Happy November...A Post From 2009

My Dears,

It's been a long time and I hope you are all doing well. 
To kick off November, I'd like to repost my entry from November 2nd, 2009. 

I wanted to begin 2010 fresh with new experiences, thoughts, risks...starting the year with a happy song. That new year did indeed bring a happy song to my life...it brought along a most wonderful man who has kept kept me in sweet music and bliss. Life will deliver your deepest desires and make your dreams come true if you only believe.

Enjoy my thoughts of four years ago...they still resonate today. 

I'll be back soon to catch up.....xo!

Happy November to all! The trees are undressing their glory...the ground a canvas painted by the many colorful fallen leaves. Just outside my writing room window, I see my backyard laden with the signs of summer's passing. Crunchy leaves scattered like confetti, invite me to venture out and tread upon them in childlike enjoyment. Very soon the tines of the rake shall make its own cacophony of sound as it clears away the dried offspring of our beautiful trees....clearing the canvas to make room for winter's snow.

Tis amazing how quickly this year has gone by. Christmas is just around the corner and Thanksgiving..practically tomorrow! So fast do the days go. Our present, so quickly made into the past...and our future already the present. I'm afraid to blink for fear I might miss something.

Truly dear friends, time is but a spec of dust..a grain of sand. Our days are but currents in the river of life and time. We should ride that current to our best ability..and while upon the river of life...we should aim for smooth sailing. Yes, the harsh waves will come, but we shall ride them out, for life is not meant to flow smoothly. Otherwise, how would we be able to appreciate all the good that comes, if we never knew the bad? How can we embrace the sun if we do not first know the gray clouds? How does one appreciate the warmth if never the touch of frost has been felt?

Though who says frost, clouds, and rain are so bad? I embrace them all for each in its own way graces us with something good. The cold lures us to the comfort of the hearth. The rain brings forth the colors of springtime..and washes away the snow of the winter. Those dark, dreary days..clouding the sky...they are somewhat magical for they inspire deep thought or if not that, they give us a day indoors to get some housework done. Now that is the magical part! *smiles*

I guess what I'm trying to say is...there is nothing bad that cannot bring forth something good. It has taken me many years to learn this...and loads of acceptance. Thus is life....precious in its education, and ever so delicate in essence. Life is short. Time doth fly. Do not waste a minute..or a second of it. Live it fully...love it...make the most of it!! Find the bliss, get through the bad, and forge on with a smile.

November has reminded me that we are near the year's end. I have lots to do and accomplish by the end of December. 
I want to begin 2010 fresh..with new experiences, new thoughts, new risks. I shall endeavor to end this year on a happy note, and begin the new one singing a happy song. Thus I shall set the tune for my future years, for they do go so fast!!

Miss Sandra of Harmonie House is now done with waxing philosophically. It's a pretty day out, Mr. Knightley is napping on the chair nearby, and I have a bit to do around here. I've got to go out and get some wood for the fire, and some fixings for a meal. I have some merry company coming over for a musical gathering.

I wish you all a lovely afternoon and evening. May November bring forth many a happy moment filled with bliss!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Night-time Musings...

My Dears..

We've had a couple of very warm summer-like days. I'm not ready for such heat, but I cannot argue with or challenge Mother Nature. There is a lovely aspect to this though...the balmy days have induced the scent of my linden tree. The flower buds may be young, but the heady perfume is as old and sweet as the ages.

The gazebo/summer room is up and waiting to be furnished. I see myself and the fella having long breakfasts and afternoon cocktails in the comfort of our outdoor room. Evening dinners in the quiet hours, with only the sound of our voices and the music from the radio, make for a most enchanting, relaxing time.

I'm tired. I'm on very little sleep due to the fact that the AC isn't up yet and last night's heat was intolerable. I just wanted to stop by to say hello and wish you all well. Let's keep Oklahoma and its people in our prayers. Together in thought and prayer, we can help heal our world.

Goodnight my dears and blissful tidings to you.
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Of This And That..And More.

Tulips from my honey.

My Dears,

Happy May...or middle of May as it may be. *smiles*

So here I am..glad to be blogging again after a short hiatus. I think it's about time I play catch up on the past couple of months.

Winter was quite wonderful this time around. I'd venture to say that it's been having a bit of a rough time handing the reigns over to spring. I mean really...I had a lovely fire keeping me cozy this afternoon, for there is still a tiny chill in the air. I can honestly say though that I'm ready for the soft warmth of spring, the kind that feels like a tender caress rather than the stifling heat that smothers. There's nothing like the feeling one gets when spring fever runs amok! I tend to get giddy and feel like I can do it all. I become child-like in wonder and hopeful that life will grant me my wishes. In the springtime, all things seem highly possible. *sigh*

 Mr. Knightley enjoying the warmth by the hearth...in May!

So, let's trace back a bit. St. Patrick's day was one for the books on the culinary spectrum. I made a lovely meal consisting of glazed corned beef, maple glazed brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. Can you say yumm?? I know we did!

