July Kitchen Window 2014

Can't believe it's already July! My Kitchen Window is decked out in red, white and blue...of course!

Some of my favorite things just happen to be those very colors. I collected blue tranferware before I collected red transferware...the end result of my obsession for both makes for a perfect patriotic window.

This wonderful print, by the gifted artist Susan Daul, always graces my July window. It isn't the Fourth without her handsome Continental soldiers beating time and marching above our sink.

Mugwump Woolies early calico and ticking firecrackers share space with coverlet stars.

Love the Grecian Key pattern around the rim of this wonderful old bowl!

Two very early handleless cups with lovely scenes...a milkmaid...

...and a dapper gent courting a maiden over tea in the garden...sounds like a perfect way to win her heart.

Have a wonderful week and a joyous and safe Independence Day! 

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

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Thank you for all the lovely comments so many of you left on my last post. Annie is still floating on the kindness and support...and yes love...that she felt from the hundreds of wonderful people who shared her big day. The justices of the Supreme Court of Florida, Senator Bob Graham, family and friends went out of their way to congratulate her in person. And so many of my friends out in blogland congratulated her on my blog...together all of you helped make a day our girl won't soon forget. Mr. MW and I thank you...and Annie thanks you, too...and sends you each a big hug.

Annie's Big Day

Just a few hours ago, at the Florida Bar Annual Meeting, our Annie was given a very big honor. This is the time of year when the new president is sworn in, and the out going president thanks and honors those who have helped make his (or her) year as president a success. 

Eugene Pettis, our friend, and now past president, recognized our Annie as a "special angel" and awarded her with her very own President's Award. He then came down off the dais and gave Annie her award to a roaring standing ovation. It was unbelievable! Annie was so surprised! 

It was a very good day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy the day...we sure did!

Robyn

SUMMER!

Happy First Day of Summer!

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

Sister Michel Marie

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Remembering Sister Michel Marie

Posted 04/02/2014 01:53PM

It is with heavy hearts that the O’Connell community shares the news that Sister Michel Marie Graham, I.H.M.passed away on March 29, 2014, at the age of 87.

Sister Michel Marie taught English at O’Connell from 1959 to 1979, sharing her love of literature, writing, and learning with hundreds of O’Connell students. As a teacher, advisor, colleague, and department head, Sister Michele was admired and respected throughout the O’Connell community.

Sister Michel Marie was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Falls Church, Va., a short distance from the dairy farm that would eventually make way for Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School. She graduated from American University in 1947 and joined the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary a year later. Sister Michel came to O’Connell to teach English in the girls’ division in 1959, and quickly became moderator for the first issue of the school's newspaper, The Visor. She was highly regarded English teacher who later served as department chair.

Sister Michel was a supportive and enthusiastic member of the greater school community, frequently attending sports and other events throughout the year. Bill Carpenter ’76 remembers how Sister Michel Marie came to all the home wrestling matches. “She was a fan of the classics,” said Bill, “and tried to impress upon us that both body and mind needed to be developed.”

As word of her passing spread on social media, former students fondly recalled her excellence in teaching, along with her intelligence, wit, and patience. She inspired many students to further study in English, and others recalled how much her writing instruction aided them in college and graduate school. Sister Michel Marie was one of those O’Connell teachers who will never be forgotten.

Religious, relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Camilla Hall in Immaculata, Pa. Visitation will held from 8:30-10:15 a.m. directly preceding the Mass.

Let us continue to offer our prayers for Sister Michel Marie and in thanksgiving to God for the gift of her life which she shared with our community so generously.

The Philadelphia Inquirer death notice can be found here:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=MICHEL-GRAHAM&pid=170448327

Sister Michel Marie was my English teacher my freshman year of high school. She was a wonderful teacher and a warm and funny lady. She guided our early attempts at putting pen to paper, and instilled in many of us the love of the written word. Her favorite expression, "Close, but no cigar.". I can still hear her say those words these many, many years later.

I never knew she grew up in the same town where I grew up, Falls Church. We even shared American University as our alma mater. I know we shared a love of literature and writing. If I am able to string words together in any sort of coherent fashion, it is because of the steadfast efforts of this good woman...and a few of her fellow sisters. Rest in peace, Sister. You made it fun.

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

Happy Father's Day!

You are the best Daddy...for me.

You work hard...for me.

You run hard...for me.

You play hard...with me.

I knew that very first day...

...from that very first kiss...you were the best Daddy for me. Everyday.

Happy Father's Day!

We are so blessed. You take such good care of us.We are so proud of you and your many accomplishments.

Happy Father's Day to all!

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

You know you're in Florida if...

Living in the Sunshine State there are sights we see everyday that it is unlikely you would see anywhere but here. 

I thought I might share some of those with you today.

So...you know you're in Florida if...

...rows of sailboats bask in the afternoon sun...

...feathered friends drop by to say hello and stay all afternoon...

...you practice your letters poolside...

...you pull up next to odd vehicles in traffic...

...moats are part of the local architecture...

...long-legged friends stroll the rest stops...

...ex Governors entertain you...

...while you dine on "rubber" chicken...

...houses are sometimes a lovely green...

...oceans and skies are beautiful blues...

...clouds are miracles...

...friends come calling...

...and the sun bids the day farewell in the most magnificent manner...

From Florida...wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

***the photos of Senator Bob Graham and Governor Charlie Crist were taken by me...I hope they don't mind me sharing***

Candle glow on a simple mantle...

I played around with my mantle late this afternoon as the sun was going down. 

The beeswax candles have such a lovely soft glow when they are lit. I prefer them to most other candles. I have noticed on the series TURN on AMC they use beeswax candles for authenticity.  They really do give a beautiful light.

A favorite small oil painting...

...complete with a few sheep in the meadow and a simple cottage

...a few green sea urchins 

...and my favorite ivy.

Simple greens and the glow of candles...a perfect pairing for a spring mantle.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy the day,

Robyn