A Wagon Ride, A Picnic, & Gathering of Cedar

It is no secret, if I had my "druthers" ...I'druther live 100 years, or so, ago....

with horse and buggies, bonnets and fluffy~full skirts, button~up shoes and parasols...

One can dream, can't she?

The invitation to participate in a Moss family tradition, that comes awfully close to a "Little House on the Prairie" adventure, had this Grammy~girl full of anticipation.

Come with me to Moss Hollow...Mamaw's 200 acre farm....

We gathered 'round the kitchen table, visiting, nibbling on biscuits, waiting for the men folk to arrive....
Anticipation building....
Then came the call to head outside...our wagons were awaiting...

Nothing in my pioneer dreams had prepared me for the sight I beheld.  I had never seen such beautiful mules, in all their finery, with the sweetest buggy/wagon/carriage I could have ever imagined....
Sam had out~done himself!

But then...there was another....

And here was beautiful Blackie...so majestic...posing, as I snapped photos...

...he had belonged to Nancy.


Oh, the exhilaration...as we gathered up the old picnic baskets filled with delectable delights..and placed them in the wagon...

along with bags of thermoses of hot cider & hot coffee...mason jars filled with milk and sugar...

and wool blankets, and quilts, and jackets, and work gloves.

Would my skin contain my joyful soul?!

Off we went...pony following the wagon ahead...
beautiful Blackie, with his rider, alongside..
and harnesses jingling like bells...

Be still my heart.

The sun was shining so bright with hardly a cloud in the sky. The breeze kept us cool, as the temperature was a perfect 65 degrees.

Our wagon driver was Bob, a long~time family friend, and his grandson, known as Dill~pickle, was his little sidekick....

Here we are, the back seat drivers....pressing brakes that were not there, as we went down steep hills and around sharp corners...bouncing along all the way, with smiles, and laughter, and stories...lots of stories shared by Bonnie, of what it was like growing up on this farm...with seven siblings...picking apples in the orchard...whistling for her horse, who would come to her extended open hand...

...and then recalling stories of her children's experiences here, when they were little ones, learning to ride ponies, finding their own "hundred acre wood" ....how wonderful to take it all in.


We waited patiently for our turn to head down into and across the hollow...

As we rode along... or...rather...bounced and rocked along...we tried to imagine traversing the country, as early pioneers did....and I had to remind myself, there were no roads, no paths, no trails, no rest stops with facilities...and no Advil to take at night for those achy muscles...goodness! So it was just nice to pretend we were Laura and Mary Ingalls.

All the while, we were searching for cedar trees to harvest for their evergreen branches...wreaths, swags, and such would be fashioned from the fragrant greenery.

While the men cut the trees....

we searched for abandoned birds' nests.  It was like an Easter Egg Hunt.  I felt such satisfaction to find the first little nest, tucked tightly in the branches of a friendly cedar tree, and then felt equal joy to hear that Bonnie found one, only a few minutes later.  (They have both come home with me, to the Franklin house and will be so sweet amongst the Christmas arrangements.)

We continued on...and more trees were found.

As Mechelle held the reins...

her husband, Sam, cut the trees, and his sisters, Kate and Bonnie waited to drag them to the trailer hitched to our wagon...

Two beautiful teams...

magnificent creatures...

In the midst of the work...pounding hooves were heard, in the distance...

Unknown riders appear...

we are all transported, at once, to pioneer days....is it friend or foe?  Squealing begins...this is too much fun...everyone reaches for their pretend rifles...just in case a pretend battle ensues....

Well, for goodness sake....it's family....out for a Saturday ride....
How striking is their group, gathered against the blue sky ....

It is time to move on...children are hungry and restless.

A resting place is found.  A perfect spot for a picnic,
and fresh hay for the mules...

The sisters commenced to unpacking the baskets and arranging their contents atop a red plaid blanket. Such a variety of sandwiches, muffins, biscuits, and treats had been tucked into vintage baskets, cigar boxes, mason jars, and miniature crates. We had to pause for a moment and gaze over the array of red plaids, gingham ribbons, festive plates & napkins....

I had packed my picnic basket (acquired from Susan Branch's Vintage Finds)...

with Lemon Pepper Tea Biscuits (Susan had posted the recipe on her blog)....

This most adorable feast, presented on the back of Sam's most charming buggy, was almost more than I could take in...

Enough pictures. The children can wait no longer....

The Santa cookies looked so yummy, little Dill had to have just one...

This sweet girl is one of my youngest blog fans...Brianna, but everyone calls her Bri...she tells us...

She's one smart little girl!


We spread our quilts and blankets in the shade...

and consumed plates full of goodies....

...and then, shamelessly hovered over the buggy and nibbled on the cookies and olives and okra and ...just one more cracker with Mechelle's delicious homemade pimento cheese...and...just one more cup of cider...

and we're all smiles...

And Mamaw is happy that Tim, who became her son-in-law 30 years ago...remains so...even though her daughter, his Nancy, is no longer with us..

and now considers me family...

showering love and acceptance all over the place.


Our tummies are full..

...and so is the trailer.....

The baskets were retrieved ...

and we made our way back to the farmhouse.

The cedar branches were then clipped into lengths to use as garland around the porch railing. Bonnie demonstrated and gave helpful tips on how to progress around the rail, keeping the boughs fluffed and draping....

This was the result...

Sister, Kate, came along behind our "assembly line" with strings of colorful lights...winding them carefully around the cedar.

Another demonstration on making a wreath, followed, and I discovered that she used a grapevine wreath, as her base, and green floral wire to attach the small branches. She progressed, around the wreath, laying a new branch atop the previous stem...winding the wire...laying another branch so the leaves covered the stem wound with wire...and so on. This way, the greenery is fluffy...all that has had wire wrapped are the stems...

She crafted the beautiful bow...and I will be asking her for a tutorial on that, as well.

The front porch railing received a special touch... boughs filled with blue berries from a giant cedar...

Bonnie then whipped up one last creation...a swag to cover the door....

(after this picture had been taken...the swag was adorned with a few sprigs of the beautiful blue berries and one more sprig of magnolia.)

It was just as pretty, from the inside of the house, looking out....

...and up into the approaching clouds...

Rain would come during the night....we had been given the gift of  perfect weather...and a perfect day!

Bonnie snapped this photo after we had left ...priceless....

Goodnight, little farmhouse....

We now enter this Season, filled to overflowing, with the Spirit of Christmas.

May we have thankful hearts, for all of God's blessings.

A Rose Water Cottage Paper Chain

It's a rainy day, I've had two cups of coffee, and can't seem to find the motivation to change out of my comfy white flannel gown.

I think back over the weekend, spent with our 4-year-old grandson, Xavier.

My mind wanders back to my own pre-school and kindergarten days...

Days of milk and cookies,

Naptime,

and my favorite, Art.

Making Christmas decorations out of construction paper, white school paste, buttons, ric-rac...

you remember...

and your momma would hang them proudly on the tree.

I loved making paper chains...except the spectrum of colors in the pack of construction paper was not quite broad enough for my liking.

But now that I'm grown...there are so many more options.

So, on this rainy Monday morning, I took my coffee cup to my art table (where the magic happens)

...you could take cookies and milk, if you like....

and I pulled out the array of papers I chose at the craft store....

I folded the square sheet in half and cut 1" strips...I don't want a real chunky chain...plus, my chain will turn out much longer.

I picked patterns and colors that fit with our Victorian Cottage Christmas Theme here at Rose Water Cottage.

                               

We are purchasing a real tree, this year, and I want the decorations to be nostalgic. 

Homemade garlands will blend with ornaments we've collected together, 

along with ornaments from my children's childhood.

                                 

I happened to remember a handy little tool from my scrapbooking supplies....

this makes the process much faster....

but quite noisy, and Scout jumps every time I pull down the handle....

She finally grows accustom to the noise and settles into my lap for her nap....

Cutting is complete, and I have 8 little stacks to work with (after I cut them at the fold line) ....

I also discover that using a Wite-Out product, covers up the scan code and other writing found on the back of the paper...

This is just going to be the sweetest thing....

....and at about this point in the project, you're probably thinking what I was...

Eliza would LOVE one of these!

Yes! She shall have a teeny tiny garland herself...

She is so thankful for Grammy's nimble fingers...

If you have a dollhouse, a mousehouse, a birdcage....any tiny home... for a tiny little friend...this is the perfect decoration.

Eliza's will be so sweet surrounding her tiny cottage door.

We must get back to work...we don't want this rainy day to go to waste!

Monday blessings, Friends...and a Happy Birthday to our Tia~

Grammy, Scout, and Eliza the Dormouse

Reflections of Autumn and Visions of Christmastide

Such busy-ness here at Rose Water Cottage....
Grammy's House has been on the back burner, and my apologies are in order.

Stop for a moment, here, and refill your cup of tea or coffee...
get comfortable...
and enjoy the journey we have experienced since mid-October,
for it has included the completion of Eliza's Adventures,
an outdoor Chili Supper at Aunt Bonnie's,
a pumpkin festival in Franklin,
and, as always, fun with Xavier
...along with more birthdays than you could shake a stick at!

Xavier was fascinated with his Aunt Bonnie's new bunny...

..his incredible house, built by Xavier's Uncle Sam and his friend....

..and its fall decorations...

What a fun evening, spent with family, eating delicious chili cooked over an open fire...

Bonnie has a lot of help from sister-in-law Mechelle...

 Xavier learning to play frisbee...

...enjoying festive decorations...

..including a witchy-poo or two...

and their scaredy cats...

(crafted by the ever-clever hostess)

...and a little bitty pumpkin girl, Sophia, loving on her "gig dd""...Big Daddy... as the other grandchildren call husband...

... and roasting marshmallows over the fire, as darkness fell...

(our Tia...Xavier's mommy... with her sweet mamaw)

(Mamaw celebrated her birthday at the beginning of November, along with her grandson, our Keely (Sophia's daddy). Then my daddy celebrated his 80th birthday, my son turned 28, soon after, and his girlfriend celebrated her 29th. Mine followed,  my sweet nephew Trent will turn 14 on Sunday, Tia's will be on Monday, and sister-in-law will be at the end of the month...whew! There are also many more of our very dear friends who will also turn a year older, this month, but just too many to name.)
You see now what I meant...  This is the card I painted for Mamaw....

