June 29, 2012

summer bucket list

In the last seven weeks, I've....


.....blatantly ignored all feelings of blogging obligation.

Until today, that is.

The month is almost over, and as this has been an especially gorgeous June, I don't want to let it pass without giving the garden a pictorial shout out.


Also? In the last seven weeks I've turned into a total flake and have neglected to respond to emails and comments from some of y'all wondering if I'm still alive and well.

I am indeed alive and well and have been thoroughly enjoying a blogging vacay.

It's been fabulous.


Also, also? Until I noticed how the peonies were accosting my beloved aqua motel chair, my camera hasn't seen a whole lot of action lately.

Thankfully, I finally got my photography act together the very day before a freak windstorm turned my pretty peony flowers into pretty peony confetti.


This year, I made a summer bucket list and the more checks I can make on that list, the better.


My list includes.....

* Read the entire Harry Potter series whilst comfortably settled in my porch swing.

I'm a big Harry fan and I'm looking forward to summer afternoons with Neville, Luna and Snape.


* Go on a weekly hike with my hubby.


* Make a quilt for the guest room.

(Note to self... Don't let the fact that you've started several other quilts and massive quantities of other sewing projects that have never made it to completion stop you from spending lots and lots AND LOTS of money on fabric and totally deluding yourself into thinking that this time might actually be different and you might actually make the aforementioned guest room quilt.)

After all, summer is for dreaming, right?


* Go to as many outdoor vintage/antique shows as humanly possible.

I've got four on the schedule so far.


* Master a new photography skill. Backlighting is number one on my list.


* Visit Glacier National Park. I've lived in Montana for twelve years and it's about time I see what all the fuss is about.


* Face Pinterest addiction head on. Check into local support groups.


* Sit on the dock barefoot for five minutes each day in an attempt to mellow out my flip flop tan lines.


* Literally and figuratively stop and smell the roses.


So, that's my plan for the next couple months.

What's on your bucket list this summer?

66 comments:

  1. I missed you my friend! Your pictures are dreamy. So glad you are taking time for the simple things. They always seem to bring us the most pleasure. Hooray for summatime!!!

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  2. Good gravy girl. I thought you'd "fallen in!" I took a break too, but only for a week while we were at the beach. -- and I still READ the blogs in the evening. What can I say? That's my addiction. Sure missed you 'round these parts! What HP book are you on? I haven't read them -- not sure I ever will after seeing each movie only a hundred times. Yeah -- my kids' addiction. Thanks for sharing your flowers. You know I love them! HUGS! ~Sal

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  3. What a beautiful garden. Dreamy.

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  4. Wow!! Pinning all these beautiful images...not that I plan to plant them but one can dream. ;) And while you're facing your Pinterest addiction pin some good stuff because I am following you. ;) Your summer sounds fabulous so far. :)

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  5. I've missed you and your amazing photography and commentary. Love your blog!

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  6. Your garden is a dream in itself! Beautiful photos...what kind of tree is in the photo 5th from last? It looks like a pink locust???
    I would spend every spare moment outside in this loveliness..
    Happy Summer
    Carolyn

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  7. Welcome back LOVE LOVE your pictures. You always have the prettiest flowers. You summmer bucket list is a great one.

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  8. Amazing! I agree with Sharon, your blog is a bright spot. :)

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  9. You will adore Glacier National Park. And don't forget to stop at Lake McDonald. Love your garden!

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  10. Teresa, it's so good to see you back! I absolutely love your pictures! And your bucket list sounds like so much fun!
    Glad you got the peony pics before the wind. We had three solid days of wind last week along with 100 degree temps. My flowers were not happy at all!

    Have a great weekend!
    Pam

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  11. I have now added several of yours my dear! Plus water exercise after rehab for yes, yet another hip surgery! Reading, movies from my local library (right up the street) My summer dream...a hot air balloon ride...

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  12. I've missed you, your garden, you photos, and your spunky banter. Glad you had a nice break and glad you haven't given up on you blog. By the way is that an Empress tree I spy? Does it give you any fall color??

