a year ago today...

... I posted for the very first time.

I was so scared and nervous and anxious... wondering what I was getting myself into. What would my blog be about? What would it look like? Well a whole year has come and gone and my blog is still evolving. I still desire to preserve the past and encapsulate the present by posting pictures and telling stories and expressing thoughts. But I have also ventured into posting my thrifty finds, craft projects and garden pics... and with plans for an Etsy shop in the foreseeable future. And I have been pleasantly surprised to discover that I look at life a little differently now. I have become more aware of the images that I want to preserve... the moments to remember... being more intentional, more purposeful... realizing that everyday has a story... whether expressed through an image or a conversation or a thought. I find I am more sensitive to my surroundings, being more aware of the significance of the moment or how it evokes a memory from my past.
Thank you for reading my blog, for hearing my heart and for your affirming comments. You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you, thank you!
And what else... well, I had no idea that I would be introduced to bloggers from all over the world that daily inspire me to create and discover and believe and live life to the fullest. I am sewing again. I am discovering a passion for photography and writing. I am learning more about my computer. Heck, I'm learning period! I have not stretched my brain like this in years! It's exciting and challenging and humbling all at the same time.

Anyway, Randy and I arrived home safe and sound. And speaking of sound, we realized about an hour from home that we had not listened to music or radio the entire trip to and from CO. And I did not sleep or read the entire trip. I even brought several favorite magazines that I had been saving just for the trip! We are big on talking and listening and just being quiet in our thoughts. What a wonderful time of hearing each other, sharing our hopes and dreams for the future, processing life together. And with no interruptions! Ok, so maybe a phone call or two. But we ended up driving 12 straight hours to get home, with an occasional yard sale now and then... you know, to stretch the legs. But you wouldn't believe the number of sales we passed up! Torture, I tell you, torture!

These are a few of my favorite finds...


What is this? It is too big to be a clothespin holder... maybe for lingerie? Anyway, I love it!! The dresses are both pockets too. What should I do with it after I hang it with a hanger? Only paid a dollar.


The plastic tubing sewing basket was free. So cute and little.


Love the art work on the 'made in England' tin container. That and the aqua rag rug basket were both a quarter each.


My best find was at a yard sale in Monte Vista, CO... a big bag of vintage ric rac for a dollar!! I love all the colors and the various types of packaging. And was tickled to find a package of ric rac from J. C. Penney that originally sold for 8 cents!