Stealing Beauty: Stolen Moments

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Stealing Beauty
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~ Stolen Moments ~
The Best Medicine
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I was feeling the need for a little TLC this week so I popped round to my friend's home for a quick visit. Lucky for me this is the type of friend who is happy for me to call in unannounced, even if it is only a 5 minutes visit on the way home from some errand. For me it is akin to walking back into my childhood home. As I walk through the door I am always greeted by a flurry of activity. Four children bustling about to get to their scheduled activities but always time to stop and greet me with hugs, kisses and those winning smiles that only children know how to produce. Faces that light up with genuine affection and good cheer. It never ceases to touch my heart to feel this token of familiar affection. My adopted family.
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So feeling a little poorly this week I popped round for a dose of TLC and shining faces. I also popped round to steal a few roses from their front garden.. Yes.. that's me .. the rose thief. However the roses were feeling a little poorly too with the unseasonal heat this week so most were passed the picking stage... and at the fall back to the earth stage .. but with some scrutiny I found just a handful of these tiny blooms to take home with me..
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A quick arrangement in a small medicinal bottle
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.. and these scant few blooms became art.. Pocket sized beauty to place on my nightstand. Not one to pass up a photo opportunity, this small piece of stolen beauty has bloomed into all of the images you see above. Just three small buds. So just like the quick visit to my friend's home .. a small amount of beauty can go along way in improving one's outlook. The best medicine I say!
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And as I have finally posted something white, I am joining the White Wednesday theme, hosted by the lovely Kathleen from Faded Charm. Pop over there and see who else is posting.
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don't stop here as I have some bloggers to thank
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Well some more TLC came my way in the form of two giveaway wins.. and an award
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THANK YOU !
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The first win was three 'textures' to use with my photoshop manipulations.. What a lucky and timely win from the gorgeous photography blog Traci Thorson Photography. Traci's photography is exceptional and has certainly encouraged me to try harder and get more creative with photoshop. I have used one of her 'french script textures' in images #4,5 & 8 above. Please pop over and say hi. You'll be rewarded with the beautiful work of this talented photographer .. Thank you once again Traci for my win and your inspiration.
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My second win is breaking news! Just in from the talented Jill of Gypsy Brocante. Jill's has a fabulous blog full of her crafty creations and gorgeous photos. She also has wonderful onlinebrocante shop offering fabulous vintage treasures along with her own clever creations of want-to-have jewellery and accessories. I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous Gypsy Bag. As I said.. hot of the press.. so can't wait to see it in person.. Thank You Jill for this lovely gift.
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Next, an award from the beautiful Dash of French Sampler. Dash blogs about her daily life in South West France, her trips to places far and near and other gorgeous pieces of artistic beauty. Always something delectable and delicious over at Dash's blog. A secret treasure .. but I'm sure not for long. Please pop in and tell her I sent you and say hello to Crusoe also! Dash has given me the Beaux Arts Award.. created by her own hand. Thank you so much Dash for thinking of me and for always entertaining me with your delightful posts and images. I will be treasuring this award and passing it on in the near future.

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I've been a bit slow on the blog scene this week..
Been taking a rest to nurse a sore neck.. Will be round to visit soon.
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Thank You Everyone
For continually inspiring me with your beautiful blogs and thoughtful comments.
Have a great Wednesday!!!
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Julie b



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IMAGE SOURCE: Photography, text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]
[with the exception of the last two images]

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52 comments:

oldgreymare said...

Julie,

Well, you certainly did not disappoint and it was worth waiting through
1 1/2 shows...... but I think I wore out my refresh button......
Welcome to WW. I am so happy more bloggers will find you and experience your wonderful work.

Take of your neck dear.

Suzan

Jane said...

Well isn't it amazing how some little droopy roses can look so beautiful. Its the geometricity I think, you get to see that when you photograph or draw flowers a lot.

I love the French script texture to its divine.

Hope neck is better soon. Yuck. xoxo

Val said...

happy to have found this gorgeous blog!Beautiful photos!
val

simon said...

roses are one of my favorite things. Why? Because they are like life. Why? well.... you cant have the flower or the perfume without the thorns-and you cant have the good things in life without the pricks..(um can I say that here? interpret that as you like!) but its true. Or.. you cant have mountain top experiences without the valleys.... or.... :o)

Renée Finberg said...

julie,
the roses look as if they are made of white chocolate.

beautiful post.
and i bet those kids do coming running to give you kisses and hugs.
i would.

Viera said...

I left this kind of friends behind (in Europe) when we moved to Aust. And I miss them so much.
You are so lucky.
Hope rest of the week will turn much better for you. And roses are beatiful.
X
V

rjerdee said...

