Last Flowers of Summer

by Meredith

I pulled the last few flowers from the garden today, some shrub roses and salvia. I couldn't bear to let the frost get them. At least I can hold on to the warm months a few more days with these buds.

Barn Quilts

by Meredith

I have family in Storm Lake, Iowa and made a trip to see them this fall.  I like going this time of year because the autumn colors are so beautiful.  Every time I pass the Iowa border, I still have an awe moment at how flat the land is.  It's hard to believe that the corn fields do not go on forever when you're there.  I've taken this ride all of my life and have grown to appreciate the meditation time the car ride allows me.  Also, as I've gotten older I've started to notice the beauty in just what's a around me, even if it is farmland and a lifestyle very different from my own.  It's amazing what can happen when you allow yourself to do this.

On this drive, I noticed a fun, creative trend I never paid attention to before, Barn Quilts. I learned the name from my aunt who said they have been around along time - starting with one woman in Ohio who created a quilt to honor her mother, a master quilter, but then really grew in popularity out of Sac County, Iowa in 2005. What a truly pretty way to add color to the fields.

Corduroy Day, 11/11/11

by Meredith

Each November I'm reminded of the Corduroy Appreciation Club Annual Meeting.  It's commences the start of November and goes for 11 days, ending on 11/1, the date that most resembles the corduroy cords themselves.  This year is even a bigger deal being that it's 2011, 11111!  This style that was once known to appear only on laborers and professors - is now trendy appearing on fashion runways, in magazines such as GQ and on new couches in the White House.  I have many colors of cords, but only in the form of pants and blazers.  In honor of this celebration I've made sure to fit them into my style this week.

{My dark brown cords}

{Short scarfs have been a hit}

{Long jean jackets multitask - dress you up, while keeping you casual}

{OPI Kangarooby}

Happy Halloween

by Meredith

What a great weekend. I celebrated as Wonder Woman all weekend long and carved pumpkins yesterday.  I hope you did something fun too and got creative in whatever way you love, decorating your home, carving pumpkins or becoming someone (or something) new.

Becoming Wonder Woman

by Meredith

Last night I finished gathering the last few items I needed for this weekend's spooky extravaganza.  This Halloween I'm going as warrior princess Wonder Woman! I know, I know... she's not a blonde, but she is still pretty kick a$$.  Now, I'm reviewing her pictures, 70's TV Show (starring Lynda Carter,) and history in order to truly become her.  More to come!