As I shared in my last post, Lemon Lane Cottage is my second blog.  Like a lot of other bloggers, I entered the blogging world with no idea of what to expect, also like a lot of other bloggers, it took some time to decide not only what, but how much I wanted to share.


When I first started blogging a couple of years ago, it was with the intention of journaling for my family and friends.  I fell in love with blogging from the start.  The sharing, the encouragement and the creative camaraderie were more than I could have ever imagined.


As much as I enjoyed blogging, it didn't take long for me to realize that the line between real family life and blogging can be a delicate one and I began to feel a bit overwhelmed...trying to walk the tightrope and achieve a balance...so I backed away for a bit.


During my break I decided that if I were to return, it would have to be in a way that was fun for me and enjoyable to the reader...I wanted to showcase the pretty and positive things in my life.  It seemed natural that this would begin with my home and so, Lemon Lane Cottage was started.


The only problem was that crafting is such an important part of who I am and I really enjoy sharing what I'm working on...


So what's a girl to do?  I revamped my original blog gave it a new title, Time to bloom...sharing my love of hand made crafts, just for sharing my crafting adventures.


While the posting is erratic because my time in my craft studio varies so much, I think I have found my balance.  No pressure...just fun and a love of sharing the beauty in every day life.


The pictures in today's post are all from over there...if you like what you see, I'd love to have you stop over and take a peek.  I just can't promise when you'll see something new.

Life has a way of getting in the way of my crafting time...I'm sure none of you can relate!

*Edited to add - I am sorry if some felt deceived by me not revealing that this is not my first blog.  That was never my intention.

It's finally Friday and boy, am I looking forward to the weekend.

I've been racking my brain over my 'ten facts about me" list.  I had no idea how hard it would be to come up with ten.  But I promised, so here goes...ten things about me that you don't already know.


1. I hate peas, alway have since I was a little girl.  I don't know why, but just the thought of them makes me queasy.
2.  I love crafts of all kinds and actually have a separate blog dedicated to my crafting adventures.
3.    My camera is a Nikon D90.  I love it but freely admit that it is totally beyond my abilities as a photographer.
4.  My dream is to leave my State job next year, (yes, I am a government worker) and pursue my love of all things domestic, becoming as self sufficient as possible along the way.
5.  I have more designer paper and beautiful fabric than I will ever be able to use but I continue to buy it and hoard it.
6.  I really don't like to paint walls...in fact, I really, really, really don't like to paint walls.
7.  I have to choose to be content and not think the grass just might be greener in someone else's yard.
8.  I would rather buy new garden plants than a new pair of shoes.
9.  Our dog sleeps in the bed with us.  In fact, he usually ends up between our two pillows.
10. One day I want to open a little shop on etsy.
That's it...

For those of you who noticed, you're right, that is a golf ball in my little white pitcher.  It seems there is always something stashed in there, including trains, hot wheels and even a harmonica. 

I've started the color warm up in the living room with a gathering of treasures on hand,
a collection of mismatched lovelies.

Most of the pictures I've shared have been of the front perennial bed.  I think I may be partial to it because I started it as a new bed and I love seeing it mature but our backyard is actually a big part of what sold us on this house.


The beautiful stone walkways, the pond and the huge patio were all here when we moved in, as where multiple mature trees that provide wonderful summertime shade.


We have added and removed some in the three years we've lived here including this peach tree and a little vegetable patch which I have big plans to expand this fall.



I really admire those of  you who can be totally content with where you live.  I wish I could say I have always been one of those.



 I am more content now than I've ever been and I think it's been more of a conscious choice than an actual arrival at a destination.


I love it here in our little suburban cottage on Lemon Lane.  Not because it's the grandest place we've ever lived, not because it's acres secluded in a thicket of trees with rolling hills and a beautiful lake, but because I've learned contentment is an attitude within the heart.

I'm linking up with Fishtail Cottage for Flora Thursday...

In all fairness to my husband, I should have given a little more background to our “puke” discussion.  I was asking his opinion and after much back and forth he said the living room was not to his taste (it was starting to look a little bit too much like my studio which is very feminine and fufu”). 
After reading a few comments I realized that the one sentence on its own was a tad bit out of context. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some painting to do.

As you know, I've been trying to cottage up our living room.  I had an idea in my head as to the direction I wanted to go and as the pieces started to come together I liked it less and less but I figured I'd live with it for a while and see if it "grew" on me. 



Then the other day my husband put the decisive nail the coffin with his ever so tactful comment, "This turquoise makes me want to puke."  Sorry for the graphic language but if I'd said it any other way you might have missed the passion behind it.


I still love the color combination and the softness of the look but in the overall scheme of the living room, with it's bulky brown leather sofa's, it just isn't working.



So most, (not all) of the robin's egg (not turquoise, honey) blue is being painted.  I'm not sure what color yet, probably red since it is the common thread throughout the adjoining dining room and kitchen.



That's the great thing about decorating...try something new and if it doesn't work out you can always repaint or recover and start over.



This redo is a very inexpensive and easy fix but I've had others that cost me much more. 

What about you?

Early each morning I go out and take a walk in the garden, hose in hand, and reflect.  It's a time to let my mind wander from the minutia to the pressing things in life.



The renewal it brings is still there. 
The peace it provides is still there. 
The nourishment it yields is still there.

Every soul needs a quiet time of reflection.  Be sure you find yours today.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for sharing your 4th of July plans with me.



 I love to hear so many people still take pride in what our country stands for and embrace the time to celebrate it.


I hope you day is filled with peace and a thankful heart for those individuals and families who sacrifice so much to keep it that way!  And long may she wave...