Monday, July 7, 2014

Around the World Blog Hop....







I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the Around the World Blog Hop this week by my friends Jennifer and Elaina.  Coming from these ladies, I felt beyond honored! Jennifer's blog Thistlebear is a refreshing place to visit as she creates a handmade home that to me, is reminiscent of the past.   Her makings and everyday doings with her children show her love for the simple beauties in life.  Elaina's blog,  A Little Bit Country  is one that I have admired for many years now.   She shares her journey of life in the countryside of New Zealand where she is raising her crew.  She is a collector of all things vintage and Elaina has her hand in everything from baking to gardening. 


1.  What am I working on

Like all the makers out there I can never keep my mind on one thing.  As soon as I start one project I have one in the back of my mind brewing.  With gardening magazines on my nightstand and inspiration photos in a pile waiting to be hung on my inspiration board, I have yet to master the art of focus!  Obviously the garden is first on the list as there are always plants to be fed and beds to weed!



I'm also working on accomplishing activities with the beans from our summer list.   Our 2014 art show was a success.  Family members came over for the show and the beans made sure everyone had a cookie and lemonade.  It was a memorable day for them.













Beyond the beans and the garden I am completing our new work room little by little.  I have a box on our shelf with projects in process.

They include....2 Christmas ornaments, a scarf that I am crocheting and a sketch of a painting that will be started soon

2.  How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I'm still unsure of what genre I fit into.  Obviously the garden is a large part of my space here so I will take it from that stance first.  I differ from most other garden bloggers mainly because I am only about 7 years into this garden while most of my other gardening pals have been at their space for 15 years or more.  My space is still evolving as I have 3 little beans helping me along as I go.


The front garden...




Coneflower, Balloon flower, Coreopsis (Moonbeam), and Lamb's Ear




Blazing Star




Anise Hyssops (blue fortune), Geranium (Rozanne), Yarrow (Saucy Seduction)



As far as the other genres that I'm passionate about, I feel they could all use a bit more refining and attention.  I have loved fabrics and yarn since I was a child sewing and stitching pictures at my grandmother's house.  It has only been now that I have made a commitment to start journeying into  some of those areas as I am inspired daily by those of you who create with these mediums.

3.  Why do I write/create what I do?

Why do I create....hmmm...I think that it's just in my makeup.  I have been creating and sketching since I was a child.  In college I studied painting and went on to teach.  I write because I create.  And I publish this blog to connect with people I would otherwise not be able to meet.  This blog has been one of the most inspiring experiences in my creative process.  To not only have an outlet to share and get feedback but to learn from so many creative bloggers  has completely enriched my life.

4.  How does my writing/creating process work?


I will be honest with you, I have no process.  With 3 little ones to chase after and 2 more during the school year that I watch in my home, I create and write when I can.  My mom has always given me journals as gifts since I was a small child.  These contain drawings and sketches of garden bed ideas, future paintings, and lists of projects that I would like to accomplish.  I also have a visual inspiration board with fabrics, prints, garden photos and whatever else keeps my mind in line with creating.     




So without further ado I would like to pass on this Blog Hop to a few of the MANY bloggers that I admire...  
(Bloggers if you decide to participate please post the week of July 14th)




Happy making, baking, and growing!


44 comments:

  1. The art show is fabulous! And I love love love that photo of your beans. Your girl looks like a real professional artist standing in front of her art work while the boy....is being a little bit cheeky isn't he?!!

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  2. Love it all. Great post! xo Jenny

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  3. What a great idea :) I'm so glad you blog and that I found you! I always leave feeling inspired xx

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  4. Love the art show - what a great idea. I think my favourite is the toilet paper tube birdie! Great shed btw - i have a thing for those dutch barn sheds, love the fact that they go from dog kennel up to double garage size. Thanks for nominating me - I've never done a blog hop before so not sure what the form is xxx

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  5. Wonderful post my friend! Love all your beautiful plants! Have a nice day Nicole!
    Helga ♥

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  6. Your garden is looking so beautiful Nicole! Isn't it fun to watch them fill out and come to maturity?
    As for your beans - what a darling idea to feature them in an art show. How creative and confidence building for them. You are the best Mom and they are so blessed to have someone who nutures their gifts and talents. You inspire me. I didn't get to be there a lot for my daughter cause I am a single mom and had to work full time and then take care of our home and yard. That said, I am more of a" project driven person" than a "people person", so even when I was there, I was never there like you are. I must work on that while I still have my 25-year old daughter at home. She's talking about moving out of state now and continuing her exploring of the world. I think she's got the "traveling bug". Thanks for showing me what's really important Nicole. Have a great week and hope you're not getting as much drenching rain as we are down here. Hugs . . . Cindy

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  7. Oh, I'd love to!!! Thanks so much for including me in the blog hop, Nicole. Your house is so cute. It's magazine material! Oh to have a 7 year old garden again!!!! 7 years is such a lovely time. 18 months, not so much;) xx

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  8. I'm glad that you don't have a process to your writing! I don't either!! Love the art show, lots of creativity at your house for sure!!! xx

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  9. I love this post! The art show is fabulous... and the gardens! So nice to learn a little bit about you :)

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  10. Your photos always make me feel calm and happy! You have a beautiful garden. And the art show is such a brilliant idea!

    Have a wonderful day Nicole!

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  11. The art show was great, to see the little beans in front or behind their artwork is such fun, they can be proud and will be as creative as you are when grown up. Your garden will grow with the years too and to see the progress on your own pictures will give you so much satisfaction.
    Wish you all a nice day!

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  12. You are an inspiration Nicole, and I am amazed at the beauty you create in your garden....and in your home! Your sweet kids art show is just adorable, what a special thing to do with them! You are my hero!

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  13. loved your post-I think that is so awesome-an art show for the kids-I bet they really enjoyed that-I am off to check out the other links-your garden is amazing-hugs

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  14. that art show is fantastic!! and it was get to know you a little bit more nicole!

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  15. I have no process either, maybe I should. I love the Star Blaze, how cool!

    Haha this made me LOL! Oh boy randomly capturing non famous people in shot unintentionally is not a paparazzi you should have said "No I am not a paparazzi, you are a photo bomber" haha.

    Allie of ALLIE NYC
    allienyc.com

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  16. You have the most beautiful children! I love the art show - way to get them creating (and proud of their creations) at a young age.

    Have a wonderful week.

    eli

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  17. So much goodness and inspiration in this post! How amazing is that art show! And it was really fun to learn more about what drives you as a creative/maker. Clearly you are very good at what you do :) Hope you're having a wonderful week Nicole!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  18. What a great post! You really are a very inspiring person, as someone mentioned above. Everything is looking gorgeous around your beautiful home, as well.

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  19. Nicole: You are such an inspiration to me. Your garden pictures are do beautiful! The gnome home is too cute! I love your art show idea. I take care of my local grandchildren once a week and they LOVE to paint, so I think we might have an art show for the end of summer! I certainly know what you mean about focus issues! There's just too many wonderful, fun things to try out there!

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  20. Lovely hearing more about you, and your interests. Your garden is a truly inspirational x

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  21. Oh I love kids art and Crafts..
    What a great job with the flowers.
    The coneflowers are beautiful.
    I had 4 babies marmot who ate my Echinacea and I was Crazy about that..
    I have to wait for next year now!!!
    Miss xx

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  22. Oh wowzer Nicole thank you for the invitation, I feel so honored! I love the pictures of the beans' art show, it looks like such fun, and my, they are just too cute! And your garden is positively blooming! It's just lovely to read your thoughts on your creative life and get to hear about more of your interests! have a fab week friend! xxx

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  23. A lovely read Nicole, how nice to learn a little about your creative thoughts. I can relate to a lot of what you say, especially finding time with three little people about the place! CJ xx

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  24. I love a good QandA :). And the art show--what a fabulous idea!!! Love!

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  25. Thanks for sharing Nicole. I too have notebooks, that get sewing ideas, garden plans, book lists jotted in them. Not that all the plans eventuate, but the ideas are always captured.

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  26. I loved this post, Nicole. It gave me more insight into your process and the things that motivate and inspire you. Thank you for saying such nice things about me. I'm really glad we've connected. :)

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  27. Your garden looks so beautiful. Full of flowers and color. Your children will be future artists.

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  28. Great art show.
    I like he little fairy garden.
    Merle...........

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  29. I really enjoyed getting to know a little more about you Nicole! Like you, I always have more than one thing on the go! I think that's just life :-)

    Sarah xx

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  30. What a terrific art show, it must have been a great experience for your beans. Your garden is looking well cared for and full of summer colors.

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  31. Art work looks great. Nice to see the talents. Garden is very beautiful with perfect arrangements!

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  32. It is nice to know what goes on in Nicole's world. I love the childrens art work especially the plasticene models - hilarious - well done them. Thank you for thinking of me for the blog hop - unfortunately I won't be joining in but found your post and others that I have read fascinating. Hope you manage to get through your summer list of things to do - the garden is looking wonderful. Take care.

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  33. Beautiful gardens :) I love the art show, such great talents!

    www.writingmonique.com

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  34. I love the idea of the art show - super creative and fun! (Thanks for tagging me - I will definitely participate)

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  35. Look at your garden and you beans... and that Art Show! Too cute... if there's online bidding accepted, I really like the green backed picture on the top left of the photo! :D You must be so proud! Lovely to get to know a tad more about you Nicole.. insights into other bloggers worlds are super sometimes! Hazel xxx

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  36. Love the looks of the beans' faces in the art show - so sweet! Was lovely to read a little more about you xx

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  37. Nicole, your home in that second picture looks stunning, your garden is coming along so beautifully, you must feel so chuffed!
    And an art show at home…..could you be any more gorgeous! Love this idea, i'll put that on my pin board!

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  38. Loved reading this, I too have a pile of gardening magazines at my bedside and find it difficult to focus on one thing at a time. There are so many great things to try. Loved learning a little more about you beautiful lady! Going to have an art show come summer, you have me inspired. Elaina xo

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  39. Dear Nicole, your gardens are so pretty - I love all of your plant combinations and beautiful garden features! I don't know how you do it with little ones taking so much of your attention - you are amazing! The 'Art Show' is just wonderful - what a delightful idea! Your sweet little beans look so humbly proud, it is adorable! I am sure they are growing up just as creative as their amazing Mom. I can relate to the pile of magazines....Thank you for the lovely invitation <3 xo Wishing you a beautiful weekend! ox - Karen

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  40. The art show sounds like such a great idea. I love the picture of the beans all standing by their masterpieces on the clothesline.

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  41. Ahhhhh, what a lovely post, such a delight to read! I really like the art show idea and it's something that would go down well. You children are so cute! It's nice to find out a bit more about you, Nicole. :)

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  42. Hi Nicole, I love your garden - I can't wait for mine to be filled with as many plants. I guess I need to be patient and wait.

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  43. Awesome art show! Love learning more about you, Nic! xoxoxo Jen

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