The World's Alive With Beauty

"I must have flowers,

always and always."

CLAUDE MONET

I don't know about you, but it is easy to get bogged down in one's social media feeds these days. And get caught up in the tangle of opinions and facts and misinformation, making it easy to get the feeling that the world is sliding off to 'hell in a handbasket'. Then you step outside... into the wonder of God's world in the springtime, you hear the sound of birdsong and smell the scent of lilacs in the air, and you marvel at how much pansies make you smile. And even though things are gloomy and dismaying out there, we can and must take time to rest our souls and let what is still good and beautiful in our world bring a sense of calm and order. Even if only for a little while. We must carry on with what we believe we are on this earth to accomplish...doing it with kindness, love, truthfulness, and honour. 

Our neighbourhood has been getting brighter and greener and more lush as the days pass. And, all the while, we keep our fingers crossed for some much needed rain. We're grateful for the little bit we've had, but we could do with a whole lot more.

This week has been heavenly around here - our flowering trees and shrubs are in full bloom, adding such colour and breathtaking splendour to boulevards and streets everywhere. Every spring I look forward to the May Day trees blooming. To catch their sweet scent on a breeze certainly lifts one's spirits and reminds one it's good to be alive on such days. The years-old flowering plum in our neighbour's backyard spills over into our yard, its plummy colourful drifts stand in vibrant contrast to our still young golden elder tree which stands in our north east corner. The last few days I find myself standing at the kitchen window and drinking it all in while I sip my glass of water. (I tried taking a photo for you, but I couldn't do it justice, so I'll leave it to your keen imagination.)

Speaking of things beautiful, I want to mention this jewel of a sticker book I found at our local bookstore. It's been so much fun browsing this hardcover "deluxe compendium of more than 800 vintage-inspired stickers, perfect for embellishing any creative project on the go, be it scrapbooking, junk journaling, collaging, gift wrapping, or merely personalizing any page" (Amazon blurb). It's published by Smith Street Books of Naarm (Melbourne) Australia.

On other news, I've been spending some time working on my digital photos files. Oh my, how can a person take that many poses of the same scene or flower! I have several thousand (with so many of them near duplicates) taking up digital space. I thought I'd been culling all along, but obviously not. This downsizing is not for the faint of heart. Digital, I must say, makes it far too easy to click, click, click yet another few dozen poses and angles of any and every thing (all for future creative possibilities). Thankfully, they are organized by years and months (so I know not to look in the December files for summer flowers - haha).

While culling I came across garden photos from previous springs, so I'm taking the opportunity to share a handful with you. The accompanying quotes were recently copied into my journal. I hope you enjoy this tiny glimpse of heaven in my corner of the world.

"Small joys are not small. A moment of peace, a

kind word, a deep breath—they are the quiet proof

that life still holds wonder in its simplest places."

UNKNOWN, as seen on Facebook

"I don't know the secret to happiness, but I do know

this: I've never been sad walking around a

bookstore, watching a sunset, or eating chocolate."

BROOKE HAMPTON

"I'm a very romantic person. I don't mean romantic

in a flowers and chocolate kind of way. It's more like

if it's raining, I'll go up to the window and press my nose

against the glass and sigh at how beautiful it all looks."

AMY WINEHOUSE, as seen on Facebook

"A flowerless room is a soulless room, to my

way of thinking; but even a solitary little vase

of a living flower may redeem it."

VITA SACKVILLE-WEST

"Every day is a potential seed that we can grow

into something beautiful. There's no time to despair."

AUSTIN KLEON, Keep Going

(this photo taken May 16, 2025 on our morning walk)

"If today feels heavy, carry it lightly.

If it feels empty, fill it with the smallest comforts.

A warm drink. An uplifting song. Soft clothes.

A deep breath. You don't have to fix today.

You just have to move through it."

@LOVE QUOTES, on Facebook

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

Sufficient for the day is its own troubles."

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 6:34 (ESV)

❦

 

I hope you found a little rest from any anxieties you might be feeling these days.

Sending heart hugs and wishes for a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Spring Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

  

Five on Friday... and Suddenly It's May

"Wait, it's May now?

We're in May?

What happened to April?

When did this happen?"

GRETCHEN RONNEVIK, as seen on X

I didn't plan to take a blogging break these past couple of weeks. But the days, suddenly busy, flew by in a terrible hurry, and I found myself on Thursdays without any blog posts ready for the next day. I had lots to chat about, just not the time to shape it into a post. So this week I wasn't letting that happen. 

