I've always created my own canvas and will continue to do so the rest of my life.
One of my favorite flowers below, Peonies!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
May 12 2016 Time Flies
It has been quite a long time since I have blogged. It seemed at one point in time I had enough hours in the day to keep up with my musings.
I've always created my own canvas and will continue to do so the rest of my life.
One of my favorite flowers below, Peonies!
I've always created my own canvas and will continue to do so the rest of my life.
One of my favorite flowers below, Peonies!
Friday, June 5, 2015
Another Yearly Update from Jot n Tittle!
Have you ever noticed the colors in nature? They are quite magnificent! Especially in the realm of flower coloration and variety....go to www.albertsflorist.com and check out the beautiful arrangements that they sell every single day!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Plain Jane Design on ETSY!
Just a smattering of artwork from Plain Jane Design USA on Etsy. Cards are 5" x 7" and are available!
Monday, April 7, 2014
New Greeting Card Line
Just seems like life it too busy and with working full time, one doesn't have much time for a blog.
I've enjoyed so many times when I had the time to do some creative writing about my English Village and hope to do so again. Here is the latest that I am doing now!
Sweet baby cards, Vintage of course. Hope to start selling them soon!
I've enjoyed so many times when I had the time to do some creative writing about my English Village and hope to do so again. Here is the latest that I am doing now!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Layin' an EGG!
Now with all the crowing each morning it was a sure bet that the girls was a boys, but, no matter they took it all with great aplumb and hard boiled the mini eggs to their delight!!
We no sooner know what we know and then we are proven wrong...oh well, such is life on the farm.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Jolly Good Time....
We all had a jolly good time dashing here and there today...we picked up several kinds of lace and muslin from the local Dry Goods and a potion at the Apothecary for a nasty head cold!
Roasted a chicken for our evening repast and darned 3 pair of stockings for church tomorrow...a Mums duties are never at a end!
I have earnestly pursued the day with great enthusiasm and now it is time to relight the evening fire in the hearth and settle down with a grand book and a cup of tea.
Please catch up with me on our walk from the Vicar's Hall tomorrow to the Miss Brown's. See you at that time!
Roasted a chicken for our evening repast and darned 3 pair of stockings for church tomorrow...a Mums duties are never at a end!
I have earnestly pursued the day with great enthusiasm and now it is time to relight the evening fire in the hearth and settle down with a grand book and a cup of tea.
Please catch up with me on our walk from the Vicar's Hall tomorrow to the Miss Brown's. See you at that time!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Rambling
It seems as though it has been ages since I have written anything in my blog...I guess just the puttering around the house, getting spring gardening taken care of it about all I can do these days.
The spring weather is giving away to warm days and cools evenings. All of the Ring Neck Doves are enjoying the new seed laid out for them today.
I had taken a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk through the Campus, did a nice Starbucks and finished up having a lovely breakfast with an old friend. Now it is just my daily routine today!
The spring weather is giving away to warm days and cools evenings. All of the Ring Neck Doves are enjoying the new seed laid out for them today.
I had taken a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk through the Campus, did a nice Starbucks and finished up having a lovely breakfast with an old friend. Now it is just my daily routine today!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
From the Frayed Edges...
...of the lace curtains that lay on the table, I see a story of lives once lived. A complete story of a small village family dwelling in a small cottage. Just smell the edge of the lace and let your mind fill with images of young children flipping back their trim to view the carriage ambling down the lane or being pulled over the tops of their head in play, imagining being the beautiful bride in an elaborate Royal Wedding, what carefree days does the frail weave attest too!
Amidst the crowded memories, just what did these dainty, delicate curtians witness?
Well, I will tell you...being the youngest child of 6 youngsters in this cottage they saw much. A smoke filled room from the wood cooking fireplace - small, neatly formed meat pies awaiting the evening meal...cakes, cookies, pies, puddings all had their day once upon the past.
Lively discourse with neighbors and friends sharing tales about the newest family to arrive in the village or the latest fashion...the best selling tea at the general store, or hard candy being the only thing on the childrens' minds!
Or the day that we had the Vicar and his family over for Sunday dining....what fun we had running up and down the staircase to our small room and peering out the lace, through the dirt smudged windows.
Such memories will always be etched upon the lace that sits upon my table.
Amidst the crowded memories, just what did these dainty, delicate curtians witness?
Well, I will tell you...being the youngest child of 6 youngsters in this cottage they saw much. A smoke filled room from the wood cooking fireplace - small, neatly formed meat pies awaiting the evening meal...cakes, cookies, pies, puddings all had their day once upon the past.
