Home Keeping in Increments

I have been enjoying small portions of household activity each day. For years when I have hung the laundry my mind has been on things I needed to do back in the house. Lately I have slowed the task down and absorbed all the sounds and the warmth of the sun.

 We tend to wear our towels thin and stringy because they are so much more absorbent. Our family avoids any new towel and rifles under the pile

For the oldest ones, line dried.  The sun sanitizes the towels and sheets and puts a starch in them.

If I had a guest house I would include in the description: line dried towels and sheets wrinkled by the sun.

 Note my fancy tea table:

Tea tastes so good outside in such a scene. I think of previous pioneer women who may have been in the same location hanging out their clothes. I think of how future generations will enjoy this activity.

As has been pointed out by blog readers, the lint in the dryer actually comes from your clothing, and dryers can fade and wear out your clothes.  Even in winter I hang my laundry on racks inside the house. I don't miss hearing the dryer noise and I don't miss the high electric bill. Our clothes last a lot longer.

Celebrations at Home

Walter Dendy Sadler (1854-1923) — Afternoon Tea

When we were teens we loved all the new places that were available to have social events. Previous to that, everything happened in homes. But now after all this time, it is becoming more and more appealing and less expensive to celebrate at home.

This picture fromPinterest is a seashell tea set.

Changes Around Here

Hello Ladies,

This little room looks a lot better as a guest room for a boy.  The room had been a butlers pantry, sewing room, office, girls room, a room with two toddler beds, computer room and an attic. So far, this guest room for a boy  is the best change. 

The name of this fabric is "correspondence" and the brand name is "Eclectic Essentials" made for quilt backing. It would be lovely curtains for wide Windows, and may even look good as slip covers for chairs and couches, although it is a thin muslin fabric . (Wish someone would change the name of this fabric. The speller keeps taking over and changing it to Muslim!)

The fabric is now washed and ironed and laid out on the sewing table to cut out a dress, which I hope to do when I clean this up:  I had unexpected company after breakfast and then we had tea. Generally my energy is better for extra projects in the early afternoon, but I may have to use that energy for the clean up. I don't think I can concentrate on my sewing.  I want to share some reality with you 🙂

 Half of the kitchen is clean. This is a great day for sandwiches. 😊

This print also comes in what I would call ink-blue, which also would be interesting to sew. You might see a garment on this blog when I get the kitchen cleaned.

The pattern, above, was one in my collection from the year 2010.

Since Vogue was on sale, I considered using this pattern, below, but cotton fabric was not recommended.  I would draw the neckline differently and make the sleeves more tapered.

V9105

Resting

Greetings. We are resting today, but it doesn't slow down my mind from making ideas for more to do!

Above picture: The hummers ignored commercial food but when I made my own, they visited more often. Hummingbird food recipes are available online.

Our guests from Tennessee only stayed a very short time, having spent most of their vacation on the way to our place,  so we quickly took them to see a few sights:

This has to be called "Sun River, wider than a mile," because of the stream of sunlight on the water towards the close of the day.

Earlier,  this is the way the waves sparkled. I kept thinking of fabric to go with!

We enjoyed watching  approximately every 7th wave hit the rocks like this:

Above: it looks like fabric colors here--fluffy white cotton shawl over a dark blue skirt, light blue blouse, and brown lace up boots. What do you think? (I will certainly try to settle down for a moment and put a sketch here of the nature inspired fashion.)

I went into one of the shops and had a close look at this April Cornell dress to see if I could make one like it. It was made of polyester, and I was thinking about making one in cotton, linen, bamboo, or some other natural woven cloth.  This cost $130 and I joked with my husband that it was such a bargain I should get two!   There may be enough pattern pieces in my pattern collection to create something like it. It looked looked very good on me and it is an a-line, with princess seams, with a nice waistline.

Mrs. Tennessee Company made a delicious

southern breakfast for us and I felt transported into another country! She was amazing. She said she did not know what to do with herself so she had to cook.

