Silence
GRAY * white
Reflecting * HUNTING * Gathering
tea time with a friend
AUTUMN.
and the gentle crackle of the hearth
call me inside from summer's playground
like my mother's gentle call
wafting in the wind
GRAY * white
Reflecting * HUNTING * Gathering
tea time with a friend
AUTUMN.
The first fruits of the season
and the gentle crackle of the hearth
call me inside from summer's playground
like my mother's gentle call
wafting in the wind
to set aside pro tempore, the alluring
breathtaking
but fleeting colors
of summer.
Because it's time to rake up the memories
get cozy
AND embrace the MOOD
of AUTUMN
and to gather around the table of reflection
relax
and REJOICE.
So make a pot of tea
find a quiet corner
capture your fondest memories of summer
and write a poem to someone you love.
Have a splendid autumn week my friends.
Cinquain Poem: Anita Castles Crowns and Cottages ©
Photo Credits:
Interiors scanned from the book, FRENCH HOME by Josephine Ryan, 2007
Dining Room Table - Veranda Magazine May 2004
Oil Painting of Pears: Ladislaus Rath Berger
Lissy Elle photography
Raked leaves and Princess and the Pea: Eugenio Recuenco
Last photo: My Silver Poetry Journal - Castles Crowns and Cottages
81 comments:
Simply beautiful! Thanks for always sharing such lovely things!
My dearest,
This post created the perfect cozy mood for me. The images were incredible!
Missing you and brother!
Hugs!
Nancy
"Anita mon ami, qui visite avec joie, laissant derrière eux les paroles inspirantes"
Anita,
again you did not fail short of perfection over here at your place. I love the Statue Autumn Mood with her dried up head dress of leaves. Oh I want to live in that corner of that stone wall and replace that desk with mine :
Love all that you inspire us with. Thank you dear one for your beautiful words over at my place!
see you soon girl friend.
xoxo
Doré
Hello Anita, how I would love to take tea at your table or in front of a crackling fireplace. A peaceful and tranquil mood for old friends to gather and exchange stories, ideas of simply just chat.
Love, Bonnie
You've made me want to pour a cup of tea and curl up in a lovely sheltered nook of the garden ~ somewhere where the soft rays of sunshine can warm my heart and soul.
Love the poem and the soft cosy pics!
~Dianne~
Beautiful words Mon Ami!!! I just steeped some tea and now I am retreating for the evening to curl up with a book... you beautiful post just brought me to even more peaceful frame of mind.. Bon Nuit .. XO HHL
Beautiful !!
Seriously,
you posted this
on Saturday and
it's JUST appeared
on my Google Reader,
now??? Must be a
computer pixie!!!
Anyway, LOVE this
post, the song,
the dancing mousey
and the gorgeous
images...So glad
that you liked the
tea and THANK YOU
for the magical
drawing of M.A.!!
I hope that you are
enjoying your week
and have had time
to enjoy the beautiful
fall colors : )!
Big hugs to you,
today...
xx Suzanne
Mr.Fall comes to you and Mrs. Spring is knocking on my door. Let's let them come in! You, the charming Fall and me the bright Spring! May Mr. come to you with the big book of summer memories, if so, you sit and glance at the pages and laugh and relax! May Mrs. come to me with a huge boucket of fresh yellow roses and some fine cold lemonade, so that we can sit and chat and laugh!
We all know our get together, the four of us, is impossible, but our thoughts might fly and meet!!!
I ADORE you poetry, Anita! Images, what is said and unsaid!
Love! Bela.
Beautiful post~ Enjoy your Autumn week :D
Oh dearest, what a lovely celebration of the changing of the seasons...the painters pallet of colors and crisp fall mornings, seeing your breath as you walk early in the morning...ahhhh I do love this time.
Well, my toothbrush is packed...I am ready to go. I baked and baked some more...blueberry muffins with a streusel topping...strawberry scones drizzled with white chocolate...and last but not least a sweet and sour stirfry, for supper.
So, I shall be enjoying wedding festivities during the next few days...oh how I love it when there is "LOVE" in the air.
Oh dearest, Bob the builder is sporting a brand new tool belt just for YOU! I am doin' the "HAPPY DANCE" for you dearest...all for you.
Your query as to an address is very simple...just use the store address.
I too,was wondering if there might be an address, that I might use, to send a little something your way?
Well my sweet it is time for popcorn and a movie...sending you a farewell kiss and a hug...see you on Monday...love me
I see your post for the first time, I don't know when you published it, as Blogger has changed once again. I like the last photo the best! Because it is new to me and because it is yours! It makes this beautiful autumn post so much more personal. I would like to read in that beautiful journal of yours! Here we have autumn too and this year it is wet and cold (last year it was sunny and warm, the way I like it). Today is an exception; the sun is shining, is it because of your post Anita?!
Mille bisous, have a lovely weekend!
Hello Anita,
Your words are magnificent and haughty and so refined interiors ...... a great work, as always.
Autmn is a beautiful time to enjoy the home and the family. I already am prepared for it .... I like this time.
Happy weekend,
Cecilia
Don't know how I missed this wonderful post until today! As always it is a glorious visit! I especially like your cinquain!!! A favorite form of poetry to me. Wishing you well! Cathy
Beautiful images, Anita! Love the colors in them! It is going to be a beautiful Autumn day, today.....this weekend....not so much. I say enjoy today...it's all we got!~Hugs, Patti
Hello Anita...a beautiful post!!! As you say goodbye to summer we are eagerly awaiting her...I love autumn, my seconf favourite season...Enjoy it all...the leaves...the fire...the slow cooked food...and those delicious pears!!! Cheers to the weekend for you...Warmly, Dzintra♥x
Dear Anita
Such beautiful words dear one.. The images are so cozy... I love that dress. May I borrow? I cannot believe I am just now seeing this post.. Blogland must have stood still for several days.
You serve the tea, I will bring the cheescake.
Love,
Penny
Lovely,
You have a gift for weaving an interesting narrative amongst some really lovely photos. Well Done. Always an enjoyable read and a feast for the eyes.
Bravo!
"Une joie disperse aux cent chagrins."
Anita, you are that one joy, that can un-do anything that is bad in a day of things that are just not right! Your visits change everyones day with your beautiful comments!
Keep painting that white, with shades and hints of gray :)
xoxo
Dore
I always feel so good when I read your beautiful posts.
Micki
Elegant and beautiful pictures, Anita. Perfect to start the weekend to.
Off we are for the first weekend of October! Have a most wonderful time with your beloved ones. xxxx
PLEASE may I borrow that pretty teal dress to wear to my nephew's wedding in Mexico in Jan? That's exactly what I'm looking for. And if I ever get married again, to the same man of course, I would have the room decorated with the pretty Tiffany blue bows. My girlfriend makes those chair covers and the bows for weddings. She's amazing! I must show her these. I'm sure the "brides to be" would LOVE this colour too.
LOVE your silver journal. I should start writing my thoughts down, especially at night when I can't sleep. Do you think it will disturb Randy and the 6 pooches if I turn on the light to write? lol
I've haven't seen white pumpkins around here. Maybe I should start something ; )
I hope you had a restful weekend. I read you weren't feeling great. I'm sorry. Being a teacher would make you susceptible to many nasty colds.
My men are in classes right now. One more hour for them. They are taking advantage of the University pool. A good way for Randy to unwind before the drive home.
I'm baking them a chocolate cake and making some "southern" chicken and dumplings. Never made them before, should be interesting. I call it comfort food on this fall day.
Love you dear friend.
Love Me
xoxoxoxox
Hello Anita!!!
Such a "comfort" post...thats really what comes to mind with me when I think of autumn...its a restful, contemplating, gathering time for family and friends, and a time of much thankfullness of heart.
I love your photos and I have a love for the white pumpkins...they are so unique...
Wishing you a comfortable, weekend with all of lifes warm snugglies...
Hugs,
Deborah xoxo
What a lovely post, and beautiful blog as well!
I am following and I'm placing you on my blogroll.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Rayanne
to die for photographs...all so lovely.
thanks for the inspiration.
molly
http://parismarket.typepad.com/
Dear Anita, what beautiful, inspiring photos! I have been missing your posts! My computer decided to let me see only a portion of things I have, and after countless hours of pc tech "help" I fixed it myself! So, My apologies for not stopping in sooner, I love the illustrations in your former post! Such beautiful fashions, and an idyllic light handed touch to embrace them. You really should consider offering your art work for sale, I think you are great! xoxo Christel
Dear Anita
Just came by to soak up the beauty once more.. Ahhh, I love that dress..
Have a wonderful day tomorrow. CREATE ! Think of me when you sit down for Tea, will you?
