August Sails By

 “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

 F. Scott Fitzgerald

I can't let August go without writing at least one post. I cannot believe where the summer has flown to. But life is just a wee bit hectic with family things going on. 

I'm looking out on my garden of flowers. The hydrangea shrub thought it was a grand bush this season. It has to have been all the rain we had. All summer it hung loaded with bubblegum pink blossoms. I  realize now how much it had suffered during our drought years to see the exuberant contrast in this year's growth. 

The sun shines and the evenings are pleasant. One evening we went out for pizza to our favourite pizza place for our favourite #10 medium (onions, mushrooms, fresh tomato) with a starter Caesar salad to share. As we sat at the restaurant, we got to thinking about how many years we've been going to this particular place ordering the very same thing. We started going there shortly after we married. And that's coming up 28 years. At first we'd try different menu items, but soon we discovered we both loved the medium #10. And as the astute young waiter said, after I commented how we always order the same thing when we come, "Don't fix what's not broken."

A happy book moment. A memoir I ordered earlier in the month arrived. It's titled Howards End is on the Landing, A year of reading from home by Susan Hill. She's a British author (born in 1942 so she's closer to my mom's age than to me, she was born during WWII).

"Early one autumn afternoon in pursuit of an elusive book on her shelves, Susan Hill encountered dozens of others that she had never read, or forgotten she owned, or wanted to read a second time. The discovery inspired her to embark on a year-long voyage through her books, in order to get to know her own collection again." - from the back cover

Already I love it. Reading it is making all sorts of memories surface of my own book collection through the years. And now her stories make me want to revisit those books And I'm even toying with the idea of embarking on a 'year-long' voyage of reading only my own books (but don't hold me to that, I am too beguiled by all the great new books coming out this fall). Plus, I have a couple hundred books on my shelves I've never read yet. They do beckon. Still, I don't know if I could not buy new books for a whole year - haha.

My niece's outdoor wedding in July was beautiful. The weather was nearly perfect. A lot of thought and planning had gone into the details. The bride was glorious in her beautiful wedding dress. She looked soooo happy as she came down the hill to meet her dad who walked her down the grassy aisle.

I felt a welling up inside at the perfectness of it. Like in a fairy tale. And then when the first dance with the bride and groom—they played "At Last" by Etta James—oh my, that was another poignant moment. Both 29 they had each been 'waiting' for what felt to them like a long while, so the song was perfect. I loved watching as they danced in their own little world for those few moments. Here is a link to the song should you want to listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJU8G7gR_g

Our summer has been good. We've enjoyed the warm sunny days. Had chances to take little day trips to towns and places we haven't seen in a while (or maybe never). Doing more caregiving for loved ones. And we've been busy now getting Mom ready to move into her new suite (next week) where she won't have to cook for herself ever again—which makes my almost-91 mom very happy.

I can't promise what the weeks ahead will include... and whether I can get back to my regular posting on Fridays. But please know I think of you beautiful readers often and hope that you are all well. But I will try to stay in touch as much as I can. Thank you for your comments on previous posts—I do read each one even though I don't reply these days.

I am looking forward to September. In my books it's a hopeful month with new beginnings, like the beginning of a new school term. Where wanting to buy fresh notebooks and sharpen pencils and dig out the crayons still beckons with creative energy even after all these years.

I wish you a beautiful season ahead... whatever you are up to.

❦

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Six on Saturday

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Happy Summer! We've had some beautiful weather. Calm and sunny mornings and long balmy twilight evenings. Wanted to share a few photos from a recent visit to our local botanic park. It was a busy summer afternoon when we went. Baseball tournaments were held in the next park. Various bridal parties posed for photos amongst the beautiful floral settings. We tried not to photobomb anyone as I took a few pics to show you.

One. Visit to the garden

One of our favourite local spots to visit from spring to autumn is the St Albert Botanic Park. An oasis of beauty and wonderment, this park is operated and maintained by volunteers (since 1992). It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and boasts lots of well-situated benches for enjoying the views.

