Grace's Garden Walk

spread the love // heart to heart. {a letter exchange}

2012-02-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

happy valentine's day, to my darling friends! I hope all of you had a lovely day, even if you did not have anyone special to spend it with. *wink* honestly, 'tis a comfort to me that God has plans for my life, and hope that when I am of age to court or date, I shall still be as confident that He will direct my paths in this life. His ways are always best, although the concept seems very hard to grasp at times.

for now, I know that I am much too young to "entangle" myself in a "relationship" with a young suitor, as such at my age are most often times temporary or premature. although, on valentine's especially, there is always something about receiving a little note from a certain little somebody that makes one's heart flutter with tingling excitement. just to know someone care's, someone notices you is endearing. for someone to take the time to send a little something to let you know that they are thinking about you.

if this is the case, can we not name all letters and notes we receive love letters? I have a wooden box brimming with letters I have received from dearhearts all across the country {even around the world}, and every time I pick up and glance at the familiar, they are all dear as such sweet warmth and love is enclosed within all of them. can I not call it a love letter?

I have connected with so many young ladies through blogger who now I am honored to now call my dearest of sisters. although this is a place for me to type my heart and share creativity to the world, one of my main goals since the birth of this garden walk was to connect other young ladies in a safe environment. to connect a heart in Texas to a heart with the same dreams, struggles, and aspirations a heart in Washington shares.

so with such thoughts in mind, I would like to present to you the concept of a letter exchange hosted here in my garden. now, I have not had time to make this very elaborate {and unfortunately, I should have presented the idea weeks before}, but I do so hope that you shall be able participate.

>>-------------> here's how it works...

enter your name and your blog address in the linky tool at the bottom of this post and leave your e-mailing address in a note on this post. {note :: if you prefer not to have your e-mail address published, please leave me a separate comment.}

at the end of the week, I shall randomly draw two girls names and will send their contact information to you.

suggestions on what to include in your letter...

write a little description about yourself. your life. your blog. your interests//hobbies etc.

ask questions.

include suggestions on book titles and magazines.

add recipes.

make a valentine's card.

add mini letters with verses written on them.

include a little "extra" something to brighten their day.

the requirements are simple.

|one| because a fourteen year old young lady usually has little in common with a twenty year old, for this specific letter exchange I am limiting the age groups to being 14 ~ 18 years of age.

|two| if you are a young lady 16 years of age or under you must have your parents permission to participate.

|three| when participating, you are making a commitment that you will send a letter to your assigned penning friend by the end of the month. the deadline for sending your note is the first week of march.

| four | there will be only 10 slots available. once 10 girls fill the linky below, the linky tool shall be closed.

| five | participating in this letter exchange, you will have to give your personal mailing address with another young lady.

this letter exchange is designed to connect other like-minded young ladies with each other, and in all honesty just to encourage them with a little note. perhaps, the acquaintanceship will only last one letter, but the encouragement and thoughtfulness enclosed within the parchment page, shall be cherished forever.

sealed with love,
the keeper of the garden.

giveaway no. 2 // literary luxe

2012-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

hullo, dearies!
well, I apologize for the lateness of this giveaway...it has been a horror to try to number my comments now that blogger has implemented their new comment form {which I found out to be named, "threaded comments."} in all honesty, I rather like the new form, but I need a way to number the comments, so that I may announce giveaway winners. :) which, has not been easy at all. also, I must apologize for not returning any of your sweet comments. I have been increasingly overwhelmed by life on and off of the computer, thus explaining my slowness in returning your sweet notes. ;)

since the previous winner, of the Naomi Lynn Stationery did not respond, the new winner is...

comment #100 KHBride!

and the winner of the lovely Valentine giveaway is...

comment #61 Miss Mary Beth!

congratulations, ladies! please contact me at gracesgardenwalk@gmail.com with your mailing addresses

to claim your prizes! as winners, you may not enter the giveaway published below.

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to-day, let us visit another simply darling shop, I know you shall adore as much as I do!

shop // website // facebook // blog

Jessica owns such a charming shop filled with literary inspired, whimsies, handmade with lots of love...

her products are both useful, encouraging, and ever so bookish.

_______________________________________

>>--- the giveaway --->

the winner shall receive...this lovely Jane Austen inspired journal!

whether you like to write sensibly about every-day happenstances, or dream of a whimsical English mansion like that of Pemberly, this sweet little notebook with faithfully hold all your heart musings.

special thanks to Jessica for contributing towards my garden party.

____________________________________

>>--- requirements --->

{one} 'tis a requirement that you complete the madatory entry. you may proceed to gain additional entries thereafter completion.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry. example : three entries, do leave three separate notes.

{three} when becoming an official visitor to my garden walk {in other words, following my blog} you must be a public visitor via google friends connect.

{four} this giveaway is open to US young ladies only.

{five} this specific giveaway shall close on sunday, february 26th at 12:00 noon {pacific timing}. late entries shall not be accepted, and winners when announced, must claim their prize promptly.

:: mandatory entry ::

to enter...simply visit Jessica's delightful shop and tell me what catches your interest.

and

tell me what your favorite quote is.

:: extra entries ::

{one} heart her shop, add Jessica to your etsy circle, and like her on facebook.

// one entry per thing you accomplish //

{two} be or become an official visitor of this blog.

{three} spread the word. mention this little giveaway o' mine in a blog post, on twitter, facebook, etc.

// one entry per place you share //

{four} enter my other giveaway.

{five} purchase something from Jessica's shop.

___________________________________

I look forward to hearing from you.

lovingly,

the girl in the garden.

what is {true} love?

2012-02-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

"so there's this boy, Grace, and - and I kind of like him. what do you think?"

"what do I think, eh? well, let's see. love is patient."

"oh! I've been patient. I have been liking him for three months now, but have not told him this. I'm waiting for the right time and have determined to wait, which takes patience, right?"

"love is kind, though."

"he's nice and kind and gentle. he definitely has qualities I like to see in a guy."

"but lastly, love never fails."

how long does a relationship last? a week? a month? a year or two?

is this truly what God intended love to be? one day giving your heart to someone, to be trampled in the mud the next.

is love just a status? merely an announcement to the world that "you're okay." you are going to make the status quo, because you are hanging onto another man's arm. only then to be changed to "single" again and again.

is love a selfish want of affection? for your "true love" fondle you with attention, and jealousy overcomes the relationship if the other has "feelings" for another person.

is love truly suppose to hurt? for your heart to be shattered into pieces, over and over, again before "Mr. Right" comes along.

my answer is no. because...

love suffers long and is kind. love does not envy. love does not behave itself rudely. love is not puffed up. love does not seek its own. love rejoices in the truth. love bears all things. love endures all things. and love never ever EVER fails.

to-day's love is defined as a mere status, a wavering feeling.

true love is a commitment. it takes time to be grown into a relationship. it is unselfish, self-sacrificing, and endures all things. and it waits patiently.

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

[photos via pinterest]

little things and lovely thoughts.

2012-02-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

it's those little things that are the most beautiful.

in our busy life everyone seems to go about living life so caught up in their own little world, not even noting the beauty in the ordinary, savoring the little moments that make up the extraordinary. thus to-day, I would like to acknowledge those little things that should be cherished, the memories that shall be looked upon fondly. and although ordinary in everyday life, extraordinary forever in my heart.

>> country walks.

savoring the early spring wind, caressing your cheek. breathing in the crispness. giggling as it whispers secrets of beauty soon to come.

>> dirt roads and green hills.

I love the *crunch* of the old dirt road under my feet and drink in the sight of the rolling hills carpeted in green.

>> friends.

seeing their smile lighting up their faces, never grows old. listening to their laughing, brings joy to my heart.

>> journaling.

hearing the pen scratch against paper. beautiful memories now tangible and forever recorded. jumbled feelings untangled at last.

>>--- things i ♥ --->

// pretty dresses //

// dapples of sunshine //

// whimsiness //

// tea cups and letters //

// knitting projects //

// antique books //

// summertime //

// the tingling feeling of cool crystal water //

// a stream in the mountains //

// a tent surrounded by rustling grass //

// early morning sunrises //

// bird's melodies that make one's heart sing //

// the sound of the ocean's thunder //

// pretty lil' things //

// poems //

// photographs that capture memories //

// beautiful words //

// fairy tales that come true //

// swinging in the forest //

// the *click* of the typewriter's keys //

// black and white notes that turn into music //

// meadows and wildflowers //

what are some beautiful little things that you love?

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

[photos via pinterest]

hi, beautiful. love always, yours truly.

2012-02-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

dear miss beautiful,
hullo, lovely! I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meeting quite yet, but 'tis always a delight to cross paths with new people.

perhaps, you've never left a comment. perhaps, you don't even follow this blog. perhaps, you haven't even read this blog yet until now, until this very minute. I see 330 visitors in my followers box, but perhaps, you are one who does not follow publicly or maybe does not keep a Google account.

yet, I would like to take a moment and welcome you. acknowledge you, because you are truly what allows this little garden o' mine to flourish. without you, I'm just a girl who rambles about the ordinary life she lives. with you, I'm the girl who types her heart out to the world.

hi there beautiful! my name is miss imperfect. I love blogging, because it gives me a canvas where I can sit down and write about the world descriptively, perfectly; but sometimes I believe that blogging portrays my world as "picture perfect."

m'dear, behind this screen lives a clumsy fifteen year old girl who half of the time likes to think she knows what she is doing, takes less-than-perfect photographs editing them with a free photoshop, rarely drinks out of a "proper" tea cup, pretends to be martha stuart {even though I dislike her very much}, eats too much sugar, has never completely read a Jane Austen novel that she raves about, and rarely uses the correct diction. I don't always capture photographs of sunbursts and golden hour. I should like for all my posts to be simply compelling, evoking tears and emotions, and completely riveting, but looking back most of them are ramblings and utter nonsense. I should like to think of all of my days beautiful, but believe me, darling, sometimes I sob when lulled to sleep.

