May 12 2016 Time Flies

It has been quite a long time since I have blogged. It seemed at one point in time I had enough hours in the day to keep up with my musings.

I've always created my own canvas and will continue to do so the rest of my life.

One of my favorite flowers below, Peonies!

Another Yearly Update from Jot n Tittle!

Have you ever noticed the colors in nature? They are quite magnificent! Especially in the realm of flower coloration and variety....go to www.albertsflorist.com and check out the beautiful arrangements that they sell every single day!

Plain Jane Design on ETSY!

Just a smattering of artwork from Plain Jane Design USA on Etsy. Cards are 5" x 7" and are available!

New Greeting Card Line

Just seems like life it too busy and with working full time, one doesn't have much time for a blog.

I've enjoyed so many times when I had the time to do some creative writing about my English Village and hope to do so again. Here is the latest that I am doing now!

Sweet baby cards, Vintage of course. Hope to start selling them soon!

Layin' an EGG!

Well, I just got informed by Bertrum's Mum, that Bertrum is not a boy chicken he is a well, a girl chicken....the means by where she found out was that Bertrum or Miss Bertie as she is now called...."LAYED AN EGG"!!!!

Now with all the crowing each morning it was a sure bet that the girls was a boys, but, no matter they took it all with great aplumb and hard boiled the mini eggs to their delight!!

We no sooner know what we know and then we are proven wrong...oh well, such is life on the farm.

Jolly Good Time....

We all had a jolly good time dashing here and there today...we picked up several kinds of lace and muslin from the local Dry Goods and a potion at the Apothecary for a nasty head cold!
Roasted a chicken for our evening repast and darned 3 pair of stockings for church tomorrow...a Mums duties are never at a end!
I have earnestly pursued the day with great enthusiasm and now it is time to relight the evening fire in the hearth and settle down with a grand book and a cup of tea.
Please catch up with me on our walk from the Vicar's Hall tomorrow to the Miss Brown's. See you at that time!

Rambling

It seems as though it has been ages since I have written anything in my blog...I guess just the puttering around the house, getting spring gardening taken care of it about all I can do these days.

The spring weather is giving away to warm days and cools evenings. All of the Ring Neck Doves are enjoying the new seed laid out for them today.

I had taken a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk through the Campus, did a nice Starbucks and finished up having a lovely breakfast with an old friend. Now it is just my daily routine today!

From the Frayed Edges...

...of the lace curtains that lay on the table, I see a story of lives once lived. A complete story of a small village family dwelling in a small cottage. Just smell the edge of the lace and let your mind fill with images of young children flipping back their trim to view the carriage ambling down the lane or being pulled over the tops of their head in play, imagining being the beautiful bride in an elaborate Royal Wedding, what carefree days does the frail weave attest too!

Amidst the crowded memories, just what did these dainty, delicate curtians witness?

Well, I will tell you...being the youngest child of 6 youngsters in this cottage they saw much. A smoke filled room from the wood cooking fireplace - small, neatly formed meat pies awaiting the evening meal...cakes, cookies, pies, puddings all had their day once upon the past.

Lively discourse with neighbors and friends sharing tales about the newest family to arrive in the village or the latest fashion...the best selling tea at the general store, or hard candy being the only thing on the childrens' minds!

Or the day that we had the Vicar and his family over for Sunday dining....what fun we had running up and down the staircase to our small room and peering out the lace, through the dirt smudged windows.

Such memories will always be etched upon the lace that sits upon my table.

Gray, foggy morning...

As the clock ticks rhythmically forward, I gaze out among the trees and brush through my tiny cottage's window. The dreary, still din has enveloped my tiny village, hopefully, for only the day.

Fog swirls around the tree trunks as if it was imagining its form and texture. Leaves and sticks rise upward in a sudden gust and fall reluctantly back to the ground. My eyes are immediately adverted to the movement on the branches and find a flock of sparrows gaily dancing on the limbs gathering clear, water droplets that have formed during the night.

As I drop the lace curtain back into place, satisfying myself with the thought that is much too cold to venture out, I turn my attention back to the cooking hearth where a fine cut of lamb is yeilding itself to the licks of the flame...what a meal we should have!

Bread has been baked and sitting warm on the wooden table waiting for the first cut with my very large, but, trustworthy knife. I think all in all the afternoon meal will be quite delicious!

