Easter Blessings

I have always wondered where "Happy Easter" came from quite part from the odd assortment of bunnies, eggs & chocolate! 

So here I wish you every blessing this Easter. Thank you for visiting.

May you "see" beauty, feel gratitude, know the Saviour...

My best word this Easter is simply Thank you!

I found this passion flower growing on a fence last week

The flowers are so remarkable & were named by missionaries after the passion of the Christ not actually for the delight of the fruit

The 10 petals represent the disciples (without Judas & Peter)

The filaments known as the corona symbolize the crown of thorns that Jesus wore.

The 5 stamens represent His wounds 

And the 3 styles, with flattened heads, the nails that nailed Christ to the cross.

The vine tendrils are said to symbolize the whips used to scourge Jesus body.

Delights of Autumn Produce

 

I have been experimenting with roasting the peppers & tomatoes for chutneys & relishes..really improves the colour & intensifies the flavours. And also using things like lemon juice & white balsamic vinegar. 

Quince are so beautiful..& fragrant..think I'll make some quince paste over Easter.

 Taylor's Gold pears & a russet cooking apple

 Camelia Sinensis..the tea plant..but what a gorgeous flower!

passionfruit & raspberries..surely food of the gods

I am picking a bowl full of raspberries daily...heavenly.

Succulent Women & A French Affair

We just loved the Hereworth "A French Affair" on Sunday.

Dear Kerian of "Sweet Mary" acclaim (& my inspiration to the world of blogging)

Here with her beautiful things.

Two gorgeous sisters: Francene & Jeanie who create exquisitely crafted loveliness &

share a grandmother "Gertrude Jane" who inspired & gifted their talents from home & a childhood in Nuhaka.

Francine's swarvosky crystal,pearl & crotchet creations.

Delightful for bridal adornments & other beautiful occasions.

Just adore these wee jackets made from "upcycled" woolen blankets.

There's something so comforting & nostalgic about these dear old things.

A few members of my blanket stash.

Cute play tents.

 Click the picture for the link if you're interested.

On Sunday afternoon, upon popping in to Pak & Save I came across these for $3

Almost perfect don't you think Kerian : )

Amazing Figs

Figs are so fascinating & really easy to grow

This is a delicious thing to do with a few figs:

Add some orange juice & some honey or raw sugar (rapadura is nice) & either a cinnamon stick or vanilla pod

simmer gently with the lid on for around an hour

then about another 1/2 an hour with the lid off until the liquor has reduced & gone all thick & syrupy

absolutely divine with thick Greek yoghurt & raspberries (hide in the fridge)

William Morris & Grace Sanderson Thomson & coincidence

My maternal great-grandmother Grace Sanderson Thomson

Coincidently, the essence of my vintage passion can be found distilled in these exquisite Sanderson fabrics.. "the colours of yesteryear" as a dear old Indian lady once said of them.

I have more recently been drawn to the life & philosophies of William Morris (1834-1896) leader of the "Arts & Crafts Movement" ; a social dynamic that emerged in the search for authentic & meaningful styles for the late 19th Century.  Reacting to the soulessness generated by the industrial revolution a group of English designers & writers started  a return to well made handcrafted goods as competition to poor quality machine made products. (nothing's changed then!)

William was a social activist, artist, designer, typogragher, creative writer, poet, language translater & stained glass artisan...he established Morris & Company the forefounding company of Sanderson & Sons that produce my beloved fabrics.

William Morris is most often quoted as saying "Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful"

William Morris Thistle wallpaper

The Affirmative Alphabet

Where did we get the word associations from that we are all so dedicated to?

What if when someone said "So is that F as in F for Frank?"

we said "NO, F for friendly or fabulous or feisty or 

of course Fynn (nearly 6!)

wouldn't that be 

so much more interesting!

 

Dear SARK author of my much loved Wild Succulent Women makes these suggestions:

Click to read the words a little more easily

Dolly Pegs & Vintage Linen Wreath

I saw these wee dolly pegs on a lovely blog My Faerie Window recently..so had a rummage in the peg basket for some time worn candidates & made these dear little sweeties.

Sshh..they're sleeping ; )

Loved a wreath that I spotted hanging at the door way to Linen's To Love in Napier a week or two back so had a go & made this...cute idea.

Summer Garden: come & sit a moment

Thanks for visiting...wander past my angels trumpets...their scent is

 exquisite & help yourself to some raspberries on the way

....come down the garden path 

and sit a while...I'll make you a cup of tea : )

A Special Day the 1st of March

Kaitiaki is 4 today yay!!!

Vintage Inspiration: Calendar March

I do!

March picture..just lovely.