A Nantucket State of Mind

Color 《 couleur 》

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Have

you ever been captivated,

body and soul,

by a scent, a dream, a touch?

Source

Have you ever been

drawn to a color…

Source

…a color that

wraps its way into

your blood vessels…your very being?

Source

A color so subtle….

Source

…yet so memorable…

Source

…as pure as the clearest ocean…

Source

…as thought-evoking as the first blue sky of springtime….

Source

A color that forces you to be an adult…

Source

…yet brings out the child in you every time.

The French

not only have a way with words, and fashion, and art,

they have found a way to

capture our spirit…

Source

….surrounding us with mystery, allure, and pure beauty.

French Blue….

Need I say more?

Source

I am participating in:

Link here

Brave

2013-05-13T11:36:00.000-04:00

Sometimes in life we find

someone who inspires.

Someone who fights

through hardship with

grace and hope.

Someone who

takes what

she has been dealt, and

tries to help others

to understand, instead

of carrying self-pity or anger.

Our 9 year old is that person.

She has dealt with

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

since birth.

Violent vomiting

followed by days of life-altering vertigo.

She pushes through an

episode every 80 days or so.

(We made it to 79 this time)

Then she picks up where

she left off....

...showing us all that

we need to embrace the

good times,

celebrate them.

She also deals

with her

diagnosis of Celiac Disease

(unrelated to the CVS)

in such a mature manner.

Yesterday,

Mother's Day,

we went to watch a Mother's Day 5k

near our house.

This is C after 1 hour of sleep.

She is the one who encouraged us to go

to cheer on our friends.

Sit home and feel sorry? No way.

Rest? Not a chance!

Last night was another round.

Today she is

home from school resting, (as am I),

but it won't hold her back.

She has life to live.

She has people to inspire.

She is so brave.

Almost

2013-05-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

Almost. Soon. Any day now.

These are the words I have been hearing and

speaking for the past few weeks.

The Asiatic lilies will soon

bud up in splendid reds and oranges...

The Lilacs are almost ready to open their vibrant purple buds...

The Maples will soon drop seeds from their chartreuse leaves...

The flock of ferns will soon unfurl and fill in this empty space...

The regal Daisies are bound to have snowy blossoms before you know it!

The Phlox is looking good!

Hopefully the butterflies will return to

its vibrant flowers.

The Limelight Hydrangea

is poking along....preparing

to shine

its glory upon our shade garden.

The raspberry canes

have been trimmed and are flourishing...bringing forth thoughts

of morning picked berries folded into fresh

whipped cream.

The Lupine is reaching for the sun,

ready to give us a pastel display that Monet would have yearned for....

The newly planted khol rabi

seems content in its new home....

The grass, in need of a mow,

announces its arrival in inches....

(and a broken tractor)

A few found turkey feathers

decorate a garden post....

a reminder that the babies will soon be

parading through

the yard.

The lavender

is slow to wake...after spending

much of the winter

blanketed in snow...

The Robins

are nesting

on their pale blue eggs,

bringing new life to the season....

Only a nature walk like this could

cause me to change my perspective.

"Perhaps," I now think,

"Almost is Now."

I often find I am looking forward to what is to come:

spring, the garden, the flowers, summer vacation, the weekend, dinnertime.

When in reality, the moment is what has me enthralled, has me captivated,

pulls me by the hand.

Emerson says it best:

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Live for today. Enjoy the little moments.

❀❀❀

Mom

2013-05-04T20:54:00.000-04:00

I have decided to help all of you out with

what to buy mom for Mother's Day this year.

But, I am going to approach it

in a very selfish manner.

I am going to share selections based on things I love.

After all, I'm a mom,

I love gifts.

It works.

Love this sign.

K and I are are both teachers, so this is our mantra!

Visit Stacy's shop, InMind4U

48.00

Absolutely adore Hoop Art.

So rustic, so in touch with nature.

Carolyn Manning at fuzzystitches

is so talented!

I need to learn to stitch!

10.00

Donkey Studio

offers this antique

tin hand-painted wall plate.

I am hooked on birds.

Obsessed actually.

Have been since I was a little girl.

23.98 USD

(This shop is in England)

Ok, so we are moving fast from

small, sweet, homemade gifts to

a miniature home.

But I can explain.

This shed, by Cape Cod Sheds, could house a myriad

of tasks. I could craft in it. Write in it. Dream in it.

We could use it to dry lavender and garlic.

(I mean you could...or your mom...wink wink)

Cost: Hmmmmm...not sure...

probably out of my budget....but maybe not out of yours!

Your mom, wife, sister would love this!

I am in love with these bands!

And so would any mom.

Hand-stamped by Cinnamonsticks,

personalize

with

your kiddos names...or mom, dad and the kids....

so many options!

18.00 per band

J. Crew Classic Flip Flops

My go to every summer forever.

Comfy, stylish, perfect with

jeans, shorts, skirts, swimwear.

26.50

A funny movie is always a good gift.

Something's Gotta Give

is one of my favorites.

I actually managed to watch almost the whole movie

one afternoon when K took the kids on some errands. Of course, when they pulled back

into the driveway, Diane Keaton was buck naked.

Another unfinished movie.

Usually I fall asleep before the end.

So maybe the movie, and

time to watch it would make a great gift.

Of course, I would take Diane Keaton's entire wardrobe from this movie as well.

Or at least one of her white turtlenecks, or the cardigan from the beach scene.

I'm just sayin'....

