Eyes of Wonder

Delicate Splendor

A Simply Lovely Life

Simply beautiful. Orchids.























The friends who had so often spent evenings with us in our London slum soon found their way here, and the house was often full at weekends. David would go to the station to meet them, and I would stay behind to finish a batch of cakes. Philip and I would hear the train run and in a few minutes we would see David and our friends coming up the lane that was a shortcut to the station. Then I would whip off my apron and Philip's overall, take the cakes out of the oven, put on the kettle, and spread the cloth on the kitchen table--for we had meals there--and be just in time to meet them at the gate. I looked forwards to these times, and the extra work they made was richly rewarded by the talks and walks and friendly way in which everyone accepted our simple way of living.......These were great days, and other days too there were when David was happy and eager and would take Philip on his shoulders, and I carrying the lunch, we would go to Thurnam Castle on top of the Downs, or to some lovely spot along the Pilgrim's Way. There we would spend the day, Philip playing on the grass and sleeping when he was tired; David reading to me, or going off for a little walk by himself--while I sewed--returning with something for Philip, a rare orchid, or a large striped Roman snail shell, or a piece of strangely shaped flint. Then down again in the evening and back to Rose Acre which after such a day of sweet contentment would look welcoming and homely.

Helen Thomas

I thought how sadly beauty of inscape was unknown and buried away from simple people and yet how near at hand it was if they had eyes to see it and it could be called out everywhere.

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Summer in New England

A Simply Lovely Life

Some photos I thought you might all enjoy, that I got over the weekend while Big Papa and I were out for a sort of a *date drive* with the littlest loves. Everything was especially beautiful and we drank it in. How wonderful it felt to stand along a secluded, quiet rocky shore, breathing in the salt air, sun warm on my face, listening to the waves gently roll in, washing over the sand.

I wanted to say again, *thank-you so much* for thinking of us and praying for us as we journey ahead, desiring God's loving guidance for our family. As you'll recall, we just went this past Friday, on the wonderful whirlwind day trip, to look at the lovely old home that everyone in our family liked so much. I also shared that we had put in an offer, on Monday. Well, it seems someone else liked the house just as well as we did, looked at it before us, and.............got the ball rolling by placing an offer, on Sunday. So, though it is still listed as *open*, it seems it will soon be under contract. Presently we're praying and waiting, and do have a back-up offer in, incase it doesn't work out for the other folks who have placed an offer.

Though we've been sent numerous other listings to look at, nothing else has quite captured our fancy, so far, as this big rambling old house and piece of property, has. We trust God to close doors as we make our way along, and will know fairly soon if this is one of those doors quietly closing. We're just moving ahead, here on our end, which means a real estate agent will be coming to go through *our* home tomorrow, as we keep moving along the track of putting it on the market, in hopes of selling, pulling up our roots and getting solidly situated, elsewhere. If it be God's will---to the same area, whether it be to this specific house, that someone else is desirous of buying, and they are first in line :o) or to another.

This is the most recent update. Many, many thanks, again, for your thoughts and prayers, and kind caring encouragement. What a blessing it has been. Thanks for journeying along *with* us :o)

I hope you enjoyed this lovely day. Thanks so much for all your friendly, cheery notes, today, too--I so enjoy each one. I can't wait to see your carrot cake creations! I'll try and add the photos of the little cakes to the carrot cake post, tomorrow or Saturday, all right--I'll let you know when I do. They're really cute!

Well, I'm off to crawl into bed.....tired, tired, good and tired out. It will be a busy day, tomorrow.

Warmly and most sincerely, your neighbor (whether I stay or go ;o) and friend, Jewels

Summer garden goodness

This is one of the very favorite among the favorites, of our summertime meals. If you like tomatoes, garlic, and basil, you will love this. When the tomatoes and basil are picked fresh from your garden just before it's prepared, it's especially wonderful. Too good to be true, really, in my humble opinion.

We don't really use a recipe, I just grab a colander and poke around out in the garden grabbing a goodly amount of the cheeriest looking tomatoes and friendliest looking basil before making my way back to the kitchen. I may make another trip back out if I decide I need a bit more of one or the other. So, I'll just share near abouts what we use and do.

There is much room for personal preference when making this. Because it is so simple, good fresh ingredients are the key. You can even use it for a salsa. I love to just eat it by the spoonfuls.

Following is about half of what we would do for our large family. I did take the time to write the recipe out once for a friend, but didn't have an opportunity to make a copy. So, here is today's version, which was no doubt a little different last time and will no doubt be a little different next time, and the time after that, and the time after that.........

Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce

About 7 nice large ripe tomatoes--finely diced.

About 1/2 a head of garlic (about 6 or so cloves) depending upon how much you and your family like garlic, this could vary enormously. Finely minced.

About 1/2 cup--firmly packed with fresh basil. Wash and place in a larger cup or mug, to finely chop with kitchen scissors.

In one of your especially lovely large bowls place your chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Using a nice cold pressed virgin olive oil, pour about 1/2 cup over all your fresh, beautiful garden goodness--again this amount will vary according to your liking, but this is a good starting place.

Another thing that makes a huge difference is using a good sea salt--Atlantic or Celtic sea salt (you can get them at your natural foods store) are so good for you and very delicious. They're truly worth the bit of extra money and effort to obtain. Sprinkle about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sea salt over all--this is what will cause your tomatoes to juice, and be perfect over your pasta as sauce.

Another bit of delight in this whole affair, is freshly ground peppercorns. If you don't have a pepper mill and like pepper, you don't know what you're missing. We grind fresh pepper liberally over all.

Now, cover with a plate and set aside for several hours to let the tomatoes juice and flavors mingle.

Meanwhile, prepare a big fresh salad of nice dark leafy greens, and get several loaves of good crusty bread ready to be popped in the oven.

