When Bliss Is Gone

Dear Ones...

Just a quick note to let you know that I am still here in this thing called life.

However, life as I knew it is no longer. I've struggled to write this post, but perhaps by putting this out there to you all, it might help me somehow, someway.
2016 has taken my loves. My beautiful fella and my sweet boy Mr. Knightley are no longer in this world, but on the other side.

Needless to say, I am lost and trying to find my way.

I'm so glad that I was able to share my joy and my bliss with you all. I truly knew happiness and was the luckiest gal in the world to have loved and been loved by my fella. He truly was my world. He gifted me an amazing six years...all filled with BLISS. He took my heart with him this past March, then Knightley followed on October 21st. Needless to say, I was blessed to know and have the best kitty cat in the whole world.

I miss my loves. I miss my life.

Thank you for having been there throughout my blogging years. I wish you all love.  xo

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

Scallop Bliss...

 Don't let this happen to you!

My Dears,
When last I posted, I mentioned I would tell you about a most yummy dish my fella and I recently experienced. I use the word "experienced" because the flavors were truly an experience to behold. If there is one thing my honey and I have most in common, it is our passion for food. We love to try new dishes, whether we like them or not. It's always fun to treat our palate to the most unusual combinations of flavors. We love everything from the simply mundane, everyday dish, to the most exotic concoctions created by the most creative chefs. In short, we love food.

Well about this yummy meal I've been wanting to share. It was had at this sweet restaurant called The Victorian Rose Inn located within the Point Lookout Inn...Windham, NY. To quote from their website, "At 1900 feet above sea level, you can experience a sunrise and sunset like no other as well as the extravagant  5 State 180 Mile View of The Hudson Valley in New York, The Green Mountains in Vermont, The White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts & The Connecticut Valley." Needless to say, the view from our table was magnificent!

I shall skip on the niceties of the appetizers, breads, etc. and just get to the nitty gritty. Pan Seared Sea Scallops Topped with a Smoked Gouda Cream Sauce. Oh I forgot...on top of a bed of spinach. No, I did not eat the spinach...not that I dislike spinach, on the contrary, I like it quite well. However, all I wanted needed to have was those scallops! Succulent, decadent, erotic, ...yes, I said erotic but in the purest most culinary sense. Anyhow, where was I? Ah yes, let's add euphoric, and most definitely blissful. Sensory overload for the palate? Indeed not! The scallops were caramelized to perfection! The sweetness and smokiness together created a most sacred experience in dining. Remember Meg Ryan in the movie When Harry Met Sally... the restaurant scene? *smirks* What??? Okay, maybe not that good, but I'll tell you, it comes close!

 These are NOT the scallops I had at the inn.

Oh dear Heavens! These are scallops in vanilla cream sauce!!

Wait till my fella hears about this! Recipe and image from HERE

Where was my fella throughout this "experience"? The poor dear was having surf and turf. He was enjoying it quite much. After all, this place does have good food. There he was smiling contentedly, enjoying his lobster tail...happily dunking it in the accompanying drawn butter. The rib-eye steak was also receiving his devotion. Yes he was clueless...unaware of the delicious turbulence happening across the table. This was Adam in-waiting, and I was going to be his Eve. The poor man. He didn't see it coming. I slowly and tenderly stabbed an apple a scallop with my fork. I smiled sweetly as I reached over, creamy scallop on fork ..."Wanna try one?" My honey, bless him, is not one to turn down an invitation of food. Naturally he acquiesced, and took the tempting morsel from its tines' confines...and right into his mouth. I need not go into detail. I'll go as far as to say that his eyes glazed over and his hands gripped the table. No doubt the imprints are stilled imbedded upon the wood. Thankfully they have pretty tablecloths to hide such things.

To say I ruined his meal would be to exaggerate. To say that he regretted his original choice would be more accurate. Let's just say, had he not had his fill of surf and turf, he would have ordered these scallops for dessert. I kid you not.

So now we're planning to return to the scene of bliss. It's close to two hours away, but so worth the trip. Here's a link to their website, should you want to pay them a visit. Do yourself a favor...be sure to order this dish! Click HERE to visit their site.

 Here's a postcard image of the Point Lookout Inn 

& Victorian Rose Restaurant.

