Beyond the Build: Habitat for Humanity Seattle Annual Luncheon

I spent a wonderful afternoon learning all about the programs and partnerships that make Habitat for Humanity in Seattle - King & Kittitas Counties so strong. The annual event started with a Pre-Luncheon Community Showcase, where guests and supporters could visit tables and learn about the many aspects of Habitat's programs and outreach. I loved hearing directly with staff members and volunteers about the work impacting the community. 

I believe around 1,500 people attended this beautiful event in downtown Seattle.

The program included honoring Habitat's Volunteers in the categories of Advocacy, Resource Development, Home Repairs and Volunteer Service. The stories of their individual contributions were inspiring. We heard from Roxana Amaral, a member of a thriving Habitat Partner Family, about her life before and after her family was blessed with the chance to contribute to their own Habitat house. It was a reflection on the power of home and hard work and the difference both can make on generations. 

The luncheon was emceed by KIRO 7 Consumer Investigative Reporter Jesse Jones and he did a wonderful job. Seahawks Game Day Host & radio personality Gee Scott crafted a fascinating sit down interview/reflection with NFL Linebacker, Entrepreneur, Investor and Philanthropist Bobby Wagner. The friends talked about life, our beloved Seattle Seahawks and making a difference. 

It was a terrific program that held all of our attention. Bobby loves Seattle and is a huge supporter of Habitat for Humanity. It was clear that he has a big heart and he will continue to do all he can to support Seattle in many different ways. We will miss Bobby wearing green & blue but we wish him well on this next NFL adventure.

I really enjoyed how this entire event was structured. It was informative, surprising (did I mention that part of a live drumline from the Seahawks ratter-tat-tat announced the start of the luncheon/take your seats - so fun!). It was a great event and I hope everyone felt just as generous to support this important organization. 

#habitatforhumanityskc #beyondthebuild #bobbywagner

 

Sweet Pea Planting

I love tucking Sweet Pea stems into my mixed bouquets. In my quest to become a home florist (not really), I must have access to more flowers! So here come the Sweet Peas...

I planted Blue Celeste, Cheri Amour, Spencer Ruffled, Garden Orchids, Fire & Ice, Spencer Ruffled and Perfume Delight (wink).  

Every little pot has seed starter mix in it and will be home to a few seedlings until they are ready to transplant. I know when you read about growing Sweet Peas they talk about huge trellis or a long length of staked netting. I want you to know that if you love Sweet Peas, you can grow just a few in a dedicated pot with a few tall sticks with a twine garland to grab. It's easy and so: easy, beautiful, rewarding, prolific, fragrant, fun. Please don't be put off by the grand instructions elsewhere. If you just want some blooms for yourself, this is all you have to do.

I am growing just a few of each variety and I'll transplant them into pots all over my property. Some will have a tuteur, most will grow up a 3-bamboo tripod in a pot on the deck and some will be in the full sun in front yard by the roses. 

It has been a damp and cold Spring here east of Seattle but that means Spring and I know these Sweet Peas seeds will like it outside and sprout in no time.

 

I can't wait for this!

#sweetpeas #containergarden #delightineverydaylife

Molten Works Glass Studio: Express Yourself in Color

I didn't know quite what to expect when I signed up with a few friends for an evening of glass fusing at Molten Works Glass Studio in Woodinville, WA.  I knew that I would be allowed to do whatever I wanted with color and that's all I really needed to know. It was so much fun and I definitely want to try it again, especially when all of these supplies are at our disposal.

The Junior League of Seattle often has social nights for the members to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. This Sip n Fuse night was a really neat way to gather members across the city on a work night to relax and create. They had live music with the blues duo Blue Healers and I absolutely loved their sound. Bravo.

Molten Works also has a small bar serving wine, beer, alcoholic seltzers and sparkling water spritzers. So perfect. 

I decided that I wanted to try a landscape, so I sketched a scene of stairs leading down to a favorite Lake Michigan beach from a photo on my phone. The ink burns off in the kiln, so I don't have to worry as I sketched my idea.

I hope it looks generally like this after it is fired; I really like it and I know exactly where it is. I also liked that the sand-like frit could be sprinkled between the worn boards of my stairs to look like sand. So cool!

It was all I could do not to start on another piece right then. I mean, I had so many Ideas when I saw this striated blue glass.

I highly recommend a Sip n Fuse night in Woodinville. It felt really wonderful to create and chat and make something permanently pretty. Delight can be trying something new.

#glassfusing #colorwheel #creatingart #finddelight @blue_healers
 

Signs of Spring: Look for the Beauty of Every Day Life

I have pots of perennial plants on my deck and today I peeked out my family room window to assess the damage from last night's snow on the spring growth. Look what I saw! The Bleeding Heart has developed one perfect pink heart. Normally this plant grows a stalk with little hearts dangling off of it, and that is usually when the stalks are taller and the leaves are fuller. I don't remember it getting ahead of itself like this, but it is so sweet. Spring is coming. #finddelight #bleedingheart #containergarden