My Blue Balcony Garden/Dreams

Many of you've seen a few of my balcony garden posts.  The patio is in transition.  Sharing probably one of my saddest looking shots . . .                                
I'm doing some changes.  I wanted my entire patio color theme to revolve around this Blue and my thrifty dumpster dive chair. 

 I love it. I know it's sad looking.  Someday I'll recover it with the same bright Blue.  I also need to paint it.  

This chair has some history.  We I did find it in a dumpster. Actually beside the dumpster . . . 

The Cowboy did drag it home complaining the entire way.  Put it on our patio.  Still complaining how dirty and ugly it was.  The next morning we found this in the chair . . . 

It became Rascal's chair.  The Cowboy didn't want to bring it when we moved but I had to remind him that Rascal needed it to sleep in on the patio!  The chair came.

I love that shade of Blue but my color theme wasn't coming together because I needed something to put pots on or in. 

 In or actually out to the came the vintage red wagon.  Also another 'freebie' The Cowboy found it in a trash pile.  Originally it held the succulent garden that we bought with a Christmas gift card from The Home Depot.  Most are dead now.  So the wagon recently held some of the zinnia's, tomato seedlings and carrots.  But I just wasn't happy with the red wagon.  I love vintage and all but it just wasn't speaking to me.  

Last week I added a few Blue pots from Dollar General to go with the terra cotta pots.  

And then I found a few  'newish' ideas on Pinterest . . . 

                                                            Source
I probably won't do this since I have no place for stepping stones. 
But I love this Blue version.  Would be perfect for my theme.  

But this I want to do!

So here's my idea.  Take a few of the terra cotta pots I have and cover with beautiful Blue jewels/stones.  I have a few from Dollar Tree.  Tomorrow I'll see what I can find at Hobby Lobby.  
 
This idea was also found in the same article.  Love this.  I doubt I would tackle it but who know's. 

 I've found a complete service of 12 set of dishes by the dumpster.  Maybe I'll start looking for cool mugs!    

                                  Stay  Tuned
Linking with Blue Monday, The Art of Homemaking  Outdoor Wednesday and Share Your Cup,Garden Tour at Art and Sand

Sister Eve and The Blue Nun-Book Review

                      This author has  a new fan!  

A page turner.  This is the first book I've read in this series.  From page one I was pulled into this thrilling and suspenseful story.  

Here's a little about the book from the publisher . . . 

 When Sister Eve returns to the monastery, the last thing she expects there is murder. After solving several mysteries with her father at the Divine Private Detective Agency, Sister Eve finds herself torn between her calling as a nun and the thrill that comes with detecting. She knows she's been using her father's health as an excuse to extend her leave of absence from the monastery, but that excuse is running thin. She prays that a return visit to the monastery for contain. 
 a conference on the Blue Nun will help bring clarity to her calling, but when the conference speaker is murdered, Sister Eve's two worlds collide. Sister Eve knows the number one suspect, the victim's brother and monk in residence, couldn't possibly have committed the crime, and she's determined to find the real killer. To do so means she must track down some mysterious newly discovered writings from the Blue Nun, said to date from the 17th Century, when the sister bi-located to the New Mexico region from her home in Spain. Could these texts from long ago be the key to today's mystery And will they offer any guidance to Sister Eve as she chooses which calling to follow.
And from the back cover . . . 
Sister Eve, a motorcyle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet
another mysterious death.  

Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middleworth-a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th- century's revered "Blue Nun" -- and
a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could even be examined. 

When all the evidence seems to point to the victim's brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain.  

Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds, collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive. 

This title is part of a series.  But it stands alone.  I had no problem getting into the story or the characters.  
In fact I really enjoyed the characters.  
I caught myself laughing at Sister Eve and her father.  Their banter was quite funny and gave the story some depth.  The story was filled with twists and turns keeping this reader unsuspecting of who the real villain is and how the story will end.  
                           

The book is also available in collection!   Click here for a direct link to purchase the collection.

Sister Eve and the Blue Nun was a great book deserving of . . .  
                          
            I'll be checking out the rest of the series.  Stay tuned!

I received a complimentary copy of Sister Eve and the Blue Nun from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. 

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and 
Christian Book (dot)com.  
Click on the bold type for a direct link to purchase or read additional reviews.  
This review is posted at the above retailers and on Good Reads. 

This post is linked at 
The Art of Homemaking, Book Nook at Create with Joy and Share Your Cup.  

Simple Sunday

                                

                                               Have A Blessed Day

Books Here, Books There . . .

