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.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. Coming home from the shops the other day we drove past a piece of unbuilt up land. I was sure I spotted a small door in one of the eucalypts. So of course I had to go back and check it out (the things I do for you - it was stinking hot).
And it was a door. A fairy g rden no less.
Xola and Arch had obviously been to a lot of trouble decorating their fairy g rden. I hope they had a heap of fun.
Xola and Arch were conspicuous by their absence and I did wonder whether the swarm of bees on the other side of the tree had anything to do with it. It could also be that they are neither mad dogs nor Englishmen and refused to go out in the midday sun.
Smiling at both the door in the tree and the bees I walked home.
My next feature this week is very different. I met up with a friend for a cuppa this week. Many years ago she was my boss. Neither of us is in paid employment now, and she has moved down the coast but we meet up when we can.
She brought me samples from her latest craft project.
Gorgeous intricate origami based boxes.
She also bought me these.
What are they I hear you ask?
Bookmarks. Clever (also origami based) bookmarks.
The boxes were a delightful surprise but last time I saw her she gave me a bookmark and I commissioned some more bookmarks to share.
So, if any of you would like one of these variations on the bookmark theme let me know in the comments and/or send me an email if I don't already have your address. It is a small gesture of thanks for the kindness, support and friendship I have found here in the blogosphere. I have quite a few of them, but it is first in best dressed. They are light and I am more than happy to post them anywhere in the world.
It really would delight me to send them (and my friend was very happy about it too).
Sue, I realize that I am an unrepentant bookmark glutton, but if you have any left after you have given others priority I would be very happy to receive one. Thank you as always.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Of course I will send you one, and so far you are the only taker.
DeleteOh the fairy garden! My granddaughter has an every changing fairy garden in her front yard with a sign at the door welcoming fairies, small birds and mice only. Bugs are not allowed!
ReplyDeleteIf I had not gone to almost exclusive digital reading I would love a bookmark. They are beautiful!
Anne in the kitchen: I really liked the effort which had gone into this garden and am so very glad that I saw the door in the tree as we drove past.
DeleteI do understand that digital reading doesn't require bookmarks.
ADORE the fairy garden! I'd love to do something like that one day. Thank you for sweating it out to get the photos for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThe bookmarks are clever and beautiful! Alas, I only read digitally now. Got tired of moving tons of book boxes around every time I moved. My eyes do thank me for switching though.
Hugs to you and Jazz!
River Fairchild: I hear you on the tons of book boxes. I shudder to think how many it would take us to move again...
DeleteI prefer 'real books' just the same.
Oh! How I love the fairy garden. Now I want one. When I got a new front door (steel with a security storm door), I put the old red door on the ground at the side of the house. I wanted to make signs to put on it, such as AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY, but a young man came around and asked if he could have it. Of course I gave it to him.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Janie
Janie Junebug: We have a door propped up the the garage which has travelled to several homes with us. It has a Rolling Stones image stencilled on it - those lips and tongue. If anyone were to ask for it himself would flatly refuse.
DeleteI also love the Fairy G rden - it's wonderful to see evidence of creative kids enjoying themselves outdoors. I hope they didn't get stung, though! Thank you for going back in the stinking heat for us :)
ReplyDeleteYour bookmarks are lovely, EC, and I am sure the people you send them to will treasure them. On my travels I have collected quite a few special bookmarks (some are too precious to use). My current favourite is one I got at Sir Walter Scott's house, Abbotsford, which features the wallpaper from the Chinese Drawing Room there.
December already... I hope you have a cooler week.
Alexia: It was great to see that not all children are locked to their screens. I really hope they had fun, and will continue to do so with that garden.
DeleteI hear you on the bookmarks which are too precious to use. I have a few of them too. I would love to send you one of these though...
Ahhh....a fairy garden...how wonderful. I'm taken back to my childhood. Hang on! I'm still in it!!
ReplyDeleteYour friends origami is beautiful. How lovely it is.
I hope the coming week treats you kindly, EC. The heat is shocking. I've not expended much energy at all over the past few days...and I give no apology for being a sloth. We had a very minor storm last night, but any drops of moisture is so very welcome...as is the sound of it on the roof.
Take good care...stay cool if you can. Cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: We have a cool change at the moment. A blissful cool change. No rain though. Some was forecast - but they changed their mind.