I am human. I have faults. and I thank you.

for having the patience to read my nonsense. because without you, there would not be a "Grace's Garden Walk." so darling, on those hard days, sit down, breath, brew your self a cup of tea and know you are loved. you are cherished. and know that I am always thankful for you. even though I don't know your name.

but someday, I hope I will.

love you,

the girl in the garden.

{photographs via pinterst}

postscript :: I shall be posting another giveaway soon. ;)

>>---- love stitched ---->

2012-02-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

valentine's day is but less than a week away! it seems that every night, once dinner has been tidied up and lessons have been stowed away, out comes the flurry of cardstock and stickers and bright pink felt and baker's twine, brown paper and ribbon, hearts, to make up sweet little packages to be sent to dear friend across the country...

with what projects have you been keeping your hands busy?

lovingly,
the keeper of the garden.

// a Jane Austen giveaway //

2012-02-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

knitting + tea + jane austen = pure delight

one day, as I was browsing through beloved pinterest I stumbled upon something to which my heart would give me no rest until I had acquired it : a Jane Austen Knitting Magazine. my heart skipped a beat and I am quite positive I swooned.

after bookmarking the company and making a note to save a few "pennies" for the magazine, I was delighted to discover we were planning to go shopping around Barns and Noble in the near future and persuaded my parents to allow me but a few moments to venture within the bookshop. whilst climbing the stairs my eyes lingered upon a knitting magazine with the company by the name of "Interweaves" on it. where had I seen that name before? curious, I fingered the magazine and glanced at the section which held the newly arrived covers, a place where I rarely explored {as there is so many filthy magazines out there}. then I remembered, Interweaves was the company which recently printed the Jane Austen Magazine. excitement tingled within me, and I enthusiastically searched for the familiar cover.

crocheting. beading. sewing. historical costuming.

alas! my eyes found what they had been searching for, and to my utmost delight I found a heaping stack of newly printed Jane Austen Magazines.

well, as I must shorten my increasingly long story, to-day I am delighted to present....

{listing}

one winner of my first Jane Austen-inspired giveaway shall receive a beautifully bound copy of the Interweave Store Company's Jane Austen Knits. even though, I must admit that the projects are much too advance for me at the moment, this is a simply lovely magazine that every young lady who admires the Jane Austen time period, must have this in her possession.

this magazine is brimming with intereviews, information about Jane Austen and knitting, gorgeous illustrations, as well as several projects I am quite positive you will simply swoon over, some of those including :: a Georgiana {inspired} Shawlette, Woodhouse Spencer, Elinor's Tea Cozy, Evening Spencer, Sense and Fashion Handwarmers, and so much more!

________________________________________________

// shop // facebook // twitter //

but wait, there is more to be told! after thoroughly drinking in every detail of this magazine, I browsed over the advertising section and found these beautifully hand-crafted jane austen stitch markers. again, I swooned and quickly looked up her shop on Etsy whence we returned home from the bookshop. Reni, the sweet shop owner, kindly agreed to contribute a pair of her Jane Austen stitch markers for my garden party as well as sending me a pair! how generous, no?

the stitch markers, were carefully packaged so as not to be damaged in the mailing process. shipping was prompt as well as the friendly customer service {she answered all my questions within the hour}.

____________________________________________

one of my readers shall receive this pair of lovely stitch markers for their knitting projects...

are they not darling?

______________________________________________

TheGiveaway...

to clarify any possible misconceptions, there will be two winners of this giveaway :: one winner shall receive the Jane Austen Knitting Magazine, and the other shall receive the knitting stitch markers.

Requirements...

|one| 'tis a requirement that you complete the madatory entry. you may proceed to gain additional entries thereafter completing the madatory entry.

|two| you must leave separate comments per entry. example : three entries, do leave three separate notes.

|three| when becoming an official visitor to my garden walk {in other words, following my blog} you must be a public visitor via google friends connect.

|four| this giveaway is open to US young ladies only.

|five| this specific giveaway shall close on sunday, february 26th at 12:00 noon {pacific timing}. late entries shall not be accepted, and winners when announce must claim their prize promptly.

Mandatory Entry...

to enter, you simply must leave a little note on my doorstep telling me three things :

that you visited Interweave Store as well as Knit Girl in Idaho

telling me what interests you the most from their shops

and

telling me if you have become {or if you are} a visitor {i.e. follower} of my garden walk.

Extra Entries...

for additional entries...

|one| heart her shop, like on facebook, and follow on twitter Knit Girl in Idaho. {one entry per note}

|two| purchase something from either shop. {ten entries per shop}

|three| tell me which Jane Austen's characters is your favorite{s}.

|four| linger in my garden, and tell me what your favorite {or most-inspiring} garden entry.

|five| once more are published, enter another giveaway. {one entry per giveaway entered}
|six| spread the word about this giveaway either on your blog, facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.

{one entry per place posted}

______________________________________________

I greatly look forward to receiving your little notes!

lovingly,

the girl who loves to knit, reads Jane Austen's works, and sips tea in the garden.

jane austen literary garden party // introduce yourself!

2012-02-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

good afternoon, ladies! 'tis a positively delightful to have you gathered here in my garden on this lovely spring day. to-day, I should like to become more acquainted with my dearest guests, who shall be attending this little party I have prepared in my garden. do settle down for a nice cup o' tea whilst we enjoy this lovely afternoon...

to help become more acquainted with each other, we are going to play a little "game" as one might call it, whilst we sit upon a quilt looking upon the beautiful verdure with tea cup in hand. simply answer the questions below and post them in your own garden, linking back to mine. ready?

________________________________________

{one} let us start by your telling a little bit about your own self. tell us a bit of your personality. perhaps, tell a bit of your interests and pastime.

{two} what literary character {whether it be in a film or book} would you say, most describes your personality and mannerisms?

{three} what would you describe as the most lovely place to live in 1700's England? a cottage surrounded by woods or a mansion perhaps, to the same resemblance as Pemberley in Miss Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

{disclaimer not my photograph}

{four} list some of your favorite and least favorite literary works you have read.

{five} what would you describe as a most admirable heroine?

{six} if you could spend afternoon tea in the company of your favorite literary heroine, to whom would you spend it with?

{seven} which is to your liking more :: tea or coffee?

{eight} which of Jane Austen's couples are your more fond of?

{nine} what is one {a few} of your favorite literary quotes?

{ten} are you fond of dancing or singing or reading a good book?

{eleven} and lastly, as this event is also hosted in celebration of my garden's second anniversary, would you mind explaining perhaps, how you stumbled upon my little plot of earth? wink.

_________________________________

{disclaimer not my photograph}

now 'tis my turn to answer...

{one} let us start by your telling a little bit about your own self. tell us a bit of your personality. perhaps, tell a bit of your interests and pastime.

my name is Miss Grace. I am the keeper and tender of this little plot of earth in the blogging world. in real life, I enjoy tending my little garden beside our garage that was established last summer, especially our eleven-year old lavender bush which produces the sweetest-smelling blossoms.

history holds a special place in my heart as I am very fond of studying various time periods of yesteryear and reading {and watching a reproduction of} Jane Austen's works brings the Regency era to life. I also am in love with old-fashion//vintage things and often go antiquing, drinker of tea, reader of historical-fiction novels, writer of words, and lover of letters.

{two} what literary character {whether it be in a film or book} would you say, most describes your personality and mannerisms?

I do find that I am most like Miss Jane Bennett from Pride and Prejudice with a hint of Miss Esther from Bleak House but I am not as good-natured as Miss Bennett {as she sees the good in everything} yet Miss Elizabeth is to strong-headed to be my type.

a lovely place like Miss Woodhouse's Hartfield suits me quite nicely, amid perfectly tended gardens and in the country air.

{four} list some of your favorite and least favorite literary works you have read.

The Apothecary's Daughter

Emma {currently reading}

A Heart Most Worthy

The Chronicles of Narnia {Horse and His Boy and Voyage of the Dawn Treader}

The Goose Girl

The Little Princess

{least favorite}

Silas Marner

{five} what would you describe as a most admirable heroine?

the most admirable heroine {in my opinion} is of a tender, gentle spirit like that of a humble servant. she is not what to-day's world portrays a woman figure to be, strong and defiant, but meek and genteel. she is thoughtful and considerant, good-natured, and well-bred. if her accomplishments exceed that of others is only a tiny diamond in her radiant crown compared to her unwavering faith that inspires and encourages all.

her character is above admirable.

{six} if you could spend afternoon tea in the company of your favorite literary heroine, to whom would you spend it with?

I am {even though she can be somewhat haughty} am very fond of Miss Emma Woodhouse as well as Julie Klassen's heroine, Miss Lillian Haswell, in The Apothecary's Daughter. 'Twould be a delightful pleasure to attend tea in their company, if I was honored with the opportunity.

{seven} which is to your liking more :: tea or coffee?

most definitely tea, thank you very much. although coffee's aroma is enticing, tea is a balm that soothes an aching heart and is more of an adventure than "just a cup of tea." {read this post here}. with a teaspoon of vanilla and dash of honey or agave nectar to sweeten for taste and cream to smooth, black tea is my cup o' tea.

{disclaimer not my photograph}

{eight} which of Jane Austen's couples are your more fond of?

most definitely Mr. Knightly and Miss Woodhouse. Mr. Knightly is a man of character I look upon most admirably.

{nine} what is one {a few} of your favorite literary quotes?

I try to avoid looking backward or forward and keep looking upward. ~Charlotte Bronte

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. ~ Emma

To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen

"I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people know more...though I know that is the noblest ambition...but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me...to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born.

~L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

{ten} are you fond of dancing or singing or reading a good book?

dancing. if I should have another opportunity to dance, I would quickly accept the invitation without delay. I cannot think of anything so beautiful nor as lovely as to be asked to dance. wink.

_____________________________

well, now, that's simple enough, no? now, 'tis your turn. answer the questions above, and link your post back to mine. oh, and do leave a comment when you link up!

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

please do be sure to join Miss Kellie's event as well...

on crafting and inspiration // valentine's gifts.

