I love transitional months. There is always a feeling of expectation. Of what is to come. The weather, though usually fickle here in Oregon, can't seem to settle on warm or wet. Today we have both. And it is heavenly.
So, after a flurry of serious housekeeping this morning, I went outside for some fresh air and found this . . .
It was practically waving and shouting, "yoo hoo", I have arrived, and am ready for my close-up."
So gorgeous. A complete wonder. It just appeared one day. We thought at first it was some sort of exotic weed, but couldn't put our finger on exactly what kind of weed it might be, so we just left it alone and forgot about it. Then buds formed. Aha! A Dahlia. And such a lovely one she is too! Ten inches across. A classic "dinner plate" Dahlia. Who knew. I love surprises like this.
Over the weekend, I finally got around to lining an old drawer with some pretty scrapbook papers. This was an easy project that took about twenty minutes. Not really blog-worthy, but while I was working on it, I was reminded of a massive decoupage project I did inside my closet when I was 13. One that sent my dear old Dad into a tizzy fit, because you just did not glue things to furniture or walls or closet doors (as far as he was concerned). I was always doing crazy stuff like that in an effort to "decorate", because that tiny dark bedroom, along with my life then, was so dismal. Sad but true.
Anyway, I worked on my secret closet project for months and months, cutting out and gluing to the walls, my favorite outfits from the latest fashion magazines (which I spent all of my babysitting money on). The closet remained that way for many years long after I grew up and moved away. Eventually, Dad took a power sander to it. Oh, and how he did fuss about it too. For years!
As you can see, I did use a little more restraint this time and kept it simple.
Loved the story of your secret closet project. Artists must create, in spite of fathers. :) Now I know where all those dahlia tubers I planted went! Happy beginning to Fall!
Posted by: Jane | September 06, 2016 at 05:40 PM
I love your secret closet story and that your dad fussed about it forever! My mom let us paint on our walls. My brother had a huge rock star scene on his wall. I had a little horse and a butterfly. Sweet memories. Your farm patterns are so cute!! What a beautiful dahlia!
Posted by: Little Penpen | September 07, 2016 at 05:53 AM
The transition to autumn is one that I look forward to the most, usually. This summer has been too hot and dry in our part of the world, and
I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and to rainy days for my garden. Your garden looks especially lovely this year Vicki. What a wonderful surprise that dahlia is. I picked a couple yesterday to add to an arrangement. These last flowers before the frosts to come always seem like treasure to me.
Posted by: Account Deleted | September 15, 2016 at 02:32 PM
LOL, and yes, the tubers...still a mystery!
Posted by: vicki haninger | September 18, 2016 at 11:18 AM
You had a cool mom! Stenciling was as far as we went with painting on the walls when my kiddo's were younger. There are still grasshoppers and butterflies in one room--they don't want to paint over it.
Posted by: vicki haninger | September 18, 2016 at 11:21 AM
The cooler weather has arrived here with a little rain today, so nice for a change. It's been alarmingly dry here as well, many trees in our area are not doing well at all. So sad.
I am inspired to pick up the sewing projects I left behind when summer arrived--and settle in. Nice to hear from you sweetie!
Posted by: vicki haninger | September 18, 2016 at 11:26 AM