and picnic under the warm embrace of the springtime sun
for I will tell you a story
about a young girl
who became a queen.
But in order for you to understand, you need NOT put on your magic chaussons at this time
or opulent tutus.
Add Glitter to Pictures
Just simply BELIEVE
Glitter Graphics
and open your eyes.
For she loved children
nature
all that is beautiful in architecture
décor
and the arts.
Harboring a desire to live within close proximity to nature's simplicity
while living in affluence
she tried to carve out for herself a common place
where the innocence of nature
would INSPIRE her to KINDNESS.
As I look down the humble corridors of my home
and the secret places of my heart where I rest
reminisce
compose my whims
and greet my guests
I ask myself, "What inspires me to KINDNESS?"
The answer?
YOU.
The Dutchess
Tita
Penny and Jasper
Jackie
Ruben
Nancy
Ulla
Bonnie
Rosemary
Julie
Rosie
Violet
Rita
Patti
Karen HC
The two Sherrys
Carol and Charli
Belle Vie
Amy
Marie Antoinette
MA the Second
Spencer
Tristan
Tish
Mimi
Sumea
Deb
Kyle
Synnove
Dzintra
Rita
Lili M.
Sandra
Fairmaiden
Marie
Bunny
Lulu
Debbie
Koralee
Carmelina
Liddy
Kelly
Kitty
Fine
Marie-Ange
Val
Sacha
Cecilia
Claudie
Suzanne
AND COUNTLESS OTHERS who keep the story going.
KINDNESS...the key to royalty.
Photo credits:
Google Images
Rabbit Hill - Castles Crowns and Cottages
Image of Ulla and myself from Thanksgiving 2009
76 comments:
Dear Anita,
Thank you!!! I am charmed with being between so many wonderful people.Lovely post and very beautiful images;as always a great pleasure to visit your blog.
Big hugs,
Cecilia
ANITA! I'm not going to be so presumptuous to assume that the Suzanne you refer to is ME, but....just in case....THANK YOU, dear and sweet friend. You know that I feel the same about you. I am in awe of how your home is such a perfect reflection of YOU (and, I'm assuming, Mr. C)! I am taking baby steps in that direction and the inspiration that I get when I read your lyrical writing and drink in your beautiful images is beyond compare. I hope you are off doing something FABULOUS this sunny weekend! xx P&H
Maintenant je n'ai pas des mots! Merci bien pour tes mots de tendresse et amitie ;-)
Tu es belle avec tes mots et amitie! On peut voir ca a la foto aussi ;-)
C est curieux...j ai vu le film le mois dernier. ;-)
J aime aussi les fotos de ta maison! So cosy!!!
Merci ma belle en bon week end! ;-)
Beautiful.Charming. Royal. You, and your home! So delightful to be allowed glimpses into your heart. Into your home. Into your imagination....
Love your candlabras, mannequins (full size and tiny ones!) your writing desk, vanity table, the chaise area next to your books, the details in your little 'theater' ~ is that a tiny chandelier I see in there?!? the miniature lights on it, such a delight!
"Kindness is the key to royalty" ... love that thought! Then, you are indeed royalty!!!
I like the saying you have on your blog banner, "Royal treatment of the home, the hearth and the heart" ~ describles your blog perfectly! Such royal treatment we all receive while visiting here dear Anita.
Bless you oh lovely one!!!
Violet
Anita,
This is so beautiful! I have chills as I read it. The pictures are glorious and your home divine:). Thanks for such a lovely post to inspire us all to kindness:).
Blessings dear friend,
Kim
Beautiful!
Dear Anita, your posts are always a very wonderful read and view - and I always feel enriched and put into gentle thoughts after "consuming" your work and idea and imagination you put into your Blog.
Today you put cream on top - and I just pull my hat and bow to you and say : Thank you for the inspiration. Having had a few days in which I felt incapable to DO anything and just sat around and felt depressed and lame, I somehow got new and fresh spirits from your post today. Somehow the Sun came out for me - and I feel warm and fuzzy :-))
kindest regards, Martina - from over the Big Pond....
Ahhh...my very dear friend...we should be considerate to all, and extra kind to those we love...and you dearest are easy to love...If perhaps the Rosie you speak of is " Tired old Rosie"...she is so extremely honored to be in such company...thank you Anita, but in all honesty, it is "you", who greets her, each and EVERY morning, with the "kindest" words,ever spoken to start the day... I love our friendship...Rosie ~ of Old
Are some of these SPECTACULAR images of "Rabbit Hill"...Oh my!
I want be in that beautiful picnic and hear your history...Your house seems like a dream.Hugs
Je suis venue m'imprégner d'une douceur si bienvenue en ce moment ...
(Je m'occupe de ma maman qui a été bien malade ...)
Je garde au fond de mon coeur une part de cette beauté un peu irréelle qui irradie ton blog ...
Bisous tendresse ma très chère Anita.
Marie-Ange
Bonjour dear Anita,
What a lovely thought,'Kindness is the key to royalty'. Love the black and white tile in your foyer and all the pretty details - the desk looks ready for all that creativity to start flowing. Thank you again for all the beautiful images and inspiration!
Bonne journée,
Mimi
BRAVO!! I'm sending you an email!
Hugs!
Nancy
Hello Anita!!
This is so beautiful!
Hugs
Once upon a time, there was never an end to our once upon a time friendship. Walking with you, beside you, behind you with a soft push, in front of you so you can give a soft push to me. Into the Kindness Garden we went, resting there, staying there and onward, into our once upon a never ending friendship.
~I love you~
My Dear Anita
Such an enchanting post my friend. Your home is like your heart.. beautiful! I am honored to call you my friend. Thank you for just be YOU!
Bisous,
Penny
Nita, YOU are the kind one. You , the one that encourages, shares and love, YOU Nita!*grin*
((( Thank you))))My dear for including me in your list...
What a lovely post and becaustiful pictures, I am like many ,full of emotions everytime I visit you!
I wish you could be here this evening, in my old farm kitchen ... I just finished baking cinammon raisen Spelt bread and some lemon cake for tomorrow's breakfast.I am anxious waiting for Mark and the children return form their long trip....they should be here soon.
you go now and get some rest , I am sure you too are looking foward for tomorrow's rest. love you~
Anita.....That was a really pretty and lovely post! I loved seeing the beautiful photos of your home and I loved the relaxing piana playing in the background. Thank you for including me in ones that inspire you...I definitely feel the same way about you!~xoxo, Patti
Anita, a beautiful post from a beautiful soul. In every post, it is apparent that you my dear, are kindness,Blessings to you. xoxo Christel
Good Morning dear sweet Anita...I have come away with you and picnicked under the warm embrace of the sun (of course sharing a pink bubbly)...How very very kind of you to take us down the humble corridors of your welcoming home...and to be amongst all these beautiful friends...my heart is soaring...thank you so very much for your kindness...A beautiful Sunday to you amongst love and friendship...Dzintra♥x
What a marvelous journey! So many lovely things to see, and such gentle and delightful words.
I loved seeing the photo of you and Ulla! You both looks so pleased to be sitting there together!
Is that your studio/office? How beautiful and peaceful and comfortable - no wonder you are able to compose such poignant and inspirational posts.
I don't know how I missed this post from a week ago! I must give my blog roll a good talking to!
Have a terrific weekend - and I'm so touched to be include on your "list." Really.
Hello Darlin'...ahhh, I arrive weary, and selfishly leave rejuvenated...you are my respite, my sweet serenade, my stroll through the park and my long Sunday drive,oh dearest I so adore you...you take the edge off my "CrAzY" world...thank you...Do take time with your sweet fella and enjoy the weekend ...kiss,kiss,hug,hug...Rosie
Dearest Anita,
Today I woke up to a beautiful sunday morning;
The sun is shining, a warm breeze touch my face... and YOU touch my heart!!!!