Two. From the gift shop

A small pottery bowl—large enough to hold a generous salad for two—caught my eye. I looked at it, picked it up, put it down, walked away, came back and popped the bowl into the shopping basket. I am loving using it. Many items in this delightful little shop are by local artists which makes purchases all the more special. 

Three. A cookbook question

Name a cook book on your shelf that's now well-stained or dog-eared pages from much use.

First is The New Purity Cook Book, The Complete Guide to Canadian Cooking (put out by the Purity Flour Mill back in the early to mid-twentieth century). Mom gave me a copy—it cost $1.25 at the time—when I was in high school to put away in my 'Hope Chest'. It's still my go-to for baking powder biscuits and pancake/waffles (you'd think I'd have the recipes memorized by now ha but I don't).

And the other is The Best of the Best from the Best of Bridge series, recommended years ago by a work colleague and friend. Favourite recipes include "Elsie's Garlic Mashed Potatoes", "Regina Beach Coleslaw", "French Toast Raphael", and "Orzo with Parmesan and Basil", to name a few.

What's the name of your favourite recipe book?

Four. Enjoyable summer reads

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

By Its Cover

by Donna Leon (novel, 2014)

Commissario Guido Brunetti gets a "frantic call from the

director of a prestigious Venetian library". Someone has stolen

several centuries-old books and cut illustrations from rare old volumes.

A visit to Venice via Guido Brunetti is always good for the soul.

In the Time of Five Pumpkins

by Alexander McCall Smith (novel, 2025)

Another venture in The No 1 Ladies' Detective series.

I enjoy Mme Ramotswe's gentle musings about life and living as

she and her cohort Mme Makutsi solve the current mystery of the day.

Under Gemini

by Rosamunde Pilcher (novel, 1976)

Flora impersonates her twin, Rose, for a weekend. It soon gets

complicated when she meets Rose's fiancé's family and uncovers

her sister's scandalous past. A lovely summer read.

The Forgotten Garden

by Helen Humphreys (novel, 2002)

A short historical novel set in WWII England.

Young horticulturist Gwen Davis leaves London for the

Devon countryside to instruct a group of girls in growing

crops for the home front on a beautiful but neglected

country estate. She also discovers a long forgotten garden.

Beautiful descriptions.

Five. A little Jane Austen

It was suggested on Instagram (it came up on several different pages) that some old book phrases from Jane Austen's writings should be reintroduced into our modern day lingo. Here are a few from the collection I found amusing; maybe you will too.

Expressions about someone you don't like:

"A man of no consequence."

"A woman of little understanding."

"A person not burdened by self-awareness."

"I see you've chosen to be yourself today."

Expressions of annoyance:

"What a vexing business this is."

"How excessively tiresome."

"I am not in the humour for such foolishness."

Expressions describing someone you like:

"A source of constant delight."

"A most agreeable companion."

"You are a welcome sight on any day."

Dramatic expressions:

"Good heavens!"

"Upon my word!"

"I'm entirely bewildered."

 

Six. A summer lunch 

"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't

use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words

like, 'What about lunch?'"

A.A. MILNE

It was delicious!

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Extra Photo:

Summer hat with cocktail

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

A Bit of Summer: Flowers and Books

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth.

DOROTHY FRANCES GURNEY

Gratefully we've had a few sunny days in June. And we've had more than plenty of rain. Our sunken patio has turned into a wading pond - it rains faster than it drains. And our lovely peonies which were just opening this past week, even though propped up by peony rings, are now hanging their colourful heads in sodden masses on the ground. But all is not lost - the blooms of our mock orange are opening and giving our hearts a fragrant lift. Thankfully they weren't shredded from the persistent rains.

Here are a few photos I took before the rainfall began in earnest.

After a browse of my book shelves, I found a few titles which either evoke the season of summer, or they include the word "garden", "flower", or the name of a flower.