We enjoyed venturing downtown ...just a 10 minute walk.... to enjoy the annual Pumpkin Festival.  The main attraction was this gigantic pumpkin that traveled, on this trailer, all the way from Canada....

The premier of a Civil War documentary at the Franklin Theatre, brought hostesses wearing period dresses....

Back at the Franklin house...

Husband built our first beautiful fire in the fireplace...

More mums were purchased, through October, creating such a pretty Autumnal display....

Xavier chose the colors of the pansies...

And we would finally be satisfied with the results...

...as the roses continued to bloom with the approaching evening for trick or treaters...

....and the lanterns were lit....

...we said Goodnight to October, "You have delighted us with your brilliant and colorful foliage, your cool evenings, and warm days."

...and "Hello, November!"
The month of birthdays....

I must take a moment to thank my dear friend Laura at Our Scented Cottage for providing me with the most delicious recipes. This "Too Much Chocolate" cake was bestowed "the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted" award by my eldest son's girlfriend (she and he celebrated their November birthdays at our home, with a meal cooked with lots of love.) Thank you, Laura, for sharing with us!

We also celebrated the completion of our little book...Eliza's Adventures at Grammy's House in the Country.  A literary agent will be taking a look and giving us advice on how to proceed. Keep us in your prayers, as these are very exciting days.

I have the dearest, new little friend named Rilee...she lives in Louisiana with her Momma who is one of those forever friends. You know the kind....you may only see her once every 10 years, or more, and you can pick up right where you left off...that kind....a gift from God.  Her sweet girl was intrigued with the photos of my little book and became very anxious for its completion in order to purchase her own copy. She inquired if an "Eliza" came with the book.  Well, for her, one would.  So I set to work...

Eliza gave her approval of the tiny shawl and kerchief...for Rilee fell in love with the Rose Water Pink Eliza was sporting in the photo.

...and here is Rilee's Eliza in the midst of cotton stuffing...insisting on a bow for her tail, as it had the tiniest crimp that made her very self-conscious...

At last, all was complete....the package filled with all sorts of treasures for a most deserving young lady, and shipped off to Louisiana.

Rilee is the first to view a copy of the completed little book, and I hold her opinion in high regard. She has given her seal of approval, so, come what may with the literary agent, I have been completely affirmed. Thank you, sweet girl!

We quietly celebrated my 50th birthday, as to my wishes, and I am overwhelmed at the happiness I feel at reaching this milestone.  It's as if I have joined a very distinguished club, and I am terribly excited!
(My best-neighbor-in-the-whole-world gifted me with a copy of Tasha Tudor's Take Joy...I was ecstatic!)

Over the last couple of weeks, or so, my dear husband has been making purchases for his dear wife and her Eliza...she....we...are becoming rather spoiled.

Her cozy cottage is protected from Scout, by the wonderfully old, chippy step ladder...

...and it now boasts an addition...
actually, it was decided that the steps would make wonderful accommodations for her daybed (former soap dish) and her new/old cast iron tub...

She even enjoys the wonderfully fragrant, teeny tiny bar of goat's milk & lavender soap, along with her teeny tiny beeswax candle, and jar of Tasha Tudor's Spring Bouquet Moisturizing Cream...

She was tickled to receive a treadle sewing machine....

... so she might make a much needed bathing cap to cover her ears, while she is soaking in her tub...

The teeny tiny spools of thread were included in a Susan Branch sewing kit Grammy purchased recently.  How perfect for Eliza!  The sewing machine plays a lovely tune as she sews...Yesterday...one of Grammy's favorites.

Grammy is also enjoying some creative projects, as the holidays are fast approaching...

Not only is dear husband bestowing gifts on little Eliza the Dormouse, but our lovely friend Mary (Gentility of Heritage Stitchery)surely wins the prize for creating the teeniest, tiniest gift of all!
She had acquired our favored tea by Harney & Sons "Paris" after my post this summer. I had acquired the tea after reading a post by Suzanne of Privet and Holly, and I realized my other dear friend, Anita of Castles, Crowns, and Cottages had been introduced to the tea, as well, by Suzanne.  Anita's creation...Tea Rat, one of Eliza's beloved friends, even gives his approval...

I believe it is one of the most delicious teas I have ever tasted.
So...back to Mary...this is what she presented to me over lunch, one day, at the Boxwood Bistro....

Here is another photo, in order for you all to grasp the tiny-ness of these precious teabags...

Look closely and spy the floral paper-covered film case, serving the purpose of tea tin. A-MA-Zing!

Do you see...Eliza is sprinkling her enchanting little sparkle dust all over...on those least suspecting...
and such fun is ensuing!

Xavier takes her for a carriage ride with one of his favorite cars...

Granted, it wasn't exactly the carriage ride she was dreaming of...

but, it was quite an adventure.

As the month of November progresses, Grammy has waited as long as she can, and the decorations for Christmastide begin to appear....

A favorite book to read over the holidays, by favorite authoress Kate Douglas Wiggins...

...and some new reads for the holidays...

(Yes, Diane and Sarah of Corgyncombe Courant...I finally finished my "Rose Water" Tasha Tudor Cottage Shawl! I am now knitting 2 lovely silkywool red shawls for Christmas gifts....fingers can hardly knit swiftly enough!)
Grammy's collection of carolers gather atop the ancient piano...

(Can you you find the tiny little piano, aside the miniature Seth Tudor art stand, which holds the tiny sheets of music? Another gift from dear husband. It plays a charming folk tune.)

Here is a closer look..

The painting was a birthday gift a few years ago from my husband, who knew my love of old fashioned winter scenes...

The living room is certainly enchanted in the evenings...

This is where the fresh tree will be placed, as we enter December... the front window....

My mother stitched the beautiful poinsetta themed pair, and I embellished the frames with gold wired ribbon.  The opposing piece she stitched, is the lyrics of Amazing Grace...our family's favored hymn, embellished, as well...

A close up of her work...

And the Dining Room is lovely in the daytime...

..with its corner hutch, filled with colors of the season...

But this is my most favorite scene of all....

As we rapidly approach a season to be thankful and a season to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, I pray blessings for you and your families....a respite in the midst of hurriedness...and a moment to ponder how wonderful it is to have friends across the miles, across the oceans, next door, who visit via our blogs.

Scout has visions of Sugar Plum Fairies...

And, Sweet Penny of Angelsdoor, your little Ruby is having visions of just Sugar Plums....

(Xavier placed her this way...how could I deviate from such sweetness:)

Rilee, tell Gramma that Ms. Christie has a tiny little mouse who shares her beautiful name...

Blessings,

Christie

Who's in your "Amen Corner"

My first year teaching was in 1994.  The four of us headed to the elementary school where I had been assigned to teach 5th graders Math and Social Studies. My own children were in Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade, but still, I was quite nervous.  A young man in my class, who was small in stature, but a giant in his faith, would become my biggest fan...or, for you familiar with the southern term...my "Amen Corner"...which he reminded me of during every stressful moment in the classroom.

Me: Lecturing the students, for the 143rd time about being thoughtful to one another...
Bob: "Ms. Christie, you just fussin' at us 'cause you love us... right Ms. Christie?"
Me: (Looking to Bob) "Yes, Bob, you're right."
Bob: (Who loves his momma, daddy, and Jesus) "Ms. Christie, my daddy says dynamite comes in little packages...that's me...ain't it Ms. Christie... 'cause I'm a little package...ain't I Ms. Christie..."
Me: (Trying, now, to contain myself...and completely giving up the lecture at this point) Yes, Bob...you're right."
Bob: "Ms. Christie, I'm just your little Amen Corner...ain't I Ms. Christie..."
Me: (Loving my Job, loving this child, loving Jesus for letting me have this job) "Yes, Bob....You are my little "Amen Corner".
By this time, the students were repentent, they were all enjoying a little bit of a chuckle ('cause they all love Bob) and I realized then, the importance of having a corner in my world, filled with loving souls who keep me focused...encouraged...and loved...an Amen Corner.

I took a photo of my own little Amen Corner at my art table. (I don't call it a desk, because that would imply that work is done here. I refer to it as the place where the magic happens).

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy...my 3 little mice....  have taken up residence on the old Royal...and are my reminders of the promise that surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and one day I will live in the house of the Lord.

Until then, God has blessed us with this little cottage (our little piece of Heaven on earth) as a muse.  Yes, this little house is full of storybook stories needing to be told.  A generation of children are coming along, who aren't quite sure if it is okay to pretend, to dream, to imagine, to create.  I want to give them these stories. Our children's innocence is being taken at such an early age...this is my way of doing my part.
So, I will give you a little preview of a few of the pages...in no particular order....

The above photo included a little note card I was working on for sweet husband.

You, my friends...my loyal, come-every-time-I-have-a-new-post, friends are also residing in my "Amen Corner"....

I keep little remembrances that some of you have mailed, or quotes from your blogs, and they inspire me every day, as I am about the creative process.


I have eleven more pages to illustrate (the little book is 46 pages) in Eliza's Adventures at Grammy's House in the Country. I know you might think...oh...only 11.  It's quite a lot of processing for the ideas to come, just the right ones, to illustrate, get them just how you want, and then paint.  My goodness, the number of pages that have been worked and reworked...scratched altogether...and then redone.  But what an incredible journey this is.  I am learning so so much! I am thankful for a wonderful mentor/friend/kindred .... Jeri Landers. Her advice and tips and materials suggestions have been invaluable.

I have envisioned a series of little books...and I am writing and creating images as fast as my hands and energy will allow.
In between surges of inspiration, I continue to knit, work on my very first hand-stitched quilt..a dresden plate....(the background is my white comforter...I'll be stitching it onto flour sack cloth:)

bake, and play with grandchildren.

We recently went over the river and through the woods to Xavier's Great-Grandmother's farm...here are a few pics....

Ted, the dog, was waiting for us by the tree with the "swing tire"...as Xavier used to call it.

The Sugar Maples were putting on quite a display. Xavier couldn't wait to run through the crunchy leaves and jump in a pile of them in the middle of the front yard.

Then, it was onto the tire...climbing up was a little tough...