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

one of the only passions I have kept during these past few years is the love for crafting. crafting is one of the only outlets to release my creativity. indeed, I love to write and play the music, but these are but mere pastimes whereas crafting is something to which I am so very fond of. if I did not have studies to tend to in the day, I would spend all those hours crafting to my heart's content. every stitch whether be sewn, knit, embroidered, or crocheted gives me pleasure and a smile curls from my lips as I think of the beaming delight a dear friend will have whence they handle the project hand-made with love...

hours I spend pouring myself over websites, youtube, and pinterest {thank the good Lord for pinterest!} for craft project ideas. and since a lot of the young ladies I know are within the same circles, rarely do I give out ideas for projects that I keep in mind, but here are a few things that might inspire your creative juices during this Valentine season...

// heart cross stitch {embroidery} //

// heart shaped paper clips //

{source :: pinterest}

cute easy paper clips to add to cards or packages.

// skinny scalloped scarf //

very quick and easy crochet project.

// tea bag gift tags //

{source :: pinterest}

cute little gifts to tuck into letters to add a sweet touch.

// odds and ends garland //

{source :: pinterest }

would be fun with hearts and red//pink admission tickets.

// bunting to gifts //

glassine bags {purchased on Etsy} add sweet, delicate touches and can be used as envelopes for sweets, cards, vintage postcards, and so much more!

// pink buntings //

{source :: pinterest}

buntings are so easy and the perfect little gifts.

// posie pockets //

// drawstring bag //

embroider it and fill with "craft supplies" from your own collection.

>>---tips--->

have the right supplies. purchase good quality paper and embellishments. I know spending a few extra dollars is hard sometimes, but believe me it's well worth it. K Company, Martha Stewart {I don't like her, but love her products ;)}, and DCWV paper and stickers make for lovely cards.

be inspired. search a lot of sites for inspiration. pinterest is amazing as well as Etsy {etsy is especially encouraging as real people sell handmade goods that with a little imagination and creativity you can make as well [and even better!]}

try something new. don't be afraid to fail. believe me, a lot of projects have gone awry.

add personal touches. whenever you can find a place to add a personal touch such as a friend's initial or bible verse, do it! :)

one more thing :: if it's a gift for a friend, send something you know that they can use/want. if your friend is a knitter, add yarn! if your friend is a writer, include quotes on writing or stationery. etc. etc. make it personal and the gift will be so much more appreciated.

happy crafting, dear readers!

the girl who is content crafting in the garden all day.

a valentine giveaway.

2012-02-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

love is in the air. the holiday of pink and white and red has come once more to my garden walk. in celebration of my garden's second anniversary as well as welcoming 300 lovely visitors in my garden, I have the delightful pleasure to host a small little, valentines-inspired giveaway {which 'twill be the beginning of many to come this month}.
when the valentine season comes around, the first thought that enters my mind is :: crafts. lace. ribbon. cardstock. glitter. doilies. and my mind swims with the new crafting possibilities. :)

of course, every crafter must have the right supplies, thus I am excited to present that the first of these giveaways includes an eclectic arrangement of simple and sweet to extend your crafting collection this Valentine's season...

// shop //

every crafter is in need of chevron-striped ribbon and bakers twine, no?

etsy shop // website // facebook //

as well japanese washi tape with petite hearts...

// shop // facebook // pinterest // twitter

and of course, whilst one is crafting one must be stylish. wink.

{listing}

yes, indeed, simple but ever-so-sweet!

>>--- // the giveaway // --->

ONE blessed reader shall receive all four of these prizes!

how sweet is that? the full prize includes the chevron ribbon, baker's twine, and washi tape pictured above as well as a hand-knitted brooch in which the winner chooses the color that suits her fancy.

>>--- // how to enter // --->

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry.

{three} giveaway open to US young ladies only.

{four} giveaway will be open until the 9th of february.

_______________________________

>>--- // mandatory entry // --->

{counting as one entry, leave one comment}

if you celebrate it, tell me what you do for Valentine's day

like cute tape on facebook

{if you do not have an account, visit their website and tell me what your favorite washi single is}

and visit Yiskah Knits, telling me what your favorite item is.

________________________________

>>--- // extra entries // --->

|one| heart each shop on etsy.

|two| add each etsy shop owner to your circle.

|three| like Yiskah knits on facebook.

|four| be or become a follower of this blog.

|five| purchase something from any of these shops. {three entries per shop}

you may begin writing me notes promptly!

__________________________________

>>---announcement---> the winner of the stationery giveaway is Miss Eden McKoy & the winner of the patterns from Mollie's shop is Modern Buttercup! congratulations, ladies! please contact me here.

by the way, since blogger has made a new layout for comments, I cannot seem to number them. if you know how, I would very much appreciate if you commented!

Jane Austen Literary Garden Party

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Miss Grace, Keeperof the Garden

Cordially invites you to attend a

Jane AustenLiterary Garden Party

Celebrating the secondanniversary of her garden walk.

When? The Month of February

Where? Amidst theflowers in her garden walk

Dress? Yourprettiest apparel for an early spring

dearest readers,

spring has made an early arrival in my garden walk. love is in the air. admiring elegance in a my favorite romantic time periods. tea time in my beloved garden. two years have passed since first planting this little garden o' mine. welcoming 300 official visitors to my garden walk. what perfect time than to celebrate?

I have the loveliest of sponsors, the dearest of friends attending, and some very exciting posts for you m'dears.

thus with the greatest delight, I introduce to you...

Jane Austen Literary Garden Party

inspired by love. friendship. tea. letters. books. and of course Jane Austen.

{note :: February 5th ~ 14th will be dedicated to Valentine's day *wink*}

do stay for tea, deary! 'tis a pleasure to have you here.

lovingly,

the keeper of the garden.

where dreams come true and memories begin.

2012-01-31T21:20:00.000-08:00

Onceupon a time… as the sky bent low against a sober city backdrop on that special morning, cascades of rain poured in sheets from the heavens above. I breathed a sigh as I looked upon the bleak skyline. rain or shine this day was going to be a beautiful day. an enchanting day brimming with smiles and laughter but most importantly... memories.

with such happy thoughts in mind, the day began as usual, yet my heart stirred restlessly with excitement which could not be contained. {my dear parents endured patiently many a day filled with light chatter about this blissful day. ;)} thus after making preparations for the rainy weather, we made our way to {as you probably have already guessed} disneyland.

once we arrived, we quickly huddled under the shelter of the Rain Forest Cafe {a very appropriate name at the time}. the minutes which elapsed slowly went by like hours. but alas! amidst the deluge that fell from the heavens, the sweet familiar face under a purple umbrella rounded the corner, beaming with excitement. after six long months the miles that separated us simply melted as though the rain was washing them away.
and we were finally together at last...

for the most part of the day, rain drizzled from the cloudy skies above thus the afternoon passed by leisurely as two dear friends lingered within the shops. finally, we settled down in the quaint little coffee shop on the corner of main street where it seemed so long ago I had been standing in the doorway of that place in August, scanning the sea of people for the dear face. the familiar, enticing aroma of old coffee surrounded us, whilst we sipped hot cocoa and nibbled on a sweet snickerdoodle, opening gifts found from antique shops and made from our hands. the latter part of the afternoon was spent peeking in shops throughout the park {purchasing a few lovelies here and there ;)}, and taking photographs to remember the wintry day at the magic kingdom...

being tangled fans of course, we had to stop by Rapunzel's little corner of the world to meet the princess herself...

{and flynn as well ;)}

overall, the day was magical as Johanna and I frolicked in the rain hand-in-hand {like Dianna and Anne}. the day of course passed by much too quickly, but we were comforted to know that Wednesday held an event we were all very excited to attend.

>>---to my dear, sweet old-fashion girl --->

only a week has passed since seeing you, yet I am already saddened that our time together has already slipped away. 'twill be a comfort to know that I shall see you again very soon {which is a promise, mind you}. you are such an amazing young lady and godly example that I am truly blessed - and honored - to call my friend, my true friend and sister in Christ. how immensely blessed I was to see you again and in one of our favorite places. smile. it has been such a joy to watch our friendship strengthen {through thick and thin} even though we live so far away, and 'twill continue to be. everyday I am amazed - and thankful - of how under ordinary circumstances the Lord crossed our paths to form an extraordinary friendship. but know I am more happy to call you not only my friend, but my very dear sister.

know you will always hold a very special place in my heart - you and your family - and I think of you often {and talk about you often...I think my family is sick of it. smile.}

love you always m'dear,

your lavender girl.

be quite sure to visit dear Miss Johanna's lovely parlor of hers for a spot o' tea as well as her account of our magical day together. I know she shall be expecting you. wink.

And they all lived happily ever after...

I hope in the near future I will have the blessed opportunity to meet one of you in person, dear reader!

love,

the girl who is happy to have returned to her garden.

>>--- postscript --->

be sure to visit my garden on the morrow as I am revealing a very special event. wink.

wintry ramblings.

2012-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm home. those words are bittersweet to me as I love my home dearly but on the other hand, there is so much to be accomplished when one returns from a week-long vacation and things add up so quickly that it can become extremely overwhelming. thankfully overall, things have been going fairly smoothly, and once a daily routine has been reestablished, all will go about as it does to winter's beat. {please do forgive my tardiness if I do not return your comments and e-mails right away}.

my friend and I are busying ourselves by editing photographs and videos to tell the story of my little trip this past week, thus I am still not revealing where I had gone or the company I had the pleasure of being with {although, I'm quite certain all of you know. ;)}. more on my mystery trip shall be posting very soon, but just to keep you guessing here's a hint...

{bokeh, yes, that's very helpful. *smile*}

well, to-day, the sky has determined not to be sunny and warm {as a good amount of Californian wintry days are}, but to be in the middle ground of grey; thus I shall go about my afternoon busying myself with crafts {for birthdays and Valentine's day} and other things of that sort.

praying you are all experiencing a lovely day!

love as always,

the girl in the garden.

