Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. River is having a blog break at the moment (and will be missed), so I am keeping the meme warm in her absence.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Sort of. I have had a difficult few weeks. A family member has a life threatening/life changing medical condition to deal with. It is getting hotter by the day and my MS is thriving in the heat. And this busy time and my inability to say no is doing my head in.
However my special talent (you know the one we all have) is as an appreciator. Appreciating the big and small wonders (and a black sense of humour) keeps me more or less afloat.
So here are some of the things I have appreciated (muchly) this week.
Ellie Foster is a blogger I follow. Like me she is a reader and a gardener. Unlike me, she is a dedicated, talented and creative crafter. Earlier this year she started making felt sheep. I fell in love with them, and she very generously sent me a pair - which arrived on a black day this week. I love them. Himself loves them. And we have put them firmly out of Jazz's reach. The hand-made card which accompanied them is proudly on display too.
I have been revelling in the sky too.
Our night-flowering cactus also gave me joy. It only lasts a day, and I was fortunate enough to notice it was about to come out. And document the beauty.
I am so very lucky.
There are more photos (of course) from Hyper Real, but I will post them later.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. River is having a blog break at the moment (and will be missed), so I am keeping the meme warm in her absence.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Sort of. I have had a difficult few weeks. A family member has a life threatening/life changing medical condition to deal with. It is getting hotter by the day and my MS is thriving in the heat. And this busy time and my inability to say no is doing my head in.
However my special talent (you know the one we all have) is as an appreciator. Appreciating the big and small wonders (and a black sense of humour) keeps me more or less afloat.
So here are some of the things I have appreciated (muchly) this week.
Ellie Foster is a blogger I follow. Like me she is a reader and a gardener. Unlike me, she is a dedicated, talented and creative crafter. Earlier this year she started making felt sheep. I fell in love with them, and she very generously sent me a pair - which arrived on a black day this week. I love them. Himself loves them. And we have put them firmly out of Jazz's reach. The hand-made card which accompanied them is proudly on display too.
I have been revelling in the sky too.
Our night-flowering cactus also gave me joy. It only lasts a day, and I was fortunate enough to notice it was about to come out. And document the beauty.
I am so very lucky.
There are more photos (of course) from Hyper Real, but I will post them later.
love the little felted sheep, and you always have the most beautiful sunsets, and a flower on a cacti, reminds me of southwest usa desert.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Aren't the baa-lambs gorgeous?
DeleteThose little sheep are extremely endearing. What's not to love?
ReplyDeleteMore brightness and light to you.
Rawknrobyn: Aren't they lovely? I hope your week is wonderful. And am aching to learn more about Dude Three.
DeleteThe little sheep are cute. And your sunset and flower photos are great as always.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you.
DeleteHi EC - love Ellie's sheep - talented lady ... and delightful to have around the house (but high away from Jazz). The cactus is amazing - what a great set of photos - loved seeing the flower in all its stages - how long does it take to come out ... ? and does it have a scent?
ReplyDeleteLoved your Sunday Selections - cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Ellie is definitely a talented lady. And generous.
DeleteThe cactus goes from bud to open flower overnight. And by the end of the next day it is finished. It is scented, and has a lovely light scent.
Hi EC - flowers are fascinating ... and then 'demand' we wait to watch their splendour unfold with a light scent ... delightful - cheers Hilary
DeleteThat cactus is something special. So is the sky. But, the felted sheep take all. A lot of talent and patience made them.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: As a craftswoman yourself I am not at all surprised you recognise the talent and dedication which are the skeleton of the sheep.
DeleteThose tiny sheep are adorable. And what a stunning bloom on that cactus. I'm glad you were able to capture it in photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the poor health of your relative. And I wish you enjoyed better health yourself. Some things in life truly suck.
At the height of my frustration last week, I thought of you, always looking for the beauty in life. It helped me along my way, EC. I thank you for that. Hugs and caring thoughts being sent your way.
jenny_o: Thank you. I am a beauty addict, and find it often. And am so grateful for that. I hope your hard times ease off too. You are so right about sucky things. Better than Dyson ever managed. Hugs.
DeleteThat cactus flower is truly amazing; I'm so glad you shared it with us!! (If only we had smellevision.)
ReplyDeletefishducky: Thank you. I have often loved for smellevision too. Except for those days when I am truly grateful not to have it.
DeleteThe sheep are lovely...so very cute, and I can see how they would brighten a blue day.