Lively discourse with neighbors and friends sharing tales about the newest family to arrive in the village or the latest fashion...the best selling tea at the general store, or hard candy being the only thing on the childrens' minds!
Or the day that we had the Vicar and his family over for Sunday dining....what fun we had running up and down the staircase to our small room and peering out the lace, through the dirt smudged windows.
Such memories will always be etched upon the lace that sits upon my table.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Gray, foggy morning...
As the clock ticks rhythmically forward, I gaze out among the trees and brush through my tiny cottage's window. The dreary, still din has enveloped my tiny village, hopefully, for only the day.
Fog swirls around the tree trunks as if it was imagining its form and texture. Leaves and sticks rise upward in a sudden gust and fall reluctantly back to the ground. My eyes are immediately adverted to the movement on the branches and find a flock of sparrows gaily dancing on the limbs gathering clear, water droplets that have formed during the night.
As I drop the lace curtain back into place, satisfying myself with the thought that is much too cold to venture out, I turn my attention back to the cooking hearth where a fine cut of lamb is yeilding itself to the licks of the flame...what a meal we should have!
Bread has been baked and sitting warm on the wooden table waiting for the first cut with my very large, but, trustworthy knife. I think all in all the afternoon meal will be quite delicious!
A few of my friends will gather here shortly, I've always enjoyed entertaining, in my modest way, and hope that they will feel welcomed.
....more to follow
Fog swirls around the tree trunks as if it was imagining its form and texture. Leaves and sticks rise upward in a sudden gust and fall reluctantly back to the ground. My eyes are immediately adverted to the movement on the branches and find a flock of sparrows gaily dancing on the limbs gathering clear, water droplets that have formed during the night.
As I drop the lace curtain back into place, satisfying myself with the thought that is much too cold to venture out, I turn my attention back to the cooking hearth where a fine cut of lamb is yeilding itself to the licks of the flame...what a meal we should have!
Bread has been baked and sitting warm on the wooden table waiting for the first cut with my very large, but, trustworthy knife. I think all in all the afternoon meal will be quite delicious!
A few of my friends will gather here shortly, I've always enjoyed entertaining, in my modest way, and hope that they will feel welcomed.
....more to follow
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Ah, Sunday Morning!
What a deliciously mellow morning!
Attended church this morning and was really introspective and tried to apply what was spoken to how I perceived it.....communion was meaningful and friends abound.
Visited with my Mentor in her 1st grade Sunday School class and her helper Pam, who is a sweetheart. Saw a spoke with many friends and made a few new ones.
Strolled with a friend over to Starbuck's to enjoy a warm, sunny spot in the barnes and noble outdoor "mall"...talked with a few strangers and was very happy. We spent a few hours catching up and laughing over silly conversation....
...all in all the morning shaped up to be very fine.
Attended church this morning and was really introspective and tried to apply what was spoken to how I perceived it.....communion was meaningful and friends abound.
Visited with my Mentor in her 1st grade Sunday School class and her helper Pam, who is a sweetheart. Saw a spoke with many friends and made a few new ones.
Strolled with a friend over to Starbuck's to enjoy a warm, sunny spot in the barnes and noble outdoor "mall"...talked with a few strangers and was very happy. We spent a few hours catching up and laughing over silly conversation....
...all in all the morning shaped up to be very fine.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Birdie's Ball
The village people were a flutter with the Birdie's Ball starting sharp as the 6th hour chimed, carriages, chair carts, guest on foot, fly's were all converging on the Manse at the fashionable address...the Dowager Countess Hixana Crow, who always wore black taffeta in the keeping of her station, stood prominately in the center of the hall letting everyone admire her attire!
The room was filled with bright, tall ivory candles glowing from the candlelabras suspended from the enormous, wood-planked ceilings. Excitement in the air was palpable and the low rumbling din could not be contained.
The room was filled with bright, tall ivory candles glowing from the candlelabras suspended from the enormous, wood-planked ceilings. Excitement in the air was palpable and the low rumbling din could not be contained.
Lord Oswald Owl and Lady Owl greeted the crowd emerging through the iron gate and into the hall. Robin dearest and Quixana Quail grabbed each others hands in unbelief as they entered the grand hall. "May I take your wrap Madame's" the footman inquired. "Yes you may, trilled the giddy girls"!
The musicians were tuning up their instruments for the first dance......
Friday, January 6, 2012
Trying So Hard...
