Fresh Blooms

There is something so magical about the Arboretum in spring. I love to see the fresh blooms of spring peeking out. I love the fresh air and birdsong of April. Vivi noticed the hum of crickets. And the rain showers give me dreams of lush gardens filled with blossoms. The kids happily make their fairy houses and run free through the garden paths. Not to mention splashing in the fountains and sporadic rain showers, so happy to feel the cool water run over heads, hands, and toes. We shared the delights with our friends Jen, Emma and Ciara, and my dad (Grandpa) who is visiting this week.

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. ~Rachel Carson

Eggs, Chicks and Chocolate

The title pretty much sums up our Easter weekend. Although, perhaps chocolate should be in bold. I forget how much sweet is consumed on this holiday! The kids were up bright and early hunting for colored eggs and Easter baskets. Who knew that three children could devour over a dozen boiled eggs in one morning? We then headed for Biltmore Estate for another egg hunt and visit to the farm to see the baby animals.

art print by Marjan Van Zetl

Warmest Easter Greetings!

Lemony goodness

I have made four batches of these tasty scones in the last two days!! I had never made scones before, feeling somewhat intimidated by them. Man, I have been missing something good! It all started with a bag of organic lemons I found on sale at the grocery store. I was asked to make scones for Mia's classroom bake sale, and found this excellent recipe. I liked them so well that I made more for today's egg hunt potluck breakfast at Jen and Rich's. Yummmm.

So, without further ado, Here is the link to the recipe for Lemon Cream Scones. I love epicurious! Now I plan to make some yummy lemon curd with the extra lemon juice. Tangy and sweet, the perfect combination!

Preparing for Easter

Today we had fun bringing out the box of Easter decorations. It was fun remembering all of the special trinkets and where they came from. This vintage paper egg from Germany was a treasured thrift store find one year.

Last year's painted eggs

Here are some of my sketched eggs from last year. I borrowed images from Tasha Tudor's A Tale for Easter for inspiration. The duckling didn't survive the frenzy of unpacking the goods, poor thing.


A favorite Easter puzzle

a little wooly chick that I made years ago

I brought three dozen blown eggs into Vivi's classroom today, ready to decorate. The little egg blower tool is indispensable! I used a package of silver bead caps, tied on a silver embroidery floss, then hot glued the cap to the egg. This worked wonderfully for hanging the eggs. I brought Patricia Polacco's book Rechenka's Eggs to share with the children. What a beautiful story. Then the kids painted their own eggs. It was such fun to watch them make their special creations.

with gratitude for painted eggs and happy, creative children

Spring Awake!

After a day of feeling very miserable and low energy with a tiresome spring cold, I am waking up a bit and ready to enjoy some sunshine! I walked out of the house this morning in amazement to the working of nature. Since our early April showers, everything is beginning to look so vibrant. I absolutely love spring!

I send my heartfelt blessings to my mom who has a birthday today! Love you so much!

Vivienne's very own garden plot. Her radishes are coming up!

Mia tidying up the backyard play fort

My creative outlet for today - homemade Baklava. Came out a bit gooey, but sweet!

aren't these little sprouts the sweetest sight? Did I already tell you how much I love spring?