the letter tucked in a susan branch book . . .

 The one thing I knew I wanted for my birthday last month was to add to my growing Susan Branch book collection. My mom and sister got me a handful of her older books as well as a preorder for her upcoming winter book, which I am excitedly awaiting. When I was looking through each of the books, I came across a letter tucked inside the back of Vineyard Seasons, a letter from a father to his daughter in June 1999. This is one of the *many* reasons why I tend towards used books...sometimes you find the sweetest notes tucked inside the back flaps or even written on the inside cover. Here’s what the note said:

Dear Kristen,
How are you? I am fine. I’m tired of editing sports. Amelia is in the other room figuring pricing- and she is meeting with her girlfriend Anne and husband to walk at 4:00 pm. I think I’ll go home then too.
I had breakfast with Bill on Monday. He and Ash just got back from Costa Rica. He sounded good. I guess Monday was yesterday.
I made stewed sprouts and also I cooked cabbage and kielbasa. I have 2 jars of it. It will last all week.
This is a neat book. The lady Sue Branch is like you. I met her once. She is one of Amelia’s good friends. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard.
Anyway I thought you would like it.
Love,
Dad
P.S. I hope I’m sending it to the proper address. This is an old used book. I hope customs understands. Pop.

Little notes like this, evidence of someone’s ordinary, everyday life, tucked into a book, found 27 years later, somehow make the world seem smaller and remind me that everyone out there is just living their own little life. Reminders of the beauty tucked into ordinary days and the sweetness in small, little things. I don’t know if I’m the only one who finds things like this heartwarming, but maybe it made you smile a bit today.

a daybook for august

Little glimpses into the past few weeks . . .

{{ feeling that patriotic vibe all summer long with this handmade T-shirt. my sister saw similar ideas online and I took what she showed me and made our own version or the fourth of July. I was so pleased with how they turned out. }}

{{ confetti from our poppers on the fourth of July...we don't do fireworks at home; instead, we head to town for their fireworks show and do little poppers at home. and yes, we swept up our mess afterwards...my sister made sure every single little piece was picked up so no little critter gets ahold of one. }}

{{ a july sunset on the way home from a day trip to the hills }}

{{ homemade blueberry muffins...the perfect late night baking session }}

{{ a good-night mug of nourishing hot cacao with whipped cream whilst watching Vera...I've started adding some cardamom to my hot cacao, and oh my goodness, is it divine! }}

{{ deep summertime green...one of my favorite colors }}

{{ we absolutely enjoyed a couple days where the high temp was 78-80 F...if summer felt like this during the day all the time, I do believe I could love it }}

{{ so thankful to live in a quaint cottage nestled in the trees...I feel like I live in a treehouse ♥ }}

{{ another night...another mug of hot choco }}

{{ pattern mixing is one of my favorite things...and so is pairing up favorite pieces with old pieces to make them feel new again }}

outside my window

Absolutely gorgeous summertime green...which I will not stop talking about because it's seriously one of the only things I actually like about this time of year. We've had lots of rain this spring and summer, which gives me all the happy feels, and I think the trees love it, too. We've had to water more lately as it's been so incredibly hot and things are starting to not look so good...our basil is looking rather poorly. The crepe myrtles are stunning this time of year, though. All the different colors are gorgeous around town!

i am thinking

Of what I want to cook for dinner over the next few days; how to use up leftovers so they don't go to waste; of some crafty project ideas with my sister; of what book(s) I want to read after I finish the one I'm working on; what fun autumnal things I want to do this year

i am thankful for

rainy days; sunset drives in the countryside; admiring the lush vibrant green; being inspired by creative folks; *really* good books; candlelight and mugs of hot cacao; simple, ordinary days that are my favorite kind of day

from the kitchen

Last week, I made lemon butter salmon for dinner, and it was my first time eating it. I'd made it before for my mom and sister, but I'm so not a fish person. To my complete surprise, I actually loved it...this felt like a major accomplishment to me. Ha! It was my sister's birthday on Wednesday, and she requested homemade peanut butter ripple ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and a caramel fudge chocolate cake...not only was it so fun making them, along with her birthday dinner, but they were so delicious! 

