New Pajamas and a Tea Party

No matter how young or how old we are...we girls love a new set of pajamas...

...a pretty new nightgown...

...a new pair of slippers...

They just feel so good. Especially when it's cold outside, and there's no where she has to be.

So when one receives all 3...well, let's just say...

a girl might not ever come out of them!

Sophia's new jammies and bunny boots (as she calls her new slippers) arrived in the mail...

...and she was pretty excited.  They are very good for hopping.

Commence hopping.

On this chilly morning
we had enjoyed reading through some tales,
and I had begun my knitting time (a new Tasha Tudor inspired Cottage Shawl, for me) with the softest new yarn, Frog Tree's Alpaca Sport ....(acquired at my favorite place to knit, crochet, receive needed instruction..The Joy of Knitting shop, here in Franklin)

Sophia was wearing her pretty new gown.

Scout popped out from between the table and Grammy's Rocker ...wondering what Phia was up to, for she's ALWAYS up to SOMETHING interesting...

she looked awfully busy...

she was 'tidying up'...
 as they say on Peppa Pig...her most favorite show.
*****

Grammy is teaching her that she must tidy up one mess before beginning another...

...and there is always, always another mess on the way...

*****

This lovely new mess requires a basket filled with tea party goodies...

....and a sweet old cloth that is just the right size for impromptu tea party picnics..

...requiring several goes at getting it to lay, just so...

Now onto the guest list. 

There's Winnie bear and Grammy rabbit...

They love each other.
She leans on him, because he never ever falls over.

Then there is Really Old Bear
(not to be confused with Old Bear, who is the star of Jane Hissey's books)

He is a lighter shade of mohair...a very, very old shade...

Looking over Really Old Bear and the tea tray...
..Phia takes inventory.

Hmmmmmm what else do I need...

tea pot...check...a tea cup...

yes..

two tea cups...check...

Now to feed Winnie bear...

Oh...it's too hard to reach him...
must adjust the seating arrangement...

Oh, alright, Winnie bear...just come sit in my lap..

I will feed you.

Now... it is time for Really Old Bear's nap...for he is really really old...

Phia fixes and fixes until she gets his covers just right...

Really Old Bear looks so comfy... Maybe Phia will just slip right in there next to him...

Now of course, this went on for several more minutes, with several more tries,
but, alas, poor Sophia failed to achieve the same level of comfiness as Really Old Bear.
She is most comfy in her very own room,
in her very own bed..

reading books to Little Teddy.

We are very excited that Christmas is just around the corner, although it is very difficult explaining this to one little girl who, upon waking each morning, asks,
"Is it Kissmiss?"

Soon little Phia....soon.

*****
Our love for Tasha Tudor and Christmastide is reflected on our dining table....

The yellow ware bowl belonged to our beloved Tasha.  I was incredibly fortunate to find it on a website, The World of Tasha Tudor... Cellar Door Books.
It is perfect for pomanders and pinecones.
The tiny book of hers, The Bouquet, was found after quite an online search.
Sweet treasures resting alongside the Tudor family's hand-dipped beeswax candles.

Blessings, friends.

Home Sweet Home

The  *cleansing*  of clothes from closets, odds and ends from cabinets and drawers, furniture and paintings too large for a cottage, began weeks ago...and is now complete...

The serious packing begins. The reality of a move, that will begin in 3 days, requires boxes...and more boxes...

 ...and still...more are needed. 

 *Grammy has more books and tea sets and teapots than realized....and so many more tiny treasures* 

The farm table is filled....patiently and silently, Grammy's beloved tick tock clock waits...a picnic basket provides a temporary haven for all the miniature friends, and the fresh hydrangeas begin to wilt..it is time....

for all of these things to make an empty house a home.

Our *home* is in the boxes...for now, but .... 

in 3 days, these boxes of *home* will enter a tiny house...

and transform it into a cozy cottage....Rose Water Cottage.

Stopping for a break, after a little package arrives...(yes...another book)...I pick up my knitting needles...and pause for a bit, to re-aquaint myself with the darling story of Stuart Little.

  

He was such a dear friend, when I was a girl....in a new school...a new library...with a kindred Librarian, perceptive of an awkward little girl's interests...named Mrs. Beasley. 

She kept that most popular doll, bearing her very name, in a cradle next to her desk. I had received the gift of this same doll a few months earlier, for my 10th birthday....before the move to another city ...another state...another school.  Mrs. Beasley, the librarian, was my new best friend.

She introduced me to Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, The Borrowers, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's, The Long Winter. 

The next Christmas, I requested a rocking chair for my doll....as Mrs. Beasley always sat in a rocker...

and Santa brought a gift that would follow this little girl ...all the way to her home as a Grammy...

This cherry sewing rocker is finally reunited with its friend who has spent many a year in a box,  in an attic.

They will help make Grammy's cottage a home...in 3 days.