I've been trying so hard to write a trenchant piece about our outdoor friends prancing in the garden, but to no avail! My "word factory" has been let go and I am left without a single thought to save my soul!
Our chunky Ring Necked dove just pounded the soft green pavement out by the backyard feeding station and he ambled up to the dish like an old pro...where is his mate?
All the sparrows feel safe when this big lumox is around and they sit side by side in the tray. One little sparrow got so excited he decided to take a dip in the bird bath until the dove decided to refresh himself and stood in the bath to take a long, deep draft!
All in view from the comforts of my own parlor settee! What joy......
Our chunky Ring Necked dove just pounded the soft green pavement out by the backyard feeding station and he ambled up to the dish like an old pro...where is his mate?
All the sparrows feel safe when this big lumox is around and they sit side by side in the tray. One little sparrow got so excited he decided to take a dip in the bird bath until the dove decided to refresh himself and stood in the bath to take a long, deep draft!
All in view from the comforts of my own parlor settee! What joy......
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Robins, Quail and the like....
They all gathered around me as I set out the feed for the evening. Never before have they all been so anxious as this particular day. Robin dearest was in her finest red hat, one with the feather affixed so properly within the band. Miss Quixana Quail already had her own top knotch gloriously displayed, brushed to a very fine tip.
This evening was the Birdies Ball over @ the Manse of the distinguished Alberta and Oswald Owl. Alberta known in society, and her husband always hosted the brightest and dare say, the most elegant of ball's in the countryside!.....to be continued
This evening was the Birdies Ball over @ the Manse of the distinguished Alberta and Oswald Owl. Alberta known in society, and her husband always hosted the brightest and dare say, the most elegant of ball's in the countryside!.....to be continued
Monday, June 6, 2011
Revelation in a New Day
The day broke gently on the village as the light pressed through the soft gray clouds to illumine the landscape. Flora and fauna stretched and yawn to a new morning revealing the intricacy of its unique beauty.
As I strolled along the rubbled path, birds sang their morning greetings while flowers turned up their bright, freshly groomed faces to watch me pass. Dew glistened on the webs delicately spun by industrious spiders.
I seemed to be lost in thought as I took in the surrounding impressions of the morning. Years ago in this village time weaved generously around our lives, today with the arrival of the iron horse, lives are fragmented by the coming and going of its people.
I cherish the memories as a precious novel stored in my mind of colors, sights and sounds of another time and place...these thoughts can not be removed or replaced, they are the ones that make me who I am.
I see past all the change and cling to that which most appeals to me! I will surely go at my own pace and stop to smell the roses.
As I strolled along the rubbled path, birds sang their morning greetings while flowers turned up their bright, freshly groomed faces to watch me pass. Dew glistened on the webs delicately spun by industrious spiders.
I seemed to be lost in thought as I took in the surrounding impressions of the morning. Years ago in this village time weaved generously around our lives, today with the arrival of the iron horse, lives are fragmented by the coming and going of its people.
I cherish the memories as a precious novel stored in my mind of colors, sights and sounds of another time and place...these thoughts can not be removed or replaced, they are the ones that make me who I am.
I see past all the change and cling to that which most appeals to me! I will surely go at my own pace and stop to smell the roses.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Arrived From Plymouth This Day!
Arrived from Plymouth this day realizing that a lie in would be necessary for my health. The days journey took us through some rutted coach paths and remote areas. I am so thankful to be at leisure now, with a fine book and a cuppa!
It was good fun we all had at the Clive Albert Hook's residence in Plymouth...they are always such good hosts! We dined on fresh meats and vegtables during the entire stay. She made delicious meals of roasted squab, bright sweet potatoes and yummy carrots, who would have dared to think that such a marvelous meal could be had?
We gathered around the fire each evening and recounted the days events, as one must do to keep everyone informed as to all the news!
The feather beds were most delightful and kept us warm and snuggly next to the freshly stoked bedroom fireplaces.
Our last day there we walked the arboritum which is a full 9 acres, oh how tired my legs were when we finished. I wish I had had my drawing implements to capture all the beauty of that wonderful place.
Ah, for another visit soon, maybe during berry season!
It was good fun we all had at the Clive Albert Hook's residence in Plymouth...they are always such good hosts! We dined on fresh meats and vegtables during the entire stay. She made delicious meals of roasted squab, bright sweet potatoes and yummy carrots, who would have dared to think that such a marvelous meal could be had?
We gathered around the fire each evening and recounted the days events, as one must do to keep everyone informed as to all the news!
The feather beds were most delightful and kept us warm and snuggly next to the freshly stoked bedroom fireplaces.
