Seasons for All

Wednesday's Work of Art ~ July's Flowers

"Twelve Months of Flowers, 1730 - July" by Robert Furber.
Image from Art.com.

* * * * *

Music ~ We Are the World

At the memorial service for Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah read words penned for the occasion by Maya Angelou.  The last phrase of this poet's prose was "We are the world."  I still love this song and that it was recorded by an ensemble of vocalists.

* * * * *

Mosaic Monday ~ Stars & Stripes Forever

I was fortunate enough to spend the Independence Day holiday with my entire family.  The stars and stripes were well represented, as were fireworks and food, and patriotism and love.

Be sure to visit Mary at Little Red House to see the beautiful mosaics she and her friends have made this week.

Credit: All photos from Martha Stewart.

Celebrating ~ Fourth of July Traditions

For more than two decades, my family has gathered on Independence Day to celebrate the holiday and spend a fun summer day together.  The venue has changed only a couple of times over the years; we now gather at my sister's house, originally owned by my parents and the house in which my sisters and I grew up. 

The house is situated on a lovely hill in the San Francisco Bay Area, and panoramic views from the living room windows span topography that stretches from the north to east to south bay.  We used to be able to see 3 bridges from those windows, but neighbors added a second story to their home blocking our line of sight to the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Following a day of fun in the sun and barbecued dinner, firework displays begin all over the bay area.  And we can see about a dozen of them from the living room of my sister's home.  Each and every "rocket's red glare" is especially appreciated because fireworks are outlawed in the county where we live. 

And so we gather and watch star bursts of color pop up across the panorama.  It's after 9:00 p.m. and the only sounds we hear are our voices and a few crickets.  Once the fireworks subside, we all head home.  If I arrive home early enough, I'll watch the Boston Pops play a few patriotic songs before ending the day.

Ah tradition.

 

Credit:  Photo from Coastal Living

Home Decor ~ Adding Red to a Blue and White Room

Independence Day is only a few days away.  I've found some great inspirational home decor that showcase a bit of red in blue and white rooms and have featured them at Seasons for All at Home.  Take a look by clicking here. 

Credit:  Photo from Coastal Living.

Shifting Gears, Re-ordering Priorities

I've been blogging since the summer of 2005 and every single day for over a year.  And I've loved it.  Over the past couple of weeks, connecting with old friends and distant family members on Facebook has hijacked some of my energy for blogging in that it has called upon me to merge the virtual world I've enjoyed for a few years with real life.  And that recalibrating is taking place inside of me rather than in words I publish in the blogosphere. 

Simultaneous to this adjustment, I've made a commitment that will occupy much of my time over the next year.  The commitment is my choice and I'll write about it when the timing is right.  For now, I am releasing my self-imposed obligation to post something on this blog every single day.  Rather than referencing that adage about quality over quantity, I'll state that I'm certain shifting gears and re-ordering priorities is the best decision I can make.  And I'll continue to be here, just not every single day.  I look forward to your continued company in the months ahead.  

And on we go.  

    

Mosaic Monday ~ Blue and White and Sunshine

Welcome to summer at Seasons for All!  Since yellow is the color of the season, a bit of re-decorating reflects the sunny, cheerful, and warm disposition of Mother Nature.  But before it gets too hot, let's enjoy some cool blue and white outdoors.  Toile, transfer ware, linens, and hydrangea.  Just have a seat and we'll have something cool to drink.

Please be sure to join Mary at Little Red House to see the mosaics she and her friends have made on this first Mosaic Monday of summer.

Credits:  Photos from Country Living, Victoria, and BHG.