down in the meadow

Bees, honey and family

2012-01-09T05:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful~! Its been amazing having a full month of family. Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, Granny's and Grandpa's. I have whipped up meals in seconds and feel like I have fed armies. Its been wonderful and exhausting all wrapped up together. I often feel like my home is the half way house. The spot where all are welcome after a long journey North, South or over the oceans. The children love it and even though its busy, so do I. I love the conversations and the laughter as cousins catch up on news...These photo's I am journaling for memories.

Cousin Conor...the 16 year old who loved to flex the muscles this holiday...is our family bee keeper. He has put capture boxes around every family members home and is so brilliant and passionate about handling bees. We managed to keep 3 hives on our property for months and with their removal to Conor's grandfather's farm, we all got to sample this golden pool of health and sweetness.

I hope you all had lovely gatherings of family and friends and that the new year ahead will be a good,prosperous,healthy,safe..love filled one. That our minds will expand to new heights and open to new ideas....

A happy day to you all and to all new followers... Welcome~

Lavender harvest and a little country

2011-12-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

For the last couple of early evenings and still many more to come, I have been harvesting my many bushes of lavender. Planted right in front of my home, under our windows . The smell this time of year is heavenly. Of course where does my mind go...if its not 'Mousehole village' in England I get transported too, its France! I best do some travelling or not....It all seems to be right here at my front and back door. I plan to store and keep my harvest for lavender sachet's, hand creams and to flavor sugars for gifts. Just outside my kitchen grows a glorious English Country garden. Hollyhocks and bluebells, foxgloves and roses. Added to my garden this year are some beautiful Chinese lanterns. Just look at the folds in their petals. Each petal being of a different shape. They look so vintage. Summer here is Bright, warm, full of fragrance... delightful truly happy.

A happy day to you
Suzanne
X

Christmas emerging

2011-11-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas happening around our home happens to be my favorite activity the of year. I love taking the kitchen chair and reaching high up into the passage cupboard to hall out the dusty boxes I last saw almost a year ago. Its a bit surprising in itself seeing what we have collected. This year is a Maileg and Greengate Special. I have always since young been fascinated with the the vision of quaint village toy shops. This I am sure brought about by beautiful books I have read through the years and our trip to Germany. My kitchen spot, where I change this area like the wind changes, has become home to our little village shop window. We have already started playing our Christmas music. Brogan has produced 3 delicious Christmas Fruit cakes. Our real Christmas tree didn't make it into the house this year. Its grown too big! One thing I wish we had here in South Africa is being able to choose a real Christmas tree from a tree farm. We now have this gorgeous grand old lady tree standing in the entrance hall.

I hope your homes are beginning to feel a little cozier with the smells that come with this time of year.

A happy day to you~
Suzanne
X

Christmas stories this time of year

2011-11-24T00:14:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that I just love reading and bringing out all the all time favorite stories. 'The wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween'~ Olivia has loved this book . The quite magic of a white Christmas. I just love books that are illustrated with such realism. Capturing the personality and mood of the words with true artist flare. Olivia also did a water color painting of the Story. I loved how she captures the bitter cold snowy night and the warm glow of the cottage~

Happy Christmas story reading to your little ones
Suzanne~
X

Shabby chic Snowman pattern

2011-11-20T23:32:00.000-08:00

I knitted this little snowman with pure handspun thickish wool. I tried to find a 'dirty' natural color to give him a little character. He is also stuffed with wool fleece. I mentioned in my last post that I am not that great at writing patterns so here we go...

(Work in st st using size 4 mm straight knitting needles)If you find that he needs an extra stitch or two please add them in....

Cast on 7 stitches
~st st 2 rows starting with a plain row
~row 3 - increase into every stitch ( the knit into front and back of stitch method)
~row 4 - purl
~row 5 - increase into every stitch ( the knit into front and back of stitch method)
~row 6 purl
~row 7 -18 st st (12 rows)
~row 19 knit 2 together until the end (if you have a stitch remaining somewhere, just knit it.)
~row 20 purl
~row 21 knit 2 together until the end (same if a stitch is remaining just knit it.)
~row 22 purl (about 6-7 stitches remaining)
~row 23 increase into every stitch to the end (this starts to form the head)
~row 24 purl
~row 25-32st st
~row 33 knit 2 together until the end (about 6-7 stitches remaining)
~row 34 purl
then thread needle through the remaining stitches and pull together and sew up the whole little body. Leave a small opening at the bottom to stuff the snowman with fleece. Sew up.
Add eyes and a smiley face with black embroidery thread .Take a piece of orange fleece and wet felt it by rubbing it with soap and hot water between your palms to create a pointy nose. Dry and glue on.
I then threaded a loop of hemp or ribbon to hang on the tree.

Scarf
cast on 4 stitches and garter stitch about 35 rows. Wrap around the snowmans neck and sew into place

Thank you and happy knitting

Mousehole village Christmas crafting

2011-11-18T01:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 'Mowzil" Christmas Special~ I hope to share my Christmas ideas with you throughout this coming Christmas season. Like many of you, my hands have worked non stop trying to get my Christmas swaps and pressies out in time to cross the channel to various homes around the World. Last night I finally finished and as my needle embroidered the last little snowflake, I turned to Andrew and confirmed that I just Love, adore homemade gift making ( this of course was not the case a week ago when I thought this was all never going to end...) The feeling of the fiber, the colors of the fabric, the smell of the pure wool felt, the complete world I escape too. Most often late at night...I can just imagine the fresh pine branch these decorations will hang on year after year.

Well, I suppose these decorations could be Christmas tree hangers, strung onto a garland or placed at your Christmas nature table.

The geese knitted with pure cotton are from the book 'Irreststable gifts to knit' by Alan Dart....I used ribbon to add detail.
The Christmas trees and disc felt characters although a variation in pattern are from the book 'Fa la la la Felt' by Amanda Carestio.......
The embroidery hoop is a design of my own made from natural linen and cotton, pure wool felt and pure wool dyed with 'cochineal'. Most welcome to try it. The carrot is wet felted by rubbing a bit of fleece together between your palms. This creates the pointed carrot nose. The scarf is just a cast on of 4 stitches knitted st st until desired length for across the neck and a seperate piece for the piece hanging down. The lavender sachet I used natural linen and odd bits of fabric sewed together and filled with dried garden lavender.

The Cute Snowman pattern I am happy to share just leave me a message. I am not the greatest at writing patterns and If ever I find a stitch out of place or left over, it just gets knitted in...so, its a shabby chic design of 'hope it works out!'

Happy gift making to you
Suzanne
XXX

Celebrating Aaron's 12th Birthday

2011-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Flashback......Its the 10th November 1999. I am exhausted and overly large. My birthing pool has been cleaned and heated more than 10 ten times by now (such a caring hubby). Andrew is frustrated and wants to poke a hole in my birthing pool . I insist on clean water (certainly no chemicals) and the perfect temperature just incase he comes... Aaron is 2 weeks over due. One large sob and a big 'feeling very sorry for myself', I head off to bed thinking that I could just not carry this big big babe another day. In the early hours of the morning this beautiful big 4.5 kilogram baby looking just like his Father, became ours to love and to hold, nurture and cherish.

Such a relaxed morning opening up special thoughtful gifts. Its a full moon tonight and we plan to sit under it soaking up its good energy drinking something cool as it is so very hot. . Aaron, a very happy birthday to you~!

XXX

Mousehole Village crafting~

2011-11-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be watching 'fantasy homes by the sea' recently and what a surprise to find a couple purchasing a home in 'Mousehole village'. I sat in awe as they walked through the village and I even got to see the inside of some cottages. That truly left me feeling so good about my crafting posts here as I could just imagine this cozy little village, quaint English country gardens and as I have said before in other posts, sitting next to a Sunny window or warm fire place knitting or crafting.

This week has been an Elderflower cordial delight. I have blooms by the dozen and so my Christmas ideas set in. I thought these bottles of cordial would make a lovely gift under the tree. I too have made some tea towels out of Egyptian cotton, scraps of material, ribbon and felt. When I was on Holiday, I saw something similar and decided to make my own. Please view the photographs of the tea cloth. it really was a simple quick make.

My Summer yellow quilt is coming along nicely. I have had to get some help with sewing the layers together as my machine could not handle the thickness....Can't wait to show you...

Elderflower cordial recipe ( I double or tripple the recipe if I have more flowers. I do find it difficult adding so much sugar so if need be, please look up an alternative for using honey or other natural sugars)

25-30 flower heads
1.5kg's organic unrefined sugar ( one could also use honey or agave)
55g citric acid
1.5 liters water

Wash the flowerheads. Place them in a pot or large bowl.
Place water and sugar in a pot and heat the water to melt the sugar.
Add the citric acid.
Pour the liquid mixture over the flowerheads and close the lid of the pot or cover the bowl and let stand overnight.
Sieve and place into sterilized bottles.
Enjoy~

Happy Homemade crafting ~

Suzanne
X

Celebrating Olivia's 9th Birthday~

2011-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have loved every minute of preparing for Olivia's 9th Birthday. She started preparing many moons ago for this day. She made her own Birthday calendar and religiously marked the days. Born here in our home 9 years ago seems even more special. Birthday morning was a special Waldorf tradition of gently smothering her in kisses and then taking a huge leap out of bed as we all sang out her full 9 years of age. Her beautiful crown still fits. I made it 5 years ago. Shame, can you imagine how large I must have made it back then.... We had a lovely group of friends and family visit. Our days have been hot so Elderflower cordial made the day before, cooled us down as we sat on the veranda watching the party unfold into raptures of laughter.

Our beautiful South African protea opened on Liv's Birthday morning...We also noticed the first pink blossoms on our courtyard tree. A happy Birthday Dear Liv, a happy Birthday to you~!

Off to the Sea~

2011-09-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Dear friends

I just thought I would just let you know that I am off to the Sea for a short break. We are travelling to the Drakensberg, doing the Midlands Meander and then off to Ballito where Andrews parents live. I am packed, exhausted... up all night ( Aaron and Olivia have colds!) and rearing to go.

I am leaving you with a few lovely photographs of Spring around my home. This gorgeous little owl made an appearance not too long ago and I just had to show you. My heart melted at the way it looked at me~! The glass bell has a few treasures that my dear friend Beth made for me...I just love them. When I return, it will be Summer and my garden will be a treasure trove of glorious flowers waiting for me to feast upon~

A happy day to you
Lots of love
Suzanne

Mousehole Village crafting~

2011-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

So here he is...this is for Daniel. This gorgeous baby needs a cute gift this year. This soft toy is an adaption to a pattern I have spotted so I have no illustrations. The fabric I used is Amy Butler, some lovely natural linen and organic valor. I suppose you can call it a 'Bunny gnome!'. So, my Homemade Christmas gifts are well underway. Last year I belted out that it was 'homemade Christmas' and I got so few done...This year I am determined to walk the talk~!

