gathering spriggs

Outdoor Dining + A Celebration

 

 

 

Happy Memorial Day! Not only are we off of work today here in the states remembering those who served our country but it is another special occasion in my life. Today is our 7 year wedding anniversary.. The years seem to have slipped by somehow but at times we still feel like we are in the honeymoon stage. Its amazing how you can develop as a couple over the years and come out stronger in the end as you wade through the storms and enjoy the rainbows. So here we are. I regret to say that I don't have very many digital images of our wedding since 2003 was eons ago in the world of technology. But I do have a more recent pick to share that captures our spirit.  Thanks for being my friend here and for sharing in our joy.

Now, I'm off to celebrating... Hope you enjoy your day off if you have one. And if not, blessings to you today, fresh with no mistakes in it!

images: gap interiors

Fading Summer Memories

"Heaven, I'm in Heaven!" Oh, my! Can you believe these incredible photos from Skippy Designs studio?!

So, I had my mind to do a "Back to School" post today when I stumbled across the beautiful work of Mandy Lynne! I couldn't pass it up! Each photo encapsulates that bittersweet longing and desire surrounding the end of summer/beginning of the school year. August, is that month on the calender that doesn't feel so dreamy (sometimes) in the Southern US, but these images make me swoon for county fairs, long bike rides along fields of golden grasses and waiting for the bus beside a vintage (PInk!) mailbox. Thanks Mandy Lynne for opening a door to my heart long forgotten.

So how do you feel about this time of year? Do you have any bittersweet end of summer memories to share? I'd love to hear them!

They say it's your birthday...

Well, its my birthday too yay!
And although I had to work today, it is such a special feeling knowing there are people in my life who love and support me. And I am forever grateful for the love of family and friends. Looking forward and looking back...I'm reminded of my monumental 30th surprise birthday last year. Tonight I remember the lovely memories of being surrounded with friends and family this time last year. Robert arranged the surprise party at Twist Art Gallery courtesy of Beth Gilmore. Many members of my family came from far and wide to celebrate ( Kansas City, Arkansas, San Antonio). Here are some images -The dress was my present made by my mother's ingenious hands. The guests were asked to create a piece of art for me as a gift. So I ended up with wonderful hand made precious works from family and friends and realized how blessed I am with creativity blooming all around me.

This is the dress and another birthday present: a vintage sofa found at the Habitat for Humanity store !

Me and my wonderful , most precious gift, Robert!

My best friend from childhood, Ginny, walking me up to the event!

Aunt Kathy, Mom and sister, Beth

And now this year!! Although a little less grand, I still felt the love of those near to my heart. Christy Allerkamp (Tyler, TX) sent this lovely English Garden bouquet -quite a surprise!

And my dear Robert remembered my heart's desire to try one of these mini delicacies from Whole Foods.

(try to ignore the paint pants)

And dear Ginny embroidered these lovely pillowcases which accompany the framed piece she made last year.

Last but not least, little Hannah Peach created this homemade card for me! She is one and a half. Love that Abstract Expressionism.

Oh, I almost forgot, some great art cards from one of the most creative people I know, my sister, Jesse.

Corsages for Easter

"Does yours match your dress?" "No, its little pink roses surrounding a single red one with baby blue ribbon- exactly like the last one I ordered when I was 7, but I wore it anyway!"

Easter became a formal event in the all female Spriggs household circa 1989. My mother, always one for making occasions creative, festive and unforgettable imbued Easter with all the pomp and glory that would go into a prom night- featuring homemade dresses, vintage hats festooned with ribbons and then there was the flowers. Most memorable of the floral adornments was the wrist corsage.

So after nearly 18 years, my mother surprised my sister and I today with a trip down memory lane by ordering our very own Easter wrist corsages. Mine was cream roses with peach ribbon. And it still matched my outfit. Somehow, peach and aqua have never faded from my oeuvre.