Blossoms in the Blue Hour

You may wonder what these blossoms are. I do too. But only because I thought I might be asked.

I inherited this delightfully spring blossoming bush with the house, and have enjoyed its cheery presence ever since. It blooms just before the lilacs, and makes a stunning show for all too brief a time. 

Its mystery deepens with the twilight. Its tiny petals strewn upon the paving stones below.

We've had a delicious and calm spring afternoon. The kind where you survey the grounds, pluck a twig or two, and can't believe your good fortune.

It's only right that it's shared with someone. . . .  I'm glad it could be you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm linking up to Sarah's blog

 A Beach Cottage

for Good Life Wednesday

Trying to Lighten Up

Small changes to cabinet and shelf top displays like this one can make me feel the difference in the season. But very soon I'll be spending much more time outdoors, and less in this room. In the meantime, I'll want shells and flowers in the urns.

My stop into Potterybarn today revealed that Easter is already over there, and all the shell decor has come out. But I'm nearly always ready for that look. I don't really ever give up the sea.

I thought I'd give you the big picture of the difference my mantel changes made. This is the BEFORE photo from winter with a lot more light and dark contrasts in the room.

The new insert really lightens things up. For more details on the new fireplace screen see my recent post HERE.

I am flooding the place with more light as well, and adding more white accessories. I'm always paring down rooms (if you can believe that), but things tend to creep back in.

I like to keep my shutters clear. But I just rescued an antique English oak chair with an old leather seat that I'll enjoy looking at for a little while. It's my old battle between the light and the dark side! Ha!

And... my thing for side chairs!

With leather. Oh dear!

Some things will just never change!

But I hope you have a great new week!
Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm linking to

 Between Naps on the Porch

for Metamorphosis Monday

and

The DIY Showoff Party

No Minimalist Here

Nursery Linens

Pink may be an everyday color for some. But I'm happy to think about pink on Saturday. Since it's not a forefront color for me, I like the mild exercise of focusing on it one day a week. White is serene and energizing at the same time, but pink is all soft and happy. I usually have to rummage around the nursery for inspiration. 

The nursery is also my linen room and the brightest room of the house in the morning. Add saturday to the mix and you get an infusion of CHEER for all the associated reasons. (This pair of vintage pillowcases is a new acquisition. You simply wouldn't believe how soft they are from use. Baby soft. Perfect for the nursery, and for a small silken head to lay upon. Some tender and loving person has artfully chosen the perfect color combination for happiness.)

My honey bear is also sporting a vintage cotton handmade pink frock. Long ago I thought I would be offering vintage doll clothes in my vintage shop, but not a single article ever made it into the store!

Finally, I offer this bonnet girl beauty. A nursery veteran. She's perfect for a spring saturday of pink.

Her bluebirds seem right out of the animated Cinderella. And her lacy skirt just as fantastical.

I'm all admiration for the handwork, and glad for a day to celebrate pink. Thanks Beverly!

Wishing you a Pink Saturday too!

Join the party at How Sweet the Sound.

It's not too late!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

Wishing for Roundtop

I'm starting the weekend with a few of my favorite things. Probably because I'm wishing I was headed to Roundtop, Texas. I'd have my eyes out for more vintage garden urns.

I'm sure I don't have enough ironstone yet either.

And I sure would like to turn up an old French laundry basket.

Tatted lace is definitely on the list.

And old silver.

I only have a few pieces of these English creamware plates. 

Jugs and jars are essential for that country farmhouse look that I can't seem to get enough of these days.

Jars with wire are my current favorites.

Crocheted tablecloths in ecru make anything placed on top look sensational.

Maybe I would even find a new piece of brown transferware.

Well, remembering a few of my favorite things has cheered me up for the day! What are some of yours? I'm linking up to Laurie's Favorite Things to have a look!

Enjoy the weekend!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm also linking to

 My Romantic Home

House in the Roses

 and

I Love Pretty Little Things