Sunday, November 22, 2020

Well.....Hello ❣


Well.....hello❣ I did wonder if you would return. =) It seems my little political musings last week threw the cat among the pigeons. Not that I condone throwing a cat or indeed any other animal. A disagreeable person or two perhaps....just joking....hmmm.....but then....! =) The only cat here, is my Boo, and I suppose, though he might not be disagreeable to a pigeon or two, me thinks he would rather snooze his day away. He is a rather aloof fellow who looks upon most people with disdain, regardless of their political persuasion (but he does seem to tolerate me). Boo just snoozes his day away in a cosy corner, with one eye open just to make sure nothing is amiss. He doesn't take too kindly to disagreements and commotions. For it is a quiet world that he craves, and I must say, as do I. Oh, to be a cat where all one has to worry about is his next feed or what pretty quilt he will rest on.

I have thought much about my blog this week. I have mulled over and over what my blog is reflective of. I'm just thinking aloud. =) Though my little blog waxes lyrical about all things pretty; pretty flowers and pretty pretties which I imagine and then fashion, and other such fripperies and frivolous nonsense; sometimes, just sometimes my toes do tend to step over to the other side. The dark side, where I visit and linger a while, where subjects such as political intrigues, fractious governments and other social issues are pondered and spoken about. Then, to my horror, I shriek "what on earth have I done??!!", and quickly step back into my happy place once again, where dastardly topics such as foreign affairs, political back room dealings and the like are once again smothered and blotted out by bouquet after bouquet of pretty flowers; and stuff and nonsense reigns supreme yet again. There are those who don't necessarily want to broach the subject of politics or other social issues in the blog arena, and that is perfectly fine and acceptable,  but sometimes, just sometimes I desire to address the metaphorical; uncomfortable and controversial, socially and political 'elephant in the room'.

I have watched the 'The News of the World' less this week. I wonder as it is early Sunday morning and I have decided upon a news-free day......are the tenants in the big house, in the 'Land of the Free', beginning to pack their worldly goods and chattels, and put practices into place to evacuate the building yet?? Now, this is intended as a rhetorical question in case some of you want to put me straight, in no uncertain terms, as to the legalities of the  lodgings of the aforementioned tenants and their future eviction. I suppose the news will trickle down here to this far rural outpost, one day. BUT enough of this waggishness, as I fear such frolicsomeness....such  impishness will once again get me into a  a helluva lot of strife. Please excuse me, for it is a wicked and rather droll sense of humour that I have. Us Aussies are a quirky and laconic lot. We really don't take ourselves too seriously. We are a self-deprecating mob, who love to take the mickey out of both ourselves and others, and sometimes our leaders. I know.....how shocking! Those of you who have followed my little blog for a long time know that the sense of the ridiculous is always percolating just below the surface. But enough! Let us chat about happy and more agreeable things. Let us chat about quilts and pretty flowers; books and other such pleasurable things, shall we????

My week has disappeared in a fog of busyness. It seems I have been a bit of a social butterfly this week, enjoying convivial conversations and many a cup of tea; and may I add, much laughter and amusement did seem to have bubbled over. It always happens when a group of Aussies with the same sense of humour gather. After all, laughter is the best medicine is it not?? A lovely day was had on Tuesday stitching with my dear friend Anne; me stitching my clamshells, Anne stitching some sweet stitcheries. And then, on Wednesday afternoon, a couple of fun hours hanging out with Holly, at 'The Kim Sharman School of Stitching Excellence'. I always look forward to Wednesday afternoons when Holly visits. She is the most delightful teenager  and her outlook on life from a young person's perspective is always enlightening. I am going to miss Holly when she goes off to college next year. Whatever will I do on Wednesday afternoons?? Then yesterday, both my good husband I were invited to afternoon tea with some lovely friends.

More little clamshells made this week. More little scraps of fabric glued to clamshell papers and stitched together to sit next to each other in an orderly and straight line; well almost. Mostly this is 'easy as' but every now and then for no apparent reason the odd  clamshell just will not toe the line.  I have no reason why, this is so. Don't you hate that?? I know I do. But these little imperfections are not really noticeable even to those with x-ray vision as the plethora of different fabrics and patterns trick the eyes. Love, love, love when this happens.

Anyway, notwithstanding the odd pesky little clamshell I have enjoyed another week of playing. It is always a joy for me to play with as many fabrics as I possibly can. It is always a happy day when I can re-visit fabrics which haven't seen the light of day for a very long time. 'Tis a shallow gal that I am, but what can I say. Playing with fabrics, a little stitching and the odd flower or two does bring smiles to my day.

A lot of gardening has happened this week, too. Weeds and me have been involved in the toughest of wrestling matches, having a torrid battle with me slowly banishing them to the weed heap. I have been getting a good workout too, by shovelling wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of woodchip along the paths in the garden. Truly, it seems chores in the garden are never done at this time of the year. What is the star in the garden this week?? Why, it is a stunning purple rhododendron which is huge. Of course me being me, I wanted to use it as a backdrop to style a little flower photo shoot. =)











Sometimes, when the news of the day was a tad exasperating, just like Mrs Bennett of Pride and Prejudice fame, feeling a little vexed I took to my boudoir, with smelling salts in hand and enjoyed a little reading. At any given time I have a wide variety of books by my bed ready to be enjoyed. My little flower-filled boudoir is a place where peace pervades the most troubled of souls. A few sumptuous flowery books, a couple of my favourite magazines, and, a book I read a couple of years ago which I wanted to revisit. It's title is "To Obama, With love, joy, hate and despair. I loved it then, and I love it even more now. Oh, by the way, when I retire to my boudoir for a little book reading, I always take tea in the grandest of fashion........I wonder....do you?? =)




This book is based on the popular New York Times article "To Obama". Every evening at Barack Obama's request, before retiring to bed he read ten letters from a diverse range of his constituents. Letters that were rants, pleas, thank yous, full of gratitude, venting frustrations, apologies; not just those who loved him as their president, for Barack Obama wanted to know what America was thinking. He answered each letter, too; many in his own hand writing. It is a book that goes behind the machinations of the White House Mailroom and  staff who sifted through the ten thousand daily letters addressed to their president, choosing those reflective of  the narrative of America during the Obama years. Jeanne Marie Laskas interviews the letter writers themselves; and the White House staff to gain an insight as to how they chose each letter. Impossible really, when you consider that each day Barack Obama received thousands upon thousands of letters. It is a powerful book. This book is those stories of people, who in their desperation just wanted to be heard. It is a book which made me sob many times.....and made me laugh. Regardless of people's political persuasions this book is a powerful read.

As I close I am mindful that some of you will be preparing and celebrating Thanksgiving this coming week. It will be like no other that has been experienced before. I am so sad that at many Thanksgiving tables there will be an empty chair where once a family's loved one sat, and conversed and laugh. This is devastating to me. As dearly as you would love to celebrate with your extended families I am supposing because of these times  it might be difficult to do so.  May I say that however you decide to celebrate this special time in the American calender, may you and yours enjoy a blessed day, making new and special memories. May your day be sprinkled with a little beauty and much love♥

Until the next time............




Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.







48 comments:

  1. Μy dear Kim, I never talk politics on my blog. I post only the my creations. But I really do not mind if someone needs to say something. Your quilts and your flowers are always so very beautiful! And, of course, I will keep admiring them! Hugs, my friend.

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  2. What a thoughtful post Kim - so many points of interest to think about and then punctuated by stunning flowers and clamshells. Talking about politics or religion is something I attempt to steer clear of as much as possible although having an adult discussion (and not an all-out war!) of differing points of view is never a bad thing. Right now it seems that everybody is volatile whether it be regarding the virus and the handling of it or the political goings on throughout the entire world. I pray that saner heads prevail and that what will be our new normal will be a much kinder place.
    I recently read the book you talk about and I, too, loved it. It's not a book you can read without feeling it - whether happy or sad. Now I await my turn to get a copy of his new book from the library.

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  3. I read your blog for the gorgeous photos and for the artistic inspiration. But, let's face it the world now is not all purples and pinks, unicorn farts and rainbows. To assume that a 'fa-rener'...would have the nerve to speak about anything political in the US...is totally OKAY with me. Seriously---I go to the BBC, INDIA NEW, and Aljazeerah all the time to keep track of what the rest of the world thinks of our ChitShow we call a government. True ---almost half the people voted for the Orange Menace, but more did not--! If the US is going to continue this democracy 'experiment' as a friend of mine in London has described it...we will have to find an answer to the huge division we have: socially, culturally and economically. I love all your flowers---I'm a gardener and have problems growing so many of your varieties. If you can't express an opinion, then what is this entire WORLD coming, too. HUGS and stitch and photo away! Sandi in Chicagoland

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    1. You made me smile, Sandi, and thank you for being okay with a 'fa-rener' daring to have an opinion re your political arena. =) I love your friend's thought of a 'democracy experiment'....so very true and so articulately put. The fact that more did not vote for Donald Trump does cause to give me a little hope. Hoping you enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving. Thank you for popping by. Kim Xx

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  4. Another flower filled post dear Kim. Your clamshells are looking stunning -they remind me of a waterlilly the way you have arranged them in your photos. That Obama book looks most interesting - I shall make a note of that one to look out for in my library. I love it when folk recommend a good book on their blogs. Your boudoir looks like such a pretty place to partake of tea & a good book - quilt draped over your lap. Have a wonderful flower filled week my dear friend & may I say please ..... it's YOUR blog Kim & you may write/talk about whatever you like. I don't especially see you forcing anyone to read your ramblings or visit with you here. xxx

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  5. Hi Kim, always so happy to read your blog posts. So much gorgeous eye candy especially the flowers...since our leaves have fallen, our world is gray now and rather drab. Meanwhile, it is your blog so you can certainly talk about whatever interests you. Many of us share your concerns for our American friends and sincerely hope things all get resolved very soon for them.

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  6. Your Spring flowers are especially cheerful as the Northern hemisphere marches toward winter. Loving your clam shells!

    As for politics, I like when somebody brings it up as it often feels like the elephant in the room. Sadly, some cannot chat about it with mutual respect and objectivity. I did not read through all of the comments on your previous post, but I hope no one was hateful with you.

    Here’s to frivolity, frippery with a little whimsy thrown in for good measure.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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  7. The world is an interesting place and there will always be differing opinions on all levels. People will agree with your thoughts, and some won't but it doesn't matter. Politics and religion will always be subjects that stir opinion in people. Your blog is always a colorful, interesting and happy place to visit. I'm loving the color that's jumping out at me with your fabrics and flowers. I can't wait for your next post. xxx

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  8. Hi Kim, the woman surrounded by flowers, hexies and clamshells ;)
    Beautiful pictures !
    I normally stay away from news, politics or religions...bad vibes for me. I choose what makes me feel good ! Like good books ;)
    Have a shinny week !
    Big hug !
    Anna

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  9. A Beautiful post, as always Kim your writing cheers me up no end. It is your blog and you should be able to write what you like if folks don't like it then don't read the bits that offend. I love your clamshells how pretty they look displayed at your windows it makes me wonder if I would be able to make some too, I'm going to look into it you are inspiring me! Your garden is beautiful and yes Spring is a very busy time in the garden but I love that time of the year and enjoy helping the garden come into it's full splendour no matter how hard the work is. I love your boudoir and yes tea always tastes so much better when you drink it from a pretty cup. Have a lovely Sunday. xx

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  10. Thank you for the lovely flowers, your posts are so colorful! Hey, it's your blog, write what you want to write. On my blog I just delete those comments I don't like. No one is forced to read my posts, if they don't like what I say, they can go elsewhere. Happy stitching!

