You have crossed a bridge. Reach not back. Move on ahead and press into the fullness of all I have prepared for you. It is waiting for you to step forward and receive. Do not tarry, and do not question, neither allow doubts to enter your mind. Your heart may cry out and rebel, but if you will return to Me in those moments, I will give you My peace. I send you no place except as I have gone before.

From "On The Highroad of Surrender"
by: Frances J. Roberts

Wishing I were here again!

Memory is a funny thing, don’t you think? Exactly one month ago today hubby and I were meandering about the gardens of this delightful old Inn and today it seems like nothing more then a faded dream. It’s strange how time swiftly flows from one season to the next.

I could easily imagine myself living in this weence Tudor cottage beyond the enchanted garden gate. On cold misty mornings I’d sit by the window sipping a hot cup of tea while gazing out the leaded glass panes.

Or I may decide to linger by the window seat on the upper landing while listening to the birds serenading in the trees.

Perhaps one would land on the open sill and whistle a tune from exotic lands far far away.

Then I would ready myself for whatever the day might bring.

I’d tip toe out the door, through the gate, and across the lawn to the old stone arch. I’d pass beneath all the brambly leaves and moss growing in its shade. I’d step out into the sun and wish the world a good morning.

All Pictures taken on the grounds of the English Inn Victoria B.C.

An Award with Unknown Facts about me

I was given this award by the sweetest young woman, Miss Elena Eous, in Bloglandia a few days ago and am just now getting around to posting it...I am so sorry Miss Elena! I've had one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong did go wrong so please forgive me...PLEASE?

Winning this award involves two things:
1) Nominating three others blogs and
2) Answering a few questions about yourself (myself).
So here we go:

What's your current obsession? I would have to say my camera. I love my camera and can't leave my cottage without it. You never know what you'll see along the roads of life and I certainly wouldn't want to miss anything fun or interesting.

What's your zodiac sign? For the first 23 years of my life I delved deeply into astrology thinking that the stars held the answer to all the mysteries of life, but then one day I thought to myself, "why look to the stars for answers when I can look to the One who flung them out at His fingertips. So to answer the question, "I simply don't have one! I traded mine in for the cross of Jesus 24 years ago.

What's your latest purchase? A lovely silver tray with cut edges and a soft warm patina. It fits perfectly beneath one of my cloches.

What do you think about the girl who gave you this award? I know that she is young...how young? That I don't know, but what I do know is she's an adorable little person with a sweet personality and a gentle heart.

What did you last have for dinner? A burrito that my hubby made while I was spending the entire evening at the vet.

What's your favourite decade? Without a doubt the Northern Renaissance Period. I love the feminine lines of the clothing and the fabrics that were used to create them as well as all the beautiful trims and embellishments that went into the details. The music is quite enchanting too.

What are your must haves for summer? Linen skirts, cotton tees, air-conditioning and a fresh ocean breeze. This may sound like a strange answer but, when you reach my age and live within your own personal summer year round you'll understand a little better ;-)

What would you love to be able to do? When I was younger I wanted to own my own Travel Air 4000, fly around the country side and land in corn fields. It is still a dream that one day I'd love to be able to do.

What is your favourite piece in your closet? My petticoat. It goes with everything I own and can be worn during any season of the year plus it's comfortable enough to run around my cottage in.

What's your dream job? I've always wanted to own four little cottages that I could rent with a small shoppe next door. I'd sell hand made Adirondack's, garden furniture and the accessories to go along with them. I would also have a quiet spot where people could enjoy the fresh air and nibble on fresh bakes scones. A few months ago I ran across my "dream sheet" that had a description of each room's colors, furnishings, and themes...maybe one day.

What's your favourite magazine? I love the original Victoria Magazines and have stacks of them dating back to 1988. Each month I pull that months back issues out and look through them for inspiration. I don't think there has ever been a more beautiful magazine nor do I think there ever will be again.


What do you consider a fashion no-no? Muffin Top pants...paalleeaasee ladies!!! What ever happened to the idea of accentuating your better qualities and not your flabby over hanging bellies...I'll say no more!!!!

Describe your personal style: That's a difficult one! Most people think I dress strangely, but I think that's because I don't dress like them. I'm not a follower of fashion trends and prefer to do my own thing. I love all things lacy and feminine with a splash of something unexpected. I suppose if I had to try and define my look I'd say it's somewhere in between a Victorian flower child with a blend of mild mannered gypsy.

Who is your favourite Beatle? Growing up I listened mostly to musicals and Barbra Streisand so I was never a Beatle fan, but I did like the Monkey's.

What are you proud of? Wasn't it written somewhere that pride comes before the fall...tee hee! OK, really! What am I proud of? I'm one of those people who's easily distracted and will start something only to become intrigued by something else. Drop my current project and start the next. So I'd have to say that I'm most proud of the fact that after 24 years I'm still walking with the Lord. Some years are harder then others, but I know that whatever life brings He is my constant so I cling to Him with my every breath.

That's it for me...
now to nominate three fellow bloggers...

Darling Deb @ Midlife Poet
Rooty toot Rhonda Roo @ Roo's Treehouse
My Friend Moorea @ Homeschooling Sentiments

HAVE FUN LADIES!!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU COME UP WITH!!!!
& THANK YOU MISS ELENA!!!!

SOMETHING YOU CAN GIVE AWAY…

AND KEEP AT THE SAME TIME IS YOUR WORD.

All Souls Day…

Or as they call it in Mexico…

El Día de los Muertos

I was over at Disneyland the other day and they had this huge display set up for the Festival. As I stood there staring at this large skeleton woman dressed in pink it made me wonder about the celebration and its origins.

I’ve always been fascinated by other cultures belief systems and why they believe what they believe, but this festival I find particularly interesting. Not only is it celebrated in Mexico and South America, but many other cultures as well.

The celebration focuses on families and friends gathering to pray for those who have died.

Alters are built with sugar skulls and marigolds among other objects used for decoration.

Gifts of food and drink are left at the gravesite that has been freshly cleaned. Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl (wikipedia).

In Christian beliefs we have no such festival of honoring our dearly departed unless, of course, you want to stretch things a bit and consider communion. The breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine in remembrance of what Jesus did on the cross over 2000 years ago.

And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

1 Corinthians 11:24 & 25

The Innocent Age

Capture the moment
Carry the day
Stay with the chase
As long as you may
Follow the dreamer,
The fool, and the sage
Back to the days of
The innocent age.

Storybook endings
Never appear
They're just someone's way of
Leading us here
Waiting for wisdom
To open the cage
We forged in the fires of
The innocent age.

Back at the start
It was easy to see
No one to own to
Nowhere to be
Deep in the heartlands
A sad memory
Calls to me.

Fretful horizons
Worrisome skies
Tearful misgivings
Burning your eyes
Yearnings unanswered
Reckon the wage you
Pay to recapture the innocent age.

Back at the start
It was easy to see
No one to own to
Nowhere to be
Deep in the heartlands
A sad memory
Calls to me.

Lyrics: Dan Fogelberg

Memories of Butchart Gardens

While hubby and I were in Victoria BC we visited Butchart Gardens for a few hours. These are just a few of the pictures I took…

I hope you enjoy them.

Just a simple question...

Do my pictures look dull to you?
I post from my laptop, but many times at work I peek in on my blog and the colors look washed out and tired...
what do you see?