Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Here comes the sun

My re-entry into the real world after a 4-day weekend went fine today, if I must say so. And I must, you know.

I got a lot done and I even had enough energy to take my afternoon walk. I almost didn’t take the walk, but had to force myself after George came over to me, put his chin on my lap and gave me the sad eye treatment. So I put on my trusty Sorel’s and my jacket and headed out into the snow with a now-happy dog.


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This is what it looked like from my seat on the front porch where I spent a good deal of time during my snow day yesterday. It was an absolutely glorious day, and quite lovely on the porch.


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In fact, it was so lovely that my cheeks got sunburned.

And now I do look like the proverbial country girl with rosy cheeks.

Ha ~


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I sat outside for several hours, reading my book and just listening to the birds. OMGosh, can they ever sing ~

It made me so happy. In the summer, I can’t go near the porch and the plants we’ve put here have all shriveled up from the intense heat. But in the winter, the south-facing porch is absolutely the place to be.


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It’s just the right size, too. Perfect for two people and a dog.


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And ok, a cat too.

Hello, Miss Blackie.


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Earlier this week, I found a wonderful free Photoshop action while visiting one of my favorite blogs, Donna Boucher’s Quiet Life. The action is from Sesame Ellis (Rachel Devine) and is available on her FB page. It’s a soft, vintage look and you can adjust the layers to suit. I lowered the opacity of the copper tones in the photo below.


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This is a my wonderful sister, Charlotte (on the right), and her eldest daughter, Emily, taken in Philadelphia the summer before last.

Here’s the original shot below.


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Sesame Ellis Free Coppery Black & White action


As an aside, Emily told us earlier this year that she’s getting married in September. We are all so happy for her and I think Joe will fit nicely into our wacky family. We all like Joe.

Emily is an artist and started a blog in 2009. This is my favorite post to date:

The Sketchbook Project


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I love having you visit and want to thank you for taking the time to stop by today. It’s always a pleasure to see you.

Until tomorrow, then . . .
123 Signature

PS - This post is just beautiful. I mean it, Caroline.


31 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

Love your view from the porch, and I think we can all use a little color in our cheeks! :)

beth said...

you know....if you come visit me, donna lives just down the road :)
seriously she's here in a madison suburb.....

and the rosy cheeks.....i'm so jealous. i can't let any sun on my face after skin cancer.....bummer !

ohhhhh.....do you get to be the photographer for the wedding :)

Caroline said...

Rosy cheeks are good for the soul. :)

Awwww shucks Kate, you just made me blush. But I am glad you liked my post today. *sigh* Like I said, I needed to write that (so I can re-read about 400 times and convince myself to keep climbing)!

p.s. thanks for the link to that action!!! Beautiful!

Deb said...

I always enjoy stopping in to visit...

Rambling said...

Great photos, as usual.

Jennifer said...

I am new to your blog. Your pictures inspire me. I live in VA-not so far away from where you are. Thank you for sharing a little of your life with me/us!

Dar said...

Oh, I love the sun on my face after the long cold winter winds. And look at the photo you touched...I LOVE the black and white. There is something so true about it's plain beauty. Your sister and niece are gorgeous.
BlessYourHeart A wedding...awww!

Country Girl said...

Well, thanks Jennifer and welcome.

Dar, I love the warm sun and cold air. Can't wait for the wedding - it will be so good to see all of my family together again.

~ C.G.

mrs mediocrity said...

who can resist sad puppy dog eyes? it was sunny here today but still too cold, soon, soon.

deborah said...

The winter sun just makes one feel good!
Lovely pictures!

Egghead said...

Oh to sit in the sun and read. I used to do that all the time as a kid but not so much now. The rain soaks the reader as well as the book here in Oregon. We are supposed to have some snow tonight. We will see! Perhaps I will have a snow day as well.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Your blog is always a pleasure to read too Kate.

Solar pv said...

Happy married life Emily !

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

You can definitely see the family resemblance! Glad your day back was not too bad.

Country Gal said...

I love the sun on my face to. I dont sit out as much in the winter now but when I was a akid on the farm we had a front porch that was protected from the wind but let the sun in and we all used to sit and soak up the suns warmth after a morming of chores. I am slowly starting to get out and sit in the sun now but we get alot of cold winds off of lake Erie coming out way. Loved the post and photos ! Have a wonderful day !

Country Gal said...
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Mental P Mama said...

Love that shot of Charlotte and Emily!!! Love it!!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

What a fun post, I visited all links, the photography is stunning!... and I see a clear family resemblance between you and your sister - the smile in your eyes, yes.

Gayle said...

Wonderful post, ty for Mz. Blackie. There is nothing grander than a south facing nook for snagging some rays. Love your photos and prose.

Anonymous said...

Sitting on a porch just makes everything right with the world.

Thanks for the link to the action... I'll give it a try!

Di

Daryl said...

Char looks like you or you look like her .. either way two beautiful sisters .. how wonderful for Emily and Joe!!!

The Old White Barn said...

So glad I found you - love your photos. And I'm now following so I don't miss anything!
Susan

Heather said...

What a beautiful view you have!!

Dawning Inspiration said...

Those puppy dog eyes will get ya (me!) every time....

Lovely views from a lovely porch!

Diane said...

It's far too cold to sit outside right now. But I'm loving the idea of your rosy cheeks and happy dog!

the wanna be country girl said...

I love seeing Miss Blackie. Second blog post this week for her. Maybe that's why George looked a little miffed in Monday's post. He knew she was going to steal his spotlight this week. "Don't worry George," the week's not over yet.
the wanna be country girl - Caroline

Donna Boucher said...

Thank you for the shout out :)
I'm glad you like the action.

Mary said...

Oh how nice to see the sun! It was cloudy all day today, which means I had zero energy. :( LOVE the view from your porch!
xoxo

Devon said...

So glad you got a dose of Vitamin D yesterday. Here in California we are hours away from what they are calling one of the coldest storms in 30 years. I just picked all of my lemons and covered the tree... Hope it makes it!

What a nice finish on the picture of your sister... I like the retro look!

Unknown said...

I love the soft blue brown white.
I love everything.

and no doubt will love your link.

Your sister and niece radiate !

Lili said...

So glad you got your walk in, I could just picture George coaxing you with a sad face. So, I may be mixing up your sisters, but is Charlotte the one you locked in the attic? Just trying to establish a point of reference! Ha! xo ~Lili