Here is something special to do with your bread. You can make garlic, herbed, or plain:

Take your loaves and slice into them diagnally or straight, as though for serving-sized pieces, but don't cut all the way through. Soften butter-- maybe a couple of sticks, and you can either use it plain or add minced chives, or minced garlic (I wiil oftentimes saute the garlic in advance for this--then add it) and spread a fairly liberal amount of your butter of preference, over each piece (I use my fingers to do this).

Now, to heat them up. You can either pop the loaves into paper bags or foil, and place them in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes to a half hour or so. When the bread is done it is just too delightfully warm and soft and buttery and you'll be tempted to eat way too much--trust me, I know.

Though the sauce is at room temperature, it is served over hot, buttered pasta. I can't tell you how good it is.

Our particular favorite pasta is, Debole's tomato, basil, artichoke, angel hair pasta--again good for you, very delicious, and you can get it at your natural foods store. We love angel hair--you use whatever type of pasta you like. Try different things. We always liberally butter our hot pasta before serving, too. You could also give it a good dousing with your fine olive oil, if you prefer.

We also use a good-sized wedge of an especially nice parmesan cheese, finely grated and sprinkled in hefty amounts over each plateful.

This is a frequent meal at our home during the summer, and we vary ingredients and amounts to our liking even making a couple of batches to accomadate the different tastes within our family, or in consideration of our guests--we love garlic, and realize some of our guests may not be quite as enthusiastically head over heels for it as we are.

We sometimes add freshly sliced sweet onion, black olives and usually always, freshly sauted mushrooms. We also serve meatballs and sausage with it.

Do trust me and give it a try, okay. You will be eternally grateful that you did.
Lovely cloths on your picnic table/s beautiful dishes, music playing, refreshing drinks, a campfire and a nice big fat chocolate torte and ice cream for dessert (I'll share that next week, okay :o).

This is the best of summer.

Wonderful day, here. Julia was sewing away on little peasant tops for the little gals. I think she completed nearly a clothesline-full. Rosie and I headed out shopping and stopped by Lin's lovely shop along the quiet backroads way, and I had to pull myself away once again--she is just far sweeter than words could say, and it is not easy for me. I've decided next time to go for a real visit, with just a couple of the littlest and dear Rosie to kindly tend to them for me. I got an **adorable** vintage pattern for a little girls cirlce skirt and the cutest hat! I'm dying to sew one up and will share the pattern and the skirt (and hopefully hat, too) soon as I do.

We then went to visit my dear friend Kelly, and I though I planned to stay no more than a half hour then head out shopping, the lovely visit blossomed into far longer, so I got each of the little ones an ice cream cone and made my way back home. Shopping can wait 'til tomorrow :o)

I hope your day was special. Let me know how your fresh tomato pasta sauce comes out, okay--you know how much I love photos, too :o) I'd love to hear. You dear southern gals, in the US should be able to be out in that garden gathering tomatoes, soon, right? And *some of*, you dear Australian gals ((hugs)).......I'll post some photos of *mine* for you, soon--keep warm dear ones :o)

Warmly, Jewels

Charming little shop along the way

A Simply Lovely Life

One of the highlights of our weekly day out and about, is a series of little stops, along the back roads through several small villages.

Along the way is an old barn, long ago converted into a great big, old fashioned store. Among many other things, it has a large and lovely candy counter (just like Mr. Oleson's in Little House on the Prairie--Can it be true? It is!) overflowing with every sweet confection imaginable--by the piece and by the pound. The children don't have candy often, so it's a real treat for them to each get their own little white bag, filled with an an assortment of candies--Just enough pieces to make it good and exciting, keep them busy for a while, and have them looking forward to our shopping day adventure and it's simple small pleasantries each week.

Another stop is a quick run into a litlte thrift shop that's been around for years, to see if there's anything we might need or find useful and/or beautiful.

But, I have to say, my very favorite stop is a  darling little shop filled with treasures too numerous to number; far too many to take in, in even half a dozen visits. *It* is like a candy store, filled with the sweetest of things, for the homemaker!



The shop is filled to overflowing with all things lovely, vintage, home and homemaking.

Vintage--feed sacks, fabric, lace, buttons, books, toys, dishes, hand embroidered linens, clothing, magazines, retro reproduction fabrics, and lots of vintage patterns. And, this is just a small beginning, as she has many times this, stored away, that she's slowly pulling from bit by bit, to place in her shop. So, there are new discoveries to be made with each visit.

It's like walking into a vintage homemaker's wonderland. And, of all things, I missed getting a photo of the shelves filled with all of the pretty vintage dishes that she has. Well, maybe next time. You can see a few cups and saucers that she has nicely set out on this table. It's just all loveliness, and in the quaintest place and sort of way.











But interestingly enough, the countless delights overflowing every shelf, nook, and cranny of this treasure trove, are just the icing on the cake. Indeed, the thing that takes the visit "over the moon" is spending time with the sincerely caring, friendly, beautiful, dear one that has for years collected all these many treasures, and owns the shop. Lin, is one of the very sweetest people I have ever met. Both Rosie and I walked away marveling over what a precious woman she was, after our first special meeting.



After this lovely visit , far shorter than I would have liked, I headed home with this beauty and inspiration. Nice quiet projects for the present week's end:

Enough 1930's vintage flour sack fabric and vintage swiss eyelet lace to make 3 lace trimmed dishtowels.



These whimsical, colorful, sweet grass beads--enough to make a necklace each, for Sophia, Aimaija, Celeisa and Josie, to go with their little matching outfits that Julia made for them.



And, a lovely card for Elizabeth, to send along with her journal goodies.



Ahhhh, I'm still relishing the wonderful visit, and I haven't even had a chance to sew the narrow hems and lace on the feedsack fabric and dry a nice big batch of dishes with them, or string up a single necklace, yet!

I hope your day was beautiful.

