“Gardens are poems where you stroll with your hands in your pockets.” – Pierre Albert Birot

Were you aware flowers have meanings?  They do.  The Victorians were ever so mindful about their meanings, especially in the use of a Tussie-Mussie.  A tussie-mussie, is a romantic bouquet.  Discreet and knowledgeable young ladies and gentlemen would correspond with one another by this means.  And in doing so, they were quite careful to use specific flowers according to their meaning.  

A single flower or a tiny bouquet would be sent to or from an admirer.  A young man may send a sprig of honeysuckle meaning – I have devoted affections.  The young lady may reciprocate, depending on her feelings, by sending a pansy saying,  “I, too, have tender thoughts.”   

While we no longer communicate in such ways, I will tell you I do believe our world could use use a little romance.  So, just in case you don’t have, at your fingertips, a little book on the language of flowers.  I am sending you a few flowers and their meanings. 

Anemone – Desertion

Bachelor Button – Hope in Love

Bluebell – Delicacy

Columbine – Capriciousness

Coreopsis – Forever Cheerful

Daisy – Innocence

Freesia – Innocence

Forget-me-not – True Love

Honeysuckle – Devoted Affections

Lily-of-the-valley – Return of Happiness

Pansy – Tender Thoughts

Red Rose – Love

Snapdragon – Presumption

Thyme – Thriftiness

Yellow Rose – Friendship

Zinnia – Simplicity

And, of course you want to know about the peony.  In my opinion, the peony is the queen of the garden – she is the star.

 The meaning of a peony – Bashfulness

While I am over the moon about peonies, many flower lovers feel the same about roses.  One such remarkable person was Helen Keller.  The following are her inspirational thoughts – clearly, she understood ” A Garden of Meanings.” 

“But the roses they were loveliest of all.  Never have I found in the greenhouses of the North such heart-satisfying roses as the climbing roses of my southern home. They used to hang in long festoons from our porch, filling the whole air with their fragrance, untainted by any earthy smell:  and in the early morning, washed in the dew, they felt so soft, so pure, I could not help wondering if they did not resemble the asphodels of God’s garden.”  

Wishing you and yours simply glorious days during this magnificent month of May.

Thanks for visiting!

Au Revoir,

Sandra 

Photos:  Tusie-Musie:  facebook/pinterest

Peony: behance/pinterest

Roses: watercolorflorals.blogspot.uk/pinterest

“Cooking is at once child’s play and adult joy.  And cooking done with care is an act of love.”  – Craig Clairborne

Once again, the weekend is here.  And, to me it seems like yesterday was Monday morning – you too?  So, any thoughts to the weekend menu?  

This is the time of year we want to simply enjoy the moments – spring only arrives once a year.  Hopefully, you are promised beautiful weather for the upcoming weekend in your area. Beautiful weather translates to time outdoors – enjoying the season.  So, today I am sending you a couple of make ahead recipes, perfect for a busy (not stressful) weekend.

To me, it is magical to pull dinner from the refrigerator. It makes me feel as though a magic wand was waved over our home.   Surely, you feel that way too.  This salad, pulled from the refrigerator, served with a nice bread and wine, is lovely for dinner on a spring evening.  And I promise, you will love me for the dessert recipe – so easy and delicious.  

Orzo, Tomato, and Shrimp Salad

Note:  Best when prepared and chilled at least 4 hours or overnight.  Perfect, when made in the morning to serve for dinner that evening.  

Ingredients 

4 ((14.5 – oz.) cans chicken broth

1 (16-oz.) package orzo pasta

1 pound medium shrimp, boiled, peeled, and deveined

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (I like to mix the colors)

2 orange tomatoes, chopped

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (not bottled)

1/4 cup red-wine vinegar

1 tsp grated lemon zest

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions:  In medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to boil over high heat.  Stir in pasta.  Cook for 8 minutes; drain.  In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, tomatoes, onion and basil.  In a small bowl, combine oil and the remaining ingredients, whisk well.  Pour over pasta mixture; toss gently to combine.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serve with a nice crusty bread and a white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Dessert

Honey Vanilla Framage Blanc

2 – 8oz. Framage Blanc or the same amount of Plain Greek Yoguart (I use Greek Yoguart)

2 Tbls. Heavy cream

1/4 cup Honey

2 tsp. vanilla, plus the seeds from 1 vanilla bean

1/4 tsp. lemon zest – do not skip 

Your favorite berries – We love strawberries

Mix all the ingredients together and chill all day or over night.  Serve in  pretty cups or dish and top with your favorite berries.    See, I told you it was easy !