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  13. I was just thinking of you yesterday and wondered if I'd missed posts! What a great list! Oh, and those peonies? SWOOOOON!!

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  14. Well don't miss doing the park of all things, the quilt I would pick out one of the unfinished ones and finish it making myself feel really really good, quilting however for me is a winter thing.
    So good to see you back I was wondering what was up.

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  15. Ah, there you are! Enjoy your breaks and your bucket list goals! The gardens are gorgeous!
    xo Cathy
    ....who has a brown thumb, but has read Harry Potter series (3 times!)

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  16. Hello Love! I love that people are willing to take a break from their computers to LIVE THEIR LIFE...one should never, ever, ever feel even the slightest twinge of regret about that. Tickled pink to get to see how the garden is doing this summer in your neck of the woods. The bucket list is LOOOOONG and exciting with so many contributors to the list at our house. Everything from the classic swimming, camping, marshmallow roasting to exploring local museums, doing random acts of kindness for others and summer journaling. I hope that you have a glorious farmers tan from all the time spent outside...long live summer!!

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  17. Oh Teresa,
    Your peonies are divine, and on that aqua chair??? Simply stunning and charming! Do we have permission to pin some of your photos with a link to you? They are just so lovely!
    My summer includes creating a studio out of my newly vacated room.{we had not one but two spring weddings!!!!} And that will probably pretty much take up the rest of my time that isn't devoted to family, blogging and my shop!

    Our three older girls are married, and we have one at home. But everyone is over here all the time. I imagine that even when I have an empty nest, it won't be empty!! I think I need to install a revolving door!! It's great...I wouldn't have it any other way!

    Have a fabulous weekend! Thank you so much for always sharing your pretties! What a joy!
    Hugs,
    Becky

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  18. Oh my goodness. Theresa... I LOVE your bucket list. Fabulous, it is.

    Your note to self - regarding quilting - had me in smiles. ;);) Good note.

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  19. So nice you had a blogcation! Its ok we all need them & are happy whenever you appear on the roll!
    Your summer bucket list is wonderful & as are your pictures! Your garden is a delight for the eyes!
    I am going to work very hard on my booth @ the Antique Mall & spend as much time as possible with my grown children!
    We are waiting for good weather here on the west coast ....!

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  20. I need a break too. I've been doing way too much and need to breathe. Loved your photos.. you live in a floral wonderland. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  21. Great bucket list. Enjoy the time away and if your aqua motel chair is missing one day, you can find it with me in Ohio.

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  22. Great images folks, what a very pretty place. Richard

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  23. 'Welcome Back!' and thanks for the peek into your very lovely gardens! Stick to that bucket list, it sounds fun and fulfilling!

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  24. Yay glad your back!! Nice summer list girlfriend

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  25. Such beautiful photos! You inspire me to better my skills. Thankyou for sharing. It's winter here in Australia and I am snuggled up in bed on a Saturday morning with my iPhone and the photos are just glorious!!

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  26. Glad to see you back. You garden is beautiful. Louise

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  27. Bucket list? What Bucket List, oh you mean to do list? Ahhhh I've got a few of those. LOL!

    I hope you enjoy all your adventures. Your gardens are stunning by the way. they are over the top filled with inspiration to me. Thanks for popping out of your blog break to share with us what a "real" garden should look like.

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  28. I'm so glad you are back!! I think A Vintage Gathering is on your bucket list. Can't wait to meet you. I should think about a summer bucket list!!
    Annette

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  29. Oh so happy you are back and refreshed a bit. =). You were missed!!! Your garden is just as lovely as ever....thanks for continuing to inspire. (and I am proud of you for taking a break)

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  30. I adore your list & hope it all comes to happy fruition! :) Your photography always makes me want to go plant more lovely garden treasures....

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  31. Welcome back! Always love seeing your inspiring photos and pretties! The pink peonies with your aqua chair is so charming! Wishing you a lovely weekend! xo Heather

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  32. I have really missed you and seeing this fabulous post confirmed it for me . . . You were my first favorite . . . and you still lead the favorites. Your photographs are yummy and I love your writing style. Your summer bucket list is a good 'dea! I am proud of you for taking a "blogging vacation!"

