HAPPY EASTER TO ALL...

 

Spring is here and Easter is on the horizon. 

 It isn't always a pretty sight 

as the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds

 but, on the days when the sun wins, 

it is more beautiful than you would think possible 

and The Olde Crow Homestead basks in its warmth.

The Lady Banks rose is ready to peek out 

from behind the lace curtains

 and pretty Cecil Brunner will not be far behind.

Inside the Cottage an attempt is being made

 to showcase a bit of Easter.  

The parlor mantel is a temporary home 

for a white bunny 

that I made many years ago 

during the "French faience" ceramic phase of decor. 

(Back in the 70's or 80's if I remember correctly.)

 I had a stable full of white ceramic farm animals 

but, with the exception of two sheep, 

this bunny, minus one eye and a few whiskers, 

 is all that is left.

The dining room is hosting 

the majority of Easter this year.  

Here are some of the vignettes sprinkled around...

...these little daffodils 

are the dried remains of 

the first spring blooms from the garden.  

If handled carefully, 

they can still linger for a while longer...

...and this sweet bunny is standing guard

 by a lamp that was put together 

with a candle lamp 

ordered from K.P. Creek

 and an old, rusty grain scoop 

that we have had laying around forever. 

A pretty cute and bright spot 

for only $12.

Two little spring chickens 

sit beside another lamp 

that the Captain put together 

from one of my crocks. 

 I bought the shade from Amazon.

If all else fails 

a small bouquet of old faux tulips

 will still bring a bit of brightness to the kitchen table.

I am forever trying to achieve

 the elusive watercolor painting.  

I will admit that it is becoming more comfortable to me 

but there is certainly a long way to go.  

The above are actually done with watercolor pencils.

My dad painted these little chicks 

when he was in the first grade.  

That would have been around 1918 or 107 years ago. 

 If you were to compare my abilities at age 85

to his at 6 years of age,

 I would say there is a really long way to go!  

BTW, the little ceramic bunny in the photo 

was a gift given to me on my first birthday.

The grass is continuing to green up...

...a spot of color surrounds the Secret Garden...

...and the fairies and dragonflies 

are eagerly awaiting this sign to become reality.

Remember the little pink house

 by the Secret Garden? 

 Papa Wren was perched on the garden gate 

with a piece of straw in his beak 

and Mama Wren flew out of the house. 

 They both flew off and I didn't get a picture

 but it looks like they might be 

setting up housekeeping. 

 I'll keep you informed. 

 We have noticed them 

flying around, casing the joint,

 so hope they decided to stay.

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter.

...xxoJudy...

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SPRING IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER...

The beauty of springtime is upon us 

and we are all the better for it. 

 We need a reprieve from 

all the darkness that surrounds us

and I am declaring that this is it.

The garden, 

though not quite as beautiful as it soon will be,

 is making a statement 

by bringing exclamations of color 

that can brighten even the darkest corners.

As I add more blooms throughout the Cottage,

 I can feel the lifting 

of heavy burdens ever so slightly

 and a calmness is spreading out before me.  

The windows are open to let the sunshine back in 

and the lace curtains seem whitewashed by its warmth.

 

It feels good to be back. 

 I didn't ever mean for my time away to last this long 

but it did 

and I can't promise that it won't happen again.  

My thoughts are that after fourteen years,

 I'm just not as spontaneous as I once was 

and I don't want to become boring, 

so if that means a little time in between

 then that is how it shall be.

The garden is calling. 

 It is time for tidying up and feeling the sun on my back. 

 I certainly don't mean to oversimplify all that is happening around us now. 

 There is pure evil at work, 

trying to destroy our way of life, 

don't kid yourselves, 

and I know that a few colorful spring blooms

 won't change any of that

 but, if you let them, they and a little bit of sunshine, 

will put some beautiful magic 

where we need it most.

I hope all is well with everyone.

 I wrote this post last week

 but didn't make my time deadline for publishing.  

Now, this week, 

the weather has gone back to gray skies 

and lots of rain so, just like bad pennies,

 the weather and I will show back up when you least expect it.

 

HAPPY SPRING DAYS...

...xxoJudy...

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