i am creating

In the last week, I have crocheted so many granny squares, I've run out of yarn...I'm hoping it is on sale this week. I am officially obsessed with granny squares. And I'm officially over halfway through making all the squares I need for my first afghan. My sister and I have also done some decoupaging recently; we have a bit to do to finish our project, but it's been so fun.

i am wearing

On this hot August day, I'm wearing one of my favorite sundresses...brown and white gingham dress with a floral crop blouse with lace details over. You can see it in the photo above. {{smiles}}

in my cup

Just plain ol' iced water for me this evening. I'm someone who genuinely loves drinking water, and on hot days, it just hits the spot.

i am reading

I've been thankful to read a couple really good stories these past few weeks. First, I read The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, which is the third book in the series. I absolutely loved it; and seeing as how it was set at the beach, it was the perfect summertime read. I love the Penderwick family so much, and I really enjoyed getting to know Aunt Claire in this book. She is such a sweet, caring, understanding aunt. At the time of writing this post, I'm in the last 100 pages of Anne of Avonlea, which is just so darn good. It's my first time reading beyond the first Anne book, and it is exactly what I hoped and dreamed it would be...and more. L.M. Montgomery is quickly becoming a real favorite of mine. I love her storytelling style; she has a true knack for immersing her reader in the story and makes it feel as though Anne, Diana, Marilla, Rachel, and Gilbert are your own little circle of friends...and how I wish they were. It's a good thing to read a book you just really, really love, but it's also a bad thing because you hope your next read is just as good, and when it's not, it can put you in a real reading slump. At least that's what I've noticed about me.

i am listening to

Aside from listening to some of my favorite film scores while cooking dinner in the evenings, which I highly recommend, by the way, my top 5 songs this past month are:

Chasing Rainbows (The High Kings); Up on the Roof (James Taylor); Through the Dark (One Direction); Sunrise (Norah Jones); On the Sunny Side of the Street (Steve Tyrell; from Father of the Bride)

i am watching

Seeing as how I've been crocheting nearly every evening, it's given me a chance to try out a few Hallmark movies, and I've got a few new favorites to add to my list. 

A Harvest Wedding- I loved this one so much. Jill Wagner is one of my favorites, so this was a must-try for me. The autumnal scenery was stunning and I loved the farm setting. The whole story was really sweet, and I also greatly appreciated how the usual tension and miscommunication and misunderstanding part of a Hallmark movie wasn't really present in this one. For me, this one belongs on my "favorites" list.

The Way to You- This is another one to go on my "favorites" list. I seriously loved this movie. I loved the wintry New York City setting, and the main characters were both likable, which is always a plus. I loved how the male lead who lived a more mainstream lifestyle really respected the female lead's unconventional, creative lifestyle, instead of condemning it or making subtle jokes about her choices. That was refreshing.

Hearts of Winter- Another Jill Wagner movie. While I wouldn't consider this one a favorite, I still really enjoyed it. I especially loved the father-daughter relationship that was portrayed in the movie; it was really sweet and heartwarming. I loved that the father's character was so devoted to his daughter and he really tried his best to be the best dad he could be for her. I found that particularly touching.

i am hoping

that the rest of summer isn't too hot; to continue working on my granny squares; that the next book(s) I pick up to read are just as amazing as the last few I've read

i am hearing

cats playing and goofing off; the air conditioner just clicked off; TV on in the background; the hum of my computer; and music playing in my headphones

around the house

lots of little tidying and cleaning projects...it's amazing how spending 15-30 minutes working on an area makes a HUGE difference.

one of my favorite things

My newest favorite thing is my brand spanking new crochet hook with a grip...it makes my crafting time so much more enjoyable and easier on my hands.

word collecting

I think magic is remembering. Remembering what it feels like to talk to the wind as a child, to trust the pull of the moon, to believe the world was alive with something unseen. Maybe growing up isn't about forgetting. Maybe it's about learning to listen again.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks for joining me here today...

I hope your upcoming week is a beautiful one!

come on a summertime garden ramble

Come join me for a little late summer ramble through our garden...

