tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46446426944590761882024-03-05T13:04:51.193-08:00The Little White AtticLynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-55332044927844909742014-11-25T17:33:00.000-08:002014-11-25T17:33:00.207-08:00Jane Austen’s First Love–Blog Tour and Giveaway<p>Welcome to The Little White Attic, my stop on the Jane Austen’s First Love blog tour, with a special guest post by Syrie James, along with my review of Jane Austen’s First Love. There will be more information about the blog tour and your chance to enter the giveaway later in this post.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1K8cFaYIs6g/VHPcwKQ5cCI/AAAAAAAADbI/yONufakMKEc/s1600-h/JaneAusten%252527sFirstLovebySyrieJames2014x350%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="JaneAusten'sFirstLovebySyrieJames2014x350" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="JaneAusten'sFirstLovebySyrieJames2014x350" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lR3vNlakAFw/VHPcw0puiYI/AAAAAAAADbQ/fuzMS_IDEM8/JaneAusten%252527sFirstLovebySyrieJames2014x350_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="519" /></a></p> <p>But first and foremost, here is a <em>Special Guest Post</em> by Syrie James:<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-irEqKJp-edo/VHPcx6kbW5I/AAAAAAAADbY/s_u7Mu3d61o/s1600-h/SyrieJamesheadshot2012x250%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="SyrieJamesheadshot2012x250" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="SyrieJamesheadshot2012x250" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RVgWqHeLBD8/VHPcyQ1UEDI/AAAAAAAADbg/1zrMV91xt7E/SyrieJamesheadshot2012x250_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="242" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p align="center"><a name="_GoBack"><b>A Few Quotes From Jane Austen’s First Love</b></a></p> <p align="center"><b>Which Have Special Meaning For Me</b></p> <p align="center"><b>By Syrie James</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>I’m often asked, when I finish writing a novel, if any particular lines or quotes from the book have a special meaning for me. I gave it some thought, and here are six quotes from <i>Jane Austen’s First Love</i> of which I’m particularly fond, because they either inspired an important aspect of the book, or because they represent something I really wanted to say.</p> <p>1. This enigmatic and emotional quote by Jane Austen, from one of her letters to her sister, inspired <i>Jane Austen’s First Love.</i> Jane is reflecting here with affectionate longing upon her long-ago relationship with Edward Taylor, the heir to Bifrons Park:</p> <p>“We went by Bifrons and I contemplated with a melancholy pleasure the abode of him, on whom I once fondly doated.” </p> <p>2. This quote from Chapter One of <i>Jane Austen’s First Love,</i> in which Jane’s mother expresses her opinion of Jane’s writing, perfectly captures my <i>own</i> mother’s attitude toward my desire to become an author:</p> <p><i>My mother raised her eyes heavenward. “I know how much you enjoy your writing, Jane. Lord knows, we all love a good laugh now and then, and if any one understands the pleasures of composition, it is I—I flatter myself that my poetry is not entirely unreadable—but it is only a hobby, Jane: an amusement for the family. We are neither of us Mozart nor Shakespeare.”</i><i></i></p> <p>3. Edward Taylor and Jane sneak away during a ball and talk for hours and hours, as they get to know each other better en route to falling in love. This sentiment Edward shares is one of his deepest convictions, and mine as well:</p> <p><i>“O</i><i>ne should not, must not, be swayed by popular opinion or the ideas of others, to think or act against his or her own convictions. It is not always easy…but if possible, we must be true to ourselves, for I believe the only route to happiness is to follow our own hearts.”</i></p> <p>4. And here’s what Jane thinks, after that very meaningful interlude:</p> <p><i>What a difference an hour or two of conversation can make, with an intelligent, deep-thinking person! I had entered the ball-room that night with one set of ideas, and after my dialogue with Edward Taylor, returned to it with quite another.</i><i></i></p> <p>5. Every heroine needs to go through a few trials and tribulations, and Jane makes her share of mistakes in the novel, leading to this introspection (after she performs in a home theatrical of <i>A Midsummer Night’s Dream):</i></p> <p><i>“How sage is Shakespeare’s line, What fools these mortals be! How ironic that I was obliged to speak those words on this very day, for he may as well have written it specifically about me.”</i><i></i></p> <p>6. Finally, here is a line from Jane’s rumination at the end of the novel, which sums up a great deal about her journey:</p> <p><i>I learned so much that summer, from him as well as all the others: about the human mind and heart—about what motivates people to marry—about what really matters when two people are falling in love.</i></p> </blockquote> <p align="right"><em>-Syrie James</em></p> <p>I would like to thank Syrie for sending the quotes from her book along with the insightful background information. I am so grateful for the chance to participate in this blog tour! So now for my review:</p> <p>As a hard core Janeite I have read many variations and spin-offs in the Austen genre. Some are very well done, some amuse, and some I have tossed without finishing. It’s a tricky business due to the varying images that different people hold of Jane Austen. Some writers want to show Austen’s characters in situations that Jane Austen never would have dreamed of publishing. Personally I have too high a ‘blush factor’ to read through some of these romance novels.</p> <p>I am a bit more of a Jane Austen purist. Well- as much as you can be when indulging in the Austenesque. I want the characters to stay true to themselves as found in the original writings. I want adaptations to be accurate to the original, and historical fiction to fit well within the context of Jane Austen’s life. </p> <p>I guess you could say I want the type of writing that Syrie James delivers. I have been a fan of Syrie James’ work for years, and even met her on a few occasions. Her novel <a href="http://www.syriejames.com/MissingMsSummary.php">The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen</a> was very enjoyable, and I have to say, I like Jane Austen’s First Love even better.</p> <p>I have read several Jane Austen biographies, collections of her letters, and her juvenilia, and I found that the story line of Jane Austen’s First Love successfully fills in the gaps of a romance only hinted at in her letters, and does it with imagination and wit. The family characterizations ring true with what I already know about her family. James also managed to capture the youthful spirit of a clever young Jane Austen. </p> <p>My favorite books are those that manage to weave in a little bit of charm and sparkle, just a little bit of magic that makes you smile for a moment before turning to the next chapter. I highly recommend this book. Add it to your Christmas list. It is the perfect after-holiday read when you can cuddle near the fire with some cocoa. </p> <p>Of course I understand if you can’t wait that long! </p> <p>And now the details of the Blog Tour and Giveaway. </p> <p><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b><font color="#dd8484" size="4">Grand Giveaway Contest</font></b></p> <p align="center"><b><font color="#dd8484" size="4">Win One of Five Fabulous </font></b></p> <p align="center"><b><font color="#dd8484" size="4">Jane Austen-inspired </font></b><b><font color="#dd8484" size="4">Prize Packages</font></b></p> <p>To celebrate the holidays and the release of <a href="http://www.syriejames.com/JaneAustensFirstLoveSummary.php">Jane Austen's First Love</a>, Syrie is giving away five prize packages filled with an amazing selection of Jane Austen-inspired gifts and books! <br />To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment on any of the blog stops on the <a href="http://www.syriejames.com/LatestNewsPage.php">Jane Austen's First Love Holiday Blog Tour</a>. <br />Increase your chances of winning by visiting multiple stops along the tour! Syrie's unique guest posts will be featured on a variety of subjects, along with fun interviews, spotlights, excerpts, and reviews of the novel. Contest closes at 11:59pm PT, December 21, 2014. Five lucky winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments on the tour, and announced on Syrie’s website on December 22, 2014. The giveaway contest is open to everyone, including international residents. Good luck to all!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LYObecqNcVM/VHPczRUDoUI/AAAAAAAADbo/hBGURPXE1jU/s1600-h/JAFLGrandPrizex420%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="JAFLGrandPrizex420" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="JAFLGrandPrizex420" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_4uV0OMdeaA/VHPcz6BeE7I/AAAAAAAADbw/2KJ7GmRvf24/JAFLGrandPrizex420_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="356" /></a></p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p>Remember, just by leaving a comment here you will be entered to win! Good luck friends!</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-75048301244134820542014-11-07T23:24:00.000-08:002014-11-25T12:04:18.171-08:00Afternoon Tea at the Empress<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b0FXm0kQTwY/VHQuuXB5k3I/AAAAAAAADfw/5Oq1bEh0RhI/s1600-h/tea%252520room%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tea room" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tea room" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vuVXdWYOhFY/VHQuvTJ9HuI/AAAAAAAADf4/WpMhJ2pX-HI/tea%252520room_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="382" /></a>The Empress Hotel is famous for its <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea/">Victorian afternoon tea</a>. Being a Janeite and a bit of an anglophile I have wanted to do this for a long time. I was so excited to make it a part of a wonderful anniversary trip. My husband really went above and beyond with this one!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UAkdJvYSLDI/VHQuwE0UJsI/AAAAAAAADgA/9e4X8_8rTgc/s1600-h/tea%252520strawberries%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tea strawberries" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tea strawberries" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m17EFNVgGxI/VHQuwt-yGaI/AAAAAAAADgE/rrbjWalzdYA/tea%252520strawberries_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="294" /></a>The tea starts with fresh strawberries and cream.</p> <p>I don’t drink tea, because being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) I uphold a standard called the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng">Word of Wisdom</a>, But hot chocolate is also served when requested, and it was very good. Of course a variety of teas are available, including herbal tea.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PNRzddDGKxo/VHQuxB5aF2I/AAAAAAAADgQ/4J6OLP73-gg/s1600-h/teapot%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="teapot" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="teapot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IMd22_3QFYY/VHQuxouGKXI/AAAAAAAADgY/jrhDlfCxAdE/teapot_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="337" /></a>A beautiful assortment of tea sandwiches were served. Our selections included egg salad croissants, smoked salmon wheels, and chicken curry sandwiches. There were also scones with jam and cream, and a variety of chocolates and other miniature sweets. There is a children’s tea available and I have to say that the little children, mostly girls with mothers and grandmas, looked so adorable with their own little fancy tiered plates in front of them. I know the afternoon tea is pricey for most of us, but it is not just a meal, it is a special experience.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UaV2AU1U3EM/VHQuydbo6dI/AAAAAAAADgg/fIlikQ49J0I/s1600-h/us%252520at%252520the%252520tea%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="us at the tea" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="us at the tea" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w1fas45KFKU/VHQuzC57BVI/AAAAAAAADgo/idJU6sollnQ/us%252520at%252520the%252520tea_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="665" /></a>I would like to thank my husband Jon for 27 wonderful years of marriage, and the best anniversary weekend ever. I was completely spoiled and treated like royalty. Thank you, sweetie. I love you with all my heart!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6wUabvIZ248/VHQuz0AGVKI/AAAAAAAADgw/hAFaLtG0X5E/s1600-h/strawberries%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="strawberries" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="strawberries" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xSbgbVZ5csQ/VHQu0TqH_tI/AAAAAAAADg0/2U-yQ9_aCaE/strawberries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="240" /></a></p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-35322421023160299642014-11-05T22:36:00.000-08:002014-11-24T23:32:46.921-08:00Anniversary at the Fairmont Empress<p>This is my second post on our awesome anniversary trip to the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria British Columbia.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jxtHzf-E1mo/VHQjcsaFq9I/AAAAAAAADeI/JX9W9uXWIiA/s1600-h/Empress%252520front%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Empress front" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Empress front" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IC2vwPA_dNo/VHQjdYWRukI/AAAAAAAADeQ/aP_DadDoXl0/Empress%252520front_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="312" /></a></p> <p>The Empress hotel was completed in 1908 and named in Honor of Queen Victoria being the Empress of India.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mrTYpZHMHfM/VHQjeDElQ4I/AAAAAAAADeY/D1EcQOsZy2I/s1600-h/empress%252520view%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="empress view" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="empress view" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QHUG9FAfOXg/VHQjeneICtI/AAAAAAAADeg/yjTeN5IPeaw/empress%252520view_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="302" /></a>This was the beautiful view of the harbor from our room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cpAh3tPpQ0E/VHQjfazLuTI/AAAAAAAADeo/7EgIowezNbA/s1600-h/toast%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="toast" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="toast" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-796-AqQo7x8/VHQjfzcaspI/AAAAAAAADew/0MmO2P8bB28/toast_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="443" /></a>We had a romantic package that included chocolate dipped strawberries and for us, sparkling cider.</p> <p>For dinner we ate in the Bengal Room, where Jon took advantage of the curry buffet. The Bengal room was a favorite of frequent guest Rudyard Kipling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A6a6OcH6S3A/VHQjgiaQ2CI/AAAAAAAADe0/rS3HOMQcngc/s1600-h/breakfast%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="breakfast" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="breakfast" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8Tol5mvJNCU/VHQjhESqkmI/AAAAAAAADfA/Mu-ZE7oFw5c/breakfast_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="387" /></a>And a delicious breakfast delivered to our room in the morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WY_JLwGb--8/VHQjh24WIII/AAAAAAAADfI/tPwiLWknEkg/s1600-h/woodwork%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="woodwork" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="woodwork" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6mkgHzTJnZ4/VHQjieSVNBI/AAAAAAAADfQ/M8ABi8oOX5g/woodwork_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="311" /></a>An interior shot of the Empress. I love the beautiful woodwork.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fwLn9jPp778/VHQjjA8nCuI/AAAAAAAADfY/ZDkLW2liH-E/s1600-h/empress%252520path%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="empress path" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="empress path" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qYasCrJLYfM/VHQjkbABZjI/AAAAAAAADfg/SiPrvttyJdA/empress%252520path_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="509" /></a>A path outside the Empress.</p> <p>Next time my final post about our stay in Victoria- Afternoon Tea.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-73726001044264185292014-11-03T18:28:00.000-08:002014-11-25T12:13:38.560-08:00Butchart Gardens, Victoria B.C.<p>My wonderful husband took me to Victoria BC for our anniversary. We had a great trip and a wonderful time together. Our first stop was <a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/gardens">Butchart Gardens.</a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n9r_IWLzlCI/VHPpdxQsI2I/AAAAAAAADcQ/wevAp0RkTQI/s1600-h/Sunken%252520Garden%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sunken Garden 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sunken Garden 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aFBicaS4Yn0/VHPpeRbQVQI/AAAAAAAADcY/K252AOUytIM/Sunken%252520Garden%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="301" /></a></p> <p>You might think that spring and summer are the best times to visit botanical gardens, but the fall foliage was absolutely stunning!</p> <p>Here are some of my favorite pictures from Butchart Gardens.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UIhrkTDtWpI/VHPpfczJO2I/AAAAAAAADcg/r0_uiU2V2DU/s1600-h/japanese%252520garden%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="japanese garden" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="japanese garden" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QmUkSVc_H8E/VHPpgI135II/AAAAAAAADco/RUxDokzLqR0/japanese%252520garden_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="252" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZL8yD0DC1vQ/VHPpg-pANwI/AAAAAAAADcw/5hZv8vMavpI/s1600-h/Butchart%252520house%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Butchart house" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Butchart house" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qa8hhkjjZ1w/VHPphqX3k3I/AAAAAAAADc4/v1VkyAPPDE8/Butchart%252520house_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="324" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mobi-fB61SU/VHPpiTif6aI/AAAAAAAADdA/sh4Bw7oH2cU/s1600-h/willow%252520reflected%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="willow reflected" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="willow reflected" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--9gl0OWj544/VHPpjdibJhI/AAAAAAAADdI/ThZ0qrXKgaE/willow%252520reflected_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="535" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hqOgzYegm6k/VHPpkDlIjUI/AAAAAAAADdQ/1AsB96DXllQ/s1600-h/Butchart%252520porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Butchart porch" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Butchart porch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c62ygZk5Og8/VHPpkjaX2GI/AAAAAAAADdY/B9aywGgzma8/Butchart%252520porch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="271" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bILYgTSNc68/VHPplhe3mtI/AAAAAAAADdg/yaWtk6aymP0/s1600-h/japanese%252520garden%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="japanese garden 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="japanese garden 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7L-1nuxshvo/VHPpmd19NmI/AAAAAAAADdo/ct_Owq9GEnA/japanese%252520garden%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="551" /></a></p> <p>We were amused by a sign in the gardens reading ‘No Unauthorized Singing.’ It seemed kind of funny, but if I started singing Jon would quickly shush me. Uh uh uh, No singing. Those of you who know me or my family will believe that he stopped me from singing at least three times. THAT’S how beautiful these gardens were.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YWKKc1sp5t0/VHPpnJHLhuI/AAAAAAAADdw/-afmCqu7yy8/s1600-h/us%252520at%252520butchart%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="us at butchart" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="us at butchart" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Q7MA-xyC9c/VHPpoDssDBI/AAAAAAAADd4/w8jwaJ2x9wg/us%252520at%252520butchart_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="392" /></a></p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-67760584523939884222014-10-10T18:01:00.001-07:002014-10-10T18:01:29.150-07:00The Grandma Arts<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a8vNRBh_70U/VDiBO1Cyc-I/AAAAAAAADaQ/i82mBoMVdMM/s1600-h/santa%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="santa" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="santa" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dhHynhzkNc/VDiBPVCMqxI/AAAAAAAADaY/0qrznDJESis/santa_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="445" /></a>If you catch me humming a Christmas song even though it’s still early in October don’t be surprised. Something special has got me in the holiday spirit. </p> <p>Remember when I told you about the wonderful <a href="http://fittoseejane-thelittlewhiteattic.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-home-tour.html">Christmas Stockings</a> my grandma made for all of her descendants and their husbands and wives? Well, over the summer I talked to my sister Shannon about starting one for my grandson. </p> <p>She said, “Well, since you’ve been doing so much crocheting I thought maybe YOU’D like to do it”.</p> <p>I haven’t knitted more than an iffy ‘potholder’, so I wasn’t sure. But thinking of the traditions and of my own little grandbaby I decided to give it a go.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WGyoMjwq7aI/VDiBQK8-W_I/AAAAAAAADag/3WZtaUPDbTs/s1600-h/stocking%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="stocking 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="stocking 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B6MeE1jDMEo/VDiBQzMwPzI/AAAAAAAADao/VWUufYiUpCM/stocking%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="405" /></a>Shannon is a great teacher and soon I was up and running, knitting a project I always thought would be way too complex. As I make this stocking I feel very close to my own Grandmother who is no longer with us and to my little grandson who lives over half a country away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Oa499m0jps/VDiBRs15yxI/AAAAAAAADaw/btRd11qlMHI/s1600-h/stocking%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="stocking 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="stocking 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b5oFpxQiwxA/VDiBZzQ8iKI/AAAAAAAADa4/c0VBXxLzjW0/stocking%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="285" /></a></p> <p>I also feel love for my family and nostalgia for Christmases, past and future. Here’s to traditions!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-77148859166136535392014-05-09T19:13:00.000-07:002014-06-29T19:21:27.918-07:00Graduation Lei<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-38S_f1ySrfY/U7DJo0xkNqI/AAAAAAAADZ0/IlI7B5E1fME/s1600-h/IMG_3090%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3090" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3090" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3B2xHMfZZwk/U7DJprCsmuI/AAAAAAAADZ4/DpjYNsadqac/IMG_3090_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="407" /></a>I am home from my recent trip to the south, and preparing to go to Pullman for my second daughter’s graduation from WSU.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="5"> (Go Cougs!)