Niggles

Good day, my dear darling mermaid hearts, 

I am so happy to be back to writing to you once again. My heart feels so light and so delighted.

 

"I cannot rest; I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me, it is a stronger desire than ever and settles on the queerest things." -Beatrix Potter.

Jeffrey Shawn and I have done a tiny bit of gardening. Last evening, as we were watering the corn, we noticed the beautiful golden corn shooting its magical silk, and what a wonder. It is so rewarding growing a lovely garden of flowers and food. 

I have been repainting the cottage walls a pretty green (which I call a little English sweet pea), which reminds me of England and the lovely, quaint, cosy cottages in the countryside. I have it halfway completed. It has been quite busy here, as I have also been working on completing Mum and Dad's little guest room. I built some faux beams; however, those still need to be installed. 

However, I did finish the faux wood technique on all of the trim work, baseboards and crown moulding. I found this pretty light from the Facebook marketplace for $25. It looks as if the original owners turned it into a plug light by adding a lamp kit. However, I disembowelled the entire lamp and removed the kit. It may not look like much, but it is rather stunning and Victorian in its glory. I can't wait to place her in Scarlette Rose Cottage, as it will suit very well. 

I spent last week removing several pieces of furniture from the cottage; therefore, I don't feel so squeezed tightly like Scarlette Rose in the hole of a cypress tree. It was a much-needed pursuit as there was a little bit of a niggle where I thought I needed to release negative energy. I meditated and then sat and painted more on The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies. I have focused on keeping things in my life relatively simple and calming. I am devoted to a simple old way of slow living, and I've made it a purposeful pursuit.

Have a lovely evening. I will chat with you tomorrow. Toodle-Pip!

Most affably yours til my next swim, Razz

 

Carter's Chronicles And The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies

Good morning my dear mermaid hearts,

 

At the weekend, a fortnight ago, Jeffrey Shawn and I worked in the garden. We've been planting loads of shrubs, emerald grass and boxwood at the front of Carter's cottage (see them placed strategically). Here is a picture of my parent's cottage (it was my paternal grandmother's), and my folks bought it from her also (giving her a life estate). 

The below painting is from a current dream I had and what I envision the cottage to look like at a future juncture.

I am placing the cart before the horse, yet I was caught up in the excitement and called Endureed last week to have them give me an estimate on a Somerset thatched roof for Scarlette Rose cottage along with Carter's Cottage (my folk's cottage). I've set the appointment with the strategic specialist. I will report back and let you know what I uncovered. I will collect prices on Scarlette Rose Cottage and my folk's cottage (Carter Cottage); as one day, you can rest assured I will have a flagstone thatched roof cottage. You heard it here first. Can you imagine a thatched roof covering the home in beautiful flagstone with green shutters and French casement windows all around?

And then a stone wall surrounding the perimeter, oh my! It reminds me of when Tasha Tudor (at 57, no less, and by the time she was 59, she moved into her home ) first moved to her 40 acres and began plotting Corgi Cottage. Simply knowing Tasha was up at an age when she finally landed in her forever home gives me high hopes for my own. I must confess to you why I have spent these last few years preparing to transform my folk's cottage. Their home is surrounded and shaded by several tall live oaks and a few laurel oaks. Some may find it curious why I would invest so much of my time and money into their home when we do not know what is in store for our future in a definitive way; nevertheless, I reason that their cottage is the portrayal of my two books that are to be released next month. Not only am I using my imagination of their home conjured up through pretty little visions for the books I've written and painted it is how I perceive things through my visionary lens. It's quite vital to living in the present moment of NOW. I've invariably benefitted quite well in all the homes I have ever dwelt in, and although i did not officially own them (except for two), it was never a regretful notion that I spent such efforts. The (Universe, God, Higher Consciousness, or Spirit) will always reward our actions when we are appreciative of present moments yet eager for more.

As I sketched and drank loads of tea at the weekend, I put on Tasha Tudors Take Joy DVD to play in the background to fuel my inspiration. 

I have been baking homemade bread for over thirty-one years; however, I am baking my first loaf using Tasha Tudor's cookbook today.

Look at my pretty Victorian tea box; isn't it swell? It arrived, and I am chuffed to bits. It is so beautiful. I am on the hunt for an original key to fit the lock, and I performed a bit of research to which I have also learned it had a small thin piece of brass on either side that was at some juncture yanked off, and it needs some new little knob replacements as well. So I have thought about making it a small episode for Patreon. I have many broadcast episodes planned, and I've posted my ideas on ye olde social media.  

Today I began hand-sewing a new prairie dress; I sew in the evenings whilst Jeffrey winds down after his work day. It's quite lovely and romantically quaint. 

Also, if you're interested in what I've been up to as of late, I've begun posting actively on ye olde YouTube channel again. I'd love to see you and let's have a prattle. In addition, daily, I share stories on my Instagram and post how I remain occupied.

I would love it if you were to follow me on Instagram or Facebook, where I will be keeping those up to breast on the release of my newest book, The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies.  

Most affably yours til my next swim, Raquelxxx

The Art Of Distraction

When in times of uncertainty it might appear to some that I am a wee bit silly to write about such things such as what I’ve been doing to improve the cottage for the foundation {The Carter Settlement}, what books I’m reading or how I’m finding joy while being at home. However, the power of focus is, well, ‘a powerful thing.’

How To Make A Wattle Fence {For Your Victorian English Cottage Garden}

My dear friends,

Today is being spent indoors; garden planning with my dear ol' spirited friend, Beatrix Potter.

Yesterday, the weekend, and today, I'm using my time wisely, as today marks a week of daily rainstorms. The frogs love it, with their croaking and ribbiting. This is how I imagine the frogs in this type of weather. Dear Ms Magadalene, isn't she a sight with her apron, and bonnet atop her head?

How To Prune An English Victorian Garden

My dear friends,

Won't you pour some tea, and let us have a visit. I have to tell you a short story. So, you know that I am married to a gardener, my beloved gardener. He's really a horticulturist/landscaper.

Perseverance {How Landlocked Gardening Taught Me To De~Weed}

 My dear friends, 

Yesterday I spent the day in the front garden planting lovely new flowers that my BG {Beloved Gardener} surprised me with as an early Easter gift.

I am constantly thinking, especially when occupied in my pursuits.

As I began to dig, there was unveiling evidence of small cobblestones all throughout the patch of dirt where I was to cultivate. When gardening, before you start, you lay out your plants to see where they will look nice. There is symmetry, height, width and sun availability to take into consideration.

So in my tenacity to spade exactly where I had laid out the flowers, my thoughts about gardening twirled into a metaphor about life.

I could have easily surrendered, to look for other spots in the garden to plant those flowers because the place I was digging was beastly. It took me twice as long, and I was exhausted by days end.

How often do we see other folks in the face of adverse circumstances or lack of determination seek the easy way out; looking for a quick fix or short cut? Perhaps, I should speak individually on this matter. I have seen oftentimes where folks want to skip the arduous work as an entrepreneur, or artist, in order to relieve their plight.

I find that folks want to ride the coattails of others, instead of spending the efforts, necessary time and years to put into the work of success all on their own.

I know the world is made up of NOW, and we spend quite a bit of attention on the arrival of successful individuals. Too often we don't see all of those voyages that were lengthy, tear-jerking, and disappointing.

For example, I have seen a friend that wrote 5 books and spent nights crying because she was hoping that 5th book would've been picked up by a traditional publishing company.{Good news, she finally did get published and they both turned out to be New York Times Best Sellers} Or the woman spending years going on auditions to only get picked over for parts time and again. Those are the moments we don't often see, we see the arrivals-the big breaks, the highlighted reel.

I believe it takes many folks years, and I would hope in the future that we see more of the voyages, so as to inspire folks that are in the beginning/middle stages. I do believe it would create a visual of encouragement. 

When folks skip steps, they are missing all of the beautiful aspects of what will one day be so meaningful for them. The fact that they didn’t give in or surrender when there were 'cobblestones' in their way. They didn't seek easier, softer soil, and the universe indeed rewards that immeasurably. The flowers will be symmetrical and have height variation. It will be a living, breathing colourful pallet of wonder. 

It would’ve been more facile for me to move the flowers to the back garden, but in the long term, I would’ve regretted it. I would have had to transplant them from one bed to another for lack of sun, constantly worry about the chickens demolishing the new growth, and have to put up wire fencing to keep the ladies from eating petals.

How often folks do this same type of extra work because they wanted to skip steps, take an easier route, and not work arduously for their success. In the end, it’s so much better to play the long~end game, receive true accolades from within because you know you did all the work yourself. The reward: you’ll have a gorgeous garden of flowers.

There's going to be days, in fact, mostly that your garden will look like rubbage, you'll have no blooms and there's an enormous amount of weeds to pluck.

We need to stop looking at other folks gardens, comparing it to ours. It's an easy trap to look upon their blooming flowers, picturesque {social media worthy photographs} and then get down on ourselves because ours looks less appealing. 