I've got a mason jar of iced herbal tea in hand, a wide brimmed sunhat on, and my old worn-in sandals that feel as comfy as a dream on. It's stifling hot and the humidity is so thick you could cut it with a knife. However, thankfully, our many, many, many trees are providing lots of much-appreciated shade as we mosey along and poke around to see what's going on in the garden these late summer days. Fortunately, we've had lots of rain, so we haven't needed to water the plants hardly at all this season. They love the rainwater! And I love the rain, too. {{smiles}}

The monkey grass is beginning to showcase these gorgeous purple flowers. I've noticed each year that these purple beauties come up in late summer, and it's a sure sign that the season is s l o w l y starting to wind down. I absolutely love the soft violet color popping up among all the green.

Purple has come to be the color of summer's end for me. I wrote a post sharing some of my thoughts on that here a few years back...you'd be most welcome to read it.

As I was crouched down to get these photos, a little buzzing sound surrounded me. I looked around and there it was...this little friendly bumblebee friend. It buzzed around and visited many of the blooms. We have always believed in and strived to keep a natural yard...no poisonous sprays or chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers or weed killers. We very much believe in letting nature be nature and that nature is perfect as it is...and that weeds are simply flowers that someone decides are in the wrong place, to quote Sister Monica Joan from Call the Midwife.

After we moved into Shady Cottage, we had no idea what the previous owners did to the yard in terms of chemicals and such. It's been eight years now, and they say it takes five years for a yard to detox from those poisons, so if they did abuse the yard and garden (as most everyone around us loves to do), it should be well cleared out now. Over the last few years, we've noticed more and more bees, butterflies, moths, squirrels, birds, and lightning bugs in our yard. And hardly any anywhere else in our neighborhood. Just goes to show that nature really is just fine as it is...a perfectly manicured yard is doing absolutely nothing for the environment and pollinators, which we all depend on for our food.

Each spring, we fill two big planters with impatiens...in a variety of colors. They last all season long and sometimes, well into the autumn. The bright bursts of color really make a cheerful entrance to our home.

Rewild your yard.

Bee happy.

Be pesticide free.

Leave the leaves.

Restore the balance.

Lose the lawn.

Bee the change.

Slow the mow. 

Grow natives.

Weeds are just unloved flowers.

Let it grow.

Leave the trees.

Be pollinator friendly.

Build a butterfly haven.

(I saw a garden flag with those sayings all over it, and I absolutely loved it. I want one for our yard! They perfectly say what I feel and believe!)

Our basil is growing and flourishing beautifully. We use it regularly to cook dinner and I've also already made one big batch of pesto...some for dinner one night and two more containers for our freezer. I'd like to make another batch or two to freeze for the autumn and winter before the season ends.

And our sage is doing well, too...the rosemary is just okay. I've used both to make roasted chicken and bone broth, and oh my, did they make the flavor pop!

Our corner of the world is still quite lush and vibrant green. Soon, though, as with every year before, some mid-to-late August, the trees and plants will begin to have that worn out, weary sort of look...green fading to yellow as the leaves begin their change to autumnal tones. It happens every year like clockwork. Sure signs of the seasonal change. The grass begins to grow slower and for that, I am always grateful. Ever since my dad passed away, I've done most of the mowing, and with the intense sun and heat, it really drags me down. So I'm always glad to see mowing season end until the next year.

What are your gardens looking like these late summer days? I'd love to know if you're doing any preserving for the autumn/winter months. Do share!

a handful (or two!) of hallmark favorites

Light a deliciously scented candle, make yourself a cup of something comforting and soothing, and get comfy in your coziest spot...we're talking all about Hallmark movies here today. 

Let me preface this post by saying that I am not a die-hard Hallmark fan. I find the movies to be very hit or miss, and not really anything in between. Either I love them and seriously enjoy watching them or I absolutely hate it and oftentimes don't even finish those movies. BUT...when I do enjoy a Hallmark movie, I really, really enjoy it. I appreciate Hallmark for what it is. The lighthearted movies with happy endings that are heartwarming and have sweetness. In a time when there isn't a whole lot of good media being made in terms of shows or movies, Hallmark is a good, steady, mainstay that you can (for the most part) trust for a good, clean, feel-good story.

I have chosen my top favorite movies to share with you here today. Keep in mind, I'm not even touching Christmas movies in this post. That is going to be an entire post of its own come Christmastime...because there are a LOT! But it's oh-so-fun to share and chat about Christmas movies...ah, one of my favorite things ever! {{smiles}}

So, here we go...a selection of my most favorite Hallmark movies, and a few series thrown in there to, for good measure.