'Spring has sprung and the grass has ris'. So goes that old saying. Indeed, the early spring bulbs are now up in the garden, creating spaces of heady delight. There was real joy in watching the first green tips appear—it felt like our world had been dead-brown for so long. And now I've even had the childlike pleasure of spotting my first bright dandelion nestled on the neighbour's front lawn (I'm sure he was happy to see it, too😉). Birds are back in full throttle (well, except for songbirds who arrive later in May). And our neighbourhood jackrabbit—I call him The Bunny—was spotted in our backyard the other morning, relaxed and looking dapper in his summer browns nibbling his way through a patch of fresh greens.

It feels that it's been a hasty farewell to April but we are ready to give a hearty welcome to May! Here's hoping you enjoy today's edition of Five on Friday. And thank you, dear friends, for stopping by (and thank you for your patience).

One

Outside My Window

Our spring bulbs outdid themselves this year. Planted several autumns

ago, they've been gradually filling in spots in both the front and

back gardens. Now we get lovely little patches of welcome colour -

crocuses (above), Scilla, Tete-a-Tete (narcissus), and grape hyacinth (muscari).

Not to forget the jaunty wild pansies also known as Johnny-Jump-Ups that

pop up unexpectedly, and exuberantly, in the sweetest spots.

Looking out my window, I can see that the tulips are just starting to

open. They will make a wonderful display for the next three or four weeks.

Two

Surprise from Cornwall 

I recently received an email from my dear blogging friend Barbara in Cornwall,

England, in which she mentioned she was sending something to me via Amazon.

It arrived just before my birthday. Such a treat to receive Secret Gardens

of Cornwall, a lovely coffee table book full of wonderful photography and

interesting text. Rick and I are both enjoying it. You may recall, Barbara is the

blogging friend I met when we visited England in 2016. It was such a sweet

visit over tea that day. Even though we'd never met in person before,

it was like meeting a dear longtime friend. 

Three

Facing 68 

I am pretty sure I now have 68 wrinkles to match my years! When I mentioned 

this to my girlhood friend, Linda, she hoped that I hadn't taken the time to count.

I replied, No, I didn't... it is what it is. So no, I'm not getting my lips fluffed nor

my eyelids lifted. Besides, a certain fellow mentioned something about his

beautiful wife in his recent birthday card; I'm taking his words at face value. 💖

Four

April Treats Wrap Up

As I mentioned in my last post, during April I'd been giving myself 

little birthday treats and enjoying ones providentially given

either in nature or from family and friends.

Keeping track of the treats each day has been quite the eye opener.

I've been astounded at how many came my way on a given day. It was

as if when I declared I'd be on the lookout for treats during April,

things started showing up. More like, I was now paying attention to the

world around me. It's true what Iris Murdoch once said:

"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats."

And I would add, and really noticing them when they arrive.

To carry on from my last post and to wrap up April, here are a few more...

as you will see, I have been well treated! I'm filled with gratitude.

April 12 - 18
The treat of a spur of the moment coffee party with family one morning.

And fresh from the oven Banana Nut Loaf. It was delicious and our visit was sweet.

The treat of first anticipating a parcel arriving from Cornwall, UK, and

then opening it when it arrived - to find a lovely book about gardens.

Rereading the classic children's story The Secret Garden by

Frances Hodgson Burnett. I enjoyed being once again in the presence

of Mary Lennox, Dickon, Colin, and crusty old Ben Weatherstaff.

Watching the green feathery catkins bursting out

on the hazelnut tree in our backyard.

Opening the mailbox to find a little parcel prettily wrapped from my

writing buddy, Joy. It was a new Jane Austen-themed birthdate book.

Being given a gorgeous bouquet of flowers (top photo) in a riot

of colour by my dear husband. The day before my birthday,

he said he had to go out and pick up some toonies ($2 coins) at

the bank for the carwash. He came back with flowers! And yes,

he did actually stop at the bank for the coins. It wasn't just a ruse.

The treat of finding birthday cards in the mailbox, and

lovely birthday wishes from friends online.

A trip to Camrose, a nearby city where we visited a lovely

café for lunch. We were served especially yummy BLTC sandwiches

on Nova Scotia oat bread, along with lattes and lemon tart for dessert.

A visit to the local art store and a gallery to see the current

exhibit with Canadian artists Shea Proulx and Jennifer Long.

Buying a copy of the Spring Country Living magazine, British edition.

The front cover (above) filled with those spring flowers was a treat

all by itself, never mind flipping through to see all the beautiful

photography and descriptions within.