Warmly, Jewels

Collectively situated

A Simply Lovely Life

Raindrops on False Indigo--and a Bumble Bee.

False Indigo blossoms and Daisies.



Wooden hangers.



Red candy machines and peanut m & m's.



Children reading a book.



Books for children to read, and re-read.

Jars.

Glasses.



More glasses, saucers and dishcloths. Fishbowls and flowers.



Candles.





Clothespins.



Sisters, nested bowls, and pinecones.



Cups and saucers.



Potatoes, apples and oranges.

Medallions.

Washboards.

And, washcloths.

What an especially beautiful day it was today, despite the fact that we awoke to rain, steadily falling. Though it meant no time in the garden, no eating out beneath the trees, no hikes through the woods, reading on the swing, laundry on the line or swimming in the pool--it blossomed, unfolding with a magical beauty, all it's own.

Candles lit all around, the house still and quiet--I had forced my eyes awake, and crawled out of bed, before dawn. Wrapped in my sweater, alone; reading, praying, enveloped in a peace beyond words, letting go of yesterday, settling into today, free to let tommorrow and all it may or may not bring--wait another day,

Slowly, the sleeping house awoke, and the rooms filled with life. One-by-by one, those dearest to me rose to share in the potential loveliness of this new day.

We enjoyed breakfast, together, then the boys and Big Papa headed out to help a lady that James and Joseph had met through their paper route. The had trained her, a while back, to run a long rural route they they were letting go of. The gals and I dressed the littlest ones--in their latest matching outfits, gave the house a cursory going over, and headed out to spend a leisurely few hours running some necessary errands and visiting the couple of favorite thrift shops along the way. We had a delightful time, filled with love and laughter--my heart overflowing with all the sweet goodness of slow time and relationship.

One of the highlights of the thrifting end of the excursion was the discovery of one pair of new, Birkenstock brown tie shoes--in my size, and 3 pairs of nearly new, Birkenstock Boston clogs (one black, one brown, and one a bit darker pebbled brown) in Rosie and Julia's size--for $5.00 a pair.

Though I know they don't "spell beauty" for everyone (and certainly not to the *dear* one that did the pricing at the thrift shop), they have have been my favored-above-all-other shoes, for the past twenty-some years, having discovered them (and fallen instantly in love :o) through a beautiful woman in Vermont--who was from Austria, that I was privileged to know (and likewise instantly loved) for but a very short time. Wearing them is like going barefoot for me--they're so comfortable, and my feeling of kinship with them has been passed along to the girls, who wear theirs to the ground, and are each about due for another pair.

We also found a couple of wonderful king-sized white cotton sheets for three dollars apiece (that we're going to dye and use to make peasant tops to go with the matching outfits Julia made for Sophia, Aimaija, Celeisa and Josie), a lovely vintage tablecloth covered in yellow roses, a nice big fat Vogue sewing book, and a few small round fishbowls, that we're able to stack--one a-top the other, filled with flowers--very pretty.

Rain still coming down, us loaded up and ready to make our way back home with all the goods--the van refused to start. First time ever. Julia zero-ed in on a big truck that she thought looked for surely like *the* vehicle that would have a pair of jumper cables on board--if any vehicle in the parking lot would. Going with her hunch, I waited for the driver to emerge from one of the shops and make a dash for the truck. Soon enough, along he came, and sure enough, yes!, he did have jumper cables and was most agreeable to kindly lending us a hand. Before we knew it we were on our way, and headed for home.

We enjoyed a lunch of left-over barbecued gyros with yogurt sauce, tortilla chips and salsa, together with all the fellas, who had arrived just before we did.

The afternoon was long and lazy, and couldn't have been nicer. There is something so pleasant about being gathered--all together, in the same large room/s for hours on end, collectively engaged, yet each intermittently involved in separate pursuits; candelight, music, meals and chores, games and laughter, a Daniel Boone dvd, naps and baking, reading, sewing, writing, mama nursing babies, everyone holding and rocking and reading to little ones, thankfully sharing in the thoughts; ideas, hopes, plans and beliefs of older ones. And on and on the day has made it's way along--with us in it, and soon darkness will be falling once again, drawing closed the curtain, on yet another full and fine day.

I hope your day, too, was beautiful--filled with special joys and delights, as well as all the simple, seemingly insignificant everyday things, that purposefully gathered together, are the makings of memories that will be held most dear, by those you love, for always.

Warmly, Jewels

Drinking in the beauty this life holds

A Simply Lovely Life

Making my way along slowly, with purpose, deliberation, joy and thanksgiving.

Wisteria on the arbor

A Simply Lovely Life.

One of the many old and well-established perennials on the property. Having been here far long before we were, it welcomed us in the most lovely way, that first Spring, some 13 years ago. And, has continued to likewise welcome us, faithfully, every single Springtime since; softly, gracefully, beautifully.

This fine day

A Simply Lovely Life.

"Have nothing in your house...

A Simply Lovely Life.

that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
~William Morris

Little finds, along the way.

A few old things that in their usefulness and in their beauty, make for a house being a bit more orderly, and cosier, home.

Cups and saucers. Roses, roses, roses.

A favored vintage vase, makes it's way out of the cupboard, gets a good rinsing off, and happily obliges us, by welcoming an arm'sload of Springtime loveliness, once again.



Vintage glass conductors. Exceedingly helpful to the home seamstress. Aesthetically pleasing, set aside.



A rustic wooden two drawer cabinet. A small cubby for tucking away odds and ends.



A just right old wooden bookshelf. Honey brown and homey. A perfect place for keeping fellow old things orderly, within view and ready reach.



The true secret of (domestic) happiness lies in taking (the time to take) a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.
~William Morris

Sun-kissed Springtime; domestic bliss

A Simply Lovely Life.

Bright sunlight and warmth pouring in through open doors and windows. Birdsong upon awakening. Freshly picked flowers. Laundry hung out on the line; clothing, sheets, diapers, fluttering in the sun-kissed breeze. Off the line, and onto bodies and beds, crisp and fresh. True pleasure, freely given. Lavish repayment for a simple task--twice enjoyed.



Hours in the garden. New life emerging from the rich dark earth. Welcomed, by the long warm days.



Chickens and eggs and cookies, cakes and brownies. Fresh milk.



New frocks and aprons to be sewn. Stacks of books to read. Bread to bake. Dishes to be done, and laundry to be hung out, before open windows and beneath blue skies. Childhood laughter, mud and play. Lazy afternoons curled up on the swing. Fires in the evening. Bubble baths, stories and tucking in at night. Heads nestled deep in downy-soft pillows, comforters kicked aside, to be gathered up and wrapped around, in the wee hours of the morning. Deep sleep. Sweet sleep. Early mornings, refreshed. Breakfasts together, conversation and laughter.

Working hard. Playing hard. Exploring. Creating. Peace and rest, within and without.

The countless joys, of wifehood, husbandhood, motherhood, fatherhood, childhood, family, and the keeping of a home, in the Springtime.

"The secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life, and in elevating them to art."

~William Morris

Shared with me, by my beloved friend, Kelly.

The immeasureable beauty of a Mama and her babe

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

A while back, I shared an especially favorite treasure of mine; an etching on silk, of a mother tenderly cradling her child, that I guess would be about my most treasured material possesion--for it's beauty, as well as for by whom it was gifted to me, and when. By my dear Uncle Leigh and Aunt Cheryl, a way back when--when I, had no children, not even a husband. A way back when, in the far-off long ago.

God has kindly added to my little collection of mother and child art over the years, through the thoughtful gifts of loved ones, through my random treasure hunting here and there along the way. The various pieces that fill my home, be they ever so humble, are, each one, immensley lovely and meaningful, to me. I never tire of looking at the paintings, the photographs, the sculptures. And again, I look forward to knowing, that Lord willing, that they will one day go on, each of them, to find a home in the homes of each of my own children.... one day.

The above painting is done in oil. It's a copy that some dear soul did of a famous original, that I only wish I knew, the artist and title, of. If anyone does, please do let me know. I seem to never have the extra time to search it out, but have alwasy had a desire to know more about it. I was overjoyed when I found this in an old antique/thrift mall that I get a chance to pop into now and then. It's done in warm rich colors and is in excellent condition.

This old photograph of a mama and her babe, was a gift to me from my very dear friend and next door neighbor, Judy. Just one of the many kind, thoughtful, fun and beautiful things she finds and shares with the children and/or me. Judy is an antique collector and has a booth in an antique shop, locally. She makes her way to lots of auctions (estate sales and field auctions) and finds the most amazing things. Isn't this photograph beautiful. I am so grateful to have it. Again, so lovely in an of itself, but made even more so, by the tender, caring, giving heart, of the dear one from which it came, and the loving spirit in which it was given.

I so hope to take/get some lovely photos, in many ways similar to this; artful, beautiful, speaking the things for which words simply aren't good enough, of Claire and the rest of my dear girls, as they one-by-one, welcome the gift/s of their very own children into their hearts and lives--embracing motherhood.



And lastly, a gem that I found at an outdoor estate sale, for $5.00. Can you believe it, $5.00?! I was just so thrilled to have found it. Another oil painting--in the rough. I appreciate it, and enjoy it, everyday, just the way it is.



We did go for a walk, today, but because we chose a spot right on the ocean, it was **cold**! Windy and cold. Too cold, for me. But, the children, impervious to the cold, as children somehow always amazingly manage to be, enjoyed being outside, running, jumping and sword fighting, together. Julia toted Celeisa around a bit in the ergo (keeping her especially snugged and warmed), which was the highlight of Celeisa's day (and Julia's too), I'm sure. A young mama in the makin' and her bab(y sister).



Beef stew has been simmering in the crock pots all day, oatmeal raisin muffins have just come out of the oven, and there's milk fresh from the farm to go with them. The table is set, candles are lit, and soon Big Papa will be home from work--the beginning of another peaceful week's end, that I'm going to so enjoy. It was a slow and easy-goin' Friday. Still saying the long good-bye to Winter, and patiently waiting for all that is Spring.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and a great weekend.
Lovingly, Jewels

All's well that ends well

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

Though the little red Metro is no more, I'm happy to report that the significantly larger red Volvo, has come to take it's place. Though the Metro, wasn't my car, as a result of some shifting and shuffling, it seems the Volvo is. Am I delighted that it's so? Well, yes, I guess I'd have to say, I indeed am.

I'm not really one to get too excited about vehicles. I do get pretty excited about a number of things, but vehicles haven't tended to be one of them, for quite a few years. That is 'til this lovely old car came cruisin' my way.

My dad and I were laughing hard, last night, about vintage vehicles (seems we always laugh 'till my sides ache when we talk about whatever it is we happen to be talking about :o) . This Volvo is a 1988, and is set up to oprerate wonderfully simply, in kindergarten mode. The lights have one big obvious knob--turn to the right, the windows crank up--the windows crank down, To lock the doors--push down the knob on the door, hard, and pull-up, even harder to unlock it, to move your seat forward--heave, ho.........

We were talking about the marvels of new vehicles and how they're capable of doing practically everything but driving themselves, and I know he and my mom are thankful to have a couple of those newer vehicles to scoot around in (though not as new and amazing as *brand new*, hot off the assembly line, according to my dad). But, he got really excited when he started talking about his *true love* vehicle--his old 1982 Blazer, that he and my mom drive around up at their home away from home up north, in Wisconsin.

We had a great time going back and forth about the uniquenesses of these old gems, rolling in laughter. Every thought funnier than the last. You do have to smile when you consider the workout alone that you're getting, using those muscles that you'd forgotten you even had, simply by going for a spin about town. Yeah, a little bit of work, but worth it.

