Wednesday, April 15, 2009
DREAMS
Have you ever looked into a picture and said,"I want to go there"?
Feeling the romance that the picture shares. The thought that you could be walking down that lane or crossing that bridge or even walking through that door?
I had this feeling every time I walked into Kinkos to have copies made.
I did not frequent this establishment often, but on occasion I have walked in and been awe struck by a certain photograph enlarged, most certainly to advertise that they do this work there. Perhaps you have seen this photograph there.
There was never any advertisement or price quote or even a hint of where this enchanted place was, but I was enthralled with the village that was it's subject.
I never once asked anyone working there if they knew where this enchanting village could be found, and truthfully, as soon as I walked from the store, it was forgotten.
On my many hours of planing this holiday to the United Kingdom, (see previous posts), I had collected some darling drawn postcards of the south of England. They seemed so quaint and dear to me, and secretly, some day I wished to be placed in that postcard setting.
One only had to turn the card over to discover the names of these delightful wall lined lanes with their rock faced cottages, look these tiny villages up on a map and bingo find a B&B in the area where we could call home.
Nettleton Mill was just the place for us!
This place was one of those you stumble upon on the internet and wonder, is this the place?
An old mill that backed up to a gorgeous golf course and at the other end the quaint village of Castle Coombe.
The directions to Nettleton Mill were as reads: Down the road, up the lane into the dell, and up the hill. Brillant!
Are you starting to feel a bit like Alice?
The walk to Castle Coombe was through the wood and the golf course into the village lane.
Daffodils were scattered blooming throughout the grounds and in my heart I longed to pick each one and carry them in my arms. We had the entire area to ourselves to explore and enjoy. Me with my camera, Steve wishing he had some golf clubs.
The village was so charming. Not a soul was to be found on the lanes or in the fields. Perhaps it was the weather,or most worked away from their village, we do not know, but we took that walk into the village twice. It was all our own!
Some months later I needed to have some copies made at Kinkos and as I walked into the store, there was the picture I so enjoyed looking at. As I looked this time I stopped in my tracks!!
This was the very Castle Coombe, our very own village we freely wandered through without a sign of an inhabitant! We were taken there through my wish, and I didn't even know it!
I hope that you are as enthralled with the pictures as I was being there taking them.
Feeling the romance that the picture shares. The thought that you could be walking down that lane or crossing that bridge or even walking through that door?
I had this feeling every time I walked into Kinkos to have copies made.
I did not frequent this establishment often, but on occasion I have walked in and been awe struck by a certain photograph enlarged, most certainly to advertise that they do this work there. Perhaps you have seen this photograph there.
There was never any advertisement or price quote or even a hint of where this enchanted place was, but I was enthralled with the village that was it's subject.
I never once asked anyone working there if they knew where this enchanting village could be found, and truthfully, as soon as I walked from the store, it was forgotten.
On my many hours of planing this holiday to the United Kingdom, (see previous posts), I had collected some darling drawn postcards of the south of England. They seemed so quaint and dear to me, and secretly, some day I wished to be placed in that postcard setting.
One only had to turn the card over to discover the names of these delightful wall lined lanes with their rock faced cottages, look these tiny villages up on a map and bingo find a B&B in the area where we could call home.
Nettleton Mill was just the place for us!
This place was one of those you stumble upon on the internet and wonder, is this the place?
An old mill that backed up to a gorgeous golf course and at the other end the quaint village of Castle Coombe.
The directions to Nettleton Mill were as reads: Down the road, up the lane into the dell, and up the hill. Brillant!
Are you starting to feel a bit like Alice?
The walk to Castle Coombe was through the wood and the golf course into the village lane.
Daffodils were scattered blooming throughout the grounds and in my heart I longed to pick each one and carry them in my arms. We had the entire area to ourselves to explore and enjoy. Me with my camera, Steve wishing he had some golf clubs.
The village was so charming. Not a soul was to be found on the lanes or in the fields. Perhaps it was the weather,or most worked away from their village, we do not know, but we took that walk into the village twice. It was all our own!
Some months later I needed to have some copies made at Kinkos and as I walked into the store, there was the picture I so enjoyed looking at. As I looked this time I stopped in my tracks!!
This was the very Castle Coombe, our very own village we freely wandered through without a sign of an inhabitant! We were taken there through my wish, and I didn't even know it!