ReplyDeleteYour photos have a similar effect, EC. :)
I hope your week ahead is full of joy and goodwill. Cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Thank you. A busy week ahead - tis the season after all. I hope your week is wonderful and that you and your furry overlords enjoy it - to the max.
DeleteThat is a lovely, thoughtful gift. Those are the cutest sheep, ever!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it ALL, the little sheep, the skies, and the incredible cactus. I do hope this coming week brings you peace and joy, dear EC. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you - and to you. With love and laughter as wrappings.
DeleteWhat a shame that the cactus flowers only last a day. I'm not fond of the plant itself but I'd love them if they kept their blooms.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sky shots and I love the sheep! Glad Jazz can't attack them. ;)
River Fairchild: That cactus is a particularly vicious one. It has some solid spikes which are nasty and fine hair like ones which are worse because they snap off inside you. The blooms are a consolation - but I am very careful around it for most of the year. Jazz made it clear he would like the sheep. Tough.
DeleteI LOVE the sheep! Do you think they'll get ma-aa-aarried?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I assumed they would. Or have.
DeleteYou can host a wedding celebration for them.
DeleteBaaaaa sheep are quite cute. It's nice to have friends when you get such a sweet gift.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures never fail to entertain. The three sunset pictures were spectacular and then you put the cherry on top with the cactus blooming. It was a beautiful flower.
Take care.
Ann Bennett: The blogosphere has brought me some wonderful things. Warmth, wonder and some very dear friends. I may never meet them, but they are precious friends just the same.
DeletePrayers for your family member.
ReplyDeleteThat was nice of her to send the sheep.
Beautiful flower. Rather striking in its uniqueness.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. It was lovely of her to send them. And that cactus is one which I wait to flower every year. And hope that I don't miss it.
DeleteBaa-bie makes me giggle.
ReplyDeleteAnd your cactus? I believe I may have mentioned that I love it. More than once.
Baa-bie is great isn't she? And I love her male friend Baa-ney too.
DeleteThat cactus is special. I like its scent too.
You found wonderful items to focus on, EC. I hope this coming week is a better one for you in every way.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: Thank you. We are heading for a hot one so I will not enjoy it, but am hoping (so much) that my brother's health improves.
DeleteThe lambs are cute. Plenty of good sunrise photos. Those night flowering cactus do have spectacular flowers. They are ideal for making a time lapse video. You caught it well.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: You are right. The cactus would have made an amazing time lapse video. I don't have the skills or the equipment though.
DeleteSunsets this time.
OMG! Those lambs! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteBirdie: Aren't they? I smile at them each time I go past.
DeleteLovely little lambs - I am so glad they helped brighten a dark day for you, dear EC. The cactus flower is glorious, and your skies beautifully calming. I do hope that the weather cools down, but perhaps that is a futile wish at this time of year...
ReplyDeleteAlexia: Thank you. Some of this week is going to be truly ugly, up into the high 30s. It drops ten degrees overnight at the end of the week which is lovely but causes issues of its own (whinge, whinge). This too will pass. And I have the lambs and the sky as consolation.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your difficult times ... I send positive thoughts to you.
ReplyDeleteI do like the felted sheep, the skies and the beautiful flowers.
Take Care
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you for the positive wishes. They are much appreciated.
DeleteThe felted sheep are very cute. The cactus flower is gorgeous. The second photo of it unopened is lovely.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Aren't Baa-bie and Baa-ney lovely? The cactus is one of the plants I look forward to blooming each year. It is quick though. I think it was in pretty much full bloom about forty minutes after the photo you liked.
DeleteThose two little felted lambs are very cute. And lucky you to catch the cactus flowering. It is a stunning flower.
ReplyDeleteI hope the coming week is a better one for you all.
CountryMum: Thank you. I do watch that cactus intently at this time of year. And it pays dividends.
DeleteYour flowers, those skies and the felt sheep are all wonderful! I hope the family crisis is soon sorted and I'm sorry your MS is thriving in the increasing heat. Hugs!
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. The family crisis won't be sorted in a hurry. If he survives his life will be very different. The MS/heat thing is nothing new, just more than I feel like dealing with at the moment. Hugs gratefully received and returned.
DeleteOh how cute the sheep are! I love the beauty of the sky. So good you captured the beauty of the night blooming, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteKim Standard: Aren't the sheep incredible. I really, really love them. And am a beauty addict.