Being treated to lunch out with longtime friends.

Gifts of potted plants (white cacti, tropical greenery, African violet)

nestled in an Easter basket, sparkly 'bee' earrings, and a butter bell

(for keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration).

April 19 - 25
Easter Brunch with family. Sitting around enjoying good food,

 telling stories and jokes, and laughing. To top it all off, eating a tiny

slice of Tuxedo (chocolate-y layer affair) Cake at the end of our meal.

The treat of leftovers after a holiday meal.

The treat of going for a walk on a spring morning, and it

smelling like spring - awakening grass and trees and earth.

The treat of reading the essays in the Spring Anthology

edited by Melissa Harrison for the National Trust, UK.

Having a quiet day where there was nowhere we had to be or go.

The treat of visiting a local greenhouse that was just bringing in

perennials and annuals (with blooms) on which to feast our eyes.

Listening to the newly arrived robins

whistling in the tree tops.

The treat of seeing my glucose numbers finally in target.

Which made it a happy, happy day for me.

The treat of smelling rain in the air when we

came out for our morning walk.

More birthday cards arriving in the mail.

Rereading the well beloved The Enchanted April on an April evening

- at the spot where Lottie and Rose have arrived in San Salvatore.

They've just woken up the first morning and are staring like

starving prisoners at the beauty outside their windows. And

feeling a sense of well-being that they've never experienced before.

As a reader, I felt so happy for them in this moment of the story. 

Hearing the gentle splish-whish of a mallard and

his mate landing on the pond.

The treat of eating Irish Egg Salad on a crispy croissant

(mashed hard-boiled eggs, chopped lettuce and tomato,

S & P, English Salad dressing, or mayo if you don't have).

The treat of afternoon tea after a busy day. Rick has just come in from

outside and has that nice windy scent on his hair and clothes. He's been

punching holes in the front lawn—I think they call it aerating, haha.

April 26 - April 30

The treat of hearing 'conk-la-ree!' of the red-winged blackbirds

for the first time this season. In years past, when the young birds had hatched,

the mommas often came to our feeders carrying away mouthfuls for their

growing young. What a delight to watch when she later brought the fledglings

to the feeders. They'd sit there with beaks wide open; she'd feed them for a while,

but then came the time when she said, it's time to feed yourself.

The treat of hearing kids playing and laughing at the park

while out for our walk in the evening.

A trip to Elk Island National Park where it's still early spring. Still

only hints of green as trees wait for warmer days (and nights above freezing)

to break out in earnest. No sign of the by now very pregnant female bison.

The treat of hearing hundreds of frogs singing in the

swamps. Oh, that takes me back to my childhood on the farm.

The treat of a bowl of sugar-free vanilla ice cream

with diced melon and pecans.

Spotting the yellow Tete-a-Tete narcissus opening

under the tree in the front yard. 

The gold metallic Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen I bought

recently at the art store. I'm busy sparkling up my journal.

The great treat, for me, of being able to write in my journal

day by day, year by year. I'm so glad for pen and ink and paper.

The treat of receiving birthday cards with

pretty floral postage stamps on the envelopes.

The treat of a memory my mom shared with me about when I was just

a tot. I used to point and say, 'Momma, pencil', pointing to where she

kept them. She said I loved pencils. And I must admit, pencils have been

a joy ever since. I love colouring with brand new pencil crayons, but

I do take great pleasure in the feel of a short stubby pencil in hand when

I'm reading and want to underline or star a certain phrase or passage.

❦

And, that is the last of my April treats. What an inspiration it's been to keep

track all month. What a gift it's been. There's no reason to stop now.

Perhaps I shall carry on... pay attention... and enjoy. 

 

Five

From Curated Delights

My niece Chiante is a girl after my own heart. We both love

being creative, books and reading, and now tea parties.

She is a bookbinder in the Ottawa area. And she

recently created a subscription for her social media (her website)

followers, for which she creates, crafts, and curates a collection of

treats that she sends out quarterly. Her debut box Curated Delights

'Garden Tea Party' arrived a couple of days ago. It was so

exciting to open and unwrap all that she'd packed for us.

In the picture above, you get a glimpse. Below is a list:

- handmade notebook with embossed floral motif (love it)

- print of a summer picnic by a Saskatchewan artist (love it)

- two tea invitations with wax seals (cute)

-  two recipes - one for sandwiches, one for scones (yum)

- 'Cream Earl Grey' teabags (they smell delicious)

- crocheted doily coaster, floral and leaf ribbons,

soundtrack QR code, and inspiration card

She hopes her subscribers will be inspired to create

their own tea party using some of the items received.