I hope that you are as enthralled with the pictures as I was being there taking them.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Puddletown, England
Four years ago we traveled abroad and one of our destinations was River Cottage, Puddletown, on the River Piddle in Dorset, England.
While preparing our visit I pulled out the atlas and map of the United Kingdom and searched over the south of England to choose our holiday sites. What excitement to choose a village and not really know a thing about it. Search out B&B's and locate one just right for you to complete your dream of dreams.
One literally feels like you are Alice in Wonderland, with directions and a map in hand following lines and going through the round about, perhaps twice to get your bearings to head in the right direction. It is a wonder when you find the very spot you have been dreaming of and planning for so many months. Surprised that we actually did arrive at the place!
Ariving at River Cottage was indeed magical.
Walking through the arbour and the wonderfully green, spring garden I felt like I was visiting my best freind's home.
The garden invited me to come and sit and enjoy the Jonquils and puddleducks that waddled through the grass on their march to the flowing Piddle River meandering through the property.
There was a white pidgeon who claimed the great white bird house. It gave me the feeling of happiness here.
Our hosts made us feel at home in their home, giving us suggestions on where we might like to visit and inviting us into their livingroom, sharing the warmth of their hearth and conversation.
Once in a while I hear from Teresa in an e-mail. I like to think that we are friends across the miles. I wish that one day we could host she and Tony, her husband here at Beverly Cottage.
The garden now green and the rose arbor in full bloom reminds me of our visit to River Cottage, not so long ago, but in a dream......
While preparing our visit I pulled out the atlas and map of the United Kingdom and searched over the south of England to choose our holiday sites. What excitement to choose a village and not really know a thing about it. Search out B&B's and locate one just right for you to complete your dream of dreams.
One literally feels like you are Alice in Wonderland, with directions and a map in hand following lines and going through the round about, perhaps twice to get your bearings to head in the right direction. It is a wonder when you find the very spot you have been dreaming of and planning for so many months. Surprised that we actually did arrive at the place!
Ariving at River Cottage was indeed magical.
Walking through the arbour and the wonderfully green, spring garden I felt like I was visiting my best freind's home.
The garden invited me to come and sit and enjoy the Jonquils and puddleducks that waddled through the grass on their march to the flowing Piddle River meandering through the property.
There was a white pidgeon who claimed the great white bird house. It gave me the feeling of happiness here.
Our hosts made us feel at home in their home, giving us suggestions on where we might like to visit and inviting us into their livingroom, sharing the warmth of their hearth and conversation.
Once in a while I hear from Teresa in an e-mail. I like to think that we are friends across the miles. I wish that one day we could host she and Tony, her husband here at Beverly Cottage.
The garden now green and the rose arbor in full bloom reminds me of our visit to River Cottage, not so long ago, but in a dream......
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Arobr Has Come Alive With Beautius Bloom !
Just in the span of three days the rose arbor has come to life with fantastic beautiful bloom.
I have two Fourth Of July climbing roses on each side of the arbor climbing up to the sky.
Each flower is slightly different and delights the eye with it's striped pattern of red, pink, white, or yellow variations.
I am in love!
Here is a poem by Sara Teasdale that captures the emotion of viewing these lovelies being visited by the most darling bee busily going about it's business gathering pollen to make the most delicious honey.
The Rose and The Bee
If I were a bee and you were a rose,
Would you let me in when the gray wind blows?
Would you hold your petals wide apart,
Would you let me in to find your heart,
If you were a rose?
If I were a rose and you were a bee,
You should never go when you came to me,
I should hold my love on my heart at last,
I should close my leaves and keep you fast,
If you were a bee.
Sara Teasdale
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Days of the Past
As a child visiting Disneyland, besides driving the Autopia cars on the "real roads" that resembled freeways, one of my favorite rides was Story Book Land, the one that you ride in boats through Monstro the whale's mouth , magically you are in a place of the Lilliputian . I loved the quilted countryside, the miniature homes and burrows that the animals and story book people lived in.
I think this is why these pictures of Bourton on the Water are so dear!
The model village is 1.10 replica of the village an is found at the Old New Inn . It was built during the early 30's by the Inn owner and craftsmen, made of cotswold stone, and opened in 1937.
When I am driving through my hometown that has many cactus farms, I remember those quilted gardens from the past and love to see the patterns made on the hillsides. Maybe this is part of the reason I love to make quilts!!
I am currently preparing to make a miniature scene for a project with my doll club, Rag Doll Construction Company. I am thinking of using a Betrix Potter character.
