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

OMG! I Just Realized..

...that today is my one year Blogiversary!

A year ago today I decided to dabble in blogland. Wow! Tis amazing the difference a year makes.

I want each and every one of you to know that I appreciate your visits..your comments..and most of all YOU. This blog would not have been a year old this day if it wasn't for my followers. You've made every post a pleasure to write..every picture a pleasure to snap...every smile a bliss to behold.

To you I say THANK YOU!
I hope to always have something wonderful to share .. to inspire a smile..to extend some bliss your way..and simply say "have a seat and stay a while."... sharing with you a part of my world one word at a time.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Hiatus

My Dears,

I find lack of motivation and inspiration so debilitating. I'm bursting to write and say so much..yet nothing comes forth. I cannot lay blame on weather's door, for I do so love the cold and rainy days. I cannot blame health, for no matter the state of well being or lack thereof...the heart and mind will continue to guide the pen through it all.

I'm not sure exactly what the cause may be, but I know it'll be temporary (one hopes). Needless to say, you will find me back to my ol' inspired self and blogging away at some point in the near future.

Perhaps a hiatus is all I need.

Until the next please be well, warm and ever blissful!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Letters From The Heart

Isn't this lovely?

Here's a closeup...

Today was absolutely divine. The sun was at its brightest, the breeze was warm, and I was feeling rather nostalgic. So upstairs I went, opened my desk, and pulled out several bundles of old letters. Tied in cream colored ribbon, envelopes of all shapes, sizes, and colors, greeted me like an old friend with arms extended in warm welcome. Some were even yellowed...or I should say mellowed, by time.

Out in my garden was the right place to sit back and relax while reading these special missives from near, far, but very dear correspondents. I laughed, smiled, and sometimes even got misty-eyed as I ventured as far back to 20 years of written memories. What a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Flowers from my garden including: rosemary, thyme, chive, and coral bells.

I do hope my letters, sent throughout the years, have touched many a heart as these have touched my own. Happy & sweet reading indeed.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

The Joy Of Writing Letters

...And I mean handwriting, not typing.

Today I composed a nice, long letter to a friend in New England. It was my first time writing with my new fountain pen. Oh, but what a lovely pen....the Mother Of Pearl from Libelle's Nature series. Not only is it pretty to look at, but the words flowed effortlessly, quite nicely onto the paper.

How easy it is to lose oneself through the art of writing. The words paint vivid pictures of thoughts and express feeling. That which your mind has created, flows through the pen in fluid motion...thoughts the reader will be able to see and perhaps even feel. That is the beauty of the written word.

Oh how lucky is the receiver of hand written letters, for we know how precious and rare it is to find that envelope in your mailbox when one can easily e-mail in minutes. So much is lost in electronic correspondence...most importantly, the personal touch. The rare times I do receive snail mail, I make a ritual of it. I make sure all my toils of the day are done. I take some quiet time, a cup of tea, and find a cozy spot in my home. There I indulge in the moment...the visit of loved ones as they talk to me and bring me closer to them through the simple magic that is the written word.

Remember, this was the way in days of old. Writing to keep in touch was an everyday part of life. Before phones and computers there were letters. Why not encourage this lost art? Pick up some lovely stationery and send someone a ray of sunshine through the mail. Start today!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

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.