Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 15

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Purple Cone Flowers In My Garden

How does your garden grow? I'm surprised I have any flowers at all due to the heat and long dry spell we've had lately. My coneflowers are surprisingly hardy and very photogenic too. Good for them. I love things that can take care of themselves.




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Rain

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)
A Child’s Garden of Verses, 1913

• Rain
• THE RAIN is raining all around,
• It falls on field and tree,
• It rains on the umbrellas here,
• And on the ships at sea.

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French Toast

You probably weren't expecting this, were you? via

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Charles Dickens Loved Cats

I scanned the image from my favorite book . . . The Royal Book of Crests. It seemed to be perfect for making this illustrated quote. Have a great weekend and give your cat some extra treats.




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Croquet, Horseshoes or Bocce Ball? | Lawn Games

I'll choose croquet. I grew up playing this game and never got over it. These would make nice gifts if you're visiting someone at their summer home.

Restoration Hardware Lawn Games For sale at half price right now!




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USPS Stamps Honor Lighthouses After Gulf Coast Hurricanes

These Stamps Honor Lighthouses That Stood Defiant to Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Images Based on Photos Taken the Year Following the Wrath of Katrina, Rita and Wilma

Read more . . .

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Superb Fruit Dove | Beatiful Bird of New Guinea

This beautiful bird is the perfect image for ending a busy day. Goodnight. See you in the morning. Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus), Papua, New Guinea




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Outdoor Spaces | Slideshow | Architectural Digest

Architect Robert Paxton and designer Bunny Williams restored and expanded a farmhouse near Charlottesville, Virginia, mixing contemporary elements with the region’s vernacular style. A porch that overlooks the gardens was inspired by one the clients had seen in South Africa. The large brick fireplace surrounded by wicker furniture is well used even in the dead of winter. Slideshow of more outdoor spaces from Architectural Digest.

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Nice Symmetry on this Outbuilding

I love the symmetry of all the architectural elements on this carriage house, don't you. It's absolute perfection.




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Basset Hound Puppy with Fan

Is it hot enough for you? Webster is usually parked in front of a fan but this weeks he's discovered the joy of central air. I have to admit I'm enjoying it too. I have the thermostat set at 78 and it's quite pleasant. For some reason in past years I've had it set like a walk-in cooler. I like being cool and conserving energy at the same time.

Image via Pixdaus.




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10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

One of my listings is under contract after being on the market for one year. What a relief. I think I helped too. The sellers always did everything I asked of them but it wasn't until we applied lots of Feng Shui principles that we found our buyers. I loaned the sellers several of my books for a crash course. The tip that made the most difference was putting live potted red geranium plants all over the house. They added such "life" to every room. The red blossoms and round leaves represent good luck and prosperity too. They also had a pre-sale home inspection which was another smart thing to do. Everything's going well so far. Keep your fingers crossed for us.




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Great Grey Owl

This Great Grey Owl is beautiful, isn't he? I find owls to be very fascinating. Whoooo me? Yes, you.




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By Magic, I Woke Up In This Bedroom

I went to sleep last night in a barn and by magic I woke up in a bed overlooking a lake. Pretty cool, don't you think? I love the way the center window opens up. All things are possible via blogging.




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Wonderful Post and Beam Summer Bedroom

I finally broke down and turned on my central air today. I thought I should since we're supposed to have a whole week of 100+ temperatures. No rain either until Friday at the earliest. Even the weeds are dying it's so dry. They come up easily too. I just tackled a spot near the house that is usually very hard to weed but tonight it was a breeze. Webster chose to stay inside in the A/C.

I'd love to be sleeping in this barn bedroom tonight with the door and windows wide open. Enjoy the fireworks. See you tomorrow, Rosemary.




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Miss Liberty Standing Proud on July 4th

Enjoy your Liberty today. I scanned this image from an old Life Magazine. The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

• Crown: There are 25 windows in the crown which symbolize gemstones and the heaven's rays shining over the world.
• Rays of Crown: The seven rays represent the seven seas and continents of the world.
• Chains: Chains and a broken shackle are at the Statue's feet and cannot be seen from below. This symbolizes the Statue as a goddess free from oppression and servitude.
• Tablet: Represents a book of law.
• The tablet reads in Roman numerals July 4, 1776, the date of American Independence. (JULY IV MDCCLXXVI)

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