What a special day for England today! The Royal Celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 90th Birthday. Her actual birthday is April 21st but the Queen has a second Birthday celebrated in June as the weather for the outside activities is usually better. Ah yes God Save the Queen and please don't let it rain! :) I for one love all the Pomp and Circumstance! Acutally my husband calls me the Queen of our house, so I think we all should celebrate two days a year for our Birthday's.. Right! For me it would be simple.....one with the Family and the second in the month of September in England in the English Countryside. I would return to the Cottswold region and the town of Burton on the Water. It was there we stayed in a lovely Bed and Breakfast, The Cranbourne House. We have so many wonderful memories of walking through the fields on a path to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. We walked by the Old Mill as well as visited a little Museum and an adorable gift shop. As an avid reader of English Home and enjoying so many beautiful photos of sites in England, being there was absolutely incredible. I still close my eyes sometimes to visualize that amazing day. Ok back to reality! In keeping with the Celebratory mood across the Pond , I will get some fresh yellow flowers for the table and later make a cocktail of Dubonnet and Gin with a slice of Lemon under the Ice! That's said to be her favorite cocktail, so Cheers to the Queen! Here are a few of my favorite shots of England......We were fortunate enough to be visiting in Sept of 2014 and the Palace was open to the Public for 6 weeks. We enjoyed the tour and was sorry she couldn't be there for Tea but felt quite Special to be in her hallowed halls! ;)
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Over the past few weeks I have been attempting to step up my game and become more acclimated to the land of Cyberspace. You know the cutting edge platform where stating your opinion to every conceivable thought you have throughout the day regardless of interest, demand or actual validity becomes a necessity. I thought that I was up for the match but now questioning my ability not to use the word amazing over and over again and be a big Bore to the obvious super people that speak every breath everyday to impress.
First off, I think Facebook should have the name changed to FaceOff. Certainly a better forum for the group of people whose ideas, opinions and Soul Searching are put to task each day for the purpose of recognition and gaining impressive votes of solidarity from other Facebookers in the form of Likes.... Right!!! What is truly Amazing to me is the competitive debates and smart answers that could possibly become a new Olympic Sport around the World! Wow we wouldn't have to even meet and sell Souvenirs as the masses could hold the games on the Net!!! An amazing Concept! There I go again two amazings and headed toward the third. Well here it is ... I am truly Amazed that the upcoming election shatters all records of shame for this Country. Possibly our Forefathers might say ok lets find a new place and start again as this is getting old. The criticizing of all who run, compete, sell news and complain that the Government is corrupt is actually becoming funny to me. It's sad with all our advances in Medicine there is no cure for this epidemic. The compulsion of these "netters" is to reek havoc and have no set idea, because as the weather there is no control. Just when you think you've got the world beat with critical thoughts, there is yet a new challenge. The conclusion to my two minutes of rambling is this....... people can't connect dots because that would show a simple approach and one that wouldn't amaze everyone with Sensational doubt. So plain and simple my motivation is to create with an ingenious attitude. It is not to conflate the ideas of others, in a reenactment that might confuse even the originator that is being emulated in the first place. Translation: sharing personal fun exchanges with the only concept as being entertaining. This past week I decided to start a new project and sew a white eyelet skirt for myself. Sounds simple until you take into consideration I have never made clothes! I actually have not sewn in years and even back then made curtains and simple home items. With everything I attempt, comes a saga and yes this one actually reads like a Romance novel that takes us from Florida to SanFrancisco to Sicily to England and then back to Florida. Ok ... Hopefully I have you hooked and you'll read on.
