Scents of Thankfulness

We might be right out of pumpkins about now, here in New Zealand,

 but we're certainly marvelously blessed with so many beautiful fragrant spring flowers. 

I don't personally know anyone who celebrates Thanksgiving, it's just not something that we've adopted in our culture, but I am awfully glad to have learnt about it & the gratitude of the season from my lovely American friends.

One thing about being traditionless, is that you can make it all up to suit yourself & nobody can say "well that's all wrong, what are you doing!"
Flowers are so exuberant, so extravagant, so intoxicating...just because.
Yet,
their beauty is so fragile & so fleeting,
as with life,
we can chose to gather them anyway

...or not. 

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.

Well I guess that would depend on what kind of book it was!
Some books would be like having compost in your pocket or a desert.

I have been doing quite well selling things on Trade me in the past few months & I have found these prepaid bags extremely useful for getting things to their destination safely (especially fabric-like things). I am, however, having a bit of trouble storing them neatly.
Well I was, until standing in a queue last week, I had a sudden grand bright idea!
A use for this clever vintage hanger.
Sorted!

Re-filling the museli tin again the other morning I was reminded of this useful slice. So I measured out more of the same ingredients into a large bowl & made some flapjacks.

It's kept those other two going all week.

I popped the recipe on the kitchen blog just so I don't forget how to make it.
You can find it here if it's useful to you.

Open, generous hearts are such a joy to all those around them.

Two such hearts, are my dearest John & Sue.

I am, quite simply, just their "garden fairy".

We have a wonderful hospice here in Hastings & most peculiarly, we don't publicly fund our hospices (why ever not??!!) so they are reliant for their running costs on the philanthropy & generosity of the community as a whole.

The Hospice Holly trail is run every two years & offers people the opportunity to visit a large number of beautiful Hawke's Bay homes & gardens; there are nine homes, a retreat, a chapel & a unique lunch venue and fete, with a Christmas theme & lots of flowers, in this event coming up at the end of the week!

"We'" have all been working hard to bring this particular home & garden together.

Now, nobody else will get to see this..I bet!

There are only 2500 people coming through over 3 days.
The last "trail" raised over $185,000..isn't that wonderful!

Back in my garden, Abraham Darby has emerged.

On Saturday at a very humble St Matthew's Church Fair Rob found this lovely cosy granny rug & I found the two gold brocade bedspreads. They've washed up nicely & I'll probably sell them on in time.

 I have finally managed to do some sewing again this week.
I bought these curtains ages ago in Palmerston North & I have been able to get a pair of pants & shorts out of the material. It's that lovely heavish satin cotton that wears & wears. I might wear these forever.

 Well my dear friends, you are so sweet to come by & visit with me.
These two so adorable...that's what our friendship feels like to me.
Thank you!

via Pinterest Betsy Clark picture
I have been rummaging around looking for wooden cotton reels.
Isn't this such a darling idea. You can find my Christmas Loveliness board on Pinterest here.

Have a lovely week.

MUCH

 ♥♥♥♥♥