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

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

Changes Are Happening...

My Dears...
As you've most likely noticed, I've been blogging very little of late. This will be a temporary spell since there are many changes in effect in my world as we speak. These are good changes. Hopefully they'll lead to a much brighter and successful new chapter in my life.

The wheel that is life continues to turn and I continue to move along with it...in step with daily bliss and blessings galore.

Till soon...

Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

At The End Of The Day...

My Dears,

I'm feeling wistful and blissful at the same time. 

Life is beautiful though not perfect. It need not be so. After all, perfection would become quite dull after a while. We need the challenges that creep up on us. In the long run, I believe it's how we've handled those challenges that has shaped us into who we are today.

Every day is a gift...even if when unwrapped disappointments sneak in to mar our lives. Regardless of all that, at the end of the day we and only we remain the makers of our every moment.  Let's make it worthwhile and let's remind ourselves that we can tackle those obstacles that may come our way. I grew up hearing that we will not be given any challenge we cannot handle. Deep down I know that's true. I may not always see it that way, but in the long run I will have overcome and knocked down every barrier in the way of my future.

Human nature is a plethora of all that is good, bad, indifferent, and misunderstood. If we can accept that then we can move ahead in our daily lives and make the best and most of our every moment. We cannot be perfect, but we can definitely be blissful.

Happy Autumn my dears! May the light of comfort be ever present in your lives and may love conquer all!

Blissful tidings and sweet nothings!

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

I'm Back From a Sweet, Brief Holiday!

The view of Lake George from our room.

My Dears!

I do hope you've all been well. To all you fathers out there, I hope you had a most lovely Father's Day. Best wishes all around!

I know it's been almost a month since I last posted. Life has kept me busy...work-wise, and bliss-wise as well! I have loads of catching up to do, yet I'm still catching up with Mr. Knightley who missed me terribly while I was away with my fella on a blissful getaway to Lake George and Lake Placid.

So, hopefully I'll get caught up soon enough to post more often. I've missed you and I'm happy to be back in blogland.

We enjoyed a most delightful boat ride!

Oh..and by the way...I want to wish you all a most blissful Midsummer's. Enjoy the season..embrace the magic present in our lives.

Midsummer's Night Dream by Diane Sellers

Till soon..I wish you all blissful tidings!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Thank You Dear Body...

My Dears...

Today I walked to work...I repeat, today I walked to work. Okay..so what? Well, normally I drive to my place of business, rain or shine. However, two days ago I couldn't even get out of bed..every movement a struggle. My body was weak and emptied out completely after having dined on bad fish. It felt like every nerve was raw and the chills were so unpleasant. Bed was my refuge..but rest was not easy..it hurt.

Bad fish..both my fella and I suffered the same outcome.

Fast forward to this day. It's been raining for the past three days straight...almost non-stop. I'm not talking about a light drizzle..I'm referring to downpours. It feels like March or April showers..just a bit more severe.

So I decided to walk to work..yes, that again! You see, I'm loving the fact that I'm feeling well. I'm loving the fact that I can move without any pain..without any struggle. I'm not so weak anymore...and feeling like myself again is a most wonderful thing to behold. I did a lot of thinking while in bed..between bouts ...and I decided that sometimes we take for granted the most wondrous gifts of life..like movement.

Today I want to thank my body for always doing what it needs to do for me. So I decided to walk to work..to feel the sweetness of movement without discomfort. I wanted to feel the air upon my skin....to feel and see the rain splashing upon my wellies. Let me tell you..it felt divine!

Today I want to say thank you to my tummy for taking in all my indulgences and working them through, mostly without protest. I also want to say I'm sorry for over-indulging and not taking care of it as I should. To you dear tummy I say..."this time I'll do my best to eat better and be more conscious of you."

Today I thank every nerve in my body..for alerting me when something is wrong and also for allowing me to feel the wonders and bliss within the sense of touch.

Yes, today I thank every inch of my body and promise not to take it for granted. So to my body I say this:

"You've been my shell and protector these past 40 years. You've carried my pain and you've carried my joys.
When I've laughed you've glowed..when I've cried you've poured forth the tears to cleanse me. With hands you've had me feel..with feet you've taken me to places I've never dreamed. When I've loved, you've made my heart skip in blissful cadence. With our eyes I see beauty and with our ears I hear music. I have not always been the best caretaker and I'm sorry for that. I want you to know that I love you and will be aware of you and your needs. I shan't take you for granted any longer. You are my best friend. You are me. Thank you!"

 I wish you all blissful tidings..and remember to love and take care of yourselves. Enjoy each day..every moment!

Oh! By the way...my fella is feeling much better too!
Thank Heavens!

xoxo,
Miss Sandra


 .

Falling From The Clouds

from here

My Dears,

First I want to wish all you mommies out there a belated Happy Mother's Day. Mr. Knightley was sweet enough to surprise me with a card. I love my fur ball!! *smiles*

I had a most interesting dream during the early morning hours. I just have to share it with you. See the pretty clouds above? They figure plenty in this dream...and so do stormy clouds and water. I cannot recall  exactly how it happened. Sequence tends to get lost upon awakening.

I know that I fell into a body of water like the one pictured below. Though I was afraid of drowning, I somehow managed to breath without a problem. In no time at all..I was shot out of the water only to land upon the prettiest, fluffiest clouds. As I lay upon them..I wondered what would I do, for I was afraid to fall out and drop down below. Though frightened, I was feeling somewhat comfy and almost cozy upon my fluffy bed. The blue sky smiled upon me and I was beginning to feel some peace. Before I could really set in, I fell out...right back into the deep waters. Again, I had no trouble underneath and the water was a pretty blue with some light above. Then without a moment's notice, I was shot up into the sky....

 

here 

...only to end up upon stormy clouds like the ones pictured below. There I was on gray clouds and the sky dark around me. These clouds were not as soft as the white ones and were cracked beneath me. I could see constant lightening underneath these cracks...it was like a sea of electricity. This time my fear was palpable. I thought the clouds would surely break beneath me and drop me within lightening streaked skies. It was then I realized no matter what befell me, I would be okay. Naturally, the clouds broke up below and dropped me back into the water very briefly, then shot back out, not into the clouds but into a room where these children,  childhood acquaintances, lingered about. Twas then I awoke. Funny thing is, though they were familiar to me in the dream...upon awakening, those children are really strangers. Not sure what it meant...I remember waking up thinking only of the pretty white clouds and how comforting they were even amidst my confusion and fear. I rather not think about the children of the corn. *smirks*

here

I've been told that water in dreams signifies emotions. Falling, fear, comfort, and more fear are a part of life. I've been experiencing a bit of each and I fear the stormy clouds that have been lingering in between my peaceful, and blissful days. I will take this dream as a sign that things will be okay. No matter what decisions I make in the near future..I'll be secure in the knowledge that they'll be the right ones. If it should rain..if it should storm, I shall wear my rain-gear and walk through the storm. After all, I know the pretty white clouds will resurface.

 It'll all be right as rain....and so will I. There's nothing that can hurt me..only strengthen me and help me to grow into a stronger, more confident woman. Challenges are to be seen as opportunities. 

I hope your week has thus far been delightful and of course, filled with bliss.

xoxo

Miss Sandra

*PS: I believe this is the first time I've ever posted one of my dreams. It was so vivid that I wanted to record it so that I wouldn't forget as time goes on. Now I'm curious...what would your interpretation be of this dream? We all have our own thought patterns on such things and I'd like to know yours. xo!