It is Halloween today.  I started the day in my garden before heading off to work.  Thursdays are now my Fridays, I dressed more casually with my fun leggings and top.  And, I had to wear my newest and most fun owl find.  If it wasn't for my beautiful youthful cousin Barbie who came to visit for Mardi Gras last February, I probably would never have put on a pair of leggings.  How liberating it is to experience the freedom of more fun attire.

Farmers Market at the Mobile County Fair

After living in Mobile for 9 years we finally decided to take in the Mobile County Fair.  We spent the afternoon walking around taking in the sites and people watching.  I was amazed at the size of the carnival.  I tried to talk my hubby into letting me ride on one of the big rides but no go.  He was convinced I would do myself in.  He said I would have to come back with "the girls" because he couldn't watch me on those wild and crazy rides.  We also enjoyed seeing the animals, especially the mama pig and piglets.  I was also able to get a picture of one of  our Azalea Trail Maids.  Even got to see a dinosaur or two.

Fall is always an exciting time of year.  The fall shadows lend to a serenity that we all look forward to each year,  Today, I spent time preparing for the Halloween Gouls and Goblins that will be visiting our neighborhood,  When it gets dark everything lights up and becomes enchanting.

I am having so much fun coming up with creative outfits,  My sweater was given to me by a friend, so of course I had to go out and buy a skirtto go with it,  After two days of exhaustive shopping I finally went back to Dillards and bought this leopard print skirt by Calvin Klein.  On sale course.  The second picture I included  my leopard print umbrella given to me for my 65th birthday earlier in the year by a dear friend,  It rains here a lot so we have a collection of umbrellas.  I love animal prints and have several varieties to chose from,

Refreshed after a hard day's work in the garden. Living in the deep south, I find I have to do what gardening I do early in the morning. As we have been anticipating a tropical depression for the past several days, I needed to get my palms planted even as small as they are. I was also dealing with water from a neighbor's run off flooding my yard. So, I went to work in an effort to get the problem resolved. As soon as the weather cools we will be staining the fence and I will be taking some photos of the yard to share. Wishing you happiness and peace in your life.

Life is full of Adventure

On my way to work this am.  Outfit made by me.  Top, Vogue V8710 (Design by Katherine Tilton). Crop pants Simplicity 5259.

Fall table scape with my original oil painting on the wall. 

Although this blog was created in 2011 as an art  blog displaying my original art work, I have expanded it into a lifestyle blog.  Since I have turned 65, I long to find others that share in the desire to continue to live a beautiful and fulfilling life as we age.  I am an artist,  fashionista, decorator, seamstress, gardener and connoisseur of good wine and food.  I would like to share my interest in life's beauty in my everyday experiences, while seeking spiritual tranquility along the way. As we age many of us are on limited budgets and look to enhance our lives as economically as we can.  I hope I can show you that life can be beautiful on a limited budget with a little imagination and creativity   I hope you enjoy what I have to offer and look forward to your encouragement and comments.


I was born in Napa California and  I grew up in central and eastern California.  I owned a custom drapery store in California for several years before moving to Reno, Nevada.  It was in Reno in 1991 that I learned to oil paint under the direction of Estaban Valle, who has since passed away.   I won several awards over the years and have sold several paintings on both the west and east coast.   In 2004 after my husband's retirement we visited friends in Alabama and fell in love with it's southern charm.  After our visit, we flew back to Reno and sold our home,  I guess it was meant to be because it sold in less than sixty days right in the height of the housing boom.  We flew back to Mobile and instantly bought a home.

Needless moving to Mobile was a culture shock, but the southern hospitality made up for it.  Since moving to Mobile we have met wonderful friends and experience the awe of Mardi Gras and the charm of the Gulf coast.

In this blog it is my hope to share my fashion creations, decorating style, gardening and styling on a dime tips.  I look forward to sharing all my designs and special finds with my readers.  I hope you enjoy and look forward to your comments.

Below is my fall dining room table scape.

Treasures found at our local New Mobilian's Annual Yard Sale.  Handmade Italian soap, $2.00; Crystal cracker holder $2.00, Brass Teapot, $5.00 and beautiful gold frame $5.00.  What a find.

Me in my garden.  My azaleas are blooming and ready to be trimmed,  Once it cools down below 90 degrees I will be able to do some trimming.  Humming birds and butterflies have been abundant the past several weeks. My sweater is from a local yard sale this past week end that our New Mobilian's Group held as a fund raiser this past weekend and the pants were made by me, Simplicity 2229. Pearls from SteinMart.

I hope you enjoyed sharing some of the things that make me happy.