A Sunny Day At Last!

It's Saturday...and finally the sun is truly out! I do hope it lingers for we've seen very little of Mr. Sun lately. *sigh*
A lazy, quiet day it is. What shall I do??

Ahhh....what does one do on a pretty day such as this? Gardening of course!

So my dears, I'm off to go do some planting and some clean up. Must make my world pretty.

I wish you all a beautiful day filled with sunshine and all that is good!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Painting Your Day

It's a new day...a blank canvas!

Let's paint on it something beautiful like a smile. Let's add to it plenty of sunshine and some laughter. Let's also add to this work of art lots of patience, for we all know that good things come to those who wait. Dab some excitement and adventure to spice things up. Throw in a kiss or two and some understanding.

Most importantly, let's color it with Love...after all, it makes the world go round.

Here's to a beautiful new day....another beginning.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Enchanted

I thought I 'd take advantage of this rainy afternoon to blog about my favorite book and movie of all time.....Enchanted April.

I remember the very first time I watched the movie several years back on cable. I've always loved flicks that take place in England in the early 20th century, however little did I know that this one film would stir within me so many emotions all at once.

I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen it or read the book, so I shall keep this as short and sweet as possible.

Four women who were strangers to one another embark on a getaway trip to Italy to a castle they rented together....basically to get away from the humdrum of their daily lives in England. Two of them have a less than satisfactory marriage. The other two, one a socialite tired of the "grabbing men" and the other a lonely old widow living in her literature past, complete the foursome.

Their unique personalities seem to clash at first, but not for long. The ambiance within and without the castle "San Salvatore" is purely beautiful and magical. It seems to be, as Lottie puts it "a tub of love", for before you know it, both Lottie and Rose invite their husbands to come and partake of the magic. There is no loathing, no bitterness there. Love abounds within the flowers and the air.

For those 93 minutes of the film, I was Lottie....wanting to get away and discovering something so beautiful and inspiring......LOVE.

Imagine a place like that existed. Where upon awaking in the morning and looking out your window, you are greeted by a landscape akin to a painting. A place where one does not have to speak words of love in order to feel them. Heck, a place where a woman doesn't have to spell it out to her man that she loves him...for he becomes a willing recipient of its spell. Oh how delightful and lovely.

The colors and visual cinematography is a feast for the eyes and soul. There is beauty throughout the whole film....at least to me there is. *smiles*

I'm a romantic in so many ways....if you are too, this film is for you.

Oh...please, read the book first if you so desire. The author is Elizabeth Von Arnim. I've picked up three antique copies for myself...one from 1922 published in England. Can you tell I just love Enchanted April?

Today I'm inspired....I'm going to make my home a tub of love!!!

Oh! The rain has stopped and the sun is out. *sigh*

I wish you all love!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Midsummer's Eve

My Dears,

Happy Midsummer to you all!

A wonderful day and evening was had in the company of dear friends. Celebrating Midsummer is a Harmonie House tradition and starting off on the eve of the solstice makes for a nice long celebration.

We planned for a day of music, food, and loads of fun. Naturally when you get four good friends together, laughter is the order of any gathering. We feasted on nature's bounty of fruit and veggies..oh yes, and wine. The music was lively, and spiritual.

We each donned flowers upon our heads and felt very girlish...we were sprites for the evening.
The weather was rainy all day, but that didn't stop us from gathering flowers for our Midsummer's table. My dear friend Joy was the first to head out in the rain to gather some flowers. Heather arranged the tea lights in the bowl then we all proceeded to add the freshly picked blooms.


Though the weather was misty at one point, we still ventured outdoors. Heather picked blooms from the rose bush and sprinkled us with the lovely petals.....a rose shower.


How delightful! We knew that the rainy weather would not afford us a view of any fireflies for the evening. However, we had our lovely Midsummer's Eve table set...the flickering candles and the lovely flowers provided a magical essence to the festivities.

We sang...we danced. We had loads of fun. We are so blessed to have these moments together...to be women and girls at the same time. To celebrate the seasons and celebrate life.
Happy Summer to you all. Embrace the special moments of your life..embrace those near and dear.


Most of all......do a little dance, make a little love....LIVE!!!

xoxo!
Miss Sandra

Ramblings On Life

Oh dear...here I go again trying to figure out this thing called LIFE. There are many how-to manuals out there, but I believe experience is the best thing to help us learn and get through this "Life " thing. We all know that life is full of blessings, even after the heartaches. That's promising isn't it? We have a whole world out there to explore..right at our fingertips. How exciting is that??

So why am I still trying to figure it out? Why so inquisitive?

Perhaps it's because until the age of 24, I lived at home with my parents. Then for 13 years after that, I lived at home with my husband. Now I live home...alone. Okay, maybe not all alone since I do have the company of my dear cat Mr. Knightley. However, he cannot answer my questions.