I want to get back into sewing dresses soon.  I have the most unusual fabric, which is 105 inch printed muslin often used by quilters for backing.  It looks like something which used to be made for cloth sacks, mattress or pillow ticking. It might be something suitable for making sheets. As there is just enough for a skirt or a simple dress, I am curious about how it would look. 

I bought it because of the dusty rose color, which is not easy to find anymore since it is not as fashionable a color.  In the photo it looks brown but the color is the old fashioned dusty rose, like velvet.

How about a very loose pullover dress with lots of drapey fabric at the sleeves and hem, just for cool wearing at home.  I hope to get started on this during the week and if it is successful you will see a picture of it here. The sketch show a raglan sleeve and little tucks at the waist:

What would you call this print?  Post Mark, Spencerian, Cargo, Faded Rose? Maybe "Other" would be a good name.

One of my grandchildren and I are enjoying drawing clothing designs and naming the garments after places we have visited or things we have been or things we are experiencing: mountain, truck stop, road side, sea side, light house, garden, clouds, waterfall, desert, visit, moving, writing (a writing dress), afternoon tea, etc. We have sketched ever so many dresses and I hope to include some of her sketches here too.

The print looks like something from the 1800's

A quick stop at Goodwill yielded these two cups for $3.20 each. Their good condition showed they had been in a shelf and never used in their lifetime: no scratches, fading of color, cracks or chips.

This one has a print of a nasturtium on it.

Interesting how the labels on these old teacups is sometimes off center.  I would say this is from the 1960's.

The cup also looks good on this orphan saucer:

This one below is probably from the 1970's.

The pedestal on the tea cup gives it a quite a royal appearance, and Red Velvet is an elegant name.

It feels good to have new teacups, and since a couple of others have been chipped and retired to the broken China box and the garden, these two replace them nicely.

If I had not stopped by to chat, I may have had the dress cut out now. Even a simple post absorbs a lot of time but it is something that makes me feel relaxed, that I enjoy. I certainly hope all of you are able to enjoy something today!

Quiet Time For That Anxious Feeling

Even until very recently I had the custom of diving into the daily housework and routine of the house, and even bigger jobs, as soon as the day began. Now, I have been going "out" for morning tea and trying to break into the day more slowly and gracefully.

It does make the tasks begin later and end later in the day, but nothing can replace those fleeting morning moments. The birds aren't even awake yet but the chirps begin one at a time until others join in and the trees sing in a full orchestra.  It is so interesting how they never sing the same tune but nothing sounds discordant.

This morning I have a mismatched cup and saucer that go together just right.

I wanted to share this nice picnic basket I got on sale at Hobby Lobby for half price. I am so glad I waited for the price to be reduced.  I like it a lot better than the wicker ones, because it isn't so heavy and the wood fibers won't catch on anything. I have not tested how it will carry weightier things but the handles seem strong enough.

It comes in lime green also, and another color...maybe blue.

Some of my friends and I have been discussing feeling of being anxious to get home during times when we have had to be out and about.  Sometimes we were not sure it was normal to feel this way.

Are we having a panic attack or is it really something to do with having to be home; to feel anchored, stable and reassured.  I am sure some people mistake this for "separation anxiety" and if it is, there isn't a thing wrong with it!

A feeling to flee home is probably a signal to your mind that you need to go back to your nest.  I get that feeling sometimes when I have to be gone a lot for necessary errands, or if I am delayed in getting home.  There were a few times when I got a feeling I needed to go home immediately. In the past I wish I had gone with this instinct, because I now know you can never recover the time that passed by.

The feeling of longing for home is something God put in us as women, who create these nice places with good memories for our families.  Sometimes we think there is something better going on "out there" but really, what is important to a woman personally and have lasting value, will be the love and care she put into her home life.  That could be why we have such a strong desire to be home.

A Wild Morning Tea

Hello everyone,

We are so grateful for your visits, your kind emails and any donations, which are so personally motivating.

The foliage is wild and untamed around here and we need to do a lot of trimming and edging and mowing! I was outside in the morning having a look at all that needs to be done.