 St. Patricks dinner...

Then in late March, I hosted a lovely vintage affair at Harmonie House. My Edwardian friends joined the fella and me for an Afterglow Evening Party. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music of the 20's/30's, and beautifully dressed company made for a most delightful and happy evening.

 The fella and me during the Afterglow evening affair.

Easter came on a sunny Sunday in March. My fella and I dyed some eggs for the Easter breads I make every year, and together we set off for a lovely family gathering. The Easter bunny always brings me something sweet, but this time around he also delivered a Nook HD. Goodness gracious me! Today's Easter bunny has become quite the modern-minded fur ball. I must say I like his taste in gadgets. *winks*

 I love the colors.

 Easter bread...simply delicious!

April came by and went so fast that I've quite forgotten most of it. However, I cannot forget how the magnolia tree bloomed to perfection and provided a most fragrant display of beauty in my front yard. That month also brought back the landscaper and the delightful smell of fresh-mown grass. The scent of spring permeated the grounds of Harmonie House, and all I could do was bask happily in nature's gifts.
Oh! I mustn't forget...April 7th marked my 4th Anniversary here on Blogger. I can't believe it's been four years already. Thank you dear blog-land friends for sticking around and making my blogging experience a most wonderful one. Click here for an old post from April of 2009. Enjoy!

 Magnolias in full bloom and heady scent!

Tulips. I'll say it again....tulips. Now remember this my dear readers...I love tulips. To me, these flowers represent the joy and promise of the season. They are perfection and they seem to giggle in delight!
I make sure to have tulips at Harmonie House while they are in season. Funny thing is, I've never had them in my garden. I cannot tell you why. It even baffles me.

 The fella likes to keep me in tulips. Gotta love him!

Lilacs were in bloom, and now the lily-of-the valley are gracing the garden, right under the maple. The roses are in bud and the herbs are ready for the picking. Truly I love this time of the year.

Lilacs. Perfume in a vase.

Today I took the time to enjoy some afternoon tea and scones in the comfort of my sunny library/music room. The light of the sun broke through the untrimmed, bushy evergreens as it pierced through the multi-paned casement windows and brightened the room with its happy glow. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the simple things in life. The comforts of home no matter how big or small, make our lives extra meaningful. A cuppa tea, a good book, Mr. Knightley by my side..the fire in the hearth, the taste of marmalade slathered on lightly buttered toast, the feel and scent of freshly laundered towels and bed sheets, and the smile on my sweet fella's handsome face are just some of the simple things that make me ever so grateful.

Cherry scones slathered in clotted cream and rose-hip butter.

It's more of a curd than butter and it was quite tasty.

The sun's rays provided a happy glow during tea.

These days, our world is an unsteady place. The news, the papers, websites, and television are filled with all that is angry, negative, and ugly with this world. The fact of the matter is, there is so much good and beauty to be had...so much positive out there. Unfortunately, it becomes over-shadowed by what we're being shown and told. So when I come here to blog, I want to share all that I feel is good and beautiful. I try to show you my world in a happy light. Yes, I can tell you that my life isn't perfect and it's filled with the everyday cares that come with being human. I cry, I've felt fear, I become vexed, I've had disappointments, etc.
Then again I also know laughter, find joy in song, I dance, and act silly at times.
I love and I am loved. I know happiness and bliss. Knowing, experiencing, and feeling all the good, beautiful things life has to offer holds a much more powerful grip on my life than anything else can.
So you see, the negative will always be there. It's not always easy to ignore, but I choose to walk the path where the flowers grow...and it's that path which I choose to share with you here in blog-land. Embrace the wonderful things life brings to you. Be grateful and live simply, for it's the little things in life which are the most meaningful.

found this image here

After all, we've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night!

Wishing You Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Of peace...

My Dears...

Our peace is threatened daily. Let's be aware, but let's be strong and protect our peace of mind.

May God bless those affected by today's Boston Marathon bombing. May we find peace and love in our very sad, fragile, and angry world.

Blissful Tidings..

xoxo
Miss Sandra

The Peaceful Path

 

My Dears...

Isn't this a beautiful image? It seems every time I look at it, I find myself on the peaceful path to a better place in heart, and mind. Sometimes when the cares of the world seem a bit heavy, even if just for the briefest of moments, all it takes is for me to set my eyes upon such a lovely sight and I'm reminded that the road in our lives is paved by our thoughts and actions. 

This is the path I want my road to lead me on...a peaceful and blissful path. 

Just a reminder my friends that even though life isn't always easy and we are thrust into the occasional stormy sea...we have the power and heart within us to get through it and find our inner peace.

Blissful Tidings...

xoxo

Miss Sandra

I'm here! Really, I am!

My Dears...

Yes, it's really me! I'm not running on auto-pilot. *smiles*

How quickly time flies when one steps away from blogging. Can it really be that I've not posted since October of last year? Well in that case, Happy New Year to all my friends in blog-land. I hope winter has been kind to one and all. I find it's been too kind but then again, I'm a winter gal after all.

