Frosted Petunias

Happy October!

2014-10-02T09:30:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone! It's finally here. October!

Come on over to my mini blog for this week's Haunted Humpday post.

Haunted Tales

2014-09-17T00:50:00.004-07:00

Are you feeling the Halloween spirit yet?

Stop by my mini blog for this week's Haunted Humpday post for Incipient Wing's and get into the mood for some haunted fun.

See you there!

Follow Me

2014-09-03T00:17:00.004-07:00

....over to my new Haunted Humpday hangout.

Image source:http://fineartamerica.com/featured/witch-biking-and-flying-2-steve-ohlsen.html

See you there.

Gone Shopping For A New Broom

2014-08-26T22:38:00.004-07:00

OK, maybe not broom shopping exactly although I can always use a new broom. I'll be spending my favorite season elsewhere this year.

Click on the picture.

See you there and don't forget to check out

my first Haunted Humpday post!

Haunted Humpday is coming!

2014-08-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

Boo!

It's time to think about Fall and pumpkins, black and orange glitter, spooky stories and haunted recipes.

Haunted Humpday from Incipient Wings is back!

Only 2 things seem to bring me back to blogland every year.

Halloween and the enchanting Marfi who knows I can't resist any opportunity to get the most out of Fall.

Haunted Humpday starts on August 27th!!

Are you ready?

Gone To The Dogs (and cats too)

2014-06-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

Surprise!

I know. Maybe you're saying "what ever happened to that Petunia chick" right? She's around. Just not in blogland so much but with somewhat of an excuse.

Some of you know that my life has literally gone to the dogs. Dog rescue, that is. I've spent the past year volunteering for a pit bull rescue and also at my local city shelter.

I adopted Isis, my own shelter rescue, who's been making me laugh and smile the last 12 months.

And of course I already have this little lady. Luna, my other rescue baby.

They now coexist happily and though Isis might not want to admit it, she and Luna are quite fond of each other now. Luna even introduced Isis to her favorite morning ritual which is "look cute for the mama until she gives you a piece of toast".

My art desk occasionally (OK, rarely) sees any action but I still get that creative bug so I've found other ways to indulge my muse.

Like making parade tutus for our shelter dogs like Shayna here, who I had the honor and pleasure of walking in our city Pride Parade this weekend.

By the way, this amazing, sweet, clever, beautiful girl is still waiting for her forever home. She keeps getting passed up while the itty bitty yappy dogs get snapped up in a heartbeat. Go figure.

Yesterday I tried my hand at canine cake making.

This wee little cake was for Isis to celebrate her one year adoption anniversary!

As you can see, it was a big hit!

Here's the super easy no bake recipe.

Isis Delilah Roo's No-Bake Fancy Cake

- 1 cup kibbles (or however much you want to feed your pup). I smashed them in a bag with a rolling pin until it looked like ground beef.
- Mix in plain yogurt and peanut butter so everything sticks together. You also use pumpkin puree or add other goodies like fruit and veggies.
- To make the layers I filled a small bowl and an empty cat food can with the mix.
- To make the icing, mix plain yogurt, peanut butter and a little honey.
- Take the cake out of the molds and spread icing over the bottom layer.
- Add the second layer and ice the top.
- Decorate with doggie treats and serve or refrigerate for later.
- Watch the fun begin!

I did light the candle and started bringing the cake to her but she definitely didn't care for the flame so out it went. Other than that I think she loved it.

Miss Isis is undeniably a princess. She and Luna are spoiled rotten and that makes me happier than a witch on Halloween. Which is fabulous indeed.

I hope you're having a grand month of June and no matter what you have planned this summer, make it magical, brilliant, creative and full of fun!

Reuse and Recycle

2014-02-19T22:09:00.000-08:00

I did a little bit of early spring cleaning last month and actually spruced up my art space. I even found a few canvases from an old project so I decided to recycle them.

I started with this. I basically used what was sitting on my desk. Looking back I wish I hadn't added both flowers, maybe skipped the one on the right. But inspiration struck and I ran with it.

The following night I did this. Those are my babies of course.

On the third night I painted this.

It's a start. Considering I haven't picked up my paint brush in a while I was surprised at how much I got back into it again. It felt nice to let my muse out to play for a bit.

I hope you're having a lovely February.

Chicken Soup and Sprouts

2014-01-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy 2014. I hope these first few days of the new year find you healthy and well. My thoughts go out to everyone in the Midwest and east coast battling that beyond crazy cold weather. I have no right to complain about weather here in the west. It's warmer and drier than usual and there's fear of a possible drought later but we're lucky compared to our friends on the other end so please be safe.

But if I may, I'm going to whine just a smidge about this annoying cold/flu I picked up last week. I don't get sick often and when I do I'm usually on the mend after a day and a half or two. Well this one isn't going without a fight so lots of soup and tea and tissues for me.

The weirdest thing is that I've completely lost my taste for sweets.

I know. Me, the chick whose middle name is frosting. Now I crave salt all day long and the thought of anything sweet does nothing for me.

I found this picture and honestly, if I could lick the monitor I would. I'm actually salivating as I type this. It's the most bizarre thing. Now I have craved more salt when I've had a cold before but I never completely lose a craving for sweets. I haven't even wanted my morning hot coco. Has this ever happened to any of you?

Do you choose a word for the year?

My word for 2014 is SPROUT.

A part of me has been hibernating in darkness the last 2 or 3 years. It's not a gloomy darkness although what got me there was certainly gloom worthy.

I tried to embrace forgiveness. Tried to learn to let go. Let go of the past. Learn gratitude. Be grateful for second chances. All the things my brain thought were the logical steps to healing.

But you know what? They just didn't work for me. For whatever reason forgiveness never came from an honest place and I found myself thriving in the dark. Finding my strength. Embracing my frailties and all my flaws.

I learned that what I needed to let go of wasn't the darkness. I just needed to grow a new me. In new soil. Breathing new air. There might be some darkness in that soil but it keeps things real for me so we shall see.

I also have faith in karma and it is the year of the Snake after all.

Good time to shed my old skin

When I started blogging in January 2010 the last winter games were about to start. I can't believe it's been 4 years already. I'm looking forward to watching them in Sochi. Just like my fondness for all things New Orleans, I also have a thing for Russia. I think it started with figure skating and the Russian pair Gordeeva and Grinkov. Plus I'm really more of a snowy forest than a sun and surf kinda girl.

So here's to a brand new year again.

May yours be filled with more blessings,

more joy, more hugs and more art.

A friend who is dear to me recently lost her poppa. I know most of you know her too and probably already know. She can use a hug if you have one or a hundred and one to share.

Winter Musings

2013-12-19T00:29:00.002-08:00

Just popping in to wish everyone a happy winter.

Hope you enjoyed this week's full winter moon.

Are you excited about the holidays?

I don't have too much hustle and bustle to deal with since my gift list is pretty small and I really try to stay away from all the shopping craziness.

It's been unseasonably colder here lately so lots of extra cups of tea and hot cocoa have been in order.

I've mostly been busy with my volunteer work at the animal shelter. It's harder to get dogs adopted this time of the year, especially for the pit bulls I work with. Sadly we're seeing dogs returned to the shelter after being adopted. It's heartbreaking and there are so many that need to be saved.

I wish they could all have a warm and comfy sofa to curl up on and a family to spoil them and call their own, just like my Isis.

Make sure to give your pets an extra hug this winter and if you can spare another hug give one to a homeless pet at your local shelter. They really do love it when someone comes to see them.

Stay warm, share a little joy and enjoy the quiet magic of this season.

I watched this on TV a few days ago and just found it on YouTube. I love this version, especially the sets and costumes. It's been a while since I saw it live but I always love watching it every year.

Broomsticks on the Bayou

2013-10-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

There's a full moon rising over the bayou tonight

Come gather under her spell

Witches, gypsies and restless spirits

Grab your broomsticks and favorite brew

and meet me in New Orleans for a night or two

Tales of witchcraft and voodoo

fill the air

They say the Queen herself roams these streets

Portrait by Frank Schneider, based on a painting by George Catlin

You might encounter her right in the Vieux Carre

You never know what you'll find among the magnolias and Spanish moss

Friend or Foe

Sinner or Saint

What lies beyond the garden gate?

Leave your broom here, dear witches, if you dare

Don't be afraid

An offering might please the lady of the house

But tread lightly

For here lie ghosts from a bygone day

Was it voodoo or witchcraft that brought about her end?

Was she haunted by her deeds?

Or betrayed by a friend?

Many say she passed peacefully at a ripe old age

Still others claim to see her ghostly figure strolling through the city

What about you?

Digital art by Schonee

Have you seen Marie?

It's time to take our leave, there is much more to do and see

Join me first for a sweet treat

then leave a comment with your link before you go

Hope you enjoyed your visit here.

Before you go check out one of my favorite Nola singers

If you're a fan of this season's American Horror Story which is set in New Orleans, here's a great video they posted that looks at why Nola is such a unique and amazing place.

Do you know that there is a fragrance inspired by Marie Laveau?

Bourbon French Parfums, a noted perfumery in New Orleans' French Quarter since 1843, created a small collection called Southern Favorites. One fragrance is Voodoo Love, a heady jasmine scent inspired by the queen of voodoo herself.

Haunted Humpday

2013-10-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's Haunted Humpday #8!

I missed last week and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss this week so I'm posting on time for a change. It's also almost time for the Broomsticks on the Bayou party so busy busy busy.

Every October I complain about how no one else in my neighborhood seems to get into the spirit of Halloween. I mean here we are halfway through October and I can count how many houses around me might even have a pumpkin by the front door. Right now I'm the only one with any decorations up and well, it just makes me sad.

I have a few things on my mantle at least. I decided to do black birds and white pumpkins this year.

I was so excited to find this gate in the gardening section at Home Depot. I thought it would be perfect for the New Orleans party and afterwards it's going out by the front door to scare off trick or treaters. He he he!

I don't really drink much but mixing drinks fascinates me. I guess maybe because it's a lot like potion making. When I first got into my New Orleans kick I used to make one of their famous drinks called a Sazerac, a cocktail that goes back to the 1800's and is as much a part of New Orleans lore as a Mardi Gras parade.

However, one New Orleans drink I've never tried but seems more appropriate for the season is the Zombie. Want to give it a try?

1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1/2 oz apricot brandy
1 tsp sugar
2 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
1 oz lime juice

Blend all ingredients with ice except Bacardi 151 proof rum. Pour into a collins glass. Float Bacardi 151 proof rum on top. Garnish with a fruit slice, sprig of mint and a cherry.

Are you ready for the party now?

It's going to be a mad rush for me but what else is new? I have beignets to cook, voodoo dolls to hang, tarot cards to find. Up until today I still had no idea what my post was going to be but I think I see a few things forming in my brain.

Oh and I need to find my crows!

I had them on my chandelier 2 years ago and I haven't been able to find them since.

And if you're looking for more spooky chandelier ideas like this one

go and visit All Things Halloween

I'm also finishing up Isis' tutu for the pit bull costume parade.

I can't decide whether or not to do fairy wings for her. I'm lucky she's such a good girl and she'll pretty much wear anything I put on her.

I'll see you guys back here this weekend for Broomsticks on the Bayou and don't forget to check out the rest of Haunted Humpday over at

Incipient Wings.

Haunted Humpday

2013-10-02T17:47:00.002-07:00

Here we are. It's finally October!

Happy Haunted Humpday #6

I wish I could say I'm savoring cool cloudy days wrapped in a cozy scarf and warm boots. Alas the sun hangs around much longer here in Tomatoland and although the early mornings and late nights are cooler, it's still not warm enough to bring out my favorite fall pieces. As I type this post I'm sitting here in my kitchen in a tank top and flip flops. But at least the AC can finally stop running.

I've been mentally working on my Broomsticks on the Bayou party post. Gathering ideas and props, looking through my stash of New Orleans what nots. Mambo is a little doll I've had for a few years. I ordered him from an artist in New Orleans and I carry him around in a carpet bag I use as a travel bag for overnight trips. I'm hoping he'll start to really inspire me very soon.

I'm also in love with this bewitching book that Marfi suggested. It's a book of Halloween ideas for grown ups and there's actually a section in it for a New Orleans style party.

It's deliciously clever and creative, artsy without being cutesy.

You can find it HERE if you so desire.

Speaking of books, this is one I've had for a long time. I bought it at an antique shop and for the longest time I didn't touch it. There was something about it that kept me from going through the pages. Maybe it was the thought of other souls getting goose bumps as they held this same book in their hands one eerie October eve.

I finally started reading one or two of the tales but there are still a handful I have yet to explore. If I'm brave I'll try to finish another one this month.

October is my favorite month for lots of reasons. Halloween being one of them of course, but it's also my son's birthday month and this year he turns 17! He was Frodo 10 years ago when this picture was taken. I took him trick-or-treating in a charming town not too far from us. I'm thrilled that he shares my love of Halloween so October is our month. I just wish it wouldn't go by so fast.

How many of you are looking forward to next week's premiere of American Horror Story: Coven?

I'll admit I didn't follow the first 2 seasons because I'm not particularly a horror fan but I do love a good story and great cinematography. Season 3 is about witches, voodoo and New Orleans and believe it or not I didn't know about it before we decided on BotB. I've been watching all the trailers which are wonderfully creepy so I'm excited to see it. I just don't know if I'll make it through the entire season but I can't wait.

Don't forget it's only 17 days away from the party!

Are you ready?

Happy Haunted Humpday

Pop over to Incipient Wings for more awesome spookiness.

Haunted Humpday

2013-09-25T15:54:00.002-07:00

I'm back again for Haunted Humpday. Can you believe it's already October next week? Fall has a habit of suddenly sneaking up on us, embracing us in a whirl of crunchy leaves and pumpkin glitter. Then just like that, softly, quietly and oh so sadly, it disappears for another year.

So take a deep crispy apple toasty breath and enjoy the season.

Believe it or not this mini ghost pumpkin is from last Fall. I kept it by the kitchen sink next to a potted plant and it made it through the whole year. Isn't this giant mug spooky fabulous? It came all the way from Arizona :)

I stopped by my local Target store on my way home from the animal shelter earlier. I was so excited to see all their Halloween goodies finally out. It's a yearly ritual for me, checking and waiting for those aisles to fill up with bags of candy and spooky paper and trim.

Got your witchy hat on? Let's do some window shopping!

I love this year's black bird tree and skull theme. I've used vinyl tablecloths before as a backdrop or curtain and I think this one might be great for my Broomsticks on the Bayou party post.

This pillar candle and holder has a great New Orleans voodoo feel to it. Just add strands of beads or hang a poppet or two.

I can't remember if this lights up. I love the cage but I think I can get the same look with stuff I already have. I love the shape though.

Too cute! I'd use it year round.

How about gingerbread skeleton cookies? Perfect for a voodoo party.

So if you haven't had the chance to check out the Halloween collection at your Target go in and see if it's already up before everyone else gets their hands on it and they all disappear.

Now you probably already know that Isis and I will be in a costume parade next month to support Pit Bull Awareness Day. Isis thought she would show off a few more pieces from her fabulous haunted wardrobe. What do you think?

Bat wings (with a yet to be crafted black tutu)?

Or sweet pittie pumpkin?

Hope you're having a fantastic Haunted Humpday.

Now go visit Marfi at Incipient Wings for more spooky bliss.

Broomsticks on the Bayou

2013-09-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Autumn!
I think it's time for another Halloween party.
Where will our broomsticks take us this year?

The dark forest for Le Mysterieux Carnival?
A Witch's Tea Party Under a Halloween Moon?
Or Maria's Island for a Practical Magic Party?

You might remember a recent post I did about my huge crush on the city of New Orleans and how I think it all started with a childhood visit to the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. It eventually grew into an obsession and I had to learn as much about that city and it's unique culture as I could.

It turns out Marfi and I share the same fondness for the Haunted Mansion and we thought how truly magical it would be to be in New Orleans for Halloween. Since that trip won't exactly be happening this year we thought of the next best thing.

We're bringing a haunted New Orleans to us.

Only a little further west of the Mississippi.

The city of New Orleans has fascinated and enchanted people from all walks of life. Artists, gypsies, sinners and saints have all heard her call. She beckons us with her haunted past, old cemeteries, ghost stories, colorful spirits, southern charm, even vampires and off course voodoo and Marie Laveau, the queen of voodoo herself. If you share a fondness for this bewitching city we'd love to have you join in some creative Halloween fun.

You can share art, crafts, costumes, décor, jewelry, food, recipes, music, spells, photography, pets, memories or even a real live party. And if you happen to actually live in that city feel free to share as much of anything as you'd like. I promise I'll try not to embarrass myself by drooling too much and I'll try hard not to stalk you!

Have your pics and post ready to go by the evening of the 18th, which also happens to be the Full Harvest Moon. How cool is that? Come back and visit me here at Frosted Petunias and Marfi at Incipient Wings on Saturday the 19th and add your link. Then put on some mournful jazzy music, brew up a batch of beignets and a café au lait and take your broomstick on a moonlit trip round the bayou. We'll have both days to make our rounds and off course you can keep visiting even after the weekend.

Here's a button to share and a link to add to it.

http://frostedpetunias.blogspot.com/2013/09/broomsticks-on-bayou.html

We'll keep it casual so all you need to do is leave a comment and let me know you're coming. Then just create your post, come on over, share and enjoy. If you're not sure what to do or have questions feel free to email me or Marfi.

Hope to see you there!

Don't forget to stop by Incipient Wings to check out Marfi's enchanting party announcement and for more Haunted Humpday fun.

Haunted Humpday #3

2013-09-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Back again for another Haunted Humpday!

Today's post gets a little bit of help from Miss Isis Delilah Roux.

I found a couple of fun Halloween goodies this weekend.

How do you like this fabulous mini witchy hat?

Isis doesn't mind being dressed up at all though she first thought perhaps the hat might be some sort of bacon flavored waffle cone.

For less fancy Halloween parties (or morning walks along the river) Isis also has this adorable new bandana with little dancing skeletons. Simple yet hauntingly charming, yes?

What doggie wardrobe would be complete without a chic Halloween collar with printed bones and orange and black jeweled flower? I think it's her favorite.

Why is Isis so excited about her new witchy wardrobe?

We are going to be participating in this year's National Pit Bull Awareness Day on October 26 by joining a costume parade hosted by Chako, the pit bull rescue I volunteer with. There are events happening all across the country. You can find out more by visiting their website HERE

All she'll need is a bewitching black tutu then she's ready to join her furry friends to show our city how amazing these misunderstood dogs really are. Which means I better get started on that tutu soon.

Hope you're having a wonderful week and thank you to the dazzlingly magical Marfi for hosting this great challenge.

Be sure to stop by Incipient Wings to see more.

Haunted Humpday

2013-09-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Haunted Humpday and Happy September too! Does it feel like Autumn where you are? My son headed back to school yesterday. Senior year! I still can't believe it.

It doesn't quite look like fall here yet unless you go into the shops. One of my favorite things at the end of summer is when the Halloween magazine issues come out. Target had several out including Martha Stewart's new one. I used to buy as many Halloween issues as I could several years ago but I eventually realized a lot of them tend to recycle the same thing over and over again. So I usually narrow it down to 1 or 2 each year but I still love seeing them on the stands and I'll go through all of them before the season's done.

I have a major sweet tooth and I have pretty much zero will power when it comes to cupcakes and cake. I started out looking for a spooky cake recipe to share but then I kept finding images of all these amazing Halloween cakes.

They're works of art I think. Some of these look like wedding cakes but they would be amazing for any Halloween party.

How cute and clever is this one?

Look at this amazing Corpse Bride themed cake!

I think it would make a great hat too.

Here's another one. Love the purple and black.

How about this Day of the Dead cake? I love the white sugar skulls against the red. I can also see a mini cupcake version of this one.

Love this haunted house. I'm not sure who did this but it has a very Martha Stewart look to it.

I did find a cake recipe that sounds like it might be fun to try.

Hershey's has this Black Magic cake recipe on their site. It's super simple and would be great for cupcakes too. You can check out the recipe HERE

I hope the cakes inspired you a little bit. I know I'm ready for a bite of one so I think I might just have to go to the bakery and treat myself to a slice.

Don' forget to check out Haunted Humpday at Incipient Wings.

So It Begins

2013-08-31T08:34:00.001-07:00

See the little countdown clock I just added to the right?

Over there ------->>>>

It's 60 days today exactly, until Halloween.

That's only 1440 hours to get in as much Halloween as possible before it goes away again for another year. Marfi's Haunted Humpday definitely started to get me into the spirit and that's not all she did. She also got me thinking about how I developed one of my big obsessions.

Stay with me here and I'll explain.

One of my fondest memories from my first visit to Disneyland was seeing the Haunted Mansion and New Orleans Square. I might have been around 12 so I was old enough to really have those memories stick.

Of course I was just your average California kid and I had no idea there was a real 'New Orleans Square' that existed somewhere out there. We really didn't travel much outside of California and my parents had no interest in southern culture. I just remember walking around the square, taking in the pretty buildings and shops, thinking, forget Sleeping Beauty's castle, this is where I'd rather be. I even remember what I was wearing that day.

I remember asking my parents for a couple of dollars to buy a souvenir from one of those pretty shops. I don't remember what things I looked at exactly but I ended up buying a pretty little bottle of rose water perfume. I was so excited to be able to conjure up the memory of this place anytime, just by opening my own bottle of magic.

To this day the scent of rose water reminds me of that first trip.

Anytime I could visit Disneyland or Disneyworld the Haunted Mansion was the first place I would always go. I would pretty much stay in New Orleans Square all day if I could.

Fast forward many, many, many years later and I discover there's a real 'New Orleans Square'. An entire city in fact with real architecture, an amazing history, a diverse culture that doesn't seem to exist anywhere else and food and art that would require one to exist on a minimum amount of sleep to be able to take it all in. Oh and the parades. How can you not love people that need no excuse to have a parade....with those pretty parasols and that infectious music.

Above all else I was inspired by this city's resilience. Through Katrina's devastation and other disasters that followed after. New Orleans seemed to draw a certain type of spirit. Artists, gypsies, saints and sinners. I know somewhere in my soul I keep hearing that same call.

One day.

I've been hooked on Nola far longer than I realized and it's all just starting to make sense to me now. I always thought it was the aftermath of hurricane Katrina that peaked my interest but I think it really goes back to that first Disney trip to the Haunted Mansion and New Orleans Square. It sounds silly I know and I have yet to make my first visit there. I do know the real thing is nothing like the Disney version and that's what I can't wait to see.

So what does all this have to do with Halloween you ask?

I've been trying to do a New Orleans themed Halloween for years and I've managed to add a little of that flavor to my regular spooky décor. But this year Marfi inspired me to really embrace the haunted bayou voodoo theme and we've been brainstorming about how to bring that experience to our own non bayou corners of the country. We'll keep you posted and in the meantime you might want to start looking for your old book of voodoo spells or that gris gris bag you tucked away in the bottom drawer of your grandmother's old wardrobe.

The spirit of Marie Laveau calls.

Better be ready.

It's Haunted Humpday!

2013-08-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Marfi at Incipient Wings for this fun weekly challenge because for some of us it's never too early for Halloween. I keep some of my favorite Halloween pieces out all year long, do you?