A few of my friends will gather here shortly, I've always enjoyed entertaining, in my modest way, and hope that they will feel welcomed.

....more to follow

Ah, Sunday Morning!

What a deliciously mellow morning!

Attended church this morning and was really introspective and tried to apply what was spoken to how I perceived it.....communion was meaningful and friends abound.

Visited with my Mentor in her 1st grade Sunday School class and her helper Pam, who is a sweetheart. Saw a spoke with many friends and made a few new ones.

Strolled with a friend over to Starbuck's to enjoy a warm, sunny spot in the barnes and noble outdoor "mall"...talked with a few strangers and was very happy. We spent a few hours catching up and laughing over silly conversation....

...all in all the morning shaped up to be very fine.

The Birdie's Ball

The village people were a flutter with the Birdie's Ball starting sharp as the 6th hour chimed, carriages, chair carts, guest on foot, fly's were all converging on the Manse at the fashionable address...the Dowager Countess Hixana Crow, who always wore black taffeta in the keeping of her station, stood prominately in the center of the hall letting everyone admire her attire!

The room was filled with bright, tall ivory candles glowing from the candlelabras suspended from the enormous, wood-planked ceilings. Excitement in the air was palpable and the low rumbling din could not be contained.

Lord Oswald Owl and Lady Owl greeted the crowd emerging through the iron gate and into the hall. Robin dearest and Quixana Quail grabbed each others hands in unbelief as they entered the grand hall. "May I take your wrap Madame's" the footman inquired. "Yes you may, trilled the giddy girls"!

The musicians were tuning up their instruments for the first dance......

Jot n' Tittle: Trying So Hard...

Jot n' Tittle: Trying So Hard...

Trying So Hard...

I've been trying so hard to write a trenchant piece about our outdoor friends prancing in the garden, but to no avail! My "word factory" has been let go and I am left without a single thought to save my soul!

Our chunky Ring Necked dove just pounded the soft green pavement out by the backyard feeding station and he ambled up to the dish like an old pro...where is his mate?

All the sparrows feel safe when this big lumox is around and they sit side by side in the tray. One little sparrow got so excited he decided to take a dip in the bird bath until the dove decided to refresh himself and stood in the bath to take a long, deep draft!

All in view from the comforts of my own parlor settee! What joy......

Robins, Quail and the like....

They all gathered around me as I set out the feed for the evening. Never before have they all been so anxious as this particular day. Robin dearest was in her finest red hat, one with the feather affixed so properly within the band. Miss Quixana Quail already had her own top knotch gloriously displayed, brushed to a very fine tip.

This evening was the Birdies Ball over @ the Manse of the distinguished Alberta and Oswald Owl. Alberta known in society, and her husband always hosted the brightest and dare say, the most elegant of ball's in the countryside!.....to be continued

Revelation in a New Day

The day broke gently on the village as the light pressed through the soft gray clouds to illumine the landscape. Flora and fauna stretched and yawn to a new morning revealing the intricacy of its unique beauty.


As I strolled along the rubbled path, birds sang their morning greetings while flowers turned up their bright, freshly groomed faces to watch me pass. Dew glistened on the webs delicately spun by industrious spiders.


I seemed to be lost in thought as I took in the surrounding impressions of the morning. Years ago in this village time weaved generously around our lives, today with the arrival of the iron horse, lives are fragmented by the coming and going of its people.


I cherish the memories as a precious novel stored in my mind of colors, sights and sounds of another time and place...these thoughts can not be removed or replaced, they are the ones that make me who I am.


I see past all the change and cling to that which most appeals to me! I will surely go at my own pace and stop to smell the roses.

Arrived From Plymouth This Day!

Arrived from Plymouth this day realizing that a lie in would be necessary for my health. The days journey took us through some rutted coach paths and remote areas. I am so thankful to be at leisure now, with a fine book and a cuppa!

It was good fun we all had at the Clive Albert Hook's residence in Plymouth...they are always such good hosts! We dined on fresh meats and vegtables during the entire stay. She made delicious meals of roasted squab, bright sweet potatoes and yummy carrots, who would have dared to think that such a marvelous meal could be had?

We gathered around the fire each evening and recounted the days events, as one must do to keep everyone informed as to all the news!