>>---postscript---> special thanks to my dear friends Camille, Sarah, and Gabby for sending the sweet notes and goodies to greet me when I returned. and of course the warmest of welcomes to my newest visitors to my garden walk! I am delighted to see you here, and pray you are inspired, refreshed, and encouraged by your visits amongst the flowers.
>>---side note---> be sure to enter a delightful giveaway here @ unsinkable.

of rainy afternoons and tea.

2012-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

~ the rainy day ~

the day is cold, anddark, and dreary;

it rains, and thewind is never weary;

the vine still clingsto the mouldering wall,

but at every gust thedead leaves fall,

and the day is darkand dreary.

my life is cold, anddark, and dreary;

It rains, and thewind is never weary;

my thoughts stillcling to the mouldering Past,

but the hopes ofyouth fall thick in the blast,

and the days are darkand dreary.

be still, sad heart! andcease repining;

behind the clouds isa sun still shining;

thy fate is thecommon fate of all,

into each life somerain must fall,

some days must bedark and dreary.

>> henry wadsworth longfellow

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

{images via pinterest}

waiting for the call.

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

from the desk drawer of a young dreamer...

I sit here... writing this upon my quilted bed. when I wish I was there.

my pen quivers as I write. the outdoor sky weeps. her tears slipping down my window's smooth glass face. I watch and listen in vain, when I wish I was there. drinking the crisp spring air, my heart soaring and breathing in the magic, savoring every breath.

when spring magic touches the earth springing up wildflowers. the trees whispering their secrets in the breeze rustling their boughs.

every time I steal a glance at the window, my heart aches to be there. for the silvery winter that melts into a beautiful spring in your meadows and mountains.

narnia. i breath. someday i will answer the call. i whisper.

love as always,
the keeper of the garden.

{images via pinterest}

lovelies.

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

sometimes there are certain moments in time, where you just breath, "life is beautiful."

I do not think there is anything quite quite so lovely as...

feeling the ocean laps against bare toes...

spending time in a summer garden...

feeling the wind twirl your tresses of hair...

traveling with pen and camera in hand...

"sit{ting} in the shade and look{ing} upon the verdure is a most refreshment" ~ Jane Austen.

taking time to "be still" on a hilltop...

having braids in one's hair...

reading in a beautiful place...

capturing life stories...

sitting down and doing something your heart loves...

journaling.
writing letters.
drinking tea.
being thankful and content.
day-dreaming.
loving.
laughing.
living.

happy wednesday, dearies!

love,
the keeper of the garden.

in love // quotes.

2012-01-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

>> sometimes it's a paragraph or a few mere words with a photograph or in tiny script that touches our hearts and makes the whole world new...

// more pinterest quotes found here //

happy monday, dear friends!

with love always,

the girl in the garden.

stichin' sunday // a giveaway.

2012-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

to-day, I have the wonderful pleasure of introducing to you one of the most darling shops that has been a favorite of mine for a very long while....

| etsy profile // shop // pinterest // twitter // blog |

Mollie's sweet little shop is brimming with the sweetest patterns and printables all made from her own designs. let's take a little peek, shall we?

// crafty characters //

// 1+1 = food math //

// country fair food friends //

// baker's best friends //

// spring rain //

such a cute, colorful array of darling embroidery patterns which will keep your hands busy during the wintry months and add a touch of sweetness to any craft project.

________________________________

// the giveaway //

sweet Mollie has most generously agreed to contribute a few of her lovelies from her shop to be enjoyed by one of my dearest readers!

>> please note.

the prizes below are in PDF form, meaning the winner shall be receiving patterns through e-mail.

// teeny tiny stamps //

{one of my absolute favorites!!! :) }

// baked with love //

{ just in time for Valentine's Day! }

// teeny tiny blog buddies //

{Mollie generously sent me a pattern of this as well and I cannot wait to settled down by a cozy fireside to embroider. :)}

// printable calling cards //

{ perfect to spread the word about your business or blog! }

________________________

>> to note.

{please read the following carefully}

you must complete the mandatory entry before acquiring extra entries.
you must leave separate comments per entry. {example :: three entries = three comments}
when following this blog, you must be a public follower {via Google Friends Connect}.
giveaway will close on the 31st of the month and winner shall be announced shortly thereafter.
giveaway is open to international readers.
keep in mind, winner of this giveaway will not be allowed to enter my next two upcoming giveaways.

>> to enter.

// mandatory entry //

tell me what you would embroider with these sweet patterns

and

visit Mollie's lovely shop and tell me what catches your eye

{one} heart Mollie's shop, add her to your etsy circle, follow her on twitter, and follow her blog.

{leave separate comments per entry you complete}

{two} be or become a follower of my garden walk. {3 entries, 3 comments}

{three} tell me something that has been particularly inspiring or enjoyable from my past archives.

{four} purchase something from Mollie's shop.

____________________

special thanks to Mollie for making this giveaway possible. I really appreciate her support and pray that Mollie and her shop be blessed immensely!

you may begin writing me promptly, dearies!

with love,
the keeper of the garden.

au revoir, auf wiedersehen, hasta luego, farewell dearies!

2012-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

the sky is low, the clouds are mean. the wind complains and moans of life's unfairness. my heart longs to get away from daily routines but mostly to travel.

fare thee well, dearies! I shan't be away for long...this video explains most of it. ;) I hope you enjoy!

bon voyage, ma cherie!!!
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: 6 followers away from 300??? wow. you all are a.m.a.z.i.n.g. and really such a huge blessing in my life. *hugs*
side note :: what do you think of my new garden look? it's not dramatic, but I just thought a few "new flowers" would be a nice touch for a wintry day. ;)

[images via pinterest]

just a few happy thoughts // and first vlog.

2012-01-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is Lord!!!

{psalms 144:15}

// buttered corn bread and green tea //

// the scent of oranges that evoke thoughts of summer //

// simple moments that bring so much joy for years to come //

// cabinets and cubbies brimming with yarn //

// chocolate woolen socks that go up my knee //

// music and photographs that make my heart sing //

// dear friends I am blessed [and honored] to call sisters //

// a suit case ready for adventure //

introducing my first vlog! despite the imperfections {I can't believe after the third attempts of being IN focus this came OUT of focus and ugh, I repeated myself a lot} I still hope you enjoy...

{and yes, this is my first ever Youtube Video. can you tell? *sheepish grin*}

{oh, please excuse the close up at the end. XP}

have a question you would like to be included in a vlog? leave a note!

happy monday, dear friends!

lovingly,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

stationery giveaway + product review.

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

to-day, I have a simply lovely shop brimming with the most darling stationery from modern to a vintage flair. I am delighted to introduce you to...

shop // etsy profile

the sweet owner, Naomi, kindly sent me a set of twelve stationery cards in my favorite colors as well as a few other samples from her shop...

these lovely stationery sets came wonderfully packed, and the shipping did not take long at all...

I love the brown-craft paper envelopes...

are they not darling? I simply cannot wait to start letting my friends with these. wink.

now, let us take a small peek into her cute shop...

she sells a lovely arrangement of notecards and stationery sets from modern, botanical, or vintage...

...in which they are all personalized to your liking. she has a wide color selection to choose from and will kindly personalize your stationery with your name to add a sweet personal touch....

special thanks to Naomi for generously making this giveaway possible!!!

may the Lord bless you and your business this new year! since your banner on my sidebar is up late, you shall be receiving a few month's advertising. ;)

________________________________________________

>>---the giveaway--->

dear Naomi is most generously giveaway TWO personalized stationery sets to one of my dear readers! is that not sweet of her?

>>---requirements--->

{please read the rules carefully before entering}

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry, else extra entries will not count.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry.

{three} giveaway will be open to US young ladies only.

{four} giveaway will be closing at 12:00 N Pacific Timing on the 30th of the month.

the winner shall {Lord-willingly} within the next few days.

>>---to enter--->

:: mandatory entry ::

{counting as one entry}

leave a little note telling me that you visited naomi's shop and let me know what two stationery sets you would choose should you win. also, I would very much like to know what colors you would choose as well!

:: extra entries ::

{after completing the mandatory entry}

{one} heart naomi's shop.

{two} add naomi to your etsy circle.

{three} follow this blog.

{four} tell me what you would like to see posted on this blog.

{five} go vote for my photograph at shutter happy. ;)

{six} purchase something from naomi's lovely shop. [ten entries, leave ten separate comments]

{note :: the extra entries above are worth one entry unless otherwise stated}

alrighty, dearies, you may begin writing me promptly!

a little piece of magic.

2012-01-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

the world is thick with ice and dreary. my life is quiet, and in between moments, I ponder. my thoughts turning to dreaming of the future and of the memories in the past. and if I close my eyes and dream hard enough, I am there.

*listen* I am surrounded by voices excited by the sights they encounter...perhaps for the 100th time or for the first in their life. I hear the train whistle in the background; the familiar classic tunes such as Hello, Dolly's "Put on your Sunday Shoes" and the Happiest Millionaire's toe-tapping "Fortuasity."

*blink* I see a blur made up of a million faces - young and old - their eyes lit with amazement and their lips curved into grins, beaming with delight....

I see balloons floating up and down the red-brick lane, bobbing gracefully on their colorful ribbons in the breeze. but there, in the distance is the sight that takes one's breath away...

the castle.

and that's when it hits you that you have just entered into 'the happiest place on earth.' {okay, so maybe not the happiest place on earth because of all the screams and crying babies in the background but let's just move on okay? :D}

too many things to do and sights to see, where do we start?

// having tea at a mad party //

// a mansion haunted with ghosts //

// stepping into a world of stars //

// the smell of cotton candy and coffee //

// exploring a pirate's lair //

// going on a jungle cruise //

// watching the fireworks //

// the sweetest taste of cotton candy //

// sipping hot chocolate or eating an ice cream bar //

// touring the stars //

// fighting darth vador or jack sparrow //

// hugging princess rapunzel //

// diving under the sea to ariel's world //

// watching alladin live //

// beholding the world of color //

// screamin' at california disney //

a place of smiles and laughs and oohing. a place where memories truly did begin even from my mother's childhood to mine. a little piece of magic very close to my heart.

where do your dreams take you?

love as always,

the keeper of the garden.