Where have I been? I've been here...mostly suffering from lack of blogging inspiration. Perhaps that's not really a good excuse, but I'm the sort who would rather blog wholeheartedly or not do so at all. Granted, there have been many instances I could have blogged. There was Halloween, Christmas time, our trip to Lake George for our anniversary, etc. Heck, even Mr. Knightley could have sat in for a post or two. I guess he follows Mama's mode. Silly kitty.

Well, allow me to get you all caught up. How about it?

Since my last post, we were hit with hurricane Sandy. Thankfully Harmonie House only suffered the loss of a few shingles and a blown off chimney cap. My fella lost power for about a week. Sadly, many others were not so lucky. I do hope and pray that recovery/rebuilding efforts have been constant and that aid has been provided for all in need.
Halloween was postponed in my area till the following Monday after the storm. It was pretty strange.

 Halloween decor.

Then in rolled the holiday season. Thanksgiving was, as always, delightful. However, I must learn to forgo seconds...or perhap it was thirds. Hmmm...you get the picture. I could barely move by the end of the night.

 When my birthday rolled around...the fella gave me these lovely red wellies!

Harmonie House was dressed in its usual Christmas finery. The mantle was dressed in greenery while nutcrackers convened upon it, guarding the nook area and all who sat by the hearth. The stairs also donned a garland of green with colorful baubles to add pizazz. The two villages were nestled upon their cotton snow while the skaters glided on the plastic ice and the homes/shops glowed in wintery warmth. How many a time I have imagined myself ensconced within the comfort and joy of my Christmas villages.
The tree...oh the tree! Standing in its usual spot in the library/music room, it glowed and sparkled in all its merry splendor. However, by the time Christmas Day arrived, many a light had blown out and dim spots could be seen. Regardless...it didn't take away from its beauty or magic. Our traditional meal of rib roast, Yorkshire pudding, and fixings completed our lovely day.

A corner of the tree and presents on Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve was a bit more quiet this year. My honey and I went out to our favorite restaurant and feasted upon the most delicious cuisine. There is nothing like succulent duck breast, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside...placed upon a bed of red cabbage. Add a drizzle of fig and wine emulsion, and a yummy caramelized turnip. I call it mmm..mmmm good! Granted, that was just one of the fine dishes enjoyed that evening. I didn't even mention the butternut squash risotto, the seafood dumplings in yummy sauce, the pasta with lobster, the swordfish, the tender filet mignon, or the polenta that was pure buttery bliss. Oh..I guess I have mentioned it. *winks* Enough about the food.
The fella and I welcomed the New Year at home with Knightley by our side. It was lovely.

 New Year's bliss.

As most of you may know by now, I greet winter with open arms. January is one of my favorite months. The colder and snowier it is, the happier I am. This past January, the fella and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. As has become tradition, we visited our favorite inn in Lake George and had a most lovely celebration.

 Our view from the window of our room at the Inn At Erlowest in Lake George.

Needless to say, I wasn't pleased with the groundhog's prediction this year. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy springtime and the floral beauty that comes with it. However, let's have a nice, long, old fashioned winter. Then I'll be more than ready for spring when it does arrive. I know many of you would beg to differ...and that's all right. I was quite thrilled when we had a most lovely snowstorm the beginning of the February. Hooray for snow angels and snowmen and winter! I must admit though, I've been thinking about my garden quite a bit and I'm looking forward to working in it and making some changes this spring.

 After the snowstorm.

Omar the snowman.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I enjoyed it very much. I made a nice dinner for me and the fella. Candlelight, flowers, chocolate, wine, and most importantly love...yes, twas indeed a most lovely evening.

The glow of the evening of February 14th.

My honey gifted me the red tulips with the single red rose.

I baked a yummy Valentine's cake for me and the fella.

On another note, like many of you out there, I was taken on the roller-coaster ride that is Downton Abbey. Every season has had its twists and turns..enough to make one dizzy with anticipation for the following season. This time around...the words heart wrenching come to mind. Add to that angry, disappointed, surprised, shocked...and shocked some more. I will not elaborate...just in case some of you are still catching up. Let's just say that I'll be prepared for Season 4 and keep some Dramamine at hand. *winks*

Darn you cast of DA for toying with my emotions!

I must say, through all of the ups and downs (mostly ups thankfully), I've held on to one constant...bliss. Bliss is my companion in this merry-go-round called life. It's a feeling that taps you on the shoulder to remind you of its presence...it's the sound of the sweetest sonata...it's the sigh elicited by a kiss...it's the scent of spring and the cool kiss of frost...it's the purring of a kitty...it's a warm bath at the end of a long day followed by a cuppa tea...it's a poem written in the language of love. Most of all...it's a promise. It's bliss.

I know I've rambled on and on, but it's been so long after all. I always have plenty to say...now if I could simply condense it by blogging more often. *winks* I make no promises, but will do my best.

I hope you've all been well. Mr, Knightley sends his regards in the form of purrs. Till soon!

Blissful Tidings,
Miss Sandra