Thursday 2 April 2020

My favourite things . . .

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These are a few of my favourite things.  Maybe some of them are yours also!  A few of the things which catch my eye, inspire me, pluck at my heart strings, make me smile, intrigue me or that I just plain enjoy. I hope that they will do the same for you.   
 
 
 
Lilacs.  They smell so beautiful.  The very first apartment my first husband and I lived in was bordered all along one side of the drive with an old lilac hedge.  I brought armfuls into our little apartment when they were blooming. There is also a huge lilac bush adjacent to the front deck on mom's house. Mom used to love sitting in her rocker looking at them.  My sister often brought some into the house for her. I guess we all love lilacs. 
 
 
 
White pillow cases, especially if they are adorned with embroidery or lace.  They make me feel  like a princess. 
 
 
  
 
 
Children's poems.  I have always loved poetry. 
 
 
  
  
Thatched cottages.  Well any cottage really.  Did you know that there is a thatched playhouse on the grounds of Chirk Castle? 
 
 
  
 
 
Words of encouragement, quotes, etc.  I collect them. 
 
 

 
Tina dropped a few bits on the doorstep for us yesterday. Included was this lovely little plant pot filled with viola.  What a beautiful mood brightener and they can take the place of the Primerose which has now been replanted out in the garden. I guess I just love having something pretty to look a on the windowsil. 
 
 

 
White gardens  . . .  there was one amongst the many gardens at Sissinghurst Castle down south.  

 
 
  
 
 
Visiting National Trust Houses and Gardens.  The National Trust owns quite a few properties of historical value here in the UK. When families could no longer look after them they handed them over to the National Trust to care for.  These homes and gardens are national treasures and glimpses into another way of life.  If asked to pick a favourite, I could not because I always enjoy visiting all of them. 
 

 
 
 
Doll houses.  This one reminds me of the one that my childhood friend Susan Warburton had. We used to play with it for hours. 
 
 
  
 
 
 Polka dots.  On anything, but especially on clothing  . . . 


 
 
Ceramic pitchers and wash basins  . . .  I made one for my mom a long time ago. It is decorated with wild roses.  I also crocheted a special doily for it to sit on.  I know she loved them both . . . 
 
 
  
 
 
White, on white, on white  . . . such a beautiful combination. 
 
 
  
 
 
Spring time tree blossoms  . . . the tree by Doreen's old bungalow must be overflowing with them at the moment.  So beautiful  . . . 


 
 
I know I am repeating myself.  White lace curtains  . . . 
 
 
  
 
 
Pleats and ruffles  . . .  this style of clothing  . . .  bows . . .  natural fabrics  . . .  
 
 
 
 
 
Burt's Bees lip balm  . . .  I have a peppermint one at the moment  . . . 

 
I actually love all of Burt's Bees products . . . . 
 
 
 
  
 
Peonies  . . .  I once lived in a house that had a bed of peonies all along the back of it, and hollyhocks all along one side. It was beautiful  . . . 



  
 

Dolls  . . .  once when we went to Germany on a coach trip, the place where we were staying had a doll store almost next to the accomodation.  I spent many an hour looking through its windows  . . . 


 
 
Baroque Churches of Germany and Austria . . .  stunningly beautiful inside and out . . .   
 
 
And those are my favourite things for this week. 
 
How are you all doing.  I keep us all in my daily prayers.  I keep having to remind myself what day of the week it is.  They all seem to be running together  . . .
 
A thought to carry with you  . . . 
 
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˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

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A beautiful day begins
with a beautiful mindset.
•。★★ 。* 。•。★★ 。* 。 
 
 
 
In The English Kitchen today, Shortribs a la Sauerbraten. 
 
 
Have a great Thursday, even if it is only being spent within the four walls of your home. Watch something inspiring, read something worthwhile.  Be happy. . We can do this . . . we have so much more to be hopeful for. Don't forget! 
 
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And I do too!   
 

 
 


 
 



9 comments:

  1. Oh, yes, Marie, we can do this together. I also love lilacs, both the many shades of purple ones and the white ones. Love, love ❤️ the white pillow cases. They are too pretty to be hidden away in a drawer so must be used. They look so crisp and fresh on a summer's bed or tied together with a blue ribbon in a linen cupboard. I love ironing them, too. We grocery shopped today and was pleasantly surprised that the Metro store we went to was pretty well back to normal with well stocked shelves. We found flour, grapes, salmon, rotisserie chicken and lovely fresh hot cross buns (my treat this week) from the bake shop. Oh, and toilet paper! No, we're not hoarding it but we did need some. The powers that be say we should continue to stay home for the next 12 weeks. Yikes! But if that is what it takes to eradicate this awful virus than that is what we must do. Take care everyone. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay cheerful. Hugs and love, Elaine

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    1. I am so pleased you were able to get what you wanted at the grocery store Elaine! I am not brave enough to go out for anything at the moment, but thankfully others are and have been helping us! They are saying here now it could be up to six months. God preserve us! Love and hugs and prayers for health for you both! xoxo

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  2. Lots of pretties.All so cute..a lovely let's change our focus..every morning smacked in the face:(

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    1. I am not listening to the news any more Monique, a brief catch up and that's it. Its far too depressing. I am spending my time doing things that are uplifting and inspiring. Much, much better! :-) xoxo

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  3. There is so much more to be thankful for than not. So glad you are writing each day to let us know your re ok there. Just to have another day is a blessing !

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    1. You are right Pam. Each day is a blessing, and I have always thought that. We can do this. We just need to be patient and have faith that we can get through it. xoxo

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  4. Ah, nothing like lilacs is there? Ha...my dad had to dig up one beautiful bush of them...it had been planted too close to the pipes headed to the septic...and it invaded those pipes!! A vigorous plant it is!!
    I love those white on white designs on fabric too...and nothing quite like cotton is there? Most all my clothes now are cotton...so much nicer with allergies!!
    We are hanging in there...I had to go to pick up meds yesterday...wore a mask, tho it may not make a difference...hubby says it makes others feel better tho.
    Elizabeth xoxo

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    1. They are saying now that over here a mask can make a difference. We may all be wearing them in this strange new world, but we will be in good company! xoxo

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  5. I have told you countless times that I always love your favorite things posts because I like these things too. I Lilacs, white pillow cases, and Children's poems are the best. I love the photos of Thatched roof houses, fun and encouraging thoughts, any spring flowers, doll houses and dolls, ceramic pitchers and bowls, and lace curtains. I haven't tried Burt's Bees products but maybe I will. Sending loving thoughts and hugs your way!

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!