The World of Rosamunde Pilcher

On a recent visit to the library, I was delighted to find this treasure of a book: The World of Rosamunde Pilcher.

For anyone who is a fan of Rosamunde Pilcher's novels, you are in for a treat. In this gorgeously-illustrated book, Mrs. Pilcher invites you to share with her 'the breathtaking views and tranquil places that have inspired her writings. Places like the coasts of Cornwall. The Highlands of Scotland. The society of London.

Included is a delightful introduction by the author, as well as snapshots from her family albums and recipes from her own kitchen.

If you have never read her books (Shell Seekers, Coming Home, September, Winter Solstice...), this book might have you heading right out the door to find copies. And, if you're already a 'forever' fan, you'll be reaching for your collection to read them all over again.

Happy Reading,

Brenda

Evening in the Garden

The evening was so beautiful last night. It was warm, balmy, and with very few bugs. Rick and I went for a walk while a delicious Cherry Crunch baked in the oven. We looked forward to eating a dishful when we got back,  pairing it with a nice Italian (decaf) coffee.

We bumped into our neighbour, who was also out for his evening stroll, so we invited him to join us after our respective walks. His wife and daughters are away visiting family for several weeks, and I'm sure he finds his big house lonely. Because it was so pleasant out, we decided to sit in the garden. Rick set out candles and lanterns and put the cushions on the patio chairs while I dished out the dessert.

I wish I could share the fragrance from the evening scented stock. Not really an attractive floral specimen, especially in the day time, you can catch a glimpse of it in front of the pink flowers (above). As the evening deepened and began to cool it, the fragrance filled the whole garden. It was magical. And, rather than fireflies coming out to play (we don't have them in this part of the world), my little neighbour, Orange Kitten, came to visit. She happily frisked about in the garden, hiding in corners. Our Miss Kitty was not impressed, but we certainly enjoyed the antics.

Our visit was spontaneous, which is often the best kind. We'll remember this summer evening for a long time.

Happy thoughts to you all,

Brenda

xox

Cherry Pickin' Season

 

As you can see, my Evans cherry tree is ripe unto harvest. It's a sour cherry that grows and survives here in Alberta.

These cherries make a wonderful sour cream cherry pie as well as a compote for pancakes or ice cream. You might want to check out my food blog recipe blog for the recipes of these two favourites.

Cherry-o!

Brenda

xox

First Blog Anniversary

More than 400 posts, 3 new blogs, over 10,000 visits, plus dozens of new blogging friends later, today I'm celebrating the first anniversary of my very first posting on It's A Beautiful Life.

It's interesting that as I celebrate this small achievement, Mr. Rick and I went to see the movie Julie and Julia, where we watched young Julie Powell cook her way through Julia Child's book on french cooking and then blog about her experiences.

Although my blog hasn't turned into a book or a movie (smile), I'm still really delighted with my blogging experience, having met so many wonderful people over the past year.

It's been wonderful -- thanks for the ride!

Brenda

xox

Sunrise Wonders

View to the west
Photos: Brenda C Leyland, Aug 13, 2009

"Pay attention to your dreams - God's angels often speak

directly to our hearts when we are asleep."

EILEEN ELIAS FREEMAN

Have you ever had a dream where you felt that God was speaking to you through it? Well, I am of the opinion this is what happened to me early yesterday morning. Around 5:30 a.m., I woke up from a dream so vivid—someone kept calling my name over and over. The voice wasn't urgent but it was insistent. It took me a moment to realize the voice I heard was in my dream. Now fully awake, I looked out my bedroom window, which faces westerly, astonished to see the sky ablaze with such bold pink colours!

These are what my camera caught in real life....no touch ups!

I grabbed my camera and went outside. I took photos from my back deck and then went flying out into my front yard. In the midst of all this wildly pink sky, a smattering of rain was falling and then I saw a rainbow forming.

Although I couldn't get it all on my camera, a complete rainbow formed right over top my neighbourhood. Then a second one began to form alongside the first one. I watched in awe.

View to the east - definitely more gold and orange here

It was also interesting to note that about 20 minutes later there wasn't a trace of any of this glorious painting in the sky. It was as if the sun had gone back to bed and the curtain had fallen on the glory; all that remained were early dawn grey cloudy skies.

* * *

Now you may ask what God was saying to me in all this. I'm not sure, except to watch this wondrous work of nature unfold in front of my eyes, I felt so alive and so aware of Him in that moment. I shall never forget it.

Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

Brenda