Rainy First Autumn Day!

from here

My Dears..

Just stopping by to wish you all a HAPPY AUTUMN!!
And remember that raindrops are kisses from Heaven. So let a smile be your umbrella! *Please turn off music below to enjoy this lovely old tune & video.*

Blissful Tidings! 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!

Under The Linden Tree

UNDER THE LINDEN TREE

You kissed me under the linden tree,
its branches our refuge..
the night was dark, the winds so fierce,
in a moment a deluge

as the drops came down upon the earth,
like missiles in a war..
your kisses kept me wrapped in bliss,
the storm seemed oh so far

and thunder rolled, the lightening flashed,
brief glow in sky was cast..
leaves trembled slightly, huddled in mass,
our cover green and vast

for though the sky had opened up,
and nature's wrath was brewing..
we could not see, we could not hear
for our hearts were busy wooing

yet so, alas we stole a glance
when droplets earthly bound...
broke through our shelter, leaves weak and moist,
our warm skin they had found

and hand in hand we made a run,
your shirt covering my head..
through rain, and mud, and thunder's roar
to the shelter up ahead

we laughed and sighed our eyes so bright..
our hearts filled to the brim..
with sweet emotion, childish glee,
and a passion deep within

the linden tree, so masterful,
so large and oh so wise..
protective spirit, and aged trunk,
so much he has surmised

we would return within his boughs
months later, once again...
to share a kiss and whisper words,
this time without the rain

the balmy breeze, the scent of green
by nature's own verdure...
had cast upon our summer night
a magic soft and pure

and underneath our linden tree
with moonlight bright in view..
twas then we knew our souls would speak,
they whispered "I love you".

Copyright 2010

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Haiku?

pic

I love a rainy day
but it doesn't love me..
just look at my hair!

And there you have it folks..a silly attempt at haiku.
Hope your day has been de-lovely!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Rainy Day Muse

Another rainy day...

and I'm ever so busy cranking that sifter away. Once that is done, I shall head out and do some singing in the rain, for each drop is ushering in new beginnings. I see before me a lovely scene of opportunity...slowly opening and beckoning.

I have lots to do before a new cycle in my life begins. I have clutter to clear, and a soul to renew. I shall be ready soon enough!

But first...I've got to keep cranking away! *smiles*

Have a lovely Autumn day dear ones...and if it should be raining by you, go sing and dance in the rain!

Life is a mystery..but how beautiful the chance to solve it!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Color Me Orange

My Dears,

It's raining and very cold out today. Oh, but I am not complaining! I love the cold weather..I am winter's daughter after all...and the winter hues shall color me all through the season.

but today...today I am orange.

This day I dared to be bold in color, right down to my pumpkin colored wellies! Blouse, sweater, boots.. screaming of the season in three hues of orange. I threw on the jeans to break up the brightness a bit. *smiles*

There is something about colors that can enhance a mood..spark a glow. Orange happens to be one of those. It says, "Look at me. I am courageous and spontaneous! I love the world and I shall take it on without hesitation! I dare." It also says, "I love autumn and the changing leaves. I am one with the cycle of the seasons. Allow me to bring a smile to you." That is orange to me.

What color speaks to you?

It's a lovely day, rain and all...bring it on. Color me vivid!

**A slow day at the shop led me to muse less poetically and more whimsically.*

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Serenity Of The Moment

Tis a quiet Wednesday.

I love this...the peace and calm. The clouds are nigh, and the brisk breeze is blowing through the windows. Outside those windows, the Rose of Sharon trees tremble slightly...politely nudged by the wind. The linden waves to me in its tall, majestic splendor...protective in shade and in sheltering those beautiful creatures of nature. The herbs are whispering softly, asking to be harvested very soon
....before the first frost makes pretty cold pearls of the dew upon their green.

The rain is hovering...waiting for the right moment to cascade upon this earth. I welcome it with a smile and invite it to come down and make its beautiful, hypnotic sounds as it falls upon my window panes. An unfinished book is lying upon the table..beckoning me to turn its pages and lose myself in its world. The kettle too is calling...reminding me that a cup of tea will complete the serenity surrounding me.

*sigh*

How tranquil I am at this moment...how in love with this precise point in my life.

Mr. Knightley is sleeping...curled up in a black ball of the softest, velvety fur I have ever felt.

How beautiful.

Harmonie House, my Shangri-La, is quiet..yet I can feel the stirrings within. I can sense the beating of the heart which lies deep within its walls...for this home is alive with feeling and spirit. Its beams sigh along with me in appreciation of now....today.

Perhaps this reverie will dissipate shortly. But for now...this very minute...this moment is mine...all mine.

Wishing you moments of serenity,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Enchanted

I thought I 'd take advantage of this rainy afternoon to blog about my favorite book and movie of all time.....Enchanted April.

I remember the very first time I watched the movie several years back on cable. I've always loved flicks that take place in England in the early 20th century, however little did I know that this one film would stir within me so many emotions all at once.

I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen it or read the book, so I shall keep this as short and sweet as possible.

Four women who were strangers to one another embark on a getaway trip to Italy to a castle they rented together....basically to get away from the humdrum of their daily lives in England. Two of them have a less than satisfactory marriage. The other two, one a socialite tired of the "grabbing men" and the other a lonely old widow living in her literature past, complete the foursome.

Their unique personalities seem to clash at first, but not for long. The ambiance within and without the castle "San Salvatore" is purely beautiful and magical. It seems to be, as Lottie puts it "a tub of love", for before you know it, both Lottie and Rose invite their husbands to come and partake of the magic. There is no loathing, no bitterness there. Love abounds within the flowers and the air.

For those 93 minutes of the film, I was Lottie....wanting to get away and discovering something so beautiful and inspiring......LOVE.

Imagine a place like that existed. Where upon awaking in the morning and looking out your window, you are greeted by a landscape akin to a painting. A place where one does not have to speak words of love in order to feel them. Heck, a place where a woman doesn't have to spell it out to her man that she loves him...for he becomes a willing recipient of its spell. Oh how delightful and lovely.

The colors and visual cinematography is a feast for the eyes and soul. There is beauty throughout the whole film....at least to me there is. *smiles*

I'm a romantic in so many ways....if you are too, this film is for you.

Oh...please, read the book first if you so desire. The author is Elizabeth Von Arnim. I've picked up three antique copies for myself...one from 1922 published in England. Can you tell I just love Enchanted April?

Today I'm inspired....I'm going to make my home a tub of love!!!

Oh! The rain has stopped and the sun is out. *sigh*

I wish you all love!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Wellies And Flowers & Rain..Oh My!

It's raining....and raining...and yes my dears..more rain. Since Tuesday it's been coming down on and off...more on than off. Please, do not think I'm complaining, for as most of you know I love the rain! I'm inspired to dream, reflect, and most of all relax.

I need not mention that my lawn, trees, and flowers are looking extra green and pretty. They too are enamored by the showers bestowed by Mother Nature. However, I believe they are looking too relaxed of late...or would one call that droopy and soaked? Oh well..it's all good.

Okay...maybe these are a bit droopy.


But these aren't droopy...these look quite refreshed and pretty.

Anyhow, my love of rain has lately found competition....my love of Wellies! Perhaps you may want to call them Wellingtons, rubber boots, rain boots, gardening boots...etc. I call them Wellies..and I'm in love. Strange that one can find such comfort in a pair of boots. I love the way they fit, the way they look, and the way they feel. I look forward to rainy days..or just days working in the garden, for my Wellies trudge well in soil and keep my feet dry.

Wellies!

