Xavier's adventures at Grammy's Franklin House

We may all refer to our new home as Rose Water Cottage, but to our grandson Xavier, it is called Grammy's Franklin House.
He came for his first visit yesterday afternoon, for the family gathering, and somehow the camera was consumed with the adventures on one sweet little boy. To the rest of the family present, I apologize.

It had been two weeks since our last visit, and all the photos taken were so bittersweet...
His last wagon ride down the long driveway…

His last climb in his *Marshmallow (weeping willow) tree*….

the ending of one of life's chapters...

but yesterday....upon his arrival....running to his grammy to be scooped up in a twirling hug...he fell in love with *Grammy's Franklin House*

He searched and found all of his familiar toys, puzzles, rocking horse, chalk for the chalkboard, tea sets, books....so here is the fun we had….

He loves this little set of cars and signs...he arranges and rearranges...and wanted his picture taken explaining the order of each.

Grammy's Father's Day message was promptly erased...and he gave demonstration of his ability to draw the characters of a game he likes to play....I, noticing, that his drawing skills have progressed dramatically…

He was quite amused with the door bell...and as he was twisting it, said, *knock, knock*...I responded, *Who's there?*…..

Orange.....Orange, who?.....Orange you glad to see me?....(It is a grammy's duty to teach them silly little things..and enjoy a little boy's chuckles)

Once he discovered the piano...the *music* began….

The book, a gift from dear sister-in-law, his aunt, was an instant hit...
Because the selection was an Indian War Dance...it was to be played with great strength and boldness, with great noise...and he was happy to oblige…

The typewriter held his attention for a few moments...but finding it incredibly laborious to push down the letter X…

He moved on to explore the cottage for more great finds...

The beloved tea set was brought down from Grammy's cupboards with the pink knobs, silverware gathered...but then there was his favorite book with the farm animal magnets....he wanted to play with everything all at once...so thrilled that all his favorites resided in this new place…

The evening was so pleasant that husband suggested we take Xavier on a wagon ride to our favorite little *ice cream shoppe* (really, it's frozen yogurt..but little boys prefer *ICE CREAM*)

If there is any wait time...patience runs thin...waiting is impossible….

But soon, we were on our way…

To all we passed, Xavier exclaimed with great joy, *We're goin' to de ICE CREAM shoppe!*
and....*Can I pet your dog? We have a widdle dog...her name's Scout!*
We arrived at our destination, *Sweet Cece's*…

He wanted to touch the beach balls hanging from the ceiling….

But once he had his frozen yogurt...oh, I mean...once he had his ICE CREAM...he ate with great fervor…

It was good to have our little boy...our first grandchild...give his nod of approval ...by exclaiming periodically throughout the afternoon and evening...even as he was falling asleep...*Grammy, I just wuv your Franklin House!*....*Grammy, I wuv you.*
Hugs and kisses and goodnight.
Grammy, I sing you a song while you go ta-sweep...
Grammy, you sing me a song while I go ta-sweep...
Grammy, I need a hug...
Hugs and kisses and ....finally....goodnight....

******************************************

The cover of the music book…

The piano stool sweet sister-in-law found at the flea market and had restored for a housewarming gift…

And she even remembered little Eliza ...and sent a tiny little gift along with the other housewarming gifts...
The gift of a picnic basket for little Cottage Cousin, from her City Cousin….

Eliza is feeling so loved and welcomed into her new home.... such a good cousin... such good friends...

Such a wonderful weekend at Grammy's House.

Preparing the cottage for a family gathering....

For a father's day celebration, an afternoon cookout was planned for husband's family. This meant that we would simply have to find order in the screened porch.  This family gathering gave us the incentive we needed to take on the task at hand.

  

We had made much progress in the screened porch...sorting through and unpacking more bags and boxes...rearranging furnishings...and finally, a search of decorating ideas for this room that would become our outdoor dining area.  I located the storage container holding vintage table cloths and spring decor...and with inspiration flowing...acquired an inviting, cozy atmosphere....

Then the rains came...so I began to play....as there was time to arrange and rearrange...I decided on a place for the grandchildren to play ...

...and the little table where they would dine...

I chose a familiar tablecloth...used in our former home, upstairs in the play room...and child-friendly chicky-chicks for a simple centerpiece.  (Later, Xavier would notice the cloth and exclaim with much delight, *Grammy, that's my tablecloth!*

It's the familiar things which help a child cope with a move to another home...even a grammy's move to another home...

Once the rain had ceased, I began preparing the front porch. I began with the chalkboard...a message for Father's Day....

It is true...I am a former teacher, who loved, loved, loved writing on the chalkboard...and I still do....

The inspiration for the tree in the urn came from a lovely little visit to a french shoppe in Leiper's Fork, TN...just a hop, skip, and a jump away from where we live...called Serenite Maison....

One of my most favorite places to visit...it is a feast for the senses...perfumed candles, antiquated display cases, nests, vintage jewelry, vintage linens...lavender scented laundry products...

infused with essential oils...

Oh, how wonderful the cottage smells on laundry day.

So, back to the front porch....

The little blue chair looked so charming under the new wreath...and became a perfect place to display the sweet twig watering can...a Mother's Day gift from oldest daughter.

And of course, we love bunnies...

The tree had been potted in a much larger container, and had not survived the winter, but such a beautiful tree, with it's curly branches....when I saw the owner of the sweet shoppe had used branches in an urn as a prop for a fragile nest, I immediately thought of my tree...I wouldn't have to throw it out after all. Husband transplanted the tree to a smaller urn, that would not consume the front porch.  I had purchased a nest at the shoppe, but seeing all the green in the wreath, I came upon this spring-like nest, full of color, and decided I will use the other throughout the winter season. I had some bags of moss from the craft store, to balance the colors.