But well worth the view....

This photo will remain a forever favorite.

After taking him home, we traveled back to "The Fwanklin House" to our cozy cottage in the midst of the fall displays, and counted our blessings.

My cup runneth over... my heart is full and aware of God's blessings spilling out all around us.
Thank you for all of your encouraging comments...even those of you who send them via email or let me know in passing. It means the world to me.
What an incredible resource we have through our connections with each other and each one's talents and gifts.
Yes, God is Good...All the time....God is Good!

Blessings Friends.
P.S. I had to include this photo, for our sweet little roses are continuing to bloom. This little pink rose was so pretty as I walked into the sunshine-y kitchen, and I was sure it was saying, "Morning, Glory!"

A Day Trip to Ethridge, Tennessee ... Amish Country

Pick - a- Pick - a - Pumpkin
(Rhyme and Photos by Christie Ray/Grammy)

Pick - a - pick - a - pumpkin,

Put it in a pile,

Pick - a - pick - a - pumpkin,

Gives us all a smile.

Orange ones,

Green ones,

Speckled ones, too...

Bumpy ones,

Smooth ones,

White ones, Boo!

Odd shapes,

Small shapes,

How do we choose?

Wagon wheels,

Buggies ...wheeee...

Take me for a ride.

The Buggy shop,

Fixes up,

Broken things, with pride.

Laundry hung,

Work begun,

Early in the morn.

Wagon full,

Car full,

Hair full of corn! 

So, Pick - a - pick - a - pumpkin

Put it in a pile...

Sisters will,

Brother will,

Give us all a smile.

Happy Fall....Y'all

Blessings,

Christie

Bella Rustica Barn Sale and a Tea Party for the Birds

This is normally where we spend our Saturday mornings...

Drinking our coffee, dreaming and planning gardens for the Spring, projects for the house, and watching the birds enjoying their breakfast.....even Scout enjoys sniffing the morning air, on a day that is feeling very much like Autumn...
The perfect temperature...

But on this particular Saturday morning, we were informed (by dear sister-in-law Bonnie) of a wonderful event taking place at a large farm not far from us... The Bella Rustica Barn Sale (An event to benefit Agape Christian Services...and the first of its kind in Nashville...)
So, I grabbed my boots...

...and we were off.

This was the entrance... (Husband purchased tickets while I struggled to tear myself away...only after a few snapshots..)

If this was just the entrance...I wasn't sure I'd be able to contain my squeals...something I work very, very hard to control. Sometimes, it's just pointless....like today...

Walking through this first tent was total euphoria! I went one direction, Husband went another...for he had searches of his own, to conduct...

As we exited the tent this is what we fell in love with, at first sight...her name was....

A while back, I saw a show on T.V. about the "Sisters on the Fly," a group of fly-fishing-lovin'-women who each had their own little trailer, decorated in every style and theme you could imagine. The trailers were numbered, identifying club members.  The owners of "Hazel" were inspired by this club, and acquired this trailer. Wife did the decorating, husband did the painting, and they now rent it out for children's parties, sleepovers, campouts, etc.

Isn't this the cutest thing?

Moving on... We ran into our dear friends from the 3 French Hens...the little shop I mentioned several posts ago, where we found so many treasures for the house.... These 3 pretty ladies were dressed in the cutest outfits...

Everyone was in a festive mood... pumpkins, bales of hay, antiques, and lots and lots of chippy paint decor.... how could we not be in a festive mood?

Look at this incredible galvanized French tub, trimmed in wood... I don't know what I would do with it ...but I just thought is was wonderful...

We found so many treasures... Husband found this hand-forged, one-of-a-kind bird cage...

...and I discovered Cowgirl Bloomers... the most comfortable things to wear....feels like pajamas...but are the most comfortable Grammy-wear (allows one to sit in the middle of the kitchen floor with grandson and still look feminine and girly)
I also found this darling little dish towel...bark cloth tea cups on a flour sackcloth with crocheted trim...I struck gold....

Upon our arrival home, I slipped on the Bloomers and snuggled up under the darling old feedsack quilt, purchased for a song... and commenced to knitting.... Autumn on my mind...

Husband and I snacked on the most delicious Kettle Corn I have ever tasted... another recommendation from sister-in-law, so we purchased the largest bag from the endearing vendor.

I had recently received this charming book in the mail, Autumn by Susan Branch...

Perusal of the book revealed the most wonderful recipe for homemade brownies....I honestly believed the only decent ones came from a box.  When these came out of the oven, and I placed them on a doily in my pretty cake stand, as instructed....

...and served them with 2 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream ... and Husband could only nod his head, savoring every morsel... I vowed to never, ever go back to the "box."  Thank you dearest Susan.
                                                                     *************
On Sunday, after church and a delicious meal at a downtown restaurant,  our sweet little Xavier traveled home with us to the Franklin House...I'm supposing he will call it this forever:)

He loves to sit with us out on the back porch, or, rather...we sit...he runs up and down the steps, hops on and off the swing, begs for Grammy to make "bideos" (videos) of him and his stuffed birds and puppets...providing much entertainment.  He has picked up some of the names of the birds, but since his visit weekend before last, he apparently combined two of the names, so that it came out, "Look, Grammy! There's a Chipta-chick mouse!"...chickadee combined with tufted titmouse....all these little things I promptly log into a journal entitled "Xavierisms" for I know they will be forgotten at some point, and we don't ever want to forget these precious little terms.

On Monday, Husband stayed home with us, and then left for a bit to do some grocery shopping. Xavier and I had much play to attend to.  He called me from the kitchen, saying, "Grammy, you wanna come have a tea party?" I was in the middle of something, not terribly important, that had my attention..and I responded with an "okay"...a few minutes later, he came up to me and said, in such a sweet, inviting tone, "You can do that in there..." taking the journal I was writing in. This was obviously very important to him, so I retrieved the journal, closed it,  placed it on the sofa, and followed him into the kitchen. He had arranged ...
....a tea party for the birds...

I reached into the cupboard for the Strawberry Kiwi Fruit "Tea" and brewed a tiny tea pot full for us, as he served "bird food" to his collection of birds, in tiny resin teacups.

And since Mr. "Squarel" (not squirrel...squarel..as in the shape...square...one more Xavierism) likes bird food, as well, he was served a tiny cupful, too....

These little tea sets were gifts from former students, treasured and displayed in my classroom when I was a teacher for all those years.

Mr. Owl, who is known for saving the day, received a cup of his own...

(Mr. Squarel and Mr. Owl are wonderful puppets Xavier loves for us to play with...Wood Pecker was most likely sitting in time out, as he always seems to be getting into mischief of some sort. Guess which puppet Xavier plays with the most....oh, you are so clever...yes! The woodpecker. Grammy always has to be Squarel and Owl:)

But this little boy has the sweetest heart. He didn't want to leave anyone out of the festivities.....

Mrs. Rabbit, Ewiza, Chicky-Chick, and Teeny Bear enjoy a hamper full of treats...not sure why the tiny clothespins are there...but I'm sure, if I had inquired, Xavier would have a legitimate explanation...he always does..
                                                                       ************

This arrived last week...on Grandparent's Day...and my heart melted into a puddle....

...Yes, even on this rainy Monday, we were having fun!

That busy little hand...matching the other busy little hand...gets Grammy's kisses, even when they've been clumsy and spilled milk, or silly and knocked over a tea cup.... it does not matter anymore (the way it used to when it was my own child, and I was a tired, young mommy) Grandchildren give us a chance to make up for the harshness of parenthood....a chance to redeem ourselves.  I wondered why all the rules changed when I had children...my parents no longer believed in spankings or fussing so much. What had happened to them...they had grown soft... Now I know. It has happened to me.

Love on those little ones as much as you can.
Little doesn't last long enough.
Blessings,
Christie

Eliza's "Surprise" Arrives

From the time the pretty, black Victorian Post Box arrived...

and was set in its place by the fence, Miss Eliza has been troubled.

Then, husband purchased a post box, that proved a suitable nesting facility for a dear squirrel friend or resident woodpecker, or simply as a refuge when the nights grow chilly....
Nestled in the large Hackberry Tree by Peter Rabbit's Porch, is an ancient, cast iron post box, repurposed, after its unfortunate separation from its post (A postman failed in his awareness of what was behind, as he put his vehicle in reverse) New purpose, indeed...

...and yet, Eliza grew more troubled.
Husband began to think and think...
What could be worrying our dear girl...

After a while, signs of Autumn began to appear...
and Eliza's thoughts became preoccupied with the anticipation of a new season at Rose Water Cottage.
The beautiful Tulip Poplar's leaves have begun to change colors and drop from their limbs...

Grammy placed a pitcher (that belonged to her daddy's mother) of dried golden yarrow to complete an Autumnal Tablescape...
reminding Eliza of how beautiful it was to watch the Yarrow bloom in grand profusion at the Brick House in the Country last Spring...

She sees the lovely, freshly dried hydrangeas atop the corner cabinet...

...picked fresh from her friend Mary's garden (Gentility of Heritage Stitchery) following a lovely luncheon.  Grammy is most anxious for her beeswax candles to arrive from the quaint little shop in Old Salem, NC...for they have such wonderful tall tapers.

And then, much to Miss Eliza's dismay, another package arrived...another post box had been purchased, but it was husband's gift to Grammy......

....and she squealed with delight, for it is old-fashioned, and creamy white, and made of cast iron...bearing a rose!
"How perfectly perfect," she exclaimed.
And it suddenly became apparent to Husband, what might be troubling the tiny mouse...and he commenced to a search.

Dear Mrs. Rabbit, close friend of Eliza...excited that they now wear matching shawls...consoles Eliza by inviting her to tea on her tiny quilt atop the tiny table.  She is to bring her prettiest little tea cup.... and share Tasha Tudor's tiniest thumb cookies.
What a grand idea, as Eliza now has an occasion to choose one from her dainty new set, acquired from Grammy's mum, as a cottage warming gift...

She makes her way to the tea party ...hopeful that a bit of chamomile tea will soothe her troubled tummy.
Mrs. Rabbit is such a dear friend and has a way of cheering up her tiny kindred....

They gaze around the cottage and take note of the autumnal changes...
The quote for the day...