</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3E3nDSd7JQs/U7DH5vYqCHI/AAAAAAAADZA/ts26nSJ7_9M/s1600-h/IMG_3043%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3043" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3043" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J2W3EAZxg_0/U7DH7quLhdI/AAAAAAAADZI/MwQzNswK0FU/IMG_3043_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="315" /></a>I thought it would be nice to get her a graduation lei. I think they are so special but I’ve never bought one for my kids graduating high school. I visited a couple florists and realized that they had to be ordered far ahead of time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p43__lOpk5c/U7DH8FLki_I/AAAAAAAADZQ/y-Q7bTr4pEQ/s1600-h/IMG_3046%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3046" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5lCkgSUpGvo/U7DH8rF0kVI/AAAAAAAADZU/pAZ66Z16Dlo/IMG_3046_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="312" /></a>I’m a do-it-yourself-er, so I decided I would make one. I watched a couple you tube tutorials, following <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCOYj2zqmOc">this one from the Mai Kai restaurant</a>. I also really liked the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6zFnaULF7M">tips from Jack Topus</a>, but my husband nixed the idea of the money lei, so I stuck with the flowers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JfqOGi3qycc/U7DH9T6QurI/AAAAAAAADZg/1-Xjj1LG9_Q/s1600-h/IMG_3047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ac5M4VZJojs/U7DH93Abe0I/AAAAAAAADZo/YGj15LpVkv4/IMG_3047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="306" /></a>I chose carnations in red and white to match WSU colors. It took about 3 dozen large carnations to string a 4 foot lei, leaving a bit for tying. It was the perfect length.</p> <p>Since the graduation was 24 hours away and we were traveling I put the finished lei in an aluminum cake pan with lid, resting it on some moistened paper towels. When we traveled I put an icepack under the pan to keep it cool until it could go back into the fridge. I made the lei Thursday night and she will be wearing it on Saturday so I want it to still be fresh.</p> <p>(I just added a photo to the top of this post of the finished product.)</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-58881791451595589002014-04-23T18:45:00.000-07:002014-06-29T18:46:13.521-07:00I’m a Grandma!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RsC378TsIiw/U7DBUlSJ7YI/AAAAAAAADX4/pIIxmSMmNY4/s1600-h/new%252520grandma%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="new grandma" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="new grandma" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xx3fXrWyI6g/U7DBVQvPLjI/AAAAAAAADX8/iMgUdREd0Go/new%252520grandma_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="389" /></a>I am head over heels happy. A new little bundle on the other side of the country brings a smile to my face whenever I think about it. About him- my Grandson.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j46GkPUapZU/U7DBWDZGJMI/AAAAAAAADYI/y8CkShZEt3c/s1600-h/newborn%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="newborn" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="newborn" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zX93NIawLoI/U7DBWvb82oI/AAAAAAAADYQ/RCC7XTS3RD8/newborn_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="375" /></a>Some women are squeamish about being called Grandma, but not this girl. As my sister put it, being a mother is an honor, being a Grandmother is like royalty!</p> <p>Immediately after hearing the news I had a flight booked to New Orleans to be with my daughter and see the new little guy. These pictures are from that first precious week.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Lo4xvkJyIk/U7DBXFCZB3I/AAAAAAAADYY/PJjNglf2ZLY/s1600-h/day%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="day 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="day 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-moxSbrrRKSw/U7DBXpd6API/AAAAAAAADYg/cP4kEvMAOOE/day%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="524" /></a>The tiny little guy safe in his daddy’s arms.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i9HfUL4Xp1E/U7DBYUDa6hI/AAAAAAAADYo/-QInNL3jHWo/s1600-h/looking%252520at%252520his%252520mommy%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="looking at his mommy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="looking at his mommy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x0ssU59aV-M/U7DBY5p9qUI/AAAAAAAADYw/SVNpjMd5ldg/looking%252520at%252520his%252520mommy_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="585" /></a>And see how he gazes up at his mommy!</p> <p>Life is so good!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-8554595823620200162014-02-16T20:12:00.001-08:002014-02-16T21:34:48.070-08:00Mansfield Park First Edition<p>Look at what I had my hands on today! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-abInm2v4HQA/UwGMK2wQVWI/AAAAAAAADXA/I6SrmfjsIbE/s1600-h/Mansfield%252520Park%2525201st%252520edition%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Mansfield Park 1st edition 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Mansfield Park 1st edition 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--1wei5RGbEo/UwGMLjWXBAI/AAAAAAAADXI/15_Icy0jJto/Mansfield%252520Park%2525201st%252520edition%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="425" /></a></p> <p>It’s a three volume first edition of my favorite novel, Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. Anne Repass from the Seattle Public Library brought the books, part of her personal collection, to the meeting of our local chapter of the Jane Austen Society and led the discussion. I was super excited for the discussion so seeing, actually HOLDING the books was just icing on the cake. I have seen Jane Austen first editions under glass before, but never got to touch, to hold, the books, and for a book lover that is the best.</p> <p>These books were from 1814, in lovely condition and beautifully bound. At the time these books were printed, most novels were produced in three volumes. The books would have been purchased unfinished almost like a paperback, and then you would take them to be bound to match your library, taste and budget. These books are quarto size, which, though hard bound, is smaller than a little modern paperback. I wish I would have set something on the table so you could see the size of these darling little books.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-66826702812045363752013-12-15T16:08:00.000-08:002014-01-13T16:15:08.051-08:00Christmas Tag Swap<p>The Burton girls were at it again with a Christmas tag swap. We wanted to do the swap early enough in December that a) we would be able to put up our tags for Christmas decoration, and b) Our Sis who is currently lining in Australia would get hers in time for Christmas. I think we made it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ugHj1wbov_U/UtSAGuEmMGI/AAAAAAAADVQ/xgBwGpmpKZU/s1600-h/IMG_2668%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2668" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2668" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1q_EEiWIpQ0/UtSAHf3tmJI/AAAAAAAADVY/NJ8ZUuJ5MRs/IMG_2668_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="184" /></a>This year our Christmas theme was more of a color scheme. The theme was Winter Whites. Our tags were to focus on white, cream, silver, gold, and sepia. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dFsQ5jvKy_8/UtSAIKBPE0I/AAAAAAAADVg/XdmNlWgajN4/s1600-h/IMG_2714crop%252520and%252520color%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2714crop and color" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2714crop and color" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W-U8TsDQY_s/UtSAIuGokdI/AAAAAAAADVo/DnWgkgjeZwY/IMG_2714crop%252520and%252520color_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="520" /></a>I made a banner with the Christmas tags and strung it across my piano for the holidays. I love the look of these tags. They turned out beautiful, and look great displayed together. </p> <p>A few of us have already had some great ideas for next year’s theme. I’m already excited. Thanks ladies!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-59719229704497768652013-10-27T20:30:00.000-07:002014-01-12T19:31:01.938-08:00Halloween Tag Swap<p>One craft project the ladies in my family enjoy is having a tag swap. These usually involve some of my sisters, my mom and a sister in law. Having a tag swap gives us a chance to do a small manageable art project, and  it’s a fun way to stay connected to those that live far away. We don’t use the tags on gifts, just to decorate around the house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tvPXdlEU_R4/UtNd8cwb7KI/AAAAAAAADU4/MfNfkriNNco/s1600-h/Halloween%252520tags%2525202013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Halloween tags 2013" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Halloween tags 2013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0zjSg4KOzVs/UtNd9Fh0JtI/AAAAAAAADU8/fIMaWwr3mBk/Halloween%252520tags%2525202013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="432" /></a>We decide on a holiday or theme, give people a chance to join, and then set a target date for mailing the tag.</p> <p>These are the tags for our Halloween 2013 tag swap. I made the one on the top left. Each of us made six tags. we keep one of our own and mail out the others to the other participants.</p> <p>Aren’t they cute? </p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-91425131341361590452013-09-01T20:05:00.001-07:002013-09-01T20:08:29.001-07:00Bridal Photos<p>It’s Labor Day Weekend and the newlyweds are back at their university and <a href="http://theaskhams.blogspot.com/">doing very well</a>. I have the bridal photographs now and would love to share some with you.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1BM9qiqxeck/UiQAdEE0vKI/AAAAAAAADS8/JGPCIx1l6Vo/s1600-h/Arianne-21_Medium%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-21_Medium" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-21_Medium" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k02qeBOSMp8/UiQAdiK8A2I/AAAAAAAADTE/Vnvzksu1fVA/Arianne-21_Medium_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="520" /></a>We hired Joshua from <a href="http://www.joshuagene.com/">Joshua Gene Wedding Photography</a> to take all the photos for the wedding. He was the same photographer who did our daughter <a href="http://fittoseejane-thelittlewhiteattic.blogspot.com/2011/07/hillarys-bridal-photographs.html">Hillary’s wedding</a>. He’s great to work with and Arianne’s portraits turned out beautiful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-deDfjyc8Nq0/UiQAeMode4I/AAAAAAAADTM/2qfBk9MOIKg/s1600-h/Arianne-35_Small%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-35_Small" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-35_Small" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XZZhrkvPoZk/UiQAeqp2-TI/AAAAAAAADTU/ijHBYx-x24s/Arianne-35_Small_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="520" /></a>Our locations were the Woodland Park Rose Garden in Seattle, and Kerry Park, a park with a great view of the city.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G-u21u-2QQ8/UiQAfY6gdiI/AAAAAAAADTc/zj0tYE9mzQY/s1600-h/Arianne-29_Medium%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-29_Medium" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-29_Medium" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PSMrY9MPq34/UiQAf8AFpnI/AAAAAAAADTk/VKo0aG24ECA/Arianne-29_Medium_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="520" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rrg-rauRRgQ/UiQAgSyBAdI/AAAAAAAADTs/0BSPbCbbBMM/s1600-h/Arianne-47_Small%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-47_Small" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-47_Small" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ci8s611cDxA/UiQAg7Z55vI/AAAAAAAADT0/eaT8J7H3mKQ/Arianne-47_Small_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="257" /></a></p> <p>Arianne’s Dress is made by <a href="http://www.latterdaybride.com/">LatterDay Bride and Prom</a>, and was purchased at <a href="http://www.gatewaybridal.com/">Gateway Bridal & Prom</a> in Salt Lake City, Utah. We made a trip to Utah for wedding dress shopping in order to find a wedding dress that meets Mormon standards. When you marry in the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints not only are you interviewed for worthiness in keeping the commandments, you also follow a code of dress, which means the lovely dresses can not be sleeveless or strapless as is commonly found in bridal gowns.