I'm pondering it.

Bonus

A Favourite Quote...or Three

"Knowing you have something good to read before

bed is amongst the most pleasurable of sensations."

VLADIMIR NABOKOV

"Being happy isn't having everything

in your life be perfect.

Maybe it's about stringing together

all the little things."

ANN BRASHARES, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

as seen on GoodReads

"We cup our hands to gather pieces of heaven . . .

we open our hands and scatter love."

From Common Prayer, (Claiborne, p. 234)

❦

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

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

Fridays

Five on Friday: Spring's Poetry

And hope, if it had a scent,

would smell like spring, like rain

like something new and alive.

JENNIFER RUSH, Reborn

Oh, the waiting and the watching for spring to arrive. And then to feel the old sweet surprise and delight at the first shoots of green in a sea of earthy brown. Brave little crocuses open starry petals and smile at me. My heart swells like the burgeoning tree buds to witness their survival of another cold winter. 

Today's edition of Five on Friday bubbles with spring's new life and new hope. And for a little while pushes out of mind news that unsettles the soul and disturb our peace of mind. Walks on these fresh mornings, hearing the chickadees calling, watching the crows searching for possible nesting materials, encountering happy dogs out on their morning trots—it all puts things in perspective. Peacefulness settles. I breathe and gently sigh, in that moment all is well in my world. We carry on. 

One

Spring Senses

- Crocuses first appear this week in the front garden;

- Pussy willows have popped out on shrubs along the edge

of a partially frozen pond;

- Mallards quack overhead, no doubt wondering 'what's with the ice';

- Robins whistle from rooftops;

- The overnight rain creates a mist in the air and leaves puddles on the street;

- Crisp morning air contrasts with warming sunshine;

Spring is in the air.

Two

My Spring Reading Pile

Spring Anthology

edited by Melissa Harrison (Nature essays, 2016)

The Enchanted April

by Elizabeth von Arnim (fiction 1922)

Elizabeth and her German Garden

by Elizabeth von Arnim (fiction 1898)

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett (children's fiction, 1911)

An Episode of Sparrows

by Rumer Godden (children's fiction, 1946)

Skylarks with Rosie, A Somerset Spring

by Stephen Moss (nature, 2021)

 

Leaning Toward Light, Poems for Gardens and the Hands that

Tend Them, edited by Tess Taylor (garden poetry anthology, 2023)

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

by Edith Holden (nature diary, 1906)

Cultivated, The Elements of Floral Style

by Christin Geall (2020)

(explores floral design through the lens of art

history, ecology and personal narrative, beautiful photos)

 

Three

Birthday Treats This Week

As I mentioned last week, April is my birthday month and

I've been giving myself little treats or enjoying ones providentially

given either in nature or from family and friends. Here are a few

things I consider treats from the past week.

April 4

Caught the evening sunshine streaming through the

west windows for the first time since last fall. The earth

has turned its face back to the sun which sets later.

April 5

I love giving gifts. To me, it's like Christmas dreaming up

and wrapping presents for other people. I wrapped a little birthday

gift for my new niece (newly married to my nephew)

with hopeful anticipation that she will like it.

April 6

The tiny purple crocuses opened under

the oak tree. Our first sign of life in the garden!

Spotted a few kids at the park on our balmy evening walk.

They were swinging on the swings 'as high as an elephant's eye'.

Is there anything else quite as thrilling?

April 7

Met my lovely friend in the morning for coffee and a visit.

We first met at a church we both attended years ago. She's a busy mom

and we haven't seen each other in a while, but we picked up

where we left off, which is a sure sign of kindred hearts knit together.

Attended a piano concert with world-renowned pianist

Angela Hewitt. What a joy! She played some of my favourite

music Bach's Goldberg Variations. It was sublime.

The audience stood up as one at the end, clapping and

clapping and clapping. I slept so soundly that night.

April 8

The treat of a beautiful comment left on a blog post.

It's a real thrill for a blogger when her readers

leave comments in response to something she has written.

OTD, one woman wrote to say she has notebooks in her house

for writing out passages she wants to keep. And that she planned

to write out one of my recent guest posts, the whole thing, because

it meant so much to her (!) Let's just say, there is no thrill,

or honour, like it. I'm humbled.

