I've wanted a lilac bush ever since we bought our house 14 years ago. Each May I walk down they alley sneakily cutting blooms from branches that hang over the neighbors fences. Last year we planted three lilac bushes, but not until mid-June after they bloomed. I've been anxiously awaiting their blooms this year - and wow are they blooming!
I took this picture after I cut bouquets for every room of the house - including the bathrooms! I just walk through the house and happily inhale :)
A German friend of ours told us to look for flowers with three or five petals as they are good luck. How fun! We peer over the bouquets and can usually find at least one - much easier than a four leaf clover and the smell is divine!
The lilacs aren't the only thing blooming - so are the perenial geraniums.
And the strawberries, too!
I'm not sure why the metal document box appealed to me, but it was cheap enough :) The little candle snuff was sweet and useful, too. You can usually find a sewing box in every house and here I was thrilled to find not one but three emeries in it! The pink one is made of pink and green velvet with pearl beads. The tiny tomato is so heavy for it's size - filled with emery and who knows what else.
I was so excited about the souvenir book from the Wisconsin Dells - we have spent our New Years there for the past several years. H. H. Bennett, a Civil War veteran, was a famous photographer credited with bringing tourists to the area. I have one print newly made from his negatives and a few postcards of his. I've been trying to buy a stereoptiscope card of one of his photos, but they always go higher than my budget. Well, I was thrilled to find this booklet filled with his photographs published in 1926, some years after his death. 
It's filled with vintage rick rack, ribbons, lace and binding tape. I'm sure they will be appearing in some of my creations soon...
We had a parade in our town today to celebrate. My oldest son marched with his high school marching band. It was so much fun to watch families celebrating their culture. Beautiful hand knit sweaters were seen everywhere and it was cool enough to wear them. The booths were filled with lovely woolens and rosemaling.
I purchased both of these necklaces to wear together from Lana Manis of Honeysuckle Lane. It was so hard to choose as all of her necklaces are so pretty, but I am thrilled with them both.
Many of you know that I work in downtown Chicago on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) in the historic Wrigley Building. (That's the new Trump Tower behind the Wrigley Building.)
The gothic Tribune Tower is to the right of the Wrigley Building. (That building is a story for another day.)
So, without another thought I tugged on my needle. Then it happened. I'm not sure how it happened. But the needle came off the thread and flew from my hand! I froze! I waited for a reaction from someone in the train car - a yelp, an exclamation, a "Hey did someone lose a needle?" After a few moments I realized that no one was hit and wounded and the needle was lost forever. I assumed that no one had witnessed my major faux pas. So I quietly looked in my purse for another needle...
Horrors! That was my only needle! I spent the rest of my wasted time looking out the window and thinking of all the stitching I was missing.
I can now share this as I have confirmation that my mother has received and opened it :)
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! A Stickley jewelry chest! Oh my goodness gracious! No need for a fake smile - I was beaming! I adore Stickley and have been fortunate to acquire a few pieces over the years. This was such a surprise! I love it! I cleaned out my old jewelry box - found a few pieces I had totally forgotten about and everything is safely put away... :-)
We took a ride to a local flea market and saw a sweet groundhog munching dandelion flowers at the edge of the forest on the way. Here is what I found for $7:
All from the same vendor (after doing lots of digging...) I loved the little heart shaped pincushion in the bottom left corner with its blanket stitching around the edge. I saw embroidered letters, but couldn't make them out with all the pins. When we got home, I carefully started removing pins and found the word "ouch"! I truly LOL! When everyone came to see what was so funny, they weren't quite as amused. Maybe they haven't stuck themselves as much as I!
Don't you love the needlebook?
I thought it was perfect for Mothers Day! I love the expression on that boy!
Well, I'm off to sit on the swing for a few minutes while the laundry finishes up. I hope to finish a project - then I can share this week.
Blessings again, Patti
Is Springtime in Chicago! O.k. I haven't actually been to Paris (in the spring or any other time), but I think that Chicago is hard to beat!
Michigan Avenue is especially beautiful. Each block reveals tulips of different colors and shapes, one more beautiful than the next. I never knew that there were so many different types of tulips.
They certainly bring a smile to my face as I walk to my office from the train station on sunny mornings.
The planters down the center of Michigan Avenue are filled with tulips as well.
They always have white tulips around the historic Water Tower - very elegant. I have to admit that I felt like a tourist taking photos of my everyday sights, but it's fun to share and look at it through new eyes.
This photo doesn't do these planters justice, but I love how the pansies perfectly match the hydrangeas.
The moment you walk through the doors you are greeted by the lovely fragrance of flowers. 
It helps you to feel like spring even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
These arrangements are in the center of the jewelry and cosmetic cases.
I hope you are enjoying your springtime in your corner of the world!
Take a peek at all the patriotic offerings at TDIPT Mercantile this month.
I really enjoy doing"schereschnitte in wool" and this is my favorite design.
How about you?
Isn't this design so sweet?! The very talented Betty Dekat of primitivebettys shared the pattern as a May Day gift on her blog - here. Thank you ever so much Betty! I finished this just in time! (don't look to closely - I made several mistakes and don't believe in ripping)
I had to share my other favorite May Day item - a sweet little May Day dew gathering basket made by folk artist Lana Manis of Honeysuckle Lane. I love the little story that came with it. Doesn't it look so sweet with my papercuttings by Beth Twist of Heartstrings Primitives? a few of my most favorite things!
I've just finished putting the finishing touches on my May Day pillow. Now I'm wondering how it would like teeny tiny over one... I think I'll go pull out some fabric :)
