“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
My “garden” is just a couple of pots of herbs on my lanai now, but it is lovely out there looking at the lake and listening to the fountain in the center of the lake. I am reading a Reese’s Book Club book called The Chicken Sisters. Enjoy your Sunday!
Good morning, Penny. Oh, your garden may be small but I know it is a little piece of heaven for you. Your book sounds interesting, the title is certainly catching. Happy week to you!
A place of enchantment is a wonderful thought! I enjoy several places in my home, the cottage, and the garden. Your garden is so beautiful and I know it offers much enchantment. Thank you for the book suggestions. My love for reading prevents me from doing small chores too often. Happy Sunday, Sandra. It is a rainy one here.
Pam, I would imagine your entire home is a place of enchantment. We were without internet service all day yesterday, so I had a perfect excuse to read. I do well understand how it can get in the way of doing things wanting our attention. It is raining here today, actually, it is pouring. Wishing you a lovely week, sweet friend. I bet you have daffodils blooming.
It is a true blessing to feel comfort in our surroundings, wherever that may be. Your landscape garden is beautiful. I am so looking forward to spring! Here’s to a great new start this week!
Good morning, Rita. I am looking forward to spring as well. We received our first COVID shot on Friday, so that was a great thing. Hopefully, spring will bring blue skies and happy days for all of us. We need that. Have a wonderful week, my friend.
Your garden is enchanting and I love seeing it. Your iris are so beautiful. I am fascinated by the description of your library. I would love to see a picture of it.
The quote about so many books and so little time is so true. I love to read but I never seem to catch up with blogging and Instagram and have time left over to read novels.
Wishing you a delightful week. Enjoy your books.
Good morning, Bonnie. Thank you so much for your kind words. I well understand how hard it seems to be to catch up, do things around the home, and try to read. I will admit I have much better success when the garden isn’t calling me. Have a lovely week, Bonnie. I would imagine you are seeing signs of spring in your area.
Your garden is just adorable!Those books look interesting,thank you !Enjoy your time!Best wishes!
Thank you, Maristella. I do enjoy our garden and love to read. Have a great week.
I so enjoyed the virtual visit to your beautiful garden and have taken note of all the books for my booklist, we can truly agree that when you have books and a garden you have everything you need to be contented. ??
Good morning, Louise. I would love for you to join me in the garden on a spring day, especially when the peonies are blooming. You are right, one has all they need with a garden and books. Have a lovely week.
Sandra, this is all so true. Your garden is lovely! I know you are happily anticipating spring. Your sun porch sounds like a room you wouldn’t want to leave, having windows, two comfy chairs and a wall of books. I’m glad you’re enjoying Julia Kelly’s book. I thought it was a delightful book. I must put the other two on my wish list!
Good morning, Dewena. I am so happy you mentioned Julia Kelly’s book. I knew one of my blogging friends had put me onto this lovely book, but I couldn’t remember who. I am really enjoying it. I think you will enjoy the other two I mentioned. I am looking forward to spring, as I believe we all are. I am a bit over gray days, but that is a WV winter. Have a lovely week!
Sandra, that photograph of the window overlooking your garden is absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful view! Thanks for the book suggestions. You made me laugh, because reading a good book can sometimes get me in trouble. I get so involved that time passes by, and I can get behind on my chores. I hope that you have a most beautiful week ahead. I am so anxious for spring to arrive! Take care, sweet friend!
Good morning, Shannon. It is good to see you. Thank you for your kind words and yes, reading can get one in trouble when it comes to things waiting for us to do. Have a great week, my friend.
Sorry for the late comment–having some health issues that have me playing catch up on everything. Just looking at your lovely garden, with it’s perfect size for up-keep, put me in a peaceful mood. Would love to be sitting there with you, sharing this and that. I need to see if jasmine grows where we live–oh, the aroma!. Had it and gardenias where we lived in the south and the smell was shear Heaven wafting through open windows. Won’t be long now until spring shows her pretty blooms–hope it’s an uplifting time for everyone. Thanks so much for the book list. It’s funny, I thought that being around the house much more would give me time to read more books, but that hasn’t happened because of working on the house. I really need to carve out more quality time for myself, and a good read is certainly something that denotes quality time. Wishing you a peaceful week ahead, dear friend. Hugs!
Hi Bobbi. Please don’t ever give a thought about being late to comment. I am happy to see you whenever you can visit. We were without internet service all day Sunday, and yesterday I had tests at the hospital. So I know life can get a bit hectic.
I would love to have you sitting in the garden with me when the weather is warmer. We have blue skies and sunshine today, but it is a cold and windy March day.
Bobbie, the Jessamine that I have is the yellow variety and it is hardy through zone 5. We are 6-A. I grew the white when we lived in Va. Beach. We have had 12 below zero here since I planted it and it came through fine.
Sometimes when I am reading I do feel a little guilty because I think of things that need to be done. But, I know once it is really garden season, I won’t be able to have time to read. One does have to sleep.
Know how much I enjoy your visit and your comments. Wishing you a lovely week with blue skies and sunshine!❤
Sandra, thanks so much for the hardy zones. I would love to be surrounded by that wonderful smell once again. You mentioned tests at the hospital–hope all is well. Sent up a prayer for whatever ails. Until next time, dear one.
Thank you so much, sweet friend. ❤❤
Oh, your post was so soothing and beautiful. I see your garden and cannot wait for spring to come to my corner of Minnesota. Also, thanks for sharing the books you are reading. I definitely need to get the Last Garden in England.
Good morning, Angie. Thanks so much for your visit. I am happy you enjoyed the garden photos, those were from last spring. Spring has not quite arrived in West Virginia yet, but it is on the way. I am certain it will be here before it arrives in Minnesota. My dear neighbor who moved away was from Minnesota and she was quite the gardener.
I believe you will enjoy the “Last Garden in England.” I am almost finished with it and it truly is a lovely read. Thanks again for your visit and have a lovely weekend.