NONFICTION

An Island Garden

by Celia Thaxter

(orig. published in 1894, part memoir, the author describes what's

going on in her garden on Appledore; a delightful read)

Foxgloves and Hedgehog Days,

Secrets in a Country Garden

by Daniel Blajen

(the author discovers that gardening is much more

than a chore or hobby)

Garden Blessings, Poems, Prose and Prayers

by Jane Cotner

(anthology of writings that offer a common

appreciation of gardens and gardening)

Garden Maker, Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers

by Christie Purifoy

(author enjoys a little bit of heaven

on earth in her garden)

Leaning Toward Light,

Poems for gardens and the hands that tend them

by Tess Taylor

(poems that make the reader want to lean toward the light)

Life in the Garden

by Penelope Lively

(memoir about art, literature, and gardening)

Secret Gardens of Cornwall, A Private Tour

by Tim Hubbard and Photographs by Jo and Rob Whitworth

(take an armchair tour through 20 Cornish gardens) 

The God of the Garden,

Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom

by Andrew Peterson

(author writes to wake up readers to the glory

of God shining through his creation)

The Paper Garden

by Molly Peacock

(biography of Mrs. Delany who begins her life's work at 72)

FICTION

A Few Green Leaves

by Barbara Pym

(fiction about English village life) 

Elizabeth and Her German Garden (fiction)

by Elizabeth Von Arnim

Flowers in the Rain

by Rosamunde Pilcher

(a collection of short stories that make nice summer reading)

Midsummer Mysteries,

Tales from the Queen of Mystery

by Agatha Christie

(short stories that include Poirot and Miss Marple)

Monk's-Hood

by Ellis Peters

(Brother Cadfael uses his knowledge of herbs from his

garden to solve a 'deadly recipe for murder')

Rose in Bloom

by Louisa May Alcott

(YA novel; "Everyone seems to think that Rose should

get married. Everyone but Rose.")  

The Gardener 

by Sarah Stewart and pictures by David Small

(children's picture book) 

The Last Garden in England 

by Julia Kelly

(in this novel, five women are connected

across time to a certain garden in England)

The Lost Garden

by Helen Humphreys

(novel set during WWII, a young horticulturist leaves

London for the Devon countryside to teach a group

of girls about growing crops for the home front)

The Name of the Rose

by Umberto Eco

(novel set in 1327 where Franciscans living in a wealthy

Italian abbey are suspected of heresy. Seven deaths turns

Brother William into a detective)

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

(children's novel - a forever favourite)

A question I saw recently on social media. "When you find yourself needing to unplug, what are your favourite activities to engage in?"

A: I read, write cards and notes by hand, go for a walk, pet the neighbour dogs when they stop by, lay down for a tiny rest, sit in a sunny nook with a book in hand, watch the birds, notice the clouds, sip something warm or cool (depending), browse a beautiful photo-filled magazine.....

What works for you?

❦

On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Guest Blogging Elsewhere Today: Beauty and the Writer

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

 

I have a new post up on InScribe, my writers' fellowship blog. This month we are chatting about beauty and the writer. I'd love for you to stop by - here's the LINK.

Hope your summer is going well.

 ❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Five on Friday: A Bit of a Catch Up

"In early June the world of leaf and blade and

flower explodes, and every sunset is different."

attributed to JOHN STEINBECK

One. Outside My Window

The tulips are done but they made quite the splash earlier in May. The purple ones above were the last to bloom - the colour makes me swoon, and I hope these bulbs will multiply profusely from season to season. They now make room for the lilacs and irises and alliums. Peonies are still setting buds - nearly ready to add their bright burst of summery brilliance.

A mallard momma duck and her ten ducklings wandered through our garden the other day looking for a way to the pond on the next street. Alas, in our neighbourhood everyone has fences everywhere, so Momma had a time to find a way. After nosing around for a while, ducklings falling over themselves to follow her, she took time to rest in the shade of the leafy elderberry shrub. They nestled under her wings. If I could have spoken Duckese, I would have softly advised her to keep to the left 'round the corner and then head north. She was gone the next time I looked - I hope she 'heard' my little prayer. 

We've had a few warm summery days—the long evenings are such a delight. And this week we've enjoyed some proper rains. We got five inches in two days. Just soft and steady all day, all night. Didn't hear of any flooding in our area. The green has sure popped out. Trees are now fully leafed. Even with the slow cold start to spring, we're finally here.

 

Two. A Wedding Shower

Traditionally, June is the month for weddings. And although my dear niece is not getting married until later this summer, a wedding shower is planned for her this weekend. I don't know if this 'trend' is more widespread, but I am noticing around here that the new flush of brides seem to be enjoying a return to vintage and thrift store finds. And even Grandma's China and pretty bowls. I had great fun 'shopping' in my own home... after secretive chats with the bride's mom as we thought about which of my treasures to pass along to my beautiful niece as she starts her own home (I can't show pictures for then the surprise will be out).

Three. Thinking About

A little stream of consciousness writing for this section. I like stickers and I found one today that said 'Be happy'. Good advice. I have tried to be a happy person over my lifetime. Not happy as in jovial all the time, but happy-grateful for all the good that comes my way even when I feel less 'blessed'. I'm more successful at it than other times, but I learn as I go. And when I came to realize that living life in a spirit of gratefulness really does help me when the ugly stuff shows up, my life became more beautiful.

I'm not saying it's still not a daily struggle. 'Out of sorts' moments can invade in a blink, colouring the atmosphere around us, casting dark shadows. Especially when there seem to be so many horrid situations marking our world and darkening it. And I start to wonder how we can continue to cope when so much comes at us. No wonder so many of us feel unwell in body as well as soul.

I sat writing in my journal early this morning, mulling it all, and I was reminded of some of the words Jesus spoke as recorded in the New Testament, how we are not supposed to carry the load ourselves. Trying to keep on top of things is overwhelming, and in this faulty world there is no way we can do this day by day by day in our own strength and wisdom. Here are the words that refreshed me - I felt the weight lift. I share them in case you, too, have been feeling the weight of the world, with hopes they give a similar relief:

Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (refer to 1 Peter 5:7).

The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to Him. And the peace ... comes (refer to Philippians 4: 5-6 ESV).

Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (refer to Matthew 11:28).

The perfect love [of Jesus] casts out all fear (my version of 1 John 4:8).

Four. Books I Read in May

Reclaiming Quiet, Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention by Sarah Clarkson. I spent the last few months slowly rereading this quietly inspiring book by a favourite author. In a world fraught with many cares and terrors, Sarah looks at "practical strategies to resist hurry and cultivate holy attention through stillness, prayer, and listening for God's voice". I felt my mind and heart slowing down, her beautifully crafted words "transforming my interior life into a place of wonder and rest". 

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung. A standalone, fast-paced political thriller. The story follows Alice Li and her mother, Vivien Li (a famed Tiananmen Square dissident and global human rights activist) through family struggles, digging into the ancient past, political terror, and the precarious balance of world power.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. It's a tale about Stella, a cautious young food blogger who books a flight to Paris after her estranged mother's death. Written by acclaimed food writer Ruth Reichl, the story is sumptuously packed with delectable descriptions of food along with romantic, sensory-rich depictions of Paris in the 1980s where Stella learns to embrace life, courage, and friendship. A pleasure to read.

Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. One of her last books, published in 1972, this novel follows eccentric crime novelist Ariadne Oliver and famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as they join forces to investigate a cold-case 'murder-suicide' of a prominent English couple.

Five. June at Last

"What is one to say about June—the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade? For my own part I wander up and into the wood and say, "June is here—June is here; thank God for lovely June!" GERTRUDE JEKYLL, from Wood and Garden, 1899

❦

On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day

and a wonderful summer ahead.

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Photo credit:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life