// on my 2012 bucket list //

[images via pinterest and weheartit.com]

le happy

2012-01-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

// misty sunrises //

// jane austen's emma //

// inglenooks //

// sunshine streaming through my window //

// pines that sway in the afternoon breeze //

// this post and this post //

// oh, and this one too //

// whimsiness //

// skype //

// quilted beds //

// pinterest inspiration //

// letters from faraway friends //

// smiles //

// musical heart garlands //

// day-dreaming of a [future] magical day //

// red and white baker's twine //

// brown paper packages wrapped with love for a special someone //

// valentine's crafting ideas //

// beautiful blogs [and a new favorite one] //

// lovely photographs //

// my cat's soft purr //

// 1940's curls //

// dreams of snow-laden mornings and lazy summer afternoons //

// french //

// lavender colour //

// distant plans to travel to italy //

// writing //

// drinking tea //

// God's amazing love //

// notes from dear blogging friends, old and new //

what makes you 'le happy'?

xoxo,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: thank you so much for all the encouragement and sweet notes that all of you have been leaving! I appreciate each and every one of them...oh, and the warmest of welcomes to my newest followers!

{images via pinterest}

an in-between moment.

2012-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

uninspired. that word haunts me, and unfortunately, describes my life as of late. a few posts line my draft inbox, but words...they just don't fit together to my satisfaction.

I feel like I'm caught in an in-between measure of time. an overwhelming whirlwind of studies, letters, writing, journaling, crafting, devotions - and I find myself often saying, "there just isn't enough time in the day." and then when I have a quiet moment {which are rare these days, as you know ;)}, my mind goes blank and word escape my grasp.

{rather random picture ^^}

busyness has a tight grasp on a person's life. my semester is ending in my studies with it a load of tests to study for following close behind, whilst my family and I are preparing to take a little trip somewhere that I hold very dear to my heart. waiting makes the adventure all the more exciting, but this upcoming week cannot pass by any faster.

so life has been, well, life. an in-between moment. always waiting for the next sun to rise in hopes of a brighter day.

love from your dull writer,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

stroll by a winter ocean.

2012-01-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

dearest readers,
my eyes gaze upon a dull sapphire landscape. the roar of the majestic and the faraway cries of grave sea gulls echo in my ear while the salty mist lingers upon my lips and ebony lashes. my long hair tangles in the wind's icy grasp...

the day is not clear - beautiful nonetheless - as slate-colored sky bends low with the sea's spray. my heart races as I observe deafening waves unmercifully pounding upon the steely rocks, weathered over time by the violent sea. frothy water moves toward the shore in rage; the wind whistled fiercely through the rustling tall grass.

^^ linking this up to...

many may have viewed the scene as unpleasant as such a tempest shakes the hearts of men with fear, just as much as the rugged landscape it beats upon, but I was in awe of the power that God had given the sea. in times of turbulence or glassy peace, the blend of the salt spray, refreshing gusts, and aquamarine waters - the overwhelming grandeur of the ocean enraptures me, and I thank the Lord to be witness of so much beauty.

beauty is never far away as long as you open your eyes to seek it.

love always,
the keeper of the garden.

inspiring post of the week is by my dear friend gabby @ inspired.

// listening to :: capatain america soundtrack 25 //

^^ yes, feeling patriotic to-day ;) ^^

let's start a revolution.

2012-01-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

the one thing I love about blogging is that someone can draw inspiration from another, and can encourage them to do another thing which in return starts a chain reaction and starts a revolution...
this was inspired by you. every single one of you, my dearest friends.

yesterday, I published about a topic that has been on my heart for weeks, sitting in my drafts for a very long time. it wasn't until yesterday evening that it truly 'clicked' with me why I was writing about this specific topic, and although I personally do not think the post was completely my best way of broaching the subject, I am overwhelmed by your encouraging reactions but in fact the better word to describe it is :

>>---- h u m b l e d ---->

humbled and grateful, that 28 beautiful young women seeking God's best took time out of your busy day to voice their hearts and leave encouragement. that's how I want to view comments and stats and followers from now on, as "oh, look a lovely young lady has taken a piece of her time to specially stop and share their heart and to join my garden walk." not place the expectation that readers should because as dear Miss Elizabeth described the blogging world as a community of friends, and that is truly what I wanted {what started} this little garden o' mine. to be a safe haven for young ladies to connect.

darlings, reading all of your heart musings and struggles that I could exactly relate to, I was inspired. inspired to make this little "petition" I suppose you could name it, because as you link up to your blog to mine, you are saying, "I will strive to be an authentic blogger." not minding so much for the comments or followers as long as you can be true to yourself...true to what God made you to be.

after you enter your blog's link into the linky tool below, please comment to tell me you have done so and tell a little bit about yourself, for I do so want to know a little more about you.

you may also spread the word if you like by pasting the specially made button on your sidebar below, or mentioning this in a post...

blogging is to encourage, inspire, connect, and share with the world the true beautiful young lady that the Lord designed you to be. by encouraging this revolution, I'm saying that I'm not perfect {AT ALL}, but by God's beautiful, awing grace, I can freely and authentically blog for you.

so, dear one, will you join the revolution?

with sincere love,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: a special thank you to Miss Elizabeth and Miss Guinevere for spreading the word about my previous post. you two are the ones you really inspired me to do this.

side note :: I am most definitely going to visit all of your lovely blogs and leave a comment. oh, and the warmest of welcomes to dear new visitors!!!

hello, lovely. would you like to be friends?

2012-01-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

proverbs 18 : 24

a man who has friends must himself be friendly...

this topic has been on my heart for awhile now, but words could not be grasped to write about it until now...

popularity.seems our culture revolves around this single exciting word. the description of a girl being popular brings a thrilling chill down one's spine because 'common we all seek to be accepted and viewed as important by others.
popularity runs through blogging circles just as much as it does through real life.
perhaps you struggle just like me with the thought, "well, I should like to very much have 25 comments per post, 1,000 followers," because in our eyes that's popularity. unfortunately, I was easily swept into the thinking of "being popular" I must do certain things to achieve it, instead of what blogging is truly about. attempting to gain an overwhelming amount of comments and followers, left me exhausted, greedy, and depressed because I had not met the standard of what I called, "popular." I had lost focus of my ultimate goal : to inspire, to bless, to c o n n e c t not compete.

and i was left with nothing but complete and utter unrest and frustration and saying to myself, "I'm not good enough." once inspiration stopped, my stats began to reach and all-time low, comments dwindled, and I dove into the "depths of despair," scrambling to save everything that I had once "built" up by publishing things I knew in the back of my head never truly touched readers like I had hoped.

and then it hit me. after reading some of my archives to-day, I saw the lovely notes past readers left. eight, nine, ten comments became normal back then on posts I now I look back on as dull and incomplete. but then I realized why :: I had been myself. simply me. an old-fashion girl often randomly rambling about life through a thirteen-year-old's eyes at the time.

now I see what the true blessings of blogging are :: friendships.

so darling, stay for tea in this little garden o' mine. my photographs may not be perfect, nor my writing style the most clever you have ever read, but how lovely 'twould be if you stayed.

^^ this is me ^^

hi, I'm Grace. I wear braces and glasses and am rambunctious {sometimes too rambunctious}, random, and somewhat of a klutz. I'm an outgoing 15-year-old social butterfly and often think I was born in the wrong time period. I'm a lover of lavender, lace, and letters, writing and reading, and anything whimsy. I love tea and books and my new owl journal as well as keeping my hands busy with knitting, sewing, crocheting, and card-making. oh, and I believe in good spelling and grammar but I think lower case letters are lovely too. this is simply me.

hello, lovely! a pleasure to meet you. would you like to be friends?

leave a note, and I'll return it.

love always,
the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

for those blue days and other musings.

2012-01-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

dear readers,

>> a tint of blueness. the world is dreary, dark, and grey. like my rambling january thoughts. although the weather fair, how nice i thought it might be nice to blend a smoothie for a pop of color...

blueberries + banana, a hint of vanilla, and orange juice =

bluebana smoothie.

{for those blue days}

-------------------------

and so life goes on. christmas is now but a distant memory, and a clock ticks monotonously, almost melancholy. the beat of "normal" life is slowly sinking in, and I cannot help but feel slightly depressed. my studies have begun again, and my large amount of spare time has been cut back dramatically, even if inspiration freely did flow to me. so rambling thoughts have found their way to my little owl journal, and as inspiration avoids me, I just stare at my laptop with no idea of what to post.

what do you do on a "blue" day?

// listening to //

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: i want to extend the warmest welcome to my newest followers, and also thank all the lovely people who have been leaving the nicest notes of cheer. 'tis refreshing to have comments from new visitors and old.

side note :: a very special event is coming to this little garden of mine in celebration of my second blogging anniversary, once february graces the calendar. ;)

journal entry {no. 1}

2012-01-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

{via weheartit}

>>----> sunday, january 1st, 2012

5:52, evening.

dear journal,

all is quiet as I write {besides the washing machine running a load in the kitchen}, but a comforting contentment bursts forth from within my heart; the kind of happiness to which cannot easily be confined. a new year. the words whisper within my ears, and an exciting thrill runs down my spine. with such a lovely sunday, this new chapter of life has proven to be already quite delightful.

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

i woke up to a misty morning, to-day. my hopes were a bit dashed to not see the sun shining brightly through the pines, but making our way to church service, I realized that the Lord was washing the world, purifying every twig on the bare branches, every blade of grass, every car and home and roof, with dew from the heavens for a new beginning, or "new slate," as one may say. how wonderful 'tis, that the Lord blesses us with such beautiful gift...a new year!

