Good Morning!
Today is a wonderful day here in Daisy Cottageland. My name is Jill. I am Kim’s sister and I have wrestled the keyboard out of her hands in order to take this time and space to honor our hostess on her 50th birthday! I have pledged an oath on my life that I will take good care of you in her short absence and I will try to honor the bond you share with Miss Daisy. Now we all know many things about Kim, her warm, welcoming spirit oozes from every communication. Her creativity and talents are evidenced in each post and her love of life emanates right through the computer screen. She is all that you know and much, much more.
Kim is a one of a kind girl who sees the world with the eyes of an explorer. She is curious and thoughtful. Never one to take things at first glance, she is a ponderer. This intellectual curiosity leads her to see the world around her with an ever expanding perspective, one that allows her to find interest in the most common items. An example of her unique perspective is right here, evidenced by the beautiful pictures she takes and shares. Artistically she plays with light, her focus on detail expresses the importance of not getting lost in the big idea or the big picture. Kim reminds us that life is lived in these, the smallest of places and it is here, focused on the parts not on the whole, that we will find solace and peace.
Kim is an advocate. She is a warrior, a champion of causes and most of all she is a protector of the ones she loves. Whether it be a lost pet whose image has been posted on telephone poles, a child left unattended in a parked car or an old love letter left in a book she discovered on one of her many treasure hunts, Kim is there to protect, restore, and reclaim each of them. She is a super hero for the lost, the unnoticed, the overlooked, and the unwanted. We see it here on her beautiful blog - she says with each story that to pay attention to the least of these is to find beauty in unexpected places. If beauty lies within the confines of a chipped ceramic figure then how much more beauty lies within each of us? Spending time with Kim is a reminder that beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder but it is within even those with the roughest exteriors.
One of our favorite books is Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree; it is a story about a tree that is happiest when it is giving to a boy who grows up under its shade. The tree gives and gives until it has no more to give and then even still finds a way to give more. This is Kim; Kim is a giver. She gives of herself freely, often, and unendingly. Once she has you, she keeps you right there, close by and in her shade. You are now a part of her mind, her thoughts and her heart. Picture the white bowl sitting on the table in her office, filled with beautiful homemade hearts given to her by many of you. The bowl is Kim and you are the hearts. She holds you close, keeps you all connected, and provides you with a place to rest and be safe however long you stay. Through her efforts here at Dear Daisy Cottage, she teaches us that to give and give and give some more is not only a noble calling but a worthy effort that will be rewarded in millions of smiles.
Today is a special day; Miss Daisy Cottage is turning 50 and we honor all that she is; the artist, the homemaker, the photographer, the writer, the designer, the wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, the warrior champion, the explorer and the giver. You are loved.
Jill
Happy Birthday!! All the best to you! Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | June 21, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Happy Birthday! Have a joy-filled day! Thank you for your bright & cheery blog ~ it's such a sweet gift to all of us!
Posted by: Marie | June 21, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Happy Birthday dear Kim!
Hugs,
Cathie
Posted by: Catherine | June 21, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love how your sister filled in for you. Please invite her back as a guest on your blog again. She has a wonderfully positive gift of acclamation. It was so contageous how much she praised and appreciates you, that it made me want to go out and build up the loved ones around me. What a blessing you two must be to one another. Happy Birthday again.
Posted by: FluentNSmiles | June 21, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Happy Birthday!!! What a lovely tribute yoyr sister shared!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog with all of us...it is a real treasure!!!
Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | June 21, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Happy Birthday! Enjoy:)
Blessings,
aimee
Posted by: aimee | June 21, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday - Dear Kim,
Happy birthday to you.
Did you hear me singing all the way from Oregon? Well, I was. I send you wishes from my heart for a wonderful day and a great year ahead.
~Adrienne~
Posted by: Adrienne | June 21, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Awwww! Well Happy Birthday Kim! You totally are a giver and so sweet! I wish you the best birthday ever! :)
All the best,
Allison
Posted by: Allison | June 21, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! A toast to you :) What a wonderful tribut to you from your sweet sister. Here's wishing you have a fabulous day shared with loved ones.
