First Friday This and That

As we begin the new month, MARCH, (not January, not February,) but MARCH, I am excited because green and tulips and sunshine are on their way. 

THE GARDEN: As a token of kindness, the hospice group that cared for my MIL, keeps in touch with us during holidays, anniversary dates, etc. The other day in their kindness they sent a little package of seeds to plant in her memory, Forget Me Nots. The package face shows blue but they could be one of the other colors. I was so touched.

 

QUILTS AND LITERATURE:

 Jane Austen was a quilter. Did you know that? Remnants remain today in her home, now a museum. A year or so ago I joined an online book club and we all reread her novels. An enlightening effort for us. The impetus was the pending release of this book. I have mentioned it before and it was such a heartwarming story. At a time when I would like to have participated in the development of the society. I do not consider myself a romantic, in any way, but this was such a touching little story.

 Jane Austen's house in the village of Chowton, in Hampshire, UK. 

A reproduction Jane quilt by Riley Blake. Fabrics available at LQS.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

  On this typical pandemic day, I am reading during my downtime, reading blogs actually, ones that have returned after some months, even years of absence. Abandoning the blog format for the quick and flashy Pinterest or Instagram social media sites, they recognize that the flash of a camera does not a conversation make. At their best these formats are interesting, time consuming, even inspiring, but in the end, there is little or not give and take, and to me, that is the appeal of the blog. A journal of sorts, a type of sharing medium among those of like minds. 

Most recently, a favorite blog has returned and as always, it inspires me. A totally down-to-earth young woman imparts life lessons that we can apply no matter what our age or station in life. Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth, HERE.

I often see ladies concerned because they cannot maintain their homes or kitchens and particularly during these pandemic times, cooking has become a major issue for those who wee used to eating at restaurants or picking up something trendy from an on-the-way gourmet bistro.  Sadly, most were not taught these skills growing up. That said, this blog in particular was visiting the novels of Jane Austen and the rules she followed while maintaining her home, writing, and being a pillar of the community.    

In a recent post JES, from Strangers & Pilgrims published a post listing some basic lessons that Jane taught via her novels. 

1. Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.
2. Clean as you cook.
3. Fix your bed and dress every morning.
4. Do your dinner prep work during the quiet time of the day and set the dinner table.
5. Straighten living areas as the day goes.
6. Clean toilet-bathing spaces daily. For us that would be bathrooms. 
7. Make every task beautiful and it will not be a chore.
   

*I am reading:

The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks by Julie Valerie. A quirky little seqal to The Angst of Holly Banks it is the story of a little village of Primm, where everything is perfect, well maybe not!

(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living by Mark Greenside, an American writers introduction to life in Brittany and all his pitfalls. 

Kitchen Chronicles is still super busy. I think the pandemic has really boosted other people to cook, bake, enjoy dining at home. The Pistachio Cake is still #1 reader supported post. You can see it HERE if you missed it before.

I was recently reminded of one of my Dear Son's neighbors the other day when I heard one of his songs used in an advertisement on TV. A wonderful, kind, and humble man, Smokey is still in the neighborhood. 

Cruising, 1979, Smokey Robinson. HERE.. 

May the month of March bring you happiness and sunshine. May you read good books, dine well, and permit your creative spirit to fly. Bonne Journee'