Duggar Book Giveaway

I'm a HUGE fan of the Duggar family! And they are having a book giveaway on their blog.  They'll be giving away their new book: "A Love That Multiplies". Check it out: http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/another-autographed-book-giveaway.html

I hope I win!

Movie Costume Inspiration

I'm an image addict; I confess it.  I'm totally visually oriented and I never forget an inspiring outfit.  Here are some movie images that have inspired me.

I LOVE Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The art design of the whole movie is great. Truly Scrumptious had the best outfits of the whole cast. Isn't it romantic?

Ok, there was a lot of great design in the Sound of Music that was focused on the main character, but I adore this suit worn by the Baroness. I love the way the polka-dotted fabric is wrapped around her waist with a conspicuous bow and then it's topped with the cropped jacket.  It is so flattering to her figure.

Have you seen Charade, with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn? It's fantastic.  Audrey's wardrobe is the epitome of 60's mod but still oh-so-elegant.

I have no idea how my brother knew I'd love a leopard print hat but he bought me one years ago. I still love it, although Miss Hepburn looks rather more stunning in hers.

What movie images inspire you?  Have you re-created any movie costumes for every day wear?
And now I have a request, dear readers. I scoured the internet looking for the dress featured below and that photo is all I could find.  Remember the dress that Dottie wore in Pee Wee's Big Adventure?  I think it must've been vintage but I'm not sure. I've never seen anything like it.  It was a basic 50's shape, full skirt dress and I think it had black triangles at the waist.  If anyone can find a link to more images of this dress, I'd be so happy.

And just for fun I found this great monochrome photo of one of my favorite vintage movie stars: Doris Day!

Bats and Bugs

Last night after the thunderstorm came and went I took my dog for a walk.  She was desperate for some exercise.  As I strolled through the mist and fireflies, a rabbit ran from our approach.  Then I looked up into the night sky because something caught my eye. I realized after a few moments I was watching another fascinating creature that I hadn't yet seen, since I moved here. It wasn't a bird up there silently flying around in the dark. They were small bats, catching their insect meal. Sometimes it feels like the Lord is bringing all these amazing animals around me, just because He knows how much I get a kick out of them!

There is this striking dragonfly that comes to visit me often, when I'm working on my little garden.

After he leaves my little lizard friend comes to greet me, too.

I finally finished my carpenter bee painting. To me they look like flying black and yellow teddy bears.

 Next I hope to paint the white moth.