Sweet dreams
Penny
Anita!!! Happy weekend dear - what a lovely post to get started with it! All these photos are so appealing and ful of atmosphere. It's raining here, perfect weather for work, which is what i'm going to do, since the new issue must be finished till end of next week. Are you feeling better? I do,, although i stil cough a little bit, but i hope we both recover well until monday. Writing a poem sounds nice - haven't done it for ages, maybe today! Bisou, M.
Hi Anita, Lovely photos and words, I'm no good at words, call me a Jack of all trades Master of none lol!!! Ok,Ok Folk Dancing, Beer drinking and I can tell a T'ale or two!!! Let me think, a poem know is no good the words just won't come.
Hugs to Balzac and of course you :)
See Yea George xxx
Dear Anita,
I wish a very happy weekend,
Hugs,hugs from Spain,
Cecilia
C'est décidé, je vais prendre des cours d'anglais !!!
Tu nous choisis toujours des images exceptionnelles que l'on comprend avec les yeux et le coeur, mais quand même !!!
Oui je connais Eze et tout l'arrière-pays niçois, en fait je connais la Provence (presque) par coeur ... et je ne m'en lasse pas !
Bisous d'amitié belle Anita.
Marie-Ange
And a splendid week to you too...beautiful post..I could see us sitting there by the fire place..xoxo
Oh, my dearest Anita,
You never cease to dazzle me. Everything you touch is enchanting, creative, unspeakably beautiful. Your drawings are so delicately feminine and beautiful.
I cannot tell you how happy I am we are friends, albeit "virtual" -- for the moment at least.
BTW, you look gorgeous in your picture.
Tishxoxo
Anita: I especially adore the fashion photo with the mattresses
AND
the bright red autumn trees.....
Dreamy, beautiful & creative... every single post you do is wonderful!! Have a fun weekend with hubby... you too are the cutest ever. xo
Bonjour mon amie!!
What a bonne post!! I truly enjoyed it. And the song... Mr Sandman... my darling sister, 13yrs older than me, who I shared a bedroom with, had that record and would play it for me at night. What sweet memories you brought me this morning of my dear sister, Nancy! Merci beau coup from the bottom of my heart!!
Have a fabulous fall weekend ma belle! Mille bises!! Sherry
Dear Anita...I too think I will love the theatre...and I do hope to go back if they have any walk on parts!!!
I hope you have a relaxing weekend...Poached Pears in Champagne...I'm on my way ha ha...Hugs, Dzintra♥x
Beautiful words and beautiful images. Delights my heart!
~ Violet
I LOVE your blog! The beautiful images put me in the mood to soak up the beautiful autumn days.
Found you through your comment on A Femme d'un Certain Age. I'll be following you and reading eagerly!
OH! A challenge! Write a poem to someone I love...hmmmm...Gretta!
Git over here and help your mama! I hear the scurry...tah dah, she has arrived! A poem from Gretta to the rats...
I once knew a gnome
Who loved his home.
However, he always wanted to roam to Rome.
When he got there, he met a fine pair!
Two rats celebrating at the fair!
The gnome joined in, which was no sin.
The rats scratched their heads, and went to bed.
For no gnome had ever accompanied them to Rome.
This they knew, it was a match made by few and in spite of heights, they all went and flew their kites!
Celebrating in my style, which seems to go with your style like three peas in a pod.
By the way, tune in Rattus to my Fairyland story (if he has time...yikes!)
Sweetest Anita....
Oh YES... It surely is that time, isn't it? My little grandson calls it getting cozy-wozy.. It's just the best. A cup of tea, a cinnamon candle and my fluffy pink throw. :-) Ahhhh... Yep, I'll be looking forward to that as soon as I finish this cleaning! :-) You'd think my house was about 12,000 square feet based on the amount of time it has taken me.
Have a wonderful weekend dear friend...
Huggies,
Spencer
Hello Anita.....what absolutely fabulous images you shared today....and the words were so expertly chosen.
It is always a delight to visit.....we are still traveling.....and soon will be at our little spot in the Southwest...and ready to feather that nest.
Will check in as I can.
Xo
Jo
Anita, thank you so much for your kind words on my blog--they made my day!
I got into voice-over work through being on the radio since I was 19 years old (a looooong time!)
I lost my full-time radio job last March, so I've been focusing on expanding my voice-over career. I love it!
