Additional Jollity

I'm sure you're tired of me beating this dead horse (of saying how much I'm working on my bunny book), but I've been knee-deep and ran against the clock of publishing my said bunny book, and if I were on a schedule with a vast publication, I would have failed in the olympic degree. The answer in short, no I did not finish the illustrations. I know when I am efforting therefore I felt procrastination bubble up allowing for the emotion in consequence I listened to my Mermaid Inner Being. Let us crack on, shall we? Thank goodness I am a sovereign lady. The ability to dictate my career has its advantages, as I focus on my vibrational output, wherein everything I undertake, I settle upon all determinations. At this juncture, I will feel accomplished if I reach book production by 2023. At this phase, I'm living on strong tea and vile victorian sarcasm. It's a real skettle of fish round' these parts, my dear hearts.

In these, my "Carters Chronicles" or "Not So Penny Dreadful Tales" (utilising whichever of the two you so choose. Actually would you mind telling me what you like better) are mere prattle at best. I set you right to acquire the taste for my silly larks. Understandably one day, I'm quite the profound bright spark, whilst the next, I am a thorough church lady of blitherings—a true testament to a Pisces way of life. 

There is a beautiful (one of the many) Victorian museums in the UK where I saw the sign for staff which I loved, and inspiration knocked, so I made my version of the poster. Do you like it? If you enjoy the bit o' wit, you are welcome to print it off for your enjoyment. 

Jeffrey Shawn skived off work yesterday, and having him around brought out my anticipatory thoughts of when I shall retire him. Solely knowing his presence is somewhere in the vicinity is all the tonic I require to feel immersed in comfort. He's here at the cottage, albeit he may be in the adjoining chamber playing the guitar or scrutinising a repeat broadcast of Yellowstone; I comprehend the art of appreciation, do you? I fully understand Jack or Jill, who may feel a bit of plight in reminding themselves to appreciate the granted beauty in those general moods and daily pursuits. Daily quests and amusements can be mundane, and having lost a child; I dare ne'r take bestowed moments for granted. 

As of late, I have run about like a chicken with my head cut off. But, oblivious to the carnage of the world and its wreaked havoc, I consciously choose to live in a spirit of friendly surroundings. It best suits me, and I have quite the fun in "Taking Joy" daily. During the days leading up to Christmas, I slipped on my wellies and went about the woods, collecting a bit of spruce and holly branches. Then I dug through some old receptacles in my dad's smithy (welding shoppe), which guided me to an old confederate jasmine vine, which I turned into an advent wreath. It was in the exhilaration of representing dear old-fashioned lifestyle icon Tasha Tudor of which I possess an affliction. Subsequently, I spent a little time wrapping Christmas gifts for my mum to give to her nieces and a few for family members. I used natural paper jute twine, fresh holly branches and evergreen sealed in red wax. The labels are from the office supply store. I tea-dyed them (sink of hot water and boiled tea bags of about ten large Lipton. They must be the Lipton brand; otherwise, you will have an unfortunate case of orange paper unsuitable for anything other than the rubbage bin.) Set them in the oven to dry. I placed them on a cookie sheet and fixed the temperature to 200 degrees for approximately ten minutes.

I've been working regularly on my next episode for Patreon. I found an old bedraggled Victorian lampshade at the charity shoppe in which I'm positioning my particular style with a twist of mermaid enticement. Stay tuned for an excellent outcome. This picture appeals to beguiling you into signing up for my Patreon series. You'll appreciate the others if you enjoy videos like those I've shared openly on YouTube. 

Here is the first and second layer of the stitching on the victorian lamp shade.

I placed on hold of the olive green wrap prairie dress (1850) for a few days running as I collected some green silk to line my velvet cape. Today I commenced, and I am back at stitching. I find such pleasure in hand sewing, not so much in machine sewing. My cape adorned and enveloped me when the days of nippy temperatures arrived. I am now plotting to collect a black or navy velvet to make a cape that would better suffice me for average days. A lightweight, it will look nice for spring. I also received wool for the Victorian swimsuit I will make for summer at the seaside. I have a few other irons in the fire, and for now, I will close. May today bring about all the happiness you deserve. My fondness for you abounds. 

Oh, and before I skedaddle offline, I wanted to share my new design for my pop-up email list. Isn't it charming? 

Take Joy! 

"Books and desk are essentials, "meat and drink," and wherever most convenient for use, would be best."—Anonymous, 1883. "Queries," Table Talk, November 1883, p. 390. 

Most affably yours til my next swim Lady Raquelxxx