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QvGAdnlH8_U/UiQAhQh6PHI/AAAAAAAADT8/_5skqBAVsss/s1600-h/Arianne-42edit_Small%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-42edit_Small" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-42edit_Small" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M4nSILgukXc/UiQAiFfrfDI/AAAAAAAADUE/Tisi9fi9HRM/Arianne-42edit_Small_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="402" /></a>Arianne chose a beautiful dress with beaded top and lace skirt. We took it to alterations so the length could be adjusted and hooks for bustling put in. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberleys-Tailoring-Alterations/200401076655302">Kimberly Alterations</a> in Issaquah did a wonderful job on her dress, in a short amount of time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NKcbNj5j_30/UiQAiq3WyXI/AAAAAAAADUM/hBM8FBJp3NM/s1600-h/Arianne-51_Small%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Arianne-51_Small" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Arianne-51_Small" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EZU5Pcx7g5E/UiQAjInsLUI/AAAAAAAADUU/9enJ0bcLX3M/Arianne-51_Small_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="272" /></a>Here’s a shot of my little marathon runner with her running shoes on. It’s one of my favorites.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-46204910257981595222013-08-31T00:40:00.001-07:002013-08-31T08:34:03.424-07:00Austenland was so much fun!<p>Tonight we went out to Seattle to see Austenland. Based on the book by Shannon Hale, directed by Jerusha Hess. I went with a couple of friends, my sister, and two of us had our husbands along. After all the lukewarm reviews I wasn’t sure what to expect. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pemPqOMk5jc/UiGd1KWTwHI/AAAAAAAADR0/oqmy_sJz6VU/s1600-h/austenland%252520keri%252520russell%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="austenland keri russell" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="austenland keri russell" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZRBMsrvHPLw/UiGd1xIBuJI/AAAAAAAADR8/Qb2-aVAB1Tc/austenland%252520keri%252520russell_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="393" /></a>I will start by saying my husband just sighed and said “Oh, man. I wish we could see that show again.”</p> <p>Rave reviews from the husband of a Janeite.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nnFxMrIfPN0/UiGd2i9R-qI/AAAAAAAADSE/J5YgjRFuunU/s1600-h/1332dfe7f27dd6a81670a217d68ff8c6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1332dfe7f27dd6a81670a217d68ff8c6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1332dfe7f27dd6a81670a217d68ff8c6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jb2nASloazk/UiGd3HvdHjI/AAAAAAAADSM/k-qV9zzkSVY/1332dfe7f27dd6a81670a217d68ff8c6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="459" /></a>I am sure the theater was filled with hardcore Jane Austen fans, and a few husbands sprinkled in, but everyone loved the show. I expected some quirky Jerusha Hess humor but didn’t know quite how it would play out in a show like this. We had so much fun at this show from beginning to end. It was silly and delightful, and better than I thought it would be. The cast really made the show with great comic timing. J J Field was so cute as Mr. Nobley. Keri Russell was very sweet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GS1_8mvqeIQ/UiGd3z3OIfI/AAAAAAAADSU/QWBA3djDMTE/s1600-h/2fd0971fde0addf687e80c440ed64ac8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2fd0971fde0addf687e80c440ed64ac8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2fd0971fde0addf687e80c440ed64ac8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YATqzPVu5_o/UiGd4baKc-I/AAAAAAAADSc/3pN1TOeCI44/2fd0971fde0addf687e80c440ed64ac8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="438" /></a>And boy were there some funny moments. There were many times we missed a funny line because we were still laughing from a previous line. By twenty minutes into the show I had tears in my eyes from laughing so much. I don’t want to give anything away for my Austenesque friends, but just go see it. </p> <p>I have loved many Austen adaptations striving for accuracy and period authenticity, but this one was definitely one for the Janeites. And yet something tells me that anyone who has dragged their significant other to a chick flick, or anyone who’s ever been dragged to a chick flick would love this show.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p>P.S. We loved the musical number at the end credits!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BKQbYnd3qIs/UiGd5CBsLHI/AAAAAAAADSk/_SNhNYgs2w4/s1600-h/pinterest.com%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="pinterest.com" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pinterest.com" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8XIqwG_DmWE/UiGd5VS61oI/AAAAAAAADSs/P-dA-jmsG8E/pinterest.com_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="277" /></a></p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-58332601485564746722013-08-18T21:16:00.001-07:002013-08-18T21:37:39.857-07:00Wedding Joy<p>Hello my blog friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qLXyvdL8Uyo/UhGcIR9P7bI/AAAAAAAADQI/p4-ofdyH0pQ/s1600-h/chalkboard%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="chalkboard" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="chalkboard" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zDB6Q04ymOs/UhGcJLsTtoI/AAAAAAAADQQ/JkkYU1sGK2M/chalkboard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="395" /></a>I know I’ve been missing from the blogosphere lately, but last month my daughter got married, and it has been all consuming! I have been busy sewing and crafting, but it has all been for the wedding, and therefore under wraps until the big day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--btXaX6XTWY/UhGcJ-ZHqvI/AAAAAAAADQY/OZsM8hiMBSM/s1600-h/ArianneDerek_Crop1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="ArianneDerek_Crop1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ArianneDerek_Crop1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eud7xRcsj18/UhGcKiLpp5I/AAAAAAAADQg/ar22Lw0Yt-U/ArianneDerek_Crop1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="312" /></a>Then the wedding date came and went, and I have been in RELAXATION and DECOMPRESSION mode for the past few weeks. But I have not forgotten you, so the next couple posts will be about this BIG DAY!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXDhftJKWeI/UhGcLLJ6HRI/AAAAAAAADQo/QfOEjfN-EF0/s1600-h/cake%252520cutting%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="cake cutting" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="cake cutting" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4_BzApxyZLA/UhGcLs_e2QI/AAAAAAAADQw/trm5HTyhLAE/cake%252520cutting_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="393" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7i-zvt2MEG0/UhGcMQntbTI/AAAAAAAADQ4/1iK-kVNMZYc/s1600-h/DerekArianne-156-copy%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DerekArianne-156-copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DerekArianne-156-copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vOKhdOTPUOE/UhGcM8lsEDI/AAAAAAAADRA/lSwPVRzdDsc/DerekArianne-156-copy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="306" /></a></p> <p>So stay tuned for more wedding goodness!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-8449485854372932302013-05-23T14:18:00.001-07:002013-05-23T14:18:05.942-07:00Update May 2013<p>I’m a little late….. My husband’s deployment ended in February. I know I’m very behind in blogging, but I am so thankful that he is home. Since he’s been home we’ve taken a romantic trip to Las Vegas, a spring break trip to Utah to visit our daughter and son-in-law, and our other college daughter has been here to visit us. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u5MWVC2H4aE/UZ6Hhkr9BpI/AAAAAAAADPY/2w-8q0hyMWg/s1600-h/Vegas%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Vegas 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Vegas 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uRxETVZWxUU/UZ6HiEOTbwI/AAAAAAAADPg/vghmRvfLI7M/Vegas%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="334" /></a>My husband also had two months of vacation- a month from the Army, and a month from his job here, before he had to go back to Microsoft. I loved spending so much time with him every day. We ran around town together, eating at restaurants that he had missed while he was away, we even joined a gym and started going together. I love my sweetie!</p> <p>I have a list of ‘deployment thank-you’s"’ for all the help I received during the time he was gone.</p> <p>I am very thankful to friends, to my family, daughters, and siblings and all the good times we had together, and for my youngest daughter who was a great companion every day, laughed at my silliness, and was perfectly willing to have a frozen burrito any night I didn’t feel like cooking.</p> <p>Thanks to those who helped with yard work, visited my sick doggie at the kennel while I was out of town, brought me soup on a sad day, looked at broken cars, sent a cake through the mail, climbed a ladder, tried to help me break into my own house after locking myself out, took me to dinner, or movies, or just were there for me.</p> <p>  Mostly to my Father in Heaven. For keeping us safe, for giving me strength, for protecting our home and protecting my husband. Knowing that the Lord was mindful of me and my needs is humbling and overpowering. Thank you is not enough.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C21fK4rRPsM/UZ6HioPsRiI/AAAAAAAADPo/xAl1XRnJijo/s1600-h/vegas%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="vegas 3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="vegas 3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGP9RUP1I8Yr6Jyahi_ZsCtSW4r2oYysxbuWZVyqHrUqEEEhTgyabp3Gv39Z2DCPmG0-YT-SX4lswTElmAGSkPB89VwVP4-GL_uGwIpS8xQ8wtJD_jgcS-MY6VWsy32Ha-6nqoQEql1ZW/?imgmax=800" width="336" height="405" /></a></p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-61546010731014943962013-01-28T22:35:00.000-08:002013-02-11T23:33:23.928-08:00Happy 200th Birthday Pride and Prejudice<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sU4jebiz47s/URnkW-j6mWI/AAAAAAAADIQ/_ox0zpegUgs/s1600-h/Mr.%252520Darcy%252520Colin%252520Firth%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mr. Darcy Colin Firth" border="0" alt="Mr. Darcy Colin Firth" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-upGn6ROBBMk/URnkXeOKJ4I/AAAAAAAADIY/2PDgM1A0LkU/Mr.%252520Darcy%252520Colin%252520Firth_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="426" /></a>January 28th Marks 200 years since the publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I decided to commemorate the day by inviting a bunch of my Austen loving friends over for a Pride and Prejudice-athon, watching the entire 1995 BBC A&E classic six episode mini-series in one fabulous night (yes, of course the Colin Firth version).</p> <p>My sweet husband, who is currently deployed overseas, sent me flowers for the occasion. But of course. Doesn’t everyone’s significant other send them flowers on the anniversary of their favorite author’s most famous publication???