Check On Demand

Another personal favorite

(shocker)

is comfy bedding.

Bedding that makes you want to stay in bed all day.

(or go to bed really early).

These pretty embroidered hem pink pillowcases

are from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture.

Rachel knows how to do it right.

I have worshipped her shabby chic style for many years.

Pair 109.99

So there you have it,

my top picks for Mother's Day 2013.

I hope I have helped you with your shopping...or have helped you add a few things to your list !

Rustic

2013-05-01T19:43:00.000-04:00

We have had several inquiries about

our rustic fence, so I thought

I would share a

bit about

the fence-making process.

Last spring,

we gathered vines

from the woods.

We call them "Tarzan Vines".

They were quite thick, and

most had to be cut with a hand-saw.

After we had a good selection, we laid them

out across the lawn. K had already

placed the posts in the ground.

The posts were trees from

the woods. A post hole digger,

(and some serious muscle),

was used to

put the posts down about

three feet (or whenever we hit a rock).

We laid out string as a guide

for the height and width of the fence,

and tried to stay within

the string, or a little above or below.

We worked as a team,

one of us holding the vine, the other checking

to see if it fit aesthetically. If it didn't, we tried another until we were

happy with the look.

Then we used 3 inch deck screws to fasten

the twisted vines to the posts.

K also built an arbor with small tree branches from the woods.

We decided to use the vines on the front of the garden,

and wrap mesh deer fencing around the rest.

(The mesh fencing doesn't

even show from the street.)

This was an early spring photo.

We were still working on the garden.

We had also planted

a row of perennials

along the inside of the fence.

We used leftover vines as tomato

cages for the volunteer cherry tomatoes from the previous year.

They produced amazing amounts of tomatoes.

Here is a view from the hill.

We had a terrible drought last summer.

This was late summer...we had finally had some rain and

the grass was starting to green up again.

(This is also the view the street.)

We were very pleased with the results,

and look forward to sharing photos

from this year's garden!

(The photo below was taken

last weekend from our

front door.)

Have you built any garden elements

from nature?

Please share!

Me

2013-04-28T19:24:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Anita from
Castles, Crowns and Cottages
for encouraging a bit of "I am from"...poetry.

I thought I should squeak it in before National Poetry Month ends!

I used the one here as a format.

I am From

I am from dish cloths
and Lux liquid
and Fab.

I am from the house once white, then
"Woodland Green"...now white again.

I am from hide n' seek til the stars
lit the way back to the stairs...
from enough brothers and sisters to have
our own baseball team...
from the smell of fresh mown hay drifting
by us on our hand-me-down bicycles.

I am from triple white lilacs
and long rows of beans to be picked.

I'm from Lawrence Welk on Sunday nights,
and honesty and JPO and DMV.

I'm from the sisters (and mom) with amazing intuition,
from timeliness and quiet contemplation.

From sweet dreams
from stand up straight.

I'm from treat others with kindness
and get a good night's rest.

I'm from England and Ireland
from the Azores...

From ring dings
and dinner
every night at 5

I am from Elm St.
(With only an occasional nightmare)

ok, and I am from socks that don't match....

...and VERY short dresses....

..and from crazy hair that I wish I still had....

Try writing your own...it's a great lesson in reflection.

There have been problems with people replying...position your mouse a little lower than it seems it should be...I am not sure what Blogger is up to! Sorry!

Serenity

2013-04-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

On Sunday,

I spent the afternoon and evening

out in the country, wandering through greenhouses,

chatting with new friends,

playing with flowers,

and sampling

amazing food!

(ok, and a fabulous cocktail or 2)

It was a Kinfolk Magazine

event: A Flower Potluck.

How unique!

Each of us brought an

armful of spring flowers

to a farm owned by

Eva Sommaripa, Eva's Garden, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts

(my hometown).

The weather, more like a crisp fall day than a late April one,

blessed us with clear blue skies

and just a touch of wind.

I decided to attend

at the last moment,

encouraged by my husband who offered

to drive me, as my night vision is horrendous!

For those of us who

love to garden, it was love at first sight.

Rows of garlic, thick and healthy...

and way ahead of ours....

...beautiful structures

around every turn....

....greenhouses as far as the eye could see...

This one was wall to wall with Pea Greens...

soft, lush, and incredibly tasty.

(I believe this is Eva's top seller in the commercial end of the garden.)

Cozy place for a nap...no?

Beacon Hill Bistro's Executive Chef,

Joshua Lewin, with Katrina Jazayeri,

set up a perfect, rustic chic scene in an

open area overlooking the kitchen gardens.

Katrina's talent for

"setting the scene" was apparent....hand-stenciled butcher paper

on the picnic table,

vintage silverware, glass jars with spring buds,

tealights, silver trays full of

"Marie Antoinette" glasses....the details

made the scene

pastoral, and easy.

(Thanks Katrina!)

There was a

simple bar area

set up for cocktail hour...

San Pellegino Orange

Gin

Sliced Cucumber

Fresh, crisp, perfect.

Eva supplied us with

edible flowers...pansies, nasturtium,

and others I can't recall the names of....

Baby lettuce, so perfect,

lay in one of the

greenhouses,

awaiting a local chef's

plan...though nothing fancy

needs to be

done

to make Eva's greens taste amazing.

We scurried around,

picking seasonal flowers,

daffodils and forsythia....

We combined

our new finds

with the blossoms

we had supplied...

keeping in mind our springtime May Day theme...

thoughts of delivering a bouquet to a friend

or a posy to a loved one.