The feather beds were most delightful and kept us warm and snuggly next to the freshly stoked bedroom fireplaces.

Our last day there we walked the arboritum which is a full 9 acres, oh how tired my legs were when we finished. I wish I had had my drawing implements to capture all the beauty of that wonderful place.

Ah, for another visit soon, maybe during berry season!

Godly Wisdom......Proverbs 3:13-26

Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.

To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.


That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.


When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.

Another Thought for Another Day...

Today was a chilly, windy day in the village. We gathered around a warm, toasty fire and drank our hot chocolate while munching on scones! I don't think I will ever get use to the cold weather, my ideal temperature is mildly warm!

I have also heard that there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort and I believe in that heartily! We all the ladies here for the sewing of the village quilt, I couldn't be happier!

We learn so much about the event happening within the confines of the other families, the heartache, the prayer requests, the sicknesses and the joys...I find this type of exchange always builds the closeness among the villagers!

Well, so much for telling of the day, we're back to work.

Getting accustom to my old surroundings...

I've made the journey back home, it was a wonderful experience to walk through the old wooden door. The first thing that greeted me was a very warm and cozy fire in the hearth...my dear neighbor wanted me to be comfortable when I arrived!

With my bags put away and a few picked flowers arranged properly in the kitchen window, I've gone about the task of reacquainting myself to the smells and sights of my little home.

I have been blessed, you know, by very generous and giving friends! They all came to clean and freshen up the inside of the cottage. I am also amazed that they filled my larder with produce and other essentials.

Well just today I have been visited by friends and neighbors numbering at 8 dear people, my life is full!

The chickens that were kept in my absense are still producing fine brown eggs - just now as I gaze out my laced trimmed window, I see several of "the girls" pecking and searching for fowl delights.

The coach ride from Amberside was indeed bumpy and made me quite stiff...nothing out of the ordinary on the Bromley - except several stops at villages for a respite from the crowded coach...oh, I must confess to you that there was one incident that came up quite unexpected, the left rear wheel became stuck in the muddy rut and we ladies all had to disembark from the coach, actually, we were carried to land to watch the men push the large wooden wheel from its predicament...even in all this excitement, we had to endure the rainfall from under a Yew Tree.

We were only detained for one half of one hour, gladly we came upon a village pub and coach stop soon after, you remember the village of Hobsley? Yes, it was the Hobsley Pub next to the Addison Hotel. We were so glad to have time to dry off by the warm blaze in the pub! I don't mind telling you that a lady like me drank a few sips of beer! Does that shock you? We women shared a small beer to warm up!!! I think you will laugh at the telling!

Well, my dear friend I will stop here with the story of my return. Take care and please return the kind in a form of a letter, I long to hear from you.

A Return To The Cottage!

Well you are not going to believe my statement ....I'm moving back to the cottage! Yes, I have been in Amberside for a year now and can't wait to get back to the homestead. My friends who have let the cottage for all this year have moved to another village which gave me the thought to return. It is currently under the care of my neighbor Tom Morington and his wife Abagail.

Today Imogene and myself are packing up all my belongings, readying for the long and arduous journey back home....I am so excited to walk around the ground that tell so many stories!

Please give my regards to everyone and enlighten them to my arrival in the morning, it takes a good deal out of me when I travel by the Bromley Line...it is nearly 50 miles over the hills and valleys, mostly the ruts in the carriage lane that shake and toss my person.

If it pleases you, I would hope you have considered to come visit me when I get settled in. I know all the ladies in the town will be so gracious and have delectable morsels provided when I arrive home, therefore, I will have something to share with you when you arrive.

I know until then I will be quite busy taking care of the animals and getting back into my old routine.

Well, I better get this letter sent by carrier this morning. You are my dearest and closest friend!

An Afternoon at the Manse!...A Reposting.....

The Reverend Kettering and the Mrs. took tea with a host of families from the village today at the Manse. I myself, was in attendance. We enjoyed the fine display of delictable fruit scones and breads that the baker delivered earlier in the morning. Along with our perfect cuppa, it was a very pleasant afternoon indeed!