The girls agree that this is a lovely, shared sentiment.

They know the sweet chalkboard in the kitchen reminds Grammy of the tongue twisting that occurs when she tries to say mums and pumpkins too fast, and too many times, in a row...it always seems to come out ....

The little friends discuss the sunroom, and its changes, and Grammy's extensive hours spent there....

*Shhhhh readers....whisper tones...they don't realize this is where the enchantment is documented and illustrated...as it is such a delightful room. The dappled rays of light bounce around on the paper, as Grammy dips her tiny brush into the vivid watercolors...adding more and more water, until the colors are soft, and ready to be washed across the page...

On the settee behind Grammy's work table sets the sweet suitcase, holding the storybook pages that have been illustrated and the ones waiting for inspiration...along with the softest handkersniff, loved very much by one very special little boy...

Therefore, readers....keep this our little secret...for now....*

The girls realize there have been a number of arrivals...friends of Beatrix Potter's Mrs. Tiggy Winkle. When Grammy sent invitation for her to come and assist with laundering duties, the prickly little Mrs. asked if some of her closest friends could come along to the cottage, as well... and, of course, the invitation was extended...

She makes sure her iron has heated sufficiently...no scorching permitted on her watch!

And there is her dearest, most frequent customer...

...and he is already hopping through the chocolate mint in the garden window...."Tsk..Tsk...He will be needing that jacket laundered in no time..." fusses Mrs Tiggy Winkle...

This is what happened when he refused to come in from the rain the other night....soaking wet and shivering...goodness gracious...what WILL we do with that little rascal...

Now that his mum and sweet little sisters are here, surely he will behave and mind his gentlemanly manners...

While Eliza is pouring out her little heart to her dearest Rabbit friend...she reveals that she heard the tapping of a hammer on Husband's day off.  The squirrels were so thoroughly excited, their squeaks of approval could be heard through the rafters, down the vents, to Eliza's little cottage door in the kitchen.

Another POST BOX ...and this one became a snack station, filled with peanuts, affixed to the fence below the Hackberry Tree. Eliza was beside herself...

When it is filled with peanuts, a stick props open the front of the box, allowing the furry friends to reach and retrieve a crunchy snack.

Eliza and Mrs. Rabbit concluded their visit with hugs and reassurances of their friendship...Eliza's worries would be kept in closest confidence.

Only a day passed and a knock was heard on the front door...as the post man pulled away, Eliza heard Grammy opening the front door.  She placed the handful of letters upon Husbands chair, along with a small package.

Eliza sighed...it would be a while until the parcel was opened...

She awoke from her afternoon nap to hear paper being torn, popping of bubble wrap, and rattling of some sort.

Grammy squealed and husband grinned, and before Eliza could catch a breath, she was scooped up into  gentle hands, scented with the soft fragrance of rosewater...and transported to the living room...

"SURPRISE dear Eliza.... You have a Post Box of your very own!"

It is the perfect size for sweet letters from Milly Mousiekin at the Butt'ry and Book'ry!

My goodness...Eliza ponders....how did Husband know?

How very special she feels....and how very grateful to have such dear friends.

We are entering a season known for expression of Thanks and Gratitude....What are you Thankful for today?

I am grateful for you.

Blessings,

Christie

Fall-ish Days and Miss Potter on my mind...

The past few days of rain have caused a wonderful cool down of the unbearably hot temperatures. It feels like fall, as leaves are covering our little front yard, and I have been nesting...and thinking on Beatrix Potter... her influence can be seen all over our cozy Rose Water Cottage. (And this makes Miss Eliza feel so much more at home...and very much easier to write her sweet story:)

Yesterday, I pulled on my Duck Egg Blue Wellies...since I'd be splashing like a duck through puddles and rain...

...and made my way to the Country Charm Antique Mall, just at the end of our street...hmmmm...I know what you're thinking...it is just so close...they always have JUST the thing I'm searching for...that I NEED...

So, I had been in NEED of a tiny little iron..cast iron...miniature. I had looked and looked...even spying one on the checkout counter of said mall...which I was told, was NOT for sale. I had googled and searched, to no avail. But on this very special day... I lifted open the lid of a wooden box, which had been under a crate... and would you believe, there was not just ONE iron....there were SEVEN!
They were $2.50 each, so I scooped up all of them...placed them on the counter, next to the one that was NOT for sale, and realized, once again... God whispers in my ear.... if you will wait, and be PATIENT, I will supply more than you need. Now, friends, this is a trivial little thing...these irons...but it was the lesson HE was giving me, to be considered in all aspects of my life. He is such a gentle teacher, He knows I need gentle lessons. I got the message.  So if someone comes to my home and says, "what a darling little iron ..." I can share... Or on days that I wonder if he hears my prayers ...for our children, our grandchildren, our families, our livelihoods,  our government, our country.. He whispers, "Be patient, I will supply more than you need. Share what you have...your time, your talents, your gifts, your food, you."

Here is a little tour of the cottage as it prepares for the Autumnal Days ahead...

A tapestry wall hanging I decided might be nice as a valance for our incredibly tall front windows...

It has the scene of a grist mill...which reminded me of England..

Doesn't it give a cozy feel to the room...

I decided to leave the lace tablecloths...I mean..Curtains... hanging at the sides..

The Tulip Poplar is fast losing her leaves, and the window was going to seem quite bare. This valance was found at the charming mall, whilst searching for the iron.

Into the kitchen we go...

The rain has caused the roses to bloom with abandon, and these two little blooms looked so sweet in the bunny creamer...

I did a little rearranging, and I will show you more in the next post, just so you know...Aunt Marguerite's table has been moved to the sunroom/studio...so now "Grammy's Rocker" is more accessible being in the kitchen...(note the clothespins at the window ...they are holding up the sweetest pair of pillow cases/curtains...also found at the country charm...for a song...with the most beautiful tatting at the border...I will decide on a permanent way to hang them. I have to ponder ...and will accept any suggestions...thoughts..) Jemima, Tom Thumb and Benjamen Bunny peek out over the ruffled edge.. The two little cups were a gift to my sons, after the birth of the second, from a girlfriend who had just visited England...25 years ago...

The quilt is made up of cross stitch pieces I did in the eighties, the baby raising days. Recently, I had a dear friend sew the pieces onto toile squares to form a quilt. I then realized, the toile pattern is exactly like the pattern on the chair, which the same friend reupholstered.  Daughter, Tia, and I had purchased the fabric separately, and I had sent her leftover toile to be fashioned into the quilt...serendipity strikes once again.

I love this Laura Ashley fabric...well, anything Laura Ashley... but mostly because of the scene...

Picnic, children playing, folks doing a little dance, puppy dogs wanting a tidbit from the table...all the good things.

Here is a close up of the little table next to the rocker...

Now, isn't that the sweetest little iron? And I am quite sure Mrs. Tiggy Winkle laundered one of these red napkins and certainly a little nottingham lace handkersniff...this one was a gift to me, from the same girlfriend who visited England. The little books belonged to my children, and you can see they show the wear of little hands, puppy dog bites, and lots of love. The Tale of Peter Rabbit was my gift to my oldest, Matthew, on his first Christmas, in 1983, along with a stuffed Peter.  The framed picture is of Xavier and Sophia, two of our grandchildren.

A few years ago, yet another girlfriend went to England...visited Beatrix Potter's Hilltop Farm and gifted me with this beautiful dish towel, featuring the lovely Lake District flowers...

While we're in the kitchen...let me show you how Miss Eliza's cottage is fairing along the baseboard by the baking pantry..

Scout continues to show great restraint, so we add a little more at a time. There is now a little porch light/street lamp so she might not be so afraid at night (purchased from dear blog friend Christine LeFever's online antiques), a tiny new broom (a housewarming gift from Mother) that Xavier uses to sweep 'round her threshold...as he loves her and wants to do his part to care for her sweet home, and of course, her Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car (refer to older post "an evening with Xavier").

I think the fact that the pantry stool is positioned, just so, serves as a distraction to Little Scout....

Now, onto the laundry room....where I spent much of the rainy days...catching up...

Little bunny Lulu's family has grown...and she has a cozy big bed and a night light, as well, to snuggle up for a long cold night. She is pictured with her mum, Christine, and two little brothers.... Kyleigh, oldest grandchild, believes the mum looks like her mommy, and the two boy rabbits are Xavier and Colin...we'll have to acquire a baby one to be darling Sophia...

And here is the hamper...

Now, all I need is Mrs. Tiggy Winkle to help me with the ironing... There is another one of the sweet irons sitting atop a vintage sniff, nice and soft, found during the search at the antique mall.  The framed photo was taken by my mother of the progression of puddle ducks lovingly worn out...one at a time...by my second child, Cale...when he was a toddler.  He just loved how soft they were. He had already gone through 3 or 4 little stuffed Peter Rabbits, when he decided the Jemima we were saving for the birth of daughter, Olivia,  he just could not resist... of course, it went to him, and  he had just received his third duck when Mother decided we needed a picture of this. (after the fourth, he began to wean away..."growing up" began....)

As you know, if you have followed for any length of time, I have been knitting Tasha Tudor cottage shawls this year, since learning how to knit around the end of last December. Along with the several I have made for ladies in our family,  Eliza has two, her city mouse cousin has three, Linnie's Milly the mouse has two, Anita has her own Miss Eliza and her pink rose water shawl,  and now Mrs. Rabbit has one...

So everyone at Rose Water Cottage will have a pink shawl, once I complete the lace on mine...

...and when I'm not wearing mine, "Old Gal" says she'll be happy to oblige...

Yes, every female in the cottage, except Scout...she has no tolerance for Frou-Frou (southern term for girlie, fluffy, prissy) whatsoever. Little stubborn thing. She wouldn't have to crawl under every blanket in the house, or look for a spot of sunshine on the floor ...as Grammy is suffering through many a hot flash and keeping the air on cold...if she'd just let me make her one...

and, yes, I said spot of sunshine on the floor...
she finds one...

and then stands in it...

Silly little girl...
but, oh,  how we love her...
and, OH,  how spoiled she is!

Well, at the end of the rainy day, yesterday, husband came home with yummy hamburgers for dinner...
and a little treat for me from the bakery in town...

