Today's Joy: Quality Time at the Flea Market.
Reader, my favorite thing to do with Mom is hit the monthly flea market. There's nothing quite like bonding over a bargain. We went early this morning and made a beeline for the plant vendors. They had the most beautiful begonias, ranunculus and clematis! I had to snap a few shots to share (see below)! Today's finds included fab hanging baskets of geraniums for $12, wee pots of gerbera daisies (my favorite summer flower) for $2.50 and a Duchess English bone china cup & saucer set featuring Cattleya Orchids for $5.

If you haven't been to a flea market, you gotta do it--they're a hoot! For those in the IL area, check out the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles. It's a long-standing area tradition. If you happen to get there this June, check out the hippy-ish guy under the livestock pavilion. He has the best deal on 800-1200 thread count sheets--2 for $25. He's also got groovy scarves: 3 for $10 (and they're labeled exactly that). Sweet-talk him & he might strum you a tune on his acoustic guitar...

Photos: Pink Flower; Yellow Ranunculus Bud; Clematis; Begonias; Purple Something-or-other; Yellow Ranunculus; Clematis, Kane County Flea Market, May, 2010.

Today's Joy: Spring at Platt Hill Nursery.
Good evening, Reader. Did you have a lovely Sunday? If you happened to be perusing green things at the Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville, IL this afternoon, you might have seen me milling about with my camera. Platt Hill is my favorite garden center to visit. They have an extensive selection of plants as well as the most creative assortment of garden accessories and gifts I've ever seen. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. There were so many wonderful flowers already in bloom in the greenhouse! Ranunculus, pansies, begonias, hydrangea and many more. I snapped a few to share with you.

Ah, doesn't that make you itch to get out and plant something? Let the gardening commence!

Today's Joy: Taking Stock.
I spent some time rummaging thru my flickr photo archives today, Reader.  Wanted to see what kind of material I'd amassed and what images might be suitable to sell.  Very interesting (and productive).
It was enlightening to see how the work has evolved over the years.  I'm still amazed that God directed me down this path (for years I assumed writing would be my only creative love). 

Isn't it something to look back and see how the events of your life flow and wind before coming together and pointing the way toward your next adventure? 

I can't wait to see how this one turns out! One thing is certain, there will be pictures of it.

Photo: Pink Ranunculus