Like my witch Lucinda who's been on this blogging adventure with me from the start. She lives in my studio and never misses a blog party.

Of course there's always a witchy broom next to my fireplace. What proper witch would ever be caught without one ready for a quick spell or perhaps a moonlight flight?

I love visiting thrift shops. During one of my visits this summer I found this fun piece which I grabbed right away to add to my collection.

What's behind the shutters you ask?

Someone working on a witch's brew!

I will probably play with this and alter it before Halloween but I thought it was cute and I'm sure I didn't pay more than $2 for it.

Since my day today started at the shelter where I volunteer with a pit bull rescue I thought I would also share this sweet pup. She's black and white which makes her sort of spooky (in the cutest way) right?

Jada is a two year old enchantress looking for her forever home. She's one of the pups I train at the shelter. I get to teach her basic manners to help her get adopted. Isn't she the sweetest witch?

And that is my first Haunted Humpday post! I can't wait until it actually feels like Fall out there and I'll have more goodies to share. Thank you to the ever awesome Marfi for getting us through these last days of summer. Be sure to visit Incipient Wings to play along and don't forget to check out all the great spooky goodness everyone has to share.

First Signs and Spooky Fun

2013-08-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

The best part of August is when shops start to bring out their Autumn and Halloween wares. I started spying little displays at Michaels and Marshalls the last 2 weeks and this weekend I noticed other shops bringing out more Fall goodies.

Our local RiteAid already had their cards on display!

Marshalls had a nice spooky table that included this fun book box.

There's just something about seeing these first glimpses of Halloween that makes these last hot days of summer bearable. It actually hasn't been too bad here for this time of the year but I'm ready for boots and sweaters, flannel and fleece....

broomsticks...black hats

image source: Flickr

and pumpkins of course

image source:Flickr

I've been out of the blogging loop again but there's nothing like my favorite season to draw me back in. The best way to start is with Haunted Humpday, a fun spooky challenge created by Marfi at Incipient Wings. Go visit her for all the details and grab this adorable button to join in the fun.

Are you getting excited about Halloween yet?

A Little Red White & Blue Too

2013-07-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Happy July!

How do you like my new tiara?

Mama says I look like a summer princess!

We thought it would be fun to share a few cute photos

of vintage campers to celebrate the 4th of July.

We found these on Pinterest. I'm not really sure what a Pinterest is.

Is that like a biscuit? Mama says it's where she finds yummy things to look at sometimes so I'm sure it must be a biscuit! Well here they are.

Very nice carpet. Luna and I can have lots of fun rolling around on it once she stops hiding from me. Silly kitty!

Look! This one already has pretty blue bowls just for me.

This looks like a perfect spot for a nap with mama and there's tons of places for my treats.

Hooray for the red white and blue!

Peanut butter for me and chocolate for you.

Hope you liked the pictures.

Love,

Isis Delilah Leroux

Autumn in Midsummer

2013-06-23T22:49:00.002-07:00

I woke up to an overcast and blustery Sunday today. A brisk cold wind greeted me when I stepped outside to let Isis, my newest fur baby out. Hard to believe the first day of Summer just passed and even harder to believe that one week from now we're expecting 107 degree days. So I savored this autumn like day and found myself wanting to create, something I haven't really done in a while.

Isis was one of the pit bulls I worked with at the shelter through the pit bull rescue group I volunteer with. She was so much fun to train and had such a sweet, silly personality. It was so hard for me to try to get her adopted because I kept falling in love with her and after about 2 months I decided to foster her. A few days later we decided to adopt her.

She and my Luna are still in the very early stages of getting to know each other. Luna is definitely not happy about having this new intruder in her house so she's mostly hiding in the bedroom. I'm crossing my fingers that Isis will be good to her and that they'll eventually get along.

Much to my delight Isis doesn't mind being dressed up. We were in a parade last weekend and she happily wore a vest, scarf and a paper tutu! She'll patiently sit to have her scarf tied on and even let me put a glittery foam tiara on her head.

Since we're walking in our neighborhood 4th of July parade I decided to make her a fun tulle tutu this morning. She let me try it on her several times and finally posed for her picture when it was done.

For a great super easy tutorial on how to make your own doggie tutu

visit Pitlandia.

Although I haven't been doing a lot of art lately I still pick up my paint brushes now and then. This is a painting of Lola, another one of the wonderful pit bulls I was training. She recently found her forever home and is now named Athena. Though I'm always happy to see our pups get adopted it's always bittersweet for me because I really love all of them.

I hope you had a magical solstice.

Happy Summer and have a safe 4th!