. . . Everywhere I turn I see books!  
                                                And
                     I love it!  Are you a lover of books?  
                                    
Do you have stacks and stacks of books sitting around?
                                         
There are books in our little office/desk space . . . 

Little groups and collections on the glass shelves below our t.v.
 
I love gardening and rabbits so I displayed a few books with one of my favorite rabbits. 

Cowboys and Horses are favorites too . . . 


A few magazines are displayed . . . 

I just love Mary Engelbrett.  I have a few magazines I bought 'back in the day'.  I think they are almost vintage now. 

A few more gardening books sit under a lamp on a side table . . .        
Stacks are always sitting on the desk where my computer lives . . . 

Sometimes it's a really clean and neat area.  Sometimes  Most times not so much...
                                                    
Sometimes there is an invasion . . . 

Opps I that Lego fisherman had too much sun!

And then there's just a few of my collection of cookbooks . . . 
                                              
A few favorites sit on the counter between our kitchen and living area.  

And then sometimes a few might sit on the mantle . . . 

I'm always moving things around and tweekin' the little cottage.  

Looks like I do have just a few books.  Yep.  That's just a few. 

                           Someday I'll show you the rest!  

     So do you have a few books laying around?

Linking with Home Matters Linky Party

Book Giveaway! Check It Out!

                                     

                                          Click Here to enter!

Wordless Wednesday

                             
                                                                                 Source
Linking with Wordless Wednesday, Good Fences, Camera Critters,  Eileen's Camera Critters, Imag-ing Wordless Wednesday

Credit: Subject my son.  Photo taken by my DIL Sue Ellen Legan of  Forever Photo's

Sad Follows Beauty--Garden Update

              Hello welcome to my garden update  
     Open the garden gate/door and  come on in . . . 

                  
                                                                             Source
This really isn't my gate or my garden but I love this door leading in. Mine would have a 'Welcome' sign. I found this lovely gate on Pinterest.  I included a link to the post.  The original post I found didn't share a credit for this photo.  Hope I don't get into trouble. Hehe. 

Better show some of my own photo's and stay out of trouble!

It was super windy when I took this shot.  The Salvia is almost laying down because of the wind.  Normally it's standing straight and tall.  I took the photo anyway because I wanted you to see how much the Sweet Potato Vine has grown. 

Here's a shot only a couple of weeks ago . . .

The Salvia is standing at attention. 
Another shot of another pot from a few weeks ago . . . 

The plants are young but healthy.

Here's a little better shot  . . . 

You can see how much the purple grass and the sweet potato vine has grown.  This is before I added the Salvia.  And the pot by the door is before I added the Lantana.   Both the Lantana and the white plant are very sad looking now . . . 

The white plant has some sort of white spots on the leaves.  And the blooms are gone.  I kinda wonder if the yard people sprayed something on it.  

I kinda hate to show this next shot because I moved a pot and realized there was dirt all over the porch from the pot.  But you don't mind do you?  

Because I know you want to see my new treasure!   

I brought this charming little plant stand home from my mothers. 
Free is good!  I stopped at Walmart and bought a couple more Sweet Potato Vines and some beautiful deep purple Salvia.  
They are going up stairs I just set them on the little stand to show it off.  

I wonder what the Cowboy will say when he gets home and sees it.

You can see beyond the little the dirt by our door.  We have no grass.  We've been begging for 3 years for new grass.  Our landlords refuse to plant any!  


I got the new plants planted in my brand new pots!

On more shot.  This is the whinny part of the post.  

If you look beyond the lovely little tomato on my plant you can see across the parking lot beautiful green grass.  

Looking down.  You can see the ugly tacky dirt by our door!  

Maybe I should end with something pretty.  You think?

Well not exactly pretty.  But Heart Warming!  He's running! 
Don't tell the Cowboy I showed you his white legs!  
      A year ago our grandson was in a body cast for 6 months!
             
                           We smile.  We run!  God is good!

Linking with Outdoor Wednesday,  Flower Friday

I Have Tomatoes And . . .

I am super excited to share photos of my thrifty garden . . . 

The smallest of the three tomato plants.  They all have actual tomatoes!  Yea me!
and yes in the foreground that is a cucumber . . .

It's finally winding around the hanger!  I just re-potted it after making it mad.  It was  in a pot that was too small and I knew it but I didn't have a hanging basket.  It had already begun to twirl around the wrought iron rail on our balcony!  It needed a new pot and fast!

But I'm on a budget and didn't really have any money for pots.  And then I was blessed with a hanging pot of begonias from my daughter and grandson.  And the begonias were all ready waaaay too big for the basket pot. So being the frugal gardener that I am.  I re-potted them and used the hanging basket for my cucumbers!