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  33. I have been checking and hoping that you were enjoying yourself. So glad that you are. Beautiful garden. We are 113 degrees tomorrow and that is not compatible with gardens. kathy

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  34. oh, how I've missed you! I only keep about 4 blogs on my site to keep up with and yours has been missed. So glad you are refreshing yourself witha summer season bucket list. ;) It's hot, hot in Texas and I'm determined to 'embrace' the heat this summer. Texas women are tough! Thank you for all the beautiful photographs! What a treat this morning with my coffee.

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  35. Your pictures are gorgeous! Love the pink with the aqua chair. Good to take a break from blogging, but so glad to hear from you.

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  36. In your case I'd say ignorance truly is bliss : )

    It sounds like a lot to accomplish this summer! And you know summer goes by in the blink of an eye, and before you know it you're asking yourself why you didn't do more. At least you showed us some of your gorgeous garden and for that I am SO appreciative! Have a good Sunday, Teresa!

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  37. Soooo glad you are back! The garden photos are stunning!! Amazing colors!! You summer list sounds like fun! Mine is just to get used to being retired!!LOL!!

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  38. I've just found your blog via "Into vintage" and browsed through it for a while. And ... I'm completely over the moon with "Meadowbrook Farm". I've seldom seen nicer photos than yours. Your garden pics are stunning. The recipes are mouth-watering and I want to try some of them soon. Your kitchen is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you for sharing the photos and for letting me get an insight into your farm life. Hugs from Miss Maple

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  39. Hey there! Welcome back! I've missed your post, but I'm glad that you are alive and well and have been enjoying your little blog hiatus. I need to make a summer bucket list, but more realistically, I'll have to wait for fall. To busy checking things off on the kids summer bucket list!

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  40. Your peonies look wonderful. Too bad they were blown apart by the wind. Mine have been long gone now. The heat is starting take it's toll on everything now.
    I have a list of 30 things to get done outside but now it is just too hot to be out there for awhile. Time to work on the inside.
    I like your idea of going to as many Vintage shows as possible! I do that more than I need to. Maybe I need a support group for that. If you find one for Pinterest let me know. LOL!

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  41. I leave for Florida for two measly days and miss your big comeback post??? I'll bet my flip flop lines would make yours cower in the corner. Yeah, this is a challenge.

    And thank you for teaching me what a motel chair is.

    And thank you for all of your general awesomeness.

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  42. Hi Teresa, I've been checking your blog since Amy introduced me! Thrilled your back! Laughed out loud at the flip flop lines, I don't know if I'll ever get rid of mine! And I definitely need to join PA if there is one. Love your weekly hike idea. Your garden is beautiful! as are your pictures. Have a great week,
    Robin

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  43. Gorgeous photos! Glad you're enjoying your summer.
    ~FringeGirl

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  44. Wow what a garden! So beautiful!! I haven't even made a bucket list, so you're way ahead of me, good for you!
    Patti

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  45. Our peonies finished about a week ago, but other things are starting to come on. Your garden is absolutely beautiful. Love the arbor with roses and clematis. Tried that combo once and the clematis simply couldn't find it's way through. lol We've had so much rain that the flowers that would normally be doing so well have either not even started, or gave it up long ago. Sigh.

    I hope you accomplish everything on your summer bucket list. :-)

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  46. A long, long, long, long time ago you mentioned that you were going to add some photo tutorials. You are so talented, wish you would think about doing that again. Maybe you could add it to your bucket list? And Glacier, that's on my hubby and my bucket list! Enjoy and post plenty of pictures in case we never get out that way. It's amazing how 2 grandsons can make you change your travel plans!

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  47. Oh my goodness, I have missed you! Glad you are enjoying your summer. The bucket list sounds wonderful and your garden is inspirational. -tena

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  48. I am reading this from a motel room outside of Glacier. It's amazing! I recommend the St. Mary Falls hike; short, easy and the falls are fantastic.

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  49. Dear Teresa, I am so happy to see your beautiful garden! Especially since the heat here has pretty much dried mine up! You got a BIG Ahhhh out of me! I didn't hear a word you said though so I have to go back again and read this time : ) I truly hope the Montana fires are staying clear of Meadowbrook Farm!!!
    Julie

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  50. I'm so glad you had a glorious June! Ours has been less so. Your pictures are amazing. Why did God make peonies so beautiful they hurt your heart?

    Love your bucket list. I'm inching closer to making some sort of quilt myself. You go first. And share plenty of pictures please!

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  51. Well I'm glad someone's having a beautiful summer- in the UK it's been dire. Your garden looks just stunning...thanks for sharing, missed you!!!

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  52. Yes! Yes! Please make a quilt and then teach me how to do it. And which vintage events? And Glacier too? Take me! Take me!

    (And yes, this comment was written by a spazzy 7 year old in adult's clothing...)

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  53. I've just come across your blog via a Pinterest link, and may I just say: OH MY. Your photos of the soft pink peonies against the backdrop of the aqua chair are just breathtaking.

    I will take some time and explore and read, but was just blown away by my first impression! :)

    I love the idea of a summer bucket list! I think I've had one going ever since I was a kid, with that long summer break stretching before me. Then suddenly it would be the Fourth of July and I would realize how quickly it was slipping by! Time to get busy! Funny how that has stuck. I think I've become less focused on those want-to-dos since I've grown up. Er, grown older, anyway. :)

    Eager to continue to follow you!

    P.S. What type of camera and lens did you use for these pics?

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  54. My bucket list looks a little like yours Teresa : ) I LOVE all your gorgeous photos AND your gorgeous garden!!!!

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  55. PHEW! You're back! I wondered! Love all your pictures...

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  56. Hi, I was just looking for some blogs about Glacier and yours came up. I must say I am stunned. Really love your garden and your bucket list. :)

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  57. My bucket list has a vacation trip planned on it with my Momma and meeting up with a friend!!! :)yahhooooooo!

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  58. I've been missing you out here in blogland... happy to know you've been having a grand old time without us!

    My summer bucket list has become a garbage can sized list.... someone should warn us about August weddings...

    Hope you get to check lots of things off the list... but let me know how the flip flop tan line thing goes... I don't wear flip flops but am a Chaco sandal wearer... I need to get the "z" tan lines off my feet before the wedding and my sling backs make an appearance (eeeck!).

    ~Chris

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  59. Welcome back... the bucket list will have to take a back seat to just getting some things finished but I am secretly wishing to go to Glacier, as well. Maybe someday. Wonderfully beautiful peonies, ours (in NJ) were gorgeous the beginning of June and are long gone. What a terrific garden you have and your photos are stunning. Thoroughly enjoying finding your blog. Best, Pippa

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  60. oh my goodness, i just stumbled on your blog (from another)from another and am BLOWN AWAY by your gorgeous photography---KUDOS!

    I'll be following you dearie!

    xo beth from http://brownsparrowstudio.blogspot.com

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  61. Beautiful!!! I love the peonies! I wish that I could get mine to grow like yours. Oh and I love the motel chair!

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  62. thinking of you today...
    hope life is good :)

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  63. New fan - gorgeous photos & summer plans sound fun. I will participate vicariously...except for searching out pinterest addiction support groups in Seattle!! What is it about that sight? Unlike so many others, I can lose a few hours there, but still feel refreshed, renewed & reinspired when I forcibly remove myself. Not QUITE so guilty but definitely WAY MORE PEACEFUL! Strange.....must be the combo of me as a visual learner aond all the lovely images. Or do you all think Pinterest somehow involves/communicates a slower pace focused more on appreciation, less on consumption, more on creative ideas, less on political tussles? Hmmmmm.... well, love your blog!!

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  64. Hope you had a fabulous summer! Can't wait to get an update on the bucket list. You are missed my dear, but I hope you are having a great time just living life and enjoying all that surrounds you!

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