How much fun we are having...planning and dreaming....a work in progress....always...

But much satisfaction was found on this day...and what a wonderful celebration it was. 

Good food, Good family, Good conversation.....God is Good!

Hoping you all had a wonderful Father's Day....and that you were fully celebrated. 

Blessings to you and yours.

Granny Smith Apple Pie

As summer is fast approaching, it is time for the fragrance of an apple pie in the oven...a Granny Smith Apple Pie.

So let's put on a pretty apron and begin the baking...

I thought you might enjoy seeing the way I create a pie...for with me...it is an outlet for artistic creativity...

I begin with 4 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Sprinkle the following ingredients over your big bowl of slices:

  *3 Tbsp all purpose flour

  *1 cup sugar

  *1/2 tsp cinnamon

  *2 Tbsp butter sliced

Using a wooden spoon, stir until slices are coated with ingredients

 (*1 egg white to brush over crust)

Using a roll out type crust...whichever brand you like...place one rolled out crust in the pie dish and crimp edges with your two pointer fingers...fill with apple slices.

Roll out the other crust, and using 3 different sizes teapot cookie cutters (or any design you wish) beginning with the largest, first, cut out 4 teapots and position them like the stokes of a wheel...right on top of the pie. Using the medium size, cut 4 teapots and place them overlapping the large ones. Continue with the smallest teapot...

The goal is to cover the pie with teapots like so...

That is the creative part..position them to your liking...that's the most important thing...and then, using a pastry brush, coat the crust with the egg white (add a tiny bit of water to make an egg wash, whisking it to  blend the white and the water)

Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 45 minutes. (I use strips of aluminum foil around the edges to create a tent over the outer crust..unless you like it really crispy)

At this point, your entire home is scented with the most delicious fragrance...

Each teapot is a delightful treat in itself...but, remember, it's best to slice and serve before nibbling the crust...adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a slice of white cheddar cheese, adds that little something extra.

The possibilities are endless...stars for the fourth of July, apple shapes for the beginning of the school year, pumpkins for autumnal festivities, and trees, gingerbread, snowmen, to name a few, for Christmastide.

Start thinking....create....and remember, children love helping you in the kitchen.

This Teapot Pie went to our most wonderful neighbors for their generosity in helping us with our move.

Have a wonderful Father's Day Weekend....celebrate with those you love....Bake a Pie....watch them smile.

....the Little Details

This victorian cottage, crooked as it may be, has charm everywhere I look.

There are little details that caught my eye when we first made its aquaintance, and now, I seem to notice even more....and a few, we have added... 

I want to share them with you, along with a close up view of some of my favorite things...

A Welcome Message for those trying to find our home...

I discovered a delightful flower/garden shop, a little ways down the road..and couldn't resist this charming wreath...for our charming front porch...with its charming little mailbox...

My favorite tree...so strong...and beautiful...this is why we will never have curtains in this window...

 Glass vintage-inspired knobs, were added this morning...a little touch of pink for our Rose Water Cottage Kitchen...

This curtain was purchased from a company that retrieves vintage curtains from estate sales .... it is circa 1910-1920...

It graced the window of the front door in our former home...but due to the type of glass, detailing was left unnoticed...how beautiful it looks on these old windows...

A venetian glass mirror has found its home in the master bedroom over the nightstand...

The brick column in the hallway, was a feature, another little detail, that I fell in love with and was so thankful it had been left uncovered... it is located in a corner of the small hallway...and you may see just a bit of the office...still a work in progress....

These little doors, with charming little knobs, lead to the bath off of the office...

I am unashamed of my fascination and love for old doors and lovely old door knobs.  Again...it's the Little Details.

The wonderful sun room is such a cozy place...not quite finished ...but it will be a place for the grandchildren to build trains, play with the blocks, and enjoy a tea party or two. It also was the perfect spot for my *long sought after* typewriter...circa early 1900's...my ROYAL...

And it is heavier than you can possibly imagine. It holds the original beveled glass side panels.

My nephews and oldest grandaughter are fascinated with this antiquity... learning how to peck one key at a time, waiting for the key to be released before another is pecked, and realizing the strength and patience required to complete one word.

Please understand, our home is not a museum. We enjoy our old tea cups and tea pots, reading the frail old books, tickling the ivory keys of the old piano, and discovering the keys of a century old typewriter.

This is why we enjoy living in this olde house...loving it....embracing the charm...and forgiving its creaks and moans. For in a thunderstorm, there is nothing quite so soothing as hearing rain on a tin roof, sniffing the smokey smells eminating from an old wood burning fireplace, and enjoying a hot pot of tea and cookies...

Our little Rose Water Cottage has captured our hearts.

Thank you for visiting, and more photos will be posted along our journey....

Blessings for Today.

A Tour of our Cottage...Home at Last

Welcome, Dearest Friends ....

Rose Water Cottage is beginning to look like home.
We have unpacked more and more each day, finding a place for everything, and everything in its place.

On Friday, the last day of packing and moving, along with back to back closings, the house began to fill   with boxes and more boxes...reaching full capacity...and the overflow extended to the detached garage and screened in porch.

I wasn't sure this tiny cottage was ready for us, but it welcomed us with open arms...and closets...and gradually, we began to see the floors and could make passage through doorways.

The robins and squirrels and bunny, have greeted us each morning and wished us good night each evening...letting us know they have accepted our presence. Here is Bunny Bun sitting like a statue, allowing me to capture his presence on a lovely Sunday evening...

Dearest Anita, from Castles Crowns and Cottages, and I shared photos back and forth of our little bunny friends' visits.  Oh, how I am loving the community of friends we have found here.

