An Atmosphere of Beauty

"Children growing up in an atmosphere where beauty is considered an important part of daily life cannot help being inspired to develop their own original ideas in these areas, nor can they help being prepared to live aesthetically themselves. There is a 'togetherness' in sharing a prepared table that even very small children feel, although they cannot express it verbally." 

Edith Schaeffer

These are words that guided me on my homemaking journey at the beginning of my child rearing years. Mrs. Schaeffer speaks so eloquently when she writes; she creates word pictures of simple things that speak so profoundly to our souls. In another place she shares that every dinner table should have a centerpiece that is vibrant, interesting, and transitions with the seasons and experiences of life. Such a focal point provides family members with objects of nature and beauty to enjoy. Flowers, moss, rocks, shells, seed pods, and more can be gathered outdoors and be brought inside to make creative points of interest without added expense or fuss. Including children and grandchildren in the process might mean adding points of color found in small toys like Lego's, plastic figures, or miniature tea sets. An atmosphere where creativity is encouraged can inspire a child and set the stage for original ideas as they grow through life.

A Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Rylan!

Have a wonderful KENTUCKY birthday!

Wishing you God's blessings

in the year ahead.

One if by Land; Two if by Tea

A favorite writer of mine is Ce'leste perrino Walker who writes from Rutland, Vermont. I think I enjoy her writing because it her topics deal with real life things. In the Sept/Oct 2001 issue of Vibrant Life magazine she wrote an article that I've saved called One if by Land; Two if by Tea. In it she shares how a friend introduced her (and her French blood) to the gentle art of the English afternoon tea. She learned that tea is much more than a beverage in a cup, but rather something emotionally fulfilling, and a refreshing pause to the day. 

• To quote her: "Teatime fills a need for peace in our stressed-out society. Not only that, but the manner in which you 'take tea' lifts the spirits and fills the senses with beauty. Everything about tea time contributes in some small way to this: beautiful tea linens, gorgeous china, luscious tea, delicious tea biscuits or cookies (or other even more scrumptious treats). Teatime 'for the soul' can be compared to dropping everything to spend a few stolen moments in a beautiful garden." 
• She goes on to say: "I've decided to give 'teatime' a try. I'm not sure how it works. Maybe it's the special feeling you get from using the pretty teapot and china on yourself for a change. Maybe it's the ritual of preparig the tea, boiling the water, smelling the aroma of the tea as you measure it out, the rhythm of the procedure that won't be hurried. But teatime really is all they say it is."

Her advice to her readers is to take a little time for yourself this week and discover teatime, the pause that refreshes. Then thank the English. They were right all along. C'est la vie.

*The photo shown with the article reminds me of the children's teas that my mother used to conduct. She taught kindergarten for thirty years. Sometimes her school would have a benefit auction, and mother would donate a children's tea party. They were always popular and mothers and daughters would enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with all the trimmings at mom's house if they were the winners of the auction bid. Her beautiful children's china tea set was put to good use!

March is Here!

The month of March is here. A snow storm is predicted for tonight. Gray skies and zero sunshine. It's hard for me to find things to blog about. Hurry up and get here, SPRING!

Tidbits of cheer still abound on these dreary days, though. Sudo, the adorable grand-puppy has learned to sit. Here she is, sitting on a stool, and posing for the camera.

Can you see her tongue? She's saying "those frozen chicken-bits were delicious!

One son has escaped the dreary weather for a climate that is hopefully a bit warmer and that teams with SUNSHINE! Flying anywhere in the USA right now, though, can be a bit tricky with delays and jet de-icings. Happily, he arrived safely and in a timely manner.

My baby was happy to go for a walk at the park. She found a squirrel and could stand there watching it for hours if we didn't coax her away. Once away, her attention span is short and she's on to new discoveries.

My mother's handmade and embroidered "heart" quilt was on display in the library 

for the month of February. It looks a bit small in that vast expanse, but it is a lovely quilt that exemplifies hours and hours of careful handwork. It looks more at home displayed over the back of an old oak chair in my house.

The large white maple tree in our front yard has been sick for a few years. We finally decided to cut it down. It was much larger in real life than this picture makes it look! It's being cut and split for firewood...and three trailer loads of branches are being hauled to the local landfill. Exercise!

What's happening in your neck of the woods? 

Any sunshine, warmth, and flowers yet?

My first snowdrops are blooming.

I'll take pictures and show you soon.

I hope you are having a blessed day!

