Queen Bee

Bee photo by Pancake Mix, all others are vintage illustrations

Every spring, I always set aside a little money in my budget to buy a few things from the same three shops.   The reason is that I know I'm going to love something from each of them and I may as well have a plan for it so I don't break the bank.  

One of the shops on my list is Unique Vintage and this year I bought this lovely little honey bee dress since it was on sale and I've been admiring it for a while.  In fact, I think I may have grabbed the very last one.

As soon as I placed my order, I began looking for just the right spot to photograph this dress and it presented itself in the form of this lovely field of wild daisies.

Sometimes when I go out to take photos, I'm in a terrible rush.  Very often I snap a few quick pics as I'm on my way to work, but that was not the case on this day.

On this particular morning I had no where pressing to be and I'll admit that I lingered here quite a while picking daisies and watching this storm roll in.  

Clouds were heavy and the breeze was soft making the daisies dance as I walked among them.

I've been all over this big blue planet, and seen some of the most famous and ancient places, but I can honestly say that this little quiet space, carved out against the mountainside, is one of my favorite places in the world.

Can you blame me for not wanting to rush away from here?  Is it so strange that no matter where I go in the world, this is the place that calls me back?

Shopping Info: 1950s Style Blue and White Gingham Bumble Bee Darcy Swing Dress from Unique Vintage

Small Steps

This is normally the time of year I devote a post to past events and my journey of healing and trying to find life after grief.  I'm happy to say that in many ways, this year has been the best in the last four and that I am feeling more like myself in many ways, so much so that I don't find myself devoting as much time to dwelling on what's happened and I didn't feel the need to devote a thousand word post to it this year either.  Instead, I thought I would share some words by Elena Mikhalkova that aptly and simply describe the steps we take on the road to recovery.

My grandmother once gave me a tip:

In difficult times you move forward in small steps.

Do what you have to do, but little by little.

Don't think about the future, or what may happen tomorrow.

Wash the dishes.

Remove the dust.

Write a letter.

Make a soup.

You see?

You are advancing step by step.

Take a step and stop.

Rest a little.

Praise yourself.

Take another step.

Then another.

You won't notice, but your steps will grow more and more.

And the time will come when you can think about the future without crying.

Shopping Info:  Vespa Print Cotton Sundress by AmorDress

Spring Harvest

The garden plot had a nice long winter sleep.  In February, we tilled up the earth and planted our spring harvest plants: peas, turnips, garlic, and green onions.  After many months of waiting, and carefully covering them each time the frost threatened, our peas are finally ready to harvest.  

This morning I stayed in bed hours longer than I normally do.  I am usually up well before the sun, but the temperature was just right for sleeping in and the sound of gentle rain lulled me back to dreaming. 

But, there are animals to feed, as the rooster reminded me, so I rolled out of bed, gave a good stretch and went out to take care of my morning chores.  I don't mind morning chores, in fact I really enjoy saying good morning to everyone, and while I can't exactly tell if they're happy to see me or just happy to see me carrying food for them, I'd like to think it's equal parts both.  

I'm planning a very special meal today as part of a celebration of spring and our first gathering from the garden.  On the menu for today is Ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and cheese and topped with sauteed onions, fresh spinach and peas (still in the shell, so crunchy and sweet!) and some grilled chicken for our meat eaters, with a nice Moscato wine to drink.  

Restrictions have let up (just when I'd given up hope and cut my own bangs/fringe and very badly I might add), so I'm having my parents over today to join us and they have promised to bring fresh strawberries from their garden for dessert.  What better way to celebrate the spring than with the people I love most, my family.

Our turnips have yielded abundantly to the point they have no room to grow, so I'm picking a few of those today too.  I'll par boil these and then put them in a nice Japanese curry for dinner tonight.  I might even try to sauteé a few of the greens to add to our ravioli for lunch.

All these months of tilling, planting, fertilizing, and covering the plants from the frost have not exactly been something I would call enjoyable.  It's been work, but work in the best sense because it has been meaningful and now has yielded not only fresh, healthy food for my family, but being in the garden has become my happy place.  And I have no intention of stopping with the spring.  

I'm planting these sprouted tomato seeds today.  If I put them in the compost, they should sprout nicely and be ready to go into the garden in no time at all.  If there is one thing I have to have each summer, it's homegrown tomatoes.  I can hardly wait!  And it just wouldn't be spring without some fresh peas from the garden, still wet with rain.

Where ever you are in the world, and regardless of whether or not you have your own garden, I hope you'll join me in setting aside some time to prepare a wonderful meal of fresh veggies, raise a glass and toast the ones you love in this season of new life.

Shopping Info: Summery Sense Blue Stripe Cami Dress from ChicWish, veggies provided by nature

Lavender & Cream

Violet Linen Dress from Sondeflor

Eyelet Embroidery Ruffle Cuff Tie Back Blouse

PaperBag-Waist Pockets Shorts in Fuchsia

Buttoned Surplice Neck Embroidered Eyelet Top

Bettie Page 1940s Lavender Purple Scalloped Peep Toe T-Strap Carlie Heels

Sydney Lace Blouse

Rose Gold & Purple Hot Rod Sue Cat Eye Sunglasses

Croc Embossed Tote Bag

Dolly Dress Solid Lavender from HeartsandFound

Wild Violets

I love finding unexpected gardens in the forest.  Little places planted long ago by someone whose name has been lost in time.

 Or perhaps these little gardens spring up on their own from seeds carried there to that perfect spot.

 I feel like I spend so much time searching for or trying to create beautiful surroundings that I miss the ones that are right under my nose.

And speaking of noses, this whole little clearing was thick with the perfume of these blossoms.  They are not wild violets, actually, more like members of the phlox family, but ever so lovely.

It was nice to linger here a while putting flowers in my basket before heading home.  These wild flowers are so hardy, they'll be a bright spot in my kitchen window for many days.

 I suppose once they're gone I'll just have to venture back here to pick some more.

Shopping Info: Dress from: SHEIN

Woodland Wandering

You never know what you might find when you wander out for a walk in the woods.  

You'll likely see some squirrels and maybe a chipmunk or two.  The deer are rather shy and the foxes are shiest of all.    

And you'll have to be quick if you hope to catch a glimpse of a rabbit.

But, I can always count on seeing at least one woodland friend and that is my little (big) dog who always drops whatever he's doing (or rather drops what he's chewing on) to come on a walk with me. 

Down the dirty road, he stops frequently to rest and feel the cool stones against his belly,

Across the tall grassy fields, we walk together

Until we come right back around to our own little house in the forest

And that is where we stay.

Shopping Info:  Collectif Clothing Vintage Eliana Ethereal Woodland Swing Dress from ThredUp.  Use my link and save $10 off your first purchase at ThredUp