My mousehole inspiration moment is my old kitchen cabinet that I brought in from the veranda. I gave it a good clean out and added some greengate favorites.. The added fairy lights always bring the best atmosphere into my kitchen. I love tins and jugs. I always say a change is as good as a holiday so, this home gets moved around allot~!

A happy day to you~
Warm regards
Suzanne

Welcome Spring~

2011-09-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here~! I understand the concept of 'be grateful for each Season' for if you did not embrace Winter you would not appreciate the sheer beauty of Spring. I was up at 4am this morning setting the Spring breakfast table and baking bread. I really wanted the children to wake up with the smell of freshly baked bread. I went outside and cut some fresh Jasmine flowers for the table. Freshly baked bread, organic farm eggs from our 'girls' and the smell of Jasmine through the house. What a good start to the Season. I received my Greengate parcels this week so I've been playing decor decor in the girls rooms and around the house.

Happy Spring day to all my Southern hemisphere friends~

Mousehole Village crafting~

2011-08-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

Ooh have I taken way too long to make something for our 'Mowzil' village craft spot. Ever so sorry. Well, after purchasing all that heavenly fabric from Etsy not so long ago,(Amy Butler, Heather Bailey and many more) I decided to start making a list of all the people I want to make Christmas presents for. I must say I struggled to cut the fabric...?? anyone gone through something like that! It all looks so beautiful packed together all color co ordinated and whole. So firstly I thought I would cut a small strip off one piece and see what I could come up with...Once I got going, it got all way too exciting and I burst into making the biggest thing....a Quilt for my King size bed. My gosh, then all the fabric started going~! Fancy that! Feast your eyes on my freshly cut squares. Sunny African yellow theme. One whole week of cutting...when I had the time.

Anyway first up for one of her Christmas presents is my Sister Cally. I sincerely hope she is far too busy learning about Rhino and Lion's to read my post and spoil her surprise. She is moving up to a small Town in South Africa. Off to the bush you see...At the moment she is studying to become a nature conservationist. I thought of her sitting on her quaint little stoep (veranda) looking out over into the dense bush and African sky and suddenly her lights going out. So I created this....to hang at her bedside.

I wrapped a pack of simple white candles individually in brown paper. Tied them together with some jute.Then I folded a neatly sewn double strip of pretty fabic to wrap around the candle pyrimid. I brought a large pack of matches, cut out the exact size fabric piece for the top of the box. Sew a firm piece of tracing fabric with the fabric of your choice(sorry I have no idea what it is called but it is the fabric you use to trace a pattern onto)it makes it firm. Then once sewn neatly,I glued it onto the top of the box of matches. I then made a small bag..just cut a piece of fabric on the fold. 25cm in length and 18cm in width. Sewed up the sides and added a fabric handle.

I hope you can use this idea. It is simple and I think I need one for my home too~

A happy day to you
Suzanne

This young girl ~

2011-08-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

This beautiful young girl... how I remember being this tender age of 14. Life is big and every experience tackled in a different way. More mature, more capable, needing more, wanting different, more sensitive, yearning to explore and so so much more. Our last school holiday, Brogan decided to pursue her growing love for medicine and health care. A wonderful friend of mine made a dream come true by getting permission for Brogan to attend various operations in one of our local hospitals as a volunteer . Life changed drastically for a while as this required very early dark Winter mornings riding through Town to get her there so she could help prep patients. Her days were long, often with out a break until I fetched her at the end of the day. She carefully watched as almost every operation from appendics surgery, spine, cesareans, circumcisions, removal of abscess's, prolapsed uterus and many more were performed. Young, old, male and female. Her experience has made her realise that although a very challenging road ahead with her schooling, that this is exactly what she would like to do.

The living of our lives , the days that just pass us . How our months and years roll by . How this has suddenly hit me as I write this post. I treasure my moments with Brogan . I now know how my Mother loved having me at this age.

Do have yourselves a happy day ~!
Suzanne

My Shalom Cardi and a treasure in disguise

2011-08-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

YES~! its finished...My Shalom cardi now hangs on my body. I wore it for the first time today. Buttonless but I could not resist. I have three thoughts here. One being that if I don't add sleeves, that I can start wearing it straight away. Two being, if I do add sleeves, I shall be wearing it in Summer its taken so long to knit and could take even longer!!! Three being, I don't have enough wool to finish it so, I am basically forced to stop. So , here I model my first cardigan I have ever made. I tried every which way to model it as Winter has given me an abundace of unwanted flab but PROUD... YES~!

Please take note of my overly large lemon..It's the first from the lemon trees in the orchard.

I have a little story to tell about this gorgeous old vintage curtain. A beggar came to my door not so long ago. It was a very cold Winters night. He was hungry and cold and desperate. He came wrapped in this dirty old curtain. So , we made a swap. I gave him a meal and one of my warm winter quilts amongst other things. He gave me the most beautiful linen vintage curtain I have ever seen ( very dirty indeed but I gave it a good scrub!) and I was left humbled and full of gratitude for my place here on Earth. Fortunate, warm, fed and loved....These lessons come in so many hidden ways. I am now left cutting up my beautiful linen vintage curtain to make a quilt for my Dear Mr Darcy and I to snuggle up with.

A happy day to you~
Suzanne

What's inside the French Armoire

2011-07-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Olivia and Brogan swapped rooms this week and boy did we have some bargaining to do. Big sister wanted a bigger pad and little sister struggled to settle in her very large bedroom. So, to seal the deal, Mama had to get creative. Follow me to the French Ar moire..Olivia's clothing cupboard. These photographs just had to be taken at night as the magical little bunny and mouse house looks so enchanting. Fairy lights, a little fire place of her very own, vases of lavender and the beautiful book series 'Brambly Hedge' was in order. A very happy little cozy girl sleeps here now~

These cute little miniature items are from Maileg and well worth the buy.

A happy day to you~
Suzanne
XXX

Our second day with a Cherub~

2011-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

We are in the throws of Baby bliss and I just have to Journal some more of this precious baby boy ~ I just love being a Great Aunt

Welcome Baby

2011-06-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

We have had the most exhilarating day. My niece Hannah and her partner Colin welcomed Daniel into the world. Born at 1:55 pm , weighing 3.18 kg's and 50cm tall. We are so overwhelmed by his presence. Every moment we have spent with him today has been peaceful and very spiritual. We have felt so much apart of their lives through the pregnancy and Birth. They have both been so generous with him today. Allowing us to hold him and be close to him. I look so forward to getting to know this little boy. I once again get reminded how close to the Heavens you become when you receive a baby. I think you forget...

The children spent yesterday baking Daniel's Birth cake. So glad we did. Hannah loved it. So my sister is a Granny for the first time and I am great Aunt~

A Waldorf play 'The lion and the mouse'

2011-06-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before numerous times the influence Waldorf education has had on our family. Simple,caring,nurturing, soulful learning. All three of my children have benefited year after year . Pure honest from the heart teaching. Our live education homeschooling curriculum has been wonderful. Water color painting, moulding figures with her hands.. I have seen each of my children pass this phase in their learning and seeing Olivia confidently telling us about the Lion and the mouse and truly understanding the meaning behind her little play makes me so happy~

A wonderful weekend to you all

Warm regards
Suzanne
XXX

Follow me to the loft......

2011-06-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

My imagination often gets the better of me and I can't resist painting the perfect picture (which is not always the case I promise) but today follow me to my loft above the tree tops. I walk through my courtyard still green but a little frost beaten and up the stairs into my haven. I take a breath as I glance towards my work table. I love this old french table that holds my pins, ribbons and today a gorgeous stash of fabric...I am inspired as I feel this heavenly pure cotton between my fingers. Amy Butler, Michael Miller and Heather Bailey are a true inspiration at this time. I am once again thinking of a homemade Christmas. If I start now, hopefully with all the constant demands of my young family , I can see some special projects completed. As I complete, I will show my items in my new post slot called 'Mousehole Village crafting'. See you there and I hope that I can inspire you..

A happy day to you~
Suzanne
XXX

Mousehole Village crafting~

2011-06-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Reading through my vast amount of Country living magazines, I came across an article about a quaint English village called 'Mousehole village' in West Cornwall. Is that not just too cute! I've decided that should I make anything worth sharing with you, I will post it and call it 'Mousehole village crafts'....Please look out for it. I can just picture the village. Old stone walled homes, smoke seeping slowly out of their chimney's, inviting front English country gardens with a crooked wooden gate, tea always on the ready, craft basket sitting at the comfy chair at the low window ready to be worked on. Of course, no home would be complete without a cute little dog lying in a warm blanket... Boy, can I only dream of Walking though this village. Its a small fishing village and a true treasure of a place. Please join me as I craft this fine day. I am not too patient with writing tutorials so the basics will be covered in picture.

Today, I have decided to share a part of my home which I love. This little spot is in my kitchen right next to a large glass paned door. Being Winter, I needed to bring my garden in doors. This old battered cupboard was a treasure find I payed R200 for.. Just LOVE it! So, these pots looked a little dreary and I have made a plan to cover them. I have some recycled wrapping paper and some cotton lace. I must say all looked easy until I tried to wrap a round pot..so, take it slowly and use allot of tape discreetly. I hope you love the end result. I intend covering them all. Maybe even knit a pot holder too.

Happy crafting~!
from
Mousehole village

Tasha Tudor's signed cookbook and my shalom cardi

2011-05-12T00:55:00.000-07:00

I have been saving this post for a while and am dying to share it..not too long ago I entered into Sharon Lovejoy's (author of 'Sunflower Houses' Root shoots buckets and boots, Toadstool and shooting stars') blog giveaway and received the most cherished gift. A signed copy of Tasha Tudors cookbook. For me this was one of those moments any treasure finder could truly not believe had landed in my lap. I have loved getting to know who Tasha was through the years and have admired her principles and natural ways. Although living in a world moving way too fast for me, but still needing to hang onto the moving bus, Tasha's ways have always entered my mind should I be yearning for a gentler pace.