I guess it's this whole new life I have...being single. I've been thrust out into this world..uncertain world at that...from having been a homemaker to now a business woman overnight. WOW! Then there's that "single" factor again. It's quite menacing really. I'm not used to this. Granted, I know I'm not the only 38 year old single woman out there, but I've been at this for only a year and 4 months. I'm not good at it really.

If only life were as easy as riding a bike.

What does one do? I have friends...lots of them. However, most of them are married. Who wants to be the 3rd wheel? Heck, I don't. Most tell me that now I can just get up and go out on a whim. Well really..I wouldn't know where to start. Going out alone is kind of sad. "Get into the social whirl and meet someone" I'm told. Well, I don't think I'm very good at that either. The dating field is ever frightening now-a-days. Well how about my Victorian world??? I go to balls...picnics...croquet matches..and Edwardian dinners. Oh it's all wonderful...such fun!!! But since I've been alone...it just doesn't matter as much. Strange.

I've just finished reading a book called How To Be Single. It's a story about four 30-something year olds who have for one reason or another become single and feeling it deeply. "Ahh" I thought "Maybe some answers will be found in this book". No dice. These four women still remain alone by the end of the book. Granted, they have a better insight of their lives at that point. Still, no answers for me.

So alas. I've decided this is a journey of self discovery for me. Perhaps it's time I learn to live with myself, by myself. I will probably discover some amazing things...one never knows! After all...I do love myself. Isn't that a good start???

Perhaps one of the best ways to living life is living in the moment...each one at a time. Every moment is an experience. Each experience becomes a memory, whether good or bad. It's life. If we should live by the moment...and learn from it, then maybe we'll be all right.

Oh well...I'll just kick my heels and dance my way through life. And if life should throw me some limes...well then, I'll just have to make some yummy gin & tonics to soothe away the blues. *smiles*

These ramblings from a confused, curious, brave, sad, yet sometimes happy woman have been brought to you by the lady of Harmonie House...who thinks that this thing called "LIFE" should have better instructions....or at least a pamphlet.

Oh let's just dance!!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Awards

My Dears,

In the past recent weeks, I've been honored with some blog awards. Most of the awards out there are given with a set of rules instructing the recipient of the award to pass it along to a certain number of blogs favored by the recipient. I do not follow those rules. I have so many favorites that I cannot choose just a few. I enjoy all of your blogs.

So therefore I bestow upon you all...
Harmonie House's Harmonious Blog Award!
Granted, this award is invisible, but it comes from the heart.

So lets move on to those wonderful awards I've received by these wonderful blog friends!

Most recently, dear Lori from Before The Stroke Of Midnight has bestowed upon me the One Lovely Blog Award.

Previous awards given me were as follow:

Judy from The Road To Here honored me with the One Lovely Blog Award.

Matthew from Movietone News honored me with the Friendly Blogger Award.

Kim from the Camera Commune honored me with The Most Wonderful Favorite Award.

These are dear individuals with fabulous blogs. Do pay them a visit!

I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their thoughtfulness. I truly appreciate these awards. You can view them on the side panel.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

IT

I'd like to think "IT" is around the corner...just waiting to surprise me. The moment...the day, I do not know...but I must wait.

Patience is a virtue, is it not? I shall sit as patiently as I can and wait, for after all isn't life about waiting?
...in my case anxiously.

So I'll continue to think that "IT" is just waiting for the right moment to come into my life. What will "IT" say to me when the time comes?

"IT" shall say..."I'm sorry I kept you waiting, but life is about learning to live without me and about grasping those brief moments I do show up. Take those moments and hold them to your heart for I'm not always here. BUT...I will come back and stay....you just wait!"

And so here I am....waiting, and waiting, and waiting. What is "IT" you wonder?

IT is the ever elusive Happiness.

Please don't take too long to show up....dearest IT.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Day At Harmonie House

Hello my dears. It's been almost a week since my last post. It is still raining...non-stop it seems.
Oh well, at least it makes for lovely nights of cozy sleep.

I was wondering what topic I would write about this evening. I decided to share with you a typical day at Harmonie House...through images and comments. Sit back, have a cup of tea, and enjoy your visit to my 1918 haven....my very own portal in time.

A day at Harmonie House usually begins with a sigh.
"It's time to get up already?"


After I've gotten myself all dressed and ready for my day,
I head down the stairs with this lovely window in view.


At the bottom of the stairs the living room beckons me to sit and relax. However, I have no time for that since I must have breakfast and head out to the shop.


So I enter the kitchen...


First thing I do is fill the kettle with water for my tea.
Breakfast preparation follows.

I have a bite to eat, feed Mr. Knightley, and almost reluctantly leave Harmonie House for a day of work. Mind you, my job isn't so bad. Working with music and making my own hours isn't a bad deal. However, by the end of the day I cannot wait to go home. Actually, by mid morning I cannot wait to return home. *smiles*

After work, upon entering my Shangri-La, I greet my Mr. Knightley who is all purrs and love. I once again fill the kettle for tea and get myself ready to relax before dinner.