I began taking pictures early this morning, as the sunlight streaming in these leaded glass windows was beauty to behold...even Scout enjoyed a little nap as the rays fell right there upon her...

The view into the dining room.... note the basket on the table... and coffee cake in the cake stand...welcome gifts from our wonderful new neighbors. Such a blessing to have new friends next door!

I have enjoyed this art stand, crafted by Seth Tudor, more than I could ever express. It holds sheet music from the early 1900's and a favored book...Rose o' the River by Kate Douglas Wiggins...

Pictures hang from pretty *fleur de lis*....

A built in china cabinet is so charming...

The Living Room...

I finally have my piano....and resting atop, is a shaped note hymnal that was kept by my father's parents...Herschel and Leva Jones...and passed down to me...

My mother cross-stitched the hymn Amazing Grace, on linen, and it hangs above the piano, now.  The candles are placed on red velveteen circles that once held kerosene-type lamps. We must begin a search for such lamps.


The Cozy Cottage Kitchen...

Oh, my! How Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy love their teacups!

....they are hoping I will keep them in mind as I brew a pot of Tasha's Tea.

Aprons hang on the baking pantry...soon there shall be Granny Smith Apple Pies to bake...

The garden window view is so lovely in the mornings...

This tiny shelf in the corner of the kitchen, is my small tribute to our beloved Beatrix Potter...

I love all the little nooks and crannies in this old house...so very charming...

The first morning we awoke in our new Bedroom, I felt as if we were visiting a Bed and Breakfast.
The mantle is the centerpiece, and it is exactly what we had wished to have, one day...

This Victorian Era book was acquired at the Country Charm Antique shop, here in Franklin, months ago, before we had ever known we would find a home here.  The shop is right down the street...  such serendipity...

The other rooms are coming along, but not quite ready for a photo shoot...

We shall continue... soon...

For now, please know just how very much your thoughts and prayers have been and are still appreciated...along with the motherly advice from those who are so incredibly dear these days, sending words of encouragement daily.  I have found my stride, a pace that keeps me accomplishing much, but allows periods of rest. 

Husband and I are enjoying his vacation days and this storybook fairytale we have landed in.

Oh, Miss Eliza will not let me forget...she wanted to thank Millie Mousekin at The Butt'ry and Book'ry and sweet Linnie for the sweetest little thank you note she has ever, ever received.  Eliza is so happy that Millie's Tasha Tudor Cottage Shawls fit her so nicely and thinks she looks quite like Miss Tasha in her photos. Dearest friend Linnie sent a wonderful old book to Grammy's House, and it arrived on the final day of moving.  We were quite emotional that day, and this timely gift was evidence of the support we have from such caring friends.  Here is a photo of Millie's card to Eliza...

Have you ever seen such a teeny tiny thing? And the drawing of the bitty bird is PRECIOUS! Thank you again, sweet Linnie.

Thank you all for taking this journey with us. 

Letter from Mother

Dearest Readers...Friends of Grammy's House...
Allow me to share a letter I received from my mother last evening,
on the occasion of our anniversary, and in response to some of the comments
from you, my dearest friends...

....Do not be surprised that Lady of Rose Water Cottage is moved in so quickly. She has been preparing for this move all of her life. One day she will take you on a tour of a garden that will include all sorts of plants and flowers that have been in here mind. 

All these years she has been practicing.
There was the getting acquainted with dirt in the little Sweet Apple shack of a house. She had spring flowers rejoicing to break from the icy chill of winter and shake their yellow faces in the sunshine.
Then came practice with iris in the Heatherwood house.
But always planning someday a shady place for fragile violets and *high geraniums* (Hydrangeas) and impatiens.
Old doors with history walking through them and old wavy glass in windows that makes everything look rainy and wet.
Putting life in each moment.
Savoring the fragrance of old books and laughter of grandchildren in her kitchen.
Scout guarding her sanctuary.
At the end of each day saying goodnight to Shirley, Goodness and Mercy while Husband turns out all the lamps and snuffs out the candles.
And she thinking nothing matters but that God has giver her more than He ever promised.
Happy Anniversary, Sweet Lady of Rose Water and Husband.
L/M

I am thankful, this morning, for a mother who knows my heart and can pen the words that express my joy so eloquently. What a blessing she is to me.

Onward, to the last half of the move...today and tomorrow....the end is in sight, but embracing the journey, always...

Rose Water Cottage....

Have you ever felt as if you have landed in a dream...or a fairytale...or a storybook cottage?

We have landed in such a place, and we are thankful to our Maker for blessing us with this new home...

Rose Water Cottage.

I will take you on a tour of what was accomplished today, so you may share in our joy.

Hydrangeas cut this morning, made a welcoming bouquet...

The mail is still delivered to the mailbox on the front porch...

The doorbell twists .... ringing the brass bell inside...

I have quite a thing for old doors...and this one is precious!

I love the view through the living room windows ...

The view from the dining room window is just as sweet...

The fireplace in the living room....a real fireplace...for building a real fire, as Autumn brings cooler weather.

Grammy's Tick Tock clock has found a home on the cabinet in the corner...

Grandma Effie's little maple table is so charming in the corner ..

by the old door of the coat closet...

Eliza has arrived...

along with sweet Bebe...

and they think Grammy's new kitchen is quite cozy...

...Annabelles from the garden look so sweet in the water decanter...

Eliza is especially fond of the new location of the cookstove...

Onto the laundry nook...

Caldrea offers cleaning and laundry products, fragranced with essential oils.  Blue Sage Basil and Lavender Pine are two wonderful scents...aromatherapy while mopping the floors.

We shall take a peak at the pretty vanity in the powder room...

...even the little door is charming...

  The first day of our move to the cottage has been quite productive, and as we turn to leave ...we find Shirley has joined Goodness and Mercy...and they are singing for joy....

 such happy little friends...rejoicing for the Blessings of this day.