I started my collection last year with a pair of plain green ones. Then I discovered Hunters. Oh dear...talk about comfort! They look great and come in so many colors! *sigh* Unfortunately, I only have four pairs of Hunters right now for they are pretty expensive. However, I'll work towards my blue, black, red, and yellow pairs as soon as the economy improves. Oh! I think I should have some of those pretty ones that come in all sorts of colorful, dainty patterns too!

Do you find this strange? An obsession perhaps? I mean..really? Some people collect shells, stamps, dolls, and even dried insects for display. So I collect Wellies...at least I can wear them. *smiles*

Funny, when friends come to visit and step inside through the side door, they usually comment...
"What is it with the Hunters?" or "Ummm...you have a collection of rain boots ..who else lives here?" or "You need help dear."

I love my friends.

Yet another reason to love the rain....brought to you by the lady of Harmonie House who thinks Wellies and rain are the bees knees!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Sunday

Sunday...lovely Sunday.

I sit here at my kitchen table, still in my robe, and having
a cup of tea. Mr. Knightley is curled up on the chair beside me snoozing away. The wind is blowing lightly and the sun keeps peeping in and out...trying to decide if to stay or go. Truly it makes no difference to me, for it's Sunday. It's my day to relax, lounge about, and not worry about a thing. If it should rain, I shall welcome the shower with open arms. I'm home after all...home where I can watch nature's whims come and go.

...and again, it's Sunday!! Did I mention I love Sundays??

What to do on my most favorite of days? Hmmm... I can bake. Nah...no company coming by. I might end up eating it all. I can stay in my robe all day and snooze beside my cat. No, that won't do. What if by chance company should come by? Well then perhaps I should bake after all. Nope. I'm sure I'll have no visitors today. All right then. Perhaps I shall curl up with a good book and look out my window at the beautiful linden and the bench beneath it beckoning me to go out and sit. Okay..that'll defeat the purpose of staying in...and it might rain after all. Scratch looking out the window. Ahhh....I can go downstairs to the basement (the only place I keep the telly) and watch a movie. Oh dear...that won't do. It's Sunday and I musn't be cooped in a basement and dear Mr. Knightley wouldn't be pleased. Besides, I might not hear the door if company should come by.*Sigh*

What does it matter what I do anyway? It's Sunday!! I can do whatever I please or absolutely nothing at all. How wonderful is that? I can hear the church bells tolling away nearby. The classical music is playing softly in the background. The steady breathing of my cat as he snoozes adds a special cadence to the calm of the moment. The serenity of Sunday has me in its trance. I think I'll go grab that novel in my library and curl up in the nook. I'm sure Mr. Knightley will soon follow and keep me company while I lose myself within the gentle confines of the story.

...Or I'll just go and bake something.
You never know. Company might drop by.

Have a beautiful Sunday my dears!!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Beautiful Life

It's a rainy and windy evening and I'm once again in a reflective mood.

As I hustled and bustled at my place of business today, I had this constant feeling of restlessness. It didn't matter that I was taking phone calls, packing orders, and chatting with customers. That feeling lingered and somewhere in the back of my mind, I heard it....that inner voice asking me over and over..."Is this all there is?" I know that question very well for I have spoken it aloud many a time. However, it was quite prevalent in my mind today. I thought to myself. No, this cannot be all there is. There is so much more out there waiting to be discovered. The life I've been dreaming of...it's out there. It's reaching out to me, beckoning to grab it and take it by storm. Oh it's there all right. I can feel it sometimes...the dream, the hopes, and the reality of it coming true.

Well, that reality is lovely, but it's not mine at present....or is it??