Smiling Punkins

This smiling pumpkin scarecrow greeted me recently in a coffee shop. Just look at that smile! I dare you to really take a good look at it and keep from smiling back! There's something so inviting and friendly about pumpkins. Maybe it's because they are such a cheerful color and they are such fun to carve smiles into! Pumpkin season is also a season for kids! I've been hearing reports from friends who are taking their children to pumpkin patches and from others who are busy baking pumpkin bread. Others are dreaming of pumpkin pies and are eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving! Pumpkin orange surely does seem to be the color of the season! Speaking of pumpkins, are there some little punkins in your life who might enjoy some pumpkin activities? Becky, who blogs at This Reading Mama is sharing a packet of pumpkin themed printables. They are free and will keep youngsters you may know busy for hours. I thought I'd pass along the word. Click PUMPKIN here.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day

Today's the day to remember our mother's --- or to appreciate the joy that our own children bring into our lives. I've enjoyed listening to my boys chatter all afternoon about interesting subjects. It brings such contentment to my heart to just hear the happiness in their voices as they converse together.

I took a break to walk around my yard for a few minutes. I couldn't resist the flowers in the garden. The first of my roses are in bloom for this season. I think they mix so nicely with snapdragons, geum, and buttercups. 

The roses are Jackson & Perkins. They are the Rio Samba and the Tahitian Sunset. Once clipped and combined in a vase, they are difficult to tell apart from one another.

Each flower has a face that is so expressive! They seem so cheerful and happy!

Here's wishing you a Mother's Day

That's filled with every pleasure,

And a future that's as happy

As the memories you treasure!

Favorite Jam Tea

Sometimes it is fun to vary from the usual routine and try something new. Although I usually take my tea without any sweetener except for sweet leaf stevia, sometimes it is fun to add something else instead. Flavored honey sticks  are delicious added to tea, but they tend not to stick around very long, as they are found by those who live here and are enjoyed just the way they are. But, on most days a jar of jam can be found inside the fridge door. Jam makes a great addition to any cup of tea! It makes a cup of tea so delicious that the amber liquid will slide down your throat with ease! Kids love it too and it makes a fun addition to a children's tea party. Just remember to invite the teddy bears and dolls in the house. 

The recipe is simple and I'll share it here with you:

Jam Tea

1 cup of hot plain brewed tea (I like Darjeeling for this)

1 teaspoon of your favorite jam (try apricot, or grape, or strawberry, or even raspberry jam)

Stir together the hot tea and jam. The jam will melt into the amber liquid and you'll have a sweet treat to enjoy!

Courtesy & Respect

"Always remember that persons matter more than things. Don't say anything that will leave a sting."

Charlotte Mason

Two if by Tea

In honor of National Hot Tea Month, let's talk tea for a bit. A cup of tea offers much by way of relaxation, good health, and reprieve. 

A favorite writer of mine is Ce'leste perrino Walker who writes from Rutland, Vermont. I think I enjoy her writing because it her topics deal with real life things. In the Sept/Oct 2001 issue of Vibrant Life magazine she wrote an article that I've saved called One if by Land; Two if by Tea. In it she shares how a friend introduced her (and her French blood) to the gentle art of the English afternoon tea. She learned that tea is much more than a beverage in a cup, but rather something emotionally fulfilling, and a refreshing pause to the day. 

To quote her: "Teatime fills a need for peace in our stressed-out society. Not only that, but the manner in which you 'take tea' lifts the spirits and fills the senses with beauty. Everything about tea time contributes in some small way to this: beautiful tea linens, gorgeous china, luscious tea, delicious tea biscuits or cookies (or other even more scrumptious treats). Teatime 'for the soul' can be compared to dropping everything to spend a few stolen moments in a beautiful garden." 

She goes on to say: "I've decided to give 'teatime' a try. I'm not sure how it works. Maybe it's the special feeling you get from using the pretty teapot and china on yourself for a change. Maybe it's the ritual of preparig the tea, boiling the water, smelling the aroma of the tea as you measure it out, the rhythm of the procedure that won't be hurried. But teatime really is all they say it is."

Her advice to her readers is to take a little time for yourself this week and discover teatime, the pause that refreshes. Then thank the English. They were right all along. C'est la vie.

*The photo shown with the article reminds me of the children's teas that my mother used to conduct. She taught kindergarten for thirty years. Sometimes her school would have a benefit auction, and mother would donate a children's tea party. They were always popular and mothers and daughters would enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with all the trimmings at mom's house if they were the winners of the auction bid. Her beautiful children's china tea set was put to good use!