A favored book is placed on the table with the hydrangeas...

"Happy England"....

Happy Grammy.

Good night, dear friends....

your prayers 

have been so greatly appreciated.

Eliza Packs Tiny Treasures

The moving truck arrives this morning, bright and early. 

The cupboards have been emptied, and Eliza has gathered her humble possessions into her lovely green wheelbarrow. 

 An itty bitty candle stick, shiny round bowl, kindling basket, and the tiniest shovel, for her fireplace at the new cottage,...

...are all kept in place by a tidy blue bow...

She takes much care, because these tiny things are among Xavier's favorite things to play with when he comes to Grammy's House...

He likes to put them all in a tiny wagon...loading ...unloading..over and over...

He says, "Grammy, dese are my favorite things. I just wuv 'em." ...making Grammy smile so much.

Xavier is quite fond of red wagons..big and small.

Last week, he enjoyed one last wagon ride down to the pond, with his picnic basket filled ....fruit chews, bottled water, and his tiny wagon...

Eliza assures him, that she will deliver a portion of his tiny collection to Rose Water Cottage.

Grammy will pack the little red wagon and the other tiny treasures

in the big picnic basket, along with all the other friends... Daphne Delphinium Duckling, Shirley, Goodness, & Mercy, Patty-Patty, Tara Squirrel and all their belongings.

One final watering of his "rainbow garden" (summer cutting garden planted not long ago, by Grammy and Xavier) is hard work for a little fellow...

Such sweet little flowers it produced...

He makes one last trip down to the marshmallow tree...running as fast as his little legs will carry him..

Grammy runs behind...trying to keep up....pausing to capture the sweetness of the moment.

Carefully he climbs...

And enjoys one final "perch" in his tree...

We shall hope for all good things as we make our way to a new home.

More wagon rides, a new tree to love, and a garden to water.

Such sweet days have been enjoyed here...at Grammy's House

Tomorrow will be Grammy and Husband's fourth anniversary...they are still a couple of lovebirds...

Ready to make a new nest...God is so Good.

A wheel barrow for Eliza Dormouse

An afternoon getaway...just so much packing one can do...and then a distraction is much needed.

We travel to Franklin, making a quick visit to Mistress of City Mouse...and she has a gift for Eliza...
A wheelbarrow...

...just like the one used by Samuel Whiskers and his Mrs. to flee...with "a quantity of luggage."

The darling wheelbarrow was wrapped with such a pretty bow....Eliza could not bear to remove it..

The tiny wheel spins...

Eliza is unsure if she will be capable of running as fast as Mrs. Whiskers...but not to worry...her "getaway" is planned, and she is coming along to Rose Water Cottage, by invitation...
So she gives a little try...

It is  *perfectly perfect* in every way, and she will carry her very tiny delicate things...candle sticks, and shovel for her fireplace, brass bowls* much tinier than thimbles* ... as Mistress Grammy will load her heavier belongings in the picnic basket...

 Miss Eliza has missed her John Jacob...who has gone to play and live with Xavier...and it has been very difficult to leave as a *country mouse* and arrive as a *city mouse*.  Mistress Grammy eases her tiny little moussie mind...and says she may be a *cottage mouse*....still loving Grammy's flowers, grown in a garden...and able to love tea sets and tea pots and lovely things which are pink. Such a wonderful way to ease her anxious thoughts.

Grammy Christie and Husband leave City Mouse...thanking her profusely for the lovely gift...and travel to the new cottage, to park their *carriage*...a short distance they will walk, to attend the GRAND OPENING of the Theater in Franklin...in total disrepair...it has lovingly been restored...
On the Red Carpet is a lovely young woman wearing the most beautiful evening gown...

As Grammy inquires the origin of the most gorgeous gown...she is told it has been fashioned from the theater's original draperies, circa 1937. The evening gown was the fabric lining the drapes. The fabulous cloak, was the actual drapery ...See from the back, it is absolutely exquisite...

What an enchanted evening we had...
perusing the charming gift shops....

They were celebrating as well, with fantastic displays....

and costumes....extraordinaire....

Wonderful friends in my favorite little shop...Avec Moi....the owner, on the right, is so very proud, for he worked so very hard, preparing for this event. You should have seen the shiny buckles on his shoes...my mademoiselle dolly, Andrea M'lynn, would have been enchanted!

We gave hugs and congratulations as we left the Parisian festivities of the precious little shop..

I loved every thing about this fabulous table setting...thinking Ms. Anita, dear, should be seated as guest of honor!

Onto another favorite shop, which draws one to its doors....which stand open...by releasing a fragrance so divine....lavender!

I bring home a bag of Lullabaloos....fizzy balls for the bath...aromatherapy for the entire home...
Breathe in...and inhale the lavender....

So, a fizzy ball today, one for tomorrow, one for Monday...and then they shall be found on the lovely vanity in the cottage ....ahhhhh!! Breathe in ...breathe out....we will be there soon...

Miss Eliza is delighted to become a cottage mouse....and is anxious to pack her wheelbarrow....

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!!

Goodness and Mercy

We have been aware of the presence of Goodness and Mercy,
but we have finally come face to face...

They appear tattered and worn on the outside,
but on the inside..their spirits are refreshed by the thought
that they have been sufficiently acknowledged.

Isn't that how it is?
We 'feel' a presence,  just like we 'feel' the wind...
but when we finally see it face to face....
like leaves swirling in mid-air...
we can truly believe!

Goodness..who is nicknamed 'ohma'
because of Grammy's favored saying,...repeated often by Xavier .."ohmagoodness"..
is now known ..
as something God shares with those who seek Him.
Her dearest friend is Mercy...
formerly known as a very southern term ..followed by very many exclamation marks...
is now known for being one of God's greatest gifts!