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

bittersweet is the precise word for entering into 2012. time goes by so quickly, and soon this year shall become another chapter of my life closed, a mere archive to which I hope to say that will store invaluable memories and be fondly looked back on instead of the contrary. 2011 was indeed a wonderful year, but there were definitely heartaches with relationships and alarming "growing up" confusion which {thankfully} many lessons have been learned to build up character instead of tearing it down.

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

i thought it only proper to write down fond memories of this past year, but i live in the present now. it is like the little closing that pastor pat had told the church to-day {he closed the Daddy's message}, "it's good to make mistakes in the past and learn from them, but if we keep staring in the rear-view mirror in the car instead of ahead on the road, we are going to crash into something."

>>-----------------------> * <-----------------------<<

so here's to a new slate, dear journal, and a resolution I hope to keep. confine in you more often.

lovingly,

Grace

6 : 21, evening.

when the sun rises...

2011-12-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

a new year will have begun. a new chapter will be written. 2011 has been a challenging year, and I've learned that growing up isn't all fun and games. :) but so many cherished lessons have been learned and so many warm memories have been made.

>>------> a year in review

I've met so many new people I have been honored to name as my dearest of friends. summer was an interesting experience at the waterpark, and spending time with relatives that haven't been seen in years. I met my dearest of friends at Disneyland for the second time in August, on our way home from our adventures in San Diego. my parents surprised me with a trip to Disneyland as well for my 15th birthday the following October which was perhaps, the most magical visits I have spent there. my relationship with our dear Lord Jesus has been definitely strengthened, but there is still so much to learn. my experience with babies has also grown, and my love to help with them has as well.

days this year have been filled with the good and bad, filled with tears and smiles, and while I cannot say that this year has been perfect, what a comfort it is to know that when the morning sun rises, and its rays burst upon the hills, so does a beautiful and bright future.

>>>----------> inspired. aspiring. one year to do so. <----------<<<

// 2012 "to-do" list //

keep up faithful devotions

start a business

gain 300 followers and 100 facebook friends

earn enough money for photoshop

learn how to read a knitting pattern

crochet a project by reading a pattern

plan a sweet sixteen

clean and re-decorate my room

cook a full dinner

bake

become a faithful commenter on several blogs

faithfully write in my journal

write letters

read 10 books in one month

read Jane Eyre and Emma

crochet a blanket {or stuffed animal}

sew a quilt

sew a dress

purchase a cute vintage dress

do well in school

get a job {or run a business} in the summer

write a list of words and quotes

finish La Folia

practice violin everyday

witness, give a testimony

have a complete conversasion in Espanol

get a cork board to make as an inspiration board

research fashion

research for an etsy shop

read books on photography {i.e. improve photography}

new e-mail address

set up “blogger” physical mailbox

rewrite my bucket list and “why I blog” post

learn how to use Gimp

design a complete blog that is not my own

knit a scarf for a sponsor child

knitting campaign

do more product reviews {review a dress}

meet another blogger friend

write to my favourite authors and get a reply

read a complete Dicken’s novel

work on my scrapbook // art journal // project notebook

create a quote wall

hang my paintings and a full length mirror in my room

find a way to earn more money

be in a professional play!

learn HTML code

start Christmas presents in September

host a jane austen {literary} garden party

host a valentines tea party

exercise regularly

get a new hairstyle, learn vintage hair do's

learn more about herbs

write up an FAQ page

try french macarons

learn a bit of Italian

curl my hair and wear it on a nice outing

get a summer job?

photograph more

attend a photography class

make 10 projects from my pinterest crafting board.

take my dearest friends to tea by the sea

help plan a trip to Italy

collect more thread spools, handkerchiefs, and tea cups

purchase something I really like on Etsy

crochet a rug from fabric

crochet slippers

host an "official" crafting day with friends

guest post on a friend's blog

receive twenty-five comments {excluding my response} on a post

have a photoshoot with friends

so many laughs to be heard. so many songs to be spontaneously sung. so many smiles to be photographed. so many more lessons to be learned. so many photographs to be taken. so many adventures to be experienced. so many more people to meet. in this upcoming year.

praying all of you have the most wonderful new year ever experienced!!!

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: what are some of your resolutions?

to inspire :: an eclectic collection of pinterest finds.

2011-12-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

hullo, lovelies!

I haven't been really inspired lately posting wise. it seems like every time I sit down I write a paragraph that seems very sober and not light-hearted, and I don't want to go depressing you even more now that we are moving into a not-so-exciting month of january {sorry to those who have January birthdays ;)}. here are some lovely {and colorful} pinterest finds that I thought might inspire you...

[all photographs via pinterest]

praying you have a blessed day! {a true post will be up soon. ;)}

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: I hope all of you had a very blessed and joyous christmas! do leave a comment and tell me about it...I would love to hear from you!

taking in the moment // one last time.

2011-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

dearest readers,

the days are shorter; the nights longer. december has almost come to a close and soon the last chapter of this year will be another archive to remember upon.

silent night. with december, comes a flurry of events. lights. festivals. dinners. shopping. frenzied gift-wrapping. yet on christmas eve there is a peace about the world as we remember the little babe wrapped in swaddling cloth that lain in a manger so long ago.

sitting here cozily, by the fireside that cheerfully dances within the hearth. the silky hot chocolate within my palms tastes even more magical. stockings hang in their places. the nativity radiates from under the tree.

breathing in the moment. sighing in the moment. taking it all in. one last time with you, dear reader.

[image via pinterest]

>>-----> Merry Christmas, lovelies! <-----<<

from this little garden of mine to yours...

{couldn't resist lucia ;)}

may you all be blessed christmas as we celebrate our wonderful Savior's birth!!!

much love to you all,
the keeper of the garden.

// listening to //

avec l'amour de la france

2011-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

^^^ with love from france ^^^

across a crystal sea, there lives a family of to which I hold a special place in my heart.

there are those special times of to which I open my beloved green mail box, whilst the sun still faintly glints over the western hill, to discover a parcel wrapped in brown paper addressed all the way from this far off country. to my overwhelming delight, I received a lovely brown-paper package just in time for christmas in the mail all the way from a little simply lovely place called france...

oh, what could it be?

J'adore!!! 'tis a lovely magazine printed in french! *swoon* this lovely magazine is brimming with inspiration, and better yet, inspiration just for christmas!

happy sigh. forever shall I cherish this magazine for not only is quite a loverly gift, but because such a sweet family sent it all the way with love from france.

special, heart-felt thanks to the Roux family for sending such a sweet gift for Christmas.

>> Joyeux Noël <<

avec amour {with love},
the keeper of the garden.

>> side note :: extending the warmest of welcomes to my new followers!!! so happy to see new faces around here. *wink*

of hot chocolate and wintry thoughts.

2011-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

the kettle whistles. chink. cup and saucer click.

steam rises along with a dark woodsy aroma. sip. rich. creamy. silky. a wonderfully tingly feeling slips over your whole body. slowly taking the place of the chill.

knitted blanket + hot chocolate = a simply lovely way to watch the world from your window. the realm of winter and ice keeps one inside, to think, to ponder about life. and sometimes wonder what lies beyond the familiar meandering routines of life.

my eyes lazily wander the landscape, from the three green knolls which cozily tuck my little glen I call home. home is where the heart is...always, yet sometimes I sit and dream about countries miles from my little dot on the globe where I am. thoughts of...

italy. france. england.

london. paris. rome.

japan. new zealand. wales. scotland. ireland.

wanderlust. my heart stirs restlessly just like the chocolate swirling within my cup, as I ponder and look outside my window.

what do you dream about when the weather is bleak and cheerless?

love always,

the keeper of the garden.

side note :: happy hanukkah!

// listening to //

{this song is stuck in my head!!!}

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas.

2011-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

a rush of chilled air stings my face when I open the door, causing my red striped scarf to dance about me. the icy world with skies tinted silver and barren trees enfolds, and I proceed into the bitter realm. yet, there is a subtle beauty and warmth one cannot help but feel during the month of december. a sort of magic, as you may say, that seems to overrule the never-ceasing chill which manages to find its way into every nook. the sort of magic defuses in the air that your breath, and brings about joy in the midst of the bitter cold.

life as of late... has been spent {busily} preparing for the most wonderful time of the year to which I am most fond of. six days until christmas is hardly conceivable. {wasn't it just October?}

last minute presents are being wrapped and sent, whilst a deluge of packages and christmas cards arrive in the afternoon post soon following squeals of delight.

and in between the moments, I am able to enjoy a sip of hot chocolate.

it seems as though christmas has come early as friends from all over the country have sent little packages including my darling friends miss johanna, miss gabby, and miss hannah.

and finally I am able to breath to myself, "it's beginning to look a lot like christmas." do you not agree?
xoxo,
Grace

postscript :: every year I wish for a white christmas which seems hardly likely in the middle of California; but there's something about this year that is making me wish even harder. it seems as though a day does not pass as of late when I am not thinking of beautiful white flakes gently falling from the heavens. so, dear readers, please pray. for a white christmas. for me, s'il vous plaît? *smile*

happy golden days.

2011-12-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

the days approaching christmas are my favorite in the year. filled with stringing popcorn, dazzling lights, watching movies, wrapping presents and setting them under the tree. and of course, priceless family time.

a time brimming with tradition, new and old, while reminiscing about christmases that seem so long ago. yes, indeed, these next few days could be described in one word :: n o s t a l g i c.

remembering and smiling past christmases filled with the same tradition and warmth still experienced now =

happy golden days.

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: there is a lovely giveaway being hosted at Raising Homemakers, I highly suggest you enter!

It's (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

inspired by // christmas.

2011-12-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

>> 'tis the season to be jolly. how can you then not be inspired by christmas?

simple. whimsy. woodsy. lovely!

red holly berries. silver bells. coffee pine cones. green wreaths of pine. golden bokeh. ~ they all inspire.

what inspires you during this christmas season?

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

[images via pinterest]

merry and bright.

2011-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

// a chill hangs in the air. //

// small clouds form as my breath rises into the icy night. //

*click of the door's lock*

warmth.