This shot I am super excited to share . . .

See my white curtain?  It isn't finished I need to hem it but.  It's up!  I have wanted to curtain the patio
since we moved here 4 years ago.

The Cowboy wasn't too enchanted with the idea.  Mainly because he was the one to put up some kind of bracket or hanger.  And also because I couldn't afford any fabric.  My original idea was a tarp but we were both concerned about the weight.

And then my mother gave me a bolt of this gauzy type of fabric that someone had given her!  Did you notice the yellow squash plant peeking behind the curtain?  Free is good!

Here's a better shot . . .

And a little begonia in the fore ground.  But it's about to get a make over too!  Because today I finally got to buy the bright blue pots I've been wanting!

So my afternoon plans include re-potting a few things!

I'll be taking more pics so come by tomorrow and see the how the rest of the balcony is finally coming together and see my update on the other veggies!

Enjoy your afternoon!

Linking with The Art Of Homemaking Outdoor Wednesday , The Homemaking Party and Share My Cup

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill--Book Review

                                                        
What it's about . . .

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start.  But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

About the author...

. . .Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.

A little Buzz...

“Overall, it’s an original twist on the wrongly accused victim trying to exonerate herself, and will keep readers interested throughout.” —RT Book Reviews

And now my thoughts...

. . .When I was offered this book to review I was sincerely interested. I loved the story line and looked forward to a fictional story about a young woman stepping out of the darkness of being wrongly accused and a  victim,turning her life around. 

What I received from this book was not what I hoped for or expected. 

What I saw was darkness.  Honestly I was a little expecting it because too me the cover is dark and the title just made me kind of expecting something sad and dark. 

Personally I have questions about it's placement in the category or genre of 'Christian'.  And, I have a few thoughts on the subject.  But.  This post isn't about that.   It is about what I thought of this book.  

After a few chapters I was honestly having the feeling I've read or seen this story before.  I skipped to the end and read a few chapters all the way to the end of the book.  The story line reminded me way too much of a Lifetime movie I had seen recently. 

I realize that when you read a lot of books of a certain kind or even see a lot of movies of a certain your going to see some similarities.  But I didn't see similarities I saw 'I've seen this before'.

Because this book was consideration a 'Christian' novel I think I expected more faith than I got.  

For me that was a real negative.  

With that said . . . this was an intense and twisty turning gripping story.  The characters were intense and well developed.

I just really expected more.  Because this book was published by Tommy Nelson I truly expected much much more.  

Even though I felt like I'd seen this story line before I could tell that the author is talented enough to weave more faith into the story line.   If she wanted to.

Sometimes a lack of Jesus is 'kind a' worse than none at all. 

I think that's what you get here.  

I received an advance reader's copy of Sister Dear from LitFuse in exchange for my honest review.

 I am required to post this review on retail sites. Because the retail sites us a rating of 1-5 stars I am required to rate this book.    I am not a of this system.  I would really like to give this book 

4 stars because I thought it was a well written story.  However based on all the other factors I mentioned above I am giving this book 3 1/2 stars.  

Sister Dear is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book(dot)com. 

Click on the bold type to read additional reviews or purchase.  

Simple Sunday

                           
                          Have A Blessed Day

Horse In The Wilderness--Book Review

                                                            
Pleasantly surprised.  This book was not what I expected!  It was much, much more!   I found
Horse In The Wilderness to be a heart warming  and touching story of romance and mystery.

Here's what it's about . . .

A missing horse. A missing boy. A vandal with an unexplained grievance against a local farmer. A young woman who drives as though pursued by demons.

An impulsive offer to help locate the missing horse draws Brent Travis unwillingly into the affairs of the Parker family. Are they the gracious, God-fearing Christians they appear to be, or are they the hypocrites of Brent’s past experience?

Autumn Parker’s friendly jibe—quitter—cuts closer than she knows to the heart of the man who has lost his faith in God, in honor, and in loyalty. Caught in a battle between the forces of depression telling him he has nothing to live for and the opportunity to build a new life for himself in rural Orchard Springs, Arkansas.  Brent is forced to re-examine everything he believes. 

And a little more of what I thought . . .  

My first thought. I love a good Cowboy story!  Brent the main character isn't a cowboy.  Actually 

he's never been on a horse.  And, never had a dog!  That all changes when Autumn becomes a part of his life.

The two characters are charming.  Brent is a bit moody and angry.  Autumn is funny and quirky. And a challenger.  She challenges Brent.  She challenges his bad moods and encourages him. 

This is a sweet and wholesome romantic story.  There are twists and turns in the budding relationship as Brent and Autumn deal with past tragedies in their lives.  