Counted & Thanks

Not everything that
can be counted counts,
and not everything that
counts can be counted.

Albert Einstein

I'm thankful for the little ones in my life (some now grown up) and all the tea experiences they've so willingly shared with me!

The Star House

Do you have children or grandchildren? Here is a fun story to share with them. Since it is the harvest season, find a juicy, red apple to help illustrate the story.

Once upon a time a young boy names Johnny was searching for something interesting to do. His mother suggested that he go outside and play with his toys. His train was fun as it chugged in and out of his garage. "Clank! Clank!" went the fire bell as his fire engine zoomed down the sidewalk. But Johnny was tired of his toys.

"Please, Mother, tell me about something interesting that I can do," begged Johnny. His Mother then suggested that he go outside and find a little red house that had no doors or windows, but had a star inside of it.

Johnny looked and looked but he couldn't find the little red house with no doors, no windows, and a star inside of it. When he became tired of looking he went to Grandmother's. Grandmother was always ready to listen and she was wise. She thought and thought. Finally she told Johnny that when she had a problem which she couldn't solve, she always went over to visit Farmer Brown.

Away went Johnny to Farmer Brown's home. "Please sir, can you help me? My mother asked me to find a little red, round house with no doors and no windows and a star inside of it. I asked my Grandmother to help me, but she said that when she has a problem she comes to you"

Farmer Brown thought and thought. He looked at the apple tree at the top of the hill. "When I have a problem and I don't know the answer, I go and listen to the wind. Why don't you go to the top of the hill and stand under the apple tree and listen to the wind."

"Swish. . .Swish. . .Swish. . .went the wind and an apple fell right near Johnny's feet. Johnny picked it up and looked at it. It was little. It was round. It was red! "A  little red, round house," thought Johnny. "Maybe with a star inside of it? Who ever heard of a star inside of an apple? I'll just open it and see."

"There it is! There it is! A little red, round house with no doors and no windows and a star inside of it."

It is recommended that you use an apple as an object lesson in this story, cutting it crosswise to reveal the star inside.

Kid Truths

Great Truths that Little Children Have Learned

No matter how hard you try, you cannot baptize cats.

When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

If your sister hits you, don't hit her back.  They always catch the second person.

Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap.

Very Nearly Tea

'Christopher Robin was home by this time,

because it was the afternoon, and he

was so glad to see them that they stayed

there until very nearly tea-time, and then

they had a Very Nearly tea, which is one

you forget about afterwards, and hurried

on to Pooh Corner, so as to see Eeyore before

it was too late to have a Proper Tea with Owl.'

A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Photo: child's tea table and chairs in the back yard, set for a simple tea.

An Atmosphere of Beauty

"Children growing up in an atmosphere where beauty is considered an important part of daily life cannot help being inspired to develop their own original ideas in these areas, nor can they help being prepared to live aesthetically themselves. There is a 'togetherness' in sharing a prepared table that even very small children feel, although they cannot express it verbally." 

Edith Schaeffer

These are words that guided me on my homemaking journey at the beginning of my child rearing years. Mrs. Schaeffer speaks so eloquently when she writes; she creates word pictures of simple things that speak so profoundly to our souls. In another place she shares that every dinner table should have a centerpiece that is vibrant, interesting, and transitions with the seasons and experiences of life. Such a focal point provides family members with objects of nature and beauty to enjoy. Flowers, moss, rocks, shells, seed pods, and more can be gathered outdoors and be brought inside to make creative points of interest without added expense or fuss. Including children and grandchildren in the process might mean adding points of color found in small toys like Lego's, plastic figures, or miniature tea sets. An atmosphere where creativity is encouraged can inspire a child and set the stage for original ideas as they grow through life.

The Kitchen, an Interesting Room

Edith Schaeffer shares insights from her experience as a homemaker and mom in her book "The Hidden Art of Homemaking". Her goal is to share creative ideas for enriching everyday life. I love how she expresses herself and shares what sounds to be a very delightful time in the kitchen with her children.  See what you think.

"For growing children at play, there is nothing so interesting as really 'doing things'. To 'help cook' is one of the most enjoyable things of childhood --- to say nothing of being a sure way of producing good cooks.  A child can cut up carrots at a very early age, with no more risk of injury than from falling down outside at play! A child can mix and stir, knead the dough and be given a piece to make a roll man, cat or rabbit with raisin eyes. A child can fry eggs or make scrambled eggs ---- one of mine did every morning from the age of three! The kitchen should be an interesting room in which communication takes place between child and mother and also among adults. It should be interesting in the same way as in an artist's studio, as well as being a cosy spot in which to have a cup of tea while something is being watched or stirred, or while waiting to take something out of the oven."