</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_emguUCYpGg/URnkYCcQ_jI/AAAAAAAADIg/G3NWpgJRvMk/s1600-h/Pride%252520and%252520Prejudice%252520night%252520flowers%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pride and Prejudice night flowers" border="0" alt="Pride and Prejudice night flowers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L3qS9_p0MHU/URnkZJc5dYI/AAAAAAAADIo/poPt6u_Lc-w/Pride%252520and%252520Prejudice%252520night%252520flowers_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="390" /></a>But wait, there’s more. My soldier composed a poem on the occasion. How romantic!</p> <blockquote> <p>Here’s a little decoration</p> <p>For your Pride and Prejudice celebration</p> <p>I hope it brightens home and heart</p> <p>While you spend the day with your friend Jane’s art.</p> <p>             To my own Liza, love Jon</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p>Everyone brought snacks or treats and I made a big slow-cooker full of winter squash bisque with a side of crusty asiago bread.</p> <p>Attire was comfy clothes or sweats, and we all got comfy on my big leather couch for the show. It was really a lot of fun and I’m thankful for my friends for sharing my passion. </p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p>PS, My husbands deployment is almost over. Yay!</p> <p>PPS, This is my first entry for the Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice Bicenteniary Challenge.</p> <p><a href="http://austenprose.com/2012/12/31/the-pride-and-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013/"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pride-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013-x-200" border="0" alt="pride-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013-x-200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5c_DrmNgkq4/URnwQqFNG-I/AAAAAAAADKo/Cs4OBk-fzQA/pride-prejudice-bicentenary-challenge-2013-x-200%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="480" /></a></p> <p align="center">Click on the picture to learn more about the challenge.</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-6270520992958061012012-12-25T19:23:00.001-08:002012-12-25T20:36:35.252-08:00The Spoiled Janeite<p>Wait until you see what Santa brought this Janeite! </p> <p>My Santa of choice is currently deployed with the Army in North Africa, but he has been spoiling me big time. Look what he gave me for Christmas.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eH-BYKEM8QQ/UNptpmQywxI/AAAAAAAADDo/le1T2KERhus/s1600-h/sense%252520and%252520sensibility%252520autographed%252520copy%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sense and sensibility autographed copy 1" border="0" alt="sense and sensibility autographed copy 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uzUg78TKJvE/UNptqZs6dPI/AAAAAAAADDw/COrNTVjCzE4/sense%252520and%252520sensibility%252520autographed%252520copy%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="407" /></a>A production script from Sense and Sensibility 1995 signed by Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Robert Hardy, Alan Rickman, James Fleet and Tom Wilkinson. Can you believe that?<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fpY2vKK3B7M/UNp-y6BvExI/AAAAAAAADGM/F1LsntKkZUQ/s1600-h/500full%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="500full" border="0" alt="500full" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RAsLA7xsiWg/UNp-z9SdhNI/AAAAAAAADGU/zvsrWp38-mQ/500full_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="385" /></a> It comes with a certificate of authenticity too. I admit I did run my hand across the signatures a few times. Time to watch this show again!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1y7Uhc7K_Fo/UNptrHfI5mI/AAAAAAAADD4/ZknR9QWagWY/s1600-h/sense%252520and%252520sensibility%252520autographed%252520copy%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sense and sensibility autographed copy 2" border="0" alt="sense and sensibility autographed copy 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--V0Vw-lMaik/UNptrsJX-rI/AAAAAAAADEA/uxf1FYSEvCc/sense%252520and%252520sensibility%252520autographed%252520copy%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="306" /></a></p> <p>I was blessed with many gifts that I am thankful for, not all of them Austen related, but here is another one that is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GI7MxxRpJ_U/UNptspKmyxI/AAAAAAAADEI/24xo6okavsg/s1600-h/cozy%252520Jane%252520Austen%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cozy Jane Austen" border="0" alt="cozy Jane Austen" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RTZ8-1IrUkg/UNpttLqGdEI/AAAAAAAADEQ/inFly4NRpfQ/cozy%252520Jane%252520Austen_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="242" /></a>My daughter and her husband gave me this adorable board book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cozy-Classics-Prejudice-Jack-Wang/dp/1927018129">Pride and Prejudice by Cozy Classics</a>. I haven’t even seen this one advertised yet. I love dolls, and have been caught out in the neighborhood doing a Barbie photo shoot or two, so I loved seeing the earnest look of emotion on the faces of the soft felt characters. Can Pride and Prejudice be told in 15 words or less? I say, YES!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-49500404509565354732012-08-13T00:13:00.001-07:002014-11-25T12:09:42.657-08:00Basildon Court<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jYgCvjfVjNk/UCioilyyPNI/AAAAAAAAC6I/SbZ6QfWb83s/s1600-h/IMG_1583basildon%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1583basildon" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IkVeJNDC8RI/UCioktIWgqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/rArptueVJ4Y/IMG_1583basildon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="224" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1583basildon" width="406" /></a>Known as ‘Netherfield’ to fans of the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, Basildon Court is a lovely building inside and out. <br />
The setting is beautiful. I enjoyed our little drives so much my sister at one point called me a Hampshire girl. I felt a certain thrill going out on the highway and seeing names of places that Jane Austen knew and was familiar with. I couldn’t ride past the Basingstoke exit without thinking of a young Jane and Cassandra preparing for a dance at the local assembly room. One thing I learned about this countryside is that, like in the old days, most of the roads are tucked into a thick growth of trees and hedges, making a glimpse of the gently rolling countryside a rare treat. You can imagine me craning my neck to catch a glimpse of an old church or fine country home briefly visible through the trees.<br />
But back to Basildon- here are my pictures of that lovely mansion.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iMaU3DOCBZw/UCiol_WNR1I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/2tZejjy5XaA/s1600-h/IMG_1533basildon%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1533basildon" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OI7kdIPxjJQ/UCiomq2Y1_I/AAAAAAAAC6g/ZxFm6_w0XLw/IMG_1533basildon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="309" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1533basildon" width="403" /></a><br />
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Beautifully restored ceiling in the entrance.</div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G6n_OqiOlMk/UCionBK_i5I/AAAAAAAAC6o/418LfA499rE/s1600-h/IMG_1536%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1536" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3ZUZoncoJA/UCiopdCPZXI/AAAAAAAAC6w/ah3meZYMd8o/IMG_1536_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="426" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1536" width="315" /></a><br />
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There were lovely patterns on the wall. These are seen in the background in Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Bennet consoles Mary after the ‘piano incident’.</div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L-HVx3wNIQc/UCioqASgMzI/AAAAAAAAC64/3RKvsNQwYcE/s1600-h/IMG_1537%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1537" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fRi8-CK02as/UCioqlrMCTI/AAAAAAAAC7A/cxpGOlt8Mt8/IMG_1537_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="305" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1537" width="397" /></a><br />
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More lovely ceilings.</div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5u4c5I4vG6k/UCiorBOYWnI/AAAAAAAAC7I/yruQf_KLgY4/s1600-h/IMG_1540%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1540" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N2cBRH1HMr0/UCioriLp8DI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/mjssuNimkXM/IMG_1540_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="307" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1540" width="400" /></a><br />
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The dining room.</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s0dmZ46HU6g/UCiotxW-v2I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/Uoc6JVpbkzg/s1600-h/IMG_1541%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1541" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-krqfCvfAFho/UCiouSKnnfI/AAAAAAAAC7g/nz7xLV6dCaE/IMG_1541_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="305" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1541" width="397" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SkI7BqIKiPo/UCiov76o3vI/AAAAAAAAC7o/RpJFr23QgrM/s1600-h/IMG_1542%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1542" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d5v-c9WivSo/UCiowt4LgPI/AAAAAAAAC7w/FovHaFzhoOg/IMG_1542_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="554" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1542" width="405" /></a><br />
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This is the room where Miss Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet take their infamous turn about the room, but the directors wanted a lighter color for the room. In order to protect the historic red silk walls, artificial walls were created to go in front. Decorative pillars were also added, their real purpose was to hold the walls so nothing would be affixed to the delicate walls of the home.</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ar2DpxPFXZ8/UCioxPGVqMI/AAAAAAAAC74/uHJ00cTUWMY/s1600-h/IMG_1546%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1546" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFSvfqAD8qU/UCioyIT-zxI/AAAAAAAAC8A/UejJmhDhczc/IMG_1546_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="318" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1546" width="414" /></a><br />
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This was an original ceiling that hadn’t been replaced or restored. It was absolutely lovely. The guide was trying to direct me to take my photo in another area because of the watermark here. I felt like saying “I’m from America and we like old stuff!”</div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZZSMSbgspAA/UCioyghNq2I/AAAAAAAAC8I/9vzugw57_CU/s1600-h/IMG_1560%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1560" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dqy9VXeydPI/UCiozHGEd0I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/ByrR6Ep4JSA/IMG_1560_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="262" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1560" width="341" /></a><br />
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This bathroom had it’s last update after WWII.</div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-79AvuTKRMYc/UCiozRkajxI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/zxd2x7z8bVA/s1600-h/IMG_1563%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1563" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DojjTb73qc0/UCiozz-e87I/AAAAAAAAC8g/ODtIfCgYBOw/IMG_1563_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="553" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1563" width="403" /></a><br />