Reese's cups are my favorite...and I only keep them on hand for emergencies...and he knows this about me..
So when he spied this Reese's Cupcake... he was compelled to treat me to it... I sure do love that man.

On this day, which feels like a glorious fall day, I am hoping that you, as well, are feathering your nest with warm quilts...like this one, that was made by my grandmother...from feed sacks...

...and enjoying something warm in your tummy, which, by the way, there is nothing in this world that tastes better on toast than this...

...Spekuloos Spread by Wafels & Dinges..good things Belgian...a Christmas gift from sister...(Yes, I've been rationing it. Such a treat on a rainy day.)

...and the little things which keep you warm with their memories...
and the people you love...
and the pets you spoil.

Come ahead, Fall...we are ready.
Miss Potter, thank you for your influence in our lives...what a courageous woman you were.
May we have the same courage to go with our dreams.

Blessings, Friends.

Remembering Tasha Tudor

Sunday afternoon, August 28th, was spent  reflecting, reading, and knitting...my humble way of honoring the memory of an incredible woman.  I perused my collection of books on her art and her gardening, and I reflected, while knitting the lace edging to a cottage shawl which will be a gift honoring the birthday of a sister-in-law. 
This woman, who has brought so many of us together,
who has inspired us to follow our dreams of making our homes into havens, retreats from the rush of the world,
who demonstrated such passion for everyday tasks, making them extraordinary,
and who was never too old to play....
deserves a bow...a tribute ...

This evening, I baked her beloved Washington Pie... set it on a pretty lustreware plate, alongside the type of tea pot and tea cup she would have used, next to a treasured yellow ware bowl... that spent 30 years in her Vermont home, atop a 19th century tablecloth... the very kind she kept atop her table.  

Preparing this cake,
presenting this display,
taking the photograph to capture this week that I have pondered the impact of her life,
I am humbled and reminded to make the most of each day...
live life to its fullest...
embrace the ones I love ...
cast off the worries of the world. 

So, dear friends, 

Take Peace,

Take Joy,

Be Blessed.

Fiddle-dee-dee ....said the Chickadee

We visited a dear friend at Christmastide, while he was recuperating in a lovely nursing home in town.  The great room housed a beautiful Aviary, with the sweetest chirping birds. My husband and I both commented how soothing it was to listen to the birds... 

could we ever have such a thing in our home....

And then, we moved to Rose Water Cottage...

and our wish has been granted ...by the Maker, Himself.

The Tulip Poplar Tree in our tiny front yard has become that Aviary.

The High Tea server, was hung from a branch, many weeks ago...

...anticipating the purchase of wild birdseed.

Eventually, the seed was procured and placed in the *feeder*... awaiting the little bird guests...

Yesterday, while enjoying my knitting time...Scout in my lap, napping ... I heard quite a commotion outside the front window...

I turned my head.... and realized it was tea party time for the birds. 

Oh, be still my heart!

They were hopping from branch to branch, singing their sweet songs, taking turns fluttering to the tea cup and saucer and plate... skipping about on the ground 'neath the china plates...gathering what had fallen.

A sweet little Chickadee perched atop the teacup...

I looked into my wonderful resource... 250 North American Birds in Song... to find photos of the birds I could not capture on film... for they flit around...

The Robin hops around in the grass....

Two mourning doves were sitting comfortably at the foot of the bench...enjoying the unusually comfortable weather.

There was my Aviary....right outside my window.

I noticed a squirrel making his way down the tree, inspecting and calculating the leap it would require to reach the seeds.  It was going to be impossible. The birds continued to flutter about, unafraid of the furry guest.  His manners were quite gentleman-like, and he retreated.

I felt compelled to find a way for him to enjoy the fellowship around the tree. I retrieved a pretty china dish...an inexpensive find at the antique mall... and filled it with seeds...heavy on the sunflower... brought the yellow birdhouse to the table there, and situated every thing just so. It did look rather inviting, I must say.  We shall see if this is an acceptable accommadation for Mr. Squirrel.

Each time I thought of this *Aviary Reveal*... I felt as if I had been given a special gift.... God knew the desire of my heart.  In His inconspicuous manner, without big ribbons and bows and fireworks, He quietly bestows.

The enchantment begins...

Rose Water Cottage would like to encourage all of our friends in the northern states to direct their feathered friends to the *Tulip Poplar Tea Room and Inn*.

 We are accepting reservations for the winter season, at this time.

The accommodations are quite lovely and the choices are as follows:

The Mourning Dove Suite (for all the honeymooners flying about)

Robin Red Nest (cozy and quaint, includes worm appetizers upon arrival)

Fiddle-dee-dee Suite (the favored choice of Southern Belle Chickadees)

The Cardinal Room (stately choice of refined sort)

***

with High Tea being served throughout the day, amongst the branches, in the celebrated

*Tufted Titmouse Tea Parlor*

Menu:

Sunflower Samosas

Peanut Petit Fours

Thistle Thumb Cookies (a slight variation on Tasha Tudor's Receipt)

and the refreshing Hummingbird Tea (made extra sweet for those visiting the South)

***

For More Casual Dining... your friends might enjoy Peter Rabbit's Porch

(If they have flown further south, around Atlanta, they may have dined at Pitty Pat's Porch)

High Tea amongst the Eaves

Bird Bath facilities boast Heated Water in the Winter Season

The view from the Dining Area is spectacular. Grandchildren come often for visits, and they always provide enjoyable entertainment.

Peter, himself, has been known to pop in, unannounced, making frequent inspections of the premises.

Oh, dear... he has spied the little blue cup left by one of those pesky critters...grandchildren.... tsk..tsk... Grammy will have to see about this matter...

He sniffs just a bit more....

He is happy to announce the renovations are coming along quite nicely, and the unpainted surfaces should be lovely and white in time for your guests arrival.

Scout is in training as hostess...she is learning to sit quietly and not growl at the guests. She has even been most respectful to Peter, the Proprietor...

She even contains her excitement as she witnesses the first visitor to try out the new bird bath
... an early birthday gift to Grammy from her Mum and Dad...in order that the birds are fully acquainted with its use, by the time her birthday comes 'round..

The newcomer seems to be a Carolina Wren... and upon perusal of the Resource... we find its photograph... I tap the button to hear its song... and the sweet little bird hops to the fence...
tilting his tiny head to the left and the right...
the titmouse and a  cardinal pair come flying to the nearby branches.
I begin to believe they have accepted me as a friend and welcome my presence.

How long it has been... since Grammy was a girl... that a nest of tiny Carolina Wrens was saved by her daddy and raised on the screened porch... bottle fed... and taught to fly... by Grammy's mum and siblings.
The sweet birds were then released at a bird sanctuary.

We promise to be gracious hosts here at Rose Water Cottage..
Home to the Tulip Poplar Tea Room and Inn
and
Peter Rabbit's Porch

********
The gift of this Aviary...
humbly welcomed, indeed...
to
 Grammy's House 

I've Missed You...let's catch up....

On this hot, humid day, in August....
Pour a pretty glass of ice water...
squeeze a fresh lemon....
and sneak a couple cookies...

Now, go to your comfy cool spot....

Invite your loyal companion to sit with you...

and let's catch up.

These have been busy days...new births in our extended family...
Two grown children with birthdays...
And the beginning of an adventure...or journey, shall I say...
Miss Eliza Dormouse and I have been collaborating on telling
her sweet story...
...so we have buckled down and taken on the project with everything
we have.

The calming and cozy sunroom has turned into our "studio" of sorts...

With its vintage feel...inspiration comes easily when writing and illustrating Eliza's story...

Often, the best ideas come to me, just as I have laid my head on my pillow at night.  That is when I come to this room, with it's soft lamp light creating such soothing ambiance.  The creativity is released from my brain, whether a sketch, or a decision with the layout...and then I am able to return to my place of slumber.

The work table holds the jars of ink, erasers, rulers, pencils...exactly the kind Jeri Landers has recommended.... the Seth Tudor artstand, to place anything needing to dry, and The Beatrix Potter Journal...inspiration to stay the course...

The rocker is so comfortable...I sit, with board in my lap... and Scout's little bed, with her napping... sits at my feet...

The hours click away so fast...
before I know it, husband is calling to say he's on his way home.
Where did the day go....
I meant to catch up with my laundry...
with my gardening...
with my friends....
...tomorrow...I say... I'll catch up tomorrow...
When you come upon LOVE...can anything pull you away from it?
So I take a day off...
I knit...
I LOVE to knit...
The days go quickly as well...
Two LOVES compete for attention.

I had to share all this with you...my dear, dear kindreds...
knowing you would understand what it is to find your passion,
and to be so consumed with it, that everything else pales in comparison.

Eventually the reality of the dirty kitchen floor needing a good mopping,
furniture that needs dusting, and laundry...oh dear...husband needs socks...
shakes us from our enchanted trance.
I have found my way back to earth, for just a little while...
...and I shall catch up....

Around the cottage, there are some new acquisitions
and a little re-do...

This wicker table had seen some rough days, as a puppy had used its
cross bars to cut teeth, leaving it *wickerless*
The rest of the table was in great shape, so I purchased a length of gorgeous satin ribbon, in a beautiful mossy shade of green, wound it around and tied in a bow...

If you have not yet discovered the beautiful ribbons, vintage flowers, millinery and crafting supplies from Rose Mille, you must visit their site. Satin ribbons up to 4 inches wide...velvet flowers, as seen atop the cloche above...german glass glitter in the prettiest bottles...and oodles more... They offer vintage finds, as well.

We procured this lovely secretary to house my ever-growing collection of antiquated books...and a few of our little furry friends...

Also, a little East Lake table, painted white, which serves so well as a perch for a pretty guest book...

The Cottage Chic Chandy... seen everywhere, these days, in magazines and such...
We were so excited to find one at such a great price...

Xavier loves that it's on a dimmer switch...he says, "Look, Grammy! I made it do THIS!" making such a soft glow...it fascinates him!

The dolly crib has been moved to the front window... the view is so much better there...

Husband found the adorable 100 year old Kate Greenaway print at a local book seller.

...and remember?...I told you I would update you as the landscape changed atop the piano...

I was so tickled to find a small set of books titled Music Library....they sit on the collection of family vintage hymnals.