Thanks for visiting.  Wishing you and yours a beautiful weekend – Bon Appetit !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Recipes:  Orzo, Tomato, and Shrimp Salad – 2006 issue of Taste of the South

Honey Vanilla Framage Blanc – Ina Garten

Photo:  Aileen Allen at home in love/Pinterest

“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.” – Roald Dahl

Many times in this life, things have come to my attention and stirred me to see them in a new light.  Conceivably, a lesson to be learned.  Perhaps this has happened to you, too?  

The majority of these lessons have really been gifts.  Because, you see, I believe each time our eyes are opened to see something in a new way, we grow – our vision is expanded.  We think differently, we feel differently and we behave differently.  A gift.   And, by these precious gifts, we can inspire others.  “The Power of One.”

During the past few years, I have seen enough “ugly” to last several lifetimes.  I would wager you feel the same.  It seems as though “ugly” is at our every turn – television, newspapers, magazines, social media and too often, in people who cross our paths.  And to me, even worse, we see it from those who hold public office, highly paid professional athletes – people who are in positions to set examples for all of us, especially our youth.   So, how in the world do we reverse the course?  

If you look for just a moment at the magnificent peony above; clearly you can easily see the impact it would have in any room it was placed.  The power of one glorious bloom lights an entire space – WOW.  I like to think each of us represents this beautiful peony.  As individuals with unique talents, we have the power to light up our own corners of the world.  We are each – one fabulous bloom. And, we each have the power to transform “ugly” to kindness and good – really we do.

With all my heart, I believe there is something very real afoot for a dynamic shift toward beauty, kindness and compassion.  Becoming inspired, so as to inspire. When we share our unique talents, do small things for others, show kindness to strangers and those less fortunate, raise our voices when necessary, love “all creatures great and small,” we will begin to see a shift.  And the shift in our small circles will be transferred to others.  Thus, the ripple effect of our individual deeds.  “The Power of One.” 

And, what inspires us, motivates us and moves us along on this journey? For each of us the answer will be different.   But, I truly believe the words of Susan Branch – “Hearts Can Inspire Other Hearts With Their Fire.”  1×1

Thanks for visiting – wishing you a beautiful week!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Note:  Coming soon, a promised post – Alexandra Stoddard, amazing inspiration. 

Photo:  Pinterest

“You haven’t really experienced a garden until you have slept in it, seen it, that is, in light fading to extinction, explored it at night with hesitant steps, and watched it come awake to birdsong at dawn.”  – Hugh Johnson

This weekend, may you find peaceful, quiet hours to restore your soul – time to “be.”

  Do  enjoy these glorious days.  I hope you will be surprised by magnificent beauty, “birdsong” and JOY !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photo: Facebook

“Home – The story of who we are and a collection of all the things we love.” – Author Unknown

The past few weeks I have been sorting through and addressing the care of a few things in our home.  Treasures, as I refer to them – and there are many.  The first treasure  I will tell you about is the silver.  Mom’s lovely tea set which screamed, “polish me,” every time I walked through the dining room.  And, although the flatware was stored in the buffet, I could hear it screaming as well.  

So, along comes my friend Anne.  Anne introduced me to her latest find – Carbona Silver Wipes.  Now, for all you silver lovers out there – put this product on your shopping list.  You too,  will thank Anne many times for this gift.  Carbona is available through Amazon if you are unable to locate it in your area.  This product turned the dreaded polishing process into something I no longer consider a chore. Mom and her silver are now happy.

Polishing the silver brought to my attention, once again, how much I enjoy our treasures.  We all have them, don’t we?  Treasures which make us smile and so often serve as remembrances of family and friends.  They are special, only to us.  