Let me start from the beginning.....I purchase a simple pattern, beautiful white eyelet fabric, elastic for the waist, thread, and receive lots of well wishes from the girls at Joann Fabrics. Next I come home and set up the sewing machine on the kitchen table and lay out the Pattern . This project is so easy, theres hardly any instructions. Im already envisioning wearing the skirt to Dinner that night! That is till I realize my scissors aren't sharp enough to cut butter! I call my nieghbor Addie and she says come over and we'll look through her stash of sewing supplies. Thus starts the travel in this excursion. I walked next store and she's in her Garage taking out boxes and going down Memory lane. You see her Aunt was a Seamstress who had lived in San Francisco. When her Aunt passed away she brought her sewing supplies that had been at her station where she had worked, back home to Florida. We looked at her scissors, and an extra set of eyeglasses that were in there as well as assortment of pins, needles, markers, etc. that brought back happy memories of how creative she was. Of course a few more minutes of conversation ensued about Sicily (where her Aunt was born) San Francisco and the magic of simply sewing in such beautiful places and how desirable it must have been. At this point we walked back to my house and she helped help cut the pattern. Well again, being that it was so easy makes it that much funnier that we kept second guessing everything we did. You create problems when you rethink everything believing it has to be more involved. We finally cut the pieces and I'm ready to sew when I lose the thread from the bobbin. Next comes out you tube for a video of how to rethread the bobbin and the saga continues. Ok done... and I stitch the sides. Im thrilled and next open my sewing basket for needles to pin the hem. I immediately look at all the pkgs of hand sewing needles I have that had been my Grandmothers and all of them were made in England. Of course this led Addie and I into another round of memory lane for me talking about my relatives in England and how we both could'nt get over the pride and detail even in the pkg of simple needles. I also shared with Addie the memories of when I was growing up and all the beautiful curtains and items my Mom made for our house. Now you are getting the picture as Im weaving so many details of this story and one of two things has happened: 1) Many people have clicked off out of OMG this one has too much time on her hands! or 2) Some are praying that the conclusion is coming fast....Right ;) Well.................Im happy to report Addie pinned the hem for me and I finished it today! But wait...............one last thought In closing...... Im so happy that a simple summer project to sew, led to a special memory for Addie and I to enjoy. A[place in my mind was able to go back in time and feel like an afternoon spent with those who meant so much to us. Thanks, Grandma Charlotte, Mom and to Addie's Aunt Connie! We were blessed to be in great company! While reading my latest issue of English Home, I came upon this picture and a lovely article on Shepherds Huts. It was at that moment I truly realized how much I connect to my English background! I love English style and find a little Pomp and Circumstance even in the woods, very appealing! ;) Simply stated, I'm not the camping type! Its not that Im putting it down, rather realizing after several attempts that its far too stressful!!! I don't like bugs, and yet they love me. They swarm and then feast on my pale skin. I'm then left scratching for days and trying to breathe clearly from some other allergies I was subject to and the saga continues! At any rate I was pleasantly surprised by the thought of having a Shepherds Hut. A quaint trailer like facility that I could retreat to inbetween for some relaxing . You know sit back read a lovely magazine, enjoy a cocktail with Pandora music in the background to drown out the bug and frog sounds. Ok I do like natures sounds but usually running water or the sounds of rolling tides in the ocean. What I do enjoy most of all about outside activities is cooking on the fire and setting up a picnic atmosphere. I like a pretty tablecloth, fresh fruit, lovely salads to go with the grilled meat and usually a pasta dish served room temperature. A favorite of mine is Linguine with peppers and tomatoes. A simple delicious pasta dish that will tempt all appetites. Here's how to make it: Fry yellow and orange peppers in olive oil till tender. Cut fresh tomatoes in chunks into a bowl deep enough to hold both peppers and tomatoes. Over the tomatoes cut some fresh basil and sprinkle a little salt and pepper. Then pour the peppers with the oil( there shouldn't be too much perhaps 1/4 cup and then let sit for a minute.) The hot peppers will help release the juices from the tomatoes which becomes part of the sauce with the olive oil. Toss with the pasta and serve room temperature. If traveling keep in refrigeration or on ice till your grilling and then by the time the grilling is complete your pasta will be just perfect. As Im writing this Im laughing as my husband Rocco always asks why not a simple Hamburger or Hot Dog as Im creating a moveable Feast! I always say its in my English blood the picnic festivities look grand! Ofcourse Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day we have the traditional barbeque with Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad and Beans, washed down with a cold Beer or Cider. With apple Pie for dessert and marshmellows on the grill we're all American! All things considered its the best of both Worlds. The thought of having a Sheperds hut in my yard would be a dream come true. I could think of so many great activities I could use it for ....Painting, Sewing, Reading, Yoga, Meditation and of course an afternoon tea with some friends. Ah yes those helpless romantic feelings creating or enjoying till the first bumble bee desends on my grand atmosphere. Ok I'm putting this out there for the good laugh you'd all get if you could see me reacting to flying bugs. I truly want to be a country wilderness Lady but perhaps a screened Gazebo next to the Shepherds hut would be a welcome addition as well!!! LOL I love watching Family Sagas especially those that follow rich people! ;) On March 6th after 6 Seasons it was most difficult to realize the Crawley Family of Downton Abbey was bidding us Goodbye. Although it has been a limited series with long waits between Seasons, it has been fabulous. I looked forward to Sunday evenings and my visit with this fasinating group of people. Of course Maggie Smith playing the Matriarch was indeed impressive! Her quick sharp wit kept everyone on their toes, and me laughing out loud everytime! I would sometimes use her lines on my family and it always was hysterical. There's something about the truth stated clearly, with consise appreciation for the moment that is truly English demeanor!
