Friday, August 29, 2008

Show and Tell Friday / Farewell

Show and Tell

It's surprising how much memory is built around
things unnoticed at the time. ~ Barbara Kingsolver



Today is Show and Tell Friday, hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home. She's a talented crafter and fabulous cook, and her blog always brings me joy when I visit. Check her out when you have a moment.

My Show and Tell Friday is for the birds! I've posted before about how much I enjoy bird watching and bird listening (is there such a term??) I also bring birds into my home.

Well, not real birds... at least, not while I have two cats!

I want to share with you a few things sitting on top of a cabinet in my dining room:


Everything here has special meaning to me. The metal apple planter was a gift from my best friend Jeanne. The little birds tucked into the ivy came from a plant given to me by coworkers when my Mom passed away ten years ago. The wooden cardinal came from a brief time I lived in Ohio, and had those beautiful birds outside my window every day. Even the cat, hidden in the ivy and watching the birds closely, was a gift from a former coworker at the Humane Society of Utah.

Let me show you a few of my favorite pieces...


This goose is designed by Jim Shore. Isn’t the detail exquisite? I discovered Shore's work long before I became a quilter, then had to laugh when I started into the craft. No wonder I was drawn to his work, since he incorporates quilt designs in many of his pieces! I have a large collection of his Santas and holiday angels, which I'll share in a future Show and Tell.


This little guy is pretty special. I love quail, for one thing. I don’t see them much in our yard here in southern CA (although I can hear them) but back home in Utah, they came every day. We had a covey we called Dan Quail and all the little quails! But this little carving is doubly special because of the letter Q. Many years ago, my dear friend Scott nicknamed me (now don’t laugh!) Queen Dottie, but in our email exchanges, I usually just go by Q. So this little quail has a double meaning.


This charming little birdhouse and nest was a gift from my middle stepdaughter Lizzie. Marjolein Bastin, who creates so many cute things for Hallmark, designed it. When you lift the lid of the bird house, the inscription inside reads: Like sweet moments in nature, Friendship fills life with special delights

Amen to that!

Finally, I had to show a cute wall hanging from my youngest stepdaughter. The kids all know how much I love birds, and Megan felt this little metal angel was perfect for me - and she's right: my heart IS for the birds!

* * * * *

This will be my last post for a few weeks. We fly to Alaska on Sunday and won't be back until mid-September. Yes, my fondest wish is to see lots of birds, especially puffins! Be safe and have fun this Labor Day holiday.


Until next time...

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Have fun on your trip. Can't wait to see pictures! I'll miss you while your gone.

Honi said...

have a safe trip!!

Kelli said...

I enjoyed seeing your special and beautiful treasures, Pattie! Oh, you are going to have such a wonderful time in Alaska. I can't wait to hear all about it!
~Kelli

Hanlie said...

Enjoy your trip, Pattie! I sure hope I get to see Alaska one day!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Your bird items are so cute...maybe you will find another treasure on your trip!

Deborah said...

Have a great time on your vacation to Alaska. We'll miss you more than you will miss us.


Thanks for sharing your prized possessions.

Little GrumpyAngel said...

I love your "birds"! The wooden goose stood out to me. It is indeed exquisite. But my favorite is the wall hanging. So adorable.

Chubby Chick said...

Your birds are adorable!

And have a safe and wonderful trip! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! We'll miss you! :)

Carla said...

What a neat arrangement! Thank you for sharing each piece today-have fun in Alaska!

Wendy said...

Surrounding yourself with things that you love in your home...that strikes a chord with me!

Have a fantastic time on your trip! Make sure to tell us all about it when you get back. Bon Voyage!

Susie said...

Have a wonderful trip dear Pattie!
I love the birds you've shared and especially the Jim Shore goose :)
I have so much of his work and am always tempted to add "just one more" to my collection.
We went to Alaska at this time just one year ago, and the weather was perfect! We also saw lots of whales while on a tour outside Juneau. Hope you get to see your puffins. They're delightful..
xoxo

Hootin Anni said...

Everything is just so wonderful Pattie! I don't know where to begin. I collect cardinals, so that has to be one that would catch my eye right away. And I love how you've managed to have a kitty among the beauty too!! It's all just super. And I love that guy's art work and 'sculpting'...I would love to have one of his painted Santas one day. Maybe....someday.

Terrific Show n Tell.

Have a super Friday evening. I'm running a little behind in my visiting this afternoon since I've been scrubbing and cleaning all day. It's done...now I'm gonna crash in front of the TV a while. :o)

Enjoy your trip....you leave this weekend, right?

new*me said...

awww Pattie what are we going to do without you? You add so much sunshine to my day. Kelli's blog is beautiful.....I'll have to visit her more often. Have a great time in Alaska. Thanks for sharing a little of you today. Your decor is so cheerful and country. I love it!

Kathy said...

Loved your birds!
We'll miss you but hope your trip is everything you've dreamed it will be! Enjoy and tell us everything when you get back!

Anonymous said...

I love it. It's so country.

jillytacy said...

I enjoyed seeing your birds during show and tell. I hope you have a fabulous trip! Have lots of fun and I can't wait to hear about your Alaskan adventures.

Carole Burant said...

Such lovely treasures you have there! Each piece means so much to you and such wonderful memories behind them. Have a safe trip and have FUN!! Looking forward to lots of pictures on your return...will miss you!!! xoxo

Nonnas News said...

Have a safe, fun trip! I cant wait to see some pics and hear all about it!

The Tiquehunters Wife said...

Loved seeing all your favorite treasures!
Alaska! Wow! My husband and I have always wanted to go there!
Have a wonderful time and enjoy those Puffins!
Blessings to You!
Claudia O.

Needled Mom said...

Great "Show and Tell" with all of your birds.

Have a fabulous trip.

Karen Roper said...

Oh good...you will be gone for 2 weeks! Here's my chance to snoop all around your blog and really find out who you are ;-)

Have a safe and fun trip...and I'm expecting LOTS of pictures when you return!

Take One Stripper Pole said...

Have a wonderful time ... I am so envious ... can't wait to see pics and hear about all the adventures!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Oh, shoot. I missed you! Hope you're having a wonderful time!

Lora said...

Patti ~ when you get back you'll have a surprise! You won the Stopwatch! Send me your address and I'll ship it out to you. Hope you enjoyed Alaska!!!

JC said...

Love the bird pictures. Missing you.

Diana Swallow said...

I've started collecting swallows (gee imagine that) and I've really enjoyed your collection.

Have a safe trip, miss you already!

Nonnas News said...

Have a great trip! Looking forward to seeing pictures!!

jillytacy said...

I'm sure you're having a great time on your trip but it seems so quiet with out your bloggy voice. I just wanted to let you know you're missed! I can't wait to hear all about the trip!