All of My Heart (trilogy)

Synopsis from Hallmark:

A young caterer’s life suddenly changes course when she inherits a country home and learns she must share it with a career-obsessed Wall Street trader. At first, these opposites do not attract, but feelings begin to change when they find themselves having to work side-by-side to restore their newly acquired home.

Lacey Chabert is one of those steady Hallmark actresses, and she's a favorite in our house. We enjoy so many of her movies. This trilogy is one of my all-time favorites. The first one, in particular, was just so darn good. The atmosphere and autumnal scenery and oh my goodness, that house...it's all so swoonworthy. I love Bed and Breakfast settings in the countryside and I loved all the mishaps that happened while the two main characters got things sorted, and all the quirks that the house had and they lovingly accepted. Perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon or a chilly evening curled up inside.

Bottled with Love

Synopsis from Hallmark:

After being stood up, Abbey gets inspired to open her heart in a letter, put it in a bottle and toss it out to sea. Months later, a man fishing discovers it and opts to reach out.

I'll admit that it's been a minute since I watched this one. But I did thoroughly enjoy it, and find myself watching to rewatch it...which is always a good sign. Perfect for a cozy evening at home.

Villa Amore

Synopsis from Hallmark:

Liara goes to Italy and impulsively buys the villa where her parents met. She soon learns she is in way over her head and must ask a lawyer-turned-handyman to help her renovate. 

This one had similar vibes to Under the Tuscan Sun and Letters to Juliet for me, which just so happen to be two of my favorites. I absolutely loved following Liara's story of buying a villa in Italy and I really liked Leo's character. This story was so sweet. Perfect for a quiet summer afternoon or evening when the temps have dropped just a bit, enough for a bit of feel-good coziness.

A Royal Winter

Synopsis from Hallmark:

While on a last-minute European holiday, a young woman finds herself in the middle of a real-life fairy tale when a chance meeting with a handsome local leads to something more. However, things get complicated when she learns that the “local” is actually a prince who is about to be crowned King, and whose mother is dead-set against her royal son’s romance with the tourist.

Hallmark does a lot of royal movies, and it's honestly one of my least favorite tropes. I'm so not a royal fan, nor did I ever dream of being a princess as a little girl, so the whole royal thing just isn't me. However, this one was different for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Merritt Patterson is a favorite Hallmark actress of mine. And this movie is so wintry and snowy, and I loved the bits with the children. So, even if you're not a huge fan of the royal trope, give this one a go. Perfect for a cold, perhaps snowy winter evening with the fire lit and cup of cocoa in your hand.

Summer Villa

Synopsis from Hallmark:

A romance novelist with writer’s block and a celebrity chef suffering from a bad review accidentally end up staying at the same French villa for the summer. As they attempt to share the house and mend their personal lives, they find that what they’re really missing is more of a personal matter. 

A novelist and a chef...what more could I ask for? I'm totally here for those two aspects of a story, and the summery vibes in this one are so vibrant. It's been a bit since I watched this one, as well, but I did really enjoy it. Perfect for lazy summertime evenings.

October Kiss

Synopsis from Hallmark:

Poppy Summerall is hired near Halloween as a temporary nanny by Ryan Lawson, a widowed, work-obsessed executive. Through a series of adventures, the eternally optimistic Poppy sets out to teach Ryan and his two young children what’s important in life – unconditional love, family and the joy of everyday occurrences.

This is, admittedly, one of my favorite Halloween movies. Hallmark or otherwise, it's one of the most festive Halloween movies I've seen. (I don't go for the horror or scary movies.) The autumn vibes and Halloween traditions and fun were brought to the screen *very well* with this movie. I absolutely loved it! Poppy brings not only Halloween fun to the Lawson home, she also brings a sense of family that has been long missing. I found this one sweet, heartwarming, and so, so cozy. Perfect for a late October evening, perhaps after you've carved your jack-o'-lantern with a cup of cider in hand and your cozies pj's on.

Follow the Stars Home

Synopsis from Hallmark:

After Dianne becomes pregnant, routine tests reveal that the child will suffer severe genetic defects. Dianne's husband decides that having a disabled child is not something he can bear and leaves. She decides to keep the baby.