So, here it is, *my new* car. I thought some of you might enjoy getting a peek at it. A peek'll hold you over 'til you can head over to go out for a ride in it, right? Come on, admit it. Now that you've seen it, I know you're dying to. :o)

Notice the nifty 3rd seat in the back. The Littles are crazy about this car, and this fancy seat is pretty much why. They've asked just about every day since we got it, if we can go for a ride in the country or along the ocean. Somewhere. Anywhere. Well, we haven't gone everyday, but I do have to say I have given in, more than a few times. Truth is, I'm really fond of the 3rd seat, too, though haven't actually taken a ride back there, yet.

Not having tinted windows has also proven to be interesting-----especially interesting when considered in light of the 3rd seat, facing *out* situation.....

Nicholai and Sophia have taken up residence there in the back and look kind of like a couple of curious little monkeys, in the zoo. I know. I know. I'm probably not aware of *all* that they're doing back there. Far as I know they're *just* looking cute, but I do have to say, I don't know that I'm exactly digging having semi's humming up behind me honking and waving at *me leetle monkeys*. But....hey, I can always put a curtain up in the back, right?? Maybe a red and white Scandinavian check or something. What do you think? I'll be sure and update you with photos, down the road, if I make a decisive to move ahead in that direction.

Though it is just a car, it sure is nice and old, and pretty :o)

I hope you're having a great day.
Much love from all of us.
Jewels









The photos were taken in Philadelphia, which is where Big Papa went to scoop it up...

A loving gift...

A Simply Lovely Life.

From my beautiful friend, Sarah Mae.

Soaps that she made, and a wash cloth that she knit.
I have finally begun using them, but it wasn't easy, let me tell you.
They are even far prettier in real life, *and* the lavender soaps (four whole bars of them), smell like a lazy summer afternoon in a lavender field.....

I found so much pleasure in simply looking at them and smelling them, for days :o)

I too, enjoyed making soap, once upon a time, when the children were younger.

Way back, far before I was almost half-way to one hundred :o)

And, now that I *am* (in fact) almost half-way to one hundred, I find that it's quite dissimilar to riding a bicycle, in that I couldn't just dive back in and do it right now, without learning all over again.

So, I hold out hope that Sarah Mae, will give a little class one day, and I will be there listening and watching intently, and perhaps, just maybe, I will be makin' soap, again--maybe even as beautiful as Sarah Mae's (wouldn't that be wonderful),

for my family

and for my friends

I sure hope so :o)

I hope you have a beautiful Saturday.
Lovingly, Jewels

The simple joys of childhood.....

A Simply Lovely Life.

catching fireflies, putting them in a jar with holes in the lid--making a lantern

picking dandelion bouquets

you and your three sisters, wrestling and tickle-fighting with your dad, in the living room. him, on his hands and knees, hair all scruffed-up, growling like a big grizzly bear. you, trembling, giggling, jumping up and down, nevertheless, mustering the courage and running in, again and again, for more

getting cracker jacks from your dad--enjoyin' the cracker jacks and diggin' for the prize

going barefoot for the first time in the spring, and all through the summer

your mom playing vintage 78/rpm Strauss albums on the stereo. her being so filled with joy while she listened to the music as it filled the house and her childlike heart

watching your mom dance with your baby sister and thinkin' one day, when you grow up, you're gonna dance the very same, soft, loving way, with your own babies held close

flying kites

wearing seersucker pajamas in the summertime

wearing a fur jumper that matched your sisters, that your mom made--and bein' so proud

swinging on the swingset, with your siblings and your neighborhood friends and singing the afternoon away

being called in for supper, about the same time that all the other neighborhood children were called into their homes for supper, too

doing the dishes as quickly as you could, if it was your night, so you could run back out to play

playing jump rope and chinese jump rope with your friends

playing hopscotch on the sidewalk

rollerskating up and down your neighborhood sidewalks, wearing the metal rollerskates that buckled on with a strap round your ankle, clamped over your toe, and adjusted with a key

the wonderful feeling of lying in the grass in summer, lookin' up at the clouds

feeling free, overflowing with life, running, doing cartwheels and round-offs....

building forts

spending hours in the pool,  til your lips were blue
running through the sprinkler
spraying each other with the hose

baking cakes and cookies and pretzels in an easy bake oven

swinging on the big swings at the playground, going as high as you could, feet reaching to the sky, head laid back, wind blowing through your hair

every summer, going to the hugely wonderful public wading pools, with the mile-high slides in the middle, water spraying into the air.  a huge feast-- a picnic, spread out on the picnic table and blankets and towels to lie down and warm in the sun and dream upon. your skin nut brown, your hair golden.......a way back, when you went to school for a year and had a year off for summer vacation--or so it sure did seem, til you were old enough to know better.

eating popsicles and ice cream cones

making snowcones in your mr. frosty snowcone machine, that you got for Christmas

lying in the hammock, reading a book, drifting away into a dream

blowing bubbles

going to woolworth's with your grandma, eating lunch at the diner, havin' your picture taken in the photo booth, for fifty cents, birds, and fish, and hamsers and mice, upstairs, downstairs, toys, and music. always going home with treasures

riding a two-wheeler for the first time, your dad teachin' you how, and cheerin' you on, running to comfort you, and encourage you to try again, after you've wiped-out in the gravel drive-way

the delight of riding your bike, every year a little further, til you're makin' your way around the neighborhood--and the thrill of getting a brand new one

playing in your dollhouse

a new puppy brought home in your dad's pocket
another new puppy, brought home in a brown paper lunch sack

a new kitten

talking to your dog (and wondering if your dog *could* with enough coaxing and promising not to tell anyone--talk back to you) (if *you didn't* think this or do this, i understand :o)

spending the day and then the night, at your grandma and grandpa's house, with your little sister and your cousin--riding your bike to get there--cause it's only a block away. limberger cheese and smoked fish,  liverwurst, rye bread, home movies, bubble baths in the pink bathtub, wearing your grandma's silky-soft night gown, old books, music, the garden, picking enormous lilac bouquets, sleeping, on the couch, the pull-out bed, or in your grandma's bed--hearing birdsong and smelling bacon cooking in the morning.