Deleteand I forgot to say that I am sorry for the sickness you and your fam are dealing with. Oh I know the heat
ReplyDeleteKim Standard: Thank you. I know you know about the heat. This too will pass.
Deletethe sheep are fabulous, the skies stunning and the flower outstandingly beautiful
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: Thank you. They are all lovely distractions.
DeleteWonderful sharing... thanks. ANd thanks for the lovely comment on mine just now.
ReplyDeleteBill: I am glad you liked them.
DeleteTo be diagnosed with a life changing illness is bad enough but it just shouldn't be allowed at Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou have all the beautiful photos, EC. I can't pick a favourite today. Have you seen the felted dolls? I love them but I know they would eventually get dusty and then I would throw them out
kylie: As things stand if it is only life-changing he/we will be happy. Sort of.
DeleteI haven't seen felted dolls, but have carefully put Ellie's lovely sheep into a glass cabinet. Less dust and safe from psycho cat.
The fuzzywuzzy sheep are enchanting, and also the cactus blossom, quite lovely! Such a contrast.... soft and fuzzy, then solid and spiky!
ReplyDeleteSorry indeed to hear you have a family member in medical distress.... not a nice thing to face at Christmas when everything is supposed to be perfect, but often isn't.
Shammickite: You are so right. The happiest time of year so often isn't. For lots of people for lots of reasons. My brother is doing better, but there is a long haul ahead of him.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you like the sheep (and I hope they will behave!), which I really enjoyed making for you. Incidentally, you are dedicated and talented too, as your dedication to people with mental difficulties and your talent for photography and creative photographs demonstrate. The skies and cactus are lovely (but you always capture such beautiful things so well).
Sending lots of good wishes to you and yours
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you so much. They are enchanting and (so far at least) much the best behaved inhabitants of the house.
DeleteThose sheep are adorable! I can see why you love them and display them so proudly. :) Even more special that you know the creator/crafter.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures of the sky are gorgeous and that cactus blooming- so special. So happy you were able to document it happening. What a treat!
Have a lovely week!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Thank you. I met Ellie through the blogosphere and cherish our cyber friendship. As I do so many others, including yours.
DeleteThose little felt sheep are really nice, I also love the colors in the pictures of the sky, very nice.
ReplyDeleteJimmy: Thank you. Very different and both special.
DeleteEllie is obviously very talented those little sheep are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour sky and cactus photos are joyous, thank you so much for sharing them. x
Barbara Fisher: She is indeed talented. Across an incredible range of crafts. You are so right with the description joyous - thank you.
DeleteYou'll always make my day with skyscapes like that.
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: As you so often make this tree-huggers day.
DeleteI take a lot of the pictures of the sky. You have some beautiful pictures here.
ReplyDeleteR
Rick Watson: Thank you. I also take a lot of skyscapes.
DeleteCute sheep. Lovely photos of the sky and beautiful flowers. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteRaster Raisters: Thank you. I hope your Christmas is lovely.
DeleteHope your family member is ok. I truly love your sky photos and flower photo.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. The brother has made some improvements.
DeleteOk, the sheep and sky are cool...BUT THAT CACTUS. That flower is AMAZING. I've literally never seen a cactus flower that looks like that. It literally looks like some sort of evil, maneating flower.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: I can see that. A cactus which could out-Audrey Audrey. It is an amazing thing isn't it? The blooms are big too - seven or eight inches when it is fully open.
DeleteThat's so cool. My only real exposure to cacti are from California. They have jolla (little cactus balls), Joshua Trees, and Prickly Pears.
DeleteRobert Bennett: Prickly Pears were introduced to Australia - and spread like wildfire. They became a real pest in some areas. And now I see the fruits for sale in the local markets...
DeleteThe sheep are adorable. As a crafter I want to squeeze them. Your sky pictures are amazing. The meme sounds like fun. I'll click over and see about it. Out blog walking this am, and found myself here. Always nice to meet new bloggers.
ReplyDeleteSandy: Welcome and thank you. The meme is fun. River is having a blog break at the moment, but I will take the liberty of speaking for her and saying please join us. The more the merrier.
DeleteThat cactus is a beauty. Love the little sheep as well.
ReplyDeleteonly slightly confused. So do I. Rather a lot.
DeleteI miss Honolulu's night blooming cereus! Thanks for reminding me. What skies! Such cure sheep. I'm sure Jazz would enjoy loving them to sweet destruction, LOL. So fun knowing you!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Jazz would indeed love them to death. And is a tad hissy that I won't let him. Glad to remind you of Honolulu's cereus.
