A Stroll Down Memory La La Lane

Eight months ago Down Memory La La Lane made its debut among the blog circuit.  As I sifted through this remarkable site, looking for photos to share in this feature, it brought back memories.

It seems like only yesterday that Brenda, the blog’s author and my very dear friend of 16 years, was talking about creating a blog…you know, all the the details of the venture; the title, the content, etc.  And now 8 months later, it’s taken on a life of its own, delighting visitors from around the globe with its main focus on health and well being, as well as her eclectic and fun interests.

Brenda is a a loving, giving, and faith-filled woman who is in the process of creating a healthier lifestyle.  She documents her progress in her posts while bringing to life the memories of times past, which helped to form her character.  And she invites her visitors to stroll Down Memory La La Lane with her, and share their own memories if so inclined.

For those of us interested in creating a healthier lifestyle, Brenda posts lots of fun and informative articles on steps we can take to improve our health.

As she shares her love of …

family

travel

and photography

you’ll find pleasure in becoming acquainted with this wonderful lady.

Her treasured collections,

and her wish list of Ansley finery

are certainly my cup of tea.

And the antics, both sweet and funny, of her delightful granddaughters keep us smiling.

Down Memory La La Lane is a welcoming place of joy and laughter, where you will find a trusted friend and kindred spirit.  Whether you are looking to soothe your soul, learn more about living stronger, or a bit of girl talk with a cup of tea, this is the place for you.

Thank you for visiting, Leisure Lane.  Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

The above photos are courtesy of Down Memory La La Lane.  All rights are reserved by said blog, and are reproduced here solely for the purpose of this article.

Monday Marketplace Delay

Oops…It seems Monday got away from me.  But it’s not too late to join Deb”s Monday Marketplace over at Common Grounds.

“The Magic Mirror” ~ This 20″ x 15″ print is from my original oil on canvas, painted in 1996.  It was the very first painting which represented a spiritual rebirth and journey.  The original painting has been sold, but with this print, its timeless beauty and message can still be enjoyed for years to come.  Makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone special.  Signed and dated on back.  Price ~ $20 (The watermark will not show on print)

To order the print please go to My Little Bloomin’ Shop.

Thank you for visiting Leisure Lane.  You’re always welcome to stroll around the lane.

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

An Unexpected Surprise

     (Leisure Lane)

Hello friends…

Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk.  The weather was slightly cooler, and the sun finally got over months of shyness and decided to grace us with its shining glorious face.  It was a wonderful walk, and as usual, the Lord and I had a conversation.  Well actually, I did most of the talking (as usual), but I think that He allows me that indulgence because He knows that I’m making some spiritual discovery…which I did, but I’ll tell you about that later in the post.

On returning from my walk I checked my email, and discovered a wonderful surprise.  Jenn, from Peacorn, Popnuts, Soda Gum, and Chewing Water, had written a post about me and my book, The Christmas Pin Society.  I say in my post title “Unexpected” surprise, but actually I’ve learned to expect the best from Spirit.  You see, expecting the best manifests the best.  So God’s been asking me to make my expectations big and glorious.   So I suppose the unexpectedness is in the venue.  In other words, I never know through which conduit the blessings will flow.

Jenn is a woman of faith, and like most of us, she’s learning daily what that really means.  Oh, I don’t mean just for the big stuff, but how to apply, claim, and receive for even the everyday seemingly small stuff…because you see, that’s where faith for the big stuff begins.  Jenn is a prolific writer about these amazing life lessons, and invites anyone to join her on this journey of discovery.

And Jenn writes about all of Life’s journey…

from recipes and helpful how tos

to the vintage family items she’s so carefully kept.

And she does it all with a unique style.  Even the name of her blog, Peacorn, Popnuts, Soda Gum, and Chewing Water, tends to make one give a second glance.  I won’t tell you how she came to that title…I’ll let her tell it in her own words here.

But what I find interesting about Jenn’s thinking, and I might add kindred to my own, is that she manages to see a spiritual connection in everyday things, which she profoundly incorporates into her writing.

Which brings me back to the earlier point about spiritual discoveries.  Some revelations are actually concepts we’ve already known about, but someone might say something, or one might experience something that lends a whole new light on it…makes it ‘click’, so to speak.

So here I was on my walk, letting things go, claiming my good, and letting God handle the details, enjoying nature and the beautiful day.  I noticed that I felt freer and lighter, because I wasn’t weighed down with all the clothes from my job – the coat, the apron, the things I carry, the bundled underclothes necessary to keep warm in that environment.  And I thought about how our material life, mirrors our spiritual life.  That perhaps once I truly release the heavy laden burdens within me, I will no longer need the job which requires the heavy laden clothes.

