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

The Happiness Path In My Dreams

My Dears,

I came across the above photo and it just made me smile. I call this image the "happiness path". I cannot recall where I got this lovely pic , but I needed to share. After all, everyone can use a bit of happiness, n'est pas?

I think I should like to dream of walking down this path and finding the answers to all my questions. The air would be fragrant of lilacs and the sun would dapple through the leaves...its warmth caressing my skin like a lover's kiss. Just at the end of the road I would come across a pink meadow where flowers grow, each petal holding an answer and a solution to my cares. The wind would whisper softly and say "It's going to be all right...go on your way and live with joy in your heart, for things have a way of working themselves out." How lovely it would be to awaken and know exactly how to handle those fallen trees that block my life's path. 

Why should it be a dream?

I do believe the sun has kissed me..and the wind has already assured me. All I have to do is believe and my path will be cleared. After all, it's going to be all right. Things do have a way of working themselves out if only you believe.....and happiness is never too far behind.

...the air would be fragrant of lilacs.

Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Sandra

Music To Live By

Hello My Dears,

When my world crumbled, back on March 4th, 2008, I had to accept the fact that my life would have to change..I'd have to start all over again.

During that time of sadness, confusion, and just plain disillusion, I lost myself to music.

Music became the words of my soul, and the background to my everyday life. When I was angry, I found angry music to sing to...when I was hopeful, I found songs that lifted my spirit. There was one title of a song that spoke of hope that life wouldn't always be so somber and hopeless. That one title spoke volumes.."The Best Is Yet To Come."

I spoke those words to myself over and over as my mantra. I thought to myself, behind every dark cloud lies the sun..waiting to come out and brighten the world. So indeed I would keep myself hopeful, for I knew the best was yet to come for me...

I thought I would share this video of Peggy Lee singing the words to such an uplifting title. Enjoy My Dears!




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