Midst the packing, and errands, and appointments...we return home, and there, another package awaits...
bearing the name of our dearest new friend Penny...from Angelsdoor...

Ahhhh!!! This means just one thing ....Bebe...our sweet little Bebe,  has arrived!

Scout bounces and sniffs with anticipation, for she has heard Grammy speak of this sweet little mouse, who traveled to Paris....in such a fine frock...and fascinator, to match...

The bubbles found inside, assure us of safe travels...

...and oh, how precious, were her accommodations...

Mistress Penny, spared no expense...making sure she arrived in great "Parisian" style...
Her luggage is the most exquisite, I have ever seen....

And she was sure to tell Miss Bebe, that a passport is a very special thing....providing passage abroad...and home again.....

Such love...at first sight...

"Bonjour, mon petit chou-chou."  ....
**translated~"Hello,  my little cabbage."  ....a french term of affection....

I begin to chuckle, and laugh, and squeal....does she not have the most darling little expression?
My friends....I am in love!
    Je T'aime...Mademoiselle!

In a tiny little box she traveled...and now, a breath of fresh air...
an introduction to Husband.... and back inside she hops...into the softest batting...
for she is ever so anxious to arrive at her final destination..
.... a sweet cottage of pink...
where she...and we.... shall be....

Dearest Penny(of Angelsdoor), who crafted this wee little thing, and my dearest Anita(of Castles, Crowns, and Cottages), who had the vision of her being, I THANK YOU ....from the bottom of my mousie-loving heart!

She will always remind me of one fanciful weekend in Paris...and new friends, who God placed at a DIVINE appointment.
Bon Soir, Mes Amies...
Bisous!!

Everything is just Ducky

Rain, Rain, go away...we've had too much
for this May day!


We are beginning to feel like Pooh....on that rainy day...

But we shall find other things to do...
Certainly not bending and touching our toes! No, no, no!

Let's go to the flower beds and see what has bloomed after the morning showers...

Our pretty Annabelle!

And what do we have here...

These petals look like the shades of purple and blue in the ribbon worn by Daphne Delphinium Duckling!

(She coaxed Grammy Christie to purchase the silk hand-dyed ribbon, called by her middle name, and it is so lovely about her pretty yellow feathers.)

We shall ask Daphne to share some of her favorite books, so she refers to Tasha Tudor's miniature book, The Bouquet...

Miss Tasha has given a list of books that all should keep in their library...for "they have a good understanding of Bears, Ducklings, Dolls and others of like spirit."

Daphne Delphinium is quite proud of Grammy's library, which continues to expand, and includes some of the books on the list...

The Tale of Two Bad Mice, by another favorite author, Beatrix Potter, tells a wonderfully fantastic story of a little mouse named Tom Thumb...(you simply must acquire this book, for it is quite exciting!)

Daphne Duckling, encourages us all to read fun little tales such as these, even if you are a grown-up...for they keep smiles on our faces.

Look and see if you might have some of these books on your bookshelves,  in your closets, or in boxes in the attic....

And little duckling dearest is hoping Grammy Christie has spied the pretty little frock in the picture at the top of the page..she thinks that would be ever so lovely!

She believes the soft pink of the Blushing Bride hydrangea, would be perfectly perfect!! What do you think? Maybe one of pale green silk, as well?  How tremendous will be Grammy's effort to find such beautiful fabrics and trimmings...

Do you see the little fly perched above, on the fresh green petals?


Please Remember:
We pray today for those who have lost their homes because of the recent floods, tornados, and terrible storms. We ask for God's provision and guidance through these difficult days and months ahead.

A Peaceful Morning

On this quiet, peaceful morning...birds singing in chorus, in the morning sunshine.... I enjoy a much needed dose of "calm."

These days of packing, furniture being moved out and about, and the 'scaling down' process, has left my body weary..... time to restore and renew.

My little Scout shares this with me...she, being quite exhausted from movers and strangers' comings and goings...wants to sleep... I choose to knit.  She awakens as a photo is captured...

...and then back to her little puppy girl dreams....

                                         

I see the tiny ball of yarn, as I am binding off the top edge of this Tasha Tudor Cottage Shawl,  and become aware that I will need to wind a new 'Gigantic Ball of Yarn' ...as Xavier would say....and soon,  in order to knit the lace edging. 

I finish my one morning cup of coffee....from the mug that resembles a wintry white cable-knit sweater.  And I count my blessings.  First blessing on the list...

.... a grown son who knows his momma well, and chose a Christmas gift she would enjoy, even on a peaceful morning in the midst of May.

Enjoy this day! 

Count your blessings...not your troubles.  

The blessings will always win! 

Start counting.

A Visit to 'City Mouse'

Mistress Grammy and her Husband must make a trip to the city, for they must tend to a matter...
It happens to be the home where cousin "City Mouse" resides...and it is her mistress whom they shall visit.