DeleteMy friend does lovely work doesn't she?
Isn't it wonderful we find things to do and enjoy that take our minds away from the world's problems? Lovely pictures and bookmarks. Beats turning the corners down.
ReplyDeletenothoughtsnoprayersnonothing: I NEED distractions from the world's problems. Fortunately my monkey mind finds them.
DeleteYears back a librarian told me of a book which was returned to their library with a banana peel marking the place. I suspect she would have preferred turned down corners.
The fairy garden is great. I can imagine the concentration as it was decorated. A different kind of concentration to make the origami boxes. Really well done.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: You are so right about the concentration. I suspect there was some parental involvement in the fairy garden, but really enjoyed it. I am glad that I saw it.
DeleteThe boxes and the bookmarks are both lovely.
I don't believe in fairies but it's fun to make belief. The honey bees are keeping the garden safe. I zoomed in on the small decorations. Someone must have had an idea on how to recycle these little trinkets.
ReplyDeleteThe origami boxes and bookmarks are lovely. My sister in law keeps bringing me a large assortment of bookmarks for every occasions and my favorite is a cut out corner of a colored envelope that I recycled. No more turning page corners for me.
Hugs, Julia
It's very cold and windy here and it's very hot over your place.
Julia: Imagination and creativity seem to go hand in hand. I am not a believer in fairies either, but loved the garden. I may wander up later and see if the bees are still there.
DeleteI have a HUGE collection of bookmarks - but I also have a huge collection of books.
You are cold and windy and we are hot and windy. And the fires continue to burn.
Loved the fairy garden. And the origami boxes look good--I may want to learn how to make those.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I was blown away by how intricate the boxes are, inside and out. If you do make some I hope you will share them with us.
DeleteThe fairy garden was worth the return trip, in my opinion. What a great lot of stuff there.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I was very pleased I did go back to the garden, but I chose the wrong day for a walk of several miles.
DeleteWe do love fairy gardens here. Bigger Girl is still stealthily putting them in the treed area of the university, and people go to take pictures (i need to see if i can get out there and find them).
ReplyDeleteThe bookmarks are beautiful! If they are not all claimed, i would love to have one.
And i forgot to say, my selections will be up soon.
Deletemessymimi: I love the thought of Bigger Girl being a steath fairy garden bomber - and of course you can have a bookmark.
DeleteI look forward to your Sunday Selections too.
I love the bookmarks and would be happy to have the purple one, or a blue one. The fairy garden is so delightful I saved the pictures to look at again and again. I also have photos of a tree with a bee hive, but didn't get around to putting anything up this week.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am very happy to send you a bookmark and aim to post them later this week.
DeleteI went back to check out the bees today, and they appear to have moved deeper into a crack in the tree - which is lovely.
Love the origami bookmarks! My sister makes little origami boxes. I adore the paper she finds :)
ReplyDeletemshatch: My friend finds some gorgeous paper too - and it really adds to the work doesn't it?
DeleteLoved the garden.
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful of your friend... how creative.
Enjoy them.
: )
Caterina: The garden is still in place - which is great. And I am enjoying the bounty from my very creative friend.
DeleteI've seen these wee fairy gardens many times in Ontario and we always called them gremlin doors for my granddaughter and she would spot them in weird places like airports and train stations. Great imagination.
ReplyDeleteLove the origami and of course I would love a bookmark but only when you have fed the the others. I still can't take to digital reading. So the more the better.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I loved the name gremlin doors - which is just what my father would have called them.
DeleteThere are several bookmarks still unclaimed so I am pleased to say I will send you one later this week.
Ok, I was just cleaning my room and found about a dozen unread real books that I actually want to read, so if you have enough left over I would love a bookmark
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: I do have enough. Please email me an address, and I will very happily post you one.
DeleteI love the fairy garden but that bees nest is a bit close for comfort. Those boxes and book marks are gorgeous and if there is one left I would very much appreciate it on this side of the world. Thanks for sharing them with others,
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: The bees were minding their own business. I went back to check on them today and they have moved further into a crack in the tree and appear to have settled.
DeleteI do indeed have a bookmark left. I have sent you an email. I hope it reaches you - if it doesn't can you take this comment as a request for your address?