These two have been around for quite a long time...

working steadily... all these days... in the home of Grammy and Big Daddy.

They scurried silently through the rooms...


...Welcoming children who would call out "Grammy and Big Daddy"...

Xavier, lover of all God's tiniest creatures...
including Chicky Chick...who would go to Heaven, not long after Easter...

and Baby Bun...
wounded beyond repair, who we would lose the following week...

loving them with his tender heart, whilst they were on this earth...


Princess Kyleigh...who would enjoy her very first Tea Party......

..... ever smiling...Colin...

..and "Miracle at Christmastide"... newborn, Sophia...

Around the kitchen, they'd sneak ... smelling eggs that were 'scrandled'...

spying their Dormice friends, John Jacob and Eliza....

 ...passing Scout's favored 'circle of sunshine' she found each morning, in the foyer...

And up the stairs...


into the play room....
watching Xavier as he played with a set of 'lincoln logs'...
enjoyed and cherished so many years ago, by my Matthew, Cale, and Olivia....

and the wooden train set...each piece, a Christmas gift for my mother , who began requesting the set when she became a 'memaw,' and her grandchildren became toddlers...

out the windows, they hopped....

...landing with a bounce, into the blooms of the climbing hydrangea..

...and into the blushing petals of the 'Bride'...

'neath the towering stalks of Xavier and Grammy's Hollyhocks...

...stopping to gaze at the first bloom of Xavier's 'Rainbow' summer cutting garden....

down the drive...
to the pond and the great marshmallow tree...

a little boy claimed as his own....

......Sprinkling their blessings every where they stopped to rest.

How evident are their gifts all around...do you see? Goodness and Mercy are everywhere at once..for that is the nature of these two ..

They are now joined by a new friend, Shirley...

Who shares with Goodness and Mercy, the resource she has found...in Grammy's growing library...

(Thankful to a very talented craftsman, Seth Tudor...
son of our beloved Tasha Tudor....who crafted the wooden art stand)

..and Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy shall follow Grammy and Big Daddy for all the days of their lives...

into their new home,
and into the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Such a gift!
How blessed we are!
And one day, we will all dwell in the house of the Lord!

These are the children...along with the ones who love our children...and the grandchildren ...of Grammy Christie and Husband...worshipping on Easter Sunday...
All of us together, at once. I believe it was a first. God is so Good.

Thank you, in advance, all my dear friends...new and dear...tried and true...
for all of your prayers in these next several...
very hectic...
days ahead.
May God add His richest blessings upon you!

Songbirds and a Flute

May I introduce you to my dear, life long friend?
She came into my life, when I was a 10 year old, little girl...She had been purchased for my older sister, Lynn.
With there being no 'connection' between the purchase and the sister, I inquired if I might be allowed to give her a try. How difficult to learn the correct 'embouchure' ...future teachers would struggle to teach me the 'correct' way, but as the tone rang clear and sweet, their efforts subsided...   I had found my newest passion!

The romance between my Artley flute and I began, all those years ago...

Now, 40 years later...
She has had new pads,  has acquired a new case...as the original would no longer remain snapped closed, and plays as lovely as she ever did...

Flute lessons, beginning band...with the most outstanding band director the world has ever known...Mr. Joe Walden of Orlando, Florida...marching band, recitals, concerts, church orchestras, and on to play for assemblies at the middle school where I taught,  she has remained loyal at my side...and at one time...it was quite difficult to distinguish the flute from its player...tall, thin, piercing high pitched voice...oh, such awkward years she has seen me through....

This morning, she is pulled from her case, pieces placed together, and warmed.....

'Songbirds at Sunrise' plays on the Bose...and as the volume is turned high...I find the somber tones, flowing from my flute, accompanying the birds and loveliest instruments....insects, singing their lullabies...frogs croaking...
I am transported...

How thankful am I, Heavenly Father, for your gift of inspiration, sprinkled down upon us, in so many ways...at the time we need it most..

For our heart has come alive again... restoring passion, once lost,.... and your child has found her way back to a gift You promised to bless, for as long as it was tended to.
Thank you for your eternal patience....for, to You.....time is irrelevant....it flows ever forwards with the whisper of your Breath...slowing and speeding...to the pace of Your divine will..

You know our hearts desires...and You wait....for us to be still once more....and hear Your promises fresh and new.

And you Bless.

Must a Party in Paris Ever End..

Oh such fun!! Strolling through Paris...all day long....in my mind....

Must it end???
Oh such splendid fun!!!

To Anita, at Castles Crowns and Cottages,
THANK YOU!!
Hosting a delightful day for all your friends was certainly inspired.

A name shall be drawn from a lovely chapeau, and a present you shall send...
...but the gift has already been received, my dear!
For you have introduced new friends to each of us, to our own little parts of the world...
and have blessed us in more ways than you know.
To increase our circle of talented, creative, artistic, inspiring women of faith,
in such a lovely, magical way,
is a gift,  in and of itself!
One which can never be matched by a token held in our hands.

On Saturday Eve...
gone to sleep... and to dream.
How tired were we...
At 10:17...

Shoes for dancing ...oh so enchanting...
of satin and bows ...and heels that are high...
must go to rest, also, for dreamtime is nigh...

The buttons galore...that shine on my handbag...
and gloves that are fashioned of a soft creamy white ..
are hung from the dresser for a long dreamy night.

Sweet dreams... sweet Sophia..
in your tu-tu so precious...
We love your pink kisses...
and cheeks full of blushes!

Teacups will rest...from the teas we've been drinking...

Hydrangeas and Sachets...smell lovely, I'm thinking...

So dreams will be sweet, midst the wicker and laces...

