Nature's Beauty

This is the best time of year. But oh how I wish I could paint. However I guess photos aren't so bad. This picture was taken along the Medway River in Queens County. A dark cloudy day that I think adds character to the picture.

The colours don't seem to be quite as vivid as last year but they are still colourful and beautiful. You will see a tree that has completely turned against a backdrop of green, either trees that haven't started to turn colour yet or evergreens.

The temps today were in the mid teens. Cool but not yet cold.

Simple but Beautiful

In preparation for a gala dinner for 260 people last evening, the organizing committee members discussed and debated what the centrepieces should be. The hotel would provide mirrors in the centre of the table and three tee lights on each mirror. But what else.

After considering a few options we decided on a round glass container about six inches high, some pebbles and small rocks, seashells and a few flowers. We placed about two inches of rocks and shells in the bottom and then added individual glad blooms...beautiful dark burgundy. A few of the 38 arrangements had three or four buds in various stages of bloom. We also added some Queen Anne's lace that is growing wild in the ditches at this time of year. And what compliments we received.

The flickering candle light reflected in the mirrors and highlighted the simplisity of the arrangements. The leftover flowers were grouped in a dollar store basket and was given as a door prize. The arrangements were awarded to the person at each table that had a birthday handiest to September 24th the date of our event. There were a lot of compliments from happy people.

The absolute joy is that we prepared 38 centrepieces and one large floral arrangement for the door prize for less than $100. All supplies were purchased at a local dollar store and most of the flowers and greenery were either gathered locally or donated by flower shops.

Appreciation for things past

We had the opportunity to visit a working museum over the weekend. The Sherbrooke Village Museum in, of course, Sherbrooke Nova Scotia. The old village buildings were all open to the public and there was even a tea room/cafe that was serving home made soup and sandwiches for lunch. Yum good.

The volunteers at the museum were all in period costume, long skirts and bonnets for the ladies and work clothes of the day for the men. There were rides offered in horse drawn work wagons and the visitors were offered a glimpse into the past. Very nice and interesting.

There was also a show and shine taking place with close to 200 old cars entered. At least were old cars, some were newer but unique in some way. But our preference is always the beautiful old restored vehicles.

One thing I took away from the trip was the understanding of where so many of our "crafts'' of today got their origin. Out of necessity in the days gone by. People couldn't run to the supermarket, or the department store everything they needed something, they made it themselves or they made do with what they had. Very resourceful people.

The step back in time was appreciated and interesting but boy am I glad I didn't live then...too much hard work:-)

Use the senses... all of them!

Last weekend we had the chance to visit the show and shine presented by the fire department in Westville. Over 180 old cars and vehicles on display...wow.

Maybe not art but certainly beautiful in their own way. We enjoyed the day and enjoyed visiting with a school chum of my husband. A peaceful, relaxing weekend. Something we don't try to get enough of...peace, good friends and enjoyment. Hurry, hurry and then the day/week/month is gone. Where did the time go?

The creative side of me speaks loudly and is telling me to slow down and enjoy. Smell the roses and see the colours and the textures and the shapes. The artist knows the importance of using all the senses and absorbing the surroundings...something that the rest of us sometimes forget.

I think I may be taking in another car show this weekend...there are at least two scheduled that I know about. Stay tuned...maybe more pictures next week.

Volunteering

Many non-profit groups are looking for volunteers. Maybe some of the current opportunities would interest you. The regional libraries, the local hospital gift shops and ladies auxiliaries, the community service group and of course the local art galleries, schools and community centres. Every cultural event needs volunteers to work behind and in front of the scenes. They need the expertise of management and the willingness of "go fors". Even if you only have a few hours a month you can make a valuable and welcome contribution. So no matter what your interests there is a spot for you. To find out some of the opportunities in your area, check with your local municipal government...parks and recreation departments or local non-profit groups. Pick your interest and contact an organization working with that group.

For example, I have arthritis and wanted to start learning more about the disease and to share that information with fellow suffers. I am a speaker with the Arthritis Society and make presentations to community groups and meetings about arthritis and the resources available to sufferers and their support systems.

Interested in art? Look at upcoming shows and sales and call the organizers to see if they would like to have your "helping'' hands. I bet you will be welcomed with open arms.

Giving back can be very rewarding.