As with the others, and if you don't mind the postage, I would enjoy a bookmark. I'll email the address. IF they are all gone, that's ok--- I'm presently using a receipt from an on line order at Presto Classical in England. What A NICE variety this week!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you for the email with your address. There are only a couple left now, but one has your name on it.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteWe all need things like the fairy g rden to keep us going, don't we? The origami is so clever and useful too. I am thinking that I need to have some origami paper in my life - the colours and patterns are beautiful!
Hope your week goes well.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Beauty and whimsy are essentials in my life, and yes I do love the colours and patterns my friend selected.
DeleteI hope your week is lovely.
Hi EC - I'd love a bookmark if possible ... I'll take it and show it to the activities Manager at the Nursing Centre - to see if she can make some with the patients. They look quite delightful ... I'm not crafty!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Fairy Garden ... isn't that amazing ... just so wonderful to dream on about ... I could see stories abounding.
Good luck with the heat, though enjoy any easing off ... cool here (some say cold - but not yet really). Take care and look after yourself - cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: I will send you one with pleasure. I am not at all sure how they are made and hopefully the activities Manager is much smarter than I am - which isn't hard.
DeleteWonderful - look forward to receiving it ... I'm sure she is - and we'll work it out somehow ... cheers Hilary
DeleteThe bookmarks are awesome.
ReplyDeleteLike the Fairy Garden is lovely, thanks for going back to take photos to show.
Margaret-whiteangel: I went back again yesterday (mostly to check on the bees) and the garden is still there and the swing hanging from the tree beside it has been improved.
DeleteThe whimsy of that fairy garden is pretty amazing and fun, and your old boss is tremendously talented with such beautiful work. Hope you're doing well! Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: They are very different creative pursuits, but I loved them both.
DeleteHow are you doing? Hugs.
Cola and Arch certainly fitted out the fairy g rden. Bees are formidable however.
ReplyDeleteIt looks dry there on your way home.
Marie Smith: It is very, very dry. Frighteningly dry. I did love the garden and the bees. Both of which are still there.
DeleteZola and Arch's fairy g rden is too cute for words! I would completely love a bookmark- I am hopeless at origami but so admire others who excel at it!
ReplyDeleteKathie J.: Welcome and thank you. That garden is fun isn't it? I will send your bookmark out by the middle of the week.
DeleteWOW...what a magical fairy g rden!!! And l love the little door...sort of conjures up half-remembered childhood fantasies!😊😊
ReplyDeleteThe origami is wonderful too...gosh, she really is very talented!
I do hope you are doing ok...😊
Much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: Very different talents, but appreciated mightily.
DeleteI am ok(ish). How about you?
I absolutely love the fairy g rden. Thanks for enduring the heat in order to share your magical discovery.
ReplyDeleteYour friend is so talented. Her bookmarks and boxes are beautiful and so original.
I've been absent from the blogosphere but plan to return very soon.
Myrna R.: Lovely to see you here. I hope your absence was brought about by lovely things.
DeleteOH!! love the little door and decorations! 😄
ReplyDeleteSandi: So did I. I am really glad I went back though it was further than I had thought and I was beginning to wonder if I had imagined it.
DeleteOh I love fairy gardens....as you probably know. I hate having to put it all away to make room for Christmas decor, but I do keep some of my fairies out to participate in my Christmas village.
ReplyDeletemxtodis123: I did know of your love for fairy gardens. I also admire your dedication to decorating for the seasons, which doesn't happen here.
DeleteThe fairy garden is adorable. The bookmakers and boxes are lovely. Love the bright colors.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. Both were bright spots in my week.
DeleteCute fairy garden despite the missing A. Lol. You have such a nice friend, who is creative and generous.
ReplyDeletegigihawaii: You are so right about my friend. She was an excellent boss too.
DeleteThat fairy door is cute as can be. I bet they did have fun making it. I'm glad to see your friend's origami and bookmarks. Very thoughtful and they look great.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: She is talented isn't she? And she always has a creative project in the works.
DeleteI also wanted to make those bookmarks, looks so pretty ☺
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: They are clever aren't they? Very, very clever.
