Well hello Mother Nature!

Fun fact about me:  I'm a bit of a photography buff.  For as long as I can remember I've always loved taking pictures.  People shots, action shots, still shots...you name it, I'll shoot it.  A 'professional' I'm most certainly not, but I've been told that I'm quite talented with a camera.

Lately my camera and I have been venturing out to Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, Illinois.  Lake Katherine is a man-made nature preserve with waterfalls, botanical gardens, walking trails, wildflowers, and of course, a lake.  The preserve is also home to a number of birds, ducks, geese, fish and various other critters.  I always go snap happy when I'm there!  Here's a few shots from a recent trip to the lake.

Enjoy!
~Jean

Wednesday Wishlist: Bits of Whimsy

For this week's Wishlist I once again turn to those fabulous Etsy sellers (I can't help it, really.  I could do 10 years' worth of Wishlists and not even scratch the surface of all the wonderful talent to be found on that site!).  Having been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, I sought out a little whimsical fun, and just look what I came up with!  Please show their shops some love by right clicking on the links to open in a new window.

Thanks, and have a whimsical day!

Lisa Snellings Lavender Blue Poppet

from Strangestudios

Robot with Headphones Print

from randomhouse

Clockwork Orange 5x7 Print

from kahlaw

Let's Talk from jeffclaassen

Sock Creature Casey from beezmiller

Goldi Golden Skeleton Key Dangle Earrings

from VintageMusings

Hot Air Balloon Ring

from MintyFreshFusions

Cow Bag-Purse Crochet Pattern

from sonicka

The Witch's Mushroom Garden

from WanderingLydia

Elephant Rain from Phizzychick

Wednesday Wishlist: Oldies but Goodies

I love vintage wares with all their timeless beauty and classic elegance, taking me far back in time.  So for this Wednesday Wishlist I bring you incredible finds via the fabulous vintage sellers of Etsy (of course!).  Please show each shop some love by right clicking on the link to open in a new window. 

Librarian Cat Eyeglasses from bumbleebuck

Royal KMM c 1941 Manual Typewriter

from queganga

Retro California Pottery Planter

from PoValleyVintage

Pearl Locket Brooch Pin from SmArtsy

1950s Dark Cherry Red Wool Hat with Feathers

from FoxyBritVintage

Imperial Reflex 620 Duo Lens Camera

from FalconandFinch

Italiano Mama 1970's Salt and Pepper Shakers

from circa1900s

Jet Black Heron from rekindle

Northern Electric Cathedral Wood Wall Telephone

from NostalgicMeditations

Triple Tiered Iron Plant Stand

from TheLovelys

Wednesday Wishlist: Farm, Sweet Farm

You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl.  Maybe, but how about if you take this girl out of the city, and plant her on a farm out in the country.  Surround her with rolling hills and big skies and land where she can grow her own food, plant a beautiful flower garden, tend to her chickens and goats and pigs and sheep.  Watch as she sits on her porch at night and gazes up at the stars.  Yeah, that's my dream, and one day I hope to have my own farm and live off my land.  I love the city (Chicago will always be my home), but I long for the tranquility and slower pace of country life.  Less noise, less pollution, less distractions.   Soon, very soon.

Image courtesy of farmkitchen.com

Image courtesy of picture-newsletter.com

Image courtesy of scgaproperty.com

Image courtesy of thelocalharvestdish.wordpress

Image courtesy of michigansweetfarm.com

Image courtesy of gwarffynnon.co.uk

Image courtesy of cache.boston.com

Image courtesy of scrapetv.com

Image courtesy of bizios.com

Image courtesy of photobucket.com