Again, Katrina had remembered

the details,

supplying us with canning

jars and spools of twine to allow

our arrangements to

seem

part

of the landscape.

Josh delivered an afternoon

of culinary delight,

supplying us with

fresh, local flavors

from Eva's gardens.

We nibbled on the crusty bread, gravitating towards the

fire as the sun dipped down,

bringing a chill to the air.

It was a treat to watch Josh preparing

our meal in Eva's massive brick oven.

First a Chilled Spring Greens Soup, topped with

Shy Brothers Cheese (one of my favorites...love their Hannahbells!)

The cool, crisp flavors, melted with the cheese, creating a creamy, palette pleasing experience.

Whole Chicken Poached in Plugra and Fenugreek,

cooked in the brick oven, was amazing. The crispy coated chicken,

perfectly cooked, and fork tender, was accompanied by

Brussel Sprouts with Sumac and Apple, and

Wood Roasted Fava Beans

Piment d'Espelette.

I am looking forward to cooking our fava beans this way...

the beans had loads of flavor. The French infused spice

gave one of my garden favorites a new slant.

We also had bowls of fresh greens

which I think had a warm

dressing drizzled on them.

I left a bit earlier than the others,

yes, just as dessert was about to be served...

I believe they were creating an

amazing crust in the outdoor oven, with cheese and fig and raisins...

not sure, as I think this was a last minute creation.

I was tired at this point, my toes were frozen, and

I knew I'd be getting up at the crack of dawn, as school vacation

had screeched to a halt. And my lime green chariot was awaiting me.

It was a lovely afternoon and evening of new acquaintances,

beauty of the natural landscape, and

proof that simple, fresh ingredients,

can change the way we look at

food. ( Of course it helps if you are an amazing chef.)

Next time (hope there is a next time)....I would love a chance

to pick Eva's brain...when to plant, where to plant....how to expand,

how to know what direction to take. Eva gave an amazing description of bronze fennel, its flavor, the intensity of its flower, the ability to use the pollen as a condiment...

now that's what I need to know!

And just when it seemed it couldn't get

any better,

all proceeds from this event went to the

Greg Hill Foundation

and will be directly distributed to the

families affected by the recent events in Boston.

Now this is Serenity.

Progress

2013-04-19T09:59:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy week.

We set our goals high,

and as I walked around this foggy morning,

I see progress!

The house still looks

tired from a long winter...can't wait to

see it surrounded

by blossoms

and greenery!

Nature has decided to give

us a little gift,

buds on the Maple trees!

This Maple has a hole

at the bottom.

I think we probably need to fill it.

But on this foggy

morning,

as I wander my

yard with Boston (50 miles away) on my mind,

I dream of little mice in tiny coats

using this

hole as the

doorway

to their

castle.

We have made so many

piles like this.

So many branches down.

The lavender is showing signs of life.

Some branches have been cut.

We are trying to do a little everywhere.

This is the first year

I can say that this property

is a lot of work for the two of us.

The storms have really made this difficult.

We will get there.

It just may take longer

than

I had hoped.

The grass is slowly greening up.

Cleaning in front of the stone

wall was a half day project.

The Asiatic lilies

are happy to be out from under their winter blanket

of leaves.

They always put on a lovely show.

We raked leaves in and around the garden

for a day and a half.

Then we had a rich, organic soil

delivered

to top off the beds.

I'm leaving the shoveling to my son and

husband...when we filled the beds two years ago, I

threw my back out....and don't want a summer like that again.

We did have sunny days.

Lots of them.

The weather was perfect for yard work.

Perfect for digging and raking,

...and dreaming....

...and perhaps a soccer ball or 2 in mom's perennials.

This old soapstone sink sits as part of our

sunporch entrance.

I think I may straighten it a bit...

but I just can't seem to part with it.

The lilacs are budding....one of my favorites...

I trimmed the ivy on the wall...

yes, it's pretty, but it's

so strong, it damages the wall if we don't control it a bit.

This one makes me very sad.

My window box fell during a heavy snow.

Buy one...or build one....

It's all good...it will get done...and

before you know it, I will

be sharing photos of

lush gardens.

For now,

think happy thoughts, say a little prayer

for Boston.

Tasty

2013-04-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

We are always

looking to make a good

gluten-free baked good.

In our area of the country,

you just can't

get good gluten-free baked goods.

(no cross-contamination

due to Celiac)

I found a recipe for

gluten-free apple "cupcakes"

on the Cup4Cup site.

(I did add a little cinnamon)

recipe here.

(But we made a different frosting)

Note: You can also use regular flour

The original recipe

calls for a

whipped goat cheese frosting with

bacon sprinkles, which sounds heavenly to me...

but not so much to a 9 and 14 year old.

(and the 9 year old is the one who must

eat gluten-free)

I thought a caramel, drippy icing

would fit these nicely.

Which I must report it did.

My 14 year old ate 3 at a time.

He's the pickiest.

Score!

I would absolutely make these again.

The recipe filled a 12 slot cupcake pan (regular size),

and then I poured the remaining

batter into a small glass pyrex

and made a small cake!

My Caramel Icing:

(sorry it's not more exact)

Melt one stick butter over low heat.

Add 1 cup packed brown sugar.

Stir constantly for about 2 minutes.

Stir in about 1/4 cup evaporated milk (can)

Continue stirring and bring to a boil.

At this point, I let it cool slightly,

and then I start adding sifted (a must)

confectioner's sugar.

If you want a runny icing, use less sugar.

