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

My Other Life...

My Dears...

Thank you to those who commented and encouraged me to share my other world.

I've been running this business for nigh on 3 years. As a teenager, I became a huge fan of the 1950's scene and music. Granted there wasn't much of the scene left..but as for the music, oh sweet delight!... was there ever a world to explore!! I loved the pop tunes and the R&B vocal group music of the era (now called doo-wop). It's in this genre (doo-wop) that I eventually became involved with in my early 20's when I met my late husband who produced and hosted such concerts. He was also running a music shop specializing in this fabulous sound. We married in '95 and needless to say, the rest is history. Sadly, I lost him in 2008 and inherited this musical world...he was truly the heart and soul of this business and I hope to continue his legacy.

So without further ado, I introduce you to my musical business musings...Not Always In Rhythm, But It Ain't The Blues! Please click, visit, and enjoy!

xoxo,
Miss Sandra

The Scent Of Spring, Music, and Mr. Knightley

My Dears,

First I'd like to say that I hope your holiday weekend was absolutely divine.

The weather has been quite lovely in these parts and the sights and scents of Spring have permeated the air. Harmonie House is surrounded by the euphoric, magical, and most lovely scent of magnolia. It is most enchanting in its floral splendor and fills my home with the essence of springtime and romance with its subtle softness, and beauty.

as seen through my library/music room window..

a shower of petals upon the ground...

simply beautiful...

So on a lovely day such as this, I arrived home floating on air..at least it felt that way. *smiles* Upon arrival, Mr. Knightley greeted me in his usual cuteness fashion....purrs and loads of love for "Mama". I filled the kettle and headed to my library/music room to open up the old casement windows. In no time the room was filled with nature's perfume. With my "cuppa" of Darjeeling in hand, I sat upon my favorite chair and lost myself in the moment. Twas quite blissful indeed, however...something was missing. Ah yes!! Music.

time for some music...

So up I went and opened my 1915 Victrola. I chose a few of my favorite 78's and cranked up the old music machine. Henry Burr and Albert Campbell serenaded me with "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles"...Paul Whiteman provided a sweet melody "No More Worrying"..and so on.

While singing along to Jay C. Flippin's "Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella" I watched as Mr. Knightley became fascinated with my Victor. Curious as any kitty would be, he made quite the amusing picture.

hmmm..why is that spinning?

okay...look natural.

aha! got it...

hmmm...what song should be played next?

play this one please...

sounds purrrrrfect!

So there you have it my dears. Spring, flowers, music, and my Mr. Knightley. Simple pleasures to be had...blissful moments to last a lifetime.

from my shangri-la to yours!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

I Was In The Mood...

I'm loving this tune by Hildegarde from 1933. Please make sure to pause the music on the player at the bottom of this screen before you play the video.





Enjoy!!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Baby It's Cold Outside!!

My Dears,

So far today has been the coldest day in these parts. Frosty, crisp, windy, and absolutely divine. So in the spirit of the day, I want to share one of my favorite tunes. Please be sure to first turn off the music at the bottom of this page so that you can enjoy this clip. Keep warm dear ones!

Hoping your day is De-Lovely!!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

After The Ball

My Dears,

A lovely time was had at our annual Armistice Ball. We had a nice turnout, the band delighted us with some great music for dancing, and the Afterglow party at Harmonie House was absolutely divine.

Harmonie House hours before the revelry.

Downstairs at Harmonie House.. Mr. Knightley kept watch from the stairs...while upstairs several of us were busy getting into our gowns, and tuxedos.

Having given my lady's maid the night off...I settled for the butler to help me fasten my gown. *smiles*

The band, led by well known Vince Giordano, gave a stellar performance and provided us with tunes to kick our heels...foxtrots, one-steps, tangos, blues, and waltzes.

The dancers were pleased as pie and were having a ball!

Tis I...dancing away to a one-step


C'est moi..again!

It was lovely to be twirled around the room to the music of another era..long gone. Alas, like Cinderella, I had to leave the ball much earlier...for I had to get the home and prepare for the Afterglow party.

This was only the beginning. By the time all the guests (31) arrived, the table was heavily laden with food...hot and cold dishes. Wine and champagne flowed as did the smiles.

...with Dan Levinson and his lovely wife Molly


Vince relaxing after a fabulous musical night
and chatting away with Tom & Sue.
He and his Nighthawks take us back in time with the authentic sounds of the 20's & 30's.


Dear friend Tom entertained the whole weekend on my Lauter.

After the party...yes, it went on till very late...I was thoroughly exhausted. However, that didn't stop me or my weekend guests from enjoying some ragtime coming from the talented Tom on the piano. Twas 2am, we let our hair down, took our shoes off, and I served coffee (yes..regular not decaf). We listened to music..while we all reclined and talked about the ball and party..we were still glowing.

Yes, the mistress of the house was tired..but still glowing.

Happy days to all!
xoxo
Miss 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