Toni
Posted by: Toni | June 21, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Happy Birthday Dear KIM!!!!! hugs, cherry
Posted by: cherry | June 21, 2009 at 01:27 AM
What a lovely post
wishing you all the best
Happy Birthday
Sarah
Posted by: abeachcottage | June 21, 2009 at 01:34 AM
I love you Kim! you are a beautiful soul...I feel it in every email and with every post here, your sister wow what a tribute! You always take the time always! Happy Happy Birthday to you sweet girl! xo
Posted by: Amy | June 21, 2009 at 01:56 AM
What a wonderful tribute by your sister! Happy Birthday Kim!!!
Posted by: Cindy Meguiar | June 21, 2009 at 01:56 AM
HI,Happy Birthday, and may you bless with many more!!!
Posted by: Diane | June 21, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Happy Birthday and many more!
Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | June 21, 2009 at 02:31 AM
What a dear and sweet post! Blessings to you on your Birthday Kim! :0) Sincerely, Katy
Posted by: Katy | June 21, 2009 at 02:55 AM
Dear Kim,
Fifty is nifty! Hope it was a great birthday!
Posted by: Lynn | June 21, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Wishing you a super birthday, Kim! x
Posted by: Hannah | June 21, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Have a very happy birthday, Kim! Thank you for bringing me happiness every time I visit your blog. And you have a very wonderful sister!
Posted by: Annabelle | June 21, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Oh I love this sisterly love,
whishing you a very Happy Birthday !
Posted by: trudette | June 21, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Happy Birthday to you...and many, many more...what a tribute from a loving sister...cherish each moment you have together. all five of my siblings have had cancer, four having passed away, the fifth in remission...life is so uncertain....
Blessings,
Betty @ Country Charm
Posted by: Betty @ Country Charm | June 21, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Happy Birthday, dear Kim. And, thank you to Jill for sharing your love for Kim here with each of us.
Kim, you are well-loved. And, well appreciated. We are grateful for your sunshine.
Posted by: Beverly | June 21, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Happy Birthday Kim - welcome to the 50's.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | June 21, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Happy birthday, Kim! That was a sweet reminder from Jill of why we keep coming back to your blog.
Posted by: colleen | June 21, 2009 at 07:23 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! And we of course will be nice to you today. No wise remarks about being old or bottles of prune juice to keep your creative juices flowing just a wish for many more years of happiness and love.
Wow...your sister is precious. The kind we all should have and be!
Hugs
Becky
Posted by: Becky | June 21, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Happy birthday Kim!
Posted by: TinaTx | June 21, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Happy birthday, Kim!
Thank you for letting us into your life.
We are blessed by it
(What a cute photo!)
Posted by: paintergal | June 21, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Sounds like you are very blessed to have a sister like Jill..what a wonderful tribute she wrote about you. I think it would be an honor to know you in person but, for now, we will know you in your blog. God's Blessings to you and a prayer to Him for putting you on this earth for 50 years, sharing part of you with us.
Posted by: Berte | June 21, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Happy Birthday, sweet Kim!!! Wishing you all the best life has to offer!
And aren't you so lucky to have a sister who loves you and speaks such kind words about you! I'm envious!
Blessings on this big day, Becky G.
Posted by: Becky G. | June 21, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim!
What a lovely tribute from your sister.
Kim has such a sweet spirit - she is one of a kind. Enjoy your day to the fullest.
You are so lucky to have such a sweet sister too!
Hugs,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | June 21, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Happy Birthday sweet Kim!!
Jill, your beautifully written words about our sweet friend are so true and very touching. I believe a lot of what was written about Kim could probably be said about you too. She is definitely a "giver" and you must be too. The photo of you two is adorably sweet.
Hugs to you both!
Kat
Posted by: Kathy | June 21, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Have the very happiest birthday!!! You are truly a special person and I'm so glad to have met you through your writings.
My love and very best wishes to you,
Patty
Posted by: Patty | June 21, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! I hope your day is filled joy and happiness!
Jill you are a sweet sister...I can see it runs in the family.
Hugs,
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | June 21, 2009 at 09:04 AM
They say it's your birthday..dadadad...well it's my birthday toooo....not really I just love that song...Happy Birthday...
