Oh Spring......How Beautiful You Are ❣

The loveliest of welcomes to you❣ A lovely welcome to my little spring place where the sun is smiling upon me, and my flower-filled garden. It is early morning and I am sitting here in the stillness of my garden with pretty teacup in hand, drinking in the beauty before me that God has gifted me.  For it is He who paints the garden before me with his impressionistic brush strokes. Sweet Maisie is here too, as she is my shadow. It is quiet. A beautiful hushed quietness interrupted occasionally by the  birdsong and the whispers of the flowers and trees. Every now and then ripples of water are heard where fish pop up their heads to see if there might be a morsel or two to feed upon. My little spring world is rejoicing in blues and purples and pinks. The lilacs, irises, rhododendrons, foxgloves and granny bonnets swaying in the gentle breeze are as pretty as a picture. Why, the foxgloves are reaching ever so tall up to the blue, blue sky. Would you believe some are over 6ft.....they truly, truly are. There were only a few foxgloves last spring but oh my goodness, this year there has been an explosion of these gorgeous flowers. I can only imagine that last season's seeds danced and floated on the breath of the wind, finding a place in which to settle deep in the earth in readiness for this year's show. They truly are magical. Why, I almost expect to see little fairies peeking from inside the bell-shaped flowers, smiling at me.

Though a lot of time has been spent in the garden this week (the weeds are taller than the foxgloves) I have started a new quilt. A simple quilt using clamshell patterned papers; once again using fabrics from my stash and smidgens of scraps. Yet again, I want to use only the fabrics that are sitting in my armoire. Yet again, a completely hand stitched pretty which will be the size of a throw. Clamshells are a lovely pattern; one which I have always wanted to make. There are some gorgeous ones out there but mine is going to be one where scrappy delight is evidenced everywhere. No plan really, just playing with little clamshells and placing them here, there, everywhere, in a fashion which is pleasing to my eyes. Such fun! But then, scrappy quilts where playing is the only prerequisite, with an explosion of patterns and colour, are always the best fun for me. 

 

As I sit here I think of you and send lovely thoughts and prayers your way. Some of you are ploughing through difficult days. Some of you are battling health issues; COVID is raging worse than ever in some countries; and America....well what can I say?? I admit I look at the TV in complete disbelief at the theatre that is called American politics. Quite bizarre really. I am fascinated by it all....and deeply saddened, too. A new narrative is  beginning (thank goodness). The page has  turned over and a new page is being written, a new chapter being drafted and then recorded; 'tis time to move on. 'Tis such a pity that this most  un-presidential president will not realise this and accept it. I suppose for the most part, the history books will not look favourably upon these last four years of the outgoing administration.

I am thinking of you my lovely friends. Wish oh wish I could tap on your front door (I know I say this all the time....but I do) give you a hug and the biggest bouquet of sweet-smelling lilacs, rhododendrons, foxgloves, orange blossoms....all bunched together, cinched with a pretty ribbon; to bring a smile to your day. Why we could chat about tea and cake, our families, flowers and gardens, fabrics and quilts, friendship, faith, why....perhaps even politics (just a little, I promise....and if you and I don't agree, then we would be kind and listen to each other in a respectful way even if we have different points of view, wouldn't we....because that is what grown ups do); oh, there is a gazillion things you and I could natter about. I often think I cannot change the world but I can make a difference in my little world each day, for the better; showing kindness, respect, unselfishness and love, to those I might meet. I suppose it's not much really, but for the other person who is hurting,  perhaps my smile, my kindness; a pretty flower or two will be that one little thing that might bless their day. You just never know, do you??

So, as this world spins around on its axis and history is being played out, I suppose I will just keep on chatting about stuff and nonsense, and keep on sending you much too many happy snaps of my peaceful little place where flowers and fabrics and all things pretty, abound. Take care my lovely friends and please, keep well. Make time for the whispers of loveliness this fine day. As for me I am going to enjoy some lovely clamshell hand stitching, because today is Sunday, and I always try to delight in a little slow stitching on Sunday, of only for a little while.

Until the next time.......................

Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching