Honestly!

Before all the craziness of the Holidays began my beloved Rooty toot Rhonda Roo gave me so many awards that I had to put them all in a nice little wicker basket. Oops…please forgive me Darling Deb as you gave me the same awards just as I sent Milo off to Roo’s Treehouse and in my mournful state from losing my weence yellow bug boy I forgot to post. So you could say I have two baskets full ;-).

Along with these lovely and ever beloved awards from two of my fave bloggy buddies I have to post 10 honest things about me. Beloved Roo is looking for dirt, uhm, I mean interesting facts, or just facts…hee hee! So here we go:

1. This probably isn't the best thing to start with, but I suffer from road rage ;-O! OH Yes indeed! If you saw me on the road you'd think I was jockeying for position on the race track. While driving, my motto is: "Why be third when you can be second or better yet, "why be second when you can be first." I like to be the first one out of the gate and if you happen to be in front of me, beware because I'll squeeze out from behind, zoom past, and cut in front (of course I always wait till I'm a safe distance from your front bumper.

Zoom zoom!!!!!

2. I can spend days and days doing housework. Weird, I know, but to me an uncluttered cottage is an uncluttered mind.
3. I have a dyslexic tongue which has caused me many embarrassing moments in life. Oh, and the brain is dyslexic too...I see things backwards and inside out or upside down when they're really right side up or facing forward.
4. I've taken a mechanical drafting course in college which is where I discovered I was dyslexic. Have you ever tried drawing a three-dimensional gear on the computer from the back side forward? It doesn't work... trust me, I know! OK, enough with the dyslexia.
5. I have a whole collection of lovely Brighton Handbags, but I carry everything in one of these. It’s a funny little bag I bought in Prescott last summer and just love it too pieces. Mu husband says that’s where I live…La-la Land…Pink Cottage on the left or is it the right?

6. I suffer from SAD (seasonal affectiveness disorder). Oh yes, there is such a thing as SAD and living in an old cottage like mine makes me that much “sadder.” This little dwelling has no overhead lighting, only ambient fixtures placed about the perimeter of the rooms. Each winter hubby and I go through the same routine… I go from room to room turning on every single light and he follows turning every one off. The light or lack of light makes me sad…isn’t that sad?

7. The furniture in my living room has been in the exact same place for the past 10 years. I do change the accessories from time to time, but not too often ;-).

8. You know those converter boxes that everyone had to get for their old TV’s? We hooked ours up and haven’t watched TV since. It’s hiding behind the bird screen in the living room as well as everything that wouldn’t fit in my newly reworked craft room. The screen has become my “New Black Hole.”

9. I’ve been wearing the same pair of flip-flops for the past three years, or is it four? I figure if the children of Israel wandered for forty years in the same pair of sandals I’d try and see how long mine would last…doing good so far ;-/.

10. I always plan our vacations around B&B’s that I want to stay in. They’re always Victorian and preferably decorated with antiques. It’s always so much fun to sit and sip coffee with perfect strangers.

Ok, I tried to make my 10 things short so ya’ll wouldn’t become bored to tears. Did it work? I hope so! Oh, if you read this post all the way to the very end please accept my basket of awards for yourself. If you do let me know so I can find out 10 honest things about you.

xoxo Cori

Dreamy little Lollipops

Hello and how are you all doing? It’s been crazy busy here at Brambleberry Cottage what with Thanksgiving just a few days away and family coming to stay from out of town. I still haven’t done all my grocery shopping or cottage cleaning, but I did start my Christmas decorating.

I found these darling little sugary confections at Target and bought every one of them. Then I went to the Target across from work and bought more, although they only had four…but I still need more ;-).

I decided that since my family was going to be here for Thanksgiving I’d decorate for Christmas. Does that make sense to you? Funny, it does to me too!

And since my Kitchen is pink and green I thought I’d do a pink, green, and silver theme and I’m really loving the way it’s turning out. Hubby refers to it as my ongoing, ever changing, science project.

On Saturday my friend Janet and I set up a Tea Table at our local museum for the “Josephine and Jane Austin Tea” that was held there. Of the two of us Janet is definitely the more organized and always wants to know the “how’s and why’s of what we do.” Me? I just want to have fun!

And as you can see we did just that!!

The Gingerbread cookies look delicious don’t they? Janet and I were often amused whenever anyone would ask if they could take one to eat, and just in case you can’t tell, they’re plastic tree ornaments…

however, there were the most delicious Napoleon desserts provided by a catering company called Champagne. Such gooey sweetness that both of us ate two.

After our tea adventure we headed back to our homes and I spent the rest of the evening with Hubby and my darling little pups.

Well, I'm thinking that I probably won't be around for the next few days... more likely not until after Thanksgiving... so I thought I'd wish you all a lovely Thanksgiving filled with lots of love, laughter, and THANKFULNESS!!!

What are your Happy Thought?

This is a question I ask myself regularly. What are my Happy Thoughts?

Disneyland holds many happy thoughts and fond childhood memories for me especially this time of year.

I always stop at the Market House for a cup of steaming Hazelnut Coffee to sip while listening to the Dickens Carolers as they stroll Main Street.

Or here for their delicious ice cream, but don’t tell hubby, he would be HORRIFIED if he knew I had ice cream at Disney without him.

There are always Goofy characters as well as others to greet you as you wander from window to window looking at all the beautiful displays.

New Orleans Square is one of my favorite places at Disneyland. I love how the alley ways twist and turn and you can hear conversations from the balconies above.

Ah! Disneyland at Christmas time. These are some of my Happy Thoughts…

What are yours?

If England and France were meeting for tea...

who would they send to represent each country?
Why Josephine and Jane Austin of course.

There's a little known museum here in our little town that will be hosting a tea this coming Sunday. My friend Janet and I will be representing the "Pinkie Teas" and are setting up a table filled with china, tea accessories and a few of our favorite recipes.

If you happen to be in the neighborhood you should drop by just to say "Hi!"

Here's a link to the event: MUZIO and we hope to see you there!

Image: John Waterhouse

The Author of Life,
the King of all Kings
was wounded, and beaten, and hung on a hill.
The Truth of the world
the sacrifice made
has risen, was given the power to save.

Only His wounds can heal the broken,
Only His wounds can save us from sin,
Only His wounds give faith to the faithless,
Only His wounds can restore us.

The Day of the Lord,
the promise foretold,
the judgment upon us is soon to unfold,
but still there is hope,
the way has been made,
before us is Jesus, with power to save

Only His wounds can heal the broken,
Only His wounds can save us from sin,
Only His wounds give faith to the faithless,
Only His wounds can restore us again.

Lyrics: Michael Card

It's a perfect day to hop in the ol' side car and take a ride along the coast...
the weathers warm and there's a bit of a gusty breeze.
I hope that whatever you're up to, it involves the word FUN!

I received this fun award the other day from my new friend Kelly at A Stuffed Life formerly known as "Yesterday's Glitter." If you aren't familiar with her go check out her blog...she makes and sells the most darling Vintage-y Bears. This award also comes with a one word tag, which I found to be a little difficult...one word to describe you (me)...hum.
Anywho, here we go...

Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favourite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!

1. Where is your cell phone? Island
2. Your hair? Red
3. Your mother? Desert
4. Your father? Desert
5. Your favorite food? Chocolate
6. Your dream last night? Scary
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Cotswold
9. What room are you in? Guest
10. Your hobby? Gardening
11. Your fear? Fire
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Prescott
13. Where were you last night? Diner
14. Something that you aren’t? Practical
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Airstream
17. Where did you grow up? Arizona
18. Last thing you did? Beach
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Small
21. Your pets? Three
22. Friends? Darling
23. Your life? Peaceful
24. Your mood? Cranky
25. Missing someone? No
26. Vehicle? Orange
27. Something you’re not wearing? Necklace
28. Your favorite store? Antiques
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Today (onions)
32. Your best friend? Hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? Disney
34. One person who emails me regularly? Sister
35. Favorite place to eat? Mediterranean

OK, now to appoint six fellow bloggers the difficult task of coming up with 35 one word answers. It's not as easy as you might think, but oh what fun!!!!!

1. Darling Deb @ Midlife Poet
2. Rooty toot Ronda Roo (who has tagged me too) @ Roo's Treehouse
3. Elena @ Miss*Elena*Eous
4. Dee @ Runako Designs Girls Night Out
5. Lisa @ Puppy Lov
6. Rose @ Delightful Clutter

OK Ladies, have fun and let me know when your posts are up so I can come check them out ;-).

My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.
1 John 2:1 RSV

Dwight L. Moody once said, "there are two ways of covering sin--man's way and God's way." The difference, he pointed out, is that sin covered in man's way is not buried at all--but sin covered by God is buried for good, never to be uncovered again. As a finite man I can not grasp the magnitude of that redemption. How God can forgive me I do not need to understand. All I need to do is accept the fact of that forgiveness. Then I should live a life worthy of His calling, knowing I have an "advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous."

Taken from the book, "Today, Lord, I Will"

Just a few Thoughts rolling around in my head:

As I read this devotion this morning I noticed the ugly word, "sin." "Do I post this?" I thought to myself. Then I decided, Yes! In this day and age that's a word we don't like to hear because it has such a negative connotation. Very rarely is it preached from the pulpit because many pastors fear offending their flocks.

I remember when I first gave my life to Christ I used to wander about saying, "I'm such a sinner! I'm such a sinner!" And I was (still am as a matter of fact). It made my mother down right crazy!!! And one day she said to me "Oh Lainy (that's what she calls me) your not a sinner you've just made a few mistakes." A few? My life was one huge act of rebellion against the Lord who loved me more then I would ever be able to comprehend.

One day while at church the pastor did a study on "SIN." Did you know that it's nothing more than a term used in archery? It simply means you've failed to hit the bulls eye. Didn't get it dead center. Colored outside the line. It's a pretty simple word with a simple meaning, but with out acknowledging that ugly little word in our lives it's impossible to be forgiven, impossible to heal, and impossible to grow into spiritual maturity.
So in closing I'd like to say, "Do not be afraid of the word sin. yes I know it's ugly, trust me, I know how ugly it has been and is in my own life, but it's there so we can look to the Messiah who knew no sin so He can cover ours.

Babbling & other Nonsensical Stuff

It’s almost impossible to imagine that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Can you believe it? Neither can I!

Hubby and I decided to host the holiday in our weence little cottage, but we have a small problem…where do we put everyone?  Our dining room table is from the civil war era and pulls out to be about 8 ft. long only there’s no span for the center.

 

Ah! My dining room table is a tale in itself that maybe one day I’ll share with you all. It’s the prettiest little thing made of the richest cherry wood with a huge base and scrolly legs.

I just ran away for an hour or two, but now I’m back. Babbling about Thanksgiving made me realize that hubby was going to build a mock span for the table so I had to leave to help. (I just inserted these last two pictures…not intended for this post…and in case you’re wondering…no! That is not dust you see on my beautiful scrolly legs, it’s just a sprinkling of faerie dust so you can see the detail a little bit better)   ;-).

Miss Emily Pumpkinhead, who came out of hiding for Halloween decided to stay and visit for Thanksgiving as well.

And I decided to leave all my fun jars from Miss Vanessa’s Halloween party too. I thought that since they weren’t very scary and the colors are all “autumny” I would enjoy them a little longer.

It will be interesting to see how the wee ones do since there will be 2-3 children under the age of 4. My cottage is not what I’d call “child proof.” The exact opposite in fact. It’s been filled with cloches, glass jars, and every other breakable thing imaginable.

So, until Thanksgiving is over, I may be holding my breath ;-O!

Well, I think I’ve babbled long enough so I better get back to work…I have an entire cottage to clean, but I’ll be singing a merry tune as I’m dusting away the cobwebs and sweeping up the faerie dust. Oh! Or maybe I’ll listen to my favorite Christmas music.

Whatever you have planned for this weekend I hope it’s lovely!!!!

Poetry Should Be...

as natural as a leaf falling from a tree."
(A quote from the movie)















There was a movie that came out a few weeks ago by the name of "Bright Star." Have you heard of it? It's a tale about the Romantic Era poet, John Keats and his three year love affair with a woman named Fanny Brawne.

I saw the preview on-line and was instantly intrigued by the costumes and photography so I convinced my darling hubby that we needed to see it. After all, his favorite movie is Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin (don't tell him I told).
When the movie began I saw him roll his eyes and mumble under his breathe, "Oh! It's a COSTUME movie!" "Yes dear, it is! And you are going to love it! Trust me."
Whenever I convince him to see "one of these" movies I like to watch him out of the corner of my eye to see how he reacts. During Bright Star he never fell asleep...he never yawned...he stared intently at the screen...and he even laughed. I knew he would like it.

Some of the scenes were visual feasts for the eyes that transported you back to another place in time. There was one scene in particular that had an otherworldly feel about it where Keats character was floating above the trees while he was describing to Fanny his dream. But one of the most surprising parts of the movie was the role of Charles Brown played by Paul Schneider who is one of our favorite characters from the movie Elizabeth Town. His Scottish brogue was so convincing that hubby thought it was real.

Bright Star had a little bit of everything: innocence, passion, love, tragedy, loss, redemption, and above all it was a true story based on one of England's most beloved poets.
If you're in the mood for a period romance that's beautifully filmed and acted, this film won't disappoint! I would most definitely see it again and would highly recommend it.

Both images are stills from the movie

I just can't wait until Christmas!

It's my favorite time of year!
When the wind is crisp and cold,
and leaves shiver in the trees
I'll be decorating my cottage with little Christmas wreaths.

But this year Christmas is coming early to
Brambleberry Cottage
thanks to Kelly of A H'art Felt Christmas.
She's hosting a blog party on December 12th
that's sure to be so much fun!
So if you'd like to join us, please feel free.
You can sign up by clicking on the flyer above
or the badge in my side bar.
It will be a time to share some Christmas cheer with old friends as well as new.
I'm looking forward to it, how about you?

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.