Julian Fellowes created a series that enhanced everyday life with the pomp and circumstance, only the British can pull off from their Castles. Adding Jim Carter playing the role of Mr. Carson as the head Butler was the icing on the cake. His formal English drawl and precise concern for every detail was brilliant. Everybody should have a Mr Carson and the World would be a better place! Now as your reading this your saying to yourself she really believed they were real and sounds obsessed..... you are absolutely Correct! It has been quite some time that I have been entertained with such style. Having watched Dallas, Dynasty, and Knots Landing, makes me a veteran of Serial saga! To me the unique difference between British "Soaps" and American counterparts is that simple life experiences aren't considered boring in the ratings; rather depicting a culture that has been preserved by tradition and protocol . My favorite American show is Blue Bloods. Once again following the Reagan family and their values and being filmed in NYC is tops for me. In all Countries there has been a shift toward sophisticated hi-tech suspense and for me these shows are difficult to follow. I actually find it hysterical as the need to learn the remote abilities has been detrimental to be able to replay scenes over and over to connect the ideas. Actually admitting that Im challenged by the writing, yet score Tecky on ability to function with a smart TV in some ways is great Right ;) !!! Moving along........... The latest British TV series I've enjoyed is The Last Tango in Halifax. A great show that brings two retired people together after 50 years and a relationship blossoms and they marry and then work on blending the two families together. I have to admit part of my enjoyment is they are shot in the Countryside and the scenery is magnificent. In making a final comparrison to life in Europe and the States is that a movie about a homeless woman parking in a London Playwrights driveway for 14 years seems odd until you cast Maggie Smith to be the homeless woman. The movie is Lady in a Van and will be interesting to see if it recieves any nominations. Another funny note to end with is if a Woman in the US is regarded as a Madam or Dame it usually would be met with a scowl; yet in England is noted as a significance of stature and protocol! As always," Godbless the Queen" !!! I have just finished a make over of my office at home and wanted to share the new look and introduce Mirella! While out shopping one day, I spotted her and knew immediately she would be the crowning touch to my new space. I have always admired Mannequins and love the feminine touch they add to a room. I happily purchased her and then came home and had the most fun getting her dolled up!
A simple black pashmina draped as a skirt and a lovely lace scarf were the base for her savy style. Loving all that sparkles with Romantic appeal came my Tiara as a choker and then several strands of Pearls for charm! A simple white hat with my black fasinator on top added to her sophisticated flare! The only thing missing is an arm so she could have held a Martini! LOL Her name Mirella is Italian and prounced Mee-Reyl-lah rolling your R's. It means to admire . I decided not only is she beautiful to admire but she also brings out the creativity in me. With that said my decision to make her my Silent Business Partner was made. It really is perfect, I do all the talking and she is always dressed for Success! Here she is and a few pictures of my new creative space. We all have many memories that are brought to light at times and then quickly dismissed for the next thought or idea. The challenge to create, expand and compete to prove we have escalated to a more purpose driven life seems to be the priority of so many. The Gold seal of approval whether in athletics or acting is supreme. For many others everyday tasks are a joy. I fall into the latter preferring the experience to the event. The take away sensation in my heart feels the same as many awarded medals . I often discuss with my family the need to isolate the moment and share the feeling of it, dismissing its ranking level. OK OK I will get off my soapbox before you click off, and simply celebrate Mama, her memories and most of all her fabulous Meatballs.
Although not with us today her memory is one that I will forever treasure. Whether it be a familiar smell when i'm cooking or shopping for vegetables at the farm stand, can spark feelings of so many special times we spent together. She and my father-in-law lived in Brooklyn and we were living on Long Island and they would come out for weekend visits. It was always so much fun cooking, shopping, and just listening to the stories she would share with me of her childhood. She lived her life with the joy of pleasing her family. She was creative, thoughtful, and diligent to the family needs. She stayed focused with the changing times and adjusted her momentum without the need to be heard from a new platform. On our trip to England and Italy I thought of her often. Both Countries seem to preserve their cultures in their original make-up. There is less of a tear down and rebuild attitude, replaced with refurbishing the original state. We found this in both Architecture and Food. Their buildings and villages reflect years past and are sought out by so many tourists to glimpse tradition still in existence . Meals follow this tradition as well, with basics and simplicity carried out, savoring the experience as a course in its self. In Italy, as well as my mother-in-laws kitchen years back Macaroni and meatballs were followed by another course of meat and salad and then a dessert of Demitasse (espresso) and pastries with fruit and nuts to complete the meal. She said Sunday's were about family, meatballs and good conversation. Her home reflected her heart and I am so happy to have a few of her pots and dishes. She also crocheted baby blankets and sweaters for my children and made a beautiful lace top for their bassinet . Remembering the taste of Mama's Sunday meatballs is an experience that I will forever Savour! She truly was a Golden gem! The beauty of the English