A few weeks after moving in, we were told we must acquire a mail box and place it by the road. How sad the *door to door delivery* is being phased out.  We wanted something to match the era of the cottage, so this is what we purchased.

I have always loved these, and am thankful now, that there was a legitimate reason to install one. They do not, however, come with a little red flag, so I crafted one of my own...after having the outgoing mail pushed down into the box with the new mail...goodness gracious.... A pretty red grosgrain ribbon tied into a bow on a clothespin....
I'll let you know if my efforts were successful...

Now I'll leave you with this one last little surprise....

These are called Surprise Lilies.  We went to bed one night, and the next morning...there they were, by the mailbox....SURPRISE!  They come in August...last a few days...and are gone....Much like summer break, don't you think?

Hope you've enjoyed your fresh lemon ice water and cookies...and that you have forgiven my absence, now that the reason has been made clear, and that you'll join me again, soon.

Be sure to reward your little companion for being very brave and not allowing the garbage truck to enter the front door while you've been perusing this post .... Scout is most aggressive when these situations arise....

Blessings... dearest friends.

Going *GREEN*....means *PINK*

Have I mentioned that I love PINK?
All shades...from soft and sweet ...to softer and sweeter...

I imagine you've noticed...and with all the talk of going
GREEN...I decided to show you how that translates into our
lives here at Rose Water Cottage.

I had acquired this little vanity stool...minus its vanity...
at the local antique mall near our former home.

It had obviously seen better days...

Deciding it was time to breathe new life into this sorrowful
piece...I began to take it apart.

Upon investigation...I, at first, counted four layers of fabric...

But as I looked further, I discovered a fifth layer...the original fabric...a shiny satin...

Somewhere along the way...no one wanted shimmer anymore,
and it wound up with the dull gold fabric.

Well...it is now a resident of Rose Water Cottage...and *pretty* was calling its name.
After all, it is the stool I use at my little table in the kitchen that once belonged to my Aunt Marguerite...one of my daddy's older sisters...he and she, the only remaining siblings of six.
The table once sat in her little white farmhouse, by the kitchen window. Every morning, she sat there and drank her coffee and watched the birds on the feeders. I think of her every time I sit and look out my new little kitchen window...watching the robins and cardinals early in the mornings...
She's a girly-girl like me...even in her late eighties..

I began by painting the stool white...my other favorite color for the kitchen...

I decided, as I was sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor...stool atop a flattened piece of cardboard...
that it is each generation's job to strip down what was painted ...or paint what has been stripped down.

If we never changed it up...we would stagnate as a society...right?

So another coat...just for good measure....

Now for the covering....
I chose a pretty tea towel that fit perfectly over the padded cushion.

I tacked it down with tiny tacks, and then I reattached it by using the
big screws at each corner of the stool.

Isn't it precious with the little pink throw pillow...another inexpensive find at the same antique mall...

It now does justice to Aunt Marguerite's table...

Cottage kitchen seating...

I sat in this rocker Sunday afternoon, holding baby Sophia, as Kyleigh and Colin huddled around us, nibbling cherries and grapes while husband cooked lunch. Then Kyleigh kneeled atop the stool at the table helping me put together a blueberry pie for dessert.  Making memories in Grammy's kitchen...

Bringing life to things old and forgotten...

Loving old china teacups and teapots....

Appreciating gifts from friends and family who believe in repurposing, as well...

The gift of a door knob... turned photo holder.. and a set of old keys ...pretty-ed up with new ribbon...
looking lovely on Grandma Effie's table... (along with a copy of her favorite childhood book Girl of the Limberlost...and a book of poetry she and my mother shared on a retreat to Ridgecrest when Mother was a girl...

Thank you again, to Lisa..and Alfie the poodle...at The Pickled Hutch...treasured are these gifts.

From sweet Sister-in-Law, who makes the sweetest treats for Miss Eliza...gifted me with the most precious Rose basket ...painted and decoupaged, lined and trimmed with ribbon... by her hands... and filled with tea for the teapot, and a sweet note...  These things mean so much when they are crafted with love....

And since I am sharing things which are pink and rose-y... I had to try the Tasha Tudor receipt for Becky's Birthday Cake...as I had just found a small, vintage bundt pan at the Country Charm Antique mall down the street... more of the *GREEN* ...

I drizzled Rose Water Icing over the sweet little cake, and embellished it with a couple of roses from the garden.

Along with the tiny tin cake pan, I was tickled to find a repurposed chenille bedspread, pink and white, made into curtains...perfect for the cubby in the bath, used to tuck away the ironing board....

..hung with clips from Home Depot, on a simple tension rod...easy, easy.....

Feeling awfully clever, I moved on to the shower curtain dilemma...
I had found a pale pink *it'll do till I find something I like better* curtain and hooks with white porcelain knobs...a sweet vintage touch...
Then...as I was rummaging through my table linens...I came across a square white linen tablecloth, edged with delicate tatting.  That little light bulb floating above my head, went off... and this is what I came up with....

A pretty white dasmask/linen shower curtain...lined with pink...

The hooks were purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond...

So this is how we turn GREEN into PINK...
at Rose Water Cottage.

It feels good ...to recycle, repurpose, re-do, re-use...
Find a sweet little project, salvage something forgotten, and breathe new life...give it new purpose.

Sweet Sophia Abigail

Did all of heaven's angels think of every precious, pretty thing,
While gathered on one dewey cloud,
And sing them into being...

Did they find the bluest blues and pinkest rosey pinks,
And dip a brush of feathers,
To shade her eyes and cheeks and lips...

Did all their wings, in one accord, sweep across her heart,
To fill her up with love and wonder,
For mother, father, sister, brother...

Did the angels then remember, her sweet and dear grandmothers,
And say, "we'll share her with another,
Just a bit and not much longer..."

Did they know this tiny babe could bring such joy and laughter,
And peace and love from heaven,
Souls would live forever after..

They must have had such inspiration, for she is like no other,
Fairest hands and tiny feet,
Led Daddy to his Father...

Now rejoicing comes at last, and praise to God is given,
Making this sweet family whole,
A babe has healed the hurting.

In loving remembrance of Sophia's Grandmothers Nancy Gail and Sondra.

A Summer Evening at Grammy's...and a little ball of sunshine

I remember the summer evenings spent at my Grandparent's home in Kentucky, when I was a little girl.
It always meant catching lightning bugs after a long hot day spent throwing rocks in the gravel drive, eating watermelon under the shade trees in the back yard, and seeing how far we could spit the seeds. The white metal chairs, with five or ten coats of white paint, formed a line between the farmhouse and the pasture that blended into the sunset.  All was right with the world.

Xavier enjoyed such an evening...minus the watermelon... and painted metal chairs.  Instead of mason jars for catching lightening bugs...it was plastic water bottles, emptied by a thirsty little boy after a busy afternoon.

He loved the tiny broom my daddy found ....in a pile of things on the side of the road, intended for trash...
It is the perfect size for Xavier....
...this winter it will be the perfect size for cleaning the ashes from the fireplace....

He was so happy the swing from the old house came to the Franklin House...

He spent some time with Eliza, and after spying a skein of yarn, a beautiful *sunshine* yellow, decided she needed a shawl that color....well...maybe he would just cut her some yellow yarn...

...and then shows it to her for her approval...

He has quite a conversation with her, for she is such a special friend to him.  He gives her updates on John Jacob...he's still hiding...he explains....Grammy believes maybe he's lost...but Xavier likes playing hide-n-seek...so we'll go with his story...

He then enjoyed a long visit with his dearest Aunt Bonnie ...so excited to show her his great skill in catching the little flying fire flies lighting up the evening, as we sat out under the Tulip Poplar, thankful for its shade...
It was such a terribly hot day, that by the time the sun was setting, and Aunt Bonnie had said her goodbyes...it was a fine time to pull out the hose and water the flowers...and one very hot little boy...

The squealing and jumping and laughter of a 4-year-old little boy has no comparison....this water play delighted him beyond words.
Then it was time for a lesson on how to use the sprayer...WITHOUT spraying GRAMMY...
Okay...okay...*I wasn't trying to spray Grammy....I was just spraying the driveway...*   Hmmmm....Grammy wasn't convinced....

Much better...focused on the flowers, now....

This little boy didn't run out of steam till late in the night..so excited to do all the things he loves to do...

but at last, sleep came...

....and in an instant, the night was over...the sun was up and so was Xavier...

Sesame Street was created for sleepy mommies and grammies...I am convinced...

As the credits begin to roll, the announcer says, *Sesame Street was brought to you today by X and 4.*  Xavier was ecstatic...He kept repeating...*X and 4, Grammy! X and 4!!!*   

He is so glad to have some time with his little girl Scout...

Now it's time for indoor play....still incredibly hot outdoors....

He finds the wardrobe, ironing board, and drying rack ...working diligently to pack...unpack...arrange...rearrange little bunny Lulu in her chair, Eliza in her chair, Ted the dog, and the wagon full of his favorite things...

Ted the dog, is a gift from Aunt Bonnie...The real Ted is Xavier's Mamaw's dog that lives on the farm and always greets us when we go there for a visit.

Xavier finally settles up on the couch where Grammy begins her morning knitting as she drinks her morning cup of coffee.

He believes Eliza needs to knit, as well, and finds her a matching skein of the pink yarn and some needles..

Even though they are quite big...Eliza gives Xavier a wink for thinking of her ...

Xavier finds his *sunshine* yarn and commences to making her a big 'ole plate of s'getti...

Grammy inquires, *Xavier, do you think Eliza will be able to eat ALL that spaghetti? Don't you think Lulu and Ted should help her eat it?*

Xavier replies in a very matter-of-fact manner, *Probably not. I think it is not a very great idea.*

So, that is that...

He hops up when he sees a sweet yellow bird sitting on the mantel...a bird he can now reach because he has gotten so big. He says, *Look, Grammy....I am SO big, my feet go all the way to the floor!*

I had never thought of it this way...but, I am supposing it is all a matter of perspective.  From his point of you, looking down, he realizes...it is a longer way to the floor...now that he is growing so tall.  We think of it as growing UP...he thinks of it as how far DOWN it is to his feet touching the floor..my goodness....