Talking about gentle, I am hoping those who view my shalom cardi today (see linda )will be so, as they see all my mistakes. I have joined in on the local knitting group and natter so much that on coming home, see holes and wrong stitches for rows. I believe all this makes for a homely cardi and so no pulling out is happening down here! Along with my new box of Yorkshire tea, my Emma Bridgewater favorite Robin mug, I shall sit and knit a little more today~

A happy day to you~
Suzanne

Olivia~

2011-05-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Our family are very attached to these two little dogs 'Beanie' And 'Noodle'. These two amaze me how they love being played with. Liv spent ages in our very old suitcase being mother, kisser,hugger and friend of the animals. Sometimes there are those days when boredom turns the hours to wonderful imagination play.~

A Happy weekend to you
Suzanne

Cath Kidston and a Cardi

2011-05-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well, as much as I would like to say that I spent all week knitting my Shalom cardi, I didn't ...I spent some of today trying to photograph it...tried to stretch it to make it appear bigger and further along the way but no...a few rows was all I could handle and so little by little my cardi is forming. I really want to wear this soon. So I have to keep knitting~

Cath kidston mugs are my treasure find recently. Ever had a special mug that you reach for every time you have a cuppa. Well, I can truly recommend these.

A happy day to you~
Suzanne
X

The Royal Wedding~

2011-04-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

My heart belongs to England today. Its been the most romantic day seeing William and Catherine Marry. We had family and friends spend the day with us. On went the log fire and kettle for a cuppa. The atmosphere around England has been amazing. That kiss went by so quickly that I almost never got it. What a fairytale

To Wills and Kate~!

My Shalom Cardigan

2011-04-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

SHALOM~

I have decided to finally knit something bigger than a Waldorf toy. Introducing my first cardi ever...'The Shalom cardigan' that I have started making with my neigbour Linda I saw this pattern on Ralvery and I knew Linda had knitted it before. I needed help and she kindly offered. I have chosen to knit in chunky handspun wool. I love the colour plum which will be perfect for Winter. I am wearing this cardi in my mind already..a pair of jeans and knee high boots~ There is something good about community living and togetherness. I hope that although far apart, we can all come together in closeness and join in with making this Cardigan. If you are not a knitter, know that this is my first time too. Try find a Granny, Mother or Friend that you can bond with while knitting this.

Love to you
Suzanne
X

Preparing for Easter

2011-04-21T03:07:00.000-07:00

A little Rebecca walked into my home this morning and threw her hands up in the air and looked around our kitchen. She said... " Suzanne your house looks so beautiful..You've coloured it all in!". She is only 2 years old and how beautifully put. We have spent our week creating the mood for our Easter celebration. I received a very generous Maileg parcel in the post the other day and have enjoyed having these treasures to work with. The 'Elsa Beskow' felt eggs were brought from Etsy. These are from the seller 'darialvovsky'. Beautifully made and really worth purchasing. Olivia is reading 'Goody O'Grumpity' by Carol Ryrie Brink for her school work at the moment and today she has spent the morning making the spice cake.

Wishing you all a creative Easter preparation.

Love to you
Suzanne

A new Season

2011-04-11T12:23:00.001-07:00

Celebrating Autumn around the home is an energy I love to feel. A new Season starts, an old Season fades and a future Season starts getting ready to come forward. Pumpkins and squash have been harvested. Garlic,cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli have been sowed. Leaves are falling, wood has been stacked in the outside store room and a new recipe book has been compiled for new meals. Wool has been spun,dyed and a new blanket is taking shape for my cold knees in our Winter months.

I am milking the last of our warmth by retreating to the orchard for my daily sun tan. Have you ever felt that feeling of being enveloped by the Sun..I wish I could spread the news to all those needing love and warmth and energy to just take a few moments of your day to lay outside and read. Perhaps fall asleep for a short while to feel your soul rejuvenate. I will always maintain that if we seek it, we have been given so much for free. So much that we miss..so much that could make us truly rich.

Just to ease into another phase of my blogging,( call my absence writers cramp or one long holiday of contemplation), I have just taken random photographs of inspirational moments. I have so much to say,show and share. I have picked goldenrod flowers to dye the most gorgeous yellow wool. Olivia's room has had a move around. I also purchased this gorgeous french dresser at a market for her room. I still have to put handles on it. We have had lovely Summer meals under our beautiful tree. My children are constantly learning new things and physically everyone has shot up a few centimeters. Homeschooling is going so well.

Lovely to be back...wishing you all a Happy day~!

Lots of love
Suzanne

My dear friends~

2010-12-24T01:23:00.000-08:00

I saved so many photographs and ideas for my last blog post of this wonderful year. I live in the South African highveld where the weather is renound for its spectaclar thunder storms at this time of year. Well, one big bolt of lightning struck our home and down went my computer..I would love to wish you all personally via email but all my addresses are on my computer. I have missed this space and realised how much this world has become a part of me..My father in law has lent me his lap top for a milli-second to wish you all a wonderful Christmas day tomorrow. I send all my love and look forward to a wonderful new year of friendships.

Love to you
Suzanne
XXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Christmas Rhythm

2010-12-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

I have just finished watching a 'Nigella's Christmas Kitchen'. Only Nigella can get you feeling sexy while you bake. Her ingredients, her passion for every little inch of what she creates. So, the kitchen is abuzz with bread baking, orange covered cacao treats and another Christmas cake. Brogan made two last week for Gran and Grandpa. This time it's Nigella's chocolate fruit Christmas cake. At least that one I can put raw Cacao powder into it.

Our Christmas tree is full with decorations the children and I made. We have put our fairy lights onto the veranda and once those go up, the whole house feels wrapped up for Christmas. We picked bay leaf and rosemary sprigs to hang up around the home. Cinnamon and orange rings are hanging in garlands on the fire places. Berries are ripe for the picking... Its truly impossible to tame my traditional heart at this time of year. I too hope for some peaceful and reflective moments as I go about this Season.

Now how nice would it be if I could have you all for tea~!

Love to you
Suzanne
X

Dancing with my honey~

2010-12-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

Last night after our guests left, Mr Darcy and I were left cleaning up the kitchen and put on some good country music. Lady Antebellum's 'Need you now' (should be playing.)set the mood for some good romantic lovin'. Before long my hands were around his neck and we danced in the silent night with the crickets and Christmas bugs. Yes, this man is my love, my best friend~

The tale of Beatrix Potter

2010-11-24T02:21:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time....~

Hilltop farm, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Peter Rabbit , Jemima puddle-duck and friends have all made their way into my heart over the years of reading to my children. I have created a little basket of woolen friends for a special little someone.. These characters conjure up feelings of warmth, care and love~

"Now, my dears," said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden." ~

Love to you~

Giveaway gift goes to 'Busy little Bee Blog...'

2010-11-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to announce that the 'Down in the meadow' giveaway will be given to 'Busy little Bee'. http://thebusylittlebee425.blogspot.com. Thank you all for popping by and participating.

Busy little Bee....please give me your name and delivery address ..You can email me ( suzane@mweb.co.za)

Happy day to you~!
Love
Suzanne

A giveaway for Down in the meadow

2010-11-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have so enjoyed putting this giveaway together. As I said in my earlier post last week, I so enjoy Maileg items and I just don't get to see them in South Africa so, I thought it was time to make a collection for my own home and also to share a little with you. The 'twist' comes with the knitted items. My passion is to create toys. I have added my own colors and touches and designs. All these treasures have been handmade with pure cotton, pure wool, stuffed with pure wool stuffing, cotton ribbon, threads and pure felt..all natural.

For this giveaway, the reciever of the gift will receive

1 bunting with flags, a sheep, a pig, a basket with a bird, a Christmas fairy, a duck, a toy soldier and Christmas tree.

1 gorgeous soft girl bunny holding her duckling toy.

1 very smart toy soldier

1 Christmas star and two Christmas hanging cones...

Please feel free to leave comments, tell a friend or two and I will announce the receiver of these goods next Thursday afternoon South African time~

A warm and happy day to you~!

Aaron turns 11~

2010-11-11T06:17:00.001-08:00

11 November 1999. Aaron was 14 days over due. I had planned a home water birth. I knew I was rather large as people gave me strange glances as I walked into places. Well, after a very successful water birth, a 4.9kg baby Aaron was delivered. We were so happy. Aaron turned 11 yesterday and how sad to be sick on your Birthday. He had been looking so forward to this day. He told us to wake him up really early but the poor chap remained sleeping for longer than planned. He managed a few smiles and we gave him lots of kisses. Olivia, Brogan and I decided to start our baking and making early. We started with the very long process of bread making. Olivia was so happy with how the dough rose so high. Some handsome breakfast loaves were produced. We then baked Aaron a Divine chocolate cake. Then came the ice cream cake covered in candy treats and 11 special candles. A Happy Happy Birthday to you our Buddie~!

Maileg INSPIRED Giveaway coming soon

2010-11-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

About 7 years ago I visited a small coastal town. I popped into a lovely quaint gift shop that was closing down...Oh my this was sad. It always had everything I desired in it. Anyway, as I entered they had a huge trunk of ...yes people....giveaways. A box of treasures sitting waiting for the treasure finder and not a cent passed hands. In this trunk was a Maileg bunny seen in my photograph. At the time I did not know who Maileg was and what price these goods went for either. Well, as you all know they are pretty expensive. Living way out in the Southern Hemisphere, I never see any. Itching to full my home with these lovely items. This year I found my old vintage printers tray to display. I have come up with a 'DOWN IN THE MEADOW TWIST' to this look....I look forward to sharing this with someone soon~Please visit next week for this treasure giveaway. (please note all items photographed are from Maileg and are not part of the giveaway)

Have a very happy peaceful weekend everyone~

Once upon a time......

2010-11-01T02:49:00.001-07:00

Nothing fascinated me more when I was a child than the sight of something miniature. I looked for the smallness in everything. It somehow gave me comfort. It was always magical. I remember reading an article about an old toy carpenter in England. He looked like his name could have been 'Giuseppe' who created area's in his home for children to experience the magic of wonder. So, when I look at areas in my home, I try to create moments that my children can suddenly spot and get transported to the world of wonder...Imagination is a gift. I encourage dreaming. Moments to escape reality...just for a short while~

I continue to work on my Christmas decorations. Here I have photographed some hanging ornaments for our tree. Daily I have ideas popping into my head that have to be made..Its a special time when I create. Its a simple time where I can work with color, fibre and hands. A connecting time in a favoured spot somewhere in my home. Just lovely~

A huge thank you to my special Mother..she knows how much I love Village life, flowers and English country gardens. She found this set of vintage postcards made in England.

Something magical happened today. A 'solar halo' appeared around the sun. We watched in awe at this wonderful sight...