Countryside is best enjoyed on foot. Taking walks along paths and discovering the natural beauty and listening to the sounds and feeling the breeze in the air are truly uplifting to me. Photos capture the scene but walking the countryside implants the experience in your heart to forever relive the moment in your mind. I practice meditation and reflect my holiday memories as my focus.I sit quietly and close my eyes and feel the memory come into vision. Walking through a path from Bourton on the Water to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter provided me with beautiful refections to treasure. After a lovely English breakfast we sat with our inn keepers and asked for a local destination to go by foot. They suggested the Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter that could be reached by a path nearby and about a three mile walk to the Mill. We set out for the path and stopped to take the photo below at the gate. Once again just being out in the open Countryside on foot made the experience for me a complete feeling of freedom! My mind had no worries only to breath the air and take in the beautiful scene around. As we walked further we came upon a horse out grazing and we walked over to introduce ourselves and a lovely couple took our picture! As we continued our walk we heard Church bells in the distance and remarked how perfect the moment felt with the sound of the bells. It was like experiencing a beautiful dream with the scenery and soundtrack in sync. The Church came into view and once again something out of a storybook set in past years . They were preparing for a wedding, as we saw tables being set with white cloths and centerpieces of bright colored flowers being put in place. I was hoping to see the Bride when I heard a group of men behind us and realized it was the Groom and his Groomsmen. They had on Morningcoats and walked the path to the church. I tried to get a quick photo to capture the idyllic scene. Of course by now if you could read my thoughts I already was planning that my Husband and I coul renew our vows here in that same church and with that happy thought continued on. We next passed a group of people on horseback and more beautiful Cottages. I left this image large as I wanted everyone to savor such a simple beautiful scene. My thought was to jump the fence and sit on that bench and hopefully the owner would come out and join me and perhaps we could share a cup of tea! A pleasant daydream on a fabulous day deep in the English Countryside...doesn't get better than this! Upon reaching the Mill we sat down for a little rest before going into the Museum and gift shop. I took a few pictures of a sweet dog that was playing with his owner and fetching a stick they threw in the water. After a visit to the Museum and purchasing some pretty linens and beautiful cards we started our walk back to our B&B. We enjoyed afternoon Tea that day and shared stories with other house guests.
Here is one of the beautiful gardens of a home on our way back. s I have such wonderful memories of our trip to England and driving the Countryside to the Cottswolds region. We visited many villages with honey colored cottages and shops, that made me feel like I was back in time from a storybook I had read as a child. Bourton on the Water is known as the Venice of England with its many Bridges and Waterways.
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The day we were leaving Ivans wife Fabiana came to say goodbye as well. They made our stay so memorable! Yes Sorrento is a piece of Paradise we will visit again and of course stay with our "adopted Family"!
"We live in a World today where Lemonade is made with artificial flavors and furniture polish is made with Real Lemons. " Alfred Newman
Dee's Response
"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making new discoveries" AAMilne
Dee's Response
To disguise disorder with distinguishing optimism is the art of a brilliant mind!
“Prettiness fades after a few years, but elegance only increases with age.”
― Anne Gracie
Dee's Response
Well Said! My only response is that deep set wrinkles are not signs of aging...rather the true depth of your character and achievements! Go Maggie Smith!
We had plans to visit Brooklyn the next day(Sunday) and see all the Antique places, so Saturday we would stop at Murray's Cheese Shop, an Italian store, stop for a nice lunch, and just enjoy the West Village and its charm. I had just heard that the Vintage Cookbook Store Bonnie Slotnicks had closed and relocated to the East Village. I had been visiting with her in October when she told me of her Landlords decision not to renew her lease. She had been hopeful that he would extend it, but unfortunately she had to close on Jan 27 and was now in the process of making the move. On my next trip up I will visit the new shop and post pictures!
As planned we hit the Cheese Shop, Italian store and perused the many shops along West 10th. We stopped for lunch at a small Taco restaurant and really enjoyed the food and ambiance of its small size but authentic feel. With the rents in New York being so high I am amazed at what they can fit in the tiniest spots and how cozy and brimming they feel. We started with Guacamole and chips and then ordered ordered Tacos with Chicken, a Spicy Cucumber Salad and Mexican Corn on the Cob with mayo and Cheese. Everything was very fresh and very tasty.
It was a fun day and I will leave you with a few pictures of City Dogs!
This was my first time attending a show of this caliber. There were 2800 vendors that had just about everything you can imagine from Home Goods to Gifts and then some. I thought the Artisan side was fantastic, and got to talk with several vendors from England. One in particular had the neatest objects made from paper products that were carefully stitched together. She had Tea Cups made of old Post Cards and Ladies Shoes that were so attractive. She used old Vogue patterns and even made a Sewing Machine. Her name is Jennifer Collier and here are some pictures of her work and some others taken through out the Show.
Regards,
Denise
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