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  11. I love all your beautiful photos. I don't mind your political musings. I like to understand how people from other countries view the theatrics that has been the politics here in the USA lately. We are hoping to enjoy a mostly normal Thanksgiving with our family. We are a small family, 7 in all, so it should be manageable as my daughter and her husband have been self-quaranting for 2 weeks in order to come. Not sure my son will make it as he doesn't have the luxury of always working from home and his state requires a mandatory 14 day quarantine if you travel outside of it. He may save his vacation time for a Christmas visit. Your reading material looks interesting and oh those lovely clamshells. So many pretty fabrics!

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  12. Hello, you made me laugh at how you started off today. It has been crazy here in the USA. Hopefully things will calm down and we can work on getting this virus under control. Is it bad where you are? Are you having to wear masks like their calling for here? I wear a mask everywhere. Your flowers are so beautiful! Your quilt are lovely too. A cup of tea is my calming moment. To sit down and have tea and a little stitching or a magazine is heaven to me. Enjoy your beautiful flowers and have a wonderful day. Hugs,

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  13. I am sorry that there was a backlash for you voicing your opinion. You are entitled to it. It is a shame that people aren't more accepting of differing opinions. We can all learn from each other if we would just remain civil.

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  14. I agree with you, Kim - laughter is the best medicine! And friends who you can laugh with are such a blessing. You know how I feel about all of this in the US from our conversation last week. I'm glad you're back this week, sharing your thoughts, as well as your beautiful flowers, and the clamshell project. I love that one! I've only EPPed hexies - how difficult are the clamshells to stitch together?

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  15. Kim as usual, your post brought a smile to my face. I love your delightful narrative, your beautiful flowers, your boudoir, and love that garden room! I would love to have that! I love hearing your views, and it is your blog, you should be able to say what you once. I love the quirkiness of your views, as you know, most of which I agree with! Thanks again for a delightful visit!

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  16. It's your blog you visit the dark side if you want! I've had a news free weekend so not sure what's going on in my own country let alone the USA although I did see something on my phone that parts of Australia are coming out of a five month lockdown. I am in the camp of do what ever is necessary to get rid of this terrible virus and I too feel sad that there will be people missing from thanksgiving and Christmas tables this year. Love the clamshells by the way and that beautiful blue sky through your window. Take care.

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  17. I had to go back to last week's post and refresh my memory on what you had written and the comments that appeared after mine. I was relieved to see that there were only two "outraged" readers and maybe a couple of uncommitteds. Sadly those two represent a group committed to never compromising and certainly never acting respectfully. Your responses to them were thoughtful and meaningful. While we can all hope for better days ahead, I fear the chaos has not left us yet. Meanwhile most of us will continue to visit you and enjoy your flowers, fabrics, and gentle postings as well as your occasional comments on the issues of the day. Be well, keep stitching and enjoy your delightful spring weather.
    Pat

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  18. I found you at Slow Sunday Stitching. The pictures are beautiful and the writing is refreshing.

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  19. Hello Kim, it's a,says o nice to read about your beautiful stitching nd your lovely garden. What a delightful young lady your Wednesday student is, I'm sure she is picking up all sorts of hints and tips from her seeing teacher.
    I've just gone back to your previous blog to read the comments. Sadly, talking about politics is never easy, is it everyone is entitled to their own view, of course.
    But the whole world is still waiting, and watching in disbelief, while the pandemic rages on.
    Keep on stitching, and writing Kim,and we will keep enjoying your words and beautiful photos.

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  20. Mi adorable Kim, me encanta leer tus opiniones y soy del parecer de respetar a todos ya que al igual que las flores(tus preciosas flores)las personas también somos de colores y todos los colores tienen su lugar.
    Nos refugiaremos en nuestras telas,labores y lecturas para hacer más llevadera ésta terrible pandemia mundial.
    Ya espero las próximas flores que publiques.
    Muchos BESICOS.