Olivia just turned 8~

2010-10-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

Olivia turned 8 yesterday . We decided to give her a swinging cocoon seat. An early morning was just the perfect setting in our courtyard for her to celebrate. Our special Waldorf celebration traditions can only make a birth day feel just so right. Olivia's Birthday crown is a tradition we have embraced. Queen for a day~ 8 kisses when she wakes and 8 candles on her cake. 8 jumps to get out of bed and a golden thread to lead her from her bed to a glorious spot to open her gifts. We invited some friends for Birthday cake and tea. I just have to show you this most beautiful 'mama and her babes' that Beth and Elsa sent from 'Road to joy' . Homemade.~ Just perfect for our gnome and fairy house village play. Happy Birthday Olivia~!

A red and white homemade Christmas for us

2010-10-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Care to join us 'Down in the meadow' for a red and white gingham homemade Christmas this year... My love for country living has brought me to just love this theme. I start this early because I really want everything to be homemade. I love natural fibres and cottons. So ,the house is abuzz with Christmas craft. I hope to place all my idea's in this space for all to make and see. I went to a thrift store and brought some plain round wooden curtain rings. I cut some fabric into long strips and wound it around the ring. Glued the last piece at the top. I then cut out some felt stars, circles, hearts and mushrooms. I also felted mushrooms. These I sewed into place with some thin natural jute. Each little item needs to hang from the ring. The start of the Christmas trees dressing has already begun.

When we were in Knysna this year on holiday, I was walking through this lovely little village and got lured into a gorgeous shop by its smell. I was surprised to see that the shop owner had placed some vanilla essence into a burner . I must have been hungry! Anyway, I have taken to adding this little tradition to my home. Please try it you will LOVE it.. I brought these lovely trays and I think they are gorgeous! Just perfect for my veranda..

A happy weekend to you all~!

Up in the loft~

2010-09-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you have read my blog through the last year or so, you will definitely notice that I have this special bond with the English countryside and France. A little village somewhere calls my name ever so often and I day dream.. I wonder and ponder. Due to my creative nature, I often wish to see the space where someone works from. The neatly rolled ribbons, the delicate lace, the floral and striped fabrics. The place where your world becomes focused just on what you are making. I love that space. I find I can work anywhere in my home but of late, I want to be in my loft. The sun streams in in the mornings. My wooden windows open up into the trees. I hear birds and smell sweet scents of wisteria and sweet peas. I love pushing open my sash window and calling down for someone to bring me a cuppa. So, this is my work space. My ribbon boxes and button tins. The french table and antique wooden chair are old and weather beaten. The wooden reels are waiting for a moment for me to wrap embroidery threads around them. My fabric stash is calling me to shake out the dust and fold neat piles one on top of the other. My old white washed wooden door houses my market bags. My spinning wheel now sits in the corner waiting for me to spin. I hand spun and dyed some wool this week. A long break from the craft made me itch to start up again. Yes, I think Spring has welled up feelings of renewal. New inspiration to make with my hands~

A happy day to you~

Spring Equinox celebrated

2010-09-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Season changes bring about such a renewal in our home. Spring cleaning has been the activity of the last two weeks. Its been refreshing to see a less cluttered home. Yesterday our friend Kelly came and needed to do some around town chores so she left little Kayla for Brogan and Livy to Mother. We celebrated today with family. Always lots of fun for the kids to be together. I made a Spring mobile. Olivia helped set up the Spring table, she water painted our Spring Welcome and we enjoyed a lovely meal together. My favorite Season has arrived and I sure am smiling~!

Lots of love to all
Suzanne~

Little Robins

2010-09-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

As far as I can remember 'Robins' have always been little birds that have fascinated me. Numerous story books as a child had Robins illustrating stories and of course Christmas stories seem to portray this cute little friend too. We have a few in our garden but they are such private little things that we never know where they live. This week I had a very frustrated son. He just was not satisfied. He wanted to go here and there. Was somewhat demanding of my time . He especially felt like going out and about. Unusual for him. Seeking something to fill a space. Eventually I told him that happiness was often found outside and that he needed to go exploring. the outside schoolroom has never let me down. With a huff and a BIG puff, he spent time on his own looking for little oak trees to bonsai. On one of these bottom in the air, nose to the ground efforts, he heard some faint little calls. There in our miniature date palm was a little nest with three baby Robins. Mouths yellow and wide open waiting for Mama to bring some worms. Well, Aaron was delighted...I was delighted. Gifts like these are there if we just stop, listen and open ourselves to the other little world out there. So, Aaron found his small oak tree and has a little family of Robins to watch grow. What a treasure~!

I too have this young man making our green juice shots in the mornings. He collects the wheatgrass and sunflower seedlings, washes and prepares. I am very pround of him and his sisters for taking these shots daily.

A happy day to you all~

Spring dancing~

2010-09-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have had a spring in our step of late. I have noticed the odd happy dancer in the garden. We have been enjoying the wonderful signs of Spring. Are we not blessed to be shown signs of a new season. Its the gradual changes that makes us gasp and delight in the tree that 'popped last night'. As always, Season celebration preparation has to be the most memorable in our home. Everyone decides to bring out their talents...the nature table setter, the ribbon collector, the may pole (in our case the September pole ..does sound odd!) erector, the flower arranger and the baker. We also decided that because our gnome and fairy village is coming along, that the fairy's needed a may pole themselves. We baked a lovely mielie bread (sweetcorn) for snack and ate under the courtyard tree. Aaron has also had so many baby tumbler pigeons been born lately. We are in baby bird heaven..we have 10 so far.

A happy day to you all~

Renaissance ~ Rebirth

2010-08-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful awakening in our home. Our 13 year old Brogan is coming into her own. The changes physically, mentally and emotionally are exciting and new. The Renaissance has been Brogans 7Th year learning block recently . The meaning in French "rebirth". So many wonderful personalities have been read about. I absolutely love gentle Waldorf learning. The 13 year old's new awareness runs completely parallel with the development of the European consciousness in the Renaissance. Our Live Education curriculum has worked so well for our children. Every inch of this beautiful pure inspired Waldorf curriculum has been a blessing.

Here I have Brogan painting Raphael's Sistine Madonna the Divine mother. It is one of the most celebrated of all paintings. She passionately moved her brush and involved her fingers to create this. Aaron is studying the Norse Myths. He chose to paint a viking ship on calm seas. I was intrigued by his interest and amazed at his color choice for the seas. My little Olivia is learning about nature. She is blossoming. She chose to paint the night skies. She chose to place herself looking up at the beautiful big moon. I just love how this turned out. To me this looks like the bigger picture we all somehow seem to miss sometimes. I think my Little artists have amazing talent here.

A Happy day to you all~

Holiday bliss, blossoms and my raw kitchen

2010-08-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing quite beats the feeling of a relaxed holiday. I love planning for these getaways. Andrews parents live in a lovely coastal town just 6 hours away. I marvel how cold it is here and how they never seem to have a Winter. The children swam every day. Days at the beach have definitely recharged my spirit. Andrews sister came out from Germany and our family gathered for a lovely reunion. On return, we were greeted with our peach tree in bloom. Those signs of Spring are definitely on their way and my heart is happy. I have had a few request to see what I have been up to in my raw country kitchen. Never a dull moment of course. Andrew has managed through all these cold months to keep us in supply with wheat grass and sunflower seedlings. The most powerful healthy energy in those. That is our morning starter. I have been so lucky to find mostly organic fruits and vegetables this Winter. I also have a wonderful few local online shops that I purchase my super foods from. things really seem to be falling into place. My kitchen is a buzz with constant preparation. The smell of fresh live food is a regular here too. Our orchard has been ever so kind to produce just enough greens for us too. I have had garlic hanging from my ceiling for almost a year and I am still using it. I cannot be more grateful for a growing orchard of fruit and vegetables as I am today. Growing your own live food is just such a wonderful blessing.

Here is a list of the raw food books I have in my kitchen. I made the most delicious raw cheese seen in the jar above. That has been made with pine nuts and basil,tomato and onion, then dehydrated. I have come up with some of my own recipes too. The baby marrow and dehydrated brown mushrooms in one of the photographs being one. I dehydrated my mushrooms having soaked them in olive oil and braggs. I then took some of these mushrooms and made a mushroom sauce with cashew nuts and a little warm water. That made a lovely meal. I too have purchased the equipment to help me on this journey and I must say that makes all the difference in preparation.

Book list~

The art of raw living ~Doreen virtue and Jenny Ross
The raw transformation ~Wendy Rudell
Living Cuisine ~Renee Loux Underkoffler
Living in the raw ~ Rose lee Calabro
Ani's Rawfood desserts ~ Ani Phyo
Raw for dessert ~ Jennifer Cornbleet
Sweet gratitude ~ Matthew Rogers and Tiziana Tamborra
Rawlicious (our local South African book) Peter and Beryn Daniel

Its wonderful to be back and in high spirits ready to face a new Season . I hope you are all so very happy and well~!

Lots of love
Suzanne

Enamel bowls and my handsome Dad~

2010-07-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

I cannot resist the urge to create art out of every situation. My enamel kitchen bowls are no exception. Today I would like to display a few photographs of what seems to always be fruit in all its glorious color....I too have a photograph of my handsome Father on his wedding day. My Mom always said his looks would have made it in Hollywood.... Today I thought of him.

I am off to soak in the Sun for a short beach holiday...I hope to have a lovely post to share when I get back..

A happy day to all~

Country living inspiration

2010-07-16T03:11:00.000-07:00

I know you have all been here...Its that time in Winter where you feel you've been pushed a Little too far. I now need my warmth of a new Season. Although it has been pretty cold lately, I have enjoyed this Winter to all others. I prepared myself mentally for the days I would spend at the fire place and moments at my knitting window where the sun rays would gently touch my knitting needles. I have enjoyed our 4 O'clock tea times and our days of baking in the kitchen with the children. I have chosen a few photographs to inspire . For the country living at heart. My dear friend who painted my beautiful blog picture of the meadow, painted my lovely little country wooden village. I long to add light for night time so that it looks like some little fairy's have made a home there. Old lace and home decor inspires me through this time~

I am 3 months into my raw food journey. I have had the most wonderful highs and quite a couple of lows. I have found it difficult eating raw for the first time in Winter but Andrew has really been incredibly supportive and has often prepared side by side with me . Our juicing is our main food source. Andrew has made sure we have a constant supply of wheat grass and sunflower seedlings to juice. We make a super food smoothie every morning for all of us. Lunch is generally a big lovely salad. Most often goodies taken from the garden. Lots of nuts. Coconut oil has become a new friend to me. I make so many things with raw cacao and cacao butter. Cold nights have been tough but we have got by with warming our bowls and heating soups with warmer water. Dehydrating is my new friend too. I have made really nice snacks and raw breads. I have stated previously that I have made some dreadful flops too. I have come to a point in the journey where I feel the need to add a percentage of cooked food. Right now all I am excited to do is a cooked butternut or potato. So what that percentage will be has to be carefully worked out. What I do know, is that we have never felt more healthier and alive. Eating live food is a simple gift given to us with a promise of good health. I for one am hooked~

AYOBA one more time~!

