Self Portrait:  Two Girls Walking

I've always been a purse hound.  I love thinking about purses, looking at them, touching, smelling them (um, I'm also a smell hound, but that's for another post).

I'm rather particular about the purses I carry - sort of a purse snob, if you will.  I like brand name designers.  The purse must be pleasant to touch, never plastic or vinyl.  Well, I never say never…but as a general rule.  The inside lining has to be nice.  And it has to be easy to reach into.  Oh, and be super cute, of course.

I've spent much time at TJ Maxx in their handbag department.  Much much time.  That's my favorite place to browse for purses, besides thrift shops.  I don't usually buy anything, just touch, and maybe smell (can't help it).

Yesterday at TJ Maxx I bought myself this new pretty pretty.  It passed all the sensory tests.  I carried it around the store on my shoulder and it didn't fall off.  Plus it's my favorite color magenta!

 Want to see inside?  Ok.

I know...right?

So fun.

Our house is surrounded on three sides by a wide porch, but there is one spot on the railing that the mourning doves prefer as a perch to look out over the garden.  It's smack-dab in front of the main door to our house, where people and critters frequently pass by.  All the activity doesn't seem to phase them one bit.  Last summer was the first time I noticed this pattern.

So yesterday as I passed by the door, I was happy to see them back in the same spot!

For quite a while I watched them.

Perched in the usual spot, looking out on the garden, wishing things were blooming out there.

Oh wait, that was me...

Not sure what they were wishing for.

Um, guess they didn't know I was watching!

Today I went for a walk with a very happy black dog.

Pompeii, A Very Happy Black Dog

She and I walked at a county forest a few miles from our house.

It has lots of hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobile trails.

Nine Mile Forest

I couldn't believe that Pompeii and I were the only ones there.

No other car in the parking lot, no other person on the trails.

It's the first time that's ever happened.

I bet people thought it would be too muddy.

Yeah...well...they were probably right.

It's been awhile since I've been home on a weekend.

I've got the whole place to myself, it's a beautiful sunny day around 50 degrees.

Had my lunch outside on the porch, wrapped in a Snuggie, listening to the birds.

I've been puttering around in my studio, putting away the clutter and giving everything a good dusting.

Keep finding little pieces of paper where I've written quotes I like.  I'm a quote-gatherer!

Here's one that spoke to me today:

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

- Philippians 4:5

Lucky the Studio Cat

Last Sunday, I spent a fun day at the St. Patrick's Day Family Festival

held at my nephews' school!

Home of the IRISH!!

Loved the Irish Dancers!

I was a vendor there, and took along my handmade sparkly things, hats, and collages. 

Fun seeing Happy Heart Studio on the banner!

I got to hang out all day with my nephews, when they took a rest from running around with their friends.

And I loved being with the OUTSTANDING group of people who have kids that go to the school and attend the church.

It was a great day full of music, dancing, drinking, eating, playing, laughing,

and even a little shopping!

THANK YOU so much for supporting a local artisan!

PS - To my amazing nephew Nicholas who reads my blog and keeps me on my toes to post updates,

you were such a big help!

Thank you for helping me all day long and staying until the end to help me pack up...

you're awesome!