“Peace is always beautiful.” ~ Walt Whitman

Good Sunday morning, dear friends.  I hope this finds you well and that you are enjoying peaceful days.  As for me, I have no complaints.  Some days are sunny with warm temperatures and other days are cloudy, cold, and rainy.  However, that is April in North Central West Virginia.  And, how could I complain when white lilacs and daffodils fill vases around our home? 

While I feel so fortunate to enjoy peaceful days, I do know there are many souls in our world who have no semblance of a peaceful day.  I find myself wondering when and how all the madness will end, and I imagine you do also.  So, I put my mind toward other things and continue to pray for a sweeter world.  I hope you will find this post peaceful in images as well as words.  Perhaps, you may find something that tugs at your heart to carry with you throughout the week.

“Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances.” ~ Estella Eliot

“We must believe that there are places where tranquility exists and nature is given back her power to speak…” ~ Nanette  Avery

“. . .And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.” ~ Anne Frank

Dear friends, this past week a Facebook friend tagged me in her post with something beautiful I had almost forgotten.  Perhaps, if we could someway somehow spread this message,  it could make a difference.  Maybe you will tuck it away for a cloudy day.  Written by James Taylor, the lyrics, in my opinion, are relevant for current times.  Give a listen.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful day and week ahead. Stay well!

“Deep in our hearts, the light of heaven is shining.” ~ Rumi

Amour,

Sandra

Images:  via Tumblr

You Tube ~”Shower The People” Written by James Taylor and performed by Ventura Highway.

Good Sunday morning,  dear friends.  I hope this finds you well and enjoying a lovely morning.  In my opinion, mornings are the best time of day.  The birds are singing, the air is cool,  and all of nature seems to be happy to greet the day.  I find the early morning is such a beautiful time to be alone with my thoughts, be still, watch the sunrise, and count my blessings. And, to wander the garden to see how busy the garden fairies were during the night. 

There are many talented writers who also seem to have had a fondness for the early morning.  In going through my ‘little book of special things’ I have found a few lines I hope you will enjoy.

“Why I Wake Early” ~ Mary Oliver

“Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who made the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the

miserable and the crotchety.  . .

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.”

Possibly, just possibly,  the world would be a sweeter place if everyone began the day in ‘happiness and kindness.’  I wish I knew how to make it so.

 “. . . the older I get the more treasures and hope and joy I find in mornings.” ~ Terri Guillemets

“Outside the open window, the morning air is all awash with angels.” ~ Richard Wilbur

I agree with Terri Guillemets, the mornings always provide hope and joy.  Isn’t it a glorious thought to think of the morning air being “awash with angels”?  Perhaps, that is why the morning is so sweet and enjoyable.

Not only is the air lovely, but the morning light is divine and one never knows what they may discover.

Dear friends, I hope you have enjoyed your visit.  There is much more I could say about this magical time of day, but I do know everyone’s time is precious, and I do not want to take your time reading a lengthy post.  However, if you are not a morning person perhaps my thoughts will inspire you to ponder the many gifts that are always provided for our morning enjoyment, especially during this special season of dazzling beauty.   All we have to do is wake up and bask in the splendor of a new day.  What an amazing privilege.

Wishing you and yours a gorgeous and peaceful day.

And. . .

May every day, in the week ahead, begin with a lovely and joyful morning, just for you.

“A morning glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.” ~ Walt Whitman

Amour,

Sandra

Images:  via Tumblr and Pinterest

“‘Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Good Sunday morning, beautiful people ~ Happy Easter!   Easter has always been a favorite time for me.  The land is overflowing with majestic beauty, the air is cool and lovely,  and hope is truly alive.  Hope is a marvelous thing, especially when we stop and think of our situations last April when COVID had turned our world upside down.

“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.” ~ Kate McGahan

The legend of the dogwood tree is a story I have heard since I was a child. The petals of the flowers, always four, actually form in the shape of a cross.  The center of the bloom has a tight grouping of tiny yellow/green buds in a shape that resembles the crown of thorns, and the tip of each bloom is indented as if it was dented by a nail. I always remember the legend when I see a lovely dogwood in bloom.

“Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.” ~ S.D. Gordon

“This is The Day The Lord Has Made Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad.” ~ Psalm 118:24 

“For I remember it is Easter morn, And life and love and peace are all new born.” ~ Alice Freeman Palme

Dear friends, Mike and I wish you and yours a glorious Easter, filled with joy.

And with. . .

