The Royal Kiss

It's a little hard to believe these two kisses are separated by thirty years. Time flies but the British are consistent.

All the best to the newest royal couple.

Nevermind the Bullocks it's Another Royal Wedding

It's a little hard not to think of England this past week as the gossip shows plaster the royal couple-to-be across the airways. I'm actually disappointed that the wedding is on a work day here in the states. I think I would have enjoyed watching the wedding or what will be shown of it. It's always amusing to hear commentators cover these types of events. Gather some royals and celebrities, throw in a few facts, fill lots of air time with pure speculation and your have hours of entertainment. I hope some network is brilliant enough to rebroadcast the whole thing at a time when one can glue oneself to the tellie for a few hours.

The Sex Pistols' God Save the Queen poster is available at AllPosters.com

Easter Goodies

I've already tucked away a bunch of goodies to stuff in my little ones Easter basket but here are a few things I wished I had found and may even snatch up for next year.


Jellycat Slackajack Bunny via Smallable
Egmont Rabbit Lamp via Smallable
Areaware Pico Fawn Pillow via Areaware

Our Daffodils

Thank goodness deer don't have an appetite for daffodils. Our bulbs are up and I'm already planning to plant more in the fall. Gobs more. I'm even thinking of going outside our garden beds into the lawn near our trees. I love spotting daffodils growing in odd places like the side of a road, by old train tracks or at the edge of a wood.

We picked a few of our own for our kitchen table and I have to say I'm really amazed at how gorgeous the colors are and how a few flowers in a vase can be so beautiful.

Going on an Egg Hunt

We managed to squeeze two Easter egg hunts into a weekend that was 50% rain and I mean rain. The sun came out, we grabbed an Easter basket, braved the mud and were off to the hunt. My little one needed some egging on (sorry couldn't help myself) in terms of going for the eggs. She was too busy taking it all in to be super competitive.

We did manage to walk away with a nice jar of jelly beans thanks to some auspicious guess work. We said 333 jell beans and were off by just 5 - we left with 328 in hand. We got a big kick out of hearing our name and running over to the judging table to pick up our prize. At the second egg hunt, which was at a wild life sanctuary (pictured), someone recognized us as the winners of the jelly bean contest. A little bit of local celebrity.

Signs of Spring

This sign cracked me up. The house is in Williamsburg and is oddly set back from the street. It may have been a back house that lost it's main front building. It has a very impressive magnolia tree, as the sign indicates, that blooms each spring. I have never seen a sign posted in past years and wonder if a slue of questions from botanically challenged hipsters necessitated it's posting.

Springing

I'm ready to start Springing. Not springing like a cat after a play toy but springing like getting in to a Spring state of mind. Spring, when everything is new again and growth and re-growth is all around, seems like the perfect time to get on board the growth spurt bandwagon and plant some seeds of one's own.

I want to do some sowing and see what grows literally and metaphorically. I know what I want to grow in my backyard garden but I'm mulling over where I want to focus on some growth in my life. I'll post more about the Spring Growth project as it takes shape.

Image: French Seed Packets via Paula's Kit Club.

Fairy Houses

Last weekend a stop at the playground escalated into a bigger adventure than expected. My little one made friends with a sweet girl named Summer and her younger brother and we ended up being enlisted to build a fairy house. Fairies are suddenly on our radar since the purchase and frequent viewing of "Tinkerbelle"

The house turned out to be a free-form open structure, more of an out door patio which was composed of lots of sticks, rocks, and dried leaves. For decoration, the children's' grandmother and I helped to collect dried flowers and weeds for a bouquet. My little one one was delighted and tireless as she ran around after the much bigger kids hauling the building materials.

It's amazing how fun looking for a special rock or piece of grass can be. And as an adult, to recapture a sense of wonder and pure imagination which allow handfuls of grass to become fairy food.

This weekend we will be searching out Easter Eggs but will keep an eye out for fairies too.

Images of The Cottingley Fairies, 1917 by Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths

Ever Get That Sinking Feeling?

I'm a little skeptical about the historical accuracy of this print but it is a good reminder to find something positive in any situation and/or to add music when you find yourself in a jam.

Austin Kleon poster "Overheard on the Titanic" available at 20 x 200.

Taking Comfort in Midsomer

I've spent the last two days hanging out in the countryside of Midsomer,England. Actually, I've been really sick for two days and barely climbed out of bed. While awake I've been zoning out to murder mysteries and enjoying beautiful views of the English countryside courtesy of Midsomer Murders.

The county of Midsomer may be imaginary but the English locations are very real and very lovely. The grisly murders and high death counts are a small price to pay to enjoy a beautiful armchair (or rather sick bed) vacation.

You can take your own tour of Midsomer locations here and find out their true spot on the map of Britain as well.

Inspiration Needed

Every need a little push in the creativity department? Some inspiration to make you feel something is possible? That's how I've been feeling. So I was happy to get a peek at Rachel Duarte's journal pages via the English Muse.

Now I'm excited to find my sketch book and doodle, write and collage away and see where I end up.

You can view more of Rachel's inspiring journal here.

Testing

Mercury Retrograde

I hate to be superstitious but since Mercury went retrograde on March 30th my internet connection has been sketchy, my computer has crashed repeatedly and a really bad head cold has made it difficult to hear. None of which makes communicating particularly easy.

If any of this is related to the tiny planet's movements this could be a tough month. Mercury will be jamming communications until April 23rd which makes me think it might be wise to keep a low profile and take refuge in a good old fashioned book.