No, the patrons no longer look like that.

On a similar note, I've been wanting to recreate this dish at home. I went net surfing for recipes and found one. Not exactly like the one at the Inn, but I shall try it eventually and let you know how it turns out. In the meantime, during my search, I found a recipe for Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. Oh dear, you must know that I was not going to let that one go. So I made it. I loved it...actually, we loved it! The only thing I changed from the recipe was that instead of using 4 cups of milk, I used 2 cups of evaporated milk, and 2 of regular milk. I also added panko crumbs on top. It was creamy and delicious! If you are a fan of mac & cheese, I urge you to try it. Click HERE for the link to the page with the original recipe. You'll be visiting there for a while, for she's got some fabulous recipes you'll be wanting to try.

Mac & Cheese...This was yummy!

Image from HERE

So there you have it my dears! I don't usually blog about food (have I ever?) but I couldn't resist the opportunity to share with you some yummy goodness! I hope all is well in your world and that springtime has been quite delightful for each and every one of you. Until the next...

Blissful Tidings,

Miss Sandra

Blogiversary, Bliss, This..that.

Sleeping through my blogiversary...sans the monkey of course!

My Dears,
It seems I slept through the month of April (not really). Why you wonder? It so happens I forgot all about my 3rd year blogiversary. *pouts* It came and went and I pretty much went on about my business without giving it a thought. Then again, I have been blogging less this past year...so it's natural that it should pass me by. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Anyhow, I thought I would go back and share my first post with you! Just click on HERE to take you there.

Since my last post, I've been doing a little of this and that around Harmonie House. I believe the most dramatic change in decor took place in the bathroom. I went from a lacy, cherubic, white shower curtain to a not so subtle, riotous display of...well....color. I find it to be a lovely design and it truly brightens up the room and makes me smile. *smiling as we speak* My fella, on the other hand, thinks the pattern reminds him of the outfits worn in the late 60's and early 70's. He's always smiling when he looks at the curtain too. Or is that a grimace? Hmmm...

Jaipur shower curtain by Echo Design.

Did you wear something like this in the 70's?

*pout* I think it's pretty..don't laugh! Anyhow, moving right along...after adding such a delightful spark of color to the bathroom, I decided to try my hand at something altogether different. Today I did some stenciling in the kitchen. Those of you who have been following my posts for quite some time will know that my favorite word is Bliss. *sigh* Even typing the word fills me with such...Bliss. So needless to say, this bare spot below my clock, and just above the sink, was crying out for Bliss...and dragonflies too! *winks* You must know I simply adore dragonflies. They make me feel rather blissful. Feeling rather adventurous, I decided to heed the call of Bliss and this was the result.

 I rather like it...and the fella does too!

Hanging pans alongside dried herbs...and Bliss.

I'm inspired to to take on every room, however even I know to exercise control in such matters. Heaven knows when I get on a roll, I can get a bit carried away. I may be better off following the decorating muse out into the garden. Hmmm...how would the Jaipur pattern look in the gazebo/tent? 

*Turns to the fella: "Don't worry honey...I'm just kidding!"* 

No really.... How about a set of mugs???

All right...I'll stop!

*smirks* But they still make me smile.

Anyhow...just thought I'd share my latest musings. I can go on and on but it's getting late. Perhaps next time I'll blog about food. I had the most amazing seared scallops in a smoked gouda sauce....*sigh*. That's a story for another time.

Till the next...I wish you Blissful Tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Yoo Hoo! I'm back!

My Dears...

How have you been? It feels ever so long since I've sat down and chatted with each and every one of you. I know I left you all in a curious mode after my last post. Well since the dust is starting to settle, I shall share with you the latest change in my life.

After 40 years as a storefront, I closed my shop's door for good. I sold the building and moved the business home. So hopefully as of May, I will begin or should I say continue my business as a home based mail-order store. This was quite a decision, but one that couldn't be helped and was necessary. Now I hope my long-time customers will stay on board and keep the dream afloat through mail-order.

 Bins of 45's.

Let me tell you my friends...moving 40 years of "stuff" out of a building is no picnic. It took 5 large rental trucks (2 trips back & forth for each truck) and 3 large dumpsters to empty out the place and move the business home. It was quite the undertaking but thankfully I had some help. Needless to say, my sweet fella pretty much orchestrated the move and organization. We were fortunate to have friends and family lend a hand when they could. I never thought we'd get through it in the short amount of time between the final business day at the shop and the closing date of the building's sale. However..we did it!

 To my fella....I couldn't have done it without you. 

Thank you my dahling. *~x~*

So now I have a question for you all. What the heck happened to winter?? We actually experienced the winter that never was. Those who know me by now can imagine how bereft I felt without a nice, frosty winter to add comfort to my evenings. *sigh* Such is life I suppose. No doubt Mother Nature knows what she's about and one mustn't question such things. That said however, I still wonder...what happened?? *insert perplexed expression*

 Dear Mr. Snow Miser...

Where the heck were you this winter?

So moving on....

Now that spring is here and I have a bit more time at home, I guess I should concentrate on gardening. Then again, with spring fever keeping me in a frenzy, I've been thinking of ways to freshen up Harmonie House. Perhaps add some color here...throw some extra pillows there...add a conservatory to the library.
Okay, okay..maybe not a conservatory, but one can dream...no? Anyhow, I do digress. I am in spring cleaning mode and I have thought of doing some serious redecorating. I aim for whimsical. I aim for that sweet cottage look. I aim for dreamy. What shall it be? Wait and see. Actually, I too have to wait and see for I have no idea of where to begin. Any suggestions?

 Really...one can dream.

Easter/Passover came and went. I received my Easter basket, courtesy of my fella, and it was filled with all those necessities a woman requires: A bottle of wine, green Peeps, Dove chocolate bunny, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolates, a pretty scented candle with glass shade, and most importantly...a bottle of Nyquil. Yes my dears...my honey sure knows the way to my heart. I was having a bit of a cold at the time and had run out of Nyquil. Need I say that upon receiving my basket, I was overjoyed? Yes, and I couldn't wait to tear it up and drink up. No, not the wine....the Nyquil of course! I must say...it's the simple things in life that tickle my fancy.

 

Vino? Oh yes..thank you.

 

Chocolate? Mmmm..naturally.

 

Nyquil?? Absolutely! This one garnered kisses. Really.

 Let's talk about wellies. Yes my dears...those nice, colorful rubber boots. I love them and can't get enough of them. I have six pairs already, but I'm working on my 7th. I have fallen in love with a pair of Hunter glossy lavender wellies. *sigh* What's even better...I know my fella is in the process of getting them for me. I count the days till they arrive and I slip them on my happy feet! Come to think of it, I still need a pair in red, black, blue...even yellow! Oh dear. I may need some intervention real soon. Or not.

*winks playfully*

*le sigh* I'm in love.

It's funny the things that make the world go round. Yet I always prefer the simple kind of things. Okay, maybe a conservatory is not such a simple thing...but it is a dream, and dreams are what keeps us believing. They are what gives us hope and reminds us that not all is impossible. I believe that if we spend our days waiting for amazing moments...they will come. Life isn't perfect. I know that. You know that. It's all about the interludes my dears and life needs blissful interludes...we need them too.

I'm glad to be back and hope to blog more often. Mr. Knightley sends you oodles of purrs. To those of you who have stayed with me in blogland throughout my absence, thank you. It truly means the world.

As always...I wish you well. I wish you bliss.

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Of This, That, and Bliss.

Blissful verdure in my garden.

My Dears,

I hope this day finds you and yours in a most delightful way. I've been keeping busy and trying to keep my chin up during these dog days of summer. After all, you know I'm a winter gal at heart! However, I think I've been a good sport about it all and have kept my summer doldrums to myself..considering how Father Winter gave everyone quite the shaking this past winter.

I promised to write another "this and that" post..so I guess this shall be it. Heaven knows, my well has been quite dry on the poetic side and I haven't anything exciting to say...at least I don't think so. There is so much anger and negativity being expressed in our world right now. All I want to do is hide behind the curtain of bliss and think of happy things. Therefore, I shall share with you pleasantries that will put behind, even if only momentarily, the doldrums of the world. After all, it behooves us to see the glass half full and to find all the magic and good in our lives. If we didn't see it that way, what a sorry state we'd be in!