If you want to be able to spread,

add more sugar.

(I used about a cup)

I whisk like crazy,

but you can

also use a hand mixer.

It hardens fast,

so use right away.

Hint: Sift the sugar ahead of time,

as you will be stirring.

❀❀❀❀❀

Where to purchase: I buy mine at Gilt. It is a bit pricey, (sorry Cup4Cup), so

I wait for free shipping events, or discount codes, and then buy several bags.

It's a great mix, and so versatile. You will definitely want this in your gluten-free pantry.

I believe Williams-Sonoma may have it as well.

Grab a Cup of Tea...Time for a Meet and Greet with Pauline Wiles

2013-04-16T08:17:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago I was lucky enough

to read author Pauline Wiles' latest novel,

Saving Saffron Sweeting,

in advance of its

official release date.

The author pulled me in immediately

with her fabulous character development,

and attention to detail.

Pauline successfully connects two worlds,

allowing us to leave the states and enjoy

a trip abroad, (with lead character

Grace Palmer),

to the quaint English village of

Saffron Sweeting.

I felt an immediate connection

with Grace, admiring her independence,

her kindness, and

her sometimes tumultuous,

sometimes, (tastefully), steamy

journey of the heart.

I was incredibly privileged to

ask Pauline several questions

about her novel:

What motivates you to write?

My biggest goal is to entertain my readers. With earlier, shorter pieces, people told me they liked my voice and quirky (British?) sense of humor. When I realized that writing came comparatively easily to me, attempting a full novel was too tempting to resist.

How do you develop characters from conception to interactions within a story?

From the bare bones of a story, it’s usually obvious to me that certain characters are necessary to support the main character’s journey. I make sure that everyone is there for a good reason, with something to contribute and often, a challenge or dilemma of their own. For all main characters, I follow the traditional approach of sketching out who they are and how they got to this place in their lives. And I’ve now learned to keep a spreadsheet with all the little details, so that inconsistencies don’t creep in. As a reader, I notice when someone’s hair changes color in the middle of a book, so I assume my readers will too!

Is there a character in Saving Saffron Sweeting who you connect with the most?

I have to admit to being a lot like Grace, although happily, my husband hasn’t cheated on me (yet). But I envy Amelia’s breezy attitude and her direct, go-getting approach. And I have a soft spot for Peter, who owns an antiques store and wears cashmere sweaters.

Country Girl or City Girl? Why?

I’d have to pick Country Girl, but keep the city within reach, please. I love English pubs, country walks and National Trust (that is, historic) houses. But the vibrancy of a city attracts me too. There’s nowhere better for people-watching.

What's your favorite way to relax?

I’m a reluctant but dogged runner. My husband and I trot a few miles together most weekends, which I love as he’s a captive audience for my nattering. And I adore Zumba. Those two together are the ideal antidote for my other big loves: cake and cheese.

Will you be touring/book-signing?

Yes, my online book tour starts on April 22 and the stops are listed here:
http://www.clpblogtours.com/2013/03/saving-saffron-sweeting-by-pauline-wiles.html

I’ll be happy to sign and send a label for the front of a paperback to anyone who contacts me. And I’m also on Authorgraph, which allows readers to request a signature for their ebook:

http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/PaulineWiles

Kudos:

Saving Saffron Sweeting has reached the quarter finals in the Romance category of this year’s Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award www.amazon.com/abna !!!!

I give Pauline Wiles novel, Saving Saffron Sweeting: ★★★★★

Excerpt:

“I'm not sleeping with her. It was just one time. One stupid bloody time. I'm so sorry.”

“I don't believe you. You knew about that god-damn purple wall.” I was looking around wildly, seeking my escape route. I didn't want to be in the same room with him.

“All right, so I happened to see her bedroom! That doesn't mean anything.”

“No, it means everything.” I was sobbing now. “It means I'll never trust you again.”

I wish I'd had the panache to storm out of our apartment in an expensive cloud of Chanel perfume. I wish I'd owned a Louis Vuitton bag to grab on my way to check into a luxury hotel, where I'd instigate a passionate revenge fling with a nineteen-year-old bellboy. Unfortunately, I clambered off the sofa with pins and needles in my legs and tripped over my blankie instead. Then I trailed soggy tissues across the floor and locked myself in the bathroom, where my only company was a dog-eared copy of National Geographic.

I had followed my British husband – and his job – from London to California, but my own attempt at the American dream had flopped. I'd been working crazily, had failed to see my marriage falling apart, and felt like a total fool.

I certainly couldn't afford to kick James out and stay in our apartment on my own. My so called business was barely breathing. I had no idea how many months or years of scraping by might be ahead of me, if I attempted to build a list of design clients who weren't going to thank me by stealing my husband. Did I have the energy to move out, find a job, and rebuild my life in the fast moving world of Silicon Valley? What the heck was I doing in this country, anyway? All I wanted was to crawl under the bed covers and hide, preferably with a packet of imported Cadbury's biscuits.

In the small, mocking hours of the next morning, I found myself unearthing a suitcase from the closet. With safety, seclusion and comfort food as my primary motives, I booked a flight home to England.

(If you would like to purchase, click any of the links within the post.)

Gifts

2013-04-15T08:25:00.001-04:00

I have been so lucky the

last few months.

Some of my favorite blogs

have been

gifting items.

So I have put my name in,

and I have felt like my birthday

has been extended indefinitely!

Remarkable for me!

First I was gifted

a gorgeous

European enamel house number

(from Ramsign), by the sweet Kelly

at Coastal Cottage Dreams.