I go by the music cabinet and select a CD to play.
Usually it's a compilation of early music from the 1900's through the 1930's.


With cup of tea in hand, I enter the library/music room and sit myself in my favorite wing chair. At this time I select a book or a Better Homes & Garden magazine from the early 1900's. This moment is always nice.

I sit, relax, read, and enjoy my tea for about an hour or so. Mr. Knightley usually keeps me company while I wile away the time till dinner.

Dinner is had in this warm, inviting dining room.


Afterwards, I might sit in the cozy nook area
and work on an unfinished crochet project, or read.


I may have several phone calls during the evening.

I'll tidy up the kitchen, catch up on some writing, laundry, or whatever needs doing. Then it's time to call it a day....or would that be night? No matter. I'm usually tired enough that I look forward to my comfy and cozy retreat...right back where I started. So it's off to the land of nod, hopefully filled with beautiful dreams.

Time to turn out the lights in this corner of the library.

There you have it my dears. A typical day in my life. Granted, there are many days when the house is filled with the sounds of company. Laughter, music, dancing, and many a vintage gathering takes place within these walls. I shall share those moments with you as well...at a later date. In the meantime, I wish you all a lovely night filled with all that is wonderful, happy, and blessed.
Hugs galore to you!

Nite Nite!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Wellies And Flowers & Rain..Oh My!

It's raining....and raining...and yes my dears..more rain. Since Tuesday it's been coming down on and off...more on than off. Please, do not think I'm complaining, for as most of you know I love the rain! I'm inspired to dream, reflect, and most of all relax.

I need not mention that my lawn, trees, and flowers are looking extra green and pretty. They too are enamored by the showers bestowed by Mother Nature. However, I believe they are looking too relaxed of late...or would one call that droopy and soaked? Oh well..it's all good.

Okay...maybe these are a bit droopy.


But these aren't droopy...these look quite refreshed and pretty.

Anyhow, my love of rain has lately found competition....my love of Wellies! Perhaps you may want to call them Wellingtons, rubber boots, rain boots, gardening boots...etc. I call them Wellies..and I'm in love. Strange that one can find such comfort in a pair of boots. I love the way they fit, the way they look, and the way they feel. I look forward to rainy days..or just days working in the garden, for my Wellies trudge well in soil and keep my feet dry.

Wellies!

I started my collection last year with a pair of plain green ones. Then I discovered Hunters. Oh dear...talk about comfort! They look great and come in so many colors! *sigh* Unfortunately, I only have four pairs of Hunters right now for they are pretty expensive. However, I'll work towards my blue, black, red, and yellow pairs as soon as the economy improves. Oh! I think I should have some of those pretty ones that come in all sorts of colorful, dainty patterns too!

Do you find this strange? An obsession perhaps? I mean..really? Some people collect shells, stamps, dolls, and even dried insects for display. So I collect Wellies...at least I can wear them. *smiles*

Funny, when friends come to visit and step inside through the side door, they usually comment...
"What is it with the Hunters?" or "Ummm...you have a collection of rain boots ..who else lives here?" or "You need help dear."

I love my friends.

Yet another reason to love the rain....brought to you by the lady of Harmonie House who thinks Wellies and rain are the bees knees!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Herb Day With Dear Friends

Teapot bird house in my garden.
(picture by Kimberley of the Camera Commune blog).

Every year, a few of my dearest friends and I take a drive out to our favorite herb farm to stock up on our most needed herbs for our gardens. This year, Kim, whom most of you know from Camera Commune, and Joy along with her baby Raiden, accompanied me on a most lovely June day.

I had a list and was on a mission. I needed several sweet basil plants, one Genovese basil, Sicilian oregano, large leaf & fuzzy Cuban oregano, rosemary, nasturtiums, fennel, French tarragon, French thyme, rose geraniums, spearmint, parsley, lavender, and for color and pizazz..a red poppy plant. I already have dill, chocolate mint, chives, lemon balm,German thyme, sage, Egyptian onion, and loads of lavender in my garden. I think the new additions will cover the missing "few". I'll have plenty of potting to do within the next few days.

The "few" herbs needed to complete my herb garden.

We wrapped up our trip with honey straws and organic pomegranate lollipops. Mmmm.. Upon arriving back at Harmonie House, we quickly set up some yummy foods to bring out back for an outdoor late lunch...dinner. We relaxed and enjoyed one another's company, for we do not often get together as we used to. Needless to say, laughter was abundant at our table.

Joy (left with Raiden in carriage) & Kim




Kim enjoyed her iced tea, and Joy her greens!


Baby Raiden enjoyed his sock. :)

Needless to say, today was indeed lovely. The bonding of friends, the foray through nature's garden, good food, laughter, and having the sun in the morning and the moon at night.....

Life can most definitely be a bowl of cherries!

Happy June! May life be a bowl of cherries for you all.

xoxo
Miss Sandra