You've gone to another dimension, Julie--3D! These photographs are not only stunning...they LEAP off the screen! I'm awestruck, to say the least. However do you do it? Well, no need to explain...I will just let the mysteries of your talent continue to amaze me. Thanks for an absolutely delicious post! You've made my day!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Julie,
What beautiful photographs of your contraband !! How lovely to have a friend who will let you pilfer her garden ! Those aging roses have not failed you. They have produced beautiful blooms and made stunning images.
Well done on all of your giveaway wins and award. What wonderful things that you have won.
Hope that you are back to feeling 100% soon. XXXX

Brabourne Farm said...

Your week may not have been great but it certainly hasn't affected your ability to take simply divine photos - these are too beautiful for words. Hope you're feeling brighter! Leigh

desde my ventana said...

Stunning post Julie!!!Your roses are so,so beautiful,I can look at by hours.
Have a great day,
Hugs,
Cecilia

the old boathouse said...

Hi Julie,How lucky to have such a lovely friend...firstly the drop in visit and then turning a blind eye to rose thieving...your friend is definetly one of my kind of gals!! Your pics are divine...would make the most amazing prints. I love how you have arranged them in the bottle and the touch of the tag...dreamy. Sorry I have been unable to comment...too many children using up my downloads and making my computer so slow. Hope you are feeling better soon, cheers Katherine

erin's art and gardens said...

simply gorgeous dahling!! hugs AND roses... medicine, YES! hope your pain in the neck gets better. i'm still married to mine. ha ha

Dash said...

Julie, I can smell those roses, they are beautiful, so artfully arranged and with the subtle script they would make fabulous pictures.
XX

Anonymous said...

Love your stolen rose images & congrats on your oh-so-lovely gifts & award. Kudos!

Angie Muresan said...

You rose thief, you! Beautiful photos, Julie. Works of art really. And the French Script is so romantic. Truly befitting the roses.
Pleased to hear you have friends you can pop in unannounced. Those are the best! Hugs and love and hope you are feeling better.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Your roses images are so beautiful. The brown bottle really brings contrast. Love them, and congrats on the awards and winning Jill's gorgeous Gypsy Bag. Hope you're having a wonderful WW!
Debra

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Gorgeous photos! I love white roses:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

julie said...

Hi Julie, the roses are gorgeous. And how nice to have a friend like yours. I have one to and very thankful for her. Have a great day...julie

Ange said...

Nothing like friends with kids with smiles to pick a girl up! Specially if they've got white roses. Love the textures. Anything from Nantes is just my style :D

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

Thank you for such beautiful white roses. And the awesome pictures. There was a photogepher who worked at Victoria Magazine a couple of years ago. Who took beautiful pictures like this. Thank you, Have a good week, Julian

Randi said...

Interesting post - I like the way you present your roses.
I´m so glad I found your blog.

Patty said...

Congratulations on your award! The angles in those flower pictures are fantastic!

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Love the rose in the medicinal bottles..., I kept two mini champagne bottles (call them medicinal bottles?!)..., and once some things actually bloom in my yard (bushes, roses, and misc -I'm very bad with names), I can bring some clippings inside..., I'm looking forward to that.

Les Cotrions said...

Another wonderful post Julie! The roses are stunning and white ones are my favourite!!! Hope your neck will be better very soon!
A nice new day!
Vale

Tish Jett said...

Dear, dear Julie,

How I hope you're feeling better. You not only see beauty -- then "steal" it -- but you also share it with us.

That's what makes all of us love you so much.

Congratulations on your well, well, deserved awards. They should be heaped upon you.

xo,
Tish

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Oh Julie....such a pretty post...the white blooms are stunning! Glad you are feeling a bit better...the awards are all well deserved!
:) Laura

June said...

A quick visit to your blog refreshed me much like these roses and the visit to your friend did you. I am so delighted that you left a sweet message for me and then I could find my way back here.
hugs

Miss Gracie's House said...

Yes, beauty does that...refreshes and makes my heart sing...your roses are indeed works of art!
Congrats on your wins!
Rene
Now I'm off to read some more!

Faded Charm said...

I'm so glad you could join in today and your photos are simply amazing. Truly simple and inspiring.

I hope you had a wonderful day.

Kathleen

Jeanne Henriques said...

Julie...absolutely stunning...and I love the reference to being a 'rose thief'!
Very difficult to pick favourites with your work but I think the ones where you have overlayed the script with the postmark. But saying that, every time I scroll thru them I find another and another. So of course, I love them all! Hope you are feeling better. I have the neck thing too...throws you right off course. Thanks for your comments earlier in the week. Always very helpful! Hope things ease up soon...stretch!
Jeanne:)

PS...and the awards..you are so so so deserving:)

Exquisite Accessories said...

Hi Julie, Thanks for poping over to see how I was, all good, thank goodness we have power, phone lines still down but with skype & mobiles luckly not needed, power however was well recieved, Love your win's lucky you that bag is gorgeous! Loving the flowers you stole well worth it (hee) what you have created is exquisite! Happy white wednesday Elaine :) x

Stephanie said...

Beautiful photographs! You did a great job with the textures. Congratulations on your wins and awards. Thanks so much for your comments and for stopping by. I really appreciate it. Both Jeanne and Traci are fantastic, aren't they?
I will definitely be back soon.
Best,
Stephanie

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Julie , Congats!! 3 times over ! again you win a double win. YOU are one lucky girl. I love this post of the white roses, I can almost smell them. Take care of your neck ( go get a nice massage )or a long long soak. xo the other Julie in HOlland :)

Beatnheart said...

I kiss the hem of your garment...you are a divine inspiration and someone that I look up to and admire greatly..your photos, your words are something that I aspire to...I so lack the technical knowledge so what I see in my head does not always happen on the page..bother! I shall soldier on and someday.... I use to have a neck issue..so bad I couldn't even move my head. I had to swivel my whole top of my body..Yoga has worked for me...Like a miracle..

johnny said...

Gracias por tu comentario , ha sido muy bueno para mi. Me gusta como has fotografiado estas rosas y has consguido una atmosfera tan romantica que parecen sacadas del siglo XIX.
Un saludo

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Julie - We all need TLC & I'm glad you have such a special family to go to for those well needed slivers of warmth and joy. Sounds like a great friend, great people. Your photos of the roses are incredible. So glad you rescued them and took them home to turn into art for us all to enjoy. Congrat's on your wins, your awards and you deserve them all. Just know you've always been here for me & I'm always just an email away.
Hugs to you xoxo deb

Millie said...

I need these on canvases & notecards now Miss Julie - so get to it & get that etsy store going pronto!!
Your coach Millie ^_^
P.S. Hope that troublesome neck is back to normal.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hi Julie...how wonderful to have those friends so close to you...Aren't the roses just beautiful this season...they are so abundant!!! Congrats on the award...hope you are starting to feel better...Have a lovely weekend...Dzintra♥x

Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's said...

Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly Julie. Hope you are 100% now.
I love your photography and congrats on your win and awards!
Sorry i havent been visiting much either ... things do catch up with us all.

Sending you hugs and xxx

La Belette Rouge said...

Every time I come to your blog I am overwhelmed by the beauty. Today is no exception. It was lovely to stop and smell the roses, even though I couldn't smell them.;-)
xoxo

Dirty Dolly Design said...

Hi Julie,
I've been absent from blogging for a while, a recent trip to Japan has stoked up my creative lust. Being Ruby was my first stop as I set out once more on my blog journey, wow!!! I hadn't realised how much I'd miss her. Thanks for sharing your talents!!!

Kilauea Poetry said...

Well I often feel sheepish when doing a series (many choose just one)..I can see you must go through the same? Beautiful..nice against the red vase and the various styles-
Cheers-

count it all joy said...

Nothing like a sore neck to ruin your day:(. I'll have to get that kosher chicken soup recipe happening and whip you up some to bring you good cheer. Those roses are exquisite Julie - they look ready for the Easter show! Meredy xo

Kellie Collis said...

Those flowers are beautiful.

I am off to the flower markets tomorrow to brighten up my weekend. Perhaps its an addiction! xx

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

so sorry your neck's been sore. Being down and out is NO FUN!
Your sweet little roses...precious. love those pictures!

Pooch Purple Reign said...

the highs and lows are the best part of life. i would much rather have those that monotone of colour and experience. thats just me.
gorgeous roses !
~laura

nevin said...

Ahhh.. so beautiful. You never make me disappoint!!

alice said...

Julie,
Those roses are magnificent! The pictures are soooo wonderful I can just smell them!
That is a picture of my Mother with her new shoes around 1917. Thanks for asking!
smiles, alice

myletterstoemily said...

so sorry about your sore neck. they are
the worst!

your roses are exquisite like all your photos.

blessings,
lea

Sue said...

I decided to read 5 blogs tonight before sleeping. I'm too tired to do so, but I miss it so much. I knew you would have something that made me smile...what is nicer than a white rose? I'm sorry you were down, but glad you have friends who can pull you back up!

My mom is doing okay. She is disappointed that she has no strength and can't walk yet. But, she is finally out of intensive care and was able to sit up and eat real food in small amounts today. She has a long way to go to get strong enough to face what comes next...but, it is a miracle she is here at all. Thanks so much for all the kind words, I can feel all that positive energy coming my way.

Sue

Nuccio Gatto said...

Ciao, è bellissimo il tuo blog, ti aggiungo tra i miei preferiti e penso sarà proprio un piacere venirti a trovare. Posso chiederti una cortesia, puoi inserire un traduttore se ti và, grazie e complimenti ancora.

Elaine said...

Love your rose photos. So delicate. The French script adds a touch of elegance to your photos.

Just a few blooms can really transform a room. I bought some daffodils and put them in a blue ball
jar and it really cheered up the room.

Hope you are feeling better.