DeleteI love the cactus blossom! and the sheep are adorable. She is quite talented!
ReplyDeleteCindi Summerlin: She is very, very talented. And I am lucky.
DeleteOh my, they are beautiful EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you.
DeleteMmm, that's some freaking good sky. I need to go down to the neighborhood lake this week for a sunset.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I hope you can. Sunrise and sunset are such restorative times. Particularly over water.
DeleteI love the green sheep too.
ReplyDeleteThat cactus is stunning, and I remember reading on another blog about the way they flower for one day, I'm so pleased you managed to capture it in all it's glory!
LL Cool Joe: Thank you. I was pleased too. My partner caught it in bud, partially open but when he went out to catch it in full flower it was finished.
DeleteI am sorry to hear you've been having a tough time. Life can certainly be challenging.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear you've had joy in your darling sheep, and mystic and lovely night blooming cactus.
I hope this week is truly a good one for you.
I'll be thinking of you.
Sandra Cox: Thank you. I hope your week is generously splattered with joy.
DeleteWishing you and yours the happiest Holiday Season. Love Granny Annie
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: And to you and yours.
DeletePicture Perfect and ready for postcards, EC. The scenery and flowers are great ways to lift spirits. I know a blogger friend who is hooked on sheep, so I'm stealing these pics and letting her know about the blog. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteRO: I hope your friend enjoys the sheep and the blog (nearly) as much as I do.
DeleteThose night blooming cacti flowers are spectacular !And the felt sheep are adorable
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: That cactus isn't a prolific bloomer - but is certainly worth the wait. And Baa-bie and Baa-ney are indeed adorable.
DeleteFrom sweet lambs to lovely skies to that fascinating cactus flower you've once again thrilled my sense of sight.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas. See you in 2018 when I'm sure you'll have more visual delights to share.
cleemckenzie: Thank you. And very Happy Holidays to you and yours.
DeleteLove the felted sheep. I have a felting friend who does everything from animals to clothing. It is fun and whimsical stuff. Beautiful skies and cactus flowers!
ReplyDeleteJono: There are a lot of talented people about aren't there? Which is lovely.
DeleteVery cute sheep,well done that woman, and the skies of beauty are lovely as is the massive Triffid, cactus flower! Lovely to see. X
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: Things of beauty one and all. Essential. Hugs.
DeleteSending you and your loved ones, big healing hugs! I'm so sorry for everything!
ReplyDeleteI love the sheep! They are adorable!
Your sky photos are breath taking!
That cactus is stunning! WOW!!!
Please take care!
Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: Thank you. On all counts.
DeleteCute sheep. That is talent!!
ReplyDeleteThe sky is fabulous. And the flower.... so much beauty. And you were there... at the right time.
: )
Caterina: I was lucky wasn't I?
DeleteThose sheep are adorable! And lovely skies too. Hoping things calm down and wishing you and yours good health and joy!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. And to you and yours.
DeleteVauu, those felt sheeps are so cute. It's lovely when somebody can make such a beautiful things.
ReplyDeleteYou were really lucky when you got to see your night-flowering cactus. It's really fantastic flower.
Wish you happy times
orvokki: Aren't they lovely? I am so very grateful to Ellie.
DeleteHappy times to you and yours as well.
I like those sheep! I want to get some but my cats would tear them to pieces.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Jazz would love to kill them - so they are stored/displayed behind glass.
DeleteWe used to have a cactus like that years ago in our yard and I loved it. :) The ship are sweet. ::)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: For much of the year the cactus is vicious and not terribly attractive. It makes up for it when it blooms though. And I do love my sheep.
DeleteWow wow and wow. Those little lambs are just gorgeous. I watched a young fox gambolling like a lamb this week (which isn't at all relevant but I thought might make you smile a little). Congratulations on catching the ephemeral cactus in flower.
ReplyDeleteKim: Introduced or not, I have a soft spot for fozes and would certainly have smiled at a gambolling cub.
DeleteLove the lambs!
ReplyDeleteI had a cactus for years, and it wasn't until I separated from my (ex)husband that it bloomed (moving away made us both bloom.) :) I loved that one day per year bloom - so glad to see yours.
Lynn: I remember you saying that your cactus didn't flower until after the separation. And love that you both bloomed.
Delete