It has taken us forever to

hang it, as husband

kept asking me to wait for

the snow to be gone.

Which has finally happened!

Doesn't it look pretty?

Be sure to visit Kelly for

great decorating tips

(love her beachy painted stairs),

and she crafts homemade candles!

She amazes me with her energy and

project ideas!

Then I was gifted

this hand-crafted, hand-painted

pillow by Carol

at Art and Sand.

Carol was kind enough to stencil it with

my theme word for the year: "Reach".

Isn't it gorgeous!

Please visit Carol's blog, and encourage

her to open up shop. She is incredibly talented!

She is so motivated, sewing, gardening, painting....you name it

she does it!

Then I was gifted a

preview copy of author

Pauline Wiles brand new novel:

Saving Saffron Sweeting!

2.99 for Kindle copy!

Please come back tomorrow where

I will share lots of tidbits about Pauline and

her fabulous novel,as well

as a personal interview!!!!

Then, I was gifted an art class by the

talented Jeanne Oliver, entitled A Journey of Letting Go, hosted by Sasha

at Lemonade Makin' Mama.

I am hoping to grasp the artist side of me

thatI have been reaching for.

Visit Sasha's blog, where you will find

amazing photos, real-life stories,

and fabulous project ideas. She always makes me feel

right at home,

and offers THE best advice.

And don't forget to visit her Etsy shop!

And last but not least,

I was gifted a magazine subscription to Dwell, by

Sherri at Little House in Paradise.

Sherri is an amazing, strong woman.

She has gone through chemo and radiation,

yet always remains positive and optimistic

about life.

Visit Sherri's blog where you are sure to

find lovely photographs, recipes, and DIY projects.

(straight from Washington state!)

I am grateful for all

of the generosity you

have extended, but the best gift I have

received is the unending supply of ideas and friendship you

have showered upon me!

Thanks!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for my interview with Pauline Wiles!

Turkey

2013-04-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

No, this isn't a post

about turkey salami, turkey

slim jims, turkey burgers, or

the amazing dinner

I am cooking today...

It's about the real thing.

The ones that were high

tailing it (literally) around

our yard early this Sunday

morning.

It's about boys showing off

the way boys do.

Feathers up and proud, waddle glowing

in the morning

light.

It's about a 9 year old sweet girl

watching nature

(she is my nature girl),

and horrified that the Really tall boy

was standing on the girl

and killing it.

(she's ok)

It's about the stream of babies

we will see parading

out of the woods soon.

It's about me thinking I am Sooo

glad this wasn't

the video I chose to show my

6th grade class.

They are still snickering

over the mating squirrels scene

that lasted way too long!

Happy Sunday!

Freedom

2013-04-13T08:20:00.001-04:00

It has been a busy week.

We did manage to squeak in a glorious walk.

C and I walked,

while N ran, trying to

condition

himself for spring track season.

This is our turnaround point, where the

marsh opens up to the ocean.

Isn't it glorious?

It motivates me to have a destination.

(3 mile walk Becky!)

I love being able to carry my phone

in my pocket and

pull it out to capture impromptu

moments like this.

You just can't run home and

grab the camera and try again.

Our daffodils are blooming!

Always a welcome sight.

The grass is slowly coming

back from its winter

dormancy....lots

of clover and dandelions soon

I am sure!

We spent Thursday night

at the National Junior Honor Society

Induction. N has worked

very hard and deserved this honor.

It was heart-warming, and a tear jerker.

We are on vacation this week!

We have a list a mile long to chunk away at:

*Cut fallen trees

*Gather fallen branches

*Rake leaves from front of stonewall

*Rake leaves from in and around all gardens

*Clean up and trim perennials as needed

*Clean up swing area

*Tend seedlings in house

Of course, there will also be some

playing, eating, and laughing,

along with some laundry, vacuuming and

lots of blogging!

Don't forget, you can follow me on Instagram for

a more detailed look at my exciting life...like what I had for breakfast,

or how early I went to bed. ;)

Plan

2013-04-06T10:35:00.000-04:00

A plan is a good thing...

right?

Well, as I walked around

the yard on this thirty something degree

morning with lots of wind,

I'd better

have a good plan.

We have one more week of school before all 4 of us are

home for April vacation.

This is going to be a week of cleaning.

I have tried to get ahead on the inside, because a hurricane

and MANY snow storms have done this property in!

Fences to paint...

(hoping for the 50's they are promising for the next

2 weeks...would

love to see some buds on this grand old Maple)

Raking to do...and

hopefully some

daffodil

arrangements!

More raking....

sweet little babies...

Lots of branches and tree limbs to gather..

husband will be

wielding

a chainsaw...

Perennial cleanup....with a smile

I am sure....

I will be wielding

my favorite Muck boots

(with a fuzzy liner, I might add)

We added strings of solar lights, colorful here,

white there....all around the yard and

garden...

we have decided to

keep them all up

year round...

they are gorgeous at night!

The raised beds need a little cleaning,

and the soil needs to be turned...I would do anything to

prepare for pumpkins and tomatoes....zinnias....beans....squash....

The tree line will fill in

soon...dormancy giving in to

the new life...

I must trim the tops of the Montauk Daisies...

...and whisper sweet words of

encouragement to the Bleeding Heart....

Yep...those windows need washing...

but maybe I will sneak out here

with a book one afternoon....

This is my favorite kind of cleaning...

it is better than a shiny countertop or a vacuumed floor...better than

fresh sheets on your bed...

It's all part of the plan.

Kids plan: play outside morning, noon, and night :)

Happy weekend.

Unexpected

2013-03-31T08:28:00.000-04:00

Sometimes an unexpected

journey becomes one that

carries a lifetime

of memories.

After a lunch of yummy corn

chowder at my parents' house,

I took the kids for a

little ride.

I thought we'd take a quick ride

through the village

and over the bridge.

But the kids were

enjoying the ride, and

so was I!

So we drove out to

the beach of my

childhood,

where all 5 of us

had

spent hours

playing in the sand

and splashing

in the water.

The gates were open

even though the season hadn't started.

We drove down the long,

scenic path,

enjoying

the sunshine,

sea air, and

adventure

of it all.

This lovely spring day

was bright and

welcoming.

Still chilly,

and windy,

but offering hope.

We ran down

the paths,

lined with still

dormant beach

plums...

..and found the most

spectacular views.

Sky and Ocean.

Wide open vistas.

Excitement.

Smiles.

Even some bare feet.

The clouds were like frosting

on a delicious cake.

The water

seemed bluer, clearer

than I remembered.

So next time you

are about to take the turn home....

...do a u-turn, take

a left instead of a right...

...do the Unexpected.

Happy Easter!

(all photos taken with Iphone 4)

Location Info: Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

If you look south over the ocean, you may see the Elizabeth Islands in the distance!

First

2013-03-26T20:02:00.001-04:00

I know I've posted

photos of the lighthouse before...

but I have a confession....

I dropped my son at Faith Formation and

took the loop by...

I couldn't resist the sky!

And the light was flashing!!

So here's the confession...I

have lived here for 15 years...

ONE mile from the lighthouse...

and I have NEVER seen the light on.

EVER.

Til Now!

And I am Sooooo happy.

It made me feel like I was

visiting a special, sacred ground...

No one was there!

Just me and the light...

majestic...

safekeeper...

full of hope and promise...

inspiration....

And just because....a blue still life of sea trinkets....

....and an Easter display.

Visit me on Instagram: nantucketdaffodil

Have a peaceful night :)

(All photos taken with my phone)

Soon

2013-03-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

Rumor had it that

spring was on its way.

So I watched.

And waited.

"Try this", said Mother Nature

Nope...not exactly

what I was looking for.

(sorry for the grainy 5 a.m. shot)

"Ok", said Mother Nature

"How about if I add a little sunshine?"

"MUCH better!", I exclaimed with

a smile!

The warm

sun lingered like a favorite cap on

my head and

cast beautiful

shadows from tree

to snow.

The garden lay blanketed.

Garlic was calling on

the hollow wind..."Uncover us this week...

we are already sprouted

beneath this

warm bed of leaf mulch."

Daffodils took a brief reprise...

Ready to burst forth

from their stage

with a grand

performance....

The Hydrandgeas

were still resting their

weary boughs,

building their

energy for a

magnificent summer

explosion of color....

Irises waited

patiently....

enjoying the sparrows and titmouse

rambling upon them

with a seed or two...and a chirp hello...

This Momma couldn't help but allow the season to

muster strength by carving its name in snow

as a gentle reminder...

(my daughter later exclaimed "I saw it from my bedroom window Mommy!"

Stormy continued her

feast on the Easter Bunny....

I played a bit for Instagram....

(Target flameless candles and wide mouth canning jars)

My theme for 2013 continues to inspire me....

Enjoy the weekend my friends...

Know that if spring isn't quite making her debut

yet in your neck of the woods,

she may be busy planning

her grand entrance!

Patience.

Patience

Patience.

In need of a critique or two......

2013-03-18T19:00:00.000-04:00

Several years ago

I started writing a piece of

young adult fiction.

In fact, it was 2009.

I gave my readers

a snippet to critique.

And then...I wrote a bit more and

abandoned the poor

little story.

I have many pieces

of abandoned writing.

Many stories, dreams, characters

left hanging...

...mainly due to this "author's" inability

to get her act together.

So my friends, please read (or perhaps reread if you have stuck with me for 4 years).

Critique away. I NEED motivation from those that read my writing , view my photographs, understand the inner workings of this brain!

I included a photo of the lighthouse,

as it is definitely

an inspiration.

Untitled

She pulled the worn Frisbee back toward her shoulder, taking in a bigger than usual breath of air before releasing the disc fast and straight. The salty air filled her lungs, giving her an indescribable sense of peace. But the angle of the sun and the muted pinkish-purple hue of the sky made her realize that she was going to be late...again.

“Come on Sam, let’s go,” she said, her body suddenly tense from head to toe.

“I promised Dad I would be home before dark. It’s going to be close. Come on, let’s run.”

Sam looked up at Molly with understanding, dropping the punctured Frisbee at her feet. Molly grabbed it, unconsciously wiping the saliva across her cutoff jeans. Molly and Sam ran quickly past the lighthouse, over the wide expanse of green grass, across the gravel filled driveway, and down the clamshell path to the cottage. Daylight seemed to hang by a thread, knowing that a promise was at stake.

As Molly turned the knob to the front door, she heard the crunching sound of tires on the driveway. She closed the door behind her, knowing she had made it…this time.

Molly quickly washed her hands and poured a bowl of cold water for Sam.

“Our secret,” she whispered in his ear, leaving a quick kiss on top of his head.