Posted by: Kelly Ann | June 21, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Kim, Have a wonderful Birthday!
Posted by: Debbie | June 21, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Dear Kim...
Happy Birthday to you sweetie...what a wonderful tribute your Sweet Sister gave you...the bond between you is quite evident. What a blessing.
Wishing you a day full of love and fun!
Susie
Posted by: Susie | June 21, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Here's wishing you the happiest of Birthdays!
Posted by: Suzann | June 21, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Happy Birthday! Enjoy it!
Thanks so much for sharing on your blog!
Posted by: sondra | June 21, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Happy 50th Birthday Kim! What a blessing it is to have the love of a sister! Jill's tribute to you as you celebrate your 50th birthday clearly shows how close you two are.
Posted by: Southern Lady's Vintage | June 21, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! I hope you day is extra special! And as far as turning 50...this has been my BEST decade so far! So you have SO much to look forward to....and by the way you look MAHHVELOUS!!! HAVE FUN! ANd thanks Jill for writing and sharing your beautiful thoughts! You are a wonderful loving sister!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | June 21, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Happy Birthday Kim! I hope your have a fabulous day!
xo
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home | June 21, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Hope you day is full of things you love most. Have a good one! Hugs, Elaine
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | June 21, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Happy Birthday Dear Kim,
I feel so old. It seems everyone around me is younger than I am. Enjoy your day. I found 50 to not be so bad. We just get better and wiser.
Hugs,
Elizabeth and Miss Candi
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 21, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Guilt runs through me...I was away for your birthday! I hope it was as beauttiful a day as you are a person...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!!!
Hugs,
Valerie
ps wish I had a sister who loved me as much as yours does you...
GREAT PICTURE!
Posted by: Valerie | June 21, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Many, many more!
What a lovely tribute from your sister. Well done Jill!
Posted by: Snap | June 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Oh, Kim!! Happy happy birthday to you!!! I hope you're so blessed you can't stand it! ((hug))
Posted by: Kim | June 21, 2009 at 10:24 AM
And what a wonderful sister you have!! You are so, so blessed already!
Posted by: Kim | June 21, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Sweet Kim,
Your sister put in to words so perfectly what we all feel about you. You are so special and so very loved. Happy Birthday to you! May your day be filled with sushine and colors and love :)
XOXO,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | June 21, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Kim, I would like to join everyone else in extending my wishes to you for a wonderful birthday. You are such a precious jewel...and so loved and respected throughout Blogland. Although most of us have never met you personally, we all can just tell what a beautiful person you are, inside and out! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss | June 21, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Big {HUGS} and puppy kisses to the birthday girl! You are very dear and I absolutely love your blog! You are my inspiration!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Thanks to Jill for this beautiful tribute too!
Blessings, Kathi, Dylan and Nugget
Posted by: Kathi | June 21, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Happy Birthday sweet Kim!
YOU are a gift to all of us. You make everyday brighter, happier and all that much sweeter. Thank you for being my friend and thank you for being YOU.
love you very much,
rue
PS Thank you Jill for this wonderful post :)
Posted by: rue | June 21, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Delurking to wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 21, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Happy Birthday Kim!! Wishing you a wonderful day filled with the things you love!
Posted by: debi @ life in my studio | June 21, 2009 at 11:34 AM
happy birthday!!
Posted by: Wendy | June 21, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Enjoy your day!
Robin
Posted by: Robin | June 21, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Happy Birthday to a very sweet friend who I don't know personally, but who brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart after I've visited her beautiful blog! May today be filled with laughter and memories made on your special day.
Blessings,
Marie
Posted by: Marie | June 21, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Kim!
What a pleasure to be included in your life a little and to wish someone with your love of life to have a wonderful Birthday!
50! Just a number! But really...a grand number! It's made of silver and gold, topped off with rubies and diamonds. What else could a girl want? ;)
Have a FABULOUS day!
Posted by: jennifer | June 21, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Happy Birthday, Kim! I'm so glad I stopped by and saw what a wonderful sister you have to let us all know, and say such good things about you. I sure hope you have a great celebration. Thanks, too, for all you do here. It really does brighten the day - each and every time I stop by.