Treats are prepared...Teapot shaped Vanilla Scones and a jar of homemade Lemon Curd (Grammy has never made lemon curd, but a most delectable recipe was found on "Our Scented Cottage.")

The mistress has spent many hours, tending to matters for Grammy and Husband, and she especially loves nice little surprises!

Eliza has received a "new" car, and she "believes" she can drive all the way to the city to visit her cousin.

Grammy tells her to turn off the puttering little engine ...Eliza simply does not understand.
Grammy explains, "City Mouse lives oh, so far away...and you are such a tiny little mouse....with such a tiny little car! I am afraid you must stay home, whilst we're away. We will surely relay to cousin your most sincere regrets."
So Eliza, being a very good little Dormouse, went straightaway to park the car and make her way back to her cottage. She found a cozy little pillow, fashioned from a very old quilt, on the daybed procured by Mistress Grammy...and nestled down for the evening, with John Jacob, keeping a watchful eye over the keeping room, until Mistress and Husband return.

Mistress Grammy and Husband drive for a very long time, 'til at last, they have arrived! Upon their entrance, following a pleasant greeting from the Mistress of the Home, City Mouse squeaks "Hello!"
Mistress Grammy's eyes follow the little squeak until she comes upon the tiny residence 'neath the table by the window....

"Hello, dear mouse! How clever you are to find such a delightfully inviting door to your cottage! Might we come a little closer?"
Squeaking can be heard....very tiny, little girl squeaks...

"How lovely you look in your tiny shawl and kerchief! We are so glad you are enjoying its warmth on this unusually chilly day!"
Nods and squeaks are seen and heard...

"Country Mouse Eliza sends her warmest regards and regrets she was unable to travel this very far distance, but how nice it was to see you, and we will send your 'hello' to her and John Jacob."

How very pleasant was the evening, and how very late 'twas the arrival home. Much too late for little Dormice to be running about...must be tucked in bed ....dreaming sweet little dreams....shhhhh....good night....

Meet the Newest Little Residents at Grammy's House....John Jacob and Eliza Dormouse

After hibernating all Winter long, John Jacob and Eliza Dormouse found their way to Grammy's House....sniffed a few sniffs...scurried 'round the baseboards...and found a lovely little cottage door by the tea table. It was perfectly perfect!

Eliza's "City Mouse" cousin lives in a grand house not very far away and commissioned her mistress to craft a sweet little door for Eliza and John Jacob's new home at Grammy's house in the country. It seems to be just right!

So Eliza asks Mistress Grammy if she would prepare a lovely Spring wardrobe for her dear cousin...and indeed, Mistress Grammy is delighted to knit and sew a pair of shawls and a kerchief.

Very special yarn will be used, and fashionable little ribbons will keep them snuggly tied around her mousey tummy and shoulders. The kerchief will be made from handkersniff remnants....Xavier's very most favorite of all of Grammy's hankies...the one he loved on the most...until it came apart from all the loving. What beautiful little Tasha Tudor - like kerchiefs are made as sweet remembrances.

The brown shawl is very similar to Miss Tasha's "work shawl" used whilst she was gardening, cooking, sewing, spinning...completing her domestic tasks. The pink shawl shall be for special occasions, such as tea parties and visits from her "Country Mouse" cousin.

Mistress Grammy finds a teeny tiny box to wrap the teeny tiny gifts and uses pale blue tissue paper to wrap each one. She uses her very old fountain pen to write a sweet note, dictated by Eliza, and tucks all these things into the box.

Eliza whispers to John Jacob, "She will be so surprised!!" 

John Jacob whispers to Eliza, "She mustn't squeak too loud...for Matilda the Cat might pounce!"

Yes, the city mouse cousin must always watch for the Cat, as John Jacob has learned he must always watch out for Scout the Yorkie, who snatched him straightaway whilst he was posing for his picture by their new door. (Mistress Grammy will be much more careful to watch out for her tiny new residents!)

Eliza loves to sit atop the Tasha Tudor Spring Bouquet Hand Cream and watch her mistress knit...for she uses the cream quite often...which means extra attention for Mrs. Dormouse...

Sweet little Eliza is named after Mistress Grammy's Great Grandmother....Dear John Jacob is named after her great-great-great grandfather, who came over from England to North Carolina and fought in the Revolutionary War. Miss Eliza Bitt was nicknamed 'Bitty', as she only grew to be 4 feet tall! 

A Dormouse is found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, making nests under the foliage of the forest floor, hibernating all winter long. They have furry tails, and resemble squirrels...and are called dormouse, referring to their dormant nature during the long cold months. 

But since they are British, Mistress Grammy felt they would be perfect little friends with perfect little names to honor her ancestry.

We will pop in every now and then to see their progress as they create a cozy home at Grammy's House.