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One of Basildon Court’s lovely bedrooms.</div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e9BY3Y_Zhjw/UCio0XFXhCI/AAAAAAAAC8o/tceVPe1Pgwc/s1600-h/IMG_1565%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1565" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fSrt-kERMyg/UCio0qt7bhI/AAAAAAAAC8w/qKRC7W4hGAE/IMG_1565_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="315" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1565" width="410" /></a><br />
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1940’s style servant’s bells.</div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I1MaDvUytF0/UCio1NCeLpI/AAAAAAAAC84/9BxNk8-Sx6s/s1600-h/IMG_1569%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1569" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kHIgUzGysrg/UCio1ioD-RI/AAAAAAAAC9A/et97v77e_j0/IMG_1569_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="239" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1569" width="311" /></a><br />
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A fun surprise in this house- the state of the art (1950’s) kitchen, complete with volunteers making cookies for the visitors to sample.</div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z9E23LgCrVU/UCio2HR_oPI/AAAAAAAAC9I/pspE6Z8ygDs/s1600-h/IMG_1572%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1572" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4nDfatg1XWA/UCio2oPLJoI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/GNqLtjgzfGc/IMG_1572_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="239" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1572" width="311" /></a><br />
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Another view of the cute kitchen.</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0mBN-2FxoL4/UCio3TswHOI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/uROxdWa2YZE/s1600-h/IMG_1574%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1574" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UtbCqHkXt6M/UCio3hIi5yI/AAAAAAAAC9g/46qS_eC1FWg/IMG_1574_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="340" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1574" width="443" /></a><br />
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The entrance to a walled garden.</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0cMw7fZyJ_I/UCio4VWoghI/AAAAAAAAC9o/Ljf04TgStmk/s1600-h/IMG_1578%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1578" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lkPCqqwI6i4/UCio4iUNRTI/AAAAAAAAC9w/vBIYIC3uD1A/IMG_1578_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="341" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1578" width="252" /></a><br />
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There is a room dedicated to the houses role in the 2005</div>
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adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.</div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6SGhmo7OERY/UCio5LwORWI/AAAAAAAAC94/fIAv5X4ZZ3Y/s1600-h/IMG_1576%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1576" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mf1itqsEPAg/UCio5QR1twI/AAAAAAAAC-A/IJBdWSePe9k/IMG_1576_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="289" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1576" width="376" /></a><br />
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Wouldn’t you love to receive notice for this casting call?</div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jmNeUJbc_v0/UCio59tZIrI/AAAAAAAAC-I/Xm0rtKo_kKo/s1600-h/IMG_1595%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1595" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u-zO6Q0FZbQ/UCio6W9J1DI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/w6ldK5GjXRM/IMG_1595_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="424" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1595" width="313" /></a><br />
One of the lovely statues on the grounds at the rear of the house.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dkzqRmocxCo/UCio68oJNmI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/heQ65HAA0Pc/s1600-h/IMG_1597%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1597" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yAF5tbvteEs/UCio7Uyf6vI/AAAAAAAAC-g/eNT6kbNrlZA/IMG_1597_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="337" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1597" width="246" /></a><br />
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A view of the back face of the house.</div>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oBT4kLuntGQ/UCio8IZqrXI/AAAAAAAAC-o/OXNZKOfM7kQ/s1600-h/IMG_1602%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1602" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lLmzgEa2lxQ/UCio8hgwvSI/AAAAAAAAC-w/Hji5cNonGoc/IMG_1602_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="335" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1602" width="248" /></a><br />
My daughter sits at the edge of the garden with a new little friend. Small children were attracted to my daughter throughout our trip, which made for some fun moments, including one little girl who wouldn’t let go of Jordan’s hand on the underground, and screamed when her parents had to pry her away at the exit.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GXNIN0iYrcI/UCio9KkKfeI/AAAAAAAAC-4/rKT0qU8_CDo/s1600-h/Jordan%252520and%252520Lynnae%252520at%252520Basildon%252520Court%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Jordan and Lynnae at Basildon Court" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6bxW7iMcHi4/UCio_hI-0SI/AAAAAAAAC_A/-gIHRqiabMQ/Jordan%252520and%252520Lynnae%252520at%252520Basildon%252520Court_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="256" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jordan and Lynnae at Basildon Court" width="392" /></a><br />
A little picture I hobbled together of me and my daughter living in the world of Jane Austen. <br />
Cheers!<br />
-LynnaeLynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-4747252556698308922012-07-21T13:50:00.001-07:002012-07-22T13:49:33.022-07:00Jane Austen Society in England<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WSCiWJPmj64/UAsVtk76iaI/AAAAAAAAC3E/V1cns9nw-PY/s1600-h/IMG_1778%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1778" border="0" alt="IMG_1778" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mGui0uCh2ac/UAsVuj5vFxI/AAAAAAAAC3M/L9c9i9v5aic/IMG_1778_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="304" /></a>Since I am here in England at this time I thought it would be great to attend the 2012 Jane Austen Society Annual General Meeting with my daughter and my sister (in addition to taking us into her home, Julianna and her husband have been driving me all over the English countryside these two weeks. I could never could do it without them. These roads are CRAZY! -and I could go my whole life without using another roundabout!). I was not the only JASNA member there, but the other group seemed to all be from Canada, so I may have been the sole representative from the USA.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lo7oGzmjajU/UAsVvZe08wI/AAAAAAAAC3U/rkgDeBFYUfA/s1600-h/IMG_1771%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1771" border="0" alt="IMG_1771" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hiXwKT-kW8s/UAsVwYpiMgI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/8-NIBDz2p2s/IMG_1771_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="291" /></a>The AGM was held at the Chawton great house, which is now a museum and library of sorts. This was once owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight, though it is doubtful he ever lived here, preferring the more stately mansion of Godmersham (how would it be!). There was food, speakers, and displays from the various Jane Austen Society regions.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qe2xOMqKfPs/UAsVyaSdxnI/AAAAAAAAC3k/pQgyblMCXvI/s1600-h/IMG_1793%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1793" border="0" alt="IMG_1793" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_dWp4zcHeM/UAsVzSpFZMI/AAAAAAAAC3s/IWhq-UBOxo0/IMG_1793_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="299" /></a>The main speaker was Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles former British ambassador to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and then Afghanistan. His lecture was very interesting and fun. His parents were members of the Jane Austen Society and he remembers as a boy romping on the hillside with his brothers while everyone was in the tent listening to a lecture much like the one he was giving. His talk was very nice and in a few parts very touching. Definitely one of the most enjoyable lectures I’ve been to.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bG4EGrGDAsk/UAsV0Q-jMDI/AAAAAAAAC30/-7NiYlUVHhQ/s1600-h/IMG_1773%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1773" border="0" alt="IMG_1773" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4g1oh2oDde0/UAsV3q5LknI/AAAAAAAAC38/m9prcayq_oE/IMG_1773_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298" /></a>We were permitted to tour the ground floor rooms at the Great House, walk along the garden, and sit to eat on the steps of the walled garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbJhQrDwNciIErU2-8uWoo-iXNtdEEMbpXMpvegOcuEqF3huYoZu80K-m0W1cml0TA4Kjl9_WqrAU_eR7YIcKDmRHTknIBE0AoZ5O6Qtr3C1DlVUhi0_BnR2IWnvRQ8FNf975EQVahvb/s1600-h/IMG_1783%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1783" border="0" alt="IMG_1783" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A7XwiT3UuDc/UAsV8oUJxlI/AAAAAAAAC4M/4ldO0A85ACw/IMG_1783_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G603k-6ngN8/UAsV9qSJqcI/AAAAAAAAC4U/q0YUyV6NCTw/s1600-h/IMG_1784%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1784" border="0" alt="IMG_1784" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3DzIj_RUXVA/UAsV-g3F4dI/AAAAAAAAC4c/dk5T4uXYAxY/IMG_1784_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="299" /></a>I walked down to the church of St. Nicholas, not to be confused with the church by the same name in Steventon, and took pictures of the gravestones of Jane Austen’s mother and sister. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MNPu336GJuU/UAsV__-AMHI/AAAAAAAAC4k/-ivLVGPXJGU/s1600-h/IMG_1785%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1785" border="0" alt="IMG_1785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JyBqHEy3H54/UAsWA83bh7I/AAAAAAAAC4s/5VpbNUmVqJM/IMG_1785_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="300" /></a></p> <p>As I walked back up the hill, my daughter was still perched where I had left her, on the steps to the house deeply engrossed in the book she was reading. She had the air of Catherine Morland caught up in an exciting novel. (I have to smile because if she turns to me in a gift shop asking for a souvenir, it’s usually a book).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eed9hiKl0mY/UAsWB6j0pGI/AAAAAAAAC40/5gsPBN72b64/s1600-h/IMG_1792%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1792" border="0" alt="IMG_1792" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4CmPPC-5wjI/UAsWDRP8zgI/AAAAAAAAC48/2xfMpfGOUvo/IMG_1792_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="270" /></a>I wanted to take a picture of this bus, because the owner donated the use of his bus fleet in driving attendees to and from Winchester. His father, now passed on, was another JAS member and supporter, and his vintage bus fleet is charming and perfectly restored.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DlVsODHZ61Q/UAsWEq5igxI/AAAAAAAAC5E/zNWwHMWGQxU/s1600-h/IMG_1790%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1790" border="0" alt="IMG_1790" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mYzalRtnlmk/UAsWFF2aYXI/AAAAAAAAC5M/6zl7TjqLctw/IMG_1790_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="257" /></a>We left Chawton with the bells tolling for evensong, having visited the great house here, and the Jane Austen House that I wrote about in my previous post. What a lovely place.