Goodbye Post-Vacation Blahs

I used to suffer from post-vacation blahs. You know that feeling you have when you have to get back to the real world after vacation ~ the cooking, the cleaning, the mountain of laundry? This time back I didn't feel that way. I feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges as well as the monotony. I think it has to do with the fact that we changed our vacation strategy to include several mini trips throughout the year, so I know I'll get away again before what used to feel like an eternity.

One of the four beds we slept in during our trip ~ wish I'd have taken pics of all four.

Love the gingerbread trim on this B&B.

Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas was ranked #4 on the American Institute of Architecture's list of the top buildings of the 20th century.


The amazing structure made entirely of wood and glass stands 48 feet high and contains 425 windows.

A common scene in small-town America, but so enchanting.



We stayed in B&B's all nights but one. We came across this cool old historic hotel with a "Sunday special" that we couldn't pass up. As we talked to the clerk before renting a room he handed us a key and said to go check out this suite he called the sunroom suite (the only one of its kind in the hotel). Wow! It was huge, with a gorgeous bedroom, 2-person spa tub in its own open room, kitchenette, bathroom and sunroom that overlooks the downtown shops. The special was for $109 per night and ~ get this ~ included a 50 minute Swedish massage in their top floor spa! It was a case of being at the right place at the right time.

My husband and traveling companion, the man I've loved for 28 years :).

This Makes Me Happy!

We're getting ready for a road trip ~ yay! At the beginning of 2009, G and I sat down with our day planners to schedule some R & R time. We don't do a lot of major vacations, but we usually try to have a pretty good week-long trip every year or two. I've been itching to get away to somewhere tropical. But as we discussed our options, we decided we could either blow our whole vacation budget for the year on one big one, or take 4 or 5 minis. We opted for several 3-4 night minis so we would have more getaways to look forward to throughout the year. Our second such trip is approaching, and in preparation for it we bought a GPS a few days ago. I'm SO EXCITED about all it can do! I played with it for a couple of hours, and wanted to show you how accesible this little gadget will make my daily cups of joe while on the road.

How great is that? The complete list shows all kinds of coffee shops, including the local diners, which we love to check out on these trips. And of course it then routes us right to their doorstep. If we want Italian food, we can touch the screen and get a complete list of Italian restaurants in the area. When we feel like stopping for ice cream, we can get a list, complete with address and phone numbers, of all the mom & pop shops. If we want to do some antique shopping (if ?!) a simple touch will bring those up too. Little things make me happy I guess. We'll be leaving soon, so I may not blog again until we return. Have a wonderful week!

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Cross and The Blood

Though the cross is an instrument of death, it has become a symbol of beauty and of life. We decorate our homes with crosses and adorn ourselves with jewelry bearing the very same symbol. I looked around my home and started seeing many pieces bearing a cross in their design. Some are more subtle and you have to look a little more closely to see, but they're there.


As I watched the Passion of the Christ again this year, I was physically repulsed by the violence and shedding of blood that took place during the scenes depicting the scourging and crucifixion of Jesus. But whereas in any other movie I would be unwilling to subject myself to that level of gore, I am able to force myself to watch this (through partially shielded eyes) in order that I may see the beauty in the blood of Jesus, knowing that it was that very blood that became my salvation. The words of this song say it best:

I love you for the cross
I'm overwhelmed by the mystery
I love you for the cost
That Jesus you would do this for me
When you were broken
You were beaten
You were punished
I go free
When you were wounded and rejected
In your mercy
I am healed

What Can You Do With Rusty Old Wire?

I've been creating little pieces of art from rusty wire.
They're not quite ready for "the big reveal" (haha) but I thought I'd give you a tiny glimpse.

I hope to have a few pieces ready to show you next week. :)

The rest of this week my focus will be on the passion of Christ, and any posts I do will be centered on that. Only 4 days till Easter!

Doors to Adore Party

Welcome to This Stop on Your Tour of:

I've never joined in a blog "tour" or "party" but I happened across these girls' blogs and since I have a small obsession with doors, I couldn't pass this one up. I'm so happy to be included! This pic of my front door is a re-run from a recent post, but I've added a couple of new views for this tour.


Our home was built in 1856, and we aren't sure if the stone tile angels are original, but we are glad to have them "guarding" our entrance.

A wreath made from faux hydrangea and real cockscomb that we grew and dried.

Thank you for stopping by ~ be sure to visit the other doors on the tour!

Blooms & Views, Issue 2 ~ Redbuds & Secret Doors

The view out my front door. The shot's a little bright to see but there's a huge walnut tree covered in thick vines that will eventually be removed to improve our view from inside the house as well as the view of the house from the street. Looks like the wind caught the runner on my side table ~ oops! You may notice the floor boards have a notched out place. It's a "secret door" that leads to a cellar, which is said to have been used in the underground railroad to hide slaves.

The landscape is still pretty barren from this living room window view, but if you look closely you can see a redbud tree beginning to bud, and a pussy-willow tree whose buds are turning to blossoms. I hope you have enjoyed Blooms & Views, a regular feature on my blog. Now that my taxes are done ~ woohoo! ~ I can move on to more fun and creative things. In my next post I hope to give you a preview of what I've been creating from rusty wire.
~Ann