Our last day there we walked the arboritum which is a full 9 acres, oh how tired my legs were when we finished. I wish I had had my drawing implements to capture all the beauty of that wonderful place.
Ah, for another visit soon, maybe during berry season!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Godly Wisdom......Proverbs 3:13-26
Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.
To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.
That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.
When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.
To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.
That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.
When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Another Thought for Another Day...
Today was a chilly, windy day in the village. We gathered around a warm, toasty fire and drank our hot chocolate while munching on scones! I don't think I will ever get use to the cold weather, my ideal temperature is mildly warm!
I have also heard that there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort and I believe in that heartily! We all the ladies here for the sewing of the village quilt, I couldn't be happier!
We learn so much about the event happening within the confines of the other families, the heartache, the prayer requests, the sicknesses and the joys...I find this type of exchange always builds the closeness among the villagers!
Well, so much for telling of the day, we're back to work.
I have also heard that there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort and I believe in that heartily! We all the ladies here for the sewing of the village quilt, I couldn't be happier!
We learn so much about the event happening within the confines of the other families, the heartache, the prayer requests, the sicknesses and the joys...I find this type of exchange always builds the closeness among the villagers!
Well, so much for telling of the day, we're back to work.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Getting accustom to my old surroundings...
I've made the journey back home, it was a wonderful experience to walk through the old wooden door. The first thing that greeted me was a very warm and cozy fire in the hearth...my dear neighbor wanted me to be comfortable when I arrived!
With my bags put away and a few picked flowers arranged properly in the kitchen window, I've gone about the task of reacquainting myself to the smells and sights of my little home.
I have been blessed, you know, by very generous and giving friends! They all came to clean and freshen up the inside of the cottage. I am also amazed that they filled my larder with produce and other essentials.
Well just today I have been visited by friends and neighbors numbering at 8 dear people, my life is full!
The chickens that were kept in my absense are still producing fine brown eggs - just now as I gaze out my laced trimmed window, I see several of "the girls" pecking and searching for fowl delights.
The coach ride from Amberside was indeed bumpy and made me quite stiff...nothing out of the ordinary on the Bromley - except several stops at villages for a respite from the crowded coach...oh, I must confess to you that there was one incident that came up quite unexpected, the left rear wheel became stuck in the muddy rut and we ladies all had to disembark from the coach, actually, we were carried to land to watch the men push the large wooden wheel from its predicament...even in all this excitement, we had to endure the rainfall from under a Yew Tree.
We were only detained for one half of one hour, gladly we came upon a village pub and coach stop soon after, you remember the village of Hobsley? Yes, it was the Hobsley Pub next to the Addison Hotel. We were so glad to have time to dry off by the warm blaze in the pub! I don't mind telling you that a lady like me drank a few sips of beer! Does that shock you? We women shared a small beer to warm up!!! I think you will laugh at the telling!
Well, my dear friend I will stop here with the story of my return. Take care and please return the kind in a form of a letter, I long to hear from you.
With my bags put away and a few picked flowers arranged properly in the kitchen window, I've gone about the task of reacquainting myself to the smells and sights of my little home.
I have been blessed, you know, by very generous and giving friends! They all came to clean and freshen up the inside of the cottage. I am also amazed that they filled my larder with produce and other essentials.
Well just today I have been visited by friends and neighbors numbering at 8 dear people, my life is full!
The chickens that were kept in my absense are still producing fine brown eggs - just now as I gaze out my laced trimmed window, I see several of "the girls" pecking and searching for fowl delights.
The coach ride from Amberside was indeed bumpy and made me quite stiff...nothing out of the ordinary on the Bromley - except several stops at villages for a respite from the crowded coach...oh, I must confess to you that there was one incident that came up quite unexpected, the left rear wheel became stuck in the muddy rut and we ladies all had to disembark from the coach, actually, we were carried to land to watch the men push the large wooden wheel from its predicament...even in all this excitement, we had to endure the rainfall from under a Yew Tree.
We were only detained for one half of one hour, gladly we came upon a village pub and coach stop soon after, you remember the village of Hobsley? Yes, it was the Hobsley Pub next to the Addison Hotel. We were so glad to have time to dry off by the warm blaze in the pub! I don't mind telling you that a lady like me drank a few sips of beer! Does that shock you? We women shared a small beer to warm up!!! I think you will laugh at the telling!
Well, my dear friend I will stop here with the story of my return. Take care and please return the kind in a form of a letter, I long to hear from you.
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