Well, I'll be singing Mr. Sandman for the next few days,love it. Beautiful images, Fall is the most beautiful time of year.
yvonne
beautiful pictures! that second picture looks like something out of a vermeer painting, and i love the image of the damsel sweeping dead leaves =)
http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/
Beautiful Post !!! :) :)
Dearest Anita ... I have been away so have not been at my blog! Beautiful post as always and I would love to have a cup of tea with you. What do you prefer? I love English Breakfast and Traditional Afternoon by Twinings. Enjoy your autumn and sit by the fire! Talk soon and best wishes ...
Frances
Have fun fun fun too today, dearest Anita. We have some warm Fall sunbeams so I'm planning to finish my favorite magazine outside in my backyard today ;D
Do have a good start of the new Off-and-Running- week! xxxx
Oh Anita!!! This was so beautiful! Thank you and happy fall to you & yours!
~ Zuzu
So, so gorgeous! I adore this post, it is my favorite autumn post of the year! I wish I could come have a cup of tea with you in person, I so look forward to your sweet and thoughtful comments every day! XX! I hope you have a wonderful week, your students are so lucky to have you!
How did I miss this post..it is lovely!
I have been far too busy my friend...I need to slow down and visit all the loveliness over here more often.
Fall hugs to you and enjoy your week at school....we have a short teaching one...Thurs. and Friday is the teacher's convention...xoxxoo
my dear dear friend.... I am leaving in 5 minutes.... I just want to say that I will miss you but lord willing will be back with lots to tell. the play was wonderful ... go to my theatre blog to see pictures... love you.. I will read this beautiful post when I get back.. soon, T.
How funny, I used to sing Mr Sandman with my kids, you reminded me. I had to sing along again
Thank you for the birthday greets, you are always so cheerful and exuberant in your comments, what a blast of fresh air you are!
I am older that you ,though, by 4 years!, signed, Aging Rapunzel
Hi Anita, how are you??? Am having terrible stress today and feel the relaxing atmosphere of your post. Aw, let's have a cup of tea together and eat some of these delicious pears! You always make me feel better! xx
I LOVE AUTUMN! It's my favorite time of year. Loved your post/your pics/your heart.
XOXO
Smooches
Debbie
My dearest Anita,
I love everything about this post. Your poem and the beautiful images your writing conjures, the amazing pictures, and memories of this season, and above all the looking forward to spending it with you.
Love
Ruben
Hola Anita,
Finally getting back to the blog world after going through two deaths in the family (sister and mom) in a 3 month period. I'm back to life and thought I would come to your blog and say hello again, my friend. I love autumn with all its coziness, crisp and cool air, fabulous colors, and golden sunlight. Have a great week, darling.
Oh my, I adore the fireplace and table photo! Yes, it is that time, much as I'd like to stall. Been thinking about doing more poetry lately. Must be time since you said so! Hope you have a perfectly divine week Ms. Anita!
Hugs, Kirsten
OH, my goodness Antia...how you capture a mood in such great phrasing and beautiful images. I want to rest in so many of those cozy home spots. I love fall and embrace the "mood" fully. Thank you for the visuals. Have a blessed week mon amie.
Such wonderful eye candy you always provide, Anita!
Thanks for the sweet treat!
Have a most beautiful week!
;-D Kathleen
Stunning and such a great and inspiring autumnal post! xx
Oh Anita Sweetie...
I feel as though I have been on vacation, reading through memories, have came home, and of course we know all good things must come to an end, so out with Summer and in with Fall. Isn't she just gorgeous? I love the Fall colors and the moods.
Your post is exquisite. Thank you for taking me a long. I felt the wonderful wind as it blew my cotton dress, and I heard the rustle of the leaves, as the wind gently blew them about in whirlwinds of color.
You have such a way with words my sweet friend.
I pray you week is going good. I think of you so often and smile, when I hear someone speak French (yes I did in the store yesterday) and on TV last week. Even a song or two on the radio, you are everywhere sweetie. Thank you for your beautiful friendship and love. I am so honored that you allow me to call you friend.
Many hugs and SO much love, Sherry
I am just fine, sweet Anita!! Sewing a bunch, as you can see at Chá de Baunilha. Confess I have been tired lately! Wish I could spend some days resting...doing absolutely nothing...just looking at the rain (spring is so wet around here!!!). But that is all impossible considering little Aila is around calling out my name all day long!!!rsrsrsrs...
And YOU, sweet friend? How are YOU???
Tight hugs!!!!! Bela.
