Is there a simple something that restores you?

❀Feature Your Photo (Friday on Facebook): An Invitation!

As some of you know, "My Little Home and Garden" is now on Facebook!  

It's been there since June 2, 2012. Just a baby, really.

Drop by the "My Little Home and Garden" Facebook page anytime, here, or by linking directly using the Facebook badge in the right hand margin. Fridays will be extra special.

 

 

 Please have a snack while you read the details.

★ On "Feature Your Photo (Friday on Facebook)" you are welcome to post an original photo (and a comment about your choice) on My Little Home and Garden's Facebook page. If it is a shot from your blog, please say so. That way guests can find their way over to you to see more! ★

One photo. Quick. Easy.

 
 

 In the interest of harmonious international relations, let's make that Friday  

wherever you are in the world!

We'll start this week, on Friday, June 15th, 2012.
Every Friday. At least until further notice!

(Perhaps I need this new project as I've sent "Sunlit Sunday" on vacation until next winter!)

 Think about it, please.

This could be fun!

Pretty Pinks or Water-Blurred Rocks?

While on a hike, a few weeks ago, these blossoms caught my eye.

So delicate.

In my garden, the pink theme continued.

 Can you imagine the fragrance?

Although I love flowers, I think these watery shots by the lake may be my favourites.

Any thoughts?

 I'm pleased to be linking with Mary at "Mosaic Monday". 

 ❊ A Little Note: My Little Home and Garden is now on Facebook.

Click the Facebook badge in the right hand margin (or here) and you'll scoot right over. Please drop by and say "hello"!  ❊

 

Two Photos and a Camera Question

The clematis plants on the arbour are starting to bloom. I think positioning one on either side of it, along with a New Dawn rose, was one of my better decisions. (I'm more consistent in making the not-so-brilliant ones -in the garden, that is!)

There are some happy bees buzzing about, which I take as a good sign. (This flower name escapes me at the moment.)

Now for my question. I'm thinking I'd like to capture some better close-up shots (note the fuzziness in the second one) and am wondering about upgrading from my point-and-shoot camera. Poppi Linn was kind enough to leave her suggestion on Facebook. Does any else have any recommendations for a digital SLR camera?  I'd appreciate your ideas, here or on FB. (Comments not related to cameras are also welcome, of course. I love to read them!)

A Little Note: Yes indeed, My Little Home and Garden is now on Facebook. 

Please click the Facebook badge in the right hand margin (or here) to link directly to the page. I hope you'll take a peek, leave a comment, maybe even click the "Like" button.  ❊

Enjoy your day.

Peonies, Pitchers and Piping Hot Muffins

My two largest peony bushes are quickly coming to the end of their flowering season.

That leaves two others still to be enjoyed.

With the recent storms, I've taken to bringing plenty of the blooms indoors to enjoy. I tend to gravitate to white pitchers and the turquoise one with the peony motif.

Of course, feathering one's nest means perfuming the house with something from the oven.  

Let's not leave that job solely to the pink peonies.

Spiced Apple Muffins.

The recipe is from Company's Coming: Muffins and More by Jean Paré.

It may be raining heavily outdoors, but I have peonies, pitchers and piping hot muffins.

 Care to join me?

A Little Note: My Little Home and Garden is now on Facebook. 

Please click the Facebook badge in the right hand margin (or here) to link directly to the page. 

I hope that you say "hello" if you pop over to visit! 

I'm pleased to be linking with Cottage Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage.

Now on Facebook: Another Experiment!

It was one of those cold, damp weekends when I needed a pet project. I had plenty of options:

clean the house

do laundry

knit

write cards

read

paint a mirror

clear out the basement...

The list continues on at some length. However, I decided to make a Facebook page for my blog, with the help of a few Google searches.

I've noticed that some people have a page, I needed a diversion and this idea fit the bill!

I made a badge for my sidebar, on the right, and it links to my Facebook blog page. If you are a Facebook person (or even if you aren't), maybe you'll humour me and take a look.

Let's just call this another experiment. Almost one year ago (June 18th, 2011) I started this blogging adventure and have enjoyed it very much. 

A big thank you to those who have chosen to "follow" recently. I appreciate every visit I receive.

Your turn. Have you tried anything new lately?

 ❋

The Wind Blew, the Rain Came, the Power Went

The weather turned cold yesterday. 

The wind blew with great gusto and the rain came down in grey, flapping sheets. 

There was even a power outage for four hours.

The Morden Blush rose took everything in stride.

Some of the peonies opted to lie down on the job.

 

One could certainly say a good thorough watering was had by all.

Then the wind ceased, the power came back, and the rain went.

How is your weekend?

(I love reading your comments and will be sure to visit anyone who leaves one.)

Edited to add: My Little Home and Garden is now on Facebook, here.