I still want to create a sheet tent and also put some kind of outdoor living thing in he bed of the truck, as well as other outdoor rest areas, eating areas and recreation areas around the place.  We have a back patio, a shed, shady tree areas and many other places that could be created as places of interest with a few simple props as well as some water on the dry patches.

In one week we are expecting a couple our age,  from Tennessee!  I am outside today trying to see what parts of the property need some trimming and I am experimenting to see where we might enjoy a wee spot of morning tea with the best view!

This arbor bench is covered in grapevines and also has rusted so I am not sure we will sit here but I wanted to stage it and see how appealing or comfortable it would be.

On Thursday there was such a small group in ladies class ( busy summer harvest activities and all) that I asked my husband to join us and teach the lesson. He chose Romans 12 because he said that would be one chapter a Christian would need for navigation through the trials of life.

 It is very busy around here today getting ready for the Tennessee couple, so I won't post the chapter, but I expect some of you will comment on the contents of that chapter or post verses of Romans 12. I call it the citizenship chapter because that is the way the citizens of the kingdom of Christ will want to conduct themselves with members of the Lords church, members of their own families, and others.

The principles of Romans 12 also help a great deal when trying to live among the citizens of that "other" kingdom where people are not so respectful or peaceful.

A Good Response to Disturbing Politics

Greetings,

One of the things that relaxes me the most is creating a pleasant scene outdoors. I should try it every day because it isn't work and there is no deadline, no routine.  It is a peaceful time of re-creation. 

The flower bed and lawn are looking wild and a few dried leaves have fallen, but everything is very lush and green.

Today I am writing to the younger women, especially those with children at home.  Character qualities are more important than politics. Enjoy your children and don't let those years slip by worrying about the news that, 20 years ahead, will be obsolete.  

Make your own news at home and help your children to admire the scriptures. Learn the meanings and applications of words of the Bible, study a little Greek and other languages to see the overall meaning and give some depth to it; learn to reason together, to defend your faith peacefully, and don't get involved with the news.

  If you ever learn the history of the news media, you will understand why it is fruitless and even harmful to pay more attention to it than to your own children and your home.  You might be able to find something about the history of newspapers and go from there to find the tactics of the media and their "word-salads".  

Please don't let bad news stop you from living your life.  Much of it is designed to keep you in a constant state of unrest, fidgeting, worry, stress, uncertainty.

We aren't supposed to live like that, focused on other people all the time, outside our own homes.

One day you might turn 60 and realize you have spent your whole life worried about the world. You might realise your husband or children never knew you when you were not tense and upset, and that you can't remember when you were really happy.

There isn't any substitute for one of the ways God said to help the world:

" I exhort, then, first of all, there be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men:

for kings, and all who are in authority, that a quiet and peaceable life we may lead in all piety and gravity,

for this is right and acceptable before God our Saviour,

who doth will all men to be saved, and to come to the full knowledge of the truth..."

-1st Timothy 2:1-4

Once you have done this, you can't be like the man back in the day of the horse and cart, who was walking on the road carrying a heavy burden on his back.  The driver of a horse and cart came upon him and offered a ride.  The man gladly sat in the back of the cart, still bearing the load on his shoulders.  The driver told his passenger: "You can set your buden down now! You don't have to carry it anymore."

If you are going to pray, be sure and let go of your burden.

I hope this helps.

Raindrop Tea

Since it has not rained here in 3 months I thought I had plenty of time to set up the outdoor tea table. The rain filled up the tea cups, but I was able to get some pictures.

I was thinking about all the political and religious controversy around us, as well as the upsetting things people do and say. It is not always possible to refute all the false doctrine or false accusations that come our way. We ladies know how distracting it can be. I find it hard to focus on beauty and other interests, if I am mentally fighting a war all the time and you might feel the same way.  

I found this verse you see here and I love it because it is a quiet, non-combative way of refuting all the things people challenge us with. It is good we can live our lives out quietly and sincerely without causing our hearts to constantly race!

James 3:13  Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

Ladies there is nothing in the Bible that tells us to take on the world's worries. It more often instructs the opposite!

Once you get addicted to all the stress it is hard to let it go!