“The great gift of Easter ~ hope.” ~ Basil Hume

Amour,

Sandra

Images: via tumblr

“Just when I think I am losing my faith and optimism, Just when I think the world has gone utterly insane, Beauty in her majestic manner, intercedes, …And, with her restorative grace,  resurrects my hope for tomorrow.” ~ unknown

Good Sunday morning, dear friends.  Once again, we have lived through a week of violence.  I will not dwell on the sadness other than to say, “My heart hurts for our world and the horrific acts which have become all too common.”   During such troubling times, I always find comfort in our garden where “Beauty in her majestic manner, intercedes, …And, with her restorative grace,  resurrects my hope for tomorrow.”   The beauty is a balm for my soul.

“In every man’s heart, there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty.” ~ Christopher Morley

“Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is.” ~ Saul Bellow

Much has been written about noticing and paying attention.  Powerful and life-changing words, written by people who have endured tragedy and suffering.  And in their hearts and souls, they understand how vital it is for our joy and happiness to notice the abundance of incredible beauty at our every turn.  One such person was Anne Frank.  

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ~ Anne Frank

“Can we speak in flowers?  It will be easier for me to understand.” ~ Nayyirah Waheed

Ah, the world of fleurs.  Such a realm of beauty.  If you are a flower lover, it is a perfect reason to cultivate a garden.  However, a garden is work. Perhaps, you do not have the time to devote to a garden.  Not to worry, flowers are available at almost every grocery store and of course garden centers. 

Did you know, flowers have always been part of Alexandra Stoddard’s weekly home budget?  Why, because they provide beauty,  which is food for her spirit.

Paeonia ~ ‘Courage’

Paeonia ~ Coral Sunset

” The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.” ~ Henry Mitchell, American Garden Writer

“When I was a child, my dear Aurore, I was tormented by the fact that I wasn’t able to hear what flowers said when they talked to each other. My botany professor assured me they said nothing. Whether he was deaf or he didn’t want to tell me the truth, he swore they said nothing at all. I knew he was wrong. I would hear them chattering, especially in the evening when the dew began to form; but they spoke too low for me to make out their words.” ~ George Sand, “What Flowers Say”

“You never look at anything beautiful and holy, or think a pure and noble thought, without being ever after a larger soul.” ~  Frederick Lynch

“He who does not know how to appreciate flowers will not be able to see the beauty of life” ~ Debasish Mridha

Dear Friends, please know how much I appreciate your visit.  I hope, perhaps, you have been uplifted and inspired by the lovely photos and words I have shared.  

I wish you and yours a most beautiful day and week ahead.

And remember. . .

“Exquisite beauty is often hidden in life’s fragile, fleeting moments.” ~ John Mark Green

Amour,

Sandra

Images:  Tumblr and M.S. Lambiotte

The year’s at the spring, And day’s at the morn; Morning’s at seven; The hill-side’s dew-pearled; The lark’s on the wing; The snail’s on the thorn; God’s in His heaven ~ All’s right with the world! ~ Robert Browning, Pippa Passes, 1841

Good Sunday morning, dear friends.  Spring arrived yesterday in such a beautiful fashion.  Bringing hope and beauty to our weary world.  And, today is just as lovely, not a cloud in our magnificent blue sky.  

Speaking of ‘hope to a weary world,’ does anything offer hope as much as a daffodil?  I think not, especially after winter and COVID.  Our King Alfreds are on center stage in our garden and many other varieties are beginning to show color.  I stand in awe of these fabulous beauties as I think of such gorgeousness growing from a bulb in the cold ground.  God’s handiwork.  

Mike was cutting a rather lavish bouquet the other day and his hands became too full to finish his cutting.   Looking around, he spotted the ‘V’ in our Japanese maple ~ Nature’s vase.  We both thought it was a pretty photo.  I love the daffodils with the hellebores.

Most of the vases I own have come from my antiquing adventures and they were never expensive.  There are a few exceptions, most of which were gifts from my dear mom.  However, the other day I was perusing a Ballard Design catalog, and look what I found.  A cherry blossom tulipiere.  I was immediately in love.  They refer to it as a ‘floral frog.’  It was my splurge and I can just see it dripping with peonies.

I know you remember my dear and lifelong friend, Janet.  She is the beautiful soul who creates and stitches stunning needlepoint designs, many of which grace our home.  Oh, but talent and creativity do not rest.  Janet is adding another skill to her resume, she is also becoming a gardener.  Gardening really isn’t her passion, but she loves beautiful flowers and me.  Therefore, when I sent her daffodil bulbs for her birthday, of course, she had to plant them.  Above are her British Gamble and Fortissimo.  I think I should add photography to her list of talents as well.