To be sure,  truly I am not a hoarder, at least I don’t think I am.  But, if you have been following me for any amount of time you know there are a many things I enjoy collecting.  Such as:  peonies and various other garden beauties, vintage quilts, handwoven textiles and linens, lovely needlework, books, tea cups and saucers, tea pots, stoneware bowls, butter molds, lovely china – just to name a few.  Lovely, vintage things speak to me.  I hear their stories.  I am totally seduced by their charm and I am honored to be their caretaker.   

Many of our treasures are from family, others I have stumbled upon during my haunts of  favorite shops.  And, there are those which have been gifts from my husband or special friends.  One such special gift from my husband, was our early 1800’s Tall Case Clock. This clock, covered with a tarpaulin, traveled over the mountains of West Virginia into Virginia, in the back of my husband’s truck, during a snow storm.  My heart still jumps when I hear it strike, and I am reminded of his enormous effort to make Christmas of 1985, special for me.   Additionally, I look at many teacups and tea pots and remember friends who have so lovingly gifted me with something they knew I would adore. 

Taking another look around, I see other special treasures.  Ones that have been made just for me by my dearest friend, Janet.  Janet and I have been friends since about age 3.  Many years.  She is a needlepoint artist.  I have not only been blessed by her genuine friendship, but by her fabulous talent, which adds grace and charm to our home.  When I see the treasures she has made just for me, it is as though she is with me each moment of the day, even though she lives miles away in North Carolina. One of these lovely pieces of her art is Maison de Jardin (The Garden House), which  hangs proudly over our front door.  I believe homes should have names.  Giving a name to a home adds that inexpressible something or – je ne sais quoi.  A subject of another post.

While many of the things we love are material, I like to think they love us too. These treasures add joy to our daily rounds, and they delight and satisfy us as we go about creating our beautiful homes.  They truly are “our story, a collection of the things we love.”  So, love them up.  I promise – they will love you back.  When they sparkle and shine from your love, your “inspiration will bloom.”

Au Revoir,

Sandra

PS:  Yes, I do collect peonies.  I left over 200 in our garden in VA and I remember them every spring.

“For I remember it is Easter Morn, and Life and Love and Peace are all New Born.” – Alice Freeman Palmer

Wishing You and Yours a Beautiful Easter and a Beautiful Spring !

Many Blessings,

Sandra

Photo:  Savvyhousekeeping.com/Pinterest

“A garden is a reflection of its owner, a thing of beauty that changes over time, a window to the creativity within.” – Lee Miller

Change can be such a dreadful thing.  Even when it is for the best, it is never easy. And, when a gardener must say goodbye to their beloved garden, it is more often than not – heartbreaking.  I know this to be true from my own experience and from the experience of two dear friends.

When one decides to create a garden, thoughts of one day having to leave this love and creation never enters the mind.  The reason or reasons for leaving do not matter, saying goodbye is extremely difficult.  Truly, dreadful.

So, what is one to do when faced with leaving their beautiful garden?  Well, first cry tears to fill buckets and cry for days, I did.  Then, if your garden is falling into new hands; make charts, name plants and give as much detailed information as possible, in writing, to assist the new owners with the care and maintenance of the garden.  Next, dig your treasures – either to take with you to your new garden or to put into the hands of someone you know who would love and care for them as you did.

With the move behind you, what is next?  You may be faced with a massive yard to conquer or a tiny yard in which to place those 30 peonies and a wash tub of irises that you chose to move.  Or perhaps, you have no yard and must learn about container gardening. Whatever your new situation may be, you will and must move forward.

Now, don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying you won’t mourn the loss of your old friends.  You will worry and you will grieve, that will never go away.  Even after twelve years, I still think of the beautiful friends in my previous garden, hoping they are well and continuing to create beauty with their magnificent blooms.  But, I have a new friend and a different friend.  Our current garden has different plants and it is a better garden.  Why is it better?  It is better because it enjoys the rewards of my experience.  And, the same will be true for you.  You will see a new garden alive and flourishing because of the many lessons learned from your previous garden.  

Gardeners are such optimistic folks.  They are a creative lot, always looking to another season, interested in learning ways to improve their gardens and learning about growing new plants.  And, they strive to bring to life the following words written by Michael Pollan:  “A garden should make you feel you’ve entered privileged space – a place not just set apart but reverberant – and it seems to me that, to achieve this, the gardener must put some kind of twist on the existing landscape, turn its prose into something nearer poetry.” 

So chin up, gloves on – it’s time to create beauty…”poetry.”   And, you will!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photo: home-and-garden.webshots.com

“It’s spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!   – Mark Twain

So, tell me – do you have spring fever?   Sure you do, everyone gets spring fever.  We want to throw open the windows, take down the drapes, purchase every flower imaginable, and create beauty as far and as wide as our eyes can see.  Why do we want to this ?   T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings explains – “The surroundings householders crave are glorified autobiographies.”  True words.  Our homes are about us, and we want to make them as lovely and inviting as possible.  But, we all know it doesn’t happen at the snap our fingers.

Truly, creating beauty is work – but, the rewards are huge.  I often look at the end result of a project and wonder, how did I accomplish that?  Perhaps there was a bit of magic afoot.   But, when we create a beautiful home or garden, we show love.  And, love transfers our homes into homes with a soul.  We are inspired by our efforts and the beauty we have created.  Grace appears.

Spring is a marvelous time, a time of transformation.  When we are stricken with  spring fever,  we dream.  So, let’s stir up a bit of magic, put our dreams into motion, and watch them come to life.  We can wave our wands, and watch the winter weather disappear from our windows and porches.  Our homes become fully alive – dripping with gorgeousness.  A beautiful “autobiography.”

I do hope you have received a good measure of inspiration this morning.  However, should you still feel a bit fevered,  here are a few tips which may help:  Take a trip to your favorite garden center or antique shop, visit a public garden, have coffee with your dearest friend, purchase of a fabulous peony, enjoy a bit of chocolate, select a new fragrance, or linger over a simple meal and a lovely wine served at home to those you love.  Whatever you do – don’t miss one moment of this magnificent time of year.    “Créer de la beauté, devenir inspiré !”   See translation below.

Thanks for visiting – Sending love to you and yours !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Translation:  Créer de la beauté, devenir inspiré – Create Beauty, Become Inspired

Photo:  BHG.com/pinterest

“I do believe in an everyday sort of magic – the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we are alone.” –  Charles de Laet

Don’t we all need inspiration?  Sure we do.  We each may require  a different amount, but personally I  feel inspiration is vital for everyone.  For me, it can be a few beautiful words, a little time spent in our garden, gazing upon a painting which I feel is lovely, or chatting with my dear friend.  But, I require that shot in my arm every day.

So, this morning I find myself thinking of the many talented people who inspire me.  And,  in thinking of them I thought,  “how grand it would be to have them all to dinner.”  Of course, I am dreaming of a fabulous dinner in the garden, when the jasmine is in her glory.  Can’t you just smell the intoxicating fragrance wafting in the gentle breeze?  An absolutely perfect setting for a beautiful time.

Yes, a perfect setting for my special guests.  And, on my guest list is… Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Faudree,  Claude Monet, Roger Muhl, Jacques Pepin,  Alexandra Stoddard,  my lifelong friend, Janet and her husband, and of course my husband.   Just imagine, all these magnificent personalities at the same table.  Writers, artists, designers, great chefs and good friends – what a party.  The conversation among these people would be be overflowing with inspiration. WOW!  It may just be inspiration overload.  Is that possible?  Oh, and I must not forget to mention that Jacques and Julia helped me plan the menu.  To be catered, of course.

So, back to reality.  I will tell you, every person on my guest list provides great inspiration for me.    Their art, creativity, words, painstakingly tested recipes, strength and courage, all bring much to my daily life.  “An everyday sort of magic and a sense of connectedness.”   And, when I see our Carolina Jasmine in full bloom and smell her heavenly fragrance – truly for me, it is “Where Inspiration Blooms.”

Won’t you tell us who or what inspires you – our curious minds want to know.

Thanks for visiting today – love and hugs to you !

Au Revoir

Sandra

ps:  After I checked my list, I realized I must have another dinner.  There are many other extraordinarily, talented people I admire.

Photo: Facebook.com/Pinterest