To my great surprise, the manse contained several well appointed furnishings from the old country. They looked as though they had had very special care over the years and were very beautiful. In contrast, my eyes were drawn to an old sideboard in the sitting room that seemed strangely out of place, with its big timbered shelves and drawers. But, I thought it rude to inquire as to its origin and amused myself with the everchanging clouds as I peered through the lace dressed window.

Franklin and Mrs. Timbert was the first to arrive, he is the local barister in the county. Miss Wiggins and her guardian came, she lives down the lane in a small rocked faced cottage with amber and ruby colored glass paned windows.

Other guest that arrived were: Mr and Mrs. Braggert - wealthy landowners, Mr. Jonathan Simon - the Undertaker; Attison MacGregor and his wife Tellie, Attison runs the general store; Dr. Martin and Elenor Fielding, what an interesting array of town folk!

The time flew quickly! I enjoyed the gathering immensely and one by one we departed either by carriage or by foot into the cool, damp twilight.

Tonite I was content to comb my long, brown hair with my coarse bristle brush, which I was negligent to do the past few nights. I now sit by the fire in front of my dressing table caught up in the events of the day, smiling @ my reflection from the lit wicked candle with amusement. My hair is gathered with a crisp white ribbon that matches my bed clothes and satin slippers.

Very soon I feel I'll be snuggled up under my goose down bedwrap reading my favorite prose and my beloved King James Bible. I must say good evening to you, sweet dreams and God Bless!

Birds frolicking in the bladed grass

How delightful is the playful jests of the Manor's birds! They ruffle through the thick brush and pop out the otherside with bountiful energy.

Singing as I have never heard coming from the trees, bushes and meadow! I see them now as I gaze out my seeded glass windowpane pecking at the bugs, twigs and anything interesting that comes into view.

They are crowned with an assortment of millinery styles, from ribbed wired bonnets strewn with all types of ribbons and ties, turban and the lastest fashion. Although, I would not be caught with such frivolities upon my head, I could be encouraged with a dainty scarf!

Far be it from me to dictate what the birds should where on this particular Wednesday, but very few are in the modest mode of attire.

But, I do hope that they are not too uncomfortable with the rain starting to fall....shoo birdies before you get wet!

Highland Manor...

A pinch of sun has managed to break through the morning din, allowing a great deal of warmth to present itself. We here at Highland Manor are so grateful to any sun this winter. All the available logs are stacked high in the adjacent tower, so as to keep dry. But, all in all, we do have a plentiful supply.

The Manor is constructed of very large quarried stones from the property, if fact, this residence or should I say castle was erected over a period of several years during the 1500's. Over the centuries it has had it share of tinkering, but it has stayed cold and drafty in the non essential rooms!

Our first place of gathering is in the hearth room with a very large fireplace that nearly takes up the entire wall. It has a very large mantle, and one can walk in it and take a turn. That is only when the great logs are burnt clear to the ground! We have a beautiful wool rug that is comfy warm, and fine, soft chesterfields lining the perimeter of the room. Oh, don't forget the amazing high back chairs with their detailed, scrolled cabriole legs from the the early 1800's.

All in all, I would say that our comforts are not overlooked as some might think. Well, it's off to bake and put the stew over the flames. Here's to a brilliant day!

The Weather Is Dreary...My Dears

The weather is oh so dreary...lil birdies are searching for food between the tall, unmowed grass. The trees have given up most of their leaves and the branches of one particular tree is still yielding the last of the pomogrante fruit. The persimmon tree is all but bare, I'm sure that they are cold, as the wind is whipping around them and swaying the limbs.

I do find some delight taking in all the sights and sounds though...blossoms are still persistently budding and I see reds, fuschias and whites in fragrant blooms.

Highland Manor is not without its troubles. We are experiencing a large crack in the mortar of the Manor which is allowing the winter torrents to spill into the stone wall at the front of the Manor...I have refused to worry about it as the Master of the estate will surely take care of it by sending out the groundsman to repair and repatch!

As I take time to reflect, as it is too torrential to attend church services today at the Vicary, we will see to it that service will be administered this morn...a sermon in times like these will bolster the spirits, I dare say and keep us from getting sad and down.

Well, I hear the bell for breakfast...excuse me please.