... and Paris we'll visit...the loveliest of places....

The City of Lights....of which we will dream....

and thank Miss Anita for sharing her scheme!

Bon Soir, Mes Amies!!!

Saturday in Paris....with Anita

To Paris we travel, with friends of a feather...

those who are dear, no matter the weather. 

Pack all your pretties, and parasols, plenty...Anita is hosting...

we all must be ready.

So what shall I wear, on this journey we're plotting...an apron is tied...

round my pink and white stockings..

...and quietly I'll knit, midst the fresh, snowy white.

Waiting so patiently, while others might join us...Mademoiselle keeps smiling and smiling

For, with me, she'll travel, to a city of lights...
where shoes can be found...with buckles so bright...

 pantaloons, ruffles and gloves that fit tight.

We'll think words that are French....

and stroll through the garden...

Pale pinks and pale purples... some blue and some lavender...

Gaze upon lovebirds....on a white painted swing...

imagining the love song.... two lovebirds would sing...

Oh hush, all you noises, surrounding this pair...

and listen to chirping...so sweet....and so fair....

All that is lovely and made of old stone...

might just melt away...

with the songbirds clear tone...

Strolling and wandering, we shan't tarry long...for inside our home is shelter from storms.

Peek through the window panes....only once more, and cherish an early... cloudy grey morn...

France is so lovely and Paris is gay...

but home... We like best,

With my dolly, I'll stay.

Thank you dear Anita, of Castles Crowns and Cottages, for hosting such a lovely party...

...inspiring us to dream of faraway places ...that sparkle and shine !

And happiest birthday wishes to:

 My Dear 'daughter-in-love', Deana

My Dearest Aunt Lea

And my Dear Sister-in-Law, Cindee

Their are no fairer gals, than those born in May!

Come to the Party

Bonjour, Mes Amies!

Tomorrow we shall travel to Anita's Fabulous 'Castles Crowns and Cottages' ....for a Party in Paris!

So, when you awake..... you surely can't snooze.........you must be alert...at 8:32

Draw a hot bath....

add some soap, that is lovely....

and toiletries to pamper...all parts of your body...

Then enjoy the journey....and dream with us...

of a market in Paris, where we'll stop to have brunch..

Saturday, May 28th....

at

 Castles Crowns and Cottages

See you there......Auvoir!!!

Doll-loving, Barbie-playing, Girly-girl...from the Get-Go

Practically from the womb...as far back as I have memory...I loved dolls...

The photographs taken, whilst a little girl in Africa, reveal a girly-girl from the very get-go...

In the photo above, I wanted to be like big sister, who began attending a British school, requiring a wool hat and satchel back pack.

My love affair with dolls, and hats, and purses, had officially begun. 

I even learned, early on, how to wave like a princess in a parade...

At Christmastide, my request was for an African Baby Doll...

Barbie and Ken had just been introduced and made their way under our tree that Christmas...

Life would not ever be the same!

The babydoll was a Zulu doll, which I still have, and the yellow evening gown worn by Barbie, was found this morning, amongst the bag of vintage clothes and accessories...

We began to receive packages from ladies back in the States, who knew there were two little 'Barbie-loving' girls in Africa. These incredibly talented ladies fashioned each little dress, by hand,  adding tiny beads and laces and ric-rac for embellishment. The lovely yellow gown, above, was one of those hand sewn.

Being young, we had no idea what a gift this was, but our mother knew. And how very grateful she was for their tending to the seemingly insignificant need...doll clothes for her daughters.

Most I have saved...through many moves...

While doing my morning laundry...I pressed the lovely blue gingham...

and decided the vintage wardrobe could use the gentle touch of the iron...

 The pretty golden 'bee' dress...

Isn't it sweet..

This is my favorite...of course, because it is pink! I had thought of repurposing this dress for Daphne's new silk frock, but once it was pressed, I just could not bear to take it apart...

As I continued to peruse the rumpled batch, sorting....pressing...grouping...

I could see a distinct progression of styles....from 1960's ....late 1960's (more dresses being acquired upon our return to the States) and on into the 1970's.

 Come along for our little fashion show

The Barbie I knew and loved, was Babysitter Barbie.

She loved talking on the little phone and listening to her records, and I suppose that is why the receiver
and the record player has gone missing...hmmmm...

I believe Ginger from Gilligan's Isle is pictured on the television screen, above!

Barbie babysat little girls...always...as did I. So I assumed I would have only little girls, when I became a mommy. When my first born was a boy, he was named Matthew, and I was in love with little boys.

I did not know that one day his nickname, as a grown man, would be Matty B. ....how interesting that this name was on Barbie's Apron...

The two evening gowns, each with a matching  clutch, were quite exquisite fabrics...the pink on the right, reminds me of 'I Dream of Jeannie'

Sweet satin-y pajamas...

were replaced with brightly colored underthings...

I was so excited when Francie was introduced....I identified with her, as I was tall, and thin, and quite lacking in shapely Barbie curves ... Francie's wardrobe was so sweet and feminine...

These are still my favorite colors...isn't that most interesting....

But onward to 1970...and even sweet Francie was keeping up with the bold new styles.

These were received on my 9th birthday...

Not long after that, my Barbie received a wedding dress...a lovely fabric...neckline and headpiece of her veil is soft white fur. Bouquet of pink velvet roses.

Pictured to the right, is the wedding dress Olivia's Barbie would wear in the early 90's...(notice the bouquet with no flowers...plastic stems... quality of the materials was certainly on the decline.)