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-73985034217476022092012-07-21T12:58:00.001-07:002012-07-22T13:58:46.303-07:00The Jane Austen House.<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SppJMViqHnE/UAsJgmfjxtI/AAAAAAAAC0E/1_mF1O9_WiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1731%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1731" border="0" alt="IMG_1731" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gh-hfh_RqfE/UAsJhvXK8YI/AAAAAAAAC0I/riEXYXk5SWg/IMG_1731_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="273" /></a>Today I was in Chawton for the Jane Austen Society Annual General Meeting. (More on that in the next post). The highlight of the visit was touring the Jane Austen House Museum, also known as Chawton Cottage. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mfbX5g4VUp8/UAxo0KHcShI/AAAAAAAAC5o/gMQ2I85AQQ8/s1600-h/IMG_1768%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1768" border="0" alt="IMG_1768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E0dwth-gS7c/UAxo0-vsPqI/AAAAAAAAC5w/-OU13LyZEKE/IMG_1768_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="270" /></a>This is Chawton Cottage from the back. from the road it looks like a large square building but I had always wondered what the back was like. Here you can see it is more ‘L’ shaped. The upstairs window on the far left is Jane’s room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OTqsgQhSq5w/UAsJiqVG58I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/0mkIbFjv5Z0/s1600-h/IMG_1738%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1738" border="0" alt="IMG_1738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f77uS98hg0U/UAsJjgDTZkI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/TzwXZal2GPA/IMG_1738_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="270" /></a></p> <p>I can’t tell you how it feels to take a curve in the road and suddenly be looking at a place that I have longed to see for years. Chawton Cottage is where Jane wrote or revised all of her novels. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-srjXCEmbHp8/UAsJktp5QfI/AAAAAAAAC0g/jPsvLv4bhPM/s1600-h/IMG_1757%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1757" border="0" alt="IMG_1757" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MqOrKTUH0Y0/UAsJlZ3cRDI/AAAAAAAAC0o/iHgrGvnYhaI/IMG_1757_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="420" /></a>The quilt on display was made by Jane, Cassandra, and their mother, from clothing pieces. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ghv45yiBB9s/UAsJmSKroGI/AAAAAAAAC00/kmUjwc9D0vg/s1600-h/IMG_1752%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1752" border="0" alt="IMG_1752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-39ElIYn34ow/UAsJnPNE5GI/AAAAAAAAC04/uie5NWuQZwc/IMG_1752_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a>This was Jane’s bedroom up until the last few weeks of her life when they stayed in Winchester to seek better medical help for her.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ssiVo2IsE6o/UAsJoOc5W7I/AAAAAAAAC1E/aXlm66Jijuk/s1600-h/IMG_1750%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1750" border="0" alt="IMG_1750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-URcDnqRHqaM/UAsJo7nU0bI/AAAAAAAAC1M/-8yqb6pLwPU/IMG_1750_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="293" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LiszdOgd5dw/UAsJqpuBbiI/AAAAAAAAC1U/w1FtjpPLYOU/s1600-h/IMG_1760%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1760" border="0" alt="IMG_1760" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CcNqmwzqsKY/UAsJrUYt9oI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/lEDJchxCArQ/IMG_1760_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="372" /></a>This is the view from Jane Austen’s bedroom window out the back of the house toward the bakehouse.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--IntYZNTuIM/UAsJsY5h8WI/AAAAAAAAC1k/zuKVXN_8bAo/s1600-h/IMG_1745%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1745" border="0" alt="IMG_1745" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9OaWF8PQqo0/UAsJsxHc_oI/AAAAAAAAC1s/nmJDKk14tAo/IMG_1745_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="274" /></a>That precious little table is where she sat composing some of the greatest writings in the English language. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mP75VBI9CoY/UAsJwqMV69I/AAAAAAAAC10/t_bYE7AeV-c/s1600-h/IMG_1749%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1749" border="0" alt="IMG_1749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-znugKULTng0/UAsJxfZLPDI/AAAAAAAAC14/fN9rkrXg7xA/IMG_1749_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="333" /></a>The stairs she walked up, the doorframes she passed through, the window sill she leaned against, all touched me with her spirit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nus5FYMjw9s/UAsJyDlCpQI/AAAAAAAAC2E/_rAfkBgQQtA/s1600-h/IMG_1723%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1723" border="0" alt="IMG_1723" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PPnW3eaMNjk/UAsJzpKjj0I/AAAAAAAAC2M/6QtQ8HWbtRY/IMG_1723_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="292" /></a>The surrounding countryside is beautiful. The land here is more heavily wooded than I supposed, with meadows and farmland. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4OD1O98w0E4/UAsJ0g0CTGI/AAAAAAAAC2U/dMq2NL0xodw/s1600-h/IMG_1764%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1764" border="0" alt="IMG_1764" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FQHN_VmD6VI/UAsJ1jjRBSI/AAAAAAAAC2c/mlwLGyRejVk/IMG_1764_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="287" /></a>The area around her home is a lovely low walled garden, serene and beautiful. It is not hard to imagine what it would have looked like then. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lZ16Zz-XRj8/UAsJ2_Bq8RI/AAAAAAAAC2k/jRcwiysc2BU/s1600-h/IMG_1746%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1746" border="0" alt="IMG_1746" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-arjMX8tSDB0/UAsJ32ZV4WI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Cz-4GH0OpW0/IMG_1746_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="386" /></a>200 years ago Jane would have been composing the ending chapters of Mansfield Park, my favorite of her six novels. Was she already feeling weary from the illness that would claim her? As tragic as her destiny was, I can see that she must have found peace in the lovely garden and the ever changing verdure of the countryside she loved. </p> <p>In some respects this was a pilgrimage for me. After reading her novels, juvenalia, letters, and several biographies, the people in them begin to seem like friends and neighbors. I know they say everyone who loves Jane Austen thinks they know Jane Austen. I feel I know her more closely now after visiting this place that was so important to her. </p> <p>It was a lovely day.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p>P.S. I must say something about my dear husband today. As some of you know he is deployed oversees. Today was his birthday and he didn’t have the best day. And here I am having the time of my life traveling etc. I just want him to know I was thinking of him often…….. Jon, I love you with all my heart and I can’t wait until we are together again. So many times I wish you would have been with me to smile, make me laugh, give me a little hug, or just share in the moment.</p> <p>Love always, Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-42595401321602357962012-07-18T15:03:00.001-07:002012-07-18T15:06:23.526-07:00Remembering Jane Austen- In Winchester July 18th<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bVf0inZdypY/UAcyjn2gGCI/AAAAAAAACyc/Nb1zYa0ddRM/s1600-h/Jane-Austen-gravesite-in-Winchester-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jane Austen gravesite in Winchester Cathedral" border="0" alt="Jane Austen gravesite in Winchester Cathedral" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j4JV-Wa6G0c/UAcykQNcvbI/AAAAAAAACyk/wdlZUP5U1uY/Jane-Austen-gravesite-in-Winchester-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="359" /></a>Today marks the 195th Anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, one of the greatest writers of the English Language and my favorite writer. On this day I was very honored to be in Winchester Cathedral where she is buried. It is an awe inspiring thing to be in this town today. I thought there would be more people, but there were a few other admirers visiting the place where she was buried.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fI3SxfW_yTU/UAcylBTMJ2I/AAAAAAAACyo/FXC_oL5yrO0/s1600-h/Jane-Austen-Brass-memorial5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jane Austen Brass memorial" border="0" alt="Jane Austen Brass memorial" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VUMHb_92680/UAcymbZfqcI/AAAAAAAACy0/HAKHQzH1hb0/Jane-Austen-Brass-memorial_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="480" /></a>Above is a plaque more recently erected that mentions her life as an author.</p> <p>Fresh flowers had been placed there. Above the plaque, stained glass windows are placed in Honor of Jane Austen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rnifVYB3SBU/UAcynP53SUI/AAAAAAAACy8/2R0Cn4jr7QY/s1600-h/Jane-Austen-Window-Winchester4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jane Austen Window Winchester" border="0" alt="Jane Austen Window Winchester" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6f2TK59O1Y0/UAcyoJ3FPmI/AAAAAAAACzE/ZPgwXZ5dHdA/Jane-Austen-Window-Winchester_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="582" /></a>Here is a brief description of the windows:</p> <p>In the head of the window is a figure of Saint Augustine, whose name abbreviated is Austen. In the center of the upper row is David with his harp. Below that is an inscription in Latin remembering Jane Austen. In the center of the bottom row is Saint John, holding a book, displaying on the open page the first sentence of his Gospel… “In the Beginning was the Word.” The figures in the other windows represent the sons of Korah (1 Chronicles 9;19) carrying scrolls inscribed with sentences in Latin from the psalms, indicative of the religious side of Jane Austen’s character.</p> <p>We also went to see the home nearby where Jane Austen lived her last days.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zT9os94oL4Q/UAcypMtPMaI/AAAAAAAACzI/Kxl2nEr7f9A/s1600-h/Jane-Austen-Home-in-Winchester3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jane Austen Home in Winchester" border="0" alt="Jane Austen Home in Winchester" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SmgPpO-EMeo/UAcyp2YI84I/AAAAAAAACzU/Wqa3VOr2W-E/Jane-Austen-Home-in-Winchester_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="506" /></a>In a small upper room in this house she died in the arms of her beloved sister Cassandra. There is a small lawn across the street and we were able to sit under the trees for a moment and contemplate the scene. Few other people were around and there was a definite feeling of reverence for us as we sat and looked at the small, unimposing home.</p> <p>God Bless you Jane Austen. I can’t wait to find out what you’ve been writing in heaven!</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hdXSWTbqe8Q/UAcyqyZJDNI/AAAAAAAACzs/0jrl_ux5ATY/s1600-h/Jane%252520Austen%252520Plaque.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jane Austen Plaque" border="0" alt="Jane Austen Plaque" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W9j1goDIbOg/UAcyrz3KhII/AAAAAAAACzw/3uvFBiJG80I/Jane%252520Austen%252520Plaque_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="235" /></a> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-18689064211344606262012-07-13T17:35:00.001-07:002012-07-13T17:35:32.415-07:00Where Bloggers Create Studio Tour<p>Welcome!</p> <p>I am on vacation in England right now, but I wanted to Join in the wonderful Where Bloggers Create studio tour anyway. Greetings visitors! I’m pleased that you stopped by.