Hello friends! It's been a long journey since my last post in the middle of May when all the roses were blooming and the garden was so newly green. There was a grand and wonderful flush of visitors all throughout May as well, one after the other in streams.
I was lucky enough to take a little summer jaunt of my own to get a dose of that summer vacation feeling that we all can't wait to taste of almost any year, but especially this one. It had been so long that I had been on the open road that I found it exhausting on my return, and had to rest up for a long while after my short whirlwind holiday. But it was so good to see the vast horizon and the patiently waiting landscape after so long. I hardly stopped to take a picture.
But now we are at the height of summer. And it is so hot here that I feel like I can't just keep saying it over and over again, but I can't seem to stop myself!
For now this withered beauty is all that remains of our profusion of roses from spring. A small parched memory that itself will soon be gone.
For now we have retreated to the still life of summertime. The house all shutterd and closed during the day like some Italian village house. I suddenly want to have those striped door curtains in front for a bit of old world romance. And there is a rather constant low hum and a strange quiet in the house all day. I know I am supposed to being doing something useful, but lately I just spend much of the day reading like the summer I was ten years old.
The intense heat will abate eventually, and the silence will soon be broken by young voices. I'll be back to changing beds, and getting outside for more than early mornings and the memorable dusk of evenings. We will have the summer solstice in a couple of days, and a game next Saturday at the local ball park. It seems the year to make sure to get it all in.
It's been a nice pause for shifting objects, straightening furniture, and freshening the linens. Making plans, and finding misplaced things. Appreciating them with new eyes the way you can do after travel.
Moving a few possesions on to someone else, while reminding yourself of what is still important. Sorting myself out.
Dusting off the dogs, and adjusting a few more pitchers. . . .
I did the weeest bit of shopping when I was wayfaring and found something wonderful (as I knew I would). You can see it below.
Another sweet sampler to add to my collection of one. And a wonderful reminder. My own personal assignment, I think, for the beginning of this long hot summer yet to come.
Wishing you all the best of summer ahead!
Jacqueline
I think we all need a personal assignment. I like yours very much and what good fortune to discover such a sweet reminder. The summer striped curtain sounds lovely and so does the reading -- all good. Be gentle with yourself in the heat and savor summer.
ReplyDeleteAlways so beautiful Jacqueline! A great assignment for sure…we forget to be grateful for the provision we’ve been blessed with.
ReplyDeleteI so love your sampler. I will try to find one, too.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all your pretty transferware. The sampler is awesome. Stay cool and have a great weekend. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, everything is so beautiful and the new sampler is exquisite and says so much. I am finding that I am content with just being "home" now, even though it is easier to get out for awhile. It has been so hot here also and laying low and enjoying the here and now is most appealing..Happy June..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteIt's always beautiful and serene here. You amaze me at your ability to become the family host of minivacations and retreats. LOVE the wonderful new needlework; such wise words. I always love seeing the transferware and the pups!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Jacqueline. It's cooled off here, so the roses are still going strong. Your linens and other pieces always look so lovely together. It's such a treat for the eyes to visit. Have a nice evening. xxoo
ReplyDeleteLove all your vignettes around your cottage. From the wilted rose, brown transferware, and silver trays, I love it all. Oh and that marmalade jar with the grid to hold flowers. I have not seen anything like that and wonder if that is the way it came or you combined two things to make it happen. What a special treat to see.
ReplyDeleteI haven't checked the blogs for a long time; but now that it is so hot and I'm staying close to home, I have time. So glad to see your serene home again. I commented to my husband that I sure don't see much brown transferware for sale anymore; and he said that's because I have it all. Between your and my collections, he may be right! Our collections (even though all brown transferware) are different. Yours are so light and airy; mine are busy and dark --- I love them all. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing your white decor is cooling.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have a brief adventure. I also did that this past week and it was like a dream come true. But I agree, I came home exhausted.