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  21. Fantastic post Kim. I am impressed with all your photos. Your little corner of the world is beautiful and I can say, it reflects you. Have a blessed week and keep writting.

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  22. I look forward to your posts, no matter what topics you cover. :-) Ah - all those beautiful colors and love all those clam shells.

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  23. You certainly can't please everyone that is for sure. I am hoping as the time gets closer there will be a peaceful hand over.
    I just love your passing down your knowledge to the younger set, and hopefully they will pass it on when they get older.
    Springtime is certainly a busy time that is for sure, and you have a large area to tend to. Your flowers are just gorgeous.
    Glad you enjoyed such a lovely week!

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  24. Beautiful post, in writing and flowers and clamshells, and books, love books, am off to see if I can find the Obama book. Keep spreading the joy.

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  25. A great read Kim and as always beautiful photographs. What yu say on your blog is up to you and if people agree or disagree then that is their perogative too. I just hope nobody got nasty - we can all be civil about these things. xx

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  26. Hi Kim
    Always love your blog. Glad to see Holly is still quilting, lucky girl to have such a inspirational teacher. Love the clamshells hanging in the window , so pretty. Would love to see some pictures of the quilt you cat is sleeping on.
    Best wishes Kay cXX

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    1. Kay, Holly has only a couple of weeks left as she goes off to college next year. I will miss her. I must write a post devoted wholly to Holly. She has been coming Wednesdays since she was eight years old. She is now nearly seventeen....amazing really. About the quilt that Boo is snoozing on; I will see what I can do. =) Thank you for your beautiful words, as they have cheered my day. Hoping you enjoy a lovely week, lovely Kay. Kim Xx

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  27. This is your blog and you can say whatever you like and, with anything political, some people will agree and some disagree. That, as they say, is the nature of the beast. I just looked back at the comments on your last post and I feel it demonstrates what a unifying force crafting is in this world of divisions - especially crafting as beautiful as yours. I love your clamshell displays and I think we will all miss Holly. I can't believe she is nearly going to college. I must have been following along and enjoying your flowers and stitchings for a long time :) x

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  28. Hello Kim
    Thanks for sharing more pictures of your lovely flowers and clamshells! Always fun to see your pets too. That book looks very interesting...I will have to get my hands on a copy. He is such a thought full (spacing intended) man and I love hearing and reading his words. You should feel free to express your opinions on your blog. I also live outside the US and this gives us a different perspective on things,

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  29. How wonderful for both you and Holly to be blessed with each other, as teacher and student. Yes please, do a post on her before she goes off to college. I always love seeing your flowers and your stitching. May you have a happy week!

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  30. I think I love your sewing room as much as your gardens. They are both so beautiful and inspiring. I love to read and it takes me away from what is happening in our United States. I really thought that things could not get worse, but when you have a spoiled baby in the White House that did not get his way and he wants to destroy things, I should not be surprised. I can only hope and pray for January 21st to come quickly. I am not one to wish time away, but in this case I am hoping for a better future and put this current mess in the pass.

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  31. Dear Kim, I always love to visit your nice posts, look at the opulence of your fabrics, when you are working on combining beautiful fabrics from which something beautiful grows. I imagine you struggling with the weeds in your garden, that's also a good exercise, haha.
    You will certainly miss Holly's great company, too bad, but little girls grow up and go their own way.
    On this gray day (here) my mood brightens up with the beauty of your garden.
    My coffee table already has a Christmas arrangement we got from the sorority because we can't get together. We still have to be careful, in our village several families have been affected by the virus, unfortunately.

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    1. Oh, the struggle with those pesky weeds, Loes!! But as you say, excellent exercise. It's just so sad that after a session with these monsters I simply cannot move. =) I love the sound of your coffee table Christmas arrangement. This is a lovely thought from your sorority. Perhaps next year you, and indeed the whole world, will once again, be able to gather together with our extended families and friends. Take care, my lovely friend. Keep well and please be safe. Kim Xx

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  32. Good morning Kim!
    I am here :)
    I don't mind when people share their opinions about politics. This is your personal space on the Internet, so you can use it the way you like it. Just before I came to this post (and what a coincidence!)I was visiting a blogger/artist who was being reprimanded about talking politics instead of art, to which she replied: "Caring about people is not political" - and that about sums it up. Sometimes, one cannot just abstract and keep shy from what has been going on around the world and wants to voice her/his opinion, and that is perfectly fine with me. I come to visit your blog for all the inspiration you offer and for your captivating and enchanting writing style. xoxo

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  33. oooooh how you made me think!! your writings are really lovely, between your narrative and your images, it is what brings people back!! it is what brings me back. todays window images are my favorites, the light and colors of the fabrics are just magical. i have never heard of, or seen a quilt like this, both the pieces and colors are really beautiful!!

    my youngest son is here with us, there will only be 3 at the table. we usually go to my nieces house, where there are 30!!! i am so happy that my son is here, i am just thrilled to be with him as i have not seen him since last christmas, that is just too long!!!

    you gardens are beautiful, but yet those pesky weeds will grow but they bring us to the garden, and in a way, assist us in enjoying it!!

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  34. Kim, Thanks for another beautiful, cheery post! I appreciate your candor about our county's politics. I think it's important to realize how people around the world view us through our politicians. So happy more of the Republicans are abandoning the "Trump Ship!" It's good to see your young friend enjoying her sewing and will be interested in reading about your time together. We have a cold, wet and blustery day here today and your colorful blooms and clamshells lightened my spirits! We are having a small Thanksgiving gathering at our daughter's this weekend. Just us. The extended family has/will meeting via Zoom. (I've been practicing with my sister. Zoom and phone! She's getting there!!) Wishing you a lovely week of beautiful spring blooms, warm temperatures and delightful stitching! Hugs, lovely lady! Zenda

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  35. Hi Kim,
    Great post and I love all your wonderful clamshells!
    Always nice to see what you are up to! Love the Ida of tea in the Boudoir, sounds idyllic!
    I try to avoid politics but do read what you say!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx 😘

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  36. Stunning pictures,my friend!Adorable Holly,great friendship!Best wishes.

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    1. Holly is adorable, Maristella. Thank you for your sweet visit and kind thoughts, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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    2. I'm blown away by all those flowers. Even in our peak seasons, the flowers seem to march one by one through the camera lens without competing with any other.

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  37. Sorry I missed your little political musings, it's been crazy busy around here, I'll go back and look for them. I must say, Kim, you have an amazing eye for color and pattern, a real gift.
    Amalia
    xo

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  38. Holly looks peaceful and happy to be sewing away.
    I , too, make tea when I am going to read, but I've never had such
    beautiful roses on my tray. I enjoyed the movie about Ruth B. Ginsburg.
    She truly was a remarkable woman. I will check out some of the books. Thank you for sharing them.
    Your flowers are so lovely. Your truly have a wonderous place of beauty there, Kim.

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  39. Dear Kim, I'm always very pleased to read your posts, whatever your subject is 😉. Lovely flowers and photos, as always!

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  40. Kim - I am not surprised that you got some reactions to your post ... people have strong feelings on this topic, and the "anonymity" of the web emboldens many to write things they would never say face to face. I like to think that we can have this 'dialogue' on our blogs and still be friends! Your flowers are gorgeous, of course. I have been wondering why I feel like I have so much time on my hands, and I have realized that it is because I am not spending time in my garden! Enjoy, my dear friend! (The Obama book sounds very interesting - I have added it to my reading list.)

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  41. As the 41 deg temps and hot winds fry what's left of my pitiful garden, I always know that I an visit your blog for beautiful images. Thank you for sharing.

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  42. Is that a greenhouse? Such lovely pics of flowers and quilts :) Very inspiring!xx

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