This is how I see it. I'm in control of how my day will turn out. If it's raining, I shall rejoice in the rain and take the time to do something productive indoors..even if it's just lingering blissfully over a good novel. If I have a lousy day at work, I shall seek the comfort within my home and put the workday behind. Should I wake up on the wrong side of the bed..I shall think of all the blessings in my life. Then I shall smile and be grateful. There isn't anything that can really take control over our lives and emotions...unless we allow it of course! We shan't..and that's that. *smiles*

Hmmm..let's talk about what makes me smile. You know...those moments of bliss. Most of you are aware by now it's my most favorite word in the world....Bliss. Say it out loud BLISS. Say it softly bliss. Doesn't it have a most beautiful sound? Doesn't it fall gently from your lips? Bliss...bliss. I so love that word. My goal in life is to surround myself in bliss..to seek it, find it, and make it my own. So without further ado...here are some images of things that have brought me bliss.

 Thrice the bliss...my home Harmonie, winter, and snow!

Afternoon tea and an old magazine
in the comfort of my library.

Finding a very old pressed flower
in the 100+ year old magazine.

Dragonfly lights over my bed...simply dear and blissful.

...closeup of dragonflies.

My sweet bliss Mr. Knightley.

 ...music for the soul.

Watching the sunrise over Lake George alongside my fella.

 Stopping the boat in the middle of the lake
and having a relaxing picnic with my fella.

The simple comfort of a pair of wellies in the rain.

...my garden.

 

Breakfast in bed...blissfully prepared by my fella.

...a fireside picnic.

 Christmas...traditional bliss.

Bliss of my heart...in the arms of my love.

I may have to post a part two on this subject for there are ever so many other pleasures that have brought bliss into my life: the music of Al Bowlly, the laughter of my nieces, the hugs given by my parents, sitting by the fireside during the long winter nights, and losing myself in song. I do sing a little you know. As a matter of fact, I shall close this post with a lil' video of one of my tunes. I do hope you enjoy! Be sure to scroll down below and turn off the programmed music on the green player before you play the video.

I wish you all blissful tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

From Where I Sit...

My Dears,

From where I sit I can see the world outside of Harmonie House. It's from this view that the seasons play a most beautiful visual melody. Just weeks ago, the branches on my rhododendron were encased within ice...a most lovely glass-like image. It's amazing to see them now, not long after, showing signs of Spring's kisses upon the once weather-beaten foliage. The browned lawn seems to sigh in relief..breathing in the changing air and taking in the rain...knowing full well that in a month or so, it will spring forth in a blanket of green so vivid and so lovely. No longer will it crunch underneath my feet. Instead it will lovingly cushion my steps and give off its sweet scent of fresh verdure upon being mown.

Most of you who have followed me for quite some time know that I'm a Winter gal to the core. I love snow..I love the crisp cold air upon my face. I love the comforts of Winter. I must say..we did have quite the blustery season this time around. My wish for a blizzard was granted the day after Christmas and topped off with loads of more snow almost on a weekly basis. What more can a snow bunny ask for? *smiles*

Am I ready for Spring? I believe I am...for with that lovely season of new promise and renewal comes a most amazing display of nature's palette and scents. Yes I will say it...bring it on!

Magnolia in bloom.

Mountain Laurel, Pachysandra, Hosta..and more.

Deutzia growing over my swing/bench.

I love the rain..have I ever mentioned that? I so love a rainy day in Spring, but also those fabulous summer storms. Yes, I'm a gal who enjoys a rainy day sitting with a book or snuggling with my fella. *smiles playfully*.

Bring on the rain! I have my wellies and raincoat all ready!

...snuggling with my fella.
This shot was taken for our 1st Anniversary.

As you may have noticed from the picture at the intro of this post, I have moved my desk down to the library/sitting/music room. So from where I sit, I can listen to my old 78's playing on my 1915 Victor Victrola . I can also take a break and sit at my piano. Heaven knows I can use the practice! *bites bottom lip while pouting* That's one childhood wish I've yet to make come true...becoming an accomplished pianist.

I love my victrola.

I love my piano too!

From where I sit, I can turn to my right and look past the French doors into my living room, towards the stairs, to the landing by the stained glass window. Tis there I have made a cozy little sitting area where I can curl up and read or just sit and reflect.

A favorite spot..just because.

From where I sit I can look into the beautiful green eyes of my sweet Mr. Knightley, for many a time he will jump up on the desk and keep me company while I write. His soothing purrs provide me with a most blissful calm. There is such comfort to be found in the company of a most beloved pet.

My dear pet..Mr. Knightley.

From where I sit I can lose myself in this contraption of communication...the computer and the internet. It's here where I can view a world far, far away from my own. It's here I lose myself in dreamy images of beautiful landscapes, hone my culinary skills through cooking sites, and dream of blissful getaways in settings like the one below.

I cannot recall where this image is from so I cannot credit it.
...but isn't it absolutely dreamy?

Yes...the internet has provided us all with quite the getaway at our fingertips. It has also provided us with the bonds of friendship with people we've never met. It has closed the gap of distance merely through a screen. Tis here I can reach out to each and every one of you and share my world. Tis here I can give you a personal view...from where I sit.

I wish you bliss..and more bliss!!
xoxo,
Miss Sandra

Woman, Pamper Thyself!

from here

My Dears,

"Self-nurture is not about being selfish. It is about self-care." ~Alice D. Domar, Ph.D

I've been reading one of my all-time favorite comfort books "Romancing The Ordinary" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. You may be familiar with her ever popular books including Simple Abundance.

In this book she takes on each month of the year and invites us "women" to treat ourselves and our senses to the simple pleasures. I will now take her advice on pampering and share it with each one of you.

The Soulcraft of Pampering

Most women think that pampering is self-indulgent. Actually, pampering is a sacred soulcraft because pampering is self-preservation. Have you ever noticed how you feel on the fourth day of a vacation? You wake up well rested and your aches have disappeared or diminished. You realize that your emotional equilibrium is back - once again a glass of spilt milk is just that; something to be wiped up, not screamed about. You break into a grin more easily, have more energy, and are as spontaneous as the weather. If it's rainy, you'll read; if it's sunny, you'll play outside. Doesn't matter. You're back in touch with a warm, witty, wonderful woman who is fun to be around all the time, and it feels like a happy reunion.

Unfortunately, everybody's favorite gal is only around when she's been pampered-charmed, cajoled, and coaxed out of hiding...but it doesn't have to be two weeks at an expensive spa. A few days of tuning out the wants of the world and a little attention is all a blissful babe asks. It's not much.

Oh yes it is...but stay with me. Most women think of pampering as recuperative, after they've crashed and burned. I know I did. In reality, pampering is every day's most urgent need and the best preventive medicine. "Losing touch with ourselves is easy to do these days. We are conditioned to ignore the warning signs that protect us from becoming ill," Barbara Close reminds us in her soothing guide to sensory self-care, Well-Being: Rejuvenating Recipes for Body and Soul. "Instead we push ahead to meet deadlines and live up to our responsibilities and commitments until fatigue or sickness overwhelms us and forces us to stop." Barbara believes in simple, restorative rituals that engage all our senses. Pampering from the inside out helps us "reestablish a sense of connection to ourselves."

In the beginning, introducing small moments of pampering into your daily round is going to feel strange, unnatural, and forbidden....but persevere, one small, kind gesture at a time. Pampering is really Life's most natural remedy for whatever ails us physically and psychically. So when those guilt feelings start to creep close, remember that pampering is not selfish or frivolous. Pampering is soulful. Pampering is how you reach out and touch your essensual self. Pampering is the spiritual secret to becoming self-possessed.

~Sarah Ban Breathnach - Romancing The Ordinary...A Year Of Simple Splendor

Losing myself in a good book....a lovely way to pamper my mind.

Simple pampering.

from here
Oh how I love a foot massage!

Blissful slumber...

Have I mentioned how much I love tulips? They make me smile.

Heaven knows I have many ways to nurture my body and spirit through pampering. Sweetly scented body creams, a foot massage, and a room full of tulips are just a few of my favorite pampering treats. Even the simple things like music, a hot bubbly bath, a favorite meal, and a soothing night of deep slumber filled with the sweetest of dreams can contribute to one's pampering..... after all, it's about what makes us feel rejuvenated and blissful.

How do you pamper yourself?

xoxo,
Miss Sandra