Many spring flowers, especially daffodils, are dancers. William Wordsworth thought so, along with Jessie Dysart.  It is a special gift to enjoy them as they sway ever so gently and gracefully, dancing in a spring breeze.  If you listen carefully, you can almost hear them giggling. They are ‘celebrating and dancing to the music.’

Dancing With Flowers ~ Jessie Dysart

Glimmering early morning light,

What will this day become?

I saunter to the garden,

Seeking the counsel of flowers,

With answers more than man,

The flowers began to sing to me,

Listen, they are singing for you too,

Spectrum of notes from all pigments,

Even the colors of woeful blue,

‘Cause sad flowers sing too,

Look at the flowers (swaying),

Gentle late morning breeze,

Flowers dancing with me,

Will you let them dance with you too?

“Next to the rose, whose divine right to monarchy cannot be questioned, the violet is the poet’s flower.” ~ Willis Boyd Allen

Today, was my dear mom’s birthday.  She would have been ninety-nine years young.  I say young because she was young until the very end.  She could find joy everywhere, in everything, and in everyone.  She was an extremely talented and strong woman.   I am so grateful she was my mom and, oh, my goodness, the wonderful things she instilled in me.    

One of my best memories of mom was venturing out with her on a chilly and sunny spring morning to gather violets for her violet jelly.  We would go early, as it takes quite a while to gather enough violet blooms for jelly.  And she always wanted to do two turns.  One for us and another for special friends.  It was a marvelous treat on toast or a biscuit, especially on a cold January morning.

I have included a recipe from “Taste of Home.”  It looks much like what I remember mom making, should you want to go violet picking.  Note:  Be sure to read the editor’s notes.

Editor’s Note: Only pick flowers from chemical-free woods or lawns. Also, be sure your blossoms come from the common wild violet, not the African violet houseplant, which is inedible. The processing time listed is for altitudes of 1,000 feet or less. Add 1 minute to the processing time for every 1,000 feet of additional altitude. 

Dear friends, I believe with all my heart our future looks much brighter than it did this time last year.  Mike and I had our second COVID vaccination this past week and I am hearing many others have had theirs also.  However, circumstances do not matter, spring never fails to arrive in all her glory providing enthralling beauty.

This year, may we enjoy every blossom, every bird, every luscious smell, every blue sky, every raindrop, every hour of the brilliant light and sunshine.  

And. . .

May we be grateful for such lovely blessings, always.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful day.  Stay well.

“Daughter of light! thy fairy step Steals softly over vale and plain, And with thy bright and joyous smile, Beauty and life awake again.” ~ Mary Ann H. Dodd Shutts 

Amour,

Sandra

Photos:  M.S. Lambiotte, Janet, tumblr, and S. Lambiotte

Recipe from:  Taste of Home

“Once upon a time, I thought faeries lived only in books, old folktales, and the past. That was before they burst upon my life as vibrant, luminous beings, permeating my art and my everyday existence, causing glorious havoc.” ~ Brian Froud

A Château somewhere in France.

I have had this photo for years and may have used it in a past post.  However, when I originally found it, I almost cried it was so beautiful.  The only information about the photo was, ‘a Château somewhere in France.’  Indeed, I was disappointed, something so lovely and enchanting certainly must have a  beautiful name.  Each time I look at the photo, I am transported to another era: Imagining hidden gardens with fairies scampering about, ladies taking tea, beautiful weddings, and the breathtaking beauty of the château.  

This photo is of spring at Hawarden Castle in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales. It is the estate of former British Prime Minister, William Gladstone and was in his wife’s family.  Her name was Catherine Glynne.  The castle was built in the mid-18th century and is certainly a beauty of the world.  Can’t you just imagine the gardens?  I know they would be a fascinating experience.

Château de la Motte-Husson, completed in 1874.

This is my latest discovery, Château de la Motte-Husson.  Located in the small market town of Martigné-sur-Mayenne, in the Mayenne département of France.   This majestic château is being brought back to life by the fairy tale love and vision of two special people, Dick and Angel Strawbridge.   

I watch little television, however, one night I was looking for anything which may be interesting and I found, “Escape to the Château.”  Of course, that caught my attention.  The series is about the renovation of this grand château as a home for the Strawbridge’s, plus opening this gorgeous home as a venue for guests looking to be pampered and spoiled, and for weddings.  The Strawbridge’s are both charming, entertaining, and talented people with two beautiful children.  It is a delightful show if you enjoy such things.

“Beauty matters. It is not just a subjective thing but a universal need of human beings. If we ignore this need we find ourselves in a spiritual desert.” ~ Roger Scruton

Dear friends, I thank you so much for your visit and perhaps, you will leave feeling as though you have “opened a lovely book and found sweet things of yesterday.”  

Wishing you and yours a beautiful day. 

And. . .

Enjoy creating your own magical fairy tale.  Stay well!

“Beauty surrounds us.” ~ Rumi

Amour, 

Sandra

Notes: Images:  via tumblr

“March ~ unfurling petals, the breathless warmth of the shy sun, soft chirps, lightness on your feet spreading into your soul, the sweet scent of blooming, clear droplets, lush of green, the wonder as the world unwraps itself anew.” ~ unknown

Good Sunday morning, sweet friends.  We have beautiful blue skies this morning and I hope you do as well. 

In years past, the month of March has not been a favorite of mine.  If you have never lived in the south, especially along the coast, you most likely will not understand the term, ‘horizontal rain.’ It is rain that comes heavy, in horizontal sheets,  and will soak you to the bone in a matter of seconds.  The Virginia coast has an abundance of such days during March.  So, I came to the conclusion the only good thing about March was our many family birthdays and daffodils.  However, for the most part, the mountains keep such unpleasant things away from us.  Which, makes me happy to once again say, “March is a welcome sight.”  This year, she arrived with blue skies and a symphony of bird songs.  Clearly placing her in my good graces.

“Snowdrops:  Theirs is a fragile but hardy celebration. . .in the very teeth of winter.” ~ Louise Wilder

The first of many blooms which come to remind us of the magnificent beauty about to unfold are snowdrops. . . and ours are blooming!  I checked them a few weeks ago before the snow.  They were up about three inches.  Then, they were under considerable snow and endured several bitterly cold days and nights.  And, today they are blooming.  Wow, isn’t nature grand?  It seems as though I have more appreciation than usual for the smallest of things about to appear on this earth.  I believe COVID has been a stern teacher of appreciation for the gift of life, nature,  beauty, and celebrating these things.  Certainly, snowdrops are a celebration.  A few of them in a tiny vase are a delightful welcome on a cold spring morning.  I enjoy keeping them on the kitchen window sill.

“March brings breezes loud and shrill, Stirs the dancing daffodil…” ~ Sara Coleridge

March brings us the brilliant and dazzling daffodils. Would spring even seem like spring without them?  They are certainly a marvelous feast for our eyes after a long winter.  We are promised blue skies, sunshine, and warm temperatures this week, so many of our daffodils should open.  Namely, the King Alfred daffodils (photo above) which are mostly on the east side of our home.  Many other varieties are just peeking through the soil.  A few years ago I wrote a lengthy post about daffodils and at the end of the post, I listed several reliable sources from which to order unique and beautiful bulbs.  Should you be interested, visit here.

“March came in that winter like the meekest and mildest of lambs, bringing days that were crisp and golden and tingling, each followed by a frosty pink twilight which gradually lost itself in an elfland of moonshine.”  ~ Lucy Maud Montgomery

March truly is a wondrous month.  There are precious and fascinating things happening. Lambing season begins in late January, and by April most new lambs are on the ground.  Lambs are so sweet and playful.  As they grow and leap in the air, we are reminded of how very dear life is.  If you know of a farm close to you that has sheep, take a country drive, park your car and prepare to be entertained.  Lambs can put on quite the show.

Sitting in the sunshine, it is also a joy to watch the little birds as they carry straw to build their nests.  They seem so happy and we never hear them complain about their work.  It is amazing to actually examine a bird’s nest and see how tightly it is woven, by such gifted master builders.

There is so much to see while enjoying a wee rest in nature. For instance, to see a courting pair of cardinals with the male feeding the female.  This is part of their courtship ritual and he appears to be kissing her.

“By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again.” ~ Neil Gaiman

Elizabeth Lawrence told us, “We must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”  I also believe she would have wanted us to take time to sit and watch the buds burst forth into their exquisite beauty.  I am comfortable in saying this as she was an internationally known garden writer and according to House and Garden is among the top twenty-five gardeners of all time.  She obviously had a great appreciation for the wonders of this world.

Dear friends, thank you so much for your visit and I hope you have enjoyed my thoughts ‘About March.”  

Know I wish you and yours a splendid day.

And . . .

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.” ~ Irish Blessing

Amour,

Sandra

Images: via tumblr

“I do not understand how anyone can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to.” ~ Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Good Sunday morning, everyone.  I hope this finds you well and under blue skies.  It is a gray and rainy day here in these ‘West Virginia Hills.’   A good day for reading or a bit of garden dreaming. 

