Moving to New Blog Address

While clicking and clicking this morning, I managed to get this page back.  Still no custom domain.com. That is gone forever, I am afraid.  I’m now posting on blogspot.com, for the purpose of relaying the address for Back Porch Musings’ new home.

I hope you all will visit me at:

http://backporchmusings.typepad.com

Thanks so much!

Pat

Tidbits

Bradford Pear Blossom

Monday morning, we made a quick trip to Wentzville MO, were J was having a blood draw at Quest Diagnostics.  Nothing to worry about, we are making progress with the pesky Pro Time.

As I waited in the car, listening to the radio and reading, I glanced out the window and thought I was seeing things.

The parking lot, at Quest, is lined with Bradford Pear trees. 

Normally, in our neck of the woods, Bradford Pear blooms in early Spring.  This one appears to be confused.

 

I attracted attention, as I was getting a closer look and capturing a photo or two.  The expressions on various faces didn’t deter me from my mission.

I wonder if folks were focused on the quirky little old white haired lady, with the camera, and missed the phenomena of a September blooming Bradford Pear; I hope not.

This fellow, not believing his eyes, moved in for a closer look at the tree and the photographer.

My camera is with me at all times.  Not for possible blog opportunities, but rather the passion I have for photography.  I had an interest in photography long before I began Back Porch Musings, in 2007.  Because of Back Porch Musings, my interest grew.  I hope the passion continues, when Back Porch Musings is a distant memory.

A carousel ride…

A few days ago I visited my cousin’s Facebook page and was absolutely delighted with a photo, I saw.

Sad to say, many times senior citizens are dismissed as confused and a tad quirky, if not downright loopy.  I’m sure similar thoughts were going through the mind of at least one of the people watching me “dance” around the “confused” pear tree, clicking away with my trusty Canon.

My cousin’s 70th birthday is in December.  I smiled when I saw the Facebook photo, taken while she rode a carousel.  The photo’s title, 7 or 70. 

I’m not sure, with my short chubby legs, I could climb upon a carousel horse.  I might give it a try, for my 70th birthday in three years….or maybe sooner.  Until then, I’ll enjoy the Camaro…another kind of carousel ride.

 

Blog Confusion….perhaps….

I continue to enjoy blogging and am amazed at the number on the Follow list.  It was two years ago next month, when that list began to grow, not long after I added the Follow widget.  I’ve never asked anyone to follow, the list just grew. 

I think, at times, we are taken in by numbers and confused by the competitive nature that sometimes happens in the land of blog. 

The advice of this little old white haired lady is to blog because you love it.

I completely understand having an interest in numbers if your business is connected with your blog.  But if you are blogging as a hobby, forget about the numbers and competition.  Someone somewhere is reading your blog and benefitting from your efforts, whether they stop by and tell you or not.  You touch the lives of others, without being aware of doing so.

Relax, enjoy the process.  I’ve always said, when the Back Porch becomes work, I’ll stop blogging.  I’ve slowed down a time or two, when it began to feel like a job rather than a hobby.  I’ve begun to do a few more posts, lately.  It just happens.  I don’t plan it.  If a project, day trip or meal looks like it will work for the Back Porch, I’ll take some photos and put together a draft. 

I believe a laid back approach to blogging works for me.  Otherwise, blogging just might take over my life and I would miss out on confused pear trees and carousel rides.

Thanks to all who read Back Porch Musings.  I truly appreciate your visits.

Thank you, also, for indulging this senior with her rambling little story of the confused tree and other things.

~Something New~

We are preparing for a trip to the lake, today.

Labor Day weekend is the last big weekend of Summer 2010.

I have a post started in draft for Saturday Photo Fun II. The image, above, is included in that post.

Something New

I added something to my sidebar, very early this morning, I hope will become a regular feature. 

While looking at the list of blogs I follow, I saw a delightful post from Vignette Design.  It inspired me to begin the new sidebar feature.

In this first edition of Posts to Take Note, I used one of my own images.  In the future I hope to add the blog authors’ photos.  The feature was a spur of the moment idea, in the wee small hours of the morning. 

As you can see, from the image, we are fans of Coppola Wines, as well as fans of Coppola.

Delores’ (Design Vignette) photos are beautiful.  Her post about the Coppola Winery is well written. 

I was taken with Francis Ford Coppola’s quote.

Enjoy!

~Creating a Space for Creating~

What I did on my break…

I rarely leave home without my black framed glasses and day planner.

Two special paperweights.

My space to create was in a corner of J’s lodge, on the lower level, until last Spring when I purchased a new computer.  I thought about making my new space in the bonus room/studio on the upper level. 

In the end, I decided I wanted my desk in the bay window of the master bedroom. 

For a look at the 2009 master bedroom makeover, click HERE.

Easter weekend, I corralled a kid or two to bring a small harvest table up from the lodge.  Eldest daughter set up my new computer.  That was as far as I got in organizing the bay window into a space to create, until this week.

Whether it is approaching Fall or something else, I’ve had an urge to do a bit of nesting the last week or two.

I moved the desk over a couple of feet, from where it was centered on the bay, added a lamp, leftover from the condo master bedroom redo, brought a small trunk in and an oak split basket for magazines. The basket was made by a Missouri artisan, several years ago.  The trunk and basket are good pieces for storage and they help hide cords and cables. 

After adding a few accessories and necessities, the space is complete

I bought the small footstool at an old Welcome Home store, to use in our truck, for my feet, when I had a foot injury, about 5 years ago. 

When my foot healed I re-covered the stool in burlap for use at my desk.

Linking to Centsational Girl’s Where Do You Blog? Party.

~When Bloggers Meet~

Terri, Sue, Grace, Pat

Friday evening, J and I met folks, we had never met in real life, but visit from day to day, via the land of blog. 

It was as though we know each other well, as we shared hugs, conversation, gifts and dinner at Lewis and Clark’s Restaurant in Historic Saint Charles Missouri.

We didn’t let a little rain keep us from enjoying a wonderful evening with, Bob and Terri (Lakewood Manor) and Bill and Sue (Rabbit Run Cottage) and their sweet daughter Grace.

I’m adding this post, to Laurie’s Saturday Favorites, because the subject fits the category of favorite things, so well; in this instance, favorite things to do (meeting blog friends).

 

~A New Gate for the Fireplace and Other Decorating Updates~

In March, I put together a Spring vignette, on the hearth room mantel, using white ironstone, a wire cloche, prints from Charleston South Carolina and an iron piece.  Because two of the prints show Charleston gates, I wanted an iron gate or similar piece, for the fireplace.  When we stopped at Apple Wagon Antiques and Decor, last week, I found just what I was looking for.

I changed the vignette, for summer, using the prints, a lantern and two figurines; a boy and girl, I’ve had several years.  The figurines remind me of The Boxcar Children.

I changed the silk fern, for a live fern and the mantel and hearth were finished, for Summer 2010.

The fireplace, Spring 2010.

 

The hearth room is progressing toward the country look we hope for.

 

 

 

Artful  BLOGGING

I stopped by Barnes & Nobel, Sunday, and picked up a copy of the May/June/July issue of Artful Blogging.

I opened the magazine to an article about Beverly’s Pink Saturday.  Have you visited How Sweet the Sound?  If not, I recommend you stop by. 

Awhile back, Artful Blogging contacted Beverly about doing an article, featuring the weekly event.  Beverly sent out an e-mail to Pink Saturday participants, asking for photos, used in Pink Saturday posts.

I smiled when I saw a photo of a Crepe Myrtle, in the upper left corner of page 40.  I took that photo with my trusty Canon Rebel Xti, in Osage Beach Missouri, last year.

I am so very happy Beverly received this special recognition for Pink Saturday.

Thank you, Beverly, for graciously hosting Pink Saturday. 

I am honored that my Crepe Myrtle photo was included with the work of so many talented artists and photographers.

I was asked what my thoughts are about Paula’s new book, Paula Deen’s Savannah Style.  I have looked through this book several times, since I purchased it, in Tennessee, last month.  I honestly can tell you, I thoroughly enjoy Savannah Style every time I open the cover.  Beautiful interiors and exteriors, including porches.  I have found loads of inspiration.

~A Small Collection~

 

Not only does this post show a partial collection of baskets, it also shows my early photography skills.  Perhaps some improvement has been made over the past three years.  I hope so.

I’ve added two sweet grass baskets, to my collection, from Charleston, South Carolina, since the photos were taken. They are at our lake place

Stop by Barb’s, each Tuesday, for vignettes, tabletops and accessories.

First published 3/7/2007

 While looking through my books, this morning, I rediscovered several volumes of the Foxfire books. I began reading these books during the 1970's. I've enjoyed them over and over again, through the years. Foxfire consists of several volumes, telling the stories and customs of the people of Appalachia.
As I picked up the first volume, it fell open to the chapter about White Oak Splits. I have several White Oak Split baskets, handmade by Missouri Artisans.

They are beautiful in their simplicity. The smallest basket, in the photo, was purchased in 1972 or 73. It is from a basket maker at Silver Dollar City, near Branson, MO. Years later, I was at a craft show in Wentzville, MO., where I met the daughter of the SDC artisan. She was carrying on the basket weaving tradition. I was so happy to be able to purchase one of her baskets. We have it at our weekend home, at The Lake of the Ozarks.
The two larger baskets, toward the front, were made by a Washington, MO artisan. I purchased them at a festival near Marthasville, MO, during the 1990's. The dark basket toward the back is another example of White Oak Split basketry. It's over 100 years old and was purchased at an estate auction.
The little chair was purchased on South Main Street, Historic St Charles, MO. We found it at the shop of an artisan. We owned a rocker that needed a new seat and took it to her for restoration. She too, was carrying on a family tradition of White Oak Split weaving. When we picked up our rocker, the little chair came home with us, too. It now sits at a small writing table in our kitchen.
During the 1970's, students at my hometown high school, began a project similar to Foxfire. Their publication was called Bittersweet. It has been described as a "Foxfire of the Ozarks".
http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/bittersweet/index.html

A basket vignette, in 2010. Similar, but not the same.  This photo was taken with J’s Canon G11, Monday 1/18/10, and edited in Photoscape.

Thank you for the wonderful response to “In a Fog”.  When I wrote that post, I was in a reflective mood.  More about that, in a minute.

I see from your comments, we are of like minds.

I love receiving comments. Whether there are 5 or 100, I read each of them.  Many times, I read them more than once.  I don’t believe they are a gauge of the popularity of Back Porch Musings. They are from folks with interests similar to mine, who found something, in a post, that connected with them.

  The commenter’s vary from post to post.  I do find it interesting, seeing which posts garner more comments than others. Decorating posts are my top comment getters.

Back Porch Musings’ content will remain the same, as it has from the beginning. I’ll change the look of the page, from time to time, perhaps.  Right now, I like the way it looks, so it will remain, at least for awhile

The above post was published during my first week of blogging. There were 4 comments; one of which was mine.  That was before I figured out about answering comments by going to the commenter’s blog, e-mailing, or leaving a note on future posts, rather than answering within the comments of my post.

As the Back Porch has grown, I’ve found it more difficult to get to everyone and leave a comment in return.  There are times, when I seem to be on the computer several days, all day and time flies by. 

If I don’t get back to you, always, I hope you know how much I appreciate your visits. I am in no way snubbing your efforts.  In fact, I am there reading, even though I don’t always leave comments.

A Collection of Memories

My Aunt Helen passed away Friday morning (1/15).  Her passing put me in the reflective mood, mentioned above. 

When I read the post about cliques, on that dreary day, I thought of what Aunt Helen would have said, about the post that seemed to patronize bloggers, like me, who write of everyday ordinary things.  I could hear her say, “Patty Ann, you can do anything”.  That thought sealed my resolve to carry on, as usual, at the Back Porch.

