Thinking and Dreaming

I was out doing some work in the flower beds this morning and it was hot...but definitely a different kind of hot than normal. Alright....okay! I have a vivid imagination...are you satisfied? Hehehe, I can't help it...Fall is on my mind and I am not one to be dictated to by the present weather conditions...gracious me! Are you the tinest bit excited?

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Sending wonderful Fall thoughts,

~ Barb ~

Thank You to Everyone!

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Rooster Party....I think it was a huge success. Also, many thanks to those who displayed the rooster button on their blogs.....you were such a help in spreading the word throughout Blogland.

I am humbled by your generous and kind words, actions and spirits. I have made many new friends and been exposed to wonderful new blogs. I hope you made new friends also! I laughed and drooled my way through your blogs.......oh, the gorgeous roosters out there!!

The links will remain on my sidebar through Friday. If you visit a blog, you will most likely need to scroll down a bit.

I am taking a couple days off.....my craft room is calling me. Ha.

Thank you again, my dear bloggy buddies!

~ Barb ~

Checking In

How is everyone doing? Are you getting those pictures all ready for Friday and the 'big day?' I hope so. Boy, do I have roosters on the brain these days!!!! Ha.

We have a LOT of blogs signed up...194 in total! I will post my pictures late on Thursday but most bloggers will probably post on Friday. I am excited and hope you are also. See you then!!!!!

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A reminder: I am using the Sidebar Linking System for this party....you simply click on the name. A fellow blogger used this system for her party of 150 people and it worked great...I was truly impressed. The links on my sidebar will remain in place for a week after the party date. This will give everyone ample opportunity to visit. With this many blogs signed up, there is no way we can visit everyone, the way we would want to, in a couple of days.

~ Barb ~

A Lot Happy...A Little Crazy

Good morning everyone....hope your weekend was lovely and productive or relaxing! Here are a couple of teases about my Fall decorating. Gee, I feel cooler already. Ha!

I love the colors of Fall.....the lushness of the hues just make my heart sing!


I will try very hard on Tuesday and Wednesday to send out reminders about the Rooster Party....I will do my best. We have a lot of blogs signed up and it should be a wonderful time. Again, my thanks to ALL of you for your participation and your kindness in helping me spread the word. You all are amazing! I will see you on Friday and I am so excited to see your Roosters!!!!!
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~ Barb ~

Fall, Fall, Beautiful Fall!

Okay, I can't stand it one more minute.....I am decorating the house for Fall this weekend. Yes, it is hot, hot, hot outside but I will create an Autumn haven on the inside! I can hardly wait!

I found this cute Autumn door hanger this morning. Isn't it adorable?

Don't forget the Rooster Party is next Friday, August 28th. We have over 150 blogs signed up!! You still have all of next week to sign up if you wish to join us. It will be so wonderful to see all your roosters and the lovely and creative ideas you use in decorating with them. How exciting!
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Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, my friends!

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~ Barb ~

Summer Tea!

Do you have a favorite summer drink? Mine is iced peach tea....I could drink a gallon of it a day during the summer. In fact, I love tea of almost any kind.

What about you? What is your favorite summer drink?

~ Barb ~

Monday Chit-Chat

I hope your weekend was great....did you work or play or both? Isn't it wonderful to have these special days at the end of a long work week? My hubby and I usually end our weekend with a Sunday night movie and this evening was no different. We are devoted mystery fans and just finished viewing a great Miss Marple movie. I didn't guess the bad guy at all....I am fairly bad at that. Ha!

Photo courtesy of Country Living
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Have you noticed the link list for the Rooster Party? At last count, we have over 150 blogs signed up! I am astounded and grateful. Thank you all so much and again, my special thanks to those who are displaying the Rooster Button and spreading the word. I hope you are already thinking about your Rooster pictures and what you will want to share. I know I am! I always knew I loved Roosters....but now I know, without a doubt, I am not alone!

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Happy Monday everyone!
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~ Barb ~

Saturday Musings

Here it is....Saturday once again. What happened to this past week? The time is flying by at record speed...or is it just me?

I want to do a hundred things today but thought I would take a minute to touch base with my bloggy buddies. This feels like one of those days to 'move things around' in the house. Of course, moving one thing leads to another and it usually ends up being an all day and multi-room affair! Ha.

Hope your Saturday is everything you want it to be and more. Have fun!

~ Barb ~

Feathered Friends Party

Hello and welcome to the Feathered Friends Party hosted by Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage. Please visit her blog to see a complete list of participants and all the wonderful little friends!

Of all my birds, these are my favorites. They are Fitz and Floyd and I just adore the colors!


I have little bird sets everywhere in my home!

I love these doves. They are quite large and I have had them for many years.

This set is another one of my favorites.

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Thanks for visiting today and taking a look at my birds. I have lots more to share in the future.

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~ Barb ~

A Big Thank You and the Winner!

A big thank you to everyone who entered my very first giveaway. I cannot express how grateful I am for all the wonderful and generous comments. Also, many thanks to the new followers and please visit Bella Vista often...you are always welcome here! This giveaway was so much fun...there will be another one soon!

There were 146 girls who entered the giveaway and the winner is:

Arlene from the blog For The Love of It

Again, thanks so much for entering my giveaway. Congratulations to Arlene. I wish I could give something to each one of you!

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Now, about the Rooster Party......we already have 120 blogs signed up for this! I am so pleased and downright amazed!!!! Wow, are we going to have fun! Please continue to sign up. The party is Friday, August 28th.

~ Barb ~

My Anniversary Giveaway!

Hello and welcome to Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally. Please visit her blog for a list of participants.
Blue hydrangeas have to be some of my favorite flowers in all the world. I just love them!

My Blogging Anniversary Giveaway

To celebrate my blogging experience for the past six months, I am having my first giveaway. Thank you all for making this such a fun and creative endeavor!!


My giveaway consists of: a metal stand with a wire cloche cover, a lacy bordered cakeplate, a topiary, and a china teacup and saucer.



Rules to enter the giveaway:
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1. If you are a follower of Bella Vista, you are automatically entered one time. (If you aren't a follower, I would love to have you join me!)
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2. You will receive one chance for each comment you leave on any post from now through, August 8th.
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3. Mention my giveaway on your blog with a link back to Bella Vista and you will receive ANOTHER chance to win. (Please let me know if you do this.)
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Everyone may enter whether you have a blog or not. If you don't have a blog, please leave your email address in your comment so I will know how to contact you if you win.
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Entering time ends on Saturday, August 8th at 5:00 pm Eastern time. I will announce the winner on Sunday, August 9th.
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Good luck to everyone and enter as often as you wish.
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~ Barb ~

My New Rooster and A Rooster Party is Coming!

I am hosting a 'Show Us Your Roosters' Party on August 28th. All details will be posted on Tuesday. Hope you will join me! This will be so much fun!

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Wow....another rooster! He was in Home Goods, yesterday, just waiting to jump into my cart. Can I help it if a rooster jumps into my cart?? Ha. Yes, I have Rooster sickness....is there a cure? I hope not!!

Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday.

~ Barb ~

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Don't forget to come back tomorrow to enter my blogging anniversary giveaway!