zoo flowers

ok, so here's the start of my toledo zoo picture extravaganza. i accidentally posted this before it was done, so i've now added all the flower pictures. there was a beautiful conservatory there that we didn't even go inside, so this is just the tip of the iceberg of what they have.

see the butterfly?

a bug

not sure exactly what this is... grasshopper? katydid? it's beautiful, but the poor little guys is missing a leg.

loose leaf tea satchel

i found the instructions for this VERY EASY sewing project here. i've never been able to find a diffuser that doesn't let little particles of tea leaves out while it's brewing, so i'm hoping this will solve that problem. i found this cotton handkerchief at the dollar store (2 for $1) with the flowers already embroidered on it. the button is one i've had forever and have been looking for the perfect use for it. now i just need to get some loose leaf tea to try it out!

at the zoo

nature walk

chain-o-lakes state park
albion, indiana




this is the first time i've been able to capture a living creature close up on a flower.

and another one, though it's not very pretty, i was excited.

oh how i love wildflowers.

some projects i'm working on

my first sewing project - i'm making a capri and top set for my daughter.

have the pieces all cut out now, just need to sew them together!

a painting i started last summer, and just finished a couple days ago.
this picture was taken with the flash off, so it's pretty "warm."

this one is with the flash, it's brighter. i like this one better.

my inspiration was the sunflowers growing along the side of our garage last summer.

roses

these lovely things bloom in our backyard every spring. i love how their fragrance fills the house when i bring some in.