He finds the antique phone in the sunroom...turns the crank to hear it ring...and begins his phone conversations with various members of the family...

I try not to cause a distraction, and quietly snap some photos, for he is so engaged in his stories...

Then he is off...and onto the living room to practice his piano...

He finds the *sound of birds singing* on the upper notes....

..and the *sound of thunder* with his left hand...

*I like this note, Grammy*.....

Then both hands...

*Grammy, those clouds are smacking!* ...as he plays ever so loudly...

And, last but not least, he finds his stool and makes his way to the cookstove...setting Eliza close by so she may watch as he *scrandles* some tiny eggs...mixes food in the mixing bowl...and learns that the red-checked cloth in the picnic basket is for wrapping up food...

Notice the sunshine yellow yarn, to the left. He rolled it up into a ball for her present...It's her little ball of sunshine...I think everyone should have one.

That evening...after Xavier had gone...and the house was quiet, once again...the trucks and blocks and puppets and puzzles still on the sofa...yellow bits of yarn ...everywhere....  I was already missing him...

He is our little bundle of sunshine...

Everyone needs one of those.

We are blessed, and all is right with the world.

*Goat's Milk & Gardening*

Our beloved Tasha Tudor attributed Goat's Milk and Gardening as the reason for no headaches and no depression...ever...in her life....
I'm a believer...

I have found the joy of pouring chocolate goat's milk on my morning cereal...and another glassful in the afternoon...to be delicious and healthful..

And how can one walk outdoors, see beautiful flowers and trees, and not feel JOY... pure bliss...
Gardening should not be a chore...but a PASSION...
I am thankful my mother introduced me to the healing powers of dirt...all those years ago...at Sweet Apple Cabin.

Our dearest Beatrix Potter would have been pleased at our recent acquisition of  Peter Rabbit and His Watering Can which sits between the rockers at the back of the cottage...

Those three women, Tasha, Beatrix, and Dottie are my gardening inspiration on this day.

The boxwood hedge between the drive and our walkway needing trimming...
I snipped carefully...and retrieved the cuttings...I left the bushes  *bushy*...not squared off...this will be an informal cottage garden...

I found baskets and containers and vases of all sorts...and as a result, beautiful green and fragrant scent filled the cottage.

The kitchen window...

The living room...

Wouldn't Miss Tasha be proud....

 

Hopalong Bebe and Eliza did their part.

Bebe's clay pot boasts her clippings...

...and Eliza's wheel barrow was quite invaluable for those tiniest twigs....

We thought of her pretty gardening cart when we found this charming painting of an English Garden Cart...

The new roses in our petite cottage garden have bloomed ...and their pinks and reds are lovely in my Matthew's silver baby cup...

...and as Eliza has been so supportive through this move to Rose Water Cottage....a single bloom was picked for her tiny vase...
She sniffs and sniffs...

The  two Japanese Lilac trees we set on each side of the front windows are growing fresh leaves as fast as they can....

The lilac tree in front of Tasha Tudor's home in Vermont, was the inspiration for acquiring these trees.

We found a precious Bird House that we could not pass by...and brought it home with us to the cottage...

..hopeful that a lovely little pair might make their cozy nest in this delightful accommodation.

Another of Tasha's *JOYS* was doing housework...ironing...washing...cooking...dishwashing...

As the afternoon was incredibly hot...no more gardening for now, Eliza and I decided it was time for her to discover the joys of laundry day.

I had finished a summer weight shawl and matching kerchief for Eliza's cousin City Mouse...

..and as the shade is a pale pink..it required a bit of a wash....

We gathered a pretty pink lustreware teacup, a teeny tiny spoon for measuring the detergent, and a teeny tiny thimble to measure the softener.
The Lavender detergent was used....

and the shawl and kerchief were placed in the cool water and stirred gently with the spoon...a demitasse
spoon....for I use a heaping tablespoon for my load of laundry...

It is then time for the rinse cycle...a teacupful of fresh cool water...

Add a thimbleful of Lemon Verbena fabric softener...I use 3 capfuls for mine...

Eliza can't help but sniff the air...how fresh the clothes smell as they are hung on the clothes rack to dry...

Once the laundry is dry...it is time to iron the pretties...and a tiny spritz of lavender linen spray makes ironing a breeze...and an inviting task/JOY...

Eliza gathers her clothespins as I tend to some ironing of my own....

The sunroom is such a cheerful place to iron.

Scout has been happy to rest in her comfy spot, knowing all is right with the world when Grammy is twirling through the house, tending to the laundry...making the kitchen sink sparkle...folding the freshly laundered towels...and ironing the linen frocks....and husband's shirts...

There is much gratitude for this new home...filled with JOY and PEACE...and I want to share it with those who pass our way..

These are my *gratitude cookies* ...oatmeal, walnut, chocolate chunk...made in a big batch...then wrapped in waxpaper and a repurposed ribbon and handed out to the post man, who delivers mail when it is pouring rain or 103 degrees,  the fed-ex man (so he won't be fed-up with so many packages to deliver at Christmastide) and any one who happens along needing a little pick me up. Suzanne at Privet and Holly had such an inspiring post on saying Thank You to those who are in her life ...doing what they do...making her life do-able...
So this is how I respond to the challenge... random acts of kindness... pass it on....

I also want to introduce you to the latest Bebe *arrival*...fresh from Brussels Jazz Festival...and giving an impromptu concert on her saxophone for Little Bunny Lulu...

Penny White..of Angelsdoor...has enchanted us once more with her adorable creation.

Now we have found Bebe's spot atop the piano and 'neath the flute and Seth Tudor Artstand...

She is already borrowing Eliza's art stand for her poem and tag...hopeful for some sheet music just her size...Eliza is hopeful for another art stand...maybe... for autumnal receipts such as Molasses Sugar cookies and gingerbread squirrels like Dianne and Sarah make at Corgyncombe Cottage...
We'll see Eliza...we'll see....

Meanwhile, Designer Bebe is enjoying her Paris-like surroundings...especially the sparkly candles which match her lovely sparkly gown...

And my sweet Bebe girl, dressed for her Party in Paris, greets me each morning as I rise ....her spot alongside the cottage blue floral curtains is suitable and cheerful...

On this happy note...from Bebe's saxophone...sparkling candles...adorable face...

From Eliza and Grammy's delightfully scented laundry ...

And the delicious fragrance of roses and boxwood...

Make this a day of JOY.

Essential Elements...for Taking Peace

It isn't often...but once in a great while...
a day presents itself....
a day of Peace...
Take it!

As I stroll through MY day of peace...
I thought I might present some ideas,
for often we forget...
how to let the house, the phone, the computer...
rest.
Let go...
come with me....

Your breakfast for one, my dear kindreds....

Choose a pretty teacup for your coffee...no one is there to count how many times it might need refilling.
My bunny is filled with my favorite creamer...the french press holds fresh ground coffee...sugar cubes at the ready in a pretty sugar bowl with silver tongs...and Special K with Vanilla & Almonds cereal topped with fresh goat's milk.

Now for your hot bath....pick your favorite...bubbles, bath oil beads, or a lullabaloo lavender fizzy ....

Find a frilly feminine frock...that is comfy, as well.....

(I chose my new favorite dress from Rose Mille...Millie's Closet...The Lily dress by Nick and Mo with a black pair of capri length leggings)

Slather on a creamy, fragrant lotion...Linden by Pre de Provence is lovely...

If you simply must do a daily chore...you have permission to do one cycle of laundry...IF you use a lavender scented product which could be considered suitable aromatherapy...otherwise...it will wait...

Now it is time to find your favorite, most soothing, lyric-less music ....reach for your source of inspiration...

and go straightaway to your comfy spot....you know you have one...your favorite chair, your spot on the sofa, a comfy rocker....go there, with a snuggly wrap...and a snuggly companion, if you have one...

Reach for a project that is mindless, no thinking required...

(at least, this part of the project requires very little thought...)

..or peruse reading material that inspires...as you sip your last few sips of coffee...

...or takes you back in time...

...and often, we just need some time to ponder....remember....miss....reflect....

I remember my Grandma Effie Belle....and miss her...as she would have turned 94 this past week...
So on her humble maple table, painted a different shade each of the past four decades....I have placed a few things.  I gaze at her photo.  I think of the bottle of glitter sitting there...reminding me of the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled. The french beaded fern, tipped in blue...a Florida girl, she became, when Fred drove her and toddler Dorothy to the center of the state...where there was work...and lush ferns.
And a small photo of her at my age...

I also remember all the new relationships that have come my way....all the kindred spirits...the ladies, young and old....and everywhere in between (old is a matter of perspective...mind you....) and I can't help but allow my mind to wander there....to ponder...how much richer my life is because of all of you.
You know my children, my grandchildren, how I bake, how I make home...Penny knows that I am really Bebe (just in the form of a Grammy...)

Anita knows how I love tea and pretty sparkly things...

Suzanne, a new friend, a tall gal like me....knows what it is like to have a Grandma..Gigi ...with Alzheimer's..
Dianne, knows I want to spin wool so badly, that she gives me tips across the miles through the computer...
Linnie..knows how much I love Jesus...and mice..
Jeri, knows I am a novice writer with a little grandson who could eat all the scrandled eggs she could send our way...
Laura, knows how much I love blueberries and sends me recipes galore...
and dearest, sweet Natalie knows about my purple wellies and how much I love them....

There are more of you out there, who follow religiously...or every now and then pop in for a peek...
like Jill, and Donna, and Lisa, and Mother, and Sisters-in-law, and Sister....how dear you are to me...

And new friends across the way...across the country...across the ocean...my goodness...
Start counting your friends...your confidant's...your sisters (whether by blood or *kinship*) and you will remember how truly, richly blessed you are!

Thank you for being one of my blessings.

Wonderful Weekend

Today...as I was reflecting on the holiday weekend....
and how much fried chicken, hamburgers, and hotdogs I had consumed...
I prepared a simple lunch...

The cheese was DIVINE...a raspberry gouda-type...

... a mug of my new Paris tea...and I was already feeling more on track.