And you might have noticed that the ever popular Barbie stilettos are absent from the collection. This is due to Sister's continual aggravation each time her bare foot was pierced by the heel, of said shoes, as she walked across the shag carpeting of their shared bedroom.  For shag carpeting could keep tiny shoes hidden, and a little girl's best efforts to retrieve them all, at appointed clean-up time, were ultimately in vain. Even the Electrolux vacuum could not exhume the shoes from the fibers of such thick carpeting.  Only the  bare feet of a sister who did not appreciate an entire bedroom being used as an elaborate Barbie compound,  could locate the tiniest of shoes.  You might speculate why so many never returned to their Barbie cases...but wound up, instead, in the brown paper grocery bag located under the kitchen sink.  Yes...the trash! But after all these years, you will be happy to know, we hardly ever, ...ever...speak of those horrid little shoes.  

Oh, sister dear....how I love you!

This picture was taken before our departure from Africa. Sister, Lynn..our mother hen, Bradley...curious of every little creature and living thing, Stanley...the baby, no other words needed, and Christie...happy to smile at the camera and proud of a new, pretty pink dress.  Mother made the matching dresses for her girls...saving some of the pink and green trimming. 

 Years ago, she stitched a length of the same ribbon around the liner of a tiny basket that sat on Olivia's dresser for a number of years.   The remainder of that trim hangs over the frame and has been housed in my sewing basket for many years.
  

Mother knew from the very start, that she had quite a little girly-girl on her hands...and what in the world would she ever do with one of those....

The same thing she does with me now...loves me up and down, inside and out, embracing me for who I am, proud of who I have become.

How thankful I am .... that she turned me over to Jesus....from the very start.

How Daphne Duckling Comes to Acquire a "Fanny Green"

Daphne Delphinium Duckling is receiving quite the attention! Ribbon has been ordered for her new frock...in fact....quite an assortment of ribbons have been ordered.  Upon further perusal of the tiny Mouse Mills Catalogue, Daphne seems quite puzzled by the term Renoir…

...wondering, to what is it referring...

Grammy Christie ascends the stairs to the storage room...where much remains to be packed...and descends, carrying boxes and bags...

A Madame Alexander portrait doll was a Christmas gift to young Christie, ....a Renoir doll.

Grammy explains that Renoir was an extraordinary artist who was well known for his lovely painted portraits of young ladies in fanciful frocks...Daphne is quite intrigued with the history lesson, but mostly by the lovely laces, stockings and pretty pink ruffles..

She especially admires the bonnet and the velvet millinery flowers..

Grammy opens another box, revealing the very first portrait doll she received on  Christmas morning in 1970... a Degas girl..

Beautiful blue velvet forget-me-nots are amongst the bouquet of milliners flowers, along with a pink velvet bow to match her feminine sash…

More blue boxes with pink tissue paper are opened, revealing Pinky and Blue Boy....blue boy's satin clothes have faded over time and appear lavender…

(Grammy still recalls the original vibrant shades, the crispness of the bonnets and ruffles, and even the 'new doll fragrance' ...as each doll was unwrapped on each  Christmas morn...Santa knew just how much the dolls would be loved and treasured for years to come..)

Daphne Delphinium is such a dear little duckling, so fascinated by the exquisite velvet flowers, Grammy Christie thinks, and ponders.....and thinks a little more...

An assortment of Barbie clothes and accessories are poured from a canvas bag. It is quite a hodgepodge collection from things gathered and cherished from her childhood, along with a few items of daughter Olivia's Barbie friends.

At last, she comes upon a lovely straw hat (from a Mary Poppins doll wardrobe) and it resembles the lovely "Fanny Green" chapeau in the Mouse Mills catalogue…

 Duckling dearest thinks a gardening hat would be lovely! and the 'summer foliage' ribbon seems to be a perfect match. How precious it will be attached to the straw and tied neatly 'neath her chin...

She gives it a try ...

The shade of the satin pink fabric swatches is duplicated in the tiny pink flower...what a splendid match! 

(the scissors were another Christmas gift, from Christie's childhood, during her 6th grade year, and came inside a bright yellow sewing basket)

Such a colorful wardrobe for our former little 'wallflower' duckling.

Grammy will do her 'magic' and whip a wardrobe into shape.

Photographs to follow soon.

Delightful Designs for Daphne Delphinium Duckling

This little duckling friend of ours, has apparently walked a long road..and stumbled over many a big pebble, up and down many a "fool's mountain" ...and it is evident, as you spy the tiny worn place on her little webbed foot..that she has paddled long and hard to stay afloat...

But she has found a haven here....a home where she is accepted and loved and clothed, as if she had always belonged.  She feels now, as if she had never been anywhere, but here.

Grammy Christie has surprised her with a Spring Catalogue for her perusal...her tiny tired wings flap for joy!

  Grammy decided we must find Tasha Tudor's enchanting miniature Mouse Mills Catalogue, as it has found to be a most excellent resource.

Daphne exclaims, "Grammy, that little duckling looks just like me! Could I ever look so fancy as that?"

"Why, of course, you silly girl...but your tender little heart has made you a Fancy little Fraulein, already!"

A lovely, duckling-sized frock is found, and right away,

Grammy gathers her notions. Some are quite old…

The red tomato pin cushion (used by Christie in her 9th grade year in Home Economics Class) lost the tiny red strawberry that hung by a little green string, long ago...and its felt leaves are held on by the tiny pins which came from the Lady's Toilet Pin Box (which Grammy Christie's mother acquired almost 50 years ago, in British-influenced Africa) 

The precious beeswax hedgehog, was purchased recently, along with the Gloriana ribbons (shown above in Elizabethan Green and Delphinium) through a company called 'hedgehoghandworks'. Across the ocean, from England, they came, in a tiny little package. Andrea M'lynn has loved her Blossoms ribbon and Eliza favors the Hydrangea dainty ribbon which keeps her shawl about her shoulders.

Daphne Delphinium Duckling says the Green is such a wonderfully rich shade, but it might be better suited for Christmastide Festivities.