DeleteI love the little door in the tree, the signs and the variety of items set out around. And those hand-crafted origami treasures from your friend - how lovely they are.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: I was fascinated by the items set out, ranging from a plant (which is a bit dry) to beads, to models, to tinsel, to a dreamcatcher...
DeleteAnd blown away by the skill of my friend.
I love fairy gardens. They are so cute and some people go all out on theirs.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Wasn't it lovely that this one is in a public space for us all to enjoy it?
DeleteYou have me wondering where I can have a fairy garden. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us. I am sure you are out of the bookmarks by now, but if you have one, please send. I have a friend who makes origami for me all the time. This sounds like a good use for it. Love your blog and I hope you are feeling well. Stay out of that heat.
Glenda Beall: There are just two left. One now. Please give me and address to send it to. And thank you.
DeleteAbsolutely delightful such a magical looking fairy garden.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Wasn't it? They had obviously put a LOT of work into it, and I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as I did (or even more).
DeleteThe fairy g rden looks wonderfully inviting! I should like to go inside once both the bees and heat have gone.
ReplyDeleteThe origami creations your old boss and friend brought along are lovely. I have never seen such a clever bookmark.
Bea: The bees don't bother me. The heat does. And aren't those bookmarks lovely? They don't dislodge in my bag as I travel about (I have always got a book with me).
DeleteThe fairy g rden made me laugh - so cute! I love the clever and beautiful bookmarks, but I almost never read "real" books anymore: The print is too small even when I wear reading glasses, and my arthritic thumbs scream at having to hold the book open. Getting old ain't for sissies. ;-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: It was indeed cute. I don't know whether all the A's were used or whether it fell off, but I am still smiling.
DeleteThis dinosaur still prefers 'real books' but my eyes and my hands may yet force me to shift.
lovely bookmarks, I hate book pages with turned corners and have convinced dh not to do that; he discovered our post office has a location for books given for free and he has gotten so many hardback books to read it's uncanny, some folks have a lot of money to spend on books nowadays I can't believe how expensive they have gotten and at flea markets they only bring a dollar each; hope you are doing well
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: What a wonderful find at the library. I would be making extensive use of that facility too. You are right, books ARE expensive these days. Just the same I consider them an essential.
DeleteTante belle fotografie, il nido delle api mi piace moltissimo.
ReplyDeleteBuon inizio settimana.
Giancarlo: Thank you. I was very pleased to see the bees as well. I hope your week is lovely.
DeleteSo many wonders. A fairy garden with a door. A lovely friend. Origami boxes and bookmarks. Life is good.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Thank you. I am grateful for such much in my life, and friendship (yours included) is a big part of that.
DeleteOh I love those origami pieces! I borrowed a book from the library about origami boxes, and made some, they are lovely but I'm not sure what to do with them!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the fairy garden is delightful. Perhaps Lola and Arch are actually the fairies who live there? They were hiding when you were visiting, they didn't want to be seen.
Shammickite: I love the thought that Xola and Arch are fairies. I am super impressed at those boxes but haven't yet decided what I can use them for. At the moment they are decorative, and appreciated for that.
DeleteHow adorable is that fairy door.
ReplyDeleteAnd those origami boxes are gorgeous.
Hena Tayeb: Thank you. I agree with you about both.
DeleteThat g rden is dor ble.
ReplyDeleteLove and positivity.
Rawknrobyn: Love your clever comment. Missing A's can be a problem can't they?
DeleteI hope life is treating you well.
I need one of those bookmarks. That is a clever idea.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: A very, very clever idea. They were beautifully executed by my friend as well.
DeleteThose bookmarks are fabulous and I always enjoy your nature photos! How are you?
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. I am ok(ish). How about you?
DeleteMaybe it's little Hobbits who live behind the door in the fairy g rden. At least that was my first thought. No matter who it is, this is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteThe origami boxes are fantastic. I especially like the one with the more vibrant colors. The bookmarks are a great idea - unfortunately I read so much on my Kindle now (no thinking which books to take in case of evacuation) that I probably am fine with the few bookmarks I have (all bought in one National Park or another).
I am so happy to see you here again. Your Sunday Selections are always worth a visit.
Carola Bartz: I am so happy that I noticed it driving past AND that I took the time to walk back. It is a lovely thing, and I hope they had (and are having) a heap of fun with it. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteBy the way, what do you think of "The Birdman's Wife"?