On this day, God wants you to know

... that happiness has nothing to do with pleasure. You feel pleasure when you want something and you get it. Or when you don't want something and you remove it. Pleasure is always relative. Happiness is absolute. Happiness is the understanding and acceptance of life as it is in this very moment as completely perfect, because every creation of God is perfect. The degree to which you do not accept life in all of the Divine forms is the degree to which you suffer.

Winter's Hand...

Winter's hand has taken his grip on the land...trees half chilled, flowers caught off guard and wildlife remain in their burrows. Yellow and red leaves make their presence known dotting the forest with an array of brilliant foliage here in the valley.

The cottage is dripping with morning moisture and the view is blocked from the window with the dew that has settled in for the stay. But, how pleasant it is to have a change of season. I find the rustling of leaves and the swirl of the north wind an entertainment to behold.

The house is warm and inviting with a heavily stoked hearth blazing. The mid afternoon porriage bubbles gently with the invitation to partake.

Given this moment in time, I should find myself to be at my happiness! Pleasant musings today!

Pulling Out All The Stops!

I'm pulling out all the stops, yes sir indeed I am.........my painting will commense at Highland Manor Estate come September!

I am designing my studio with full easel capacity and room to do very large impressionistic renditions.

My world is changing and I am praising the Lord for His faithfulness...I will keep you posted when my first piece is available for showing!

A Change Is In The Wind

A change is about on these late summer days....we are moving the household to Highland Hill Manor! It is quite old and was built sometime in the late 1650's, we have heard grand tales of the original owner, his lifestyle and are quite excited to move in.

This home comes with stories of grand parties, elegant hosting of dignitaries, secret passageways and rooms, and formatable clashes with the enemy, a tale is about to unfold.

There is a great renovation of walls and the like to take place, but we are all a stir with the excitement of the day.

My very own Hebert will take of the task of the total restoration of the Manor. He has an reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and I for one, applause his ability to take on such a job as this!

Lord willing, the weather here in Windermere will hold for the time being whilst we gather all our personal affects and transport them to the Manor.

I will later inform about the extensive grounds ripe for a woman's touch, but for this note I bid you adu...good morrow.

In The Garden

I woke up early with a stiff back determined to shake off the twist I put into it just yesterday....so into the garden I went. I was delighted to see the tomatoes growing like weeds.

Several varieties fill my "courtyard" containers.....gee, how nice a yard would be...but, for now I garden happily in the round.

My lemon tree, avacado, orange, apple and alberta peach are doing extrodinarily well...to me, they look happy and content. Within a matter of a few day though, Mr. Lemon had some visitors called aphids...not my favorite among the beasties!

A challenge to conquer, I grab my handy dandy spray bottle filled with soapy water and go on the defensive! Yeah, I'm glad I caught those lil pests in time!

Have two types of squash....squishing, growing with leaps and bounds. As I hear in the background the coffee maker is in a huff by blowing his steam...I turn my attention back to writing!

The hummingbirds that come to the feeders are delightful. They swirl, dive bomb, jet and twitter @ the sweet nectar I provide for them on a weekly basis, but I think, now that spring has arrived I will be on a daily task of replenishing the promised treat!

The sunny, blue day has creeped over the mountian in the east with the clouds dissipating with its arrival. I expect that the rain has left for the season and none too soon, as the flowers in the bed were complaining.....

A sunny, Saturday morning!

Woke up early this morning to catch the early dew on the bushes...wonderful! Pranced out the door and headed to our local Farmer's Market. Whilst there, I collected the most beautiful, vine ripe tomatoes, 3 very thin bunches of aspargus and a wild head of brocolli and stuffed them into my eco-friendly canvas bag. I thought today would be a grand day to start my garden in the containers again for this year.....hopefully, I can find all my seeds!

Stormy Day

Awoken by the charge of an electric bolt crashing to the ground, I stumbled out of the safety of a warm nights repose. All is as it should be this day with the dark skies addressing the tender ground with a deluge. Water runs off to the coarsing creek, taking with it spent leaves, small pebbles and broken twigs.

I turn back from the window and warm my hands by the fire, while I stir the pot of stew for the evenings meal. Porridge is also warming for breakfast as a loaf of crusted bread steams on the table's surface. A long day ahead with baking and cooking, but I find the duties delightful.

I thank the Lord for all that He has provided for this day and thank Him for the blessings He continues to bring my way.

If all is as it should be than what I do each day is a day well spent.