Last year one of my favorite work peeps spent the Christmas Holiday in Merry old England and brought back two Whittard of Chelsea Tea cups.
She donated them as give-aways for last years tea party and I was desperately trying NOT to covet them, but as staff I wasn't allowed to be entered in the drawing (rude, don't you think? Me too). Anyway the two cups went to two OTHER lucky women.

About three weeks ago I received this very cryptic call from her asking me if I had ever bought one. "No." I said sadly, "I couldn't find anyone here in the states that carried them." When I came into work Thursday this darling set was sitting on my desk. Is this the cutest tea cup you've ever seen? The little hamster is too darling for words and the bun is such a sweet hostess with her little tea pot.
I LOVE YOU M! THANKS!
Oh! There's a store somewhere in San Diego that carries them. I think I'll have to find where they are.
Pinkies up!

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings, in a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:16

God speaks to His people in more than one way. Here He spoke loudly and with spectacular overtones. In 1 Kings 19:12 He spoke to Elijah in a "still small voice" after rejecting such vehicles as high wind and earthquake. We may hear God's voice in the sudden and the spectacular events of our lives--but it is just as probable that He will speak to us in the silence, quietly conveying the message He wants us to receive. He comes to us in the unusual, the shocking, the cataclysmic, and the catastrophic. But He also makes His presence known in gentler ways: by the quiet nudging of conscience, the steady glow of conviction--or by the constant remembrance of our first meeting with the Master.

Taken from the Book: "Today, Lord, I Will"

Anyone up for tea with a black kitty? I thought these where such darling tea sets that can bepurchased at The Tudor House Tea Room in Santa Monica. They're the perfect shade of pink...don't you think!

For more Pink Saturday Posts please stop by and see our wonderful hostess Beverly at: How Sweet the Sound.

More of Down Towne Orange

Isn't this a beautiful wedding gown? It's in one of my favorite shoppes called "Tea Leaf Cottage." The ceilings soar to 20 feet and this beautiful gown is displayed near the top. In the first picture you can see a bit of the original ceiling detail. This darling store is filled from floor to ceiling with shades of pale pink and green set against white antique furniture. Personally, I could live in this space.

Another gorgeous store named Tulips. You can find the most amazing things here from antiques to French soaps to sweet baby clothes. It also houses a florist shoppe.

I've been spending a lot of spare moments in Orange searching for a particular "accessory." I haven't found it yet, but when I do I'll let you know. I hope you all have a blessed Friday!

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10: 4&5

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

For more A,B,C's of the Word stop by and visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie
She has a list of fellow blogger's who are stirring up the word in our hearts on Thursday's. Or if you'd like to join us let her know.

Down Town Orange, CA

Country Roads Antiques...

Just one of the many fabulous

Antiques Shoppes.

Christopher Robin and I walked along
Under branches lit up by the moon.
Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore
As our days disappeared all too soon.
But I've wandered much further today than I should
And I can't seem to find my way back to the wood.

So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the house at pooh corner by one
You'd be surprised.
There's so much to be done.
Count all the bees in the hive.
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do
Got a honey jar stuck on his nose.
He came to me asking help and advice
And from here no one knows where he goes.
So I sent him to ask of the owl if he's there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear.

So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the house at pooh corner by one
You'd be surprised
Theres so much to be done.
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin
Back to the ways of Christopher Robin
Back to the days of Pooh.

Kenny Loggins

I have this great piece of furniture that I bought about two years ago. When I saw it in the antiques store the owner told me that if I guessed what it was he would give it me for free. I told him that it was from the 1860's and that it was a pastry shelf. When I said "1860's" I saw a look of fear on his face. He stared at me for a moment and said, "you're wrong. It's from the Civil War and it's a pie safe." If I remember my history correctly the Civil War took place in the 1860's and isn't pie made from pastry? Needless to say he didn't let me have it for free, but I took it home any way. It was such a great price that I couldn't resist!

Saturday after work I decided to visit one of my favorite little shops in Fullerton where I found this beautiful hand embroidered table runner. Sometimes you see something and the minute you do you just know it was meant for you. That's how I felt when I spied this little beauty all folded up and hiding under a box.

The shoppe owner asked if I was a butterfly person. "No, but I'm definitely pink and green." I just love how the flowers stand out against the soft shades of green and it fits perfectly on my pastry shelf.
So, if you're ever in the Fullerton area don't forget to stop by "Salt Water Creations." They always have the perfect vintage accessories.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whatever we are, high or lowly, learned or unlearned, married or single, in a full house or alone, charged with many affairs or dwelling in quietness, we have our daily round of work, our duties of affection, obedience, love, mercy, industry, and the like; and that which makes one man to differ from another is not so much what things he does, as his manner of doing them.

H.E. Manning (1808-1892)

Taken from the book: Today, Lord, I Will

Yesterday was "my" Saturday so off to work I went. Somewhere between here and there is a "sign" with all these great and sometimes cryptic messages, quotes, and simple sayings. This was today's message.

It made me feel less self conscious about arriving at work looking as if my linen skirt had just been pulled out of the dirty laundry.

Coco Loco and her PINK bow!

This is my little friend Coco Noel otherwise known as Coco Loco. She's a feisty one! If you were to come visit my crumbling cottage she would greet you at the door barking as if her little nine lb. life depended on it. Once you came in the door she would continue to bark... and bark...and bark. We are forever threatening that if she doesn't learn to behave like a lady, we'll have to call in the dog whisperer. Does she believe us? NO! She believes that she is Queen and we are her lowly servants.

Such is the life of a master and her dog.

For more Pink Saturday Posts stop by Beverly's at:

How Sweet the Sound.

You'll find plenty more PINK there!

I awoke from my dreamy slumber with two puppies dancing on my head. Unaware of the time I rolled out of bed, switched on a light and gently deposited my little friends to the floor below. They are such a joy in my life with their silly little antics and all their scrambling about.

This morning has been cooler with a gentle breeze and the sun has chosen not to make an appearance, but instead is hiding her face behind a layer of clouds. I love mornings like this... slow...dreamy...quiet...peaceful. It finally feels like Autumn has arrived at Brambleberry Cottage and I am more than eager to welcome it.

There are many tasks that need my attention this morning. Once their done I'll be off in search of something fun.
I hope you all have a lovely day!

My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest ;
Where can we find two better hemispheres
Without sharp north, without declining west ?
Whatever dies, was not mix'd equally ;
If our two loves be one, or thou and I
Love so alike that none can slacken, none can die.

Taken from the poem:
The Good Morrow
John Donne

A,B,C's of the Word is about 4 posts down.

I'm not sure why, but there it is.

This morning while I was wandering the web I came across this darling blog award on someones blog. I said to myself, "now that's a cute award!" Next thing I knew I had an email from Jan @ Jan and Tom's
Place and she was passing it on to me. What a funny coincidence or was it? I think Jan must have been listening to the Lord. He is after all a God who is concerned with every detail of our lives no matter how simple.
I came across Jan's blog a few weeks ago while participating in Pink Saturday's and decided early on that she's one of those rare people that cares about everyone. The world would be a better place if we had more Jan's. So I would like to say, "thank you for the sweet award from a sweet Lady."

Along with the award I'm supposed to post 6 things that make me happy. The question is, which 6 will I choose... let's see...

1. I love the sea especially when the fog rolls in.
2. I love spending time with my husband and puppies at the bluffs in Long Beach.
3. Quiet time alone to day dream and read magazines.
4. A good cup of coffee in a huge mug by the fire.
5. I love to have craft days and tea parties with best friends.
6. I love my Lord.

Now, for the final rule:
I'm to pass this award on to 6 bloggy friends, but I would like to pass it on to whoever would like to accept it. Just let me know so I can click over to our blog and read your 6 things.
And again, Thank you so much Jan. I'm enjoying getting to know you.

I received my September/October Issue of Victoria Magazine yesterday and it had a beautiful article about Montreal and Quebec City in Canada.
I first heard about Quebec in a December Issue of Victoria years ago and was enchanted by the narrow lanes lined with antiques shoppes that were decorated for the Christmas Holiday. Beside each door stood a small tree clothed in white twinkle lights and covered with a fresh dusting of snow. It was straight out of a fairy tale and from that moment my heart was smitten with a desire to visit this charming little city. Three summers ago that dream was fulfilled when sweet hubby and I boarded a plane and flew to Canada. This was very exciting for two reasons - 1. my dream was coming true and 2 - we were in a plane together for the very first time in our married life, which is quite strange since my hubby has his pilot's license, but that's another story.
Anyway, reading the story put me in a nostalgic mood so I thought I would share some of my photos with you.

Hubby and I by the waterfall. Our tour map said these falls were larger, higher, or something then Niagara. I wasn't quite sure what they meant by that, but we thought it was a great spot to have our picture taken together. Well, as you can see I'm a little fluffier around the edges then I was in my wedding pictures. Life has a strange way of doing things like that!

If you ever make it to Quebec you won't want to miss the Chateau de Frontenac. It is gorgeous! This in one of the interior halls. Don't forget to look up... the ceilings are covered in elaborate details.

This is one of the lower halls of the Chateau.

A petit auberge in Montreal that had the most gorgeous shade of red paint.

This was a darling little cafe in old Quebec, but when I saw what was on the menu I was HORRIFIED! The cafe is called "Lapin Saute." They serve up sweet little bunny rabbits. There was absolutely no way I was going to eat there! After all, I've owned 5 bunnies as an adult. It would be like eating a friend. No thank you! The decor was darling tho.

The entire city is surrounded by a wall with towers and gates. This is just one of them.

Quebec is filled with many cathedrals both large and small. This particular chapel was from the Victorian era and was made from wood. I loved all the periwinkle, gold, and browns together. It was such a darling ceiling.

This was the back side of the Cathedral of St. Anne. This place was huge and beautiful. The interior was all done in mosaic tiles and each of the family chapels had a different motif. This was the first cathedral I had ever visited and it was a bit overwhelming and intimidating, but I loved all the details and statuary. If you'd like more information about this cathedral here's a link: Basilique Sainte-Anne de Beaupre.

Just the other day my friend Kathy and I were talking about life and how little control we actually have. One never knows what waits around the corner does one? Then I made a stupid comment. It went something like this, "there is one thing in life that I can control and that's my blog. My little Neapolitan World. I control what happens there from the colors, posts, pictures, and everything in between."
Well, today I have been proven wrong! I can't even control this. I've been sitting here the last half hour trying to post pictures of different architectural styles I found in Santa Monica and every time I upload I get an error message. Something about an internal server. The question I have is, "who's server? Mine or theirs!" I can't even control the outcome of a simple post so I give up and I'll just spend a couple minutes web wandering.
Is anyone else encountering "server errors?" I do hope it's not just me.
Oh, the lovely building above is a Spanish Colonial. I believe it was abandoned. Beautiful isn't it?

The Letter E

Good morning ladies,

E stands for Exhortation and Encouragement so I thought I would post scriptures that went along with those to themes. So, here they are:

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

John 15: 2-5

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1: 17

For more A,B,C's of the Word stop by Grey Like Snuffie's blog.

A Truly Tudor Tea

Don't you just love ice cream? Especially when it's two feet tall!

Saturday morning I hopped in my car and made the 45 minute drive to Santa Monica to have tea with my little friend Fiffers and two of her friends. We went to the Tudor House who's website boasts of a traditional English Tea. I arrived a little early and wandered around until I found the tea room on 2nd street in an area that is clearly very British. Little shoppes filled with English China, books, and all other lovely British ware. Englishness that would make any Anglophile swoon. Plus, all the shop owners spoke with beautiful cockney accents.

This was a lovely little shoppe I popped into and meandered through the tunnel of rooms. The giant ice cream cone above was located just outside the door of The King's Head.

A little Pub and outdoor dining area that is next door. By the time my friends arrived you couldn't get a seat in this tiny restaurant. Hmm...maybe hubby and I should hop on the Harley and take the coast Hwy. down one afternoon for lunch.

I loved this sign outside the bar. Signage is one of my favorite things...strange, I know.

The gift shoppe inside the tea room was filled with teas, tea pots, and a British grocery store. They had some very intriguing items for sale.

Oh look! It's my friend Fiffers! She's my twin...well, maybe not my twin since I am 22 years older than her plus she's Asian and I'm Caucasian. Doesn't she look cute standing here with this giant red thing? Now that I'm looking at it I believe it to be an English Post.

This is Fiffers friend Michelle. She's a school teacher and Queen to her our realm. She even has money with her face on it. What a darling concept and a great way to teach children the value of budgeting.

Two interior shots of the Kings Head Shoppe. I loved the Barrel Vaulted ceiling with the grape vine motif around the door frames.

We were served a selection of tea sandwiches ranging from Chicken Curry (yum!) to tuna (yuk!) They were all very delicious and filling while the scones were Divine and the devonshire cream lighter then I expected.

Dessert was petite fours and chocolate mousse.

And as a little treat to myself I bought this darling Emma Bridgewater cup and saucer set. I stood there in the shoppe and debated for awhile then left and stood outside the window looking in. Only to come back in the shoppe and claim it for my very own. Sweet hubby has no idea of the price I paid and will probably raise his eyebrows at me when the bill comes in...or maybe he won't pay attention to the bill at all. That's what I'll tell myself. Well, I hope you enjoyed my little tea adventure...I know I did!

Every one who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.

Matthew 7:24

I have noticed that wherever there has been a faithful following of the Lord in a consecrated soul, several things have inevitably followed, sooner or later. Meekness and a quietness of spirit become in time the characteristics of the daily life. A submissive acceptance of the will of God as it comes in the hourly events of each day; pliability in the hands of God to do or to suffer all the good pleasure of His will; sweetness under provocation; calmness in the midst of turmoil and bustle; yieldingness to the wishes of others, and an insensibility to slights and affronts; absence of worry or anxiety; deliverance from care and fear--all these, and many similar graces, are invariably found to be the natural outward development of that inward life which is hid with Christ in God.

H.W. Smith (1832-1911)

Taken from the book: Today, Lord, I Will

Pink Saturday is here again!

Today I thought I would show you my green kitchen island with the PINK interior. It took my hubby eight months to build due to the frustrating fact that I designed it as he built. He would complete one part and I'd say, "let's add this or that!" The poor man, he was so patient through the entire process. When I told him I wanted to paint the interior bubble gum pink I thought he was going to flip! He just said, "OK, it's your island."

These are the shelves with the PINK bead board sides and back. I think there's a puppy dog head eyeballing a bunny on that shelf.
One of my favorite pink pitchers with chocolate writing. I have two giant cup and saucers that go with it as well as a large cake plate. The mugs are so much fun to drink hot cocoa out of during the winter months. I am SO READY for winter!
Pink tea cups on a pink shelf.
And finally a pink double Adirondack that my hubby built. A perfectly delightful place to sit in the evening and enjoy a tall glass of lemonade. Maybe I'll add a little lavender. Oh, look...there's a pink flamingo.

For more PINK SATURDAY POSTS don't forget to stop by How Sweet the Sound and say hi to our wonderful hostess Beverly. She has a whole list of other Pink Posts. And have a great PINK SATURDAY EVERYONE!