She inquires, "Grammy, haven't you anything in a shade close to number 6?"

 Grammy speculates, "Hmmmm....Do you suppose Summer Foliage will do?"

Daphne Dearest holds the sample card, and agrees that the shade seems 'perfectly perfect' in every way!

Grammy will search for a soft pink silk to coordinate with the lovely shade of green.

Daphne Delphinium Duckling has forgotten that her worn webbed foot will be seen in the photograph.
She discovers, at long last,  she is ever-so-loved in spite of her flaws. All anyone really sees, is one happy, fancy duckling, and Grammy Christie thinks she is quite special!!

May you always feel as fancy and loved as those little creatures who find their way to Grammy Christie's House.

Giddy-Up Little Garden

It is a sunshine-filled, windy beginning to our day....and it feels like Christmas Morning, every morning...wanting to run to the garden to see what package has been opened.
After a large bowlful of my favorite cereal, (known far and wide, as "Grammy's Cereal") and fresh goat's milk from dear friends, I am ready to face the day.

Dew still fresh on the grass, I pull up my wellies, place my hat over my loosely braided hair, and take along the camera...

These days will pass quickly as we proceed to the approaching move.
Thank you for joining me as I document these rich, fragrant days of Spring, at Grammy's House.

I suppose at some point last year, I planted a few petunias...I had forgotten...but they had remembered. They were the softest peachy pink hue...and I can see their little petals yawning, waiting to open soon...

The girls in the hydrangea bed must have had quite a pep talk last night from the Annabelle and the Blushing Bride...for they have picked up their pace and more pretty petals have burst forth..

Xavier declares these to be "the pink ones that my mommy likes!" They will be a vibrant shade!


Make haste little Annabelles...

...they seem to be squinting, in the bright morning sun.
These are some of the sweetest in the garden...it could very well be, that I favor them because of their beautiful name...or because the dearest little children's book, 'A is for Annabelle' by Tasha Tudor, is one of my favorites.

(I recently found this lovely little copy published in 1954...it is perfectly perfect for little hands, as the cover bends easily, and no bothersome dust jacket to negotiate)

(Sweet grandaughter, Baby Sophia, keeps one of her softest of soft pink blankies at Grammy's ...it provides such a feminine little backdrop for this dolly book)

Annabelle's dress, and its soft shade of green, reminds me of the Annabelle Hydrangea's pale green petals.

They are such fragile little girls, requiring daily watering as the heat of the summer wears on them. When I asked my masterful gardener brother what was the best fertilizer for my gardens, he replied, "The water from your sweat, and the shade from your shadow." In other words, be present amongst your growing things...they love to feel your fingers pass over their leaves and hearing your voice praising them for the beauty they produce. Such sage advice...of course, no pun intended...


The Brides continue to Blush, as they open and reveal the palest shade of pink..

Oh!My!Goodness! (or 'ohmagooness' as Xavier translates Grammy's most frequent exclaim) Can you believe this??

I have not one single frock in my closet this shade...but as I step into my garden, I find my wellies  coordinate beautifully with the lovely Spring 'bonnet' of this little miss!

The grapes are swaying in their arbor, begging for their 'keeper' to come and direct a chorus of praise amongst their growing clusters...

The protective prickles are long gone...they are managing quite well, thus far.

Breezes blow...pea-sized fruit is a tiny blur.

This morning in the garden...my heart swells, knowing that God, who created us to tend to His Garden...must be so very pleased. It is His praise and love I feel as His hand brushes over me...causing a desire to please Him as I continue to grow in the shade of His shadow...

The Language of Flowers

"I cannot imagine a more appropriate plant to symbolize female ambition, its tall pretty pastel blooms swaying at the back of our cottage gardens."

This is a quote from a lovely book, which has become quite the resource in my home, describing the Hollyhock...one of my very favorite flowers, and one that I must plant in the gardens of our Rose Water Cottage.

I first heard reference to this book as I watched one of my best loved series...Cranford...one dreary, winter evening while husband was away.  Wearing my long, white, victorian-style nightgown, wrapped under a cozy blanket, with beeswax candle lit,  teacup of hot tea by my down-cushioned chair...I approached the quiet evening and this wonderful BBC production (a dear-to-my-heart birthday gift from my mother). 

Remember these specifics, as you come upon an evening with a clear agenda. 

In the movie, based on the delightful book by Mrs. Gaskell, the ladies witness the delivery of a bouquet of anemones, received by a young lady. With their dresses swishing, as they hurry to search for the tiny book, there is a rapturous sigh as one reads from the text, the flower's meaning. Steadfast love...another chorus of ....ahhhhhh.....

 

In the movie, the book was so tiny, it seemed as if it might be a miniature. How I searched for such a clever little book...one that was antiquated and similar in size...but not one could I find. The book I came upon, shown above, has suited me and has become a lovely addition to my library. Each page is beautiful in itself, with lovely botanical paintings and other Victorian inspired themes. The meaning of each flower is followed by its origin...I refer to this quite often, in these days of discovering English Cottage Gardening.

In the movie 'Cranford' ... one of my favorite terms used by the women of the quaint little town, is "Elegant Economy."   The candles on their mantles and at their bedsides, were used quite sparingly, as beeswax was quite a luxury.

How fortunate I am to have found such a splendid gilded copy of this favored book.

The tiny beeswax candles were found in Old Salem...the wonderful little town in North Carolina...at the Moravian Bookstore and Gift Shoppe.

You will see a vintage Webster's Dictionary amongst the books in the photo....it dates from the early 1900's, and it was acquired to discover the definitions of words used at the turn of the century...as this is the era in which most of the books in my collection were written. I hope this will prove helpful to you, as well.