Happy Spring

2013-03-12T09:53:00.001-07:00

It's beginning to feel like spring here in northern California. This week we're suppose to get our first day of nearly 80 degree weather. It's still cold in the morning but the sun and heat are definitely on their way and with the time change this weekend and extra daylight at the end of the day it truly means change is on it's way.

I've taken a break from blogging to take care of old troubles and to embrace new opportunities so between the two my art lies patiently waiting for me to come back again. I always do eventually.

For now I'm focused on the other thing that I love which is helping fur babies. Many of you know I'm a big supporter of animal rescue and adoption and I try to help spread the word through my Facebook page Peace Paws Petunias.

I decided to finally do volunteer work at my local shelter since I'm there nearly every week just to visit the doggies and kitties. I'm going through their training and fostering program right now but it takes a while to get through all their required classes before you can actually start.

However the opportunity to work with a local pit bull rescue came up two weeks ago and last week I officially started as a co-coordinator with a program that trains shelter pit bulls to help them get adopted. I'm sooo excited! I have really developed a love for these dogs.

Photo credit: Sacramento Front St Shelter/Anne Chadwick

Shelters are filled with pit bulls like pretty Penny here, who was probably used for breeding by a backyard breeder then dumped at the shelter, or worse, turned loose on the streets. They are always the last to get adopted because of the stereotype and negative press they receive in the media. Sadly they are also the first ones to be euthanized at high kill shelters.

I have never met a more loving, goofy, eager to please breed than the pit bull. It's the people who abuse and use them for criminal activities by exploiting this dog's strength and desire to please people that give them a bad reputation. Yes they are powerful and like all dogs need proper training and discipline and lots of love but they are also loyal and gentle and there is nothing like a pittie smile.

I'd love to adopt my own some day but sadly it's not the right time for me to bring a dog into our life. At least for now I get to work and play with them as much as I like and hopefully help a few of them find wonderful homes.

By the way, Penny, who was patiently waiting at the shelter since the beginning of January, finally got adopted last week. Yay!!

To learn more about pit bulls and the fight against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) watch Beyond The Myth: A Film About Breed Discrimination.

I hope spring

brings you

sunny skies,

beautiful flowers,

a pinch of magic

and new reasons

to smile.

A Very Petunia Anniversary

2013-01-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

Are you having a great year so far? January is a special month for me because it's the month I started blogging and this year I'm celebrating my 3 year blog anniversary.

Yes, Frosted Petunias is 3 years old!

Three years. I still can't believe I've been able to stick with it this long. I have a tendency to lose interest in things after a few short months but my little blog seems to have taken on a life of it's own.

I originally wanted to blog about cupcakes and cupcake crafts and art but I soon discovered an entire new world of mixed media art, swaps, giveaways, art challenges and blog parties. I never imagined I would be blogging more than a few months but here I am three years later. Obviously I still love talking about cupcakes :)

My Luna also grew up along side my blog. I adopted her a month before I started blogging when she was still a kitten. We have been on this adventure together along with our favorite visitor LaLou. Luna and I still miss her dearly.

I have learned so much and met many wonderful bloggers. I've shared my creative journey and even some of my personal ups and downs and I have been amazed by the amount of support given to me through both the triumphs and tears. Bloggers are awesome people.

My first everything pretty much happened during that first year in blogland -- the weekly Pink Saturday blog hop, a year long paper dress challenge, atc swaps, art challenges, blog parties and eventually hosting my Practical Magic and Witches Tea parties. I also found the courage to try painting and creating mixed media collage. There was so much to blog about my first year!

Years two and three were much slower. I took several months off and at times wondered if I was done with blogging all together. But I always found myself coming back and that has been the biggest surprise.

As I start my fourth year in blogland I look forward to discovering more inspiring treasures, learning more about myself and meeting even more of this growing community of bloggers willing to share their art, pictures and stories with the world. Thank you for keeping me inspired.

I created a little slide show to celebrate my anniversary. It has some of my favorite memories and images from year one. If you've been with me since those early days I hope you'll enjoy looking back with me again.

Click on the image to watch the show.

For optimum viewing turn on sound and view

in full screen mode.

Queen of Star Shine and Glimmer

2012-12-31T21:33:00.001-08:00

Only a few hours left until the new year here on the west coast so here are one last post and project for 2012. A touch of whimsy to welcome 2013.

In the past my son and I have made paper or pipe cleaner crowns to celebrate New Year's eve. I was thinking of what I wanted to make this year when I became inspired to make a fancy frosted crown. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it and got started as soon as I got up this morning. I was so excited I even skipped my usual morning hot chocolate.

For the base I made a circle from a wire hanger then covered it with a strip of black poster board folded in half then stapled it to hold the wire in place.

Then I cut out various shapes from glitter card stock and glued them onto the base. The diameter of my mini crown is about 5 inches.

Each section is backed by another piece of glitter card stock to make it sturdier and also makes it look nice on the inside.

To give my crown a vintage frosted look I thinned white glue with water, brushed it onto the glitter paper and covered it with crystal glitter in two sizes. The large one gave it texture and muted the silver while the smaller one gave it extra fairy sparkle.

I also frosted a few glittery green stars.

Next I sorted through my jars of baubles and trim.

Tried bits of this and that. Glued and unglued stuff.

Had a waffle for breakfast.

Until finally...

A frosted winter crown for the Queen of Star Shine and Glimmer.

In honor of my first word for 2013. Glimmer.

Glimmer, to me means a subtle glow, unsteady perhaps and sometimes faint but luminous and stunning in its own way. It is a sliver of hope in the darkness. Elusive and mesmerizing but never garish or overt.

When I was making my mini falling star bottles this Fall one of the words I cut out from the dictionary to make a label was glim-mer. Doesn't it sound magical? Like a light mist of stardust falling from a velvety night sky.

I like this word because I have never been the kind of person that constantly burns bright. My passion for anything waxes and wanes dramatically. In my relationships, my art, my whole life in fact, it's always a balancing of light and dark. When I try to stand out and shine darkness never seems to be too far behind. It is simply a part of who I am and the way things tend to turn out for me. I've learned that the brightest light can also burn.

So rather than say this is going to be my year to shine I'm going to embrace what I know about myself and find beauty in moments when I can simply BE. To be comfortable in the shadow of clouds as well as playing among the stars. To be content to whisper my own unsteady light. To glimmer.

Which brings me to my second word. Gratitude

Gratitude for blessings, lessons and opportunities. Gratitude for what's good as well as what's not so good because they all make me who I am. Gratitude with a touch of Glimmer. I'll see where they take me in 2013.

(Oh and I'll try to post a picture with my crown on too.)

I wish you love, blessings and inpiration.

Happy Beautiful New Year!

After the rush

2012-12-28T10:34:00.001-08:00

It's that post holiday hush. A sudden shift in energy after December's excitement and activity. For me it's instant.

The day after Christmas I feel a palpable sigh in the air. I am a creature that treasures peace and solitude so I welcome this return to tranquility.

No after Christmas clearance sales. No returning and exchanging presents until after New Year. Just quiet days relishing a house filled with midwinter magic.

The last full moon of the year rises tonight. A midwinter Cold Moon that beckons our bodies to slow down and prepare for the chillier temperatures that lie ahead. Time to snuggle under even more blankets and add an extra dollop of whipped cream to a hot mug of cocoa.

For a collection of mouth watering hot cocoa recipes visit HERE

The urge to put away the clutter and simplify strikes me right around now. I see delicate creamy hues like this and I daydream about the possibilities of changing things up in the new year.

My creative space can use a serious decluttering. Part of the reason I've put my art on hold is I simply can't get past the clutter to feel inspired. It's really time for me to sort out the mess from the carnival and Halloween.

As much as I would love to indulge my inner Martha Stewart I know I'm really more Molly Weasely at heart. Being surrounded by happy clutter is where I always end up no matter how many times I visit IKEA. If someone would only invent self organizing organizers!

How about something like this?

A very clever person from Deviantart came up with this revamped version of The Burrow. I imagine it's what Molly would do after a lovely chat with Martha or maybe watching a few programs on HGTV.

This is the original set from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I loved it so much that the year the movie came out my kitchen and dinning room had a very Burrow inspired look, complete with painted bricks on the wall and mismatched chairs.

I'm once again excited about the beginning of a brand new year. Another chance to start fresh, plant new possibilities and re-imagine ourselves as hopefully wiser, more content versions of who we are.

I have been thinking about my word for 2013. For this year it was FORWARD and in many ways that's the kind of year it's been. Looking back I can say that I didn't do too badly after the mess that was 2011 so I definitely kept myself moving forward in 2012.

A certain word has been popping in my head lately and the more I thought about it the more it seemed like the perfect word. I think I'll share it with you on my next post. Hint: it's a word I've been using a lot already.

Do you have a word for 2013?

Did you choose a word this year and how did you use that word?

Do you make New Year resolutions?

Do you keep them?

Our New Year celebration is pretty low key. Just our little family at home enjoying comforting food and even more comforting sweets. I have a few rituals I like to do each year and my son and I have silly traditions like making wacky pipe cleaner crowns to wear on New Years Eve.

I've been listening to this every day nearly all month long. I have had it since it was realeased in 1998 and it's still one of my favorites, especially on a quiet midwinter night. It's truly magical.

Enjoy tonight's full moon then snuggle up under warm blankets and imagine yourself surrounded with love and good things.

Thank you for sharing this past year with me.

Image source: Country Living, Pottery Barn, Home Depot, Deviantart, Flickr and a really pretty bridal page I can't remember