. . . Cabin & Cottage

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Great British Bunny Book Tradition

There's just no denying that the English have the edge on the most noted nursery books of all time, and certainly a few of my favorites. Peter Rabbit, Wind in the Willows, Pooh Corner-- British, British, and yet again, British. I've mentioned Jill Barklem and her Brambly Hedge books here before, and Brian & Cynthia Paterson's Foxwood Tales, but I wonder if you know the Oakapple Wood Stories by the wonderful illustrator Jenny Partridge. I have only four of her books done in the eighties, now out-of-print. The book jackets and pages are in color, but I wanted just the prints for this post. The illustrations are full of the delightful detail British artists are known for. . . .

LOP-EAR

The end pages are wonderfully drawn too!

Harriet Plume

Grandma Snuffles

Spring is the perfect time to appreciate these fanciful picture books with their simple enchanting stories. (Child optional.) Nothing could be more cottagey!

Marching on. . . .

Jacqueline

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White Wednesday

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Padded Cell

Not just yet, but soon, we will flee the cocooning sanctity of our winter room. It never looks better than at night, as it was designed for evening use. The main fireplace is here. The television. There is a pass through window to the kitchen. We spend many dark hours cloistered away here reading, visiting, blogging, eating, peering into the animated electronic window to the surreal as it flickers past on the screen while a flickering fire answers from the other side. We are flanked by both the primitive and the progressive.

The space is simultaneously stimulating and restful. Books and magazines pile up no matter how we may relegate them elsewhere. And as I survey the contents of our haven the words "padded cell" come to me, and I laugh inwardly at the analogy. It many ways it does serve as soft insulation from the maddening planet. . . .

My calendar says there's one more week until daylight savings begins. Here's to springing forward from the final week of winter darkness into March madness!

Hope it's good!

Jacqueline

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House in the Roses

Cottage Monday

Between Naps on the Porch

Metamorphosis Monday

Friday, March 2, 2012

Satin Stitched Roses

I keep a nice vintage rose embroidered tablecoth tucked away that's perfect for an easy celebration. It fits well on a vintage pop up folding table that I keep handy in my dining room. Since the table is nothing much to look at, I have draped it with a lacy underskirt tablecloth. (The one from the fleamarket that I showed in a recent post.)

The colors are perfect for a girls birthday party, or a ladies tea. The handwork alone is a good conversation starter. To me it has a dressier party feel, and is great for spring.

The square cloth underneath is the perfect size to conceal the metal legs of the table and makes the rectangular cloth work better on it. Anyway, I love a layered look.

You're going to think that I own stock in Little Debbie, but I really just find them so cute. I could spend an hour baking, but my kiddos like them every bit as much. You don't have to worry about leftover cake either. (Like that's something to worry about.) Lately they have a darling Mary Englebreit graphic on them. Perfect for a not too serious little party.

I hope your weekend is headed for fun!

We have a cold blustery day happening here.

Thanks for stopping in!

Jacqueline

Join me at

How Sweet the Sound

Pink Saturday

Between Naps On The Porch

Tablescape Thursday

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Ruffles & Blossoms & Tea

When I was a girl we always got a new outfit for Easter. I remember well that early pleasure of a new fancy dress. The chiffon and delicate fabrics weren't the most practical choice for the picnics our Dad used to take us on after. What seemed like a fine and sunny day in town would have a different character in the breezy countryside. And I remember more than once shivering through the delights of an egg hunt and spring outing.

These days I find a lot of pleasure in dressing up the little girls in vintage white, and always hunt for bigger sizes now that they have grown. This, my most recent find, is about a size five. Still too small for the three tall eight-year-old grand-daughters to wear. But just right for the tiny ones to grow into.

We have our teas on the lawn. There's always a stash of sweaters to throw on in the changeable weather. Some of the little girls beg to play dress up, and others will pass. We dream of having a flowy tent with a pink stripe awning set up all summer. It's fun to be the biggest girl dreaming at the party!