Now, doesn't that just create the most pleasant word picture in your mind? I hope it inspires you to make your kitchen such a place! It inspired me!

Kid's Size Loaf of Yummy Bread

Winter is a time for nesting. And there's nothing more fun than cooking in the kitchen with kids! So invite a neighbor, grandchild, or one of your own children, and share in the experience together. Here's a recipe for a kid's size loaf of delicious, wholesome bread. It's perfect for little hands to knead and mold.

In a small bowl, mix together:

1/4 cup warm water
1/2 tsp. yeast
1/2 tsp. honey

Stir together and then let mixture sit for five minutes. The yeast will start to bubble and rise.  Then add:

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 cup all-purpose flour
pinch of salt

Knead the mixture for ten minutes, adding sprinkles of flour as needed so little hands don't get too sticky.

When the dough is smooth and like elastic, place it in a bowl and let it rise until it is twice the original size. Make sure it is warm and free from drafts.

Spray vegetable cooking spray on the sides and bottom of a small loaf pan.

Punch the dough down. Form it into a loaf. Place the dough into the prepared loaf pan.

Let the loaf rise until double the size.

Bake the loaf in the oven at 350 degrees F. for 20 - 25 minutes.

The Honeymooner's Tulips

After a rainy week, the sun decided to shine this week-end, coaxing flowering buds to show their faces.  The tulips cautiously opened wide, responding to the brighter days.  I was delighted that the honeymooner's tulips finally blossomed!  I think they are beautiful!  I love their ruffled and lacy petals and the way the colors meld together, fading from one shade to the next, in variegated harmony.  Thank you to the honeymooners for so thoughtfully purchasing them for me during their honeymoon trip to Holland.

All winter long the plain, brown bulbs have been dormant in the soil, being conditioned by cold temperatures so that they could bloom magnificently this spring.  Curious as to the meaning of tulips in the language of flowers, I found my Kate Greenway book (thank you, Paula) and looked them up.  The meanings perfectly fit the love the honeymooners share.  


Red tulip = Declaration of love
Variegated tulip = Beautiful eyes
Yellow tulip = Hopelessly in love

I know that some of you enjoy putting together vignettes, so I thought I'd share about this one.  The antique sugar dish was a gift from a friend.  It is scattered with an old-fashioned tulip print.  The teacup and saucer are fine porcelain in another tulip theme.  It came from my mother's collection.  The porcelain is so delicate that you can see the shadow of your hand behind it when you hold it up to light.  The photo on the card was taken by our son in Amsterdam.  And the teapot is St. Petersburg Russian Lomonosov Porcelain and was a gift from Rylan on a Christmas past.  I am thankful for my three children whom I adore.  Such thoughtful gifts they give.


I hope you enjoy the honeymooner's tulips along with me today.
Be blessed with sunshine and joy!

Welcome, Baby Dear

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder,
hope, a dream of possibilities. 

Eda J. Le Shan

Welcome to the world, precious Kendyll Lanae.

Born:  March 29, 2010

8 lb. 3 oz. & 21" long

Congratulations to your happy family!  Mommy Melissa deserves applause for being so dedicated to a happy and healthy birthing.  Big sister, Kahleigha, has been eagerly awaiting your arrival for a long time now.  I know she will enjoy having a playmate.

Friends and loved ones appreciated Facebook technology as they went through labor and delivery with Melissa.  Some of us were even up in the nighttime to check on the status of Kendyll's birthing.

And congratulations to my friend, Paula, the lucky grandmother of this precious little girl!  I know you'll enjoy many wonderful moments being grandma to this adorable little tulip!  She is so precious and sweet!



Making the decision to have a child is momentous. 
It is to decide forever to have your heart 
go walking around outside your body. 

Elizabeth Stone

A Garden in Every Childhood

"There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again."

Elizabeth Lawrence

Pictures from Karleen's garden.

The Party Will Keep

The dollies all wonder
when tea will be served,
Sitting propped in their chairs,
erect and reserved.

The teapot is full
and cookies are there,
But my little girl
is not in her chair.

The puppy dog waits
with eyes at the door,
Hoping that crumbs may
yet reach the floor.

But her favorite doll
leans back with a smile. . .
She has spied her mistress
all this while

Curled up in a blanket
in deepest sleep;
Too weary from play. . .

The party will keep!  

*

~ Joy Belle Burgess ~