Friday, January 24, 2020

January Musings

Years ago I found the wonderful book of illustrations from Edith Holden entitled The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. And just last year our friend Jacqueline from Cabin and Cottage introduced me to the lesser known book, The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady which is a similar collection of watercolors and notes of the months and seasons. Both are captivating and insightful, and full of nature's beauty.





No matter where I've lived I enjoy taking a moment to gaze out a window or set on a porch to be aware of my surroundings. Some of our homes have lent themselves to this pastime better than others, but I'm taking advantage of the views at this house.

There's a constant busy-ness of the squirrels here; a twitter and flurry of birds, a comical late-night visitation from a family of raccoons, and the parades of Canadian Geese. Of course my favorites are the antics my little chipmunk friends, that often end up with a nap on the porch after many trips to their hideaway with pouches full of seeds and nuts.




I have such an admiration for those talented with the ability to record their daily observations and thoughts with such detail and charm. I wanted to share this precious watercolor of a cold January outing; just a glimpse of this young woman's day so many years ago.




Although I haven't seen rabbits here as yet,
 I did find my cast iron rabbit for a little winter nostalgia.



One of the elements of cottage life is the mixing of prints and fabrics that create a feeling of comfort and practicality. I'm not a quiltmaker, but I do fully appreciate the color palettes and combinations of prints that are so artfully and artistically joined. 








This "Cathedral Window" coverlet was made by my mother-in-law about 25 years ago and it's a favorite in Fall. But I'm feeling very "nature-ly" this winter, so I brought it out to use with my floral print flea market pillows and a large vintage floral needlepoint pillow with a brown background. 








I've enjoyed changing up this little "coffee table vignette" throughout the seasons. This month I'm using some of my old ironstone creamers and a majolica faux bois pear pitcher. The pitcher isn't old, has no markings, but I love how it mimics the color and form of the real thing.













Candlelight is a little indulgence I've had this winter.
 It brings a home-y glow, and chases away the gray of January.


















Hope to see you next Monday evening.






joining in here:

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
 Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters
Create Bake, Make at Across the Blvd
Happiness is Homemade at Blue Sky at Home
Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda
Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away from Home
Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 
 Talk of the Town at Knick of Time
Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode 
Share Your Style at French Ethereal 
Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home
 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 
Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Grace at Home at Imparting Grace
 Create, Bake, Grow and Gather at Shabby Art Boutique
Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge


9 comments:

  1. That book is so cute and looks like the illustrations are really nice. Love to see your bunnies. I am trying to do up a little Valentine's decor to brighten these cold and snowy days. No sun is not good for me. I feel more motivated when the sun is out. I love see the squirrels around here too. They come down and are so busy gathering things to take back to their nests.
    Have a great Thursday.
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Cathedral Window quilt is stunning!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debra,
    The quilt is absolutely beautiful!
    Love the vignette on your coffee table and the warmth of the candlelight!
    Another gray day on my side of the Prairie, as well.
    Thank you for always inspiring. . .
    the pages of your book are exquisite!
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such a beautiful space, Debra! I have the books and love them, too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now that I've been moving around and getting at all those undone projects....I haven't enjoyed the winter...we have squirrels..fat happy sassy squirrels (8) that clean up under our bird feeders. Love your sweet little room, I would spend as much time there as I could! Happy Winter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your new bunny! Such a wonderful piece to gave from your mother-in-law. The colors in the quilt are pretty.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such an enjoyable post Debra! We have a wide variety of wildlife here on our aptly named Forest Ave.
    I so enjoy wathcing them all during the winter months.

    Love that journal and the white rabbit!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I recognized this watercolor right off! I lOVE these books and have both! I first had the Diary, then a few years later, found the other for $1. I was sooo excited. It was a glance and I thought it the same as the Diary I already had and was going to gift it... when I got home and opened it, I realized it was another of her collection. Sorry, I was stingy and my BF did not receive the book. so sad, right? ; ) I love the natural depictions- they are stunning as your place always is too! Thanks for sharing. I have mine laid out, but hadn't opened them. ...I think I should travel thru those month by month! decorate as you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What incredibly lovely books and illustrations/sentiments. Wish I were lucky enough to have found them! Your styling is also fabulous and your porch so welcoming. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinned! xo Kathleen

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you. Feel free to comment, big or small. Be sure and leave your name and blog if commenting under anonymous. Thanks friends

New Posts in Your In-Box