"Every Spring is the only Spring....a perpetual astonishment." Ellis Peters

Every Spring does feel like the only Spring. I always gasp with astonishment as Spring kisses the garden with it's sweet-smelling fragrance, breathing new life into each blossom. Each year, as the Winter's frigid bite dissipates and evaporates into the warm Spring air, I forget how beautiful, how intense the magic, the perfume and the vibrancy of colour that Spring freely gifts to me. Each Spring unearths new surprises that I didn't see the previous Spring.

The garden has gone wild with new growth. The garden has gone wild with intoxicating fragrances. The Wisteria, the Sweet Peas, the Lilacs......all bursting their confines, releasing their beautiful scents swirling and swirling around in a potpourri of the most delicious of aromas. I am quite certain no perfumer, a perfume composer if you like, could dream up the intoxicating perfume that abounds in the garden at this time of the year. The Irises, Bluebells, Pansies, Granny Bonnets, the apple trees' blossoms, all are dancing a most beautiful dance. Indeed, the garden is abloom with a carnival of colour and heady fragrances.

Springtime is as Colin, in Frances Hodgson Burnett's, The Secret Garden said, "Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"......"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine." Have you ever read The Secret Garden?? I have, many, many times......and yes, I have several copies. It is a favourite of mine from my childhood. A well loved book that I have revisited many times as an adult. A well-loved book that I have skipped through many a time reconnecting with Mary, Dickon, Colin, Mr Craven, the little red breasted robin...........and the beautiful Secret Garden  at Misselthwaite Manor.

A most beautiful book where the enchantment within the garden begins it's magic in each of the characters' hearts. Oh, to have one of those ancient gardens surrounded by century old stone walls, where seemingly, magic happens.  Come to think of it the garden that hugs our humble abode is a garden which has a rather magical quality about it. This garden which embraces me, has the power to heal, to still my mind, to awaken my soul, to feel close to God with a heart overflowing with thankfulnes. It is as if with the unfurling of each Spring blossom it gives a sense of wonderfulness  to any whom gazes upon it.

Aah....the Clematis, always beautiful.

The Lilacs have begun to flower, filling the air with delightful fragrance. The Granny Bonnets have donned their high fashion hats in the most delightful of styles. Not to be 'outshone', the Sweet Peas have decided they too shall fill the air with sweet perfume. The Wisteria's heavy-laden vine with drooping clusters of  lilac flowers overpowers the air with the sweetest scent. Irises, Bluebells, Pansies.........so, so many gorgeous blooms swaying in the breeze, delighting all the senses.

The pond has awakened with the Irises and other early Spring plants beginning to perform in a most glorious show.

Freshly cut blossoms resting in the sink ready for the filling of vases. If only you could drink in the fragrances. They truly are divine!

Whilst out and about this week I happened upon these pretty needlepoints. Always on the lookout for such pretties, I quickly snapped them up and brought them home. At this juncture I am unsure as to whether I will leave the needlepoints in the frames or if I will reuse them in a cushion surrounded by ribbon flowers or perhaps a bag. In the meantime I will  display them on a shelf and enjoy them each day.

I also found this sweet needlepoint of two little bluebirds. Are they not sweet?? I think I will fashion a cushion from them, embellishing it with lace, ribbonwork etc etc.; or perhaps a bag. Whatever I decide upon I am sure these sweet birdies will sing a most lyrical song on whatever they flutter upon.

Looking at these sweet birdies brought to mind all the pretty laces which are suffocating in some of my drawers. =) Any excuse to  once again open those burgeoning drawers to again gaze upon all the pretty laces in so many colourful hues and patterns. Oh my there are a few, are there not?? A collection which has been added to through the years. A collection which time and time again has provided just the right touch to whatever pretty I have been working on.

These days these laces are as rare as the proverbial hen's teeth. As Tassie is a bit light on in the exquisite french lace department, it is always a delight when working on a pretty, that I need only walk into my sewing room....my haberdashery shop and find the perfect lace, vintage brooch, vintage button etc etc, to add the perfect finishing touch. Would you believe hours can be wasted enjoyed rummaging through my drawers, my suitcases.......to once again discover all the pretties that I have collected over the years. 'Tis true, it really, really is.

Mmm....endless possibilities.

I have been enjoying a little hand stitching this week. After the frenetic pace of my days written in the last post, I decided to work on my Japanese silk pretty. I started this quilt about 3 years ago, waxing lyrical about it here. These fabrics are gorgeous. Each fabric is filled with exquisite Japanese colour and design......colour and design as only the Japanese can do. These fabrics too, reflect the riot of colour that is beginning to burst outside.

Oh look, an origami hexagon flower.......who would've thought!

As I stitch my Japanese pretty, the view from one of the windows of my sewing room.........not bad, not bad at all. 'Tis rather gorgeous at this time of year.

Spring blossoms, needlepoints, Japanese fabrics, French laces, timeless books of secret gardens................all jostling to give one such as I, boundless inspiration. There is inspiration to awaken the soul everywhere. What thinketh thee?? =)

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