Moments of Delight...Anne Reeves
The beauty of everyday life - photographs, thoughts and ideas from Anne Reeves.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Makerspace: Bellevue Library Offers So Much
Monday, March 20, 2023
First Day of Spring: Embrace the Power of Primulas
#springflowers #primulas #colorfulflowers #yellowbluepink #grocerystore #finddelight #indoorplant #outdoorplant #springtime
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Cigar Box Purse: Upcycled Art
Today I am going to upload a few new purses to the Etsy shop and start the custom fabric lining on some new boxes. I've got a spring in my step!
Do you like this photo? When I was first starting out, I sold my purses in summer art shows in Michigan. I had this image made into a 2 x 3 foot poster to hang in my tent. It was so dramatic and beautiful.
#upcycled #wearableart #etsy #finddelight #annereeves #cigarboxpurses #springgreen
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
International Day of Women: Unexpected Delight
I scrolled through pictures of our trip to a horse camp, the time we cooked hot dogs on a stick, a fashion show, singing songs and an exciting ferry ride to Boblo Island. We had wonderful years together and I feel so thankful for all of the learning experiences and just plain fun moments I had because of the Girl Scouts and its volunteer women leaders.
Today was the first chance I had to tell you about my surprise gift of old photos and it happens to be the International Day of Women. It feels like serendipity that I can share these photos today and appreciate the first women leaders I saw.
Delightful Idea: Try pulling out a few old photographs and then sending a digital copy of the photo to whoever would appreciate an unexpected trip down memory lane. If the photo is not digital, you can use an app like Photomyne for an easy way to scan old pictures with a smartphone and then retain a digital copy.
#internationaldayofwomen #girlscout #womenleaders #photos #lifelongfriends #shareoldphotos #tellsomeoneyoumissthem #tellsomeoneyouremember #finddelightTuesday, March 7, 2023
Sosio's Fruit & Produce: Kindness & Mushrooms Are Having A Moment
I'd like to tell you a little story about Sosio's Fruit & Produce, if I may. They showed my family a simple kindness that I will never forget. When my mom had a terrible fall last March, my two brothers flew in from Detroit. Only one family member could enter the hospital per day due to Covid restrictions, so while I was at the hospital my brothers wandered around Seattle hoping for good news. One brother struck up a conversation with Mike of Sosio's and explained how they were certainly visiting Seattle, but not really sightseeing, just at loose ends, worrying about my mom in the hospital. My brother was surprised to see Mike start picking out plums, apples, grapes and putting them in a big bag as a gift for the family. Mike told him to have me eat lots of fruit to stay strong as I went in and out of the hospital at this trying time.
It was lovely and unexpected and certainly welcome when I was on fumes. Later I made sure to write a thank you to Mike and share that my mom was out of the woods and that my brothers had flown home relieved.
I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to find Sosio's in Pike Place Market, buy some plums and grapes knowing that life was so much better almost exactly a year later.
#thankful #kindness #pikeplacemarket #seattle #beautyofeverydaylife
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Shopping the Seattle Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Brocante Beach House
I fell hook line and sinker for the world Kim & Dino Medica of The Brocante Beach House created at this year's Northwest Flower & Garden Festival. They had a booth in the vintage market section and created a City Living Display named, "Coastal French Cottage."
I was talking with Kim and she said that they opened their shop on Alki Beach during the pandemic. I told her that we would be sure to visit this Spring when we started visiting the Alki farmer's market again. I can't wait. I mentioned that the mannequin that I had photographed (above) was missing, and she told me that a woman bought it for her daughter who would be wearing it for her wedding on the coast of Oregon this spring! They arranged the whole transaction on the phone from the show and Kim was excited to tell the bride that the dress had been made for the Seattle Opera. How glamourous!
I also bought several bundles of pussy willow branches wrapped in brown paper. They were so beautiful and elegant I simply couldn't resist.
I absolutely laughed out loud when I read, "I love you. In French" As if she really wants you to know it, and then tags on a way to make it even better. I can see this being used a lot of brilliant ways and I'm here for it. I love the old cloth. I love the block white letters. I love the dirt. It's absolutely great.
It's so great that it took me a while to see the rest of the display. The lion with the hat askew. The cream tin canister planted with blue grape hyacinths. The fact that the dresser has different knobs and pulls all the way down.
The artist's painting on the easel and a palette smeared with paints - wonderful. A champagne bucket filled with moss -love it. Vibrant double white daffodils sprouting from the cabinet drawer. It all adds up to great visual storytelling.#nwfgs #cityliving #springvibesonly
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Nature Perfect at Northwest Flower and Garden Festival 2023: Aquaponics in the House
Nature Perfect Landscaping designed it so a stream could runs into the green house to a koi fish pond and then that water would flow under the greenhouse floor over to the hydroponic area where plants could thrive on the nutrient-rich water while growing in the greenhouse. It's interesting, creative and a dynamic approach to harnessing the power of byproducts. I almost wish there was an audio narration running inside the greenhouse, as I'm not sure that everyone who toured it understood what they were seeing. Wow. Every elementary school science class should see this as part of a field trip - it opens your eyes to the possibilities and it was built with intention. I loved it.
The plants are growing hydroponically in the enriched water (above)


#aquaponics #greehouse #hydroponics #nwfgs #ingenuity
Monday, February 20, 2023
2023 Seattle Northwest Flower and Garden Festival Show Garden Spotlight
The entertaining area was grounded by a massive pergola and featured cowhide chairs pulled up to a dinner table perfect for a family dinner under the stars. A pot simmered over a "smoking" wood fire and the atmosphere really made me believe that Method Hardscapes understood the Pacific Northwest aesthetic.
The scale and drama of these two gardens made me want to highlight them first. I promise there is more to come! I'll show you more of the show gardens in another post.
#nwfgs #seattle #gardenshow #finddelight
Sunday, February 19, 2023
My Mom & Seattle Northwest Flower and Garden Festival
So I want to stop and tell you that this year, for me, the best part about the Northwest Flower and Garden Show was that my mom could attend. She had a frightening fall last year at this time and I wasn't sure about anything. But here she is, happy and enjoying it all and I am amazed. And thankful.
Dan took the day off work to enjoy the show with us and help with with logistics and we had a really great day.Can you see us in the mirror? This show garden by Hello Garden and we loved all of her sweet entertaining touches - silverware, plates and platters mixed around her display garden. It was darling.
Anyhoo, 11 months ago I was scared to death, yet here we are walking among the flowers and buying seeds to plant this spring. This is the beauty of every day life.
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Blooms & Bubbles: Slow Flowers at 2023 Northwest Flowers & Garden Festival
Everyone seems so very engaged and happy. I think it's great to have additional for-purchase activities for interested attendees at garden shows like this. I would happily plant an herb pot or plant a wire head with succulents on top - it would be fun!
#nwfgs #bloomsandbubbles #slowflowers #finddelight #seattle #indoorgarden
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
GardenComm Friends at Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
Monday, February 13, 2023
Northwest Flower and Garden Festival: A Gardener's Delight
As I slowly get my bearings in the Pacific Northwest, I still have a lot of questions when it comes to the garden. It was exciting to move to a more temperate zone (from 6a to 8b) but my new-construction house means my blank slate garden has gotten softer edges and a bit of texture, but not really changed all that much in 5 years. I now know that roses love it in pots here, so I can take advantage of the sun at the front of the house and have enormous healthy rose bushes.
Where do I flush out ideas for our future? The Northwest
Flower & Garden festival. My experience with the GWA (Garden Writers of
America, now known as GardenComm) began in the show’s press room. As a blogger
since 2007 and a flower enthusiast, I was thrilled to cover this famous show. I
have self-published 3 books that highlight my love of flower arranging,
gardening, edible flowers and floral portraits.
My mission as a writer and photographer is to dissolve the barrier
between busy American women who get their information and inspiration through
their phones and the intimidating “you-need-to-know-a-lot” world of flowers.
I was carrying one of my DELIGHT magazine bags (the Rose
issue) and it caught the eye of Marianne Binetti and Mary-Kate Mackey. We all
started talking and the next thing I knew, they were introducing me to everyone
in the press room (loads of GWA members, of course) and encouraging me to come
to the GWA Connect Meeting the next night. I met a whirl of members who echoed
a message of “I’m so glad you joined!” They were supportive of my work and how
I fit into the new definition of garden communicating.
It’s been 7 years later now and I feel like I’ve found
long-lost cousins. We speak the same language and love the same things. I walk
into the Washington Convention, and I am back at a botanical family reunion,
hugging those I’ve gotten to know better through Facebook and introducing
myself to names I only know on-screen. It is fantastic.
I want you to buy two tickets to the Northwest Flower and
Garden Show (early bird pricing is available thru 2/15) call a friend and
attend the show. You will be inspired and delighted. I promise. Continue
reading to see just what the show is like.
From my perspective, the Northwest Flower & Garden
Festival covers the intersections of all the things I love. Cakes that look
like birch trees; air plants arranged like wallpaper and blown glass vegetables
that add visual vitamins to any kitchen. It is impossible not to be inspired.
Attend free lectures. Watch experts compete in “Container Wars” over the best way
to make a showstopping planted container.
