Friday, July 16, 2010

Heart and Home: Free Gifts and a Giveaway



Good day all!

I picked these wild sweet-peas and little daisies during our walk last night.
They were nature's free gift to me!

Shoved into a vintage canning jar, they look just right on my kitchen table.
I prefer a loose, just picked style to a more formal arrangement.
There's something kinda friendly about them, don't you agree?


The flowers were growing on the side of the road.
Well, it's more like a country lane,
rustic and rural.

Strolling a bit further we had a nice visit with the alpacas,
and the gentle blind horse and his six horse buddies


One neighbor raises alpacas, while another
rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused horses.




Who would abuse a horse, I wonder?
Or any animal for that matter.


Those gentle horses seem to enjoy our visits.
I never remember to bring sugar cubes or carrots,
 but give pats and a rubs on their noses.
Sharing a little love with those big animals.

 I don't think the alpacas like strangers.
I just blow them kisses instead, and give them handfuls of grass.


It's peaceful and quiet out here.
A few deer scampered across the road in front of us as we were walking.
Once I came upon a hungry and scary looking coyote.



A red-tailed hawk has taken up residence in one of the neighboring redwoods.
I hear him calling his hawk cry, and lately we've heard higher pitched cries in return.
The hawk must have a family nearby!
Free gifts are everywhere around here,
if I just remember to look for them.

And, speaking of free gifts:
have you heard about my giveaway?
I'm celebrating my one year blogging anniversary at the end of this month.

To win you need to leave a comment or two.
Or refer a friend.
Or become a follower or subscriber.
Or all of the above!

Each earns you an entry, and I'll do a random drawing on July 31.
I've got vintage and not so vintage goodies for you!
For more info go here.

Thanks, my friends, for dropping by today!
Until next time,
XO
Heidi

linked to Cindy at My Romantic Home, for Show and Tell Friday,
 Claudia at Dipity Road, for Friday Finding Beauty,
and Amy's Finer Things Friday.
Thanks, ladies!

31 comments:

Brenda Pruitt said...

I can't imagine why we'd need to buy vases when we usually have these fantastic old vintage jars. They make everything look so lovely!
Brenda

Audrey said...

Wow, those sweet peas are GORGEOUS. I wish we had some around here!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Heidi, the photos of those flowers are gorgeous. I love them displayed in that old jar. You must have special neighbors to take care of abused horses like that. Hope your weekend is a good one.

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

Those flowers are just gorgeous! I bet it is beautiful out where you live!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Absolutley beautiful....Love this post

Rose H (UK) said...

The flowers are beautiful, and the lovely vintage jar sets them off a treat.
You have wonderful neighbours, giving their hearts and homes to neglected and ill-treated animals.
Next time you're passing send them a pat from me!

cherry said...

what wonderful gifts you are surround by. Beautiful flowers, awesome neighbors, Alpacas ? I had to google that ..lol

Once I saw them I knew what they where but there for a minute I was scratching my head ..lol

You have a lovely blog.
hugs from Savannah, Cherry

Olivia said...

Love the wild sweet peas! I was wondering what those were called. They look so exotic! Thanks for the moment of beauty!

Olivia said...

I'm a new follower!

Amy @ Finer Things said...

Your flowers are gorgeous, and they look lovely in that jar!

Unknown said...

What lovely and beautiful centerpiece!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Your bouquet is so sweet! The colors are beautiful.
It has become so warm in southern california that I'm spending lots of time watering all the flowers. Is it warm up your way?
I guess you and I should form a
"We love Alpaca" club! They are such sweet animals. Bless your neighbor for caring for the horses too. Have a great weekend.

Gypsy Heart said...

Love the flowers! Both are two of my favorites and yes, free is good. There are so many opportunities to see the free beauty of nature all around. I also like the bling on your candle holders! :-)

Have a wonder*filled weekend ~

xoxo
Pat

Pinky said...

Heidi, I love those sweet peas, they are one of my fav. flowers! And you got them for FREE!!!!!!! So sweet that your neighbor helps the horses. I am a follower too, so please throw my hat in the ring! Have a great weekend! XO, Pinky

Sheila said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sheila said...

What beautiful flowers! The purple ones are my favorite.

Jemsmom said...

Hello my friend! I love the arrangement of flowers. When I do it, it looks like I shoved a bunch of flowers in a jar. When you do it, it looks so lovely! Makes me think of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail when she says, "I love daises. Aren't they the happiest flower?" I grew up with horses and can not begin to fathom how someone could abuse them. There is nothing like rubbing the nose of a horse. Have you ever rubbed under their bottom lip. So soft!!

I want to know about the scary coyote story!

Can't wait for you giveaway! I am keeping my fingers crossed!

eileeninmd said...

The sweet peas are so pretty, beautiful photos of your flowers. I find it hard to imagine why people can be cruel to animals. Your neighbor is wonderful to rescue these horses. Have a great weekend.

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Your Flowers are Beautiful,as is this post :) I too am an animal lover and get upset to hear what people do to them :(
Lovely post ~
Have a Wonderful weekend ~

House and Garden Boutique said...

Hi Heidi, I'm a new follower of your blog. It is so beautiful....love the floral photos! Hope you can stop by my blog and become a follower too! Have a great weekend. Lynn

Janet said...

Stopping by from SITS Saturday Sharefest. The flowers are beautiful, and I love the idea of putting them in a mason jar.

New Jersey Memories said...

Hi, stopping by from SITS!

Wow! Your blog is so pretty. I love the header. I love design and decorating. I'll have to read more.

Heidi said...

I don't think I've ever seen sweet peas before. They are so dainty and beautiful! And my sisters favorite flower is a white daisy. I always think of her when I see them.

MJ said...

What a wonderful post! I love stopping by and reading your posts. -thanks for sharing

MJ said...

Oh by the way...I'd love to win the goodies from your giveaway! woohoo...

MJ said...

Oh...and Im a follower. thanks

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Heidi,
Lovely flowers created by mother nature! Sounds like you have many beautiful walks..
You are so right who would do such a thing as hurt a animal (a very mean person that's who) shame on them...
Have a sweet day!
Hugs, Elizabeth

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Beautiful pictures.... I love walking down the back roads and exploring nature!

Hugz, Dolly

suzyq said...

Hello Heidi, I'm just loving those pretty flowers you have picked - something nice and bright to bring a bit of sunshine to Australia!!
Hope I can be included in this giveaway...
Suzyq

unfinished said...

nature's bounty is the best gift. congrats on your great blog.
cindy at drj1s@sti.net

DianeM said...

Good Morning! Such lovely photos you take...now I know why everyone loves Sweet Peas! Please enter me for a chance to win your give-away. Congratulations on your 1-year Anniversary :)
Smiles, DianeM