Everything is so beautiful, the pictures your words, your home...YOU.
The loft....(loks like a loft?) is your privat room for rest and creation? It is so lovely and filled with fantastic details... the mannequin wearing the tutu is amazing!!!!
And it also warms my heart to be listed as your inspiration to kindness, and dear Anita I must say; likewise!!!
Reading your post, looking at the pictures, it is impossible to enter the world without love and kindness filling my heart and soul!!!
THANK YOU!!!
Synnøve xxx
Hear Hear dear Anita...Bless You, Dzintra♥♥
Beautiful Story I love your entry way where you greet your guests your mirror is gorgeous! Have a great day! Sincerely Jonny
Anita, what a lovely post! I agree that kindness is key to life. It's certainly the key to civility, and that is a key element to a well-lived life. This was all so beautiful, and I enjoyed the history lesson as well as the glimpse you gave us into your own domain and heart.
I'm not sure if you know this or not, but there is going to be a Marie Antoinette crafting weekend at a resort in Florida next fall. Someone just sent me the information on it. If you'd like to have it, I would be happy to send it to you, but you will have to email me with your address. I can't click on blog emails because something wasn't properly installed in my computer. But I will be happy to share with you.
Wishing you a Happy Sunday and week ahead...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Very Beautiful!!!!
SO dreamy!
I always enjoy my visit here!
XOXO
Frenchy
Une très jolie histoire et des très belles photos je suis très contente de l'avoir lue, elle est aussi très originale. Bonne semaine et merci pour les clées que vous offrez. A bientôt
Oh Nita, I am still a *baby* when it comes to watercolors.... like anything else- I am experimenting and hoping for improvments.... you certainly have encouraged me,grin, and your sweet friendship makes my heart smile, but remember ((((I am Jack of all trades, master of none))))....and that is WHO I AM ... I find great satisfaction in many different forms of art...grin, Like them all!
-I am working on a illustration in which Ihave used 2 different papers and methods... I will be sharing each one of them soon.... I am still working and enjoying it so very much. I am looking foward to see some of your drawings *splashed* with soft colors..... I have a feeling that (((YOU))) will fall in love....smiles~
Anita,
I just want to let you know that YOU have been such an important encourager for me and you inspire me to be kinder. Thank you for your loyalty and encouragement.
I am so glad to know you.
Mandy
Dear Anita, How lovely! I feel so honored and blessed that you included Charli and Me. The images in your post are so beautiful! I too love architecture and the arts. My hubby and Ispend the afternoon yesterday strolling in the gardens around Meadow Hall. Soo lovely and beautiful. I love the pictures of the animals too. Especially that sweet little duck and the little white scottie. My friend at 'Sweet Cottage Dreams' has a little white scottie named Fiona and a little black scottie called Mr. Duhgall. You are such an inspiration to all things lovely and devine in this wonderful blog world of ours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ♥
Anita, thank you so much for visiting my blog today and leaving a comment. It is wonderful to meet you! Your blog is beautiful!!
Thank you for your kind words about my angel. He is in Heaven now and most likely being the very best he can be, as always.
Yes, there really are white scotties and I see you found a sweet photo of one to put on your post.
So glad to meet you!!
ta - ta!
:) Becky
Oh my goodness, you have touched my heart and almost brought a tear to my eye! Your home is as lovely as you are. And to see my son Kyle's artwork of M. Balzac gracing your pretty cabinet, I can't even describe how grateful I am! He was overjoyed Anita!!! You are a sweetheart! Thank you for making all of us feel so special! Votre maison c'est magnifique! I'm sure my french will improve when I'm teaching it to Kyle in the Fall! I Love & Adore You my precious friend! xooxoxoxoxoxo
This post is just magic. I hope when I am gone from this earth, that what will be remembered about me is my kindness to others. It is something I strive for everyday. Anita you are an inspiration.
hugs
Anita dear - this was the most lovely, unexpected post I have read on anyones blog in months. I loved to see the photos of your home... I presume that was a dance costume?
