Sunday, April 28, 2013

Romancing The Laundry


It's funny how we romanticize certain things like old aprons, canning jars, and laundry pins. Tools of labor that we have all been mostly liberated from. But there are still a few wise souls making use of these artifacts in the manner for which they were intended.





And I do feel foolish putting bedding in the dryer in good weather with our very dry New Mexico air. In summer the laundry gets crisp on the line in only a few minutes. Much faster, in fact, than the dryer could possibly do it.




I like doing the laundry when I'm sure to have the time to iron afterwards while the linens are still damp for it. If I had an outlet by the fence I might enjoy smoothing out wrinkles under the shade of a tree.




I usually only iron hems of sheets (if at all). But I love the feel of a freshly ironed pillow slip to lie down on at night.





I like the look of linens hanging so orderly on the line, sheets swaying in the breeze like waves lapping in and out on the shore, or leaves fluttering overhead. So relaxing.




For me, a clothesline has become one of the little luxuries of life. . . .

























































I'm far from the only one romancing the laundry. I saw a lovely post by Christie Repasy of Chateau De Fleurs this week that you won't want to miss. Here's the link.

Happy laundry days!

Jacqueline




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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Farmhouse Country Blues




Whose brilliant idea was it to turn a glass Ball jar into blue? And who would think such a mundane household item would be all the rage in the twenty-first century?





I don't think I'm wrong in saying that blue is the universally favored color for transfer ware china either. 





And what is more farmhouse fitting than a vintage blue cotton print apron fluttering on the line in a spring breeze against the sky?










I have to admit that I like just the weest touch of color. But if I had to choose only one hue for my fantasy country farmhouse, it would be blue. . . .
























I hope the blues are bringing you cheer!

 And have you met Angela over at My Place 4 Tea? 
Lots of gorgeous blues there too!
 Happy days!

Jacqueline




Time to be inspired by linking to

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Pretty French Plates


I popped into a Goodwill in Santa Fe yesterday while I was on an errand with a friend. We had about a half hour to kill, and didn't really know where to go when we spotted it.




I made a quick spin and discovered these pretty little French plates. Oh be still my heart!





The detail is just exquisite. The more I look them over the more I love.




The pattern is applied over the glaze and so is worn to a delicate pale wash of the original colors. But the embossed edge has wonderful detail as well.








I'm showing them with this old worn cross-stitched table cover in spring colors. The stitches seem to be done by an inexperienced stiticher and have a wonderful naif quality to them. The hem is in tatters after years of loving use.











I don't always remember to save my roses in time to dry them, but this last crepey bunch brings out the beautiful pale colors of the plates.
























I hope these cheer you up as much as they do me!
So glad for a beautiful new day!
Hope yours is wonderful. . .

Jacqueline





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Saturday, April 13, 2013

A Lilac Montage





Are you finding that "April is the cruelest month?" If you live in a cold weather clime that may always be true, but it's been a tricky year. I felt a bit cheated out of my lilacs this spring, so I've made a montage from other Aprils.




How can you be melancholy in the presence of lilacs on the patio? I'm so glad they grow in New Mexico.









A lilac garden vignette. . . .










Yesterday's lilacs with English Garden china. . . .










A bumper crop year needed a celebration!








Lilacs in the garden with a beautiful white crocheted tablecloth that my DIL made for me.


















Happy springs days ahead!

Jacqueline




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