I sensed in the first few pages the author was writing about what she knew.  I didn't get a sense of an author doing research.  I am very critical about 'Cowboy' stories. 

As the book progressed when Brent is introduced in chapter 2  I began to feel the same way about the music.  This story is about music.  The story revolves around Brent's new teaching position at the local elementary.  I was launched into the world of music in a way that I've never been before.

There's much more there between the pages. . .

the search for Autumn's horse,  the vandal that is terrorizing a local farmer, and then there's the strange accidents that begin to happen to Autumn.

There's much to this story to keep you reading and turning the pages all the way to the end. If your like me you will actually 'gasp' a few pages before the end.

But I won't spoil it for you.  I suggest you read it yourself!    This is a really good book and fits perfectly in the Christian genre.  I would recommend for any reader from late teen through mature adult.  I would caution a parent to read before offering to a teen.  I would have no problem with allowing my teens.  Use your own judgment.  As the publishers spoiler indicates there is the subject of depression and suicide. But, it doesn't come into the story the you expect. 

  If your a fan of mystery and romance or horse and Cowboys you won't be disappointed.   

Although  this book took me a little longer to read than usual I have to say it was because I was reading on my phone.  Not my favorite method.   With that said it was pure Cowboy from page one and had me turning the pages! 

My rating for this book is 5 stars.  I am purchasing a copy for my library. 

There isn't alot of information to share about this book other than from what's on the back cover.  
I was not able to find an excerpt to share.  I visited 3 different retailers.   There is an excerpt
on the publishers website.  Click Here. 

My first thought writing this review This book needs more and better press.
I look forward to additional books by Debbie Eckels.  I would love to read more about the sub-characters we were introduced to in Horse In The Wilderness.

I received a complementary e-copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

This review is posted at the following retailers.  Please visit  to purchase.  Bold type is a direct link.
Amazon, Barnes and Noble and ChristianBook(dot)com.

Mars...With Venus Rising--Book Review

                                   
Another keeper!  Great story! Great characters!  You won't want it to end!

Here's what it's about . . .
A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all—including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own. Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash. When John Townsend—full of life and the joy of living—moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams... which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he's a pilot.

Starting with just a few stars . . .

I don't give these away lightly.   It was easy to rate this fun story with 5 stars. 
 Loved the beginning.  Loved the ending.  And everything in between.

 The author draws the reader in and keeps your interest with a little romance, a little humor, and a little tragedy that turns into some strong faith.

The characters were fun and heart warming and a little quirky.  I enjoyed Penn's darling aunts and their little match making tactics.    It was fun to be apart of Penn's and Johns growing romance.

The book ends with the author sharing a few recipes that were a big part of the book.  Penn's Celebration Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls and Chocolate Cake.

I loved reading this story and look forward to more from Hope Toler Dougherty.  For more information
visit the authors website.  Click here. I enjoyed visiting the authors website almost as much as reading the book! 

To read an excerpt click here.

I received a complimentary copy of Mars...with Venus Rising from Litfuse and the author in exchange for my honest review.

This review is linked with Book Nook blog party at Create With Joy.

This review is also posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book (dot) com.
Click on the bold type to read additional reviews or purchase.  

Stairway Gallery Wall

I'm so excited to share today the beginnings of my new gallery wall!
            So this is before inspiration struck

                          
For months I've been trying to get these frames hung.  So happy with them!    

                                         But that's not all!

          I loved the empty frames.  But then I had an inspiration!
             
I was sitting at the computer the other day looking at the frames
and enjoying their emptiness.  

And then I looked at the overflowing hat rack and inspiration struck.  
                         
I love the hat rack.  I just don't like all the hats on it.  Never have really liked it. Mostly because the Cowboy won't clean those hats!                          But that is not what this post is about!  

This is what it is about.  Ready?  This is After the inspiration. 
                                   
                                                           This is so 'us'.  
                                             Lovin' the hats.  
                                   
                                      
   One of the Cowboy's.  (at least 9 others on the hat rack)
                                    
                 The hat our son showed in when he was a teenager. 
                                      
Just left this one empty for now.  Deciding if I want to add another hat or maybe some horse show ribbons.  

I think this is the part I like the best . . . 
                     
My favorite part mainly because I figured out a way to display the 
stirrup!  So, so super excited about this!  
        I am actually pretty happy about displaying the tie too. 
                
               Hmm. . . Now what should I put in that empty frame?
                                               Any ideas?

Linking with Pinterest Party, The Art of Homemaking, 
Tweek It Tuesday and Share My Cup.