Sweet Pansies and Memories

Sweet Pansies - ©CindyRippe2013

My cousin, Jeri, gave me this tiny little bottle filled with pansies today.  I was so taken with the sweet beauty of the flowers that I didn't notice the beading that she added around the neck of the bottle at first.  It was an unexpected and precious gift.

According to the Victorian Language of Flowers a mixed bunch of pansy flowers like this means "Forget Me Not".  Well, it was the perfect gift to represent the day.  Our Church celebrated it's 150th Anniversary this morning. Actually, it was the 150th Anniversary of the day they laid the cornerstone when building the church.  We were able to celebrate and visit with friends from long ago (and eat birthday cake too).   We then spent the rest of the day with family and friends at our annual Memorial Day picnic.  Lots of memories and fun here as well.  (along with many more sweet desserts)

One of the most important memories of the day for me was when I thought about my family members that served in the Military and defended our country.  They are the reason that we are able to have days and memories like those of today.  To them and to all the other men and women who served to keep our country free; I remember you, I thank you, and appreciate the sweetness of freedom.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.  Joseph Campbell

Mother's Day Love

Mother's Day Love - quote by A Radici - photo ©CindyRippe2013

We were lucky to spend time with both of our Moms again this year.  We went to church and breakfast together. We spent the afternoon with our own children and granddaughter.  After a hectic start it ended up being almost the perfect day for me.  Time spent relaxing and visiting with the "kids".  The "almost" was due to Tawn not feeling well.  We missed you and hope you feel better soon.

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine--she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. A Radici

Easter Tablescape with Painted Plates and Pink Tulips

After church this morning, and a busy afternoon, we went out to a local restaurant for Easter Dinner with Jon, Tawn and both of our Moms.  It was really nice to relax and have time for a long visit (and have someone else do the dishes for a change!)  When we got home we had a nice video chat with Jason and Bella after their day at the pool on vacation.  

A few years ago our Easter Tablescape was created on a budget with easy DIY projects.  Jason and Sarah made a delicious meal and Mary and I helped Sarah with the decor.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

We went with a pink and green theme and used what we had on hand (with a few changes of course, like painting the plates pink) and I got lucky with a last minute clearance sale for the napkins. 

Pink and Green Easter Table Decor ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

We were able to squeeze 14 at the table using folding chairs along the sides to save space.  I made the runner using $4.00 clearance fabric.  The edges were hemmed with iron on fusible web.  Mary knows how to sew now though so I'm sure she would have made a great double sided runner instead.  I had planned on making matching napkins but 1/2 price was too hard to resist so I bought them instead! 

Pink Tulips in Mom's Soup Tureen ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

A $10.00 bunch of pink tulips from the grocery store tucked into Mom's soup tureen.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape with Bird's Nest Cookies ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

Here's a close up of the painted plates.  (click here for the Temporary Painting technique post). The napkins are folded in thirds and draped across the plate to carry the green over the edge of the table.  Sarah made the bird's nest cookies which were perfect to tuck into the salad bowls as a party favor.

Pink and Green Easter Tablescape with a touch of Vintage Silver ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

                          

The butter dish and salt and pepper shakers gave us our touch of silver.  My white ceramic bowls and garden birds pulled the look together.  I like how the embossed pattern on the bird coordinates with the paisley print.

Desserts on the Sideboard with the Pink and Green Easter Tablescape ©CindyRippe 2010-2013

Yummy homemade dessert buffet.  The folding three tier server, extra napkins and more of the white ceramic accents.  Sarah made carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, lemon pound cake and chocolate ganache frosted cupcakes.

May our Lord send his choicest blessings upon you and your family this Easter. Have a Blessed Easter. Unknown

A Painted Shamrock Plate at the end of the Rainbow

We've spent most of the day cleaning, shopping and finally moving office furniture in the rain, and I'm exhausted.  It will be a while until I can call this room finished but I'm encouraged that we've done so much already. On our last trip across town, with the back of the car loaded for the fourth time, the rain stopped and the sun came out.  As we crossed the bridge we saw a huge rainbow and Lee made a comment about the fact that we were heading toward the Leprechaun's pot of gold.That reminded me of St. Pat's Day and I remembered this post from a few years ago. It would be simple way to add a special touch to your dinner table so I thought I'd share it once again.  Enjoy!

Previously posted on the Art in Entertaining Blog - 2010.

I decided to get creative for St Pat's Day this year.  I used a permanent pen to sketch a few shamrocks onto scrapbook paper (BOBUNNY Alissa Adorable is the pattern).  Next, I cut out a circle to fit my clear glass plates.

Shamrock Plate - Pen & Ink on scrapbook paper and decoupaged onto a painted plate. ©CindyRippe2010 - 2013

I then used liquid starch to temporarily decoupage it to the back of the plate.  The next day I used my favorite "temporary paint" mix; DecoArt Americana Acrylics and Liquid Starch, to sponge green on the back of the plate and finish it off.  (I've used this technique many times to decorate the plates for different events instead of buying paper plates) Unfortunately, Lee wasn't home for dinner that night so I just used one of the plates to eat leftover pizza all by myself.

An Irish Blessing

May these walls be filled with laughter,

may it reach from floor to rafter.

May the roof keep out the rain,

may sunshine warm each windowpane.

And may the door be open wide

to let the Good Lord's love inside.