I like this verse so much. It gives us permission to be content with living a good life. We do t have to do "great" things or "accomplish" but just practice goodness at home.

This principle could lead to a very lengthy conversation discussing the importance of your own private life and the unknown impact it has on life around you!

I hope even if you can't really sit outside for tea that you will set up a tea table just for the peaceful scene it provides.  It is like playing house.  I remember how many happy childhood hours I spent playing house and how settling and soothing it was.

It is so nice to play house and I hope you will try it by puttering around the way children do.

More later about this.

Serious Moments

(Picture from Pinterest)

Something I enjoy when tea time comes around, is the sweet seriousness of the moment.  We are often told how important it is to be "fun loving" but being witty and flippant and silly can get wearisome, as well as make us feel removed from our spiritual stability and responsibility to be sober and righteous in this world.

 Sometimes in order to please others around us, (who are uncomfortable with seriousness and solemnity) we ladies forget there is nothing wrong with being sensible, as we take in the beauties of the earth and think about the One who created us.  Enjoy life, but remember to keep the conversation between you and the Lord, who enables your life.

I think it is important to spend moments in the Truth, and seek directions through Gods Word and prayer.  When we pray, we speak to God, and when we read His Word, He speaks to us.

Recently I have been thinking about the meaning of "sound" doctrine, contained in the following verse. Soundness is a word we used a lot in the past and should be a priority in life. I also like that phrase "zealous of good works" and am thinking what a challenge it must be for people who cannot go anywhere or do much, due to health problems. Yet we still have the mail and email and our homes in which to serve our families.

Titus 2 is a familiar theme for ladies at home, but have you read further in the chapter to see some more gems like this?

For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.  (Titus 2:11-14)

I like that word "sober" which means seriously thinking about life. We want to do the best we can and not take life for granted. Appreciate every moment. It is a gift from God.  Soberness is not just the opposite of silliness, it should also cause us to refine our temperaments and be careful of our responses to others, knowing we are creating memories. Exchange a sudden cruel remark for a kind one. If you practice it a lot, you will do it automatically and overcome a bad habit. Just substitute a yes for a no, as we used to say. Every time you have a blow-up you feel bad, but if you want to feel good, respond in a good way. 

Someone recently sent me an Emily Barnes/Susan Rios tea time book, which emphasizes tea time as quiet reflections on what is lovely, true and good. (Thanks Andrea in Idaho, for sending this! I shall try to write a proper note when the summer harvest Rush is over!)

Today I hope to lay out my own outdoor tea scene and get a picture for you all.

Thank you so much for your comments, your love and even your corrections. You ladies are so smart, and I'm impressed some of you can tell what model and year and name of an old worn out truck is just by the tail lights!

Taking Tea Time Seriously

Hello Ladies,

I came across a photograph of a man who had a roadside hot tea service, but it was copyrighted. If you want to go and look, it was titled, "Tea seller waiting for tourists in Yorkshire Dales, England."

The photo revealed such a simple operation I wonder why more people are not doing that on roadsides here. The appeal would be even stronger if the location was scenic and the area was clean. An enterprising person, couple or a family could move their business along the highway and never be bored in one place.  A "chain" of sorts could be established along a picturesque route with many vendors. Tourists could bring their own porcelain tea cups.

In the meantime I am packing my own hot water, supply of tea bags and cups.  I need to get better at this--neater and more efficient.

New Painting by Susan Rios

Pink Cottage by Susan Rios

You can view this at her Etsy Shop here:

It is very nice that Susan also offers art lessons in her home.

Light House View

We have farm haze here, with over 100 degree temps, so have gone to the Pacific Ocean.  The above photo is a view from the light house.

Our young visitor from Germany is adapting very well. I am afraid when we introduce him as being from Germany he will embarrass us by saying Howdy Ma'am. He has become so American. His parents won't recognize him.

Alexander is so relaxed and enjoying his vacation. 

What do you think?  

My children and grandchildren built a castle, and that will likely be the only one he will see unless we take him to Mary Hill castle.

Since Germany is full of castles I didn't want him to think we were uncivilized. Our castles are very well built.