Freedom within means freedom without.  Lightness within means lightness without.  Our emotions, thoughts, and words, manifest for us exactly what we are creating from within.  I’m ready.  I’m ready for the freedom, for the lightness, for the greatness of God within me to create His expected best, and some very ‘unexpected’ surprises.

I encourage you to drop by Jenn’s blog.  Who knows what surprises you might experience there.

Thank you, Jenn.  And until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

The above photos, unless otherwise noted, are courtesy of Peacorn, Popnuts, Soda Gum, and Chewing Water.  All rights are reserved by said blog, and are used here for the sole purpose of this article.

A Pleasureable Peek at Cottage & Creek

Good day, friends…

Most of you may have noticed here on Leisure Lane this month that I’ve been featuring some wonderful bloggers.  It’s my way of getting out of myself for a while, and showing my gratitude for the kind reception I’ve received here in blogland.  So without further ado, I’d like to continue with a pleasurable peek at…

Cottage and Creek

Lynn, the creator and author of Cottage and Creek, is an amazing woman.  I think the photo above represents much of what she writes about…her cottage on the creek, and all of its charm and her passions.  There are so many wonderful facets to her, that I almost didn’t know where to begin.

Her cottage has given her a chance to show herself and others the ‘stuff’ she is made of.  Lynn sees with the special eyes of spirit which allow her to envision something more beautiful than what is physically before her.  She  loves to give something old and worn new life, and the work that might be involved doesn’t hamper her grit and determination to accomplish the task.  Whether it’s changing…

             …this          into this  

OR

              …this       into this 

There is always something exciting Lynn is tending to, as she enthusiastically frequents estate sales and thrift stores looking for that special something that catches her creative eye.  And many of the vintage items she finds, such as…

  beautiful fabrics

lovely linens and household items

nostalgic aprons and more…

either find a home in her cottage or in her etsy shop, Estate of Mind.  And if you are a collector of vintage clothing check out her esty shop, Dress Your Drawers, where you will discover some fascinating items from skirts and blouses, to purses and shoes, and other delightful apparel.

Oh, and what a crafty, crafty girl.

Her sewing and decorating, is just a part of an intricate recipe that makes her house a home, and one in which she invites us to come in and visit through her blog.   Her love of family, friends, baking, sharing, and most importantly God, helps her to create an atmosphere of intimacy and friendship which will encourage your return again and again.

Lynn is a strong and determined woman (I could easily see her as the heroine in a novel in charge of  successfully bringing a wagon train safely to its destination ~ seriously).  And yet, there is a sweet vulnerability to her which she trustingly shares in her writing.

I always look forward to visiting Cottage and Creek.  If  you would like to know more about Lynn, her life, collections, vintage goods, and renovations, then I invite you take a tour of her site, and say “hello”.  It could be a start of a beautiful friendship.

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

Above photos are courtesy of Cottage and Creek.  All rights are reserved by said blog, and are reproduced here for the sole purpose of this article.

Monday Marketplace

Hello friends…

It’s time to join our host Debra, and all the Monday Marketplace vendors at Common Ground.  This Monday I’m featuring my print “The Dance of the Luna” from My Little Bloomin’ Shop.

This 15″ x 20″ print is from my original oil on canvas, painted in 1997.  There is the beautifully silhouetted remains of a castle at the far left of the print (not shown in this image).  The ethereal half woman/half  luna moth, represents spirit flight ~ vibrant, free, and full of life.  Makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone special.  Signed and dated on back.  Price ~ $20 (The watermark will not show on print)

Thank you for visiting Leisure Lane today.  I am always grateful for the visitors and comments I get.  You are all such an encouragement to me, and I hope you also find that same encouragement here.

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

Yesteryear Embroideries

Good day, friends…

For those of you, like me, who think that the beauty of embroidery can add a touch of heaven to any home, then you will love Kathleen’s blog,  Yesteryear Embroideries.  Kathleen is a pleasant and talented lady who loves vintage charm, and has no want when it comes to finding inspiration for her beautiful work…

from nature

to everyday kitchenware

Kathleen’s work ranges from lovely kitchen linens, aprons, and tablecloths, to elegant patchwork, and more.  And she sees potential in most everything she finds…

…such as this vintage tablecloth, which she found hanging over a baby crib in a ‘junk’ store.  Her re-work has brought it back to life, and I could easily see it cheerfully gracing my table.

This beautiful pocket is just one example of the magic she performs on her vintage style aprons, which can be found in her Etsy shop.  And Kathleen is more than happy to answer any embroidery question you might have, and has posted several easy-to-follow, step by step tutorials on cut work and more.

From the elegant

to the whimsical

and everything in-between…

…with color and finesse, from the decorative to the practical, Kathleen stitches a world of vintage charm for everyday use in today’s homes.

I’ve only touched the surface of this active lady, who also runs a farm…so check her out for yourself.  I encourage you to drop  by Yesteryear Embroideries, and visit Kathleen.  She’s a gracious host, so don’t forget to say “hello”.

Thank you for visiting with me here on Leisure Lane.  You’re welcome to take a relaxing “stroll” and pop into the shops and galleries along the way.  And if you’re so inclined, I enjoy reading your friendly comments.

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne ☺

Above images courtesy of Yesteryear Embroideries.  All rights are reserved by said blog, and are reproduced here solely for the purpose of this article.

Monday Marketplace

click to view larger image

Welcome to Leisure Lane, friends,

The transition from Winter to Spring can still be chilly.  This beautiful, one-of-a-kind blanket makes a perfect baby gift, or lap cozy.  Soft, lovely colored ribbon is crocheted into the rows.  An heirloom for many years to come.  You’re welcome to stroll by My Little Bloomin’ Shop and check it out.

A Little Something Extra

Speaking of gifts, I purchased this beautiful decorator tassel from Kay at White Linens as an early birthday gift for my cousin.  I found Kay on Monday Marketplace.  Isn’t it beautiful?  My cousin loves it!  She has always had a special ‘thing’ for yellow roses, so when I saw this in Kay’s shop, I immediately thought of my cousin.  Thank you Kay, for your beautiful work, and it was a pleasure doing business with you.

Thank you for stopping by…I hope you found something you like.  Until next time, may happy days abound.

Marianne☼

Bee Happy’s New Book

Congratulations!

…to Deborah, host of the blog Bee Happy, for publishing her first book, “Diary of a House Move”.  Deborah’s book can be found on Amazon kindle, and will soon be available in paperback form, which I will announce then.

Diary of a House Move 
(Amazon kindle description)

This diary is a humorous account of one couples experience in buying and selling a house in a credit crunch. Sharing their adventure is their half blind cat and disabled dog. Nicknaming the different houses and people linked to the properties help them to remember which houses they have viewed. They manage to eventually buy a house and renovate it with the help of various tradesmen before they move in. This hilarious diary will keep you entertained from start to finish. 

If you don’t own a kindle, and would like to read from your PC, ipad, blackberry, or other reader, you can download free apps. here.

I invite you to stop by Deborah’s blog and say ‘hello’.  She’s friendly, funny, and very serious about being happy.

Thank you for visiting Leisure Lane.  You’re always welcome to take a leisurely stroll around while you relax with your tea or coffee.  I love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a comment.

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

The above image is courtesy of Bee Happy.  All rights are reserved by said blog, and are reproduced here for the sole purpose of this article.

Bunny Cottage Inspiration

Good day, friends…

This past week I was reintroduced to a most delightful woman and her equally delightful blog.  Vicki and  Bunny Cottage, have inspired me to write the following poem…my Muse, if you will.

Life’s Lovely Collage

My Life’s a collage of ribbons and lace,
Of buttons that hold my heart in place,
And poems and flowers in pretty bouquets.
My Life is a lovely collage.

 My Life’s a collage of yellow and blue,
Of lilac and pink, and more than a few
Of emotions that tell a story or two.
My Life is a lovely collage.

 My Life’s a collage of joy and of sorrow,
Of yester and now. and surely tomorrow,
And all of the Grace that He let’s me borrow
To enhance my Life’s lovely collage.

 

Copyright©2012 Marianne Coyne

Vicki uses photos of her home’s beautiful decor to accent her poignant and inspiring blog.  Her words are uplifting, reminiscent and inspirational…usually quick to the heart.

Soft colors of pink, blue, violet, and yellow welcome you into her world of vintage charm and feminine mystique.  Vicki has an eye for beautiful art, china, and fabric accents, and she pulls them all together into a soothing home atmosphere which says, “Come in, and rest your soul awhile.”

But I’ve only touched the surface of this dear lady.  Stop by and visit Bunny Cottage and learn more about Vicki.  You’ll be glad you did – I am.

Thank you for visiting me here on Leisure Lane.  Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

The above photo is courtesy of Bunny Cottage.  All rights are rights are reserved by said blog, and are reproduced here for the sole purpose of this article.