She opened the door just in time to see her dad stepping down from his red 1970 Chevy pickup. A smile crossed his face as he saw her approaching.

story copyright Monica at Prince Snow Farm

St. Patrick's Day Desserts, Cocktails and Crafts

2013-03-14T16:43:00.000-04:00

Source: oh-lovely-day.com via Prince on Pinterest

Almost time for the wearin' o' the green!

And this girl whose last name starts with O

is ready!

I think I'll be trying one of these for my parents annual party....just not sure which one yet!

If you like one, leave a comment which one!

(If you are a Pinterest user, simply click the image for more info)

Source: zoebakes.com via Prince on Pinterest

Mint Chocolate Macarons

How positively Parisian

Source: noblepig.com via Valerie on Pinterest

Bailey's Cake

Yum

Source: sugarloco.com via Lise on Pinterest

Irish Creme Cake

Drooling

Source: wherewomencook.com via Where Women Cook on Pinterest

How about a traditional Irish Ginger Snap!

Source: laraferroni.com via Jolene on Pinterest

Chocolate Guinness Cake with Whiskey Caramel

(sounds amazing)

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Melissa on Pinterest

A good old Grasshopper Brownie

Source: sheknows.com via Prince on Pinterest

A Shamrock Shake!

Care for a cocktail with

that corned beef and cabbage??

Source: edamam.com via Edamam on Pinterest

The Tipperary

Source: foodiemisadventures.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

The Irish Maiden

Source: pinkpatisserie.blogspot.com via Summer on Pinterest

Black Velvet

How about a "dry" cocktail?

Source: wholesomemommy.com via Jeff Angie on Pinterest

Sprite and Green Ice Cubes

....and please don't forget the main course!

We have always preferred the gray corned beef over the red.

Source: chow.com via Prince on Pinterest

Here are a few more ideas:

Source: yourdailywed.blogspot.com via Prince on Pinterest

Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Prince on Pinterest

Source: weddingsunveiledblog.blogspot.com via Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Tori on Pinterest

Enjoy the day!

Erin go Bragh!

time

2013-03-12T17:11:00.000-04:00

The ever so crafty and though-provoking folks over at FOLK Magazine have

posed a journal challenge about time this week:

"Reflect on the Meaning of Time."

Hmmm, I thought. Time. Something I never seem to have enough of.

After a recent surgery, however, I suddenly found myself with time. Lots of time.

Time alone (ok, there was an adorable pug nearby).

For the first few weeks

it was just about resting and reading. I caught up on five summer's worth of reading.

I went to bed early and listened to books on my Kindle.

As time progressed and I had certain physical restrictions, I had

Thinking Time.

Lots of thinking time.

I pondered my future, my career.

I love teaching.

But art has been calling.

Writing and photography.

Homemade wedding favors.

Vintage wares....my Etsy shop.

Art has been tugging at my heartstrings.

I thought about our organic raised bed garden.

I flipped through the glossy Baker Creek catalog,

carefully selecting seeds

for our garden:

Pumpkins and tomatoes. Peas and beans.

Eggplant and onions........

I tried to leave the TV off everyday, instead,

raising the shades and letting the sunshine's

encompassing rays keep me company.

I had

Blogging Time.

I read my favorites every morning. I love reading blogs....keeping up

with people's lives, seeing what they

have decorated, watching families grow, lending an ear...being inspired.

I had

Instagram Time (Nantucketdaffodil), and became a little obsessed.

I had

Baking Time, and boy did my kids like this!

I had

Crafting Time...food for the soul.

So if I could pick what

I would do all of the time...

I would grow this in endless fields

(although I am content with 30 plants):

I would style this:

and stage this:

I would spend days making fresh food from our garden:

and I would visit the zinnias more often...

I would craft hydrangea wreaths in every hue...

...and I would get lost in the pumpkin patch.

I would restock our little farmstand with organic treats....

I would walk through the

sun-dappled woods....

exploring the textures, the sounds....the silence.

I would welcome the seasonal changes...

...reveling in the heat or the color, the lost daylight....or the March wind....

...and most of all, I would spend every free moment with these two cuties.

I am so lucky that time

is on my side.

(all photos copyright Monica at Prince Snow Farm)

Is There No End My Friend?

2013-03-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

Sooooo

Snow. Again.

I'd like to say how beautiful.

How delightful.

How inspiring.

Not so much.

Ok Mother Nature...

It DOES take my breath away.

I won't lie.

It DOES feel like a crystal white

wonderland.

It DOES cover the gray-yellow

dinge of dormancy so well...like a ball gown...

like a shiny new lipstick....like spanx ;)

Ok....and it DOES lend us nature...

juncos and cardinals...

squirrels striking a pose...looking much cuter when

they aren't hanging in some sort of twisted acrobatic pose from the feeder....

...and it DOES make the trees loom

even more majestically than

usual...grander...more protective...yet more delicate as well...

So yes, while I am TOTALLY ready to trade

in this masquerade ball for this....

I will TRY to be patient.

I will try to let

winter complete a full cycle...

But I will still be dreaming...anticipating...planning...

...and thinking about nature's spring coat.

Enjoy

the weekend.

Prince Snow Farm...My Little Shop

2013-03-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

My little shop, Prince Snow Farm had

a bit of restocking this week

before I went back to work...and now today is a snow day!

Please use code blog20 at checkout for a 20% discount!

Vintage China...oh so pretty....

sold

Vintage linens...from a time gone by....

Wedding and Party Favors and Tags

Have a fabulous Friday!