I think this is why these pictures of Bourton on the Water are so dear!
The model village is 1.10 replica of the village an is found at the Old New Inn . It was built during the early 30's by the Inn owner and craftsmen, made of cotswold stone, and opened in 1937.
When I am driving through my hometown that has many cactus farms, I remember those quilted gardens from the past and love to see the patterns made on the hillsides. Maybe this is part of the reason I love to make quilts!!
I am currently preparing to make a miniature scene for a project with my doll club, Rag Doll Construction Company. I am thinking of using a Betrix Potter character.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bourton on the Water
Believe it or not, I ran across this sweet, quaint village in Victoria Magazine years and years ago.A fantasy of a dream that one day I might walk among these darling places and take in the thrill of the English country side.
My dear Mother in law was traveling abroad to the Cotswolds and I urged her to plan a visit to this village.
The artistic placement of the slate roofs that repel the drops of rain on a usual day here, down to the meticulous landscaping add to the dream of romance in my heart.
Truth be told, this is an actual minature village of the village!
I had to make it a must when I was planing my holiday, and I was not disappointed.
I hope that it thrills you just as much as it did the first time I looked upon this darling place in the Victoria!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring is Here
It is evident that Spring has arrived.
We greet her happily and anxiously,looking forward to warmer sunnier days and plenty of outside activity.
The blossoms are in bud and the rose bower at Beverly Cottage is covered with new blossoms forming. The scent of the orange blossoms in intoxicating as walked into the outer yard this morning with the grandchildren. The chamomile is sprouting for the little bunnies soon to appear from their burrow beneath the shed in the back will feast on this delicate ground cover. The bees were busily collecting their pollen from the extravaganza of bloom of a delicate purple flower appearing as a carpet in the yard.
I wish that it could always be Spring here in my garden. I am hoping for a nice warm day for our family get together this Easter so that everyone will be able to enjoy this splendor!
I have been thinking of the arrival of Spring and have decided to hunt up some of my pictures taken in the Spring of 2005 while on a holiday to England.
I will feature these periodically this month in celebration and share my view of these lovely pictures captured here and in my mind.
My heart yearns to live here.
Monday, March 16, 2009
TWO WEEKS IN THE DESERT WAS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH
We just got back from our annual desert trek. This year we stayed for two weeks!!
When looking upon two weeks going into the trip I wondered if it might be a little too much time. It turned out to be short. We were not ready to come back!!
The peace that you find while there and the quiet renews spirit and soul. The colors the mountains take on at sunrise and sunset are so pleasing and refreshing. The clouds hung on the ridge of the mountains as if to try to hold them back in frivolous fancy as if they were playing with each other.
The wind howled as it showed its fierce power as it blew gusts past our fifth wheel, but for most of our days we had perfect weather.
The moon was only a sliver of a fingernail followed by beautiful Venus as they both set behind the mountain ridge, as an opening to the vast array of sparkling diamonds cast across the night sky, and then a week later the appearance of the full moon which lit up the desert inviting you to walk along and enjoy the silhouette of the occotillo and those beautiful mountains surounding us.
One night we sat at a campfire and laughed as we witnessed the kangaroo rats hopping and jumping as they challenged each other for collecting strewn birdseed from the bird feeder.
I had never seen this before. What entertainment!
The wild flowers were once again on display to our enjoyment, and we actually took time to stop and photograph them for hours on end, having a personal contest to see who got the best shot.
Steve is now becoming a photographer.
On hikes and walks it is as if God has planted His garden here.It is here for our pleasure.Everywhere I look I am in awe of the beauty of this desert!
I even took the time to draw and paint. While I was busy doing this a Jackrabbit ambled by,as though it didn't bother him to share his home with me for the time.
Great times, great friends, great pictures!
The Big Horn sheep, the Borrego, were there, however how we tried to find them, they did not come to the water while we hiked.
I can't wait until next year! Come with us!
When looking upon two weeks going into the trip I wondered if it might be a little too much time. It turned out to be short. We were not ready to come back!!
The peace that you find while there and the quiet renews spirit and soul. The colors the mountains take on at sunrise and sunset are so pleasing and refreshing. The clouds hung on the ridge of the mountains as if to try to hold them back in frivolous fancy as if they were playing with each other.
The wind howled as it showed its fierce power as it blew gusts past our fifth wheel, but for most of our days we had perfect weather.
