January Musings

Years ago I found the wonderful book of illustrations from Edith Holden entitled The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. And just last year our friend Jacqueline from Cabin and Cottage introduced me to the lesser known book, The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady which is a similar collection of watercolors and notes of the months and seasons. Both are captivating and insightful, and full of nature's beauty.

No matter where I've lived I enjoy taking a moment to gaze out a window or set on a porch to be aware of my surroundings. Some of our homes have lent themselves to this pastime better than others, but I'm taking advantage of the views at this house.

There's a constant busy-ness of the squirrels here; a twitter and flurry of birds, a comical late-night visitation from a family of raccoons, and the parades of Canadian Geese. Of course my favorites are the antics my little chipmunk friends, that often end up with a nap on the porch after many trips to their hideaway with pouches full of seeds and nuts.

I have such an admiration for those talented with the ability to record their daily observations and thoughts with such detail and charm. I wanted to share this precious watercolor of a cold January outing; just a glimpse of this young woman's day so many years ago.

Although I haven't seen rabbits here as yet,

 I did find my cast iron rabbit for a little winter nostalgia.

One of the elements of cottage life is the mixing of prints and fabrics that create a feeling of comfort and practicality. I'm not a quiltmaker, but I do fully appreciate the color palettes and combinations of prints that are so artfully and artistically joined. 

This "Cathedral Window" coverlet was made by my mother-in-law about 25 years ago and it's a favorite in Fall. But I'm feeling very "nature-ly" this winter, so I brought it out to use with my floral print flea market pillows and a large vintage floral needlepoint pillow with a brown background. 

I've enjoyed changing up this little "coffee table vignette" throughout the seasons. This month I'm using some of my old ironstone creamers and a majolica faux bois pear pitcher. The pitcher isn't old, has no markings, but I love how it mimics the color and form of the real thing.

Candlelight is a little indulgence I've had this winter.

 It brings a home-y glow, and chases away the gray of January.

If you missed the January Holiday Cupboard, you can see that post HERE.

Hope to see you next Monday evening.

joining in here:

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home

 Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters
Create Bake, Make at Across the Blvd

Happiness is Homemade at Blue Sky at Home

Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda

LouLouGirls Fabulous Party

Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away from Home

Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 

 Talk of the Town at Knick of Time

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode 

Share Your Style at French Ethereal 

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home

 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

 Create, Bake, Grow and Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge