The LaGwen Rose

Several years ago my friend, Gwen, and I planted this beautiful Jackson and Perkin's rose in our gardens. It has an official name, but I do not recall it. As far as I am concerned, this is the "LaGwen" rose and was named after the two of us. It's our friendship rose! Mine is planted right outside my kitchen window, and when I see it first bloom in May, I think of her.

Today is a 'memory day' for Gwen, and as such, I would like to post pictures of 'our rose' with thoughts of a little one that she lost years before. It was on a May 16 that Gwen miscarried and lost a child. Sorrow for a long while, but now hope as years have eased the pain of loss and Gwen and her husband look forward to meeting their infant in heaven some day. Gwen says that she actually feels joy as she remembers that she will get to start from scratch in a perfect world someday and raise that little one so dear.

Gwen's tradition is to take a trip to a plant nursery on this day each year and select just the right plant or tree to help her commemorate the life of the little one she never had the opportunity to know. She is doing that now and I look forward to hearing about her selection.

Hugs for you, Gwen, as you remember and celebrate hope. And Gwen, I will remember to pray for you as you send your son off to college and celebrate in the marriage of your daughter as well. Although the nest may soon seem empty, I know that many wonderful family times await! I hear there is joy in change as well (although I am still in the discovery mode in that regard). God bless you!

Vintage Tablecloth

For quite some time I have been casually looking for a vintage tablecloth. I enjoy the vibrant colors printed on natural threads. There is an emotional response, I'm sure, as they remind me of table clothes my mother had in our home when I was a child. The search has been fraught with high prices for pristine pieces or with tiny holes and yellow stains for the affordable ones. My search has been casual --- simply checking when near a thrift store or antique mall without making any special trips to these places. Recently I found exactly the right one! I fell in love with the garden theme and vibrant colors on this tablecloth! The price was spendy, I though, but the 20% discount added to it's appeal.

I was surprised to find my exact tablecloth (although in different colors) listed at an online source. My online search helped me discover that my 'new' tablecloth was made in the 1930's and is part of Broderie's "Gardening" series. It said that these charming designs are highly sought after by collectors and a table cloth such as the one I purchased is valued at $175.00 - $250.00. I was stunned! Believe me, I paid MUCH less than that price! As soon as I discovered the value I removed the tablecloth from my kitchen table and put it away. I know, I need to 'use my linens' and I promise, I will. But, until this all sinks in, it's in a safe place. I guess it's not a good choice for a daily use tablecloth.

Here are online sources that tell more about vintage table clothes:

http://www.gramasattic.net/broderie.htm

http://www.thevintagetable.net

Each individual represented on this table cloth is different and without except for the gentleman farmer's who are duplicated on each side. All the garden girls are unique. This collage of details gives some idea of the variety of character on this table cloth.

Teapot Tea Towel

Today I helped my dear friend, Karleen, celebrate her birthday. We had a lovely afternoon together, sharing lunch, conversation and a walk through a small herb farm. I had fun preparing a gift bag for her that was filled with gifts I thought she would enjoy. She opened it in her kitchen, a place we gravitate to whenever I'm there, as it is such a cozy place. Karleen's kitchen is decorated in blue and white. A tiny teapot print is made into a patchwork valance over her kitchen window, and tea themed cross-stitch adorn the wall. A tea set, a tea print, and teacups are strategically displayed for a lovely, overall effect. Blue and white is one of my very favorite color combinations and Karleen uses this scheme effectively in her home. I thought it only fitting that I stitch her a tea towel in blue and white as well. Stitched on a white, flour sack towel and trimmed with delicate white lace, this tea towel now hangs on a decorative towel rack in Karleen's kitchen. It was stitched fondly with warm thoughts of my neighbor and friend. Happy Birthday, Karleen!

A Strawberry Day with Pears

Because it was a hot day, something cool and refreshing seemed perfect for a simple supper this evening. Beautiful strawberries, kiwi fruit, and bananas sliced and sweetened with the sweet herb stevia made a pretty fruit salad for our family meal. It was all topped off with a pear sauce that added exactly the right sweetness and creaminess. Although the spearmint sprig was for garnish, I couldn't help but nibble it with every bite or so. It added just the right amount of 'perk' to the fruity combination. Delicious!

Pear Sauce

2 cups soft tofu
2 cups canned pears
1 cup pear juice (from jar of pears)
2 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. cinnamon

Whiz in blender until creamy and smooth. Pour over individual fruit salad servings (or fold into entire fruit salad for a creamy salad). Garnish with a strawberry piece and fresh mint. Enjoy! You'll never miss the whipped cream!