The moon was only a sliver of a fingernail followed by beautiful Venus as they both set behind the mountain ridge, as an opening to the vast array of sparkling diamonds cast across the night sky, and then a week later the appearance of the full moon which lit up the desert inviting you to walk along and enjoy the silhouette of the occotillo and those beautiful mountains surounding us.
One night we sat at a campfire and laughed as we witnessed the kangaroo rats hopping and jumping as they challenged each other for collecting strewn birdseed from the bird feeder.
I had never seen this before. What entertainment!
The wild flowers were once again on display to our enjoyment, and we actually took time to stop and photograph them for hours on end, having a personal contest to see who got the best shot.
Steve is now becoming a photographer.
On hikes and walks it is as if God has planted His garden here.It is here for our pleasure.Everywhere I look I am in awe of the beauty of this desert!
I even took the time to draw and paint. While I was busy doing this a Jackrabbit ambled by,as though it didn't bother him to share his home with me for the time.
Great times, great friends, great pictures!
The Big Horn sheep, the Borrego, were there, however how we tried to find them, they did not come to the water while we hiked.
I can't wait until next year! Come with us!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Spring is Springing
Today we had the kids here.
It was a beautiful sunny spring day and to keep their little bodies busy, we went outside.
They ran in the back field as fast as they could and went out to the chicken coop and counted the chickens and Tegan had fun on the swing. We watched two hawks fly over us back and forth in their mating ritual, it was fun to see their wings spread wide and watch them glide in the current of the wind.
We had a lady bug hunt. The grass in the back yard is perfect for them to be hatching.
We could not find a one! Maybe it is a bit too early for them. We walked over to the secret garden on the side of the house and as I passed by a bucket of recently collected rain I saw ONE!
It had landed in the water and was swimming about to try to get out. I quickly called Ethan and he rescued it. We looked further around the area for more of the sweet little red ladies, but there were none to be seen. I wonder where she came from?
It was a beautiful sunny spring day and to keep their little bodies busy, we went outside.
They ran in the back field as fast as they could and went out to the chicken coop and counted the chickens and Tegan had fun on the swing. We watched two hawks fly over us back and forth in their mating ritual, it was fun to see their wings spread wide and watch them glide in the current of the wind.
We had a lady bug hunt. The grass in the back yard is perfect for them to be hatching.
We could not find a one! Maybe it is a bit too early for them. We walked over to the secret garden on the side of the house and as I passed by a bucket of recently collected rain I saw ONE!
It had landed in the water and was swimming about to try to get out. I quickly called Ethan and he rescued it. We looked further around the area for more of the sweet little red ladies, but there were none to be seen. I wonder where she came from?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Out With the Old, In With the New
I have to say that this month has been grueling as I have pulled EVERYTHING out of my "sewing room" to paint, carpet and clean.
I have accumulated so many articles { that I believe I need to be the creative artist that I think I am in my mind}.
I shudder as I look at all the items that I pulled out of the room, and have to go through to re- stock and cut down the "JUNK".
There is going to be a huge garage sale soon!
I want a simple artist palate that is beautiful and efficient. Where I can invite my friends and family in to look at my current project, not quickly close the door as the doorbell rings.
I was frantic that my daughter might call one of those T.V. shows that come out and surprise you to help you organize and get rid of !!!
Now the precious "STUFF" is out on the deck, as the carpet is being laid. The walls are a freshly painted pale turquoise with a brown sugar trim, ready for a fresh start!
I must down size and choose only the most precious items to go back into my newly proclaimed "STUDIO".
Please pray as I do this , letting go seems hard to do.
I tell myself that I will never use half the items I have collected, I like that I can help out my daughters when they need fabric for their latest projects, but I know that if I really need something it is there at the store.
Now, I have to design the lay out of the room.
I am very excited about our project and I thank Steve, my husband for fulfilling this task as the main man!
Pictures to follow!!!
I have accumulated so many articles { that I believe I need to be the creative artist that I think I am in my mind}.
I shudder as I look at all the items that I pulled out of the room, and have to go through to re- stock and cut down the "JUNK".
There is going to be a huge garage sale soon!
I want a simple artist palate that is beautiful and efficient. Where I can invite my friends and family in to look at my current project, not quickly close the door as the doorbell rings.
I was frantic that my daughter might call one of those T.V. shows that come out and surprise you to help you organize and get rid of !!!
Now the precious "STUFF" is out on the deck, as the carpet is being laid. The walls are a freshly painted pale turquoise with a brown sugar trim, ready for a fresh start!
I must down size and choose only the most precious items to go back into my newly proclaimed "STUDIO".
Please pray as I do this , letting go seems hard to do.
I tell myself that I will never use half the items I have collected, I like that I can help out my daughters when they need fabric for their latest projects, but I know that if I really need something it is there at the store.
Now, I have to design the lay out of the room.
I am very excited about our project and I thank Steve, my husband for fulfilling this task as the main man!
Pictures to follow!!!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Tonight as I was making dinner I turned the television on to see what was playing on TCM or AMC.
I enjoy catching a glimpse of a black and white oldie. Tonight A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was on.
I remember reading this book when I was a young teen and loving it!
I have to say, I was stuck to the screen with tears streaming watching this flick.
Dorothy McGuire starred along with Joan Blondel as her sister.
When we traveled from Hawaii to San Diego, Joan Blondel was a passenger on the same ship.
I recommend the book and the movie if you can find it on Netflix or the cable channels.
I enjoy catching a glimpse of a black and white oldie. Tonight A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was on.
I remember reading this book when I was a young teen and loving it!
I have to say, I was stuck to the screen with tears streaming watching this flick.
Dorothy McGuire starred along with Joan Blondel as her sister.
When we traveled from Hawaii to San Diego, Joan Blondel was a passenger on the same ship.
I recommend the book and the movie if you can find it on Netflix or the cable channels.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
"God Bless Cowgirls"
The other day as Steve and I were walking, I noticed a group of vintage trailers parked in the distance.
Steve commented that some of the trailers reminded him of a trailer that his family had when he was a youngster. I thought that maybe we should check them out closer on our return. As we passed further on I noticed on the back of the last trailer there was a banner painted,"God Bless Cowgirls". This sparked a memory I had of an article in Country Living magazine on a group of women who traveled around the States camping in these cute little vintage trailers. I was so excited!! I was pretty sure that this was that group.
On our return, I knew that I NEEDED to go over and knock on a trailer door and show my enthusiasm! If any of you know me well, you know that this is totally not me!
Steve, Mr. visitor to anyone at anytime said that he wasn't comfortable.
I boldly continued forward to the door of "God Bless Cowgirls".
I knew that this day would be one of the best days.
As I knocked and hollered out "Hello!"; sheets flew to the floor at the open door of this cute little rig owned by Sister's on the Fly #29.
I told her who I was and that I had read the article in the Country Living magazine and was really excited to meet this group, yet I was REALLY "Stepping out of my box" forcing myself to come over to meet and see their rigs.
I was greeted warmly and found out that they were tearing down and heading for home that day and that I should have been there yesterday!
I was invited in and allowed to take pictures too!
39 pictures later and touring many homes on wheels I was very contented that I had forged forward to meet this group of women.
Some of them actually live in the Southern California area.
I will post some pics when we return to Beverly Cottage.
It was a great day!
Steve commented that some of the trailers reminded him of a trailer that his family had when he was a youngster. I thought that maybe we should check them out closer on our return. As we passed further on I noticed on the back of the last trailer there was a banner painted,"God Bless Cowgirls". This sparked a memory I had of an article in Country Living magazine on a group of women who traveled around the States camping in these cute little vintage trailers. I was so excited!! I was pretty sure that this was that group.
On our return, I knew that I NEEDED to go over and knock on a trailer door and show my enthusiasm! If any of you know me well, you know that this is totally not me!
Steve, Mr. visitor to anyone at anytime said that he wasn't comfortable.
I boldly continued forward to the door of "God Bless Cowgirls".
I knew that this day would be one of the best days.
As I knocked and hollered out "Hello!"; sheets flew to the floor at the open door of this cute little rig owned by Sister's on the Fly #29.
I told her who I was and that I had read the article in the Country Living magazine and was really excited to meet this group, yet I was REALLY "Stepping out of my box" forcing myself to come over to meet and see their rigs.
I was greeted warmly and found out that they were tearing down and heading for home that day and that I should have been there yesterday!
I was invited in and allowed to take pictures too!
39 pictures later and touring many homes on wheels I was very contented that I had forged forward to meet this group of women.
Some of them actually live in the Southern California area.
I will post some pics when we return to Beverly Cottage.
It was a great day!
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