Rawlings’s words certainly spoke to me, as I hope they will speak to you as well.  Personally, I believe it is vitally important for everyone to have their own “place of enchantment.”  Mine, of course, is the garden and our sunroom.  When I look at this photo of our garden, none of the plantings, other than the Japanese maple, were here when we purchased the home (2005).  It was mainly grass and a few ‘undesirables.’  Slowly, I chipped away and began to bring my vision to life.  The little bench, under the Carolina Jessamine (please excuse the mulch), is such a lovely spot to enjoy being alone with your thoughts and to contemplate life, especially when the Jessamine is in bloom. When I planted the Jessamine it was a tiny sprig in two three-inch pots.  It is amazing how it has grown.  And, the fragrance is breathtaking. 

With each passing day, my heart has fallen more in love with this little patch of heaven, especially during these COVID months.  Indeed, it has been a haven for both of us, as it offers such peace and tranquillity.  

“The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquillity.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goeth

The photo above is not of our sunroom/library.  However, it looks out upon our garden in much the same fashion from a lovely bay window. The room is small but has such life.  Perhaps, it is because my many friends live there ~ my books.  The room has two comfy chairs, two tables, and an entire wall of books. With several books ‘lovingly’ placed beside and in front of my chair.  And, I can not bear to part with one. 

“So many books, so little time.” ~ Frank Zappa

The snow and cold weather have provided perfect days for reading.  During the past few weeks, I have read some wonderful books.  Madame Fourcade’s Secret War was a Christmas gift from Mike.  It is a true story and a fascinating one.  This young woman had such courage and strength.  Honestly, I wish I could say I would do the same if necessary, but I can’t.  Certainly, I would want to, but I do not know if I have such exemplary qualities.  I highly recommend the book. 

This next book is also a gem.  A wonderful novel by Kate Quinn. There were times when it was difficult to put the book down, but one does have to cook dinner, do some housekeeping, and sleep.

Currently, I am reading The Last Garden in England.  I haven’t read enough of it to share much, other than it is hard to pass by when I am going through the sunroom.  So that probably tells you, “The book is grand.”  

“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.”  ~ Jessica Harrelson

Dear friends, in closing you now know what I’ve been doing.  Dreaming of being able to enjoy another spring unfolding in our “enchanted place” and reading.  Two of my favorite pastimes.  Spring and early summer are spectacular in our garden and I have a spot to read there too.  I do hope you have a place special where you can relax and simply enjoy being alive. I would love to hear about them.  If not, perhaps the photo above will inspire you.  Therefore. . .

Until we meet again, I wish you and yours a beautiful day.

And. . . 

May your week ahead be filled with lovely things and kind souls.

Amour,

Sandra

“After the cold, long, and dark days of winter, the spring season brings new life and fresh hope to the world.” ~ unknown

Good Sunday morning, dear friends.  It is hard to believe Sunday is upon us once again.  The weeks pass so quickly.  

This morning finds me thinking of all the people throughout the country who have recently endured such hardships due to the weather.  My heart certainly goes out to them and I pray the days ahead will bring them “fresh hope.” 

A beautiful and dazzling spring does provide hope to the world, after a long cold winter.  It restores our souls with breathtaking blooms, blue skies, and lovely melodies from the precious birds.  Indeed, spring is a “forever gift.”

“Come with me into the woods where spring is
advancing, as it does, no matter what,
not being singular or particular, but one
of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.”
~ Mary Oliver, ” Dog Songs”

“I can still bring into my body the joy I felt at seeing the first trillium of spring, which seemed to be telling me, “Never give up hope, spring will come.” ~ Jessica Stern

Trilliums are a glorious announcement of spring.   They make their home in the mountains of West Virginia.  They are quite happy in our mountain region, due to the shade and dampness of the forests.  Truly, they are a joyful sight to behold, especially after a long winter.

“In all ranks of life the human heart yearns for the beautiful, and the beautiful things that God makes are God’s gift to all alike ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

Dear friends, I hope this finds you looking forward to spring days.  We all need to enjoy the warm air, sunshine, and glorious blooms once again. And sure as night turns into day, spring will arrive in all her magnificent glory.  Her brilliant rays of light will replace the cold and dark, and offer hope to the weary. 

Know, I thank you so much for your visit and kind comments.  Wishing you and yours a most beautiful and peaceful day.

And. . .

May the week ahead bring you joy and signs of the wondrous days about to unfold.  Stay well.

“Ever felt an angel’s breath in the gentle breeze? A teardrop in the falling rain? Hear a whisper amongst the rustle of leaves? Or been kissed by a lone snowflake? Nature is an angel’s favorite hiding place.” ~ Carrie Latet

Amour,

Sandra

Images:  via Tumblr and Pixabay