*sigh*

// we welcome the embrace as we rush inside. //

warmth surrounds me. as I type, I sit by a cheery fire dancing contently in its snow, white brick hearth. I sit by a tree, wrapped in light. bokeh dazzling from its boughs.

the weather outside is frightful, but inside the air is delightful. the last of winter's chill from our evening outing has slipped away as though it had never been. my striped knee-high socks still gracing my feet, are the only remains of my winter clothing.

an evening spent by a cozy fire. the soft click of my laptop's keys. peace. sigh. I am content.

life is beautiful. especially during christmas.

>> there seems a magic in the very name of christmas. ~Charles Dickens

^^don't you agree?^^

2011 christmas list.

2011-12-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

well, I browsed over Kiley's list and thought it would be fun and sit down to compile a "dream" Christmas list. :) first off, though, I know Christmas should be wholly focused on celebrating Christ's birth but just like Kiley, I admit I do love presents as well {although, I really don't get excited of opening them until like a few days before christmas morning}.

washi tape. tape? really? yeah, but it's not just ordinary tape. it's Japanese washi tape. this would be the ultimate stocking stuffer. :)

{listing}

personalized vintage stationery. love this!

{listing}

whimsical stationery. i've been admiring this for awhile. :)

{pure loveliness}

poloroid. it can be old or new. large or especially mini. i love them to death.

{indeed pure amazingness}

good quality yarn. focusing on my knitting skills this year so yarn, knitting needles, etc. would prove most useful. :)

jane austen christmas journal. <-----<< titles says it all. *swoon*

jane austen knitting magazine. <----<< again, this says it all. *faint*

{via}

knitting needle organizer. someday I'll make one of these even if I don't receive on for Christmas. :)

crochet hook organizer. love!

{listing}

the problem is, I am interested in so many things that I WANT so many things. :P overall, anything crafty//vintage//handmade is awesome. :)

linking up to...

what do you want for christmas this year?

a winter's eve musing.

2011-12-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

// kettle on the stove whistles softly //

// *chink* porcelain tea cup and saucer click //

// chocolate aroma; creamy white foam bubbles over //

*sip*

// hearth bursts with warmth; cheery flames dance //

// golden bokeh adorning the tree //

// downy couch //

*ponder*

// rooftops glistening with frost in the morning sun //

// frosted windows //

// knitted wraps and wooly socks //

// warmth from the oven //

// scintillating lights //

// dreams of days brimming with snow //

// warm uggs //

// letters enfolding warmth and love from a faraway place //

// afternoons filled with daydreams and wanderlust //

// brown paper parcels adorning the doorstep //

// this post and this post //

// the words joyeux noel and nostalgia //

// christmas photography //

warmth. music. words. joy. love. peace.

>>----bliss---->

an old friend.

2011-12-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

a slight *squeak* and *creak* of the wooden desk's door. a small puff of dust is released into the air, tickling my nose. my beloved writing desk, scarred with scratches and marred with age. how long has it been since I have opened you? a month or two? and there, amidst the cluttered pile lie three treasures from the past. I smile.

among the blessings of life, a little letter that arrives in my green mailbox is perhaps the most cherished, and not just because it brightens a day or even the week, but because {as memories fail you know} the sweet hand-written script brings warmth even months --- years --- gone by.

but letters are not only a piece of paper with scribbles from a pen, but I can rightly say they are a friend. a comfort to connect with another kindred soul, experiencing the same challenges and encouraging my walk heavenward with their simple and sweet words.

to-day, I opened my writing desk to find three letters written by two beautiful young ladies. both older than I. yet, even though their lives are lived miles away from mine, reading their notes written months ago {as I am terribly behind on my letter writing} gave me joy, brightened my day with a radiance stronger than the day I received them, because they were carefully written by a dear sister. e-mails, text, and comments connect {for I am a very big supporter of blogging ;)}, but nothing compares to a letter.

so this Christmastime season sit down and write a letter. just write.

because you may not know how much it truly means to the receiver.

lovingly,

the keeper of the garden.

[images via pinterest]

new month. new look. hullo december!

2011-12-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

quietly. silently. a realm, chilled and icy, unfolds outside my frost-bitten pane of glass. the world turns into a dull gray and white, stark contrast compared to the brilliance of autumn's colors. the trees begin to don ermine collars of crystal to cover their bareness, as skies fill with flocks of geese. softly. silently. it creeps. gently. bleakly. the air begins to chill. the sky bends low with clouds tinted silver. thus winter makes His descent upon this little glen shielded between three knolls, wooded with barren oaks and gold-leafed pomegranates bedecked with red jewels left behind.

winter. i breath. a shiver crawls up my spine. welcome. i sigh. a tinge of dread accents my voice, but all the same I welcome the callous season who's chill manages to creep into every little nook. for on the wind chilled with frost and snow {if we're blessed}, rides a season which i am always fond.

winter. my goodness how november has passed! {between you and me, I am quite relieved, as now I can sing throughout the house at the top [perhaps, not the top] of my lungs my favorite christmas melodies as I pack my brown-paper parcels into the mailbox with a clear conscience}.

mist-filled mornings. silvery skies. frosted blades of grass. woodland dreams. snow-filled forests. icy panes of glass. holly leaves and wreaths made of pine.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may fetch my gold-trimmed teacups from the high shelf and fill them with silky hot chocolate brimming with puffy marshmallows, all the while warming rudolf red noses from the cold.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may fetch {or purchase} a pair of fuzzy warm socks, while hanging ornaments upon the traditional pine.

>> how I have longed for the season to which I may don my woolen mittens and scarves.

>> new look. how do you like it? some people aren't liking it so much, but I'm loving it, and it took a LOT of work to adjust the HTML.

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

postscript :: special thanks to Bethany for the basics of blog template. {copied from my crafting blog}

life as of late.

2011-11-29T12:19:00.001-08:00

sometimes words are longed to be typed on a blank white canvas. sometimes photographs beckon to be taken. and it's at those right moments, I sit and write and snap and click "publish," sharing with the world my simple story that I claim as my own.

>> life. has been quiet. sometimes there are points in life when one simply sits back and rests. life has been good. quiet. simple. perhaps, not a flow of inspiration but my hands have been busying themselves with gifts instead of words, but I thank the Lord everyday that there are those sweet, blissful moments when one can simply and peacefully rest in Him.

>> a season of thanksgiving. thanksgiving festivities have settled down, and life has returned to normal with it's steady rhythm. thanksgiving was a quiet affair, filled with good food, crimson starbuck cups, car trips, and a breath-taking ocean views. for you see, our Californian holidays are spent a little differently than that of the lovely concepts of frost-bitten afternoons as a turkey roasts in the oven.

the next day was spent shopping for clothing and gifts. after leaving our beloved thanksgiving retreat, we returned home with parcels of grey cozy cowls for the winter months, hot chocolate kits for neighbors, chocolates for extra sweet treats in packages, etc. indeed, 'twas refreshing to get away and smell the salt-spray of the sea, and a treat to rest from school.

>> change. holidays are wonderful but albeit too short. thanksgiving break is now a distant memory, but 'tis a comfort to know that a cheerful days filled with warmth and family and traditions loom on the horizon filled with scents of cinnamon and anise, warmth from the oven, and flames dancing cheerfully in the hearth. bidding farewell to beautiful autumn, we now slip into a season of celebration.

{via pinterest}

>> to craft. baker's twine. striped brown paper. ribbon. cardstock. and of course listening to celtic women's heavenly voices in the background.
spare time has been devoted to wrapping christmas presents, hand-knit earlier this october. honestly readers, if you can get a head leap on christmas gifts next year, do! 'tis so rewarding!

{via pinterest}

soon traditional decorations will be put up on the tree along with garlands and lights, and presents wrapped in brown paper and twine will be tucked neatly under the tree. vine street {annual community get-together} is quickly approaching, along with visits from family up north - all the the beat of celtic woman's O Holy Night. the countdown to christmas has begun, and 'tis most definitely starting to feel a lot like christmas.

{^^can you not tell I love pomegranates?^^}

what are you looking forward to these up coming weeks?

xoxo,
the keeper of the garden.

// listening to //

blogging help.

2011-11-29T09:47:00.001-08:00

I hate to write these types of posts because they seem so out of place, but I woke up this morning to find that I can't upload pictures because I have exceeded my Google memory. what??? that means I can publish pictures in a post but no more pictures on my sidebar or most importantly no new headers!!!

to anyone who knows the solution, please e-mail me here. I really want to post a new header next month, and need to get this fixed. your help is very much appreciated.

thank you,
the distraught blog designer.

wylde ivy product review.

2011-11-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm late with this and I apologize. :) the winner of the blue cheveron notebook from whitney's shop is ::

comment no. 24

Emily Ruth said...

I added Whitney to my Etsy circle.

borrowingphotographs (at) gmail (dot) com

3:52 pm, november 14, 2011

congratulations, Emily dear! I am so happy that you won, as one of my faithful followers {and commenter :)} you deserve a prize. ;) please e-mail me here within 48 hr. to claim your prize by including your e-mail address, and I will have whitney get in touch with you shortly.