As I thought of the days before Alzheimer’s came to steal my aunt’s memories, I remembered the legacy of memories she left her family.

Aunt Helen, born in 1920, was my safe harbor and light, in the sometimes stormy seas of my childhood.  In my book, she was an amazing woman.  She and my uncle raised 4 beautiful children. She went to work for the city, during the 1950’s and continued working for the city for the next 30 years.  She had a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir.  Her sense of humor was fabulous.  I see that humor in my children.  I seem to have it too.  Perhaps it’s inherited.

Aunt Helen was an exceptional influence in my life.  For this I am forever grateful.

During my reflections, over the last several days, I looked at the beautifully wrapped collection of memories, left by my aunt.  As I lifted the cover, the memories, like butterflies, fluttered up from the tissue of time. I grasped each one, held it to the light and savored it. 

Thank you, Aunt Helen.

 

~Country Pleasures~

 Cornbread, in an iron skillet, a country pleasure.

 

Do you remember Jo Northrop’s Simple Country Pleasures, at Country Living Magazine?  The feature was an extra special delight of the publication.  When Jo passed away, the column ended.  Recently, Country Living included Simple Country Pleasures, again.

  Like Country Living Magazine’s Simple Country Pleasures, Country Pleasures blog is all about the pleasures of simple country living.  Sue, who lives in the Ozarks, is a fabulous cook and crafter.  She also writes a wonderful blog.

Last weekend, Sue’s church held a Fall Fest.  One of the events, included in the fest, was an auction of baked goods, with proceeds going to feed the hungry.

Blueberry Bread Pudding was one of the desserts Sue prepared.  The recipe sounded so good, I decided to give it a try.

Sue’s Blueberry Bread Pudding brought $25, at the auction.

If you haven’t met Sue, please stop by sometime.  You can find Country Pleasures, at this LINK.

 

 

Blueberry Bread Pudding

1 loaf blueberry crumble bread
1 c. frozen or fresh blueberries
4 eggs
12 oz. can evaporated milk
1/2 c. butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in microwave for one min. In a large bowl combine milk and butter, mix well. Tear bread into bite size pieces and add to milk mixture. Add remaining ingredients and blend well, adding more milk if needed. Mixture should be moist but not too soggy. Transfer into a 9x13 baking pan and bake for 30-40 min. Drizzle cream cheese or vanilla frosting on top once cooled.

I used about 2 tablespoons of prepared Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting, heated in the microwave for about 5 seconds. There is plenty of frosting left over; a very good excuse for making a little batch of cupcakes.

Delicious!

~ALL THINGS COTTAGE~

Thanks to All Things Cottage, for adding Back Porch Musings to Featured Blogs, this month. 

I recommend visiting this wonderful new online magazine, HERE.  You will see familiar friends and meet new folks, while enjoying great articles and beautiful photos.

Stop by Michael’s each Friday for delicious dishes, from the land of blog.

Getaway Hint

~Back Porch 400th Post Giveaway~

My friend Lori, owner of All About Home, contacted me with a lovely offer to provide items for my 400th post giveaway.

Thank you, Lori, for your generous contribution of this set of four, cute as a cupcake plates and three, brightly colored, large paper lanterns, in varying sizes. Perfect for that special birthday party.

While shopping, this week, I found Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes.  The book is just the right addition to the plates and lanterns. Lots of cupcake inspiration, between the pages.

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is  leave a comment on this post (approximately 396th), between now and Monday, October 12th at 7AM Central Time.  At that time I will use a random number generator to determine the winner.

I am so excited about this giveaway, I just could not wait until the 400th post, to share!

Thank you, dear readers, for stopping by the Back Porch, through all my posts!

 All About Home is located on Historic Main Street, Troy Missouri.  If you happen to live in the area or your passing through, via hwy 61, please visit this beautiful shop that is chock full of gorgeous accessories and inspiration.