Anita,
Your site is always an inspiration! Some very thoughtful and elegant reflections on autumn....
Lynn
Beautiful pictures.....dreamy. You have such great taste :)
Bisous
Frenchy
Oh i loooooooooove those pictures, it takes my breath away..........thank you soooooo much for sharing - what a great post!!!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful week, my dear friend,
Hugs Jade
This was just lovely! A beautiful picture book for adults! I love castles (you can't see it but there is a huge castle behind the cameraman of my profile picture on my blog - Chelmoutsi, in Greece)and all the gorgeous pictures you have! I am thrilled to become your newest "follower!" Please visit me at my history blog - it's about St. Nicholas and Christmas - and follow along if you'd like! I'd love to have you!
Ann
Oh Anita thank you for calling by on your way to work!!! I'm loving this theatre business...and yes, I will live it up LOL!!! Hope you have a wonderful day...Dzintra♥x
Very lovely.
Judy@cutest-little-things
L'automne est ma saison préférée. Et quand je vois les photos que tu as choisi, je confirme. Ton post est magnifique. Il y a tous les éléments de la douceur de vivre avant la froidure de l'hiver. Profitons de ce merveilleux moment que la nature et l'intérieur des maisons nous offrent. Tu as beaucoup de goût, je crois que tu pourrais vivre en France, tu t'y sentirais bien.
Je t'embrasse. Fine.
Dearest Anita, thanks for your very kind comment today! Yes, you know, making this magazine is really stressful at times, all the more since it's our own project, with all the pros and cons of being entrepreneurs. The financial crisis hit hard on the media branche, and it's quite a fight to keep everything going. Plus the finishing line is always stressful. Plus i am an painter as well and my artist side is starving at the moment - too little time! What to do? That's propably what you get, when you want it all in one life ;) Yet i strive to keep equanimity and peace of mind by practising Yoga and a little meditation every morning, that helps! And my sweet bloggy friends are so uplifting, like you!
I really hope, your school days will be easier again soon. "Never change a running system" goes that saying - ha ha , so true! But as long as these heavy demands are made on us, we have to strive to stretch our limits - or finally invent that magic stick i'm missing!
Anyway it's great we do blog, in spite of it all, And that's why i thing bloggers are special in a way. Becaus ewe give energy to the sunny side of life - and it shines back on us! Have a cozy evening Anita, see you soon, xx
Ha ha, i see i should have written that E-mail - such a looooong comment i made, but it's really a letter ;)
Dear Anita, This is such a beautiful post! As I read your posts I find them so touching. They always make me smile and bring back a memory or two of days gone by. Thank you so much. I hope you are having a good week.
Hello Anita a beautiful post!!!
Hugs
Anita, A little note from Jane to you," Dear, wise Anita, While on my way to purchase a box of "Bright and Sassy Sunflower Yellow" feather dye, I thought of what you said. I turned straight around and headed back to my barnyard. And what do you think? The most charming and handsome rooster man stopped me for conversation and complemented me on my raven-like locks of feathers and said mine was a lovely shade of charcoal! Then he walked me all the way home and asked if I would like to join him for grits and cornbread after his morning cockadoodle doo!!! I think I have found my Romeo... in fact, THAT IS his name! Oh JOY!"
Hello sweet one...
Oh what a lovely time...
Oh so good to be home.
How are you my dear I have missed our cuppas SOOO much.
Arrived home a little under the weather, so will keep this short so that I can crawl back to my fluffy little nest.
Had the best visit with my sweet babies...
Looking forward to a long cuppa with you dearest
good night girlfriend...Rosie
i love that i am following rosie. :)
this was just beautifully expressed
with pen and images. i love fall so
well.
i am also working on a song by
cynthia clawson that concludes
"i cannot but rejoice!" so i loved
reading it here, too.
Dear ANita,
How did I miss this glorious post? You capture the Autumn mood to perfection. How I wish we could meet for tea this weekend, then I would head home to write some sweet words to my French Honey!
Bon weekend,
Mimi
P.S. Hope you received the email!
Oh Anita I love these images...all the faded patinas I like. I have been trying to sit down and write a letter...I used to write letters all the time, now I blog. But the outdoors keep calling and I hop on my pink beach cruiser and take a ride. The sound of leaves crunching underneath the tires...Ahhh Autumn.
Great blog with so many beautiful pictures!!
Following you in my first visit!
Happy Monday!
warmest regards,
nensa
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