Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

These are a few of my favorite posts.  From some of my favorite blogs.  I’m constantly amazed and humbled by the multitude of talented people out there, whether their strength is the written word, the moment captured on film or the artful combination of both – these posts have resonated with me – for one reason or another and I wanted to share.  Believe me it was hard to pare it down to such a short list.

These are individual posts – although you would be well advised to check out their entire offerings on their respective blogs.  These particular posts are just especially lovely and moved me.

French Kitchen in America – Mimi’s posts are a wonderful melange of recipes, reminiscing about her French grandmothers, lovely stories about learning to cook from her father and just good old Wisconsin joie de vie when it comes to cooking, living and loving.  Personally I think she should just hole herself up in her pantry with her laptop and knock out a memoir about growing up in a French kitchen – but then we would all be deprived of the simple, amazing recipes she shares on an almost daily basis.   I have a feeling if I ever had the privilege of meeting Mimi in person it would be like I’ve known her forever.  She was also one of the first people that discovered my blog and her encouragement will always be dear to me.

This particular post is about a trip to France and the simple joy at the end of the day.  I can smell the lilacs and taste the wine.

The Winemaker’s Wife – Oh to be young, gorgeous and hopelessly in love.  And to possess a kind heart that wants everyone to experience love, life and really good chocolate.  Oh okay, I may be a little bit biased because she’s my niece and all (and she came over last week and washed my hair for me – how sweet and lovely is that?).  She’s also a VERY adventuresome eater.  She lists cow tongue as one of her favorite things to eat!!  She – who would only eat white things as a child! 

Still who wouldn’t be moved by this simple wish she had for a dear friend. 

Oh we expect great things from the Winemaker’s Wife.  I’m also counting on her taking care of me in my dotage….

Bailiwick Designs – I’ve posted about Jill before (and my love for her lavender heart) but this particular post is just so sweet.  It is a lovely tribute to her father and a single, simple act that was just so kind and so loving.  We would all do well to make a little room in our lives, make a welcoming gesture like this.  Just a little reminder we humans aren’t the only ones inhabiting this planet.   

One thing that always comes through in Jill’s posts is how important family is – especially one’s parents.

Jill is also madly talented with her camera and her sewing machine.

And finally ~

Hello my name is Heather – Heather has a lovely blog (and incredible photography) but this particular post I just found especially touching.  Her husband is a photographer and on one of his "jobs" the bride’s gown tore – anyone that has been a bride, in a wedding, attended a wedding, knows how stressful the details of the day can be and the need for everything to turn out perfectly.  I just love this picture and how it represents that everyone, generally, wishes for just a good outcome – no agenda, no ‘it’s not my job’ – just let me help you out because I can. 

And while you are checking out Heather’s blog go find her post on her studio.  Oi. I lust after that studio.

So just a few of the many lovely posts I’ve been inspired by.  I am certain they are not the last.