This is one of the very first Hallmark movies I remember watching (probably as a preteen). This is a bit of a heavier one, but don't let that stop you. It's full of heart, rich values, the meaning of life, and the importance of sticking to what you believe. One of my favorite aspects of this movie is the filmography and such...also the fact that Diane's mother is a librarian and you get glimpses of that setting is enjoyable. This is one that will warm your heart. Perfect for a spring or autumn evening.

Recipe for Love

Synopsis from Google:

It follows an earnest culinary student who is assigned to ghostwrite a cookbook for a chaotic, high-profile celebrity chef, leading to clashing cooking styles that eventually spark an unexpected romance.

So I'm a sucker for a storyline that includes food, cooking, baking, or anything associated with those things. Probably one reason why I love Julie and Julia so much. That's my favorite part of this movie...all the foodie stuff. The recipe testing and creating. The talk of cooking technique and eating delicious foods. Perfect for a summer afternoon inside with the air conditioning and a tall glass of iced tea.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

While this started out as a TV series, it eventually became a movie series, with a total of 15. I am obsessed with all of it! Set in the Dead Letter Office of the United States Postal Service in Denver, CO, this series follows a group of co-workers who eventually become friends...and quickly after that, they become each other's found family. They try to figure out where these dead letters and lost packages need to go, and in the process, they end up helping others, touching lives, and learning along the way. They call themselves the Postables, and I would dearly like to be one. This is a series fit for the whole family, and I can't say how cozy these are...perfect for anytime of year, as long as you are in a comfy chair or sofa, cozied up under a soft blanket, candle lit and a cup of comfort in your hands. Trust me on this one.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries

So we've watched nearly all the Hallmark Mystery series, and I have my favorites. One of them is the Aurora Teagarden series. Firstly, the main character is a librarian. Second, it's set in a small town. And finally, most of the movies feature cozy weather and scenery, such as rain, cloudiness, snow, etc. We follow Aurora and her friend, Sally, and their group of Real Murders Club members as they solve murders in their town of Lawrenceton, much to the dismay of her mother. She has a couple love interests along the way, and in case you're wondering, I'm Team Nick all the way. I rewatch these all the time...they're cozy to the core and I just love them. Perfect anytime, but I especially love them in the autumn and winter months when the nights draw in earlier and I'm tucked inside.

Mystery 101 series

My other favorite mystery series is the Mystery 101 series. Sadly, this one only has 7 movies. But you can bet I rewatch these often, too. We follow Amy Winslow, a professor at Elmstead College and Detective Travis Burke as they solve murders in their town of Garrison. One aspect of this series that I love so much is Amy's relationship with her dad, mystery writer, Graham Winslow. I love how close they are and how Travis eventually becomes part of their family...and perhaps, more than that, if you catch my drift. Perfect anytime, but again, there's something so cozy about watching these mystery series on autumn and winter evenings.

Crossword Mysteries

And another newer-to-me mystery series I've really enjoyed is Crossword Mysteries. This series follows Tess Harper, the creator of the crossword puzzle for New York Sentinel and Detective Logan O'Connor as they solve murders in New York City...one of my favorite settings. This series only has 5 movies, but each one is thoroughly enjoyable and fun to watch. (And try to guess who dunnit!) Perfect for cozy evenings when you just want to chill.

Chesapeake Shores

One of Hallmark's TV series, Chesapeake Shores, is a fun one to watch in the summertime. I have lots of little critiques about this series, and I genuinely prefer the first two seasons, though I do watch all of them. I love aspects of this show and as my sister always says, "It has so much potential." But I do recommend it if you want a lot of family drama, heartwarming moments, bits of humor, and gorgeous scenery.

The Good Witch movies

And, finally, I am here to recommend The Good Witch movies. There is a TV series, but I'm not a huge fan of it. The movies, however, yes please. I am obsessed with the magical vibes and coziness of these movies. I love Cassie, the main character and the town of Middleton as well as her house, Gray House and her shop, Bell, Book, and Candle. I want to be Cassie when I grow up. {{smiles}} This series features a heavy emphasis on family and doing good and embracing your unique quirks that make you who you are and in using them to bless others. Absolutely perfect around Halloween time, and all autumn long.

I'd love to hear your favorite Hallmark movies...and if you've seen any of the ones I shared here, which ones did you enjoy? Do let me know!