Hugs,
Mary Lou
Posted by: Mary Lou | June 21, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Hi KIm,
You have reached "The top of the hill", as I call it, and that's a wonderful place to be.
You have given so much to others during this time and I know that you will continue to do so because it is just part of your caring spirit. I would like to wish you a healthy, happy Birthday, spent with friends and family.
Jill, thanks for taking the time to share with us all that you know Kim to be. Who can know one better than a sister. Even though we all felt these things in our hearts, it was touching to hear them from you.
God bless both of you and keep you always as close to each other as you are now.
Kim, Have a wonderful 50th.
Blessings always
Fay Marie
Posted by: Fay Marie | June 21, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Happy 50th Birthday to you Kim! What a wonderful tribute to you by you sister Jill, thank you for sharing that with us! Hugs!
Posted by: Debbie Vierkant | June 21, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Thank you for brightening our days with your beautiful and creative blog. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Kathy from Clearwater
Posted by: Kathy | June 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM
The Happiest of Birthdays to you Kim! I hope your day is filled with family and friends and fun. Thanks for your blog and the seed it planted to start my own blog!
Posted by: Claudia | June 21, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Kim, Happy Birthday!! You, and your blog, are so special. Enjoy your day!
P.S. The Giving Tree is one of my faves too!
~Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | June 21, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Jill - You know Kim much, much better than any of us do. Your tribute to her, though, captures the essence of what we know about her, too. That attention to the smallest of things, to the unnoticed, to living in the moment right here and right now. As lovely as her photos are, it's her spirit that always draws me here. That photo of the two sisters is just precious! (As I'm sure you know, she always sings your praises here, too.)
And Dear Kim - Happy Birthday! 50 is such a wonderfully amazing marker post on a life's journey. Wishing you abundance in all the important things in life and much love and happiness always!
Love,
Rose
Posted by: Rose - The Center of My Self | June 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Happy birthday dear Kim. Your sister wrote a lovely tribute to you and it's all true. We all love you. You bring so much joy and love to the blogging world. I really appreciate you and all you do for all of us!
Sending lots of birthday ((hugs)) your way. Rhondi xo
Posted by: Rhondi | June 21, 2009 at 12:57 PM
WOW! The writing gene must run in the family. That was a brilliant piece!
Jill, bless you for expressing so beautifully your sister's essence.
Kim, Happy 50th! I hope you are having a garden tea party, a dream shopping excursion, a romantic summer day and evening with those you love best, and some peaceful time to write, read, and imagine your next decade. I celebrate you!
Love your work and much appreciation for your inspiring life!
I will blow some birthday bubble wishes off my deck here in Minnesota especially for you!
Posted by: Pamela | June 21, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim
That was really thoughtful of your sister to give you a very loving tribute on your 50th birthday. May you do as many great things in the next 50!! Best Wishe!!
Posted by: Becky | June 21, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Happy Birthday Kim! Your name could be joy for all that you spread.
Blessings,
Posted by: Kimberly C. | June 21, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Happy, happy birthday!
Posted by: Sue | June 21, 2009 at 01:32 PM
HaPpY bIrThDaY, kIm! ☺
What a beautiful tribute from your sister. You are so lucky to have each other.
I hope you have a wonderful day - you deserve it for all the loveliness you bring into people's lives through your blog. ♥
Posted by: Rachel | June 21, 2009 at 01:44 PM
What a sweet post from your sister!!
Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Kimberli | June 21, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim! I wish you a fun-filled day surrounded by those you love and many blessings the coming year.
Jill, thank you for the lovely post. I LOVE the picture of you two when you were little. Thanks for sharing.
Love and best wishes,
D'Ann
Posted by: D'Ann | June 21, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Happy Birthday, sweet Kim!! :)
Posted by: The Beautiful Life | June 21, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Happy Birthday Kim...50...the Best is yet to come! Best Wishes, Cyndi
Posted by: Cyndi | June 21, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Happy Birthday Kim. You are truly a special person!
Posted by: janet | June 21, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Very touching tribute, Jill, to your dear sister! Well said! I don't have a sister, and feel that you and Jill are so extremely foruntate to have each other! Dearest Kim - you are sooooo loved! I love you, Kim! Your friend, Esther
Posted by: Esther Sunday | June 21, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Happy birthday Kim! :-) I hope you have a great day!
Posted by: Mrs. H. | June 21, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Happy Birthday!
50 is a wonderful birthday.
Posted by: Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme | June 21, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Hi Kim!!!!
Have you heard 50 is the new 30! Only better...the wisdom of 50 but the energy of 30....! I know your dreams are only beginning....may every dream and wish and love be true and fulfilling!
We love you! Happy Birthday Darling Lady!!!
Kelee & Oliver
Posted by: Kelee Katillac | June 21, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim. You are indeed a special person. You are also a lucky girl to have a sister who loves you so much.
Posted by: Jean | June 21, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Kim, Blessings on your birthday ! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Posted by: Karen W | June 21, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Happy Birthday Sweet Kim! Such a lovely post from your sister! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | June 21, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Happy Birthday. You are just the nicest person I have never met. Hope you have a great day!!!!!
Posted by: Erin | June 21, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Happy Birthday Kim! I'm thankful for your blog and all the wonderful inspiration you give!
Posted by: Christy | June 21, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Happy Birthday Kim!
How lucky you are to have such a wonderful sister-friend.
Have a great birthday. I just celebrated my 47th on the 17th.
Posted by: Gina | June 21, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Happy Birthday dear lady. Your blog is like a ray of sunshine :-)
Blessings,
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | June 21, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Dearest Kim,
I hope you have the most wonderful of wonderful birthdays. And, I hope you have 50 more!
Gena
Posted by: Gena | June 21, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Happy Day!
Posted by: Christine | June 21, 2009 at 07:20 PM
Happy Birthday Kim!
I hope you have a lovely day.
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda | June 21, 2009 at 07:26 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I hope you enjoy your special day with your sister. Thanks for giving us your beautiful blog! Your photos are beautiful. Happy Birthday to you again! Nancy from OHIO
Posted by: Nancy | June 21, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday sweet Kim, You are a very special lady who deserves a very special birthday. I also do beleive you have a very special sister who loves you very much.
Many birthday blessings to you,
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | June 21, 2009 at 08:32 PM
How beautifel! And really, in this corner of the world, this spot on the www, she is a ray of sunshine. Happy birthday Miss Daisy :)
Posted by: Cassandra | June 21, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Dear Kim,
Happy Birthday - and what a wonderful present from your sister. How thoughtful of her to share those sentiments with all of us admirers.
You are a beautiful inside-and-out gal, and I pray your next fifty years+ are as blessed as these so far.
The picture of the two of you is priceless.
I turn 50 in October, so I know it is a bittersweet blessing.
Take care, and thank you so much for how much wonder and awe you share with us,
Michele
Posted by: Michele | June 21, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Happy birthday, Creative Lady!
Posted by: Toni from NC | June 21, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim! Hope it was an absolutely beautiful one. You are so fortunate to have a sister who loves you so much.
Jill, thank you for this lovely writing about Kim. It just couldn't be nicer.
One of you please give Maggie a kiss for me on that sweet little nose.
Posted by: Diane | June 21, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Happy Birthday Kim, You are the nicest person to share your wonderful puppy dogs and beautiful home with us. Hope you are out having a great time. Love fr. ILLinois Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Charniak | June 21, 2009 at 09:24 PM
Happy,Happy Birthday!
May this day be as beautiful as your blog.
Posted by: KateinNJ | June 21, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Kim
Happy Birthday. Your sister said it all. Thanks once again for giving me such a warm reply and advice on starting my blog.
Posted by: Stella | June 21, 2009 at 09:53 PM
Happy Birthday, Kim!
How wonderful to have a loving sister!
Posted by: Tina in Duluth | June 21, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Happy 50th Kim welcome to a very unique club lolol. Thanks Jill for sharing your sissy with us.
Hugs, Lucy
Posted by: Lucy | June 21, 2009 at 09:56 PM