August 11 - August 17, 2013

I have to admit I covet my neighbours' Butterfly Bush. We have planted it in a few places in our garden over the years only to see them struggle and then disappear. They have a huge bush covered in blossoms and therefore butterflies and moths and bees. My favourite "critter" that frequents it is the Sphinx Moth (or also known as the Hummingbird Moth). If you don't have a Butterfly Bush, befriend a neighbour who does, it is a wonder to behold, and a hive of glorious activity.

This is the last of the little painted kitty brooches that I collected years ago. 
Calico cats are known to be crazed - we can attest to that - wonderfully crazed. Our Ivy was a tri-coloured bundle of leaps and flips, zooms, and love.

Mary was a firecracker, full of energy, ideas and creativity. There are those who wander into your life and leave an indelible mark as they pass through and your life is that much fuller because of it. Such was Mary. She made this brooch for me in 1990. I don't know whether it's a nickel or a quarter that she cut the Queen's head from but it made me laugh. I'm wearing this on Mary's birth day in remembrance. Da Goils miss you Mary!

I love getting surprise brooches and such is this one. I do so love frogs and toads.

I don't recall whether I sent away for this or whether I found it in my cereal box. My favourite cereal when I was a kid was Post's Grape-Nuts Flakes and I watched Roy Rogers with Trigger on our little B&W T.V. So this pin was perfect for the kid.This is from 1958. It is strange what one keeps from your childhood and what gets tossed. I love this pin.

A delicate pin, given to me likely because I like my tea. Earl Grey is my fave.

This was part of a necklace that I was given but wasn't wearing. I took it apart and voila, a new brooch. I like the beads on leather, think of the possibilities.

Isn't this a pretty brooch. Twinkly and shiny and lots of colour.