But what fun we had...
Treasure hunting on Saturday at Three French Hens and The Roost, located right at the heart of historic Nolensville, Tennessee...to find so many treats for the cottage.
Everything was *my favorite* but this happened to be the most needed...An Art Cabinet

It has shelves inside to hold drawing and watercolor paper, inks, art books, and folders of ideas..
...and the drawer is the perfect size for drawing pencils and tubes of water colors....erasers...and sharpeners...

You will see more of our fantastic finds in upcoming posts.

I was able to paint the corner hutch a wonderful new shade called *modestly peach*

It seemed a little more *bold* than *modest* so I did only one coat of paint, very lightly...
It truly is the perfect shade, though, for most of my tea pots and pretties...bringing out their colors so beautifully...

As my camera was still in hand, I had to capture a view of the lush green outdoors through the window...

I noticed the pretty salmon pink geraniums match the hutch...once again, I am amazed how the palette of colors is coming together so splendidly.

I hung the draperies I had found online, and was so tickled that the old set of shutters we found at the Three French Hens, fit perfectly and provided the privacy we needed...as well as exuding that cottage chic coziness...

A sweet gift for Eliza the cottage mouse, from her cousin city mouse's dear mistress...
two little white eggs for *scrandling* as Xavier would say, a tiny white bowl just like Grammy's mixing bowls, and a teeny tiny spoon. How excited our little Eliza was to receive a gift...her skillet is ready...

Andrea M'lynn was also quite excited at the procurement of a sweet wicker basket lined with a lovely lacey handkersniff...

What a delightful picnic she is planning..

When I realized my pretty mini penny hydrangeas had dried in their vase...it became difficult to keep them from falling from the creamer bottle to the side table.  The tiny little light bulb, which hangs right above my head, went off.... I filled the creamer to the very top, with dried split peas....Voila!!...

The stems are held in place, perfectly...pretty solution...I must say...

I placed the two happy sheep, purchased last summer after we toured Shaker Village in Pleasanton, Kentucky, by the freshly picked blooms....

The landscape atop the piano changes often...I will be sure to keep you updated...

On Monday...we were ready to celebrate...

A cookout and family gathered around the table in the screened porch was delicious in every way...

the cool breeze provided by the ceiling fan...and the abundant shade, made the visit with family wonderfully pleasant.

To see Sweet Baby Sophia in her 4th of July romper, sandals, headband/bow, and sunglasses...

provided that extra something special to our day....

She is ready for the stroll to the square for festivities.

I'm not sure the folks in the square were sufficiently prepared for such a diva....

The fresh squeezed lemonade was so refreshing on this fairly hot and humid day...as were the lively bands, playing lively music...

Sophia's mommy and I found our way into a charming little shop It's Vintage, Baby...where some precious little purchases were made...

...including the sweetest little bunny baby.  So many real bunnies hop through our yard...Grammy needed a bunny that would sit sweetly on the new/old iron chair she acquired at the Three French Hens, atop the side table, purchased there, as well...

At tea time today...I christened her *Lulu*....doesn't she just look like a little bunny LULU?

She is made by a company out of Denmark...Maileg. 

I'm sure you will be seeing more of her...

Thank you, once again, for checking in at Grammy's House...

and sharing the joys of cottage living.

It's all coming together...

Like putting a puzzle together...
making a home requires that pieces find the place they fit...
and sometimes those aren't the places we expected them to be.
A crocheted table runner, a beautiful gift from sister-in-law, becomes a valance...

It could not be any more beautiful on a table...and as a valance, the intricacies are greater appreciated.

The other runner, a gift as well, makes the corner cabinet more elegant...

The stitching is brilliant against the shade of the wood...

I am feeling very much like the crocheted table runner...needing to be held up to the light so the intricacies of ME could be seen...by ME...
The sunlight reveals.

How extraordinary it is.

God's blessings...not luck...not good fortune...
Blessings.

Our new life in this cottage....has breathed new life in me.

I am savoring the delightful surroundings....
tasting peace...
drinking joy...

I am nourished and satisfied.
In turn, I am productive, creative, inspired, loved.

The grandchildren feel this when they come to our home...

Sophia, Grammy's living baby doll...

Kyleigh, Grammy's tea party loving, doll house playing, girly-girl....

and Colin, Grammy's little cowboy...

They know this is a haven for play...blocks on the floor, train sets to build, games to be played, and lots of hugs and kisses. They can let their hair down, knowing all is right with the world. Peace resides here.

How grateful I am for this little Rose Water Cottage, and all it is teaching me to appreciate about life.
The important things...simple things...
Sitting in the middle of the floor...surrounded by little ones...
A wagon ride to the ice cream shoppe...
Rocking in the recliner with a little boy and his baby sister...
Listening to the whistle of the train rolling through town...
The sounds of birds singing in the mornings..
Looking out the kitchen window at 3 little bunnies playing freeze tag in the yard across the drive...

And once the pieces all fit in the puzzle...
their is great rejoicing...
at the completeness.

May you feel completeness in your life...
Joy and Peace

Tea Time at the Cottage

A tiny package arrives at the door, on a Saturday.

I love tiny packages...especially when I have been anticipating a certain delivery...

of a certain tea...highly recommended by my very new friend..

Suzanne of Privet and Holly...

and the tea is named appropriately, for it has the most lovely fragrance...

Paris...by Harney & Sons...

I was quite in the mood for a lovely tea party for one,

as I had enjoyed the morning hanging our new/old curtains,

found online for a most reasonable price.

I had noticed the intricate laces and designs,

and how beautiful they looked with hydrangeas in the foreground...

I had fluffed the pillows in their new chintz casings,

found in a little shop in England, by the proprietor of a new shop in town,

Kaleidascope....

I was in the mood for a tea party for one...

after hanging my favorite curtain on the beautiful front door...

with its charming door bell...

...and gazing at the piano graced with Blushing Brides ...

and my grandma Effie's table adorned with sweet Annabelles, in a vase given by dear friends for a housewarming gift...

And thinking how lovely this netted confection would look atop my head...

...at a tea party for one.

Perusing a charming publication...

only to find an entire piece regarding the company who made the lovely Paris tea,

which I have just acquired on this day..

So I prepare tea for one....

Curl up in my favorite spot on the comfy sofa....

and enjoy the peaceful music playing, the aroma of a delicious tea, the varying shades of blues and greens in the hydrangeas at my table, the clock ticking....

and I reflect...as one can only reflect when the house is still...

and ponder the love in this home..

the beauty in its gardens...

the potential to grow...as a woman...who has more room to grow...

and I begin...

to think...

of a new journey...

to draw...to create..

Miss Eliza and her adventures at Grammy's House.

and so we begin...

I seek inspiration as I stroll through this cottage garden we are creating...

 gazing at the freshly planted roses, and catalina, and phlox, and ivy...

and with a grateful heart, I accept the heavenly nudge of our Maker,
to use, yet another of his wonderful gifts...

May you seek that which has been pushed aside, left in the corners of your past,
that which needs light, and attention,
to bring joy and happiness to those around you
who need joy and beauty in their lives...
especially, if it is just you.
Enjoy a tea party for one...
and listen...
He has so much to tell you.

in the garden with Hopalong Hollow Bebe

Our little friend arrived just in time...

She has been off to Hopalong Hollow where she learned everything a little mouse would ever need to know about gardening. Apparently she had such a good time with Dimity Doormouse, and her mistress, Jeri Landers, that Penny at Angelsdoor could not be certain she would return. But alas, she returned long enough to freshen her overalls, clean her gardening tools, and fluff her pretty gardening hat to come to Rose Water Cottage...

She is anxious to have her gardening tools unpacked...

and the basket she will need to carry her cuttings...

She is now ready for a hard day's work, helping Mistress Grammy and Husband with their new cottage flower beds..

But wait...Grammy has spied the pretty ribbon on Bebe's wide brimmed hat, and decides her wide brimmed hat needs a pretty blue ribbon as well...

Grammy's not quite sure her purple wellies will match the blue ribbon, but it is so very lovely, don't you think?

The gardening tools and watering can are gathered and placed on the back steps...

The gardening tags are saved so the names and colors are remembered...the watering can, by Haws, has become Grammy's favorite...and the bag of different types of tools, a gift from husband, has been a handy and durable tote.
Natalie, at Rookery Ramblings, has been an invaluable resource...suggesting the Hunter wellies, the Haws brand watering can (seen on one of her posts), the gardening hats with their wide brims (a photo of Natalie and the girls in their pinafores and hats), and the incredible book English Cottage Gardening, with a forward introduction by Tasha Tudor (with a layout of Tasha's Vermont home gardens)...

A photo of Tasha's beautiful pink roses..

...and her lovely peonies...

The storm clouds were threatening...but Mistress Grammy, Husband, and Bebe made quite a bit of progress before the *rain drops* released the *rain drips*...as Xavier refers to clouds and rain...

The Ever Favorite Annabelle is placed in a shady spot...

and then our Blushing Bride was situated next to her southern friend...

English Ivy has always been a staple in past gardens, but this Glacier Ivy caught the eye of the gardener. It will work its way upward on the spiraling trellis placed in the urn...

Roses were planted along the front fence, phlox were added to the bed where we transplanted iris from my parent's home, caladiums were set out in the shade next to the screened porch, and lovely salmon colored geraniums were placed in containers on the front porch.
After the rains, the wellies proved a life saver, as I helped husband with the setting of the roses and weeded the beds under the weeping cherry.

I was wishing I had a cute pair of overalls, like Bebe and her friend Bushky Bushybottom ...

But then, I don't think I would be nearly as adorable as those two!

How happy we are to have a little helper to sweep the tiny boxwood leaves, dig holes for the tiniest little seeds, and add her gardening pearls of wisdom, gleaned from the gardener extraordinaire, her mentor, and friend to all God's creatures great and small, Mistress Jeri.

Jeri Landers, author/illustrator/artist, of Hopalong Hollow Gazette and Penny White, sculptor/artist, of Angelsdoor collaborated to create this precious little mouse friend.  These women have talent oozing from their very pores, and it is always a delight to witness their creativity in action. Jeri is in the process of illustrating the third book she has written. And Penny surprises us on a regular basis, with her brilliantly adorable creations.  They would love to have you visit...

Thank you for stopping by to see the first stages of our cottage garden..
Blessings and happy gardening!