Bringing Healing to a Hurting Land

We have recently suffered from flooding and tornados in this area.  And although Japan is many miles away from these Adirondack Mountains in which we live, we are not so far removed from their recent tragedy that it does not affect us here as well. As humans, we are all connected. Devastation to one of us is devastation to all. And if that were not link enough, Abby is joined to the suffering in Japan on another level as well. Her uncle, Yutaka, is from Japan and recently visited his homeland to help bring healing to its people.

The Earthquake Devastation

What they saw when they arrived

Yutaka and Friends

Abby's Uncle, Yutaka and Sue, Abby's Aunt

Prepping Food for the Displaced in Japan

Serving on the Food Line

The Mobil Kitchen

Basic Medical Care

If you are interested in donating to the effort to bring healing to Japan, go to http://www.helpjapan.asia/.

Flowers and Ruffles

It may just be because spring is FINALLY here in the Adirondacks, but I am totally obsessed with flowers at the present.  In particular, the ones that you wear in your hair and as accessories.  I stuck a flower pin on an old necklace this morning, and now I am inspired to add flowers everywhere.  There are options for every taste and budget.  I prefer the shiny colorful types, while Abby prefers the victorian and delicate styles usually.

Delicate Bracelet

Victorian Style with a Modern Flair

Skinny Belt, Big Flower

My birthday is in September, just in case anyone wants to buy this for me.

Handmade flower bracelet from Etsy

Thanks to the incredibly creative gals at 100 Layer Cake, and the amazing talents of Heart of Light, I have plans to make my own belts (like the ones below) soon.  Check out the step by step instructions.

If you have a favorite flower accessory, or have made one of your own, please post a comment and let us know!

Whimsical Wonders

Fairy tales have a magic that transcends for all ages. Lately, we can see that the wonder and delight of these tales have become a very trendy inspiration for home and garden decor. Instead of focusing on the hero or heroine of the story, the decorative focus of current design is the lesser elements of a fairy tale. A magical toadstool. A miniature gnome. Caught up in this wonder and delight, Abby has worked her own personal magic, and brought some of those ideas to life in her own abode. Here is a little glimpse into these whimsical wonders.

 Edible Chocolate Toadstools used as Cake Decoration

Toadstools Used in Indoor Gardening at Abby's House

The Travelocity Gnome

In folklore, Gnomes guarded gardens and treasures.

More of Abby's Magic

I can imagine a Gnome living quite comfortably in this garden with those beautiful crystal to guard.

Toadstools add just a hint of whimsy.

This gnome looks like she is waiting for an invitation to move into the the home below.  Find her on Etsy.

A red garden, for the red girl gnome.

Abby had much fun creating a whimsical garden.  Leave a comment or a picture to show us how you added whimsical wonders to your home!