2010-07-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

The 2010 world cup Soccer has come to an end. My biggest congratulations to SPAIN!. It has been the most amazing experience for our country to host the soccer world cup. We came united as a friendly South African nation to welcome all nations to celebrate with us. Our streets have been lined with flags, our homes and towns a buzz with soccer vibe. I am so proud of the wonderful opening and closing ceremonies. We have had celebrities enter our country by the dozen and it has been so exciting. I have grown to really like soccer and will definitely be watching more games. Ayoba one more time~!

The Eternal Romantic~

2010-07-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin....My heart was made especially for me. This I definitely know. The eternal romantic. I have never shied away from the fact that should romance come my way..in a descent way that is, I would leap up and greet it in the face. I teach my girls this, as no opportunity must go amiss. Love presents itself in so many ways, a smile, a touch, a good book, a song, a gesture of kindness, a poem, a glance. Receive it with open arms. A patter of the heart hurt no man. In fact, I consider romance to be a gift. I mention all this as having a teenager in the house now, has opened my eyes to the me of yester year. Having recently watched Eclipse and having followed Twilight and New Moon over the last while, Edward Cullen (BIG BIG Sigh...) and Jacob black have made quite a presence in our home. It is like a breath of fresh air in our bleak Winter days. I do not deny that my heart has also missed a few beats since the vampires and wolves have suddenly taken over.. I find myself feeling the need to run with the vampires, be one with the Cullen's. Forever in my young heart will always be a need to experience the flutters of love . My thoughts most passionately expressed..~

Olivia's country bedroom

2010-06-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

The little wink wink comment from little Elsa over at the lovely 'Road to joy ' blog did not go unnoticed. Today I have decided to show Elsa, who has become our dear little friend,..Olivia's Bedroom. Olivia and Elsa started swapping notes and treasures sometime ago and although distance is in the way, we would love Elsa to know that our home is always open for a play date should she ever travel across the miles.I have also shown Liv's beautiful Waldorf dolls brought from Nancy at "dragonflyshollow" on Etsy. Olivia's room some how seems to be the biggest room in the house. Wooden floored with lovely floral lined curtains that drop from the ceiling. Her bed is an old french antique bed dated back to King Louis XIV that has found its way into our home. She calls it her princess bed. I have brought and re vamped her old vintage pram and cot. Olivia's room faces the old Pride of India tree in our courtyard. In Summer, the blossoms are so heavily laden on the tree that it looks like Liv is in garden paradise. The branches bend down to one of her windows and it feels like she lives in a tree house. You can just imagine where her dreams must take her. Please enjoy as you wonder through Liv's room. As always we love to have you visit..

The lowdown on the hoedown~!

2010-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

OK, I think MAMA can STILL ROCK~! A glass of fermented grape juice and I was away...There is something about leading up to an event that gets a household buzzing. Wake up early, cook and prepare, early shower time...clothes carefully selected get placed in position on the bed in every room. A little make up, a flick of the hair and a spray of something nice and scented. Well, ..Ready and set to go. Music is playing and getting you into the mood for whats to come. The children are excited and the week long countdown arrives. We welcomed our guests with a night path lit up with brown paper lanterns. Our big courtyard tree held big and small red, white and blue tissue paper flowers the children and their friends made. My Brother and his guitar playing friend treated us to some awesome country singing. Brogan got the girls going with her well practised dancing routine by Hannah Montana's country song 'Hoedown throw down' . Do forgive the nighttime photography. For someone passionate about taking photo's, I fail dismally clicking in the dark! We really had a fantastic evening..Thanking all family friends and our neighbors for spending the evening with us~

Country Hoedown ~!

2010-06-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our Winter Solstice this year, we have decided to have a 'HOEDOWN'. Friends and family time which really is always so exciting for me. My Brother and his friend will be playing live music. This week the children and their neighbor friends, made decorations and helped me get ready for the event tomorrow night. They made tissue paper flowers, lanterns and painted the sign for the hoedown. Our school house is the venue for the night. I have cooked all afternoon. The last minute preparation left for tomorrow. Brogan made some homemade ginger beer yesterday. I see the raisins are floating on top already.

I also managed to finish Olivia's lavender scarf..She's beaming~ I have also revamped an old cupboard for her room. I am yet to decide what to do with it. A white wash paint with pink country roses for the front. I have always loved the idea of an atelier..a special place for all her arts and crafts. She is also desperate for a shoe cupboard. Time will tell

I too had my kitchen surfaces re-surfaced .. looks so much better.

I have not been around blogland for a while..I hope you are all well and in happy spirits.

A happy weekend to all~!

Dandelion Child

2010-06-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Wondering around my many photographs this morning, I found these very powerful photo's of Aaron. He has always been a dreamer...A wonderful place to be. He is a thinker...I have always wanted to raise one of those...He oozes life through every vein..Something I envy . Aaron knows just what he wants. Every Thursday afternoon, he gets dressed into his work clothes and heads off to work at his Dad's office. He takes this task very seriously. He has been given office responsibilities and gets paid at the end of his day. My little buddy is growing right before my very eyes. Is this how fast is happens? I suddenly catch my breath..Have I done all I wanted to do with him before he looses his desire to play with his Mom..Wow, I have some playing to do. I think its time to whip out that tent and build a backyard fire. He is often drawn to dandelions. I wonder what he wished for here? He definitely had something big on his mind. After he blew his wishes, he stripped down and ran for these rocks.

I have loved every moment of raising my children. Every moment I have loved. This early morning I have realised how life can run away with you and moments you could have had disappear. I hope through my busy days, I can spot these moments and drop everything to play, to read, to listen, to swing..~

A happy weekend to my friends

Country living

2010-05-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

I am sure like many of you, our homes are our havens. I feel peace and abundant love there. My garden is my piece of heaven. I stroll and pick flowers and vegetables, fruits and weeds. My orchard takes on a feeling all on its own. When I walk through that gate, I feel like I live in the Country. Birds singing, bees buzzing, chickens clucking and a bunny hopping. My home gives me comfort, a place to be. When away, coming home excites me. This is my space. We all as Mothers have our personalities stamped into every room I am sure. My favoured decor theme is french country. I am in love with romance, roses, cluttered country kitchens filled with enamel bowls , mosquito nets that hang right through Summer, bundles of hand spun wool, bowls of berries and elderflower cordial, quilts and wool knitted blankets, vintage table cloths, country market bags, old and new aprons, book cases filled with books of knowledge. I love the sound of children to full my home and old wooden floors that creek . Please join me as I show you a few corners of my 'Country Home'...

A happy weekend to you. Remember that home is where your heart is.

A vintage wash Wednesday~

2010-05-26T02:55:00.000-07:00

I have a great love for vintage table cloths. To see them hanging up on my twirly washing line in the orchard is art in itself. I am in awe of the woman who owned these before me. The delicate handwork involved...sometimes the wind blows and the odd item falls to the ground and a this little dog thinks its Christmas...look at that smile after finding my beautiful vintage place mat~!

Happy wash day Mama clothes line hangers~

My fairy village project..gnomes welcome

2010-05-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have helped make fairy houses and overtime they seem to fade away...~ This time I have taken on the project of all projects..Mama's makin a Fairy and gnome village. Olivia has been fairy watching nightly lately. ... We have the perfect tree. Our courtyard is surrounded by our home, cottage, laundry and our schoolhouse. Our Pride of India tree is over 86 years old and its been calling me. Calling me to invite all little folk to come reside down in the meadow. I am oozing with excitement just like a little child. I have been collecting items from roots of old plants, unusual branches ..Our weeping mulberry kindly dropped a branch for us to use. Its just perfect and full of lichen and moss. We have created an orchard where we have left tools for some little magic to happen overnight. Please join me as we start our journey of little folk fantasy..~

Who said wash days were just for Mama......... ' Wash Wednesday'

2010-05-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

We created our own little rhythm down in the meadow. Little Olivia has a Waldorf weekly rhythm chart that she fits in with her school work. We have water play days, painting days, baking days and drama days. Wash days are Mondays. Out comes the buckets, the willing hands , a little ray of sunshine, a smile or two and happy days!

Happy Wash Wednesday! (please click on the wash wednesday button on my side bar)

Soccer Friday

2010-05-14T03:09:00.000-07:00

I am sure all you Soccer fans know that the 2010 World cup is being hosted by South Africa...Our country is alive with soccer vibe. Wherever you look , people are getting into the spirit of things. Friday Country wide has been named 'Soccer Friday" all business and alike all wear their teams Soccer tops and flags are raised. We too have joined the vibe down in the meadow. Our team is Bafana Bafana. They have a bright Sun yellow Soccer uniform and I could not think of a nicer brighter colour to choose for Sunny South Africa.

I have also been hard at work in my little french Country kitchen. My Mr Darcy has been sprouting like crazy. Wheat grass has been planted by the tray full. My raw kitchen experiments have been very challenging this week. I have spent many hours making and sampling and only a few recipes have come out tops...I have come to the conclusion that I am busy uncooking?? (unschooling..) myself. I have to get my head around that most things although named "crisps", "Spaghetti" and "mock mayo" are just never going to taste the way I am used too. I have had some fun times this week. Andrew and I do spend allot of time together in the kitchen. Lots of laughs. LOTS of flops! Disasters...smoothies exploding in my face . ..I will get there. We have also had some good salads and juices..

A happy peaceful thoughtful weekend to you all.

Wash Wednesday~

2010-05-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

Little Livy and I often feel the need to hang washing on our old vintage drying stand. Sometimes while we hang clothes, we wonder who used to hang their clothes on this very same stand . We wonder if they too used to hang their washing amongst the lavender bushes for the gentle breeze to fragrance their items. We often just lay our clothing on top of the bushes too. The Sun is a wonderful friend. How it shares its warmth with us . Lovingly drying our items. Wearing lightly fragranced lavender clothing is a treat. So friends this is our very first "Wash Wednesday" hosted by Nicole from www.gardenmama.typepad.com. The link is on the right side of my blog.

A happy day to you~

Mothers day and a Paleontologist treasure find

2010-05-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

My Mothers day weekend has been wonderful. Aaron and Olivia belong to Sea Cubs and a Mothers day breakfast was hosted at the hall yesterday. I took my Mother and Sister along with me. It was wonderful sitting in a hall full of Mothers. The chatter and laughter was contagious. We had a guest speaker Bonita De klerk a Paleontologist,( someone who studies the History of life on earth through examining fossils found in sedimentary rock) talk to us very passionately about their incredible find at the "Cradle of humankind" 40 minutes from where I live. Please look here if you are interested in teaching your children.(http://www.southafrica.info/about/science/sediba.htm ). Bonita along with the Witz team led by Lee Berger, have been hard at work uncovering fossils of a new species of Hominid (Australopithecus Sediba). They are the most complete hominid skeletons ever found. They are of a woman and a child dating back 1.78 - 1.95 million years ago. The story surrounding the find is phenomenal. It was all meant to be the way I see it. Lee Berger's son Matthew found the first fossil. Apparently Lee "Googled Earthed" the site . He was looking for a cluster of trees which is a typical clue to an entrance of a cave. Bonita said that so many famous Paleontologists have camped near by over the years and never even knew that the cave a few meters away even existed. To put this whole find into perspective, It can take a scientist sometimes up to 20 years to uncover 1 fossil tooth and a bone. I know my Boy Aaron, our little treasure finder , has been asking questions all weekend about all this. Homeschooling, allows me to start seeing the signs of my children's interests and enables me to place them in the right direction early on in their lives.

This morning I received these lovely glass bottles for Mothers day today. Gran filled the vases with all these delightful flowers. Aaron made me a recycled jar vase and Olivia recycled a glass jar lantern for me. I love it when crafts are made when you do not even know they are busy making them... I too had a delightful raw lunch that my husband put together. Chickpea and lentil burger on a spinach leaf..really tasty.

A happy Mothers day to all~

Bath salts ,Bananas , our nature table and a winner treasure find

2010-05-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today was making bath salts day. Freedom of expression was the theme..Olivia roamed the garden wanting a rose scented salt with a touch of lemon verbena..I wish you could smell it...Brogan chose citrus, cloves and cinnamon to perfume her salts. Well, the boy being a boy chose bark and basil..yes and too my surprise created the most masculine aroma..I was quite shocked as i looked at this bath salt in the creation stages and really hoped he would not be disappointed...The boy has a nose. These bath salts will sit in our bathroom . Wooden spoons will be used to spoon out the salts to add to a lovely end of day bath.. We have just added our Winter nature table to our home. King Winter looking ever so dapper with his ruling rod..

I have been most happy with my banana crop. The banana flowers appear in groups called hands along the stem. We have not seen so many on our Banana trees. I am sure it has allot to do with all the Summer rain we have had. I tasted one yesterday and they are heavenly.. Another step closer to self sufficiency. I really do want this so much.

I have also gathered some vintage treasures this week..I just love this find.

A happy weekend to you all~

Keeping Summer Alive

2010-05-05T02:46:00.000-07:00

What better way to keep Summer alive Down in our meadow than to bottle it up in a gorgeous jar to brew and brew until all that beautiful perfume fills our air. Little Livy and I spent some time recently picking all the strong scented roses and drying them in our sunny laundry. Once dried, we gathered a cup or two of the perfumed petals and placed them in a jar. We then took 1/2 a cup of Vodka and poured it over the petals. Then comes the brewing time...2 whole weeks. We are a day or two away from opening up the lid to smell and test. If the perfume is not strong enough, you add another cup or two of strong perfumed petals until you get it just right. We have old vintage bottles that we will place our new "remembering Summer" ( yes we even have a name for it) in. I am introducing natural homemade soaps, cleansers, shampoo's and creams into our home. Each child will have a turn to stir and add. That should help us as we wait for our Warmer months again. Our ever faithful 'Pride of India' tree is looking beautiful in its golden glory. Off to sleep she goes....

I too have been busy in my kitchen...I have a lovely raw recipe to share. I have made all my new ingredients visible so that all these good foods can inspire me. I feel I need to add in some exciting recipes as this is all very new to us. I saw a version on this recipe and have added Superfood ingredients to it. You can give and take with this recipe I did add and taste as I went along. Our raw food journey has begun and overall has been positive. The children have been the ones I have been concerned about and have been adding new flavors in slowly. Apart from a few moans and groans, they have been good sports..One thing I do need to add is that I am in the kitchen all day. I am constantly preparing for the next meal. I do know that it does get easier as time goes by. I suppose it is just that I page through my recipe book constantly looking. Nut milks (almond) needs soaking so, that is time...Dehydrating most things is either 6-8 hours or overnight..So I am am kept on my toes~!

Raw oat bars

1 cup of organic rolled oats
1/2 cup of cranberries
1/2 cup of cashew nuts
1/2 cup of goji berries
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup or less of raw cacao chocolate nibs
1 tablespoon or more of maca powder
1 teaspoon or more of cinnamon
3 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey
1/2 a cup of almond/brazil/cashew butter
2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Add all these ingredients together, mix and place in a Tupperware or Pyrex flat square dish. Place in the freezer to set. Take out and cut into bars. Each bar can be wrapped individually, frozen and eaten for an on the run snack or for a tea time treat.

A happy day to you~

What we seek is also seeking us

2010-05-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

What we seek is also seeking us.... is a quote I saw sometime last week. I was struck by the impact it has made on me. Andrew and I completed our first raw food course this weekend and this new found information of unbelievable goodness is swirling around in my head. The course and information received was mind blowing . This is something I have been subconsciously been searching for my family. I feel like a light bulb has been switched on. I have just completed a 2 week "Green smoothie " Challenge and even though we have been smoothie eaters, it has helped to moving in the right direction. Peter and Beryn Daniel are South African. They live in Cape Town and own the company (www.superfoods.co.za) . Peter is a fountain of overflowing knowledge and shared many hours of empowering information. His mentors being David Wolfe and Gabriel Cousens among many others. Apart from the wonderful raw food knowledge they em parted, we got to experience 'Superfoods'..Goji berries ,Green leaves, Maca root powder, spirulina (chlorophyll protein), hemp powder, enzymes, MSM, baobab fruit powder, the miraculous Cacao Butter, coconut oil, the wonders and power of raw chocolate 'the cacao bean'. They travel the World looking for reputable organic sources. The healing powers of these Superfoods are astounding. The amazing benefits of walking bare foot. The energy surrounding raw foods through Kirlian photography. One cannot help but want to put all this into your body after hearing all of this. They have a fantastic recipe book out shown above called 'Rawlicious'. It will soon be available Internationally through Amazon . We got fed Superfoods throughout the course and got shown how to make some delicious raw food meals. Before I went, I had in my mind that there is no way I can do this 100%. I will be adding these meals along with what I cook already. Well, my mind has made a 100% shift and my Journey although recommended a step or two at a time, has begun. We have three willing children waiting to start. One bit of information that Peter spoke about is that 'children have silent knowledge'. They already know. I look forward to sharing some of my family experiences with you. I promise to make them real and honest. Both good and possible low days.. Our days of detoxing and experimenting. What excites me is that I can work out of my organic vegetable garden when things are in Season. I have prepared a super meal smoothie for breakfast. It will be the children's first Superfood smoothie meal. I am holding thumbs....~

White sunday

2010-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Although not the Spring day festival for us in the Southern Hemisphere, we were very tempted to raise our pole and do a little bit of happy dancing with the rest of you. It was a little difficult as our days are so warm that it may as well be Spring. We decided to definitely join in on White-Sunday (Whit sun)Pentecost. All things white this day. We Still have a front garden full of white iceberg roses so filling our glass vase jar was wonderful. Olivia took the task of finding these lovely roses for us. We ate white foods and really got into the spirit of things. I think our next Festival of Winter will be Winter Solstice which is always a warm cosy day spent in front of the wood burning fire.

A happy Spring Festival weekend to you.

This is me...and my other half... Mr Darcy

2010-04-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

This might seem like a strange brief post. One that probably does not bother many as it has me..I have never felt comfortable with photographs of myself. Today I have decided to show you all a photo of Andrew and I. How silly I have been. This blog is for my children and any wonderful friend that decides to follow. I eventually want to turn my blog into a book and how sad it would be if I were not in it! So, come rain or shine, bad hair day, night gown on, pimple on the ol' chin, a little weight gain here or there, no make up....I have decided that I will be present. Be proud to put myself out there .... Mr Darcy is not getting away either. Today I decided to show what he looks like early in the morning!...(hee hee)

A happy weekend to all~

Slothy Sunday

2010-04-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ever had a sloth Sunday? We have actually got into the habit of our Sunday being ,..wake up slowly and roll out of bed when you are well and ready day. Andrew brings me coffee in bed as he is the only one who knows how to make gooood coffee. We open our curtains to let the outside inside, and out come the books, the magz, the dogs....Then the odd child. It really is the simple things in life that make me truly happy. I think it is so important to stop awhile and smell the roses so to say. Please note how my little poodle has grown...almost nothing. I am so happy she is dainty and small. She is so very different to our Yorkshire terrier "Beanie" They do not miss out on Sloth Sunday either...

As you can see the basket is out all ready for our Winter oranges..We eat so many of them through out the Winter. Today has been the first cold day for us. Out came the hand knitted hats and scarves.. My roses are looking heavenly. They smell heavenly too. The kiddies have been baking. I have also joined in on a green smoothie challenge. Those greeny drinks are being made by the dozen and so far no little body is complaining..It really is a challenge to get my children to eat 100% healthy. It is my goal to get this right. I do believe in a balance. I am baking more rather than buying, I am on a mission to make good healthy sweet things for tasty treats. I suppose this whole venture I am on at the moment is a way of life..I do have to remember this...

A happy day to you all~

Some Autumn treasure finding

2010-04-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

It may be Autumn but I am still wearing my flip flops and t-shirts. Market days are still frequently visited . The days are still warm and my big orange ball sun shines brightly over my house...I have a few African treasures to share with you today. I found this gorgeousa reed woven Big market bag. I brought it from a Zimbabwean lady. That is my homeland and I do try to support when I can. These Mama's must struggle so to gather their pennies together for food. They are also always so humble. Everything they sell is homemade. These lovely carved wooden salad servers are a treasure too. They also crochet the most beautiful table cloths. A mama is a mama not matter where in the world and handmade is best I say. I have also been dying my handspun wool. I started off picking some lovely golden rod. Popped it into the dye pot but the wool came out a very dirty yellow. I then decided to brighten it up with some other dyes and out came some sunshine..Really nice for a Winter beanie.

I too found a lovely Vintage find on Sunday. These old cotton embroidered table cloths made their way into my market bag. A thrifty $6 a piece. I have also been busy working through my raw cooking book. I have made some lovely meals. I have heard from so many that the energy brought back into your tired life is all worth it. In the photo above, I made some almond milk. A mixture of almonds, water, dates and vanilla pod. So, our meadow keeps producing little chicks. So many of them running around now. Cute and cheeky. They keep creeping under the fence to look for juicier worms on the greener side. I do love spending time down in the orchard.

I have added some African treasures at the swap shop.

A happy day to you~

New goods down in the meadow SWAP shop

2010-04-12T03:30:00.001-07:00

I have just added some new pure wool items to my swap shop. Please pop over to have a look. Bartering/trading is an old practice that I so dearly love to see. I have experienced receiving the most wonderful swaps. Thank you to those who have popped by and joined in the fun. The Meadow swap shop badge is on the right hand side of my blog. If you spot something you would like, just email me. If the items have "swapped" next to it, then the item has gone. I do replace treasures regularly.

A happy Day to you all
Warm regards
Suzanne

Autumn in the air and a home full of comfort and cheer

2010-04-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

In a home filled with traditions , I have come up with one of our own. Having read many of Tasha Tudors books, one lovely tradition that I knew I wanted to follow was 4pm tea. She would gather her little ones through all the Seasons and have them sitting at her side while they all had tea and cake or sandwiches. My Mom comes every Wednesday afternoon for our Tasha Tudor tea. Brogan bakes up a storm and we drink out of our best tea cups. After tea, we either read to the children or we play a game. We are loving it.. I have also set up our Autumn nature table. Just a little reminder of a sleepy season around the corner. Marie from http://softearthart.blogspot.com sent the lovely hanging and the root childrens Mommy. I love having little pieces of homemade treasures people have made in my home. I have also organised a section in my kitchen where I have placed every ones Winter beanies, gloves, scarves and boots. We have our badger range of sniffles ointments and chamomile rubs...All ready for the cold. To bring in a little cheer, I have discovered a World of lovely Cafe' music. It is the "Putumayo" collection. It brings in such a lovely vibe. I play it in the kitchen all day..Enough to transport me to romantic Cafe's all over the world. So, dear Friends. Just a little snippet of whats going down in the little meadow...

Happy weekend to all~

Easter... a peaceful celebration

2010-04-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. It was peaceful and quiet. The children had made some lovely paper Easter egg balls which I turned into a mobile and hung up in the kitchen. The kitchen is where it all happens...The heart of the home. We hung up some vintage Easter banners and up went our Easter tree. I decided on making each child a lovely Easter basket of goodies that awaited them at the breakfast table when they woke up. Our dear old chickens provided us with eggs for our new vintage egg cups. I planted some wheat grass for our table display. The kitchen table ended up being used for all three meals of the day. I have said this many times before . Celebrations are what connect us, they enrich us and in our family , make us feel very alive. I do carefully explain each celebration to my children. I know they take everything in to one day share with their children.

Our Autumn has been very wet. It rains daily but our weather is still warm. I can see those wood burning fire places just waiting to be lit...As far as I am concerned, they have to wait a little longer..

Knysna South Africa..Rested and ready for new adventures

2010-03-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

I had planned this holiday carefully knowing that Andrew and I would be celebrating our Birthdays there. I could not have wished for a more thrilling, peaceful, inspiring holiday. I believe one finds places good for ones soul. We are not big on vacations. Our home is our place to find peace and rest but this experience truly lifted spirits and helped us gather new paths. There are about 18 homes that take pride of place on the shores of the Knysna heads. The home we stayed in reminded me of an old french villa in Europe. Bougainvillea creepers, sun, bathing, long walks, lazy hot days lying and reading on an old day bed and treasure finding filled our days. Please note the "Bugmans" treasure find....Spot the starfish~!.... We visited organic markets and handmade craft markets. A hippie influence in the air lured me into buying a few African sarongs which I now wrap around myself in my home. I took great joy in seeing my children play in a natural environment. At low tide , the lagoon would be a treasure finders paradise. Sand for a kilometer out...When the tide came in, the ocean water would be hip height..just perfect for swimming. I just adored the old kitchen. Wooden floored, an old AGA. Brogan baked non stop. The bedrooms were quaint and arty. The verandah reminded me of my homeland Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The view of the lagoon totally breathtaking...Well dear friends I hope I have painted a picture of true beauty. South Africa has to be one of the most beautiful places on Our Earth.

I have also come back with news of closing my Etsy shop. I have loved every minute of creating for everyone. I know that this shop was my creative outlet. I grasp onto the new adventure ahead of me. Focusing on my young family and spending my time knitting and creating for them. I will continue with my trading shop as I feel this is the future. I will be adding some treasures soon. I too have a new found energy for healthier eating. Raw food eating is what is occupying my attention now. What a journey. Andrew and I have enrolled ourselves for the Raw food cooking course and boy I cannot wait . We are wanting to take a few days to spend in Knysna again soon to complete a bread making course too. I feel completely inspired. Its also lovely to be back.

A happy happy day to you all

A Happy Birth day and Tutorial for a hanging mobile fit for a Queen

2010-03-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Brogan~ her name originates from Ireland meaning pearl. We have had a wonderful start to this special teen Birthday. We are trying to create traditions for the older child now. I came up with this mobile being replaced by a throne and crown. Brogan was blessed with Swap gifts, Esty seller gifts , homemade gifts and brought.

~The Teen BIRTHDAY MOBILE~

I have a step by step guide for making the "Older child" Birthday Mobile (of course its cute for the littleies too)

I have not calculated the exact amount of ribbon you need as you might feel the need to make a smaller one and not have such a long length. so here goes...

you will need:~

~Organza ribbon ( this is best as it flows beautifully) silk of course would be luxury.. I used a length of 125cm/49 inches for the length of the ribbon
~I used the inner wood circle of an embroidery hoop your choice in size.
~paper roses/fabric I used the roses with wire at the back for securing to the hoop.
~ scissors
~ a tape measure

Cut your ribbon in lengths first. Tie each ribbon piece around the hoop. If you want, co ordinate colors. Once finished, secure the roses around the hoop. I then tied ribbon on each end of the hoop for hanging..

Please mail me if you need further help.

A happy day to all

A vintage find that caught my eye

2010-03-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

This beautiful vintage oil painting find caught my eye today as I drove past an antique shop in my area. It called out and said 'Buy me!"...I have just the spot for it..Nestled just above my aprons ...I received this Beautiful blogger award recently. Bobbi from http://snoodledoodles.blogspot.com. kindly gave it to me. I always find handing out this award so difficult as I love and find every blog I follow so appealing. I will personally send messages to those blogs that hit the spot..when I get back..

Right a few things about me part.. not always easy talking about yourself..Shew I am going to dig deep and be real here..

~I passionately embrace my calling as a Mother. I spoke to a friend today and we both agreed that waking up for a child a few times a night or having a little bundle creep into your bed leaving you with an inch of space to sleep on all night.. resulting in a stiff back and neck the next morning, is no hassle at all~ nothing ...nadda.

~I have been told recently by my residing Mr Darcy that I am his best friend~ the best cook~ the best baker~ the best wife and Mother ever! That made me float today...

~Along with my son Aaron, we rescue all the sick and ailing wild life we come across in the area..turtles, ducks, pigeons , butterflies, chicks, worms and ants. We often wish we could breath life into these dying little animals. I love my Son and I find being like minded with him is a blessing.

~I am at a point in my life where I have 10 kg's to loose..Its a struggle. I walk far every morning hoping that its going to shift but it is so slow..So, I will persevere. I do feel a hundred times better when I am slimmer..I wish myself all the best with my efforts.

~I am going to be 40 next week...YIKES! I am about to have my very first teenager on Thursday..EEK! It is my Brogans 13th Birthday. I love this blossoming young girl and I know she is stepping in the right direction..

~And lastly ...This blogging world has left me feeling like I really would love to meet you all. How come we have all met like this? Paths crossed as though we all know each other....makes you wonder doesn't it..

Thank you for reading today dear friends. I suppose I never really get to open up like this..

A Happy day to all

Dancing in the moonlight and market day

2010-03-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

I am sure many of you have a little someone in the house that longs to meet a fairy. One of those little magical beings of light that for many years stays close by our home to answer hand written scribbles and place little treasures at that special place outside. My little Livy is one of those waiting just waiting for that special day.. Here she is twirling in the moonlight singing~ Until she eventually tires and falls to sleep with little noodle the poodle.

Then this same little Olivia wakes and readies herself just as enthusiastically for her day at the market...So thrilled to be going out to fill her day with market finds and nice goodies to eat. I do recall my 7Th year being similar. My Mom says's that I just loved life. I do watch this little girl so carefully throughout the day just in case I miss something . I do want to be able to retell stories of her life in detail when she asks me one day...

Another wonderful thing recently is that a dear friend who has a bee farm came to drop off some golden goodness...Honey. So healthy, so delicious. She makes sure that my bottles are the first to be filled. Not heated, not treated . Just the way we like it. So, a happy week for me.

A happy Spring to all over in the Northern Hemisphere~

No wonder I LOVE aprons!~

2010-02-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

My sister-in-law from Germany sent me this lovely tasty bit of history about Aprons. I have loved aprons since the time I can remember. I have collected them along with market bags and they fill my home. No wonder I wear them like a second skin. I do recall my Grandmama wearing hers from the time she awoke to the time she retired for bed. A cozy comforting thought indeed.

APRONS

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath,because she only had a few,it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing
hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,
bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the menfolks knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Feeding the soul

2010-02-19T02:32:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned in a few posts that my beloved and I do a 5km walk every morning around a beautiful pan. The pan is a bird sanctuary loved by the residents in our area. The birds leave and land in flocks. The chattering is like a symphony to my ears. We are woken up by the calls of so many birds. As we walk, we breath in all the simple goodness life has to offer. Our bodies and souls feel rejuvenated to start our day. Our souls do need care and love. I have been spinning like crazy trying to get all those over spins to a point of control. If you have ever spun, you will know what I am talking about. Those gorgeous fibers are getting ready to become Winter beanies, scarves and gloves. We had a wonderful relaxed Valentines day. Brogan made honey comb and prepared pink parcels wrapped with ribbon. We ate our Valentines breakfast in our PJ's...The girls helped decorate our veranda table and once again a celebration filled our home.

I would like to thank all those lovely blogging Mommies who have made swaps with me this past week...I am not too sure about you but there is allot of crafting going on here.~ The lovely Fairy swap hosted by Melissa(see her swap badge on my side bar) has been sent off with fairy magic kisses. The exciting Valentine Swap over at Gardenmama is creating quite a stir with all the love being put into them. It is all such wonderful fun.

I wish you all a pleasant peaceful week end. Please remember to feed your soul with the beauty that surrounds you.

Love and blessings
Suzanne

Down in the meadow swap shop open

2010-02-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends

I have had the idea of opening a swap shop for a while now. I have always thought trading to be an exciting venture. Please pop over to my new swap shop to browse amongst my homemade treasures and see if there is anything you would like there to swap with me. I will be adding new things often. At present, I have posted knitted and felted toys. I hope to start adding goodies for the Mama's too.

Please click on the Meadow swap shop badge on my sidebar and it will take you straight to the market~

I hope you all have a happy weekend

Warm regards
Suzanne

My Beatrix Potter moments

2010-01-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

Living in an old home dating back to when it was built in 1928, I have found that I tend to be passionate about old furniture and a simple life. Along with often feeling like I would love to have lived in the Era where life moved more slowly. Vegetables and fruit picked from your own orchard. Entertainment was sitting on your veranda listening to the radio with your family and friends, having fine dinners around a beautifully laid out table. Horse carts and long drops....yes, I think I would have fitted in quite well indeed. I enjoy reading classic literature . I have often said that these kind of books transform me into another world. A fine lady that has have filled my home with her admirable talents is Beatrix Potter. My children love nothing more than to cuddle in bed with a good story. Today I am sharing with you my little Beatrix Potter moments around my home. Just little things that bring in the feeling of knowing her...

Apples and figs are what we are picking from our orchard this month. We have found going down into the orchard and picking fresh from the tree makes for the best flavour and feast. Summer fills my home and garden...

A happy weekend to all~

Walking in the right direction

2010-01-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

Do any of you have a live in resident gnome...Well, I have..My Son Aaron. Granted these pictures were taken a while ago but he still LOVES these boots..As for the woolly cap. It has a permanent spot on his head. I love this boy. More gentle you cannot get, he will share his last morsel with you at the drop of a hat. He is bright and I know I am raising a thinker. He loves his Mom and is not afraid to show it. He will make someone a wonderful partner in years to come. For now he is learning, learning from his wonderful Dad all those things that make a boy whole and happy. His play is wholesome and what comes out of his mouth makes such sense. I often have conversations with him that I feel like I am talking to a switched on adult. He makes me laugh. Laugh so much that I ache. So today dear friends my post is about my Son. Please look to your sons and treasure them. I know at times he will disappoint, make me angry, make me sad but I could not have chosen a more precious soul to be mine...

A happy day to you all

antique hemp linen grain sack gift

2009-12-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

Have any of you ever received an out of the blue gift from the kind universe...I had been eyeing out French antique hemp linen grain sacks for quite sometime now. With my home having french antiques in it, I really wanted some . In all my antique hunts, I had not come across any here and thought my only option was to buy some from overseas. This of course is costly not to mention the shipping. Andrew and I woke up early yesterday morning to go on our morning walk. In the distance, I see some rubbish and mounds of black plastic bags on someones verge ready for collecting. The closer I walk, I see three vintage hand loomed hemp linen grain sacks! . They were very dirty and without a doubt being thrown away...My poor husband knowing full well that I am a true treasure finder of note , does not even question my swift move. I brought them home , scrubbed them up and now own three gorgeous old hemp linen bags. Who knows what age they could be. I have seen some dated back to the 1800's. So, that is the story of my free post Christmas gift. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Ti's the season to be...

2009-12-29T22:55:00.000-08:00

Relaxed and just being right now is the order of the day. I find myself sitting on this couch in my kitchen regularly knitting or reading. I found this beautiful new flower today. What a gorgeous color.. One day just rolls into the other as we enjoy having our annual long holiday. I cannot hide the fact that apart from the very spiritual reason most of us celebrate at this time of year, my inner child FALLS out and I become over excited along with the children. Christmas morning was a delight as we shared and unwrapped the goodness that others spent hours making. Apart from the treasures I made the children, I could not keep myself away from purchasing goodies from talented craft makers on Etsy. I am in awe of the beautiful things people around the world make and sell there. I will post these treasures shortly. Christmas day was lovely having my family gathered around our dining table. My Father in law played the piano as the children danced . Olivia picked out a special dress to wear for the day. So, another year moves swiftly by. Just like every year at this time I find myself wondering and wishing for another good year....

Celebrating Summer and getting into the spirit of Christmas

2009-12-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

I am sure everyone's kitchens are staring to work overtime. I know ours is and we are producing some pretty good festive treats. Brogan, Auntie karen, Gran, Aaron and Olivia have just finished baking Christmas mince pies. The pastry has ground almonds in it and being the pre- Christmas taster, they are delicious melt in your mouth beauties. It is boiling hot outside, Papa is playing the piano and getting us all feeling fuzzy and warm with his incredible playing. Gran is outside sitting under our Beautiful big tree separating big earth worms from littlies and removing eggs. Noodle the poodle has just been washed and had a Summer hair cut. We are having many meals under the trees with friends and on the veranda taking in the beauty that Summer offers. Our peaches and plums are being eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What a gift. We had a special meal with our neighbor friends last night celebrating Summer Solstice. Our Christmas tree is flashing and children are eagerly awaiting their gifts. Our days are good and lazy. Lots of reading happening and just being. Mmmm just what I wished for.

An early morning thanks to our rooster

2009-12-11T12:08:00.000-08:00

We live near a bird sanctuary . We are fortunate enough to live near the land of the early bird risers. The birds from the sanctuary leave in their flocks and fly over our house past the orchard.. In their haste to set off somewhere, they all seem to wake up the neighborhood with their loud calls. We too have a rooster that feels he has to be louder than the wild ducks and ibis's. So, we found ourselves up really early going on our morning walk today. We passed the orchard and ended up starting our breakfast at this heavily laden plum tree. We then stopped by the chicken coop and found some fresh eggs... coffee, plums, egg and toast. Nothing beats a breakfast like todays.
A happy weekend to all

An emerging Christmas Season

2009-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

I am sharing little bits of my home with you over the next couple of weeks. I love bringing in the festive spirit and I just love home decor. This is one time of year that I feel I can spoil almost every corner and empty spot. In my entrance hall I have an old large french antique mirror that I absolutely adore. This lovely bright red berry heart wreath hangs loosely on it . Although my home is "old South African" built in 1928, I have filled it with french antiques. Somewhere deep in my past, these pieces have started emerging again.. I was inspired by Tasha Tudor to make and place this wreath in my old farm style kitchen. In one of her DVDs, she hangs a beautiful old wreath with red satin ribbon given to her by her mother or grandmother from the 18th century. I have found some lovely red gingham linen ribbon that looks equally as nice. Closer to Christmas, I will fill the wreath with herbs from my garden. Rosemary, mint, and lavender. I also spent most of our cold Winter months oven drying orange slices to hang from this wreath. I think some cinnamon sticks also deserve a spot up on this homely festive wreath. My Christmas potpourri has found its way to our sitting room table. I have been nursing this gorgeous bowl of scented goodness for a few months now. I can truly say that it is Christmas wrapped in a bowl..The smell is heavenly. My dear dear Mother handed me an early Christmas present. I am in awe of this "Santa Lucia" that she knitted for me. Before dawn on the 13th of December this knitted daughter will find its way to a special spot for us to celebrate the Scandinavian tradition. So, although I am finding myself in a peaceful place, I too am getting ready for the arrival of our Gogo and Papa who will be spending this holiday with us. The children are so excited...Too be honest, so am I. I would also like to mention the link on the right hand side of my blog called "the wellness tree". Nicole from Gardenmama has started a blog for a mama called Kelly who is very ill. Nicole has put together a project for all those who can, to send a Christmas decoration that you have made to add to Kelly's Christmas tree . I am thankful on a daily basis for my good health, for the energy I have to look after my children..Please visit "the wellness tree" blog to find out more..

Wood and beeswax

2009-12-04T00:07:00.000-08:00

Aaron completed a marble run this week. He thoroughly enjoyed sitting under the tree, drilling and joining. The heart does give a little leap when you see your children captured by a craft they enjoy. Little livy made this beautiful Mother Mary beeswax sculpture for our nativity scene. I loved to see her melt her wax in the warm Sun and then mould it between those cute little fingers. The smell of beeswax and fresh wood shavings made me a happy Mama today.

Happy weekend to all

The first light of Advent

2009-11-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

We always look so forward to this time of year. I have cleaned house and packed away clutter to make way for our homemade Christmas decorations...We started today with gathering rosemary from the orchard to make our advent wreath. Last year, Brogan made this beautiful candle. She sun melted beeswax and moulded this perfect angel. We decided it was the perfect candle for this special Sunday. I have been hard at work knitting these knitted pears. I have hand spun most of the wool for these treasures which will be listed in my shop shortly. The theme I chose for my first homemade decorations is a "a partridge in a pear tree". Brogan put out our first Christmas cook book . "Nigella's Christmas" Can you see her itching to bake something..So today we got our first home baked Christmas mince pie's. The kettle is brewing and I am off for a tasting....

Getting ready for Christmas

2009-11-27T01:10:00.000-08:00

Today the children are off to Andrews office to hand out their annual treats. Brogan, Aaron and Olivia are planning to take Noodle and some Bunnies to make it a little more festive. It was a major baking day yesterday with all of us helping older sister with her baking. I have said before that it is clear our Brogan has her Great grandfathers genes. He had his own bakery and had a passion for confectionery. I have brought out our little series of " favourite recipes" for all occasions and seasons. The children also made these beautiful mosaic Christmas cards of Mother Mary and babe. Once they had finished them, we lightly painted over them with some brewed tea. We are feeling the Christmas spirit here . Today we will open our Christmas potpourri that had been sitting for a couple of weeks. Soon the smell of oranges , berries and spices will waft through the home. We are itching to start putting up our decorations...

A peaceful weekend to all my visiting friends...

Our Many blessings

2009-11-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

Our many blessing burst forth every new day as Spring slowly ends and Summer is not too far away. Our week has been a busy one and towards the end a very cold and rainy one. I captured this picture of my Eldest daughter Brogan (the meaning of her name is " Pearl" ) this week. I am taken by this photo as she tries to look up at me with the sun on her face. I see a beautiful young woman emerging in this special child. I am taken by her beauty and genuine goodness...I am blessed. Our Berries and my Boy picking them has been a daily activity. He finds his spot amongst the nasty thorns and finds the biggest blackest treasures to share. Our orchard is bearing the most heavenly vegetables and fruit. I thank the generous earth , abundant rain and the shining golden Sun for giving us such healthy goodness. My little noodle is growing and the only reason why she features so much is that she nearly died when we got her and I am so blessed that she is here. A happy little pup.

I do hope you all find the blessings of your week as I did mine. I promise, I do not have the perfect life but I squeeze every ounce of good blessing that comes my way...hold onto it and that helps us get through the tougher days.

A happy blessed weekend to you all. XX