Happy Independence Day!!

Hooray for the 4th of July!!!  I love this holiday with all its Red ~ White ~ and Blue!!  I'm reminded at different times throughout the year the joys of this wonderful country which I love so very much.  But at no time more than today, July 4th.  I hope you are all celebrating in grand style and to my friends in Canada and Germany who've sent good wishes, I say "thank you dear friends!"

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I would be featuring a special swap today.  That swap was with my sweet friend Mary, who lives in Cape Cod.  She suggested that we do a Patriotic Swap.  Here are the lovelies we shared...Oh,  and I'm wearing the flag pin today!

I received these fabulous treasures from Mary - the glass pebbles on the right are  shards from the  glass factory in Sandwich, MA - 1800's.

Mary sent this which will be framed and hung in the guest house.  Katherine Bates, composer,  is from Mary's
home town!

I have all my treasures displayed and just love looking at them!  Here are the goodies I sent to Mary...

Some See's chocolates as a special treat and a little butter pat (which had been on Mary's wish list for a while!)

altered wood plaque and pencil

a couple of dolls!!

and what we're MOST thankful for!

The post is short this week as I don't want to keep you from your picnics, outings, and fireworks.  Next week my blog will post in the evening as I will be out of town, at MMU's FANTASTIC retreat.  But I'll be sure to buzz you when the post is up.  I'll have A LOT to share...all kinds of swaps have been going out and coming in, so that's a hint!

A Special Giveaway!

Lest I forget, I want to let all of you know that June Yarham is celebrating a very import milestone on her blog, http://dezinaworld.blogspot.com.  She's reached 500 followers!  To add to the celebration she's having a fabulous giveaway of digital downloads: 12 shabby chic background images, 6 printable steampunk tags, 10 lovely Oriental images, and 16 French Ephemera images!!!  If June reaches 550 followers before July 15th, she will draw 3 winners rather than just one.  So, go visit June by clicking the icon at the top of my sidebar and check it out!  Amazing images for your art...all digital so you can use them again and again!

aren't these fab???

Edna Calamia Kolbell

August 19, 1915 ~ July 4, 2001

One last thing before I go...it was 10 years ago today that our dear mother took her leave from this Earth and went home...she was very ill and had greatly suffered.  So when her time came it was a blessing for her.  Today was one of her favorite holidays, and how fitting that she would pass on this day.  I know she'll be celebrating in Heaven and helping to send those fireworks mighty high.  We love and miss you, dear Mom.

Mom with her older sister, Irma
The lake at Bear Mountain, NY ~ 1926

Blessing for all of you and a happy and safe holiday!

xoxo

Karen