</p> <p>I have changed a few things around since the last studio tour I participated in two years ago. This is what my studio <a href="http://fittoseejane-thelittlewhiteattic.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/my-studio.html">looked like then.</a></p> <p>I have rearranged the room a little bit and taken down the colorful wallpapers for the time being. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q9IKUR5ijbA/UAC-jmsD05I/AAAAAAAACwM/Ph_fgy5fz6A/s1600-h/IMG_0519%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0519" border="0" alt="IMG_0519" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hDxbzo9iRTU/UAC-kutuZeI/AAAAAAAACwU/EyHNOvQS824/IMG_0519_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="302" /></a>Like many of you, my studio is also the guest bedroom. Since I am having a string of visitors this summer, the beds are set up for company.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MdOtgO6K78o/UAC-lYqwL2I/AAAAAAAACwY/3k9FAO2nSEQ/s1600-h/IMG_0528%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0528" border="0" alt="IMG_0528" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lUU69dPVGwQ/UAC-nPY_QDI/AAAAAAAACwk/CQx1CMwbUZY/IMG_0528_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="293" /></a> These pictures are from my studio, when I was setting out costume dresses for my Jane Austen party this spring.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-eDvQi9ysCxyEMdTxMVetgnsABko5aQT364DafVhQEaxAIdmXzvyHrkHsE2Xdh7izU-Yc5GDUkwv7CYyJ2jzxIjlrii-LAph4QfPpWiWGibIa0KjuXfm_MNXKgVH-by8aMpvmKXK5PfB/s1600-h/IMG_0522%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0522" border="0" alt="IMG_0522" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YM1whMkG8BE/UAC-om6nOnI/AAAAAAAACw0/Gi3iiihc-t0/IMG_0522_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="285" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vbQx9VixYxE/UAC-pxykAII/AAAAAAAACw4/m5BmrN5uwW0/s1600-h/IMG_0527%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0527" border="0" alt="IMG_0527" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6teM-7EDvRA/UAC-quZF0AI/AAAAAAAACxA/9_9aX9Y54qU/IMG_0527_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="289" /></a></p> <p>Because my room is set up and waiting for the next guest, we had a makeshift studio in the breakfast nook. Here I am, in the black shirt, painting a still life with another friend in the room just off my kitchen. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mwKzoylMyqQ/UAC-rc_mLQI/AAAAAAAACxI/SdGAvLCxjDk/s1600-h/IMG_0951%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0951" border="0" alt="IMG_0951" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62V6YRPjTzQ/UAC-sqXrVkI/AAAAAAAACxQ/-h0cInt-X9c/IMG_0951_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="291" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AbgxvifG1zU/UAC-tpzqeOI/AAAAAAAACxU/UKCi3p71i8w/s1600-h/IMG_0953%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0953" border="0" alt="IMG_0953" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9EOscx9csHs/UAC-uu50TzI/AAAAAAAACxk/VpW9vE8u0Ok/IMG_0953_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="289" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BFZe8oB1APE/UAC-wHmz8qI/AAAAAAAACxs/YII1vVIeDN8/s1600-h/IMG_0955%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0955" border="0" alt="IMG_0955" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H2eqvXPltag/UAC-ya6hk4I/AAAAAAAACx0/qTroTI56b-A/IMG_0955_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="292" /></a></p> <p>We wanted to do some plein air painting, but when the day turned out rainy I put together a still life for us to paint.</p> <p>And the finished project from that afternoon……<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zUGDS3RLz58/UAC-zDI_yHI/AAAAAAAACx4/0O-QnPbGPEs/s1600-h/IMG_0958%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0958" border="0" alt="IMG_0958" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UyVcPgy84Sc/UAC-0ksdUcI/AAAAAAAACyE/atFu_hFqRfc/IMG_0958_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="410" /></a></p> <p>Thanks for stopping by!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-30801129536658276332012-07-13T17:08:00.001-07:002012-07-13T17:08:21.548-07:00My England Trip- London<p>I am in England. It is my second day and this is really a dream come true for me. I am staying with my sister Julianna and her kind husband, who have a sweet little cottage style home in Reading.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i4EpX5r_NAM/UAC4FTNyAcI/AAAAAAAACtA/qj-MtW4ntJ8/s1600-h/IMG_1004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1004" border="0" alt="IMG_1004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3SRe_81wxog/UAC4GbQjtmI/AAAAAAAACtI/xuBb22jXdBE/IMG_1004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="182" /></a> There are so many little nooks and Crannies! My daughter and I are sleeping in a little upstairs room that is so sweet it’s like being in a treehouse. I have an angled window right above my bed. Julianna also had some gifts for us when we arrived. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1fOS2q2N698/UAC4HYmOYVI/AAAAAAAACtQ/mCfPCOiAXiI/s1600-h/IMG_0997%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0997" border="0" alt="IMG_0997" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ErE9UhcgsWc/UAC4IXib9VI/AAAAAAAACtU/mGUvxLPjs6g/IMG_0997_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="182" /></a></p> <p>This is a one hundred year old copy of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, my favorite novel, that she gave me as a birthday present. Isn’t it beautiful!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nzWhcdSCeX0/UAC4JXbOVGI/AAAAAAAACtg/KWfEQKfoqAw/s1600-h/IMG_1000%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1000" border="0" alt="IMG_1000" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L8GlzJCUdYA/UAC4KKDkcsI/AAAAAAAACtk/2GPjxiOJF00/IMG_1000_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="273" /></a></p> <p>Today we went out to London, But we started the day with Breakfast at a charming and very yummy restaurant in Reading called Bill’s.. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rpjx-rOUUCM/UAC4LXjp2jI/AAAAAAAACtw/fF3r1Dzprik/s1600-h/IMG_1008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1008" border="0" alt="IMG_1008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IK0v_DAr5qA/UAC4MaIr1TI/AAAAAAAACt4/1bJR3icFm6w/IMG_1008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="260" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kWmvkVERA0/UAC4NqmZ14I/AAAAAAAACuA/LG6stLtW8Vc/s1600-h/IMG_1017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1017" border="0" alt="IMG_1017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hIC5z-YzVE0/UAC4Oejzq_I/AAAAAAAACuI/SDvCsg3hjCQ/IMG_1017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="259" /></a>My daughter was excited to see the tower of London, so that was our main destination.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7_xpYkEOJKg/UAC4QunFNbI/AAAAAAAACuQ/Bz8ewU6bdkk/s1600-h/IMG_1022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1022" border="0" alt="IMG_1022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ob_Ln-1LEsI/UAC4RoJChDI/AAAAAAAACuU/9gLHsCrp1aE/IMG_1022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="251" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qgUc4RFOZuk/UAC4SaVVVlI/AAAAAAAACuc/ZJGxZVILWBU/s1600-h/Friday%2525207-13%252520Lynnae%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Friday 7-13 Lynnae" border="0" alt="Friday 7-13 Lynnae" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qk_HHinKbnQ/UAC4Tozu3jI/AAAAAAAACuk/m732zGyZBS8/Friday%2525207-13%252520Lynnae_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="280" /></a></p> <p>London Bridge.</p> <p>We also went out to see Big Ben. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WLTd3X_p_VA/UAC4USyFXaI/AAAAAAAACus/4sunCH8y54E/s1600-h/IMG_1095%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1095" border="0" alt="IMG_1095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EvD39JGfY0w/UAC4VVfrIsI/AAAAAAAACu0/9OxcB5n0gi8/IMG_1095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="253" /></a>OK, OK, I’ll post this picture, even though I’m not too happy about what is going on with my hair by this point! Jordan looks fabulous as always!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bF3rTFFJK0g/UAC4WQ54thI/AAAAAAAACu8/z-wyxKHGjiM/s1600-h/IMG_1020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1020" border="0" alt="IMG_1020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lb5Rw9299XA/UAC4XM6NxEI/AAAAAAAACvE/TiUFzqXrQtk/IMG_1020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="246" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eu_qD1RJ9FA/UAC4YBawqHI/AAAAAAAACvM/tkokAHb8TAE/s1600-h/Friday%252520in%252520London%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Friday in London" border="0" alt="Friday in London" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVGO_Cs1eGE6r3gTzv8u77pIQf-DoPW5EhqTn5FVB4hqZEMtyJ6i-VVlRti4THvkl_7-mVEbIUtqoEkfX9jka1-jHpx70-gzPpluc2EnsIE7oNIi8gyVOgi_S1S90U-5wKMoHjtTM7-2g/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="246" /></a></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LYj-3VRkLVs/UAC4aHTDliI/AAAAAAAACvY/1NwJAdr_AOk/s1600-h/Friday%252520in%252520London%252520with%252520Juli%252520at%252520the%252520eye%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Friday in London with Juli at the eye" border="0" alt="Friday in London with Juli at the eye" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YcYh57uG1go/UAC4a3NN2MI/AAAAAAAACvg/NlPP8lAP2P0/Friday%252520in%252520London%252520with%252520Juli%252520at%252520the%252520eye_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="230" /></a> <p>My sister Julianna and I with the London Eye in the background.</p> <p>As you can see I’m having a great time and feeling totally spoiled here in the UK. I wish I could write about everything. But right now I’m feeling about as tired as this little girl…..<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gDlR9Y0DNQs/UAC4bxywLWI/AAAAAAAACvw/-98iyH4M1js/s1600-h/IMG_1099%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1099" border="0" alt="IMG_1099" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_GbqfGEob3E/UAC4cqIFN3I/AAAAAAAACv0/BLZch24qL_U/IMG_1099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="182" /></a></p> <p>More to come….</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-58564788306251668042012-07-02T20:06:00.001-07:002012-07-02T20:06:07.315-07:00Thrift Shop China<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eSlJlrxLwGI/T_JhiYteu9I/AAAAAAAACrI/9pu346Hdv9g/s1600-h/IMG_0964%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0964" border="0" alt="IMG_0964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eUuHWIMV_O8/T_JhivWA6zI/AAAAAAAACrQ/Per_S0ReXXE/IMG_0964_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="222" /></a>Over the past few years I’ve collected china teacups and saucers for my friends to use at my annual Jane Austen party. I’m getting a nice little collection. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MxgWzTxegwM/T_JhjXtbmwI/AAAAAAAACrY/UvxET70MpyI/s1600-h/IMG_0965%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0965" border="0" alt="IMG_0965" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8QZm2t2uUWQ/T_JhjiCdxEI/AAAAAAAACrg/7aZRfoOFMe4/IMG_0965_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="242" /></a>For quite some time I’ve considered collecting more china pieces to use for little get-togethers. The big hold up was that I wanted pieces with red. Well, it seems that the only china to be found with red in the design is Christmas china. Either that or people love it so much they don’t give it to thrift stores.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HfxyCqGEIV4/T_Jhke9wSqI/AAAAAAAACro/V2i2E2d_kUU/s1600-h/IMG_0959%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0959" border="0" alt="IMG