At the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, I start my
week with the media tour hosted by Marianne Binetti. Trying to absorb and photograph each of 18 grand show gardens in a manner of
minutes is difficult. We all appreciate Marianne’s insight and coaching to keep
our lenses focused on the important elements and story-telling details. This
year’s theme is “Spring Vibes Only,” and I can’t wait to see the gardens. Built
by some of the region’s best designers and landscape professionals, these show
gardens are a breath of fresh air. The
outside is brought indoors. Green grass, blooming trees, water flowing,
camellias flowering and a carpet of bulbs in bloom – it is the reassurance of
spring that we all need in February.
I always take one day of the show to walk the floor with my
mom. We admire the show gardens, search for seeds, investigate a vertical
aero-growing system and always buy beeswax candles. When we stop for lunch, we
always end up sharing a table with other plant lovers and these native
gardeners give great advice. It is the perfect way to spend a winters day and I
hope I’ve enticed you to join us this year. I know you’ll find delight.
#plantlover #gardener #northwestflowerandgardenfestival #springvibesonly #seattleevents #horticulture #seattle #garden #color #planning #livingwall
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Seattle Times: Secret Hideaways and Craft Rooms
As an artist I love to create, but I also love to talk about color, inspiration and delight. I've been writing and speaking about Finding Delight for years and the truth is it boils down to ideas like the Beauty of Everyday Life; The Power of Cute; Getting your Visual Vitamins. It was fun to be explain how my creative space came to be and how I make it work for me.

My Instagram is @FindDelight
#seattletimes #seattlerefined #Seattleartist #momentsofdelight #cigarboxpurses #homeoffice #zoomworthy #creativespace #lectureseries #delightclasses
Monday, December 12, 2022
Vintage Christmas Mantel
#vintagechristmas #vintage #shinybrite #retro #vintageornaments #putzhouses #collecting #christmas
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Hummingbird Heating Pad
We live in the Pacific Northwest where the Anna hummingbird lives year-round. I love that they stay, but they also need our help to be able to do so. There are no food sources and they rely on feeders as far as I can tell. I have a heated feeder (so the liquid sugar water won't freeze) and I also wrap it with Incandescent Christmas lights because they give off a faint amount of heat with the light.
I've found that the hummingbirds will sit on the lights and use them like little heating pads. They don't sit on the light when it is warm out - only when it is below freezing. See my photo (above) and say hello.
#hummingbird #annahummingbird #winterweather
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Great Junk Hunt in Monroe WA
You have to be ready to use your imagination. The booths vary from curated displays of housewares all in one colorway to a true mishmash of treasures (above). I didn't buy a lot at this show but I felt very inspired to get out my own collections and really go for it when I'm displaying this year.
I loved how this swag of antique jingle bells looked tied onto twine on the mantel. It was a charming touch in a very pretty color story. If you get a chance to visit one of the Great Junk Hunts on the West Coast, do it! The vendors are terrific and we had a fantastic morning together bouncing ideas of one another.
#greatjunkhunt #antiquing #upcycling #vintagechristmas #vintage #designereye
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Book Review: Paris: Delight in the City of Light
"It's been 10 years since we've honeymooned in Paris and this softcover travelogue by Anne Reeves reminds us of the precious and personal memories that make the City of Lights so special. Most travel guides provide the standard information and photos of famous sites (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, bridges over Seine bridges, etc.). While these sites should certainly be on everyone's itinerary, this book captures the sublime moments that stick with you over the years - window displays of pastries, baubles or ribbons, rooftop panoramas from Sacre Coeur, a whimsical pink cottage off the Champs Elysees, the perfect brunch laid out on your courtyard table, the endless offerings of the perfect dessert. The missing narrative of the opening scenes in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris, this book fills a unique niche you won't find elsewhere.
Leafing through Paris-Delight in the City of Light is like spending the afternoon on the couch with your best friend, and being treated to her photos, tidbits and tales of her recent trip to Paris. Each page has bright photos and personal captions, sure to trigger memories in those who have visited, and likely spurring motivation to travel for those who have not. A perk of website addresses for the hotel, haberdasheries and pastry shops is appreciated and will be put to use. Leave the heavy lifting of travel planning to a Rick Steves or Michelin guide; pack this lightweight coffee table book in your carry-on to guide you to the more subtle delights of Paris."
What's Gaby Cooking: Meeting Gaby Dalkin
It was great to meet Gaby. She was so kind and relaxed. My friends and I shared a few moments talking with her and she was wonderful.
It was fine, but it could have been so much more fun if we could have had the store's new holiday product to admire and discuss while we waited. The cookbook looks great and I can't wait to try out her new recipes.
And guess what was just announced? Gabi is going to have her own tv cooking show called My Best Friend's Kitchen! The promo was released on her social media channels, and it looks very well done. I can't wait. Good luck, Gabi!