Really, this visit was so enjoyable!
Merci!!!
Vous êtes aussi une source d'inspiration permanente chère Anita.
Je préfère avoir la nostalgie de l'époque de Marie-Antoinette (et du 18ème siècle en général) et vivre maintenant, utiliser les talents du siècle des lumières pour parfaire ma vie actuelle. Je n'aurais pas aimé être reine, ni princesse... Bien sûr il n'y avait pas les paparazzis, ni la presse à scandale, ni la télé, ni internet mais il y avait la guillotine à laquelle elle n'a pas échappé, ce qui est la sentance terrible d'un peuple assoiffé de sang, de rancoeur et de vengeance; de ce coté là rien n'a changé puisque le monde est de plus en plus fou...
Mais merci pour ce moment de douceur. A très bientôt. Fine
You are completely royal in your way and kindness. I am blessed to know you and your glorious perspective! Thank-you. Thank-you. Light and love, Amy
Hi Anita,
What a beautiful post, filled with beautiful images and a window into your imagination. Thank you for mentioning me amongst the people who inspire you. I think that you inspire us, if the truth be told. Because your blog and your posts are none like I have ever read in the Land of Blog.
Kindness, I think that you are truly the Queen of Kindness.
Karen
Thank you for coming to visit and see my new apron and stove Anita, Queen of Kindness!!! A lovely Monday to you, Dzintra♥x
Now I have never heard of a stove being called pretty...I like it LOL!!!
Thanks for such a nice blog post and honor as to be one of your friends. I'm so glad that I met such a wonderful, creative, and talented kind person.
Your blog posts brighten everyones day!! You are the best!
xo,
Rosemary
ps, have a wonderful week ahead!
Hmmm, Anita, another lovely daydream! I saw the film Marie-Antoinette and loved the decor and costumes and beautiful Kirsten Dunst who was so perfect for that role. And also, i love the combination of royalty and simplicity - that's it really, everyone should have a piece of that cake!
Well dearest the cuppa and chit~chat, were especially wonderful this lovely Monday morning...must get done what I skipped out on yesterday + todays ...so...may not get back for a while,
Have a "cheer~filled" day dearest
.......love Rosie.........
Dearest Anita,
What a wonderful post. Inspiring and truly well written with fabulous pictures, my favorites being the duck with the frou-frou hair cut, the white Scotty, and the Cairn Terrier who lives right next door. Silly animals always make my day.
Love,
Ruben
I'm moving in!! Just beautiful, just like you and your heart. So nice to see you and Ulla together. What a treat this post is, dear friend. xoxo Lidy
Hi Anita!
this is another creative, beauty filled post!
i must say, those photos of the old book with the calligraphy, handwriting in them....oh how it gives me an itch to pull out my pen and ink and write out a poem or something!
thanks bella! and nice music, btw!!!
ciao
creative carmelina
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful, thoughtful and touching post. There are so many beautiful images too. Thank you:)
Oh NO...my dear......YOU are the sweet one....you've encouraged me so much by your wonderful words and sharing of your heart....and I appreciate it more than I can say.
I loved seeing the bits of your simply beautiful home. I can't wait to see more. I drooled over the checked floor...and sooo much more. Such a lovely place to be! You've done a wonderful job making your cottage delish!
You are simply the BEST!
Yep, it's Hemma....we thought it was Hamma...but when he started writing he spelled it Hemma, so Hemma it is!
Huge Huggies,
S
merci pour cette clé du paradis!tu nous tiens encore en haleine avec cette belle histoire,je redeviens à chaque fois enfant et je saute avec toi dans une imge qui devient une aventure,tu es notre Mary Poppins!Quel bonheur!
merci pour ton gentil passage chez moi.heureuse de t'avoir fait découvrir cette jolie chanson chantée par françoise hardy et reprise aussi à la ssauce orientale!
Bises
Val
Good morning dear girl,
I am up early to pop some scones in the oven again this morning. Will try my hand at some Devonshire Cream as well. Koralee is coming for tea :) ...will you join us?....
Hoping you have the most enriching time with your creative children today. I shall save you the very best piece, and IF the Devonshire is any good I shall put a dollop on top... sweet dreams my friend ...love Rosie
Dear Anita, what a charming and beautiful post! You had me dreaming for a while! Just want to wish you a lovely Tuesday and a wonderful week!
Kristin xxx
LOVELY...as I've come to expect, dear Anita! :)
Blessings!
Darling Anita~ What a wonderful gift you give to so many others. You are treasured as you treasure others. Thank you for such beautiful words and photos expressed with the express intent to please. You are a jewel!
Kirsten
What a beautiful post you have shared today. I have been traveling so have been out of touch for a few days.
Lovely.......just lovely......!!
Blessings friend,
Jo
Dearest Anita,
Thank You..for your kindness and for always opening the door to a beautiful world beyond our dreams. It's such a pleasure stopping by for a dose of inspiration. You are such a dear soul and I'm so happy to have met you through this world of the written word...blogland. Love the images and especially enjoyed the glimpses into your lovely home.
I send you oodles of hugs and look forward to my next foray into the magical world of Castles, Crowns, and Cottages.
xoxo
Sandra
I must compliment. Experiencing your posts is akin to sitting comfortably in a cozy overstuffed chintz chair, while slowly savoring an entire box of Lady Godiva chocolates with a bowl of fresh raspberries and sipping steaming Earl Grey tea...... without gaining a pound! Decadently elegant!
And thank you for your nice words on my site.
P.S. The little topknot duck must be kin to one of mine.
I would say your first year of blogging has been quite a success. I love your music and love your writing and photos. I will be back again. I too am in my first year of blogging and I love to write and photograph. Thank you for the visuals and the prose.
Well dearest...another day done,
and it was, quite lovely...great chit~chat, over a good cup of tea...the only thing missing was YOU! Next time.
How was your day?...If you have time, share a tender story to get me through the day...or a little piece of one, will do.
I look forward to your visit EACH and EVERY morning...I adore you my dear :) ...sweet dreams...love Rosie
Such a very sweet post..thank you so much X
And I was able to enjoy the music because you have changed your playlist. The other one didn't work at this side of the ocean...Lovely music to go with lovely words..Have a happy day dear one..Hug from all of us!
Oh Anita you are far to kind...you alway say such the sweetest things... ...thank you...
Mrs Robinson has had her babies!!! Oh that is so exciting...I love when they know that breakfast has arrived...and they want mom to know that they are so very hungry... charming ...well you definitely have a busy day ahead. It's a very good thing you enjoy it. Well I have a very long To Do list. So will bid you farewell...be sure to have a relaxing evening, with your feet up...love Rosie
Dear Anita,
Thank you for the beautiful message that you left at my place. You are so right.
Yes Sunny and Smoke and all the horses you see on my sidebar are ours. We even have three more that I haven't taken pictures of. My husband is a cowboy of sorts, besides being a police officer. He has always been a trainer of horses and has a great love for the animals, as do I.
Hugs
Rise & Shine Dear girl,
Oh my, today was a bit crazy...lots done, so, I do feel good about it...but there is a lot of YAWNING going on.
Well,tomorrow morning, I have a rep from one of my favorite companies. {coming in so I can order
Christmas} ... I find this really hard to do, so early in the year...but I have to...oh dearest I just can't stay awake...you have a Glorious Thursday... sending a little sun to greet you in the morning...love ya...Rosie
Bonjour Anita,
Thank you for your lovely comments!!!always so sweet.
You can to try,
www.mylivesignature.com
A lot of fonts and FREE!!
Belle journée
Cecilia
I truly love all that you do and say. I can't tell you how much your words always raise my spirits friend. I feel lucky to know your kind spirit! Blessings.
Ahhh yes, I can definitely see you dancing, my dear. I'm sure you were like a little bird, so light on her feet and ready to fly...Lovely...
Your kids must surly adore your soft, wonderfully, whimsical ways.
It is very stormy here today, a bit gray...can you spare a bit of sunshine?
Well must get ready to go to work. Enjoy this day to the fullest my friend, and we shall chat a little later...love Rosie
You always have the most wonderful images, Anita. So sweet and inspiring. I always leave your lovely blog so uplifted and happy, feeling like a little fairy myself ;)
Sending many hugs your way for a lovely day. xoxo
Dear Anita
To see all the hearts you have touched and inspired warms my heart. You are a one of a kind dear friend.. Thank you for including me in the list.. You have given more than you know.
Such a beautiful post.
Bisous, Penny
Good Evening Sweet Friend,
Did you have an inspiring day? I'm sure you did, as I know you enjoy each and everyday to it's fullest. Mine was great. Lots of family and friends came for a wee visit...lots of fun. Tomorrow I think I shall have to make a trip into the city for purses, jewelery and silk scarves for the weekend. Would you care to join me? I would love the company...Be ready at 8 o clock and we shall have an adventure...sweet dreams...Rosie
Hi Queenie, love love the article you wrote on my favorite Queen!!! She lives deep inside of me. Your blog is so ROYALE!! I have been so busy as of late that I have not had a chance to stop by any of my favorite blogs:(( but I am so glad I stopped by here today:)), have a great weekend my Queen!
Royale wishes,
Daisy
Hi Queenie, love love the article you wrote on my favorite Queen!!! She lives deep inside of me. Your blog is so ROYALE!! I have been so busy as of late that I have not had a chance to stop by any of my favorite blogs:(( but I am so glad I stopped by here today:)), have a great weekend my Queen!
Royale wishes,
Daisy
It is always so nice to read your comments! And it sure looks like you are a believer as well, how amazing!! Wishing you the best weekend and a blessed one, too!
Kristin :)
Bonjour ma belle!
An incredible post! Bravo!! I loved it. It is people like you that inspire me to kindness without a doubt. I am so blessed to have met you in this vast world. You are so dear to me mon amie!!
Mille bisous,sherry
Dear Anita, What a beautiful place to visit. It is always a pleasure for the eyes and heart.
Oh dearest...I don't know how I have missed your posts!!!! I will have to check my bloglist. I am so grateful for your friendship...this has been such a busy month and I have not been able to get around to visit as much as I'd like. Now of course you make me want to watch Marie Antoinette!!! I also have been wanting to watch Miss Potter again. And I am going on a 'girls night out' to see Sex and The City 2 with friends and daughters. I will close my eyes on the naughty scenes! I am doing well...my sweet Holly has not come home, but I have spent some time with her. She is living with a friend(a safe friend...thank God). She is just trying to find her way...which I believe will lead back home. Her boyfriend has got her confused, but it is only a matter of time till things clear up for her and she sees she is better without him. I am not worried. Everyone in her life is telling her, not just me and her Dad, so that helps. Thank you for your care and prayers...He is answering. We are going on family holiday to the coast soon and she took off work to come!!!! That is huge, because all last summer she didn't come and stayed home to be with him. Well I must be on my way. My youngest just called and needs a ride. Love you ox
Anita,
Your kindness abounds! I always feel like royalty when visiting your safe, kind kingdom. I always seem to start my Sunday mornings here and you always leave me with a smile.
Lots of horse stories coming, I have just been to busy birthing foals to do much else. Seven have been born one to go!
Enjoy!
Kelley
will be thinking of you while toes are nestled in the sand of my favorite seashore dearest Anita!
Good Morning Anita,
I hope you do not mind that I borrowed one of your google images and also linked back to you for credit.
Petite Trianon was my inspiration for my newest Couture apron...please do come visit if you have time.
ont une belle journee,
Janet xox
http:/theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
Post a Comment