April 9

It's twilight and the light is fading behind the trees

in the neighbour's yard, making them look like

filigree lace against the darkening sky. I savour

the moment, for a moment later, it was gone.

Early birthday presents from my two sisters and a

lovely visit over lunch with them and my mom.

April 10

Sipping a decaf latte in a pleasant coffee house-bakery

with friends on a sunny spring afternoon.

Rereading a well loved book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson

Burnett, and watching Miss Mary Lennox change from a wan, spoiled,

and unhappy child into a little girl with rosy cheeks who finds joy in

a skipping rope and watching spring arrive on the Yorkshire moors.

April 11

As I'm finishing this post, I hear the early morning whistle of

the chipping sparrow. I am elated. The first of the season.

Welcome, welcome, my fine feathered friend! Happy Spring!

Four

Strawberry Cup & Saucer

I was shopping at the book store the other day. As is wont, bookstores

sell, along with the books, many other beguiling home items.

New seasonal displays were up for Mother's Day. And

I spotted this strawberry themed cup and saucer, then saw the tea

towels with the same pattern. It made me feel quite giddy with happiness.

It is something of treat to find something new for the home, for the soul.

I happily sipped my first cup of coffee from it yesterday morning.

On Wednesday I had the happy delight to give my sisters and mom

each a beautifully boxed cup and saucer of the same design. Now

we can think of each other as we sip from our own cups.

Five

Quotes that Feel Like Spring

Some of you are walking love letters

and you don't even realize it.

You're lighting up rooms, shifting atmospheres,

and carrying inspiration just being you.

Such a precious gift.

DAWNA DE SILVA, as seen on social media

If "Plan A" didn't work,

the alphabet has 25 more letters.

Stay cool.

@TEACHERGOALS, Instagram

Sometimes I need only to

stand wherever I am

to be blessed.

Attributed to MARY OLIVER

I can't afford to hate anyone.

I don't have that kind of time.

AKIRA KUROSAWA

That's a beautiful life you have there.

Thanks, I made it! It has pockets

for all my treasures.

UNKNOWN, Instagram

❦

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

Brenda

Photo credits:

Top Photo by Fietzfotos from Pixabay

Photos One, Two, Four by Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Photo Three by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay 

Photo Five from Pixabay

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Guest Blogging Elsewhere Today

It's Monday and not my usual day to post, but I am guest blogging today over at InScribe, my writers' fellowship blog. 

Our writing prompt this month is to explore the topic of kindness. And when I sat down to write this post, I realized I had things to say about how I encountered the kindness of God in my life. If that interests you, I'd be delighted if you'd visit me THERE.

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Five on Friday: Birthdays and Other Things to Celebrate

"Whenever you are creating beauty around you,

you are restoring your own soul."

ALICE WALKER

quote found on GoodReads

I had no idea what to write for this week's post. It was Wednesday evening and my brain was muddling along with nary a clue. When suddenly a few thoughts started downloading - I couldn't jot them fast enough in my journal. Usually, as writers, we are advised not to dump everything on the reader all in one piece. But occasionally—that's where Five on Friday theme comes in handy—especially when I'm excited, I set these little thoughts down for you, all in a heap, in one post, with hopes you won't mind, that something will tickle your fancy and make you glad you stopped by.

- One -

National Poetry Month

Here in Canada, National Poetry Month has been celebrated every April since 1998. I do not consider myself a poet but I find myself once in a while dreaming up lines that, in my view, feel poetic. I do like to read poetry - I enjoy some poets very much. So I was happy to read a piece that my blogging friend Gretchen shared earlier in the week—I knew I wanted to show it to you. It's a stanza from the poem "Vacillation" by W.B. Yeats.  You'll find the complete poem at englishverse.com

From "Vacillation"

My fiftieth year had come and gone,

I sat, a solitary man,

In a crowded London shop,

An open book and empty cup

On the marble table-top.

While on the shop and street I gazed

My body of a sudden blazed;

And twenty minutes more or less

It seemed, so great my happiness,

That I was blessed and could bless.

-W.B. Yeats

I myself have experienced such occasions. When out of the blue, and often not related to anything specific, sometimes I'm just sitting and looking out the window and I realize in that moment "I’m happy." And I stop to savour it. It is a most soul satisfying experience. I think it’s what we live for between times when life is utterly ordinary, sometimes even dull or horribly painful. And then this moment of reverent joy sneaks in and catches away our breath. Surprised by joy, as C.S. Lewis once coined the phrase.

- Two -

My Unread Book Shelf Goal

You may recall, early in the year, I made a plan to read more of my pile of unread books. At the time I had counted around 180 books not yet read. You may well ask how is that going, and I'm happy to report I have ten books now read from my Unread Shelf. I admit being oft beguiled by newly acquired books; in the euphoria, the old ones lose their spark and get pushed to the back. Progress is slow - not quite ten percent read but then we're only a quarter way through the year. If interested, you can check out my 2025 reading list HERE.

- Three -

April is My Birthday Month

The actual day is later in the month, but I'm thinking about ways to give myself treats every day throughout April in celebration. Although some of these treats might be something I buy for myself, many others will be 'free' gifts providentially given—smiles received from complete strangers, hearing the wind whistle in the tree tops, savouring a morning slice of hot buttered toast with eggs, watching rivulets gurgle down the street as the sun melts the snow piles. Oh, and hearing the returning Canada Geese honk overhead. I'm listing these little gifts as they come to me. 🠇

Treats so far:

April 1st

 

- a bundle of pink and orange tulips sitting on my dining table (top photo);

- the new edition of the Bella Grace magazine

(that's me on the front cover, er, in my dreams of course).

April 2nd

- a new journal with a whimsical floral "B" on the cover;

- I'm tickled with a library book I just took out: "Bedtime Stories for Stressed

Out Adults, Tales to Soothe Tired Souls", Introduction by Lucy Mangan.

I opened it and felt like I was eight again - slipping into bed with a fairytale book

on my lap as I anticipated a gentle read while winding down for sleep.

Titles include: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde,

The Aunt and Amabel by E. Nesbit, Kew Gardens by Virginia Woolf, Heidi (excerpt)

by Johanna Spyri, Wind in the Willows (excerpt) by Kenneth Graham, The Diary

of a Nobody (excerpt) by George and Weedon Grossmith, to name a few.   

- I signed up for my niece's subscription box online designed for art and stationery lovers.

Garden Tea Party is the theme of her debut box that goes out later this month, right around

my birthday. "The heart behind this subscription is to capture the feeling of sending

or receiving a letter or parcel from a friend or family member. (It's) inspired by

art, literature, and nature and will be filled with goodies to bring joy to your door!"

She's inspired by art, literature, and nature—we must be related. My niece is a bookbinder

and is on Instagram The Bundle Bee Bindery. I can't wait to get my box in the mail!

April 3rd

- meeting a dear friend for morning coffee today;

- sharing an egg salad on a crispy croissant;

 - a wee gift of two lemon-scented/shaped soaps for the kitchen;

- whimsical strawberry-themed tea towels now hanging on my oven door;

- finding a mailing address on Friends of Susan Branch Facebook inviting

followers to send Susan a birthday card for her upcoming 78th birthday.

My handwritten card and note are in the mail. The address if you're interested:

Susan Branch Studios, 7489 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA.

April 4th

- eyes and ears alert for treats on this new day.

- Four -

Shopping for Note Cards

Next to shopping for books, shopping in a stationery shop is a clear favourite occupation. I love browsing for greeting cards. There are so many wonderful artists out there who create such beautiful designs - elegant, whimsical, funny, poignant - whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find.

As is my usual habit, when I brought my new stash home, I planned to squirrel them away in my card box, in readiness for when I need something down the road. Then I decided why not leave them on the dining table along with my pen, address book, and postage stamps... use the cards right away while I'm excited about them, not saving for later when they start to feel old and jaded. There were ten cards in this collection; one is already given to my coffee friend, and the other wings its way to Susan in California.

I often whisper a little prayer when I prepare to write notes, first asking, who should I send this to? Who needs a note today? And secondly, what should I say? What message will speak directly to what someone needs in the moment? Sometimes notes are just fun 'keeping in touch' messages; other times they are filling some purpose larger than we realize. I like to keep my heart attuned to heavenly thoughts... spreading joy and maybe comfort in a few words.  

- Five -

Quotes I Fancy Today

"There is nothing more luxurious than eating while you read—

unless it be reading while you eat. Amabel did both:

they are not the same thing, as you will see if you think the matter over."

The Aunt and Amabel by E. Nesbit

"After all, the best part of a holiday, is perhaps not so much

to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working."

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (from chapter 1)

"Use your personal mementos as

prompts to write your stories."

AMY TAN, from MasterClass

"The barrenness of the poetic task: as if every day we

look out at a courtyard of rubble and from this

are required to make something beautiful."

THEODORE ROETHKE

❦

Sending my love and warmest wishes for a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays