Another April

March goes out like a lamb for us this year, and so April begins with a softness.

My posts from last spring demonstrate how the stark winter whites give way to something lacy and billowing like a fresh spring wind.

Last year had me changing things up with new lace at the windows and on my sitting room chair. But the wintry mix finally gives way to pale colors, both in and out of the garden.

Linens in a sunny window.

Sad news for the lilacs this year, though. My old bushes have given up the struggle, and we will be searching out replacements. 

As patio life begins again, we spent the weekend clearing away the tatters and shreds of the past season.

Time to bring it on!

Last year's spring patio. . .

An early spring tea...

With a final segue to the lawn, and another sweet April. . . .

I hope the new week and month of April is just wonderful for you!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesday

French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday

Timewashed~Blissful Whites Wednesday

A Pitcher, Linens, & Cabbages & Roses

A change of scene always makes me appreciate more of what awaits me at home. Getting back to the domestic life can bring everything here into sharper focus, and for a moment or two of time I can remember what it is that I am always meaning to do with my life.

Dailiness has a way of crowding out the big picture, but just a pause in routine brings such freshness. And I like to allow an extra day or so at the end of a trip for finding my bearings again. I suppose it is the equivalent of a pet circling a spot before settling in for awhile.

Just before leaving, Christina Strutt's (of Cabbages & Roses) new book came in the mail. I only had a chance to merely flip through it before leaving, and it was in my thoughts often while I was gone.

There wasn't much time for fun shops, but I did manage to find this new pitcher for my collection in an antiques shop in Livermore, CA. A classic!

It's the smaller version shown here. Just shy of five inches tall. A few of the larger ones have passed through my hands, but I have been on the lookout for a smaller one for awhile now. It was a silly thrill to find it!

The book is fabulous of course. This beautiful photo is from Christina's playhouse if you can believe it! The next three photos are from the book as well.

photo from Cabbages & Roses

photo from Cabbages & Roses

photo from Cabbages & Roses

How can one not be inspired by such serene beauty? I love the gorgeous fabrics, and all the lovely simplicity. It made me want to work with my fresh towels and linens right away! (Doing laundry gets me back in the groove again.)

I also thought you might like to see a little chippy table I came across recently, and a fab metal can that would be perfect for a potted tree, or under a desk somewhere.

Great details with original paint.

It's good to get back to my own playhouse again! Haha!

It was so nice to have your lovely comments while I was gone!

I'm looking forward to catching up with you.

Thanks so much for stopping by. . .

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Timewashed~Blissful Whites Wednesday

French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday

The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home

My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

Happy Spring at Alden Lane

We're out in the field enjoying other people's weather, sunshine, billowing grass, and rolling hills. Livermore CA is very reminiscent of Tuscany with it's acres of vineyards and wineries. Today it's the fabulous local nursery, Alden Lane, that we are touring for a happy fix at the start of spring.

Isn't your old bathtub filled with flowers too?

The garden displays are so pretty, and the grounds are all dressed for spring even though it almost feels like summer here! Lots of variety, and great ideas. . . . Enjoy!  

A brush cone shrub/tree that we have never seen before was a favorite of Mr. Cottage.

Several massive oak trees dot the property.

Wisteria blossoms perfume the air and decorate the benches.

Nothing like a gorgeous change of scenery. . .

I hope you enjoy this first week of spring too!

Thanks so much for your lovely visits and comments on my cupboard!

 I'll be getting back to you soon!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Savvy Southern Style~Wow Us Wednesday

Common Ground~Be Inspired