Give yourself time, remember your voyage is your own. We aren't seeing all the time and effort they put into their garden. All of the years they've spent time weeding, cultivating, learning, researching, and digging. The times they didn't go out dancing with their friends but stayed home on weekends to work in the garden. You aren't seeing behind the picket fence, you're looking at what appears externally. 

Don't be so hard on yourself, and surely remember to keep your head down and work on your dreams. When you do this, you'll find you have no time to even notice another woman's garden/success, because you'll be too busy accomplishing yours. 

Before you know it, you will be the woman with the beautiful garden/success story.

I shall write again soon.

Most affably yours til my next swim, Raquelxxx

Gardening At Staffordshire Cottage

My dear friends,

Good morning! Might you pour some tea and let us sit and have a little visit.

 Did you have a most extraordinary weekend? Over the weekend I worked mostly in the garden while the chicken ladies strutted about. I let Oliver about in the garden for the day while I pulled weeds, cleaned the chicken coop, and raked up limbs and debris.

My Quotidian Pursuits At The Cottage

Hello lovely friends,

These past few weeks have been full of all sorts of particulars. Let us have tea, shall we? I'm sipping some green tea {I am forever in need of an eensy bit of natural caffeine} with buttered biscuits {nothing fancy, the utmost simple Bisquick recipe} and the remaining bit of my strawberry preserves from last summer. 

I have managed to capture some delicate photographs as I've been really trying to create a much more lovely portfolio of imagery. I think I am well on my way to having never taken any professional photography classes. What do you think? 

I spent several days cleaning and deciding on a few lovely pieces of furniture for the cottage. I love the refinement of the Victorian Ornate era, but I also love the simplistic primitive humility of a little plain cottage.

I spent one whole day cleaning out the kitchen cupboards, drawers, pantry and guest room. I made 3 trips to the donation center. I must say I feel so refreshed and the energy is full and bustling through the cottage as if there's anticipation of wonderment to ensue. 

I rehung several of my iron skillets, revived a few that were rusted. I also found a new one that I picked up at the thrift store. It's the perfect size for a few scrambled eggs for breakfast mornings.

My BG and I spent time at the fresh market. I am always admiring their displays. It has such a quaint ambiance about it. I believe its the dim lighting that creates a moodiness effect.  

I found some yummy Walker butter shortbread cookies for my tea. I am sorely addicted to those cookie biscuits. I can't help myself from eating the package in its entirety. 

I have gardened and walked this little row of pebbled rocks so many times and yet I came upon these three hearts and I was so tickled to know that I was being blessed by the universe with my most favorite of signs.

More playing with my camera, lighting, and angles. I have not a clue what I'm doing but this is my place of creating and figuring it out as I go along. I hope you'll be patient with me as I find my way.

The gardener and I have been sleeping on a certain side of the bed. I have an injury in my right arm and my BG wanted to switch sides to see if he fared better too. Do you have a certain side of the bed you sleep on?

This week I stripped the bed and started fresh. I donated all the old comforters and sheet sets to the thrift store and picked up a new set at TJ Maxx with a high thread count. We now have one sheet set and I have always gone with white, for white is very versatile. I can bleach them and hang them on the clothesline. There is nothing more refreshing than the faint smell of fresh sun-dried linens.

Some brie cheese tossed in the oven with a touch of garlic and olive oil. I also toasted some sourdough bread in the oven with some freshly grated parmesan cheese. This to me is a meal in itself.

I spent some time on the internet looking for a china teapot to match some thrift store plates that I picked up for a few dollars. I am seeking a bone china teapot, and truly want it to match. I love the softness of the pink in this plate. Soft pink is also one of my brand colors, so I love using it for flat lays and styling.

courtesy of pinterest

I kept Jayne Eyre the movie playing in the background for almost a solid two weeks. When I am working I play the soundtrack at nausea. What type of music do you enjoy?

courtesy of pinterest

Blue is another of my brand colors so I like playing with teacups as they are one of my favorite things to collect. I think I shall eventually gather my bearings on a signature style that is all my own. I did some cookie baking this week. Lemon poppy seed cookies, they are not my favorite, but its variety I seek. I won't be making these again for quite a long time.

When organizing and purging, I take everything out and then sort through. I ask myself these three questions as I hold the items: Do I love it truly? Does it hold a negative memory or energy for me? Is it useful?

The Gardener and I went driving and he helped me seek places to scout out for photo shoots for my blog.

courtesy of getty

I wrote a quite eloquent author proposal for the Mercedes Benz dealership. I am shooting the photos for it this weekend, if the weather permits.