spending the night at your grandma and grandpa's house
gathering asparagus along the country roadside, on the way to their house, cooking it up and eating it with butter, soon as you got there.

summer days in arkansas.....
uncle ott and aunt virginia's
eggs and bacon, biscuits, gravy
wooden screen doors creaking on the hinges
porch swings
riding horses
summertime baths in metal washtubs
playing restaurant
big cozy double beds, talking all night with cousins, open windows, cricket song

milking the cow, gathering eggs, swimming in the pond, making butter, watching your grandpa shave--every morning--talking and laughing with him all the while, seeing the sun come up, woods and snakes, and fresh air and love........

making peach ice cream in the hand-cranked ice cream maker at buck moore's house, dressing up in dress-up clothes (dresses, hats, shoes, and purses) and "goin' all over the place", in an old car they had parked out in the field. delicious southern food, southern hospitality, cats and dogs, wishing the day would never end, feelin' like home. night fall, eye-lids heavy, children tucked into a big cozy bed--the big wooden screen door, creaking on it's hinges--drifting off to sleep, til your mom and dad are done with their visiting, and it's time to go--takin' all your magical memories made, safely tucked away--along with you

camping, campfires, roasting hot dogs, making s'mores. eating vienna sausages, drinking instant coffee

eating tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from the garden

thinkin' and dreamin' about what you'll do and who you'll be--when you grow up
who you'll marry one day
and what he'll be like
how many children you'll have
what you'll name them, and who they'll be

playing with playdough

making vegatable soup, with cut up vegetables and water--and eating it, even though it didn't really taste very good

feeding the birds.......





















I hope you enjoy your day, and are able to share your joy with those you love, and everyone else your life touches. I hope you'll be free, to be open, real, truly yourself, with a childlike heart. This day will be unlike any day that ever was, or ever will be--God's gift to you, with countless treasures, everywhere you turn, throughout it--let us not miss them.

Your old pal and fellow treasure seeker, Jewels

....The only gift, is a portion of thyself......

uploaded by A Simply Lovely Life.

"Our tokens of love are for the most part
barbarous, cold and lifeless, because they do not
represent our life. The only gift is a portion of
thyself. Therefore let the farmer give his corn, the
miner his gem, the sailor coral or shells, the painter
his picture, and the poet his poem."

Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882

"To persons of refined nature, whatever the friend
creates takes added value as part of themselves - part
of their lives, as it were, having gone into it.
People of the highest rank, abroad, will often accept,
with gratitude, a bit of embroidery done by a friend,
a poem inscribed to them by the author, a painting
executed by some artist - who would not care for the
most expensive bauble that was offered them. Mere
costliness does not constitute the soul of a present;
it is the kind feeling that it manifest which gives it
its value. People who possess noble natures do not
make gifts where they feel neither affection nor
respect, but their gifts are bestowed out of the
fullness of kind hearts."

John Young 1881

***********************************************************

A handful of rememberings, for today......

My mom coming to my bedside when I was a little girl,
countless times, stirring me from slumber if I was already
asleep, and apologizing, saying, "I just want you to know
that it wasn't your fault that I got upset with you, I was
having a hard time--it wasn't you", looking into my eyes,
brushing my hair back from my face and kissing my cheek.
Always, so quick to apologize for anything she thought she
may have done hurtful or wrong...even things I never would have noticed had she not mentioned it. a *priceless* gift to me. A gift that because of her, I'm able to give to my own children.

My mom, on a Summer's day, hand-sewing doll's clothes
with Wesley and Rosie; for the doll I had made for Rosie,
and the doll Wesley, alongside me, had made for himself.
Teaching me to love and celebrate life, where you are, with what you have. Teaching me, by her example, to create with my head and my hands, from my heart. To give the simple gifts--"a portion of thyself", that although they require time, are oftentimes simple and less than perfect, may be the most precious and longest remembered.

The porch swing my dad made for our family, and another he made for the yard. The Cracker Jacks he always brought home, the big bowls (one for each of us) overflowing with the biggest oranges, apples, coconuts, ribbon candy, and nuts, every Christmas morning, and the heart-shaped boxes of Valentine's chocolates every single Valentine's Day, for each of his 4 girls, and a big one with a flower on it, for my mom, every Valentine's Day. A puppy brought home in his pocket, a little wild bunny, a love of nature--rock climbing, camping deep in the woods. The incredibly thoughtful gift, to me, of my grandfather's shaving mug, razor, and shaving brush when my grandfather died. One of my dearest treasures. Holding me close over the phone while I experienced several hospital stays, and my first hospital birth--leaving my little ones, everything so foreign, tears, tears and more tears...

Big Papa, being hospitalized for 11 days in PA, far from anything familiar and anyone we knew--just 2 weeks after we were married. His father and brother driving all the way to come pick up all my *stuff* we were hauling half-way across the country, and the truck we were hauling it in, and give us a more comfortable vehicle to ride in the rest of the way, home.

Shortly thereafter, arriving at our first home, all set up, everything unpacked and beautifully situated, the gift of a lovely bed, made up ready, towels in the bathroom, food in the refrigerator,  by his wonderful family, now my family....a special gift I'll always remember--Making our first house, a home, for us, young and weary, to come home, to...

My sister-in-love and brother-in-love, Denise and John, helping us along as we started out in life, as a young family, giving and giving, and giving some more.Loving us, loving our children, being there for us in any way they could. Again, the profound gift of example, of loving, caring, or giving.

The beautiful quilt that Denise, made for her mother, made up with transferred photographs of her loved ones, her life, through the years,and my dear mother-in-love, beginning to cry when she received it.

Childhood days in Arkansas, my grandfather waking me before sunrise, to get up and have breakfast with him and my grandmother, get dressed, and go out to milk the cow and gather the eggs from the
chicken coop...later in the day, talking with me, his Sambo, his friend, and playing his harmonica for me, then asking me to play it for him.

My grandmother, getting the cream from the refrigerator, putting it in the butterchurn, and letting me take turns churning it with her, til the butter was done, cooking great big meals for everyone, everyday. Making her own patterns, sewing all of her own clothes, teaching me to make patterns, and sew, and giving me a love for all things simple, and all things home. Being my friend.

My other grandmother playing the organ or guitar with me, while we sang together, feeding the birds, and watching them out the window over her kitchen sink, while we did dishes, together, hanging clothes on the line, and working in the garden, together...sitting on the couch with me lying beside her, my head in her lap while she stroked my hair and told me stories of when she was little--right on through my teens.

Cheryl, my aunt, who was, and is, my beloved "older sister", the "clipper", always taking time to think of others, to understand them, to care about them, as she journeys through life. She's given me years, of hours, of friendship--unconditional, tea from the pantry, homemade soups and homemade bread, playing the guitars and harmonica, singing together, sitting in the grass while she worked in her garden and smiled and laughed and spoke to me of life, and beauty, and relationship...one of my most dearly treasured material posessions--she and Leigh (the other side of all the priceless love and friendship I received) gave me, a vintage etching, on silk, of a mother and child, that I've had since I was 16 (pictured above).

My other grandfather, whose house I practically lived at when a child, as he and my grandmother lived one block away from us. He loved art and music. I treasure the hours I spent talking with him, asking him question-after-question about life and the universe, hanging out in his studio filled with art books, pencils, paints, his ancient 8-track tape player, continuously playing, while he worked on his latest painting. I have the gift of a beautiful painting he did for me (and my family has others). I had given him the photo of a sturdy pioneer woman, and in his eyes and through his hands, pencils and brushes, she somehow metamorphosized, into a regal woman in an elegant gown!

My 3 younger sisters, always accepting, faithful and true, understanding friends to me over the years. Beautiful women, that love their husbands, their children, motherhood, and home. Far away, yet always there for me in a heartbeat, if I were to need them, and right by my side as much as possible when I'm able to make a trip, back  "home". My precious brother-in-love, Paul, going out of his way to swing by--from Wisconsin--while out on business, to take the children to *Chuck E Cheese* to talk and laugh, eat all the salad and pizza they wanted, and play all the games they'd like, to love them--'til their eyes are rollin' and they're ready to head home, and give them yet one more precious memory, with their "Old Pal".

Chubb's birth. Months of traveling while pregnant with 5 little ones, our cat getting hit by a car--me discovering it--barely alive, feeling turned inside-out-and-upside-down, moving into a new house and trying to make it a home one week before he was born--at home. So incredibly tired from the difficult days leading up to the birth. My
sister-in-love, Susie, there with me at the birth, so sensitive, so gentle, so kind, sitting beside me on the floor, massaging my feet, loving me, mothering me, from her tender heart.

My dear friend, my mother-in-love, teaching me to love unconditionally, to give and give, and give some more,  to think the best of everyone, and do good to anyone when it is within your power to do so. Through the giving of herself,  she has led me to become, so many things, I never was, before I knew her.

My dear friend, Doreen, bringing cookies and bread, for all different occasions, with so much love. Making quilts and wall-hangings, for me, and for everyone she loves.

The gifted and caring ob-gyn, that God blessed me with. After two birthing center births, seven  home births......came a hospital birth--a c-section. Everything completely foreign, me scared, fragile, crying inside (and many times outside), leaving my littlest ones for the very first time, drowning in concern for my unborn baby, my womb no longer a safe place.....A special person, taking the time to show love and kindness to each one that crossed his path. He listened, he accepted, he patiently explained, he held out hope, and when the moment of birth--unlike any birth I had ever experienced, came, he walked alongside me; before, during, and after (thank-You, God... I'll always be grateful) quietly, in gentleness and understanding, bringing my daughter into the world, then allowing me the gift, of all the time and space I needed, to transform my birth and the hours following, into something of peace and beauty and joy. "Let the farmer give his corn, the miner his gem....the poet his poem." Truly, one of the most precious gifts, of my adult life.

My beloved friend, Heidi, listening, listening, praying for me, while I made my way through, this time of growth and change (and many others besides, in years gone by), and responding with the gift of a beautiful song she wrote for me--yet another priceless treasure.

My beautiful friend, Glo, sewing the gift of a quilt, for my very first daughter, Rosie (as a *welcome to the world*, gift) with a Rose in the center of each block. Paul, her love (and ours, too) picking oranges for us, off the tree at his mother's house in Florida, boxing them up and sending them all the way to us, with one of his wonderful letters. Paul entirely by himself, putting a new roof on our house.....the two of them never looking for, or expecting anything.... Just always freely giving a portion of themselves, and lovingly accepting a portion or ourselves, in return.

My dear sweet children, daily lavishing upon me, the gifts of their drawings, their paintings, their poetry, their songs, their unearthed treasures from their endless explores in field and forest and along the ocean's shore. The things they cook and bake, and the many thoughtful cups of "tea". The smiles, the hugs, the kisses, the "I love you's", that come from deep inside them, carrying all their hearts hold, for me.

....The only gift, is a portion of thyself......

Rest on Sunday.....My little Corner of the world

A Simply Lovely Life

My busy little corner of the world........

Valentine's flowers from my beloved
Treasures from the children
Lots of ever-changin' stuff, for.......

Reading
Writing
Sewing
Knitting
Homeschooling
Book-making
Project planning

Rocking in my favorite chair and.............

Enjoying the earliest hours of my day, alone with God
Praying
Reading my Bible
Writing in my journal
Musing and Meandering
Listening to music
Enjoying a cup of tea....
With a bit of the afternoon dessert the children have made
Takin' a quick moment to catch my breath....
And enjoy a big glass of cold water, after walkin' my road
Holding and loving little ones
Singing
Nursing sleeping babes
Sewing
Knitting
Visiting
Cat nappin'
And dreamin'......

Have a wonderful Day :o)
I'm makin' my way into a beautiful one, too.
Lovingly, Jewels

A Few of My Favorite Things

 A Simply Lovely Life.

This lovely mobile was my Christmas gift from the children. It's made of driftwood and seashells. I just love mobiles, and this one is such an interesting beauty. I enjoy it everyday! 

Of course you can see one of my VERY MOST favorite "things" there in the background, reading her book---She too, is a REAL interesting beauty!!  And do I ever enjoy HER, everyday!  :o)

Another favorite thing is watching a little one learn to sew. Sophia's learning.  She's been sewing her own skirts and wears them so proudly. She's sewing little things she calls "pockets", which are (sorta) square pieces of layers of fabric sewn together and  decorated with big interesting buttons and swirls of machine sewing. They're really creative.  I want her to make some as wall hangings. 



Here's a photo of Sophia in one of her sweet skirts, that she made last summer.  Her little buddy--Aimaija, is waiting patiently for Sophia to get to the point where she's makin' her some skirts, too. Til then, she'll just have to be content to hang around in her big bloomers, I guess. Go, Sophie, go!   :o)



Another of my favorite things is watching a child learn to knit. I guess it's more than just watching them learn to knit, though. I love to see that God-given wonderment within every child, and how it serves as wings, enabling them to f-l-y!

I marvel at how they automatically love to learn, learn, learn, and endlessly create, and in their hearts believe they can do anything, which with time and materials, a little modeling and instruction, and lots of loving encouragement, they can!  I love the fact that it's all about the process with children. They get lost in the magic of the process.  They forget about any and everything else 'round about them--yesterday, tomorrow--every fiber of their being is engaged in their all important, all encompassing project of the moment, be it 5 minutes, 5 hours, or 5 days of engagement.... eyes  transfixed, their breathing slows, they bite their tongue as their concentration peaks--It really is so beautiful--every single time. 

Each of the children have learned to finger knit at around 4 to 5 years old, and then have moved on to knitting on large wooden needles they've  made with me, from dowels sharpened with a pencil sharpener and sanded smooth, at about age 6. 

Aimaija, is a beginning finger knitter, but as she and Sophia are the best of buds, together continuously, and Sophia is knitting away on 2 needles and even circulars, now. Aimaija is **dyin'** to jump ahead and **really knit**!  Sophia knits, and knits, and knits "(she's been bitten by the bug and is now smitten!) . Relaxed on the couch-- with her legs propped up on the big wooden table in front of it, in the car, she gets herself quite happily situated, and knits away.

This said, Aimaija has now taken to "knitting" each day, with 2 pencils, and to her, she is doing something of incredible significance--to me, too! She's been doing it for a couple of months and hasn't tired of it yet, though it's *all* about process, and all of her hours of effort haven't produced a single *product*!  How beautiful, to hear her little voice cry out each morning----Where's my "knitting"?!  Meaning of course, where are my 2 pencils and my string! 

Let me tell you, this wise mama clamours to look under the couches and chairs, in the block baskets,  here, there, and everywhere, 'til her knitting is found.  I know the projects will most likely be freely flowing, one day, and I want to insure my  fair share of toasty warm sweaters, hats, shawls and socks...... when I'm an old(er) granny, shivering with cold from poor circulation :o) :o)  You go, Aimaija, go!!



This pottery candlabra is one of my very favorite thrifting treasures.......which leads me to another favorite thing--candlelight. 

I so enjoy candlelight, in the dark of morning, during breakfast, on rainy days--throughout the day, at the evening meal--with the table set-- while the food is still cooking. The house smells delightful and everyone is excitedly awaiting Big Papa's arrival home and the cacophony of smiles, conversation, hugs, good food and drink, stories, and the evening, together, that will follow...........



And yet another favorite thrifing treasure--actually discovered on 2 different occasions, is this family of elephants; the mama, the papa, and baby.  Especially lovely to me is art in various mediums and forms of expression --- drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, music-- depicting God's inconceivably wondrous concept of the family, and the relationships within one, however large or small, at whatever stage and/or season of life and growth it may be.





Seashells......I'm really fond of seashells, I always have been, even long before I was privileged to live by the sea. Some of my most treasured gifts have been the simple, thoughtful gift of a seashell/s. 



And lastly, is one of my especially treasured and appreciated favorite things. This was a gift, made for, and given to our family, by perhaps the dearest, most loving, kind, and thoughtful friend anyone could ever dream of, or hope for--this amazing puzzle clock!  It's beautiful and it keeps perfect time! 

This beloved friend is one of those fast movin', fast thinkin', folks that takes on challenges that most of us would shudder at the thought of, while fleeing post-haste!  We treasure having it, to remind us of him each day, and the immeasurable gift--of all the love--the time, the care, the listening ear/s, the laughter, kindnesses, encouragement, the chinese food, the pizzas, oranges, ice cream, he even *single-handedly* (yes, single-handeldly in about 2 days!) put a roof on our house!! (which I do have a photo of that I almost put up here, too, but I didn't want ot risk the possibility of jeopardizing this good thing that's been goin' on for so long! :o) ...... that he's so faithfully, unconditionally, graciously and freely shared with all of us, for the *entire life* of our family.



I hope you have a wonderful day.
Lovingly, Jewels