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I am still readining it, but a bit torn. I initially thought it was a biography but instead it is a novel. A novel heavily based on fact, but a novel none the less. I am torn because I don't know which bits are fact and which are fiction.
DeleteThose are pretty fancy book marks
ReplyDeletepeppylady(Dora): Aren't they? Pretty and practical.
DeleteHave a day filled with sunlight offset by cool breezes and loaded with plenty of sparkle.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sandra Cox: What a lovely, lovely wish. Thank you - and the same to you.
DeleteWhat a delightful fairy door!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: It was a surprise and a treat to see it.
DeleteI adore that fairy garden and door. Lots of love and magic went into it I am sure. So glad you were able to spot it. Lots of bees too!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful treats your friend shared with you. She's very crafty. Love the bookmarks. They look pretty and unique!
Have a fantastic week!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: I am sure you are right about the love and magic which went into creating the garden.
DeleteYou are also very right about my friends cleverness.
I hope your week is lovely too.
So much to love in this post. LOVE bees. Want a hive. LOVE your photos as usual. Love origami and have tried it a few times.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
T Powell Coltrin ~Teresa: I played with origami many, many years ago. I wasn't up to boxes or bookmarks though. And thank you.
DeleteI would love one, EC, if you have any extras and I know I'm a long postal shipment from you. I love that little tree, the way its decked out, with the door and all. Too much! Want to make one myself now. Neighbors already think I'm nuts, helping out cats, but they will have to live with that because I'm good with it.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: The tree decorations made my day - and I am happy to spread the joy. On the bookmark front? Good news, bad news. The current batch has been claimed, but I had an email from my friend saying that she will be back in town in a fortnight or so, and offering to make some more. If she does, I will happily send you one.
DeleteThat fairy garden rules!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: It is great isn't it? I really liked the bee swarm too. And am thrilled that on a later visit they seem to have moved in.
DeleteThat fairy garden is adorable! (A new project for you to consider...?)
ReplyDeleteYour former boss is super talented, eh? I've never seen any bookmarks made like that before... very clever! I've got a ton of bookmarks, some quite lovely, and some very unique, like the one made out of metal. But... I rarely remember to use them. I generally grab a piece of paper... and piece of paper... and tuck in into the book. If I don't read the book straight through, that is... :)
Susan: I also have a ton of bookmarks - and play favourites. No prizes for guessing which the current favourites are. Mind you I always have several books on the go at once so there are a range of bookmarks in play.
DeleteXola and Arch have a lovely place!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful crafts - I'm NOT a crafty person (at all!) & have a little bit of craft envy going on :)
Jemi Fraser: I freely admit to more than a little envy of all creators. Whatever their field.
DeleteThe fairy garden is absolutely lovely! A future project with my little ones on a future visit!
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: I hope you and the grandbabies have fun. And am confident you will.
DeleteJust look at that fairy garden. Delighted to see it and thank you for photographing this for us.
ReplyDeleteKalpana: Thank you. I am so pleased that so many people shared my delight in the fairy g rden.
DeleteMy word for the day (nay, for the whole month): SMILE.
ReplyDeleteYour discovery of the fairy g rden resulted in you, and me, smiling.
My discovery of a post by Elephant's Child and all the wonders it provided brought a very broad smile to my old face today.
Thank you!
Gini and I hope you are doing well despite the heat and I will be certain to check in more frequently. One can never have too many smiles after all.
Wally Jones: Smiles are always welcome. Huge thanks to Gini and to yourself.
DeleteI just love the photographs of the fairy garden, it made me smile … and I'm still smiling :)
ReplyDeleteLove the origami based boxes … amazing.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Many thanks - and the best to you and yours.
DeleteThank you for taking pictures of the fairy garden! So precious!!! And, the bees are making honey for the fairy's home! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI love what your friend created!! Those boxes are amazing and so are the bookmarks!!! I know I'm late, so I won't ask for one! LOL!
By the way, did I tell you, I got a magnet from you?? If I didn't sorry! I love it, it's right beside me! I love the tulips!!
Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: I am so glad that the magnet arrived. And thank you for your praise of my friend's beautiful work. I love the thought that the bees are making honey for the fairy g rden. Hugs received and reciprocated.
Delete