Florida weather has a peculiar way of teaching its residents a sense of adapting to the fickleness. Just when we are getting comfortable, the temperatures rise or we get rain showers with an inconsistency. The mugginess is definetly something to get used to.

I hung some photos of precarious gentleman folk in the hall, and painted up a few silhouettes of the gardener and i.

I made the gardener his tea. I love to try all sorts of different kinds. loose leaf tea is my favorite. We have a darling Teavana tea room in the mall about ten miles away from the cottage. I love to go there, smell and taste the samples of the day.

Yard sales and estate sales will never elude the gardener and I, even if we never buy a thing it's still so much fun to window shop.

Our Brandywine tomatoes have finally stopped dropping, but I can say we had the best bounty we've ever had. They were so wonderful. I had sliced tomatoes and cucumbers every day with my black eyed peas and johnny cake cornbread. The most perfect southern meal to be had surely.

This was an image, as well as the one below I found on Pinterest and its a great inspirational piece for a painting I'd like to paint this week. Do you keep secret pinterest boards?

I ripped apart a bunch more fencing and I plan to patch the pieces together and create a makeshift desk so that I can have a surface to sew on.

I'm purely desperate to get my hands back to smocking, embroidery, and sewing some beautiful summer dresses. I found a wonderfully soft weaved Pima cotton, and I'll be making a shirt out of it with ruffled sleeves, pearl buttons, and a peter pan collar. 

Heres my pile of original victorian clothes that I've collected over the past few years that need to be mended. I have such a pile, I think I may be forced to find new uses for them, as they seem to find themselves in the mending pile more so than I am able to wear them. They are in constant need of being tended to. 

Heres another cabinet {below} that holds medicines, vitamins and essential oils. I aged labels from the office supply store and then used my quill pen to calligraphy on the bottles. 

Here's a TTT {Treasure Trove Tip} when I had to start all over from scratch and I no longer had a supply of old bottles, I made sure that whenever we bought new spices, I'd always buy glass. I then would age the lids with paint to make them appear like they were rusted, and soak the labels off. The metal file drawers were one of the few things that my ex-husband mailed down to me so I stamped some labels with rubber stamps for the bottles. The oils and gummy vitamins are always being used up so I keep them in the same bottles and just hide those in the metal drawers.

 I spent many hours working on my book author proposal so that I can afford to pay for my 13 city book tour. I think it's going to be so much fun, that I can hardly wait. 

How have you been spending your spring thus far? Ihope your'e having a lovely time. 

If you havent signed up for my newletter "The Current" I'd love it if you did. I'm working on a giveaway for signing up, but I havent thought of anything spectacular yet. Do you have any ideas? I'd love to hear from you. 

How To Dress Like Tasha Tudor {Victorian Style}

 My dear friends,

I am having some earl grey tea and buttercream cookies. The cookies are Danish, which I happen to fancy, as I have Dutch descent.

January Beginnings

Hello friends, 

 I keep quite busy on the weekends spending time in the gardens, tending, preparing for a new growing season, working and completing many projects. As you know owning a home is a constant go of busy. I was heading out on one of my morning walks and noticed my neighbors were getting a new fence installed, so I asked them if I might could have their old fencing. They happily obliged. I have been breaking apart the panels and using them for all sorts of projects, such as a little house for Oliver, some signage to decorate the cottage with, a shelf and a hat rack for all my hats. 

Another photograph of a repurposed old sundress I made into an apron.  

I spent a few hours removing all the rusty nails. I didn't throw them out though. I am going to reuse them, as they already have that rustic aged look. (heh)

 I picked up a few things at the thrift store. A basket for .75, vintage dress for 2.00. After trying this sundress on and wearing it for the day, I have now decided to turn it into a skirt. I love that its linen, so I always feel linen is a great purchase. The way it fell upon by body I wasn't too keen on, so some ruffles and pleats will surely make it desireable to wear more often.

Picking warmed by the sun fresh heirloom tomatoes from the vine to prepare salads for supper. 

I could never wear lace skirts enough. I think they flow and I feel like a magical princess when I don them.

I go to the woods often. I found some bark and some straw to create some homemade tinctures for my art papers. I infuse and dye them before I paint upon them. I also charge my water with crystals for that extra whimsical touch. 

This is the selected photograph that's been chosen for the inside of my book jacket. I have been asked to create my author bio, but I havent started writing it yet. Who would've known it'd be so sticky to encapsualte my whole story into two~ hundred words.

Yours til my next swim, Raquel