At this moment I must continue to keep shop, day in and day out. I must save my pennies and keep strong of spirit and heart, for I've realized that in order to live the beautiful life of my dreams all I have to do is make beautiful my life now. And as I look around me, I see so much beauty, so much to be thankful about. I have the home of my dreams, the cat of my heart, family & friends in abundance, and the blessings of the sun in the morning and the moon at night. In this life, I can dress up and live another era one night, be in my Wellies out in the garden the next day, and have friends over for afternoon tea the next. The peonies are about to bloom, the linden tree is exuding it's sweet euphoric scent, my lavender is promising another year of fabulous growth and I was able to make another mortgage payment on this wonderful home I call my refuge, my sanctuary, and my Shangri-la. *smiles*

I'm out to work in the modern world by day, but have the wonder of coming home to Harmonie House...where it's always 1918. It seems all this time I've been searching for what I have already created for myself one day at a time...lovingly and patiently....bit by bit.


I found it......

A Beautiful Life.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

On A Rainy Day

I tend to ponder quite a bit when the sky is gray and the rain comes pouring down upon our earth. Whether it's the soothing sound of the rain dripping against the window panes, or the dimness within my home due to the sunless sky, I somehow manage to lose myself in deep thought.

As I wandered through the inner depths of my mind, I pondered human nature and the little things that make people click. No one is perfect...I personally can vouch for that. After all, it's our imperfections which make us unique and wonderful. That said however, we have a tendency to react quickly to even the most minor of circumstances. We'll either huff and puff in anger or walk away from the situation mumbling under our breath. We are so blinded by our instant response that we do not stop to take it in and see it for what it really is....petty.

Indeed there have been situations which go beyond the realm of acceptable behavior, but most disagreements stem from an unreasonable reaction to a minor misunderstanding. Everything from lovers' spats to family quarrels can at most times be traced to our propensity to react without taking in the situation at hand. I know, for I have been guilty of reacting unreasonably. By the same token however, I've been on the receiving end of such behavior either for giving advice when unsolicited or by speaking my mind. *sigh*

What this diatribe all comes down to is this....let's stop and take a deep breath. Let us, in any situation, take in what we see or what we hear and make sense of it before we react. Life is too short to lose our temper. More importantly...life is too short to lose ourselves within a chasm of negativity that may alienate those we love.

I now look out my window and see the beauty of green all around. The lawn's reaction to this constant rain is to grow in verdure abundance. So lovely.

Though it may seem dreary to most, this is indeed a beautiful day. May the raindrops of laughter, love, wishes, and dreams shower you with the promise of a happy today, tomorrow, and ever after.
xoxo

My Very First Time

...At blogging that is. Drawn by the pull, no the very innermost urge, no...DESIRE (yes!) to write, I decided to give blogging a try. So alas, here I am.

I'm moved by the beauty of nature and all that surrounds me. I'm inspired by the seasons and the little things that bring a smile to my face. So my musings for this evening shall be about Spring. Those who know me know that Winter has always been my season of choice however, even the snow queen needs a thaw. Besides, flowers make me smile.
I've heard nothing but constant rants lately over all the rain we're getting. Naturally I hold back the sassy remarks about this being April, and showers, and..well you get the point. I kindly remind them that flowers ,blooming trees, and beautiful, lush lawns will be the result of this deluge. At least that's what I tell myself...and it works! Rain holds a particular magic for us all.

Think about it. Rainy days go well in hand with a good book and a comfy throw...
a cup of tea and a classic film. How about baking?? Some days cleaning is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. If one doesn't have the luxury of being home on such a day but is stuck behind a desk at the office...no problem. That's when you are grateful for not missing out on a perfectly lovely day. Does that make sense?

Nevertheless, it's all about appreciating the moments..each and every one of them. For without them, what would make up our lives? I am grateful for the rain, snow, the good, and yes..even the bad, for without it how can I know and appreciate all the good life can bring?

I'm not sure if I meant to be philosophical tonight but once I begin rambling, anything goes. Besides, I'm having a bit of blogger's block. Perhaps that's a sign to quit while I'm ahead. *sigh* All right. I guess it's time to call it a night and wish everyone a most lovely slumber filled with delightful dreams. Have a beautiful Spring day tomorrow....even if it is raining.