You CAN Get There From Here....and a Short Break

2013-03-01T09:45:00.001-05:00

I have been absolutely spoiled as I've recovered...spoiled by all of

you with your great ideas, deep insight into the world,

and new and continued friendships.

Recently, my friend Suzanne, from Privet and Holly

did a post entitled Under My Nose. It really made me start to look around

for the things that I overlook everyday.

I have lived in this area for all of my 47 years.

My parents still live in the house

they bought 50 years ago.

My husband and I have lived in our house

for

15 years.

Growing Up

This is the town I grew up in (as did my husband).

It is a 15 minute drive from where we are now.

I teach in this town.

Isn't it pretty!

It has charm and character.

It has beautiful beaches.

It has amazing history.

Hetty Green owned this mansion. (The Witch of Wall Street). We passed by often on our way to the beach, dreaming

of its past and curious of what its future held.

My dad was friends with the caretaker, and I always wished for a tour...

Married Life

We are lucky to be raising

our kids in a town not too far from where we grew up.

It is a special tight-knit community.

A true small town.

It has views that still manage to take my breath away.

But recently, after reading Suzanne's post,

I started to think about where we live as part of a bigger picture.

And that's when I truly realized how spoiled we are.

Boston, Massachusetts: 65 Miles

Source: 500px.com via Prince on Pinterest

Fenway Park

Source: google.com via Prince on Pinterest

Museum of Fine Arts

Source: mikespastry.com via Prince on Pinterest

Mike's Pastries

Providence, Rhode Island: 37 Miles

Source: google.com via Prince on Pinterest

Waterfire

Source: flickr.com via Prince on Pinterest

Federal Hill

Source: flickr.com via Prince on Pinterest

Pastiche...now that's a canolli!

Newport, Rhode Island: 37 Miles

Source: flickr.com via Prince on Pinterest

Castle Hill Light

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Prince on Pinterest

Shopping on the Waterfront

Source: google.com via Prince on Pinterest

The Newport Mansions

Source: victoriamag.com via Prince on Pinterest

Amazing Little Restaurants

Cape Cod

Provincetown: 88 Miles

Source: flickr.com via Prince on Pinterest

Cape Cod National Seashore: 65 Miles

Source: google.com via Prince on Pinterest

Hyannis: 43 Miles

Source: google.com via Prince on Pinterest

The Cape Cod Canal: 14 Miles

Source: Uploaded by user via Prince on Pinterest

Nantucket: 73 Miles...a few hours by ferry

Source: victoriamag.com via Prince on Pinterest

Martha's Vineyard: 54 miles...a couple of hours by ferry

Source: travel.webshots.com via Prince on Pinterest

Can you believe how close we are to all of this history, and beauty. We are surrounded!

All we need to do is hop in the car and we can immediately be immersed.

Thanks Suzanne for allowing me to take a closer look at something so familiar.

I will be taking a break from blogging for the next week.

I return to work next Wednesday, and I know it will

be a little crazy around here.

You will still catch me on Instagram.

And if you are now planning a visit to my neck of the woods...

just remember....I don't have a guest room :)

No Green Thumb Needed ❀

2013-02-26T08:56:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we find a touching story

in the most unexpected place.

Yesterday while browsing

Etsy, I came

upon the most beautiful

flowers.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

They immediately reminded me of

spring...of pansies and roses and

apple blossoms.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

As I browsed

Priya's shop, Amu and Pri, I was

taken

by the detailed work.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

When I clicked on the artist's bio, I

was saddened.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

The shop has marked

everything to half off,

and is scheduled to

close in April.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

But what touched me most was the

lengthy explanation

of how Etsy encouraged

an artistic endeavor

at a low point in Priya's life.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

...and then, to read that Priya

CUTS ALL OF THE PETALS BY HAND...hand-dyes many petals
and hand-stitches....

it becomes evident this is a labor of LoVe.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

Priya gave me permission to

post her lovely flowers...

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

Please visit her shop and

tell your friends about

the beauty she

is creating.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

Obviously she loves

what she does, and

something very personal
is forcing her to close.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

Perhaps we can

help her along.

Source: etsy.com via Prince on Pinterest

It would be so sad to see

Priya stop creating.

She also added that she will recreate anything from her

sold items if you see something you like.

The images below are from her sold section.

(as is the first image at the top...my favorite)

Spread the word! Post to your Facebook, pin, tweet, email....Priya is so

talented that she should be doing this full-time!

She is giving up a part of her heart.

As a fellow crafter, it brings tears to my eyes.

Visit Amu and Pri for a breath of fresh air.

♡

A Masked Ball

2013-02-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Visiting Newport this summer?

What could be more romantic than A Summer Venetian Masked Ball at

The Elms,

one of Newport's grandest mansions.

Of course, they are all grand.

A bit of history:

The Elms

The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. In 1898, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a house modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris.

Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades.

The elaborate Classical Revival gardens on the grounds were developed between 1907 and 1914. They include

terraces displaying marble and bronze sculpture, a park of fine specimen trees and a lavish lower garden featuring marble pavilions, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house and garage. These gardens were recently restored.

Mrs. Berwind died in 1922, and Mr. Berwind invited his sister, Julia, to become his hostess at his New York and Newport houses. Mr. Berwind died in 1936 and Miss Julia continued to summer at The Elms until her death in 1961, at which time the house and most of its contents were sold at public auction. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased The Elms in 1962 and opened the house to the public. In 1996, The Elms was designated a National Historic Landmark.

All information borrowed from The Preservation Society of Newport.

Soooo....will you be attending??