----------------------------------------------------------

| click to enter shop |

it's amazing how scents can transport you to a place or pull a memory from your mind. wylde ivy esty shop is filled with the most wonderful scents to transport you to beautiful places.

remember the lovely sponsor I had during the autumn event last month? well, ashlee, the shop owner kindly allowed me to do a review on a few of her products from her shop, and most generously sent two of the loveliest products as well as two heavenly samples which make me swoon whenever I catch a subtle scent from them. :)

the day the package arrived, I was just about to go out the door to join my neighbor's birthday party celebrations, when my neighbor and her friends came up my path and handed me a package addressed to me. excitement washed over me and I quickly ripped through the packaging. in an instant, a lovely aroma surrounded me as if packaging itself was saturated in a beautiful perfume.

inside I found two big treasures nestled in the white paper packaging. one of which was...

this lovely bella vanilla perfume!!!

now, I am not one who wheres perfumes that often, as my mother cannot handle strong artificial scents {and I have grown to be the same}, but this perfume was different. when I sprayed a bit it permeated the room with warmth and a tingly, sugary aroma filled with a most beautiful vanilla scent. it took a lot of self-control to NOT use a great amount of it. :)

this perfume is made of extremely fine quality and is long-lasting. sometimes I steal a drop in the morning and can still smell the wonderful aroma by the end of the evening.

if this one perfume smells this good, I hope to purchase a few of her others someday for gifts or perhaps, for myself. ;)

to my complete surprise, ashlee also included one of her body scrubs in my favorite scent : lavender.

mama and I are very fond of soaking our feet in the bathtub on cold winter's nights, thus 'twas a treat to try this in our soaks...

the sugar scrub is for the whole body, thus I tried a bit on my face one evening, and my skin felt so soft. the scent is alluring, filled with both a creamy vanilla and a lovely lavender scent.

to top it off, she also sent me two samples of her "forgotten rose" and "she walked delicately" oils and perfume. the rose is amazing, and ashlee beautifully accomplished the art of bottling the scent of roses, for whenever I open the petite bottle I am transported back to summer days filled with sunshine and lots of dew covered roses.

and lastly, but certainly not the least, "she walked delicately" was a simply wonderful aroma. dark and a bit alluring it reminded me of a twilight evening walking in the forest infused with a hint of jassmine.

from the bottom of my heart I give my thanks to you ashlee, for generously sending the loveliest products.

I will definitely be saving up a bit of money to purchase from you soon. :)

:: why you need to purchase from wylde ivy ::

{one} the shipping was incredibly fast {only two days!} thus it's perfect for last minute Christmas gifts.

{two} her products are made of extremely fine quality and are long lasting.

Wylde Ivy perfumes are super concentrated perfume oils dispersed in professional perfumer’s alcohol. These alcohol-based sprays are concentrated and very long lasting.{from a product listing}

{three} her scents are so enchanting that you and your friends will love her products, making the perfect Christmas gifts for friends!

{four} she is having a sale right now, so you would be saving money!!! :)

be sure to add her shop to your favorites!

happy sunday, friends!

the keeper of the garden.

in focus | a photography project.

2011-11-26T16:29:00.001-08:00

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.

// Ansel Adams //

a year passes so quickly. so silently. so many memories that follow. so many memories lost. yet, a photograph captures the memory in a minute's time. memory fails. photographs last forever. photography isn't about how lovely a photograph looks, how detailed the camera captures the landscape; it's about embracing life the Lord gave us and cherishing the moments.

{{one}}

sometimes I struggle for words. yet photographs are another story. pictures hold a thousand words; they tell stories by themselves. because behind the shutter lies a photographer, and a mind beholding a memory. so because yesterday was my first anniversary owning my beloved Nikon D3100. because I love photography. because pictures tell a thousand words. I'm introducing my latest project...

{{two}}

I'm not promising this project is going to be a success, as life gets busy and photography isn't a HUGE priority {though mind you I love it}. but I want to improve and take more photographs and share my journey with you.

{{three}}

{{four}}

won't you come and join?

love,
the keeper of the garden.

{{note :: since I shall be posting my photographic progress here on my main blog, my photography blog will be closing, thus please stop following. thank you so much for your support on my previous A Tinge of Blue, a Speck of Red, a Patch of Green!}}.

postscript :: my dearest friend miss Johanna is hosting a lovely giveaway, giving away some darling prizes. why don't you go visit her parlor here. she's expecting you with tea. ;)

the One who's knitting my life together.

2011-11-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

it starts with a simple strand of yarn. perhaps, one may call it pretty but they would agree to call it insignificant by itself. yet when two simple needles, made of metal or wood, meet with the simple strand of yarn something beautiful happens.

*click, click, click* the captivating needles go. meticulously the hands of the knitter weaves the strand together, magically creating the yarn to dance across the needles. *click, click* with every stitch, with every skimming loop the artist places a bit of their soul into it. soon thereafter a skein, an insignificant strand of yarn is turned into a masterpiece.

life is busy and most often time chaotic. when I can find a quiet moment to spare, I steal myself away to knit. there is something alluring about the way the needles repeatedly go back and forth creating a row; something comforting as the needles slip through the loops and click to the rhythm of my heart.

and then, as I was weaving a bit of cotton yarn into a scarflette, I realized that knitting is like my life. it starts with a strand of yarn that the Maker takes and weaves, knowing that every strand - every insignificant strand - serves a purpose in His design.

over the years, He knits and weaves a complex design by adding different strands to the ultimate masterpiece. perhaps, he adds a color we normally would not have chosen, soon seeing as time progresses the beauty of it and what we call an every-day, "blessing." He adds a new color that lasts perhaps but for a season that we would have normally kept.

perhaps even sometimes we tend to think we can take the project into our own hands and mimic the design on our own, adding what we think is best. then realizing, what a tangled mess we knit together, we shamefully take it back to the Master once again allowing Him to knit our lives together. so goes our life.

I often think to myself, I have knit so much....but He's only begun.
and only then when He breaths, "well done," we will know when the project is complete.

postscript :: I have returned from my blogging break! :) oh, and if you're stumped on handmade Christmas presents, be sure to visit my crafting blog.
p.s.s. :: neat giving being hosted here.

add a little whimsy | make life a fairytale.

2011-11-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

it's in the little things. in our thoughts. in our dreams. in our fancies. in our memories.

perhaps, sometimes it's the way the sun gleams upon a bit of grass or draping across the treetops.

sometimes it's the rustling of the breeze brushing through the willow's quivering branches.

sometimes it's a blossom or two of early spring adorning a bare branch...

...or a myriad of blossoms in a meadow.

sometimes it's the reflection in the water.

sometimes it's a bit of lace or ribbon flitting, twirling about.

sometimes it's the feeling when you listen to the ocean thunder....

...or the silence that overcomes the evening.

sometimes it's the way the water ripples.

sometimes it's in the gentle rain...

...or on a quiet sunny day.

sometimes it's the way the lights flicker when eventide falls...

sometimes it's in color.

sometimes it's in black and white.

no matter where it is found or what it might be, it's the little things found in our busy, confusing life that make us stop and sigh, connecting us to a world past our own, a world of vivid imagination.

it's the little things that make life beautiful.

add a little whimsy | make life a beautiful fairy tale.

{for more images like that above, visit my whimsical pinterest board}

product review + november giveaway {no. two}

2011-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

the winner of the lovely leave bracelet...

and cute key//lcok necklace from Pure Beauty esty shop is...

miss bethany from jars of sense!!!!

congratulations, dear! I pray that you enjoy your prizes! please contact me here with your contacting information {email and shipping address} within the next 48 hr. as the winner of this giveaway, you will not be permitted to enter my next giveaway to keep things fair.

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etsy profile // shop // blog // twitter

I am so excited to host this next giveaway as it has become a favorite among my list of etsy shops. the sweet etsy owner, Whitney, runs a very cute shop filled with unique and modern paper products including...

>> the cutest card sets...

>> and unique notbooks...

at such affordable prices, these would make lovely christmas gifts which are both handmade and inexpensive to ship!

{ product review }

whitney most generously agreed to send me one of her lovely notebooks//journals as a product review. I was so happy when it arrived in the mail yesterday...

the notebook itself came in very good packaging...

it is of very good quality {love the baker's twine} with a cute, modern, quircky pages within...

it is so perfect! I have been writing my blogging posts down on paper before typing them out, and this is a cute/wonderful place to put them! it's just the right size to tuck in my purse for those "inspiring" moments. ;)

Although the shipping was a little while {I can't complain since this was so generous of her, and it wasn't an actual purchase} I definitely HIGHLY recommend purchasing from her during this holiday season!!!

:: the giveaway ::

Whitney has kindly contributed this lovely blue chevron journal hand bound with red and white baker's twine for a giveaway!

:: item description ::

Handmade mixed paper notebook. 4.25" x 5.5"

This notebook is perfect for throwing in your purse to jot down notes and lists and inspiration.

Each notebook's front and back cover is made of printed cardstock and the inside includes 30 pages of mixed paper (ie: computer paper, accounting paper, engineering paper, graph paper, and notebook paper). All books are hand bound with divine twine.

special thanks to Whitney for generously giveaway one of your cute journals.

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{{rules}}

{one} you must complete the mandatory entry else all other entries will not count.

{two} you must leave separate comments per entry. {a comment worth 2 entries? leave two comments!}

{three} when following my blogs, you must PUBLICLY follow via Google Friends Connect.

{four} you must leave a way for me to contact you if you win {blog address, facebook, or email}.

emails WILL be published, thus you may want to write something like this ::

lilym{at}gmail{dot}com

{five} giveaway ends Saturday, November 19th at 12:00 Noon Pacific Timing. {a week from to-day} Late entries will not be accepted as the comment form will be closed on that time or a little thereafter. winners will be announced later that day.

{six} this giveaway is open to US residents only. {sorry to my international readers!}

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:: how to enter ::

{mandatory entry}

>>counting as one entry<<

take a look around Whitney's shop, telling me what catches your eye

AND

publicly follow my crafting blog.

{note :: if you do not own a blog or a google account, you do not have to follow my blog}

{extra entries}

heart whitney's shop. {one entry}

add whitney to your etsy circle. {one entry}

visit whitney's blog. take a look around. leave a sweet comment on one of her posts! {two entries}

follow whitney on twitter. {one entry}

publicly follow this blog, add me to your etsy circle, or follow me on pinterest.

{one entry per each}

add your link and join my old-fashion handmade christmas event here.

{three entries}

post about this giveaway on any of your favorite social networks. make sure to leave the link.

{blogger, facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc. etc.} {one entry per each}

purchase something from whitney's shop. {five entries}

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alrighty, ladies! ready to win this fabulous journal?

you may begin writing me promptly!

>>postscript :: I also started my Old-Fashion, Handmade Christmas a week early!!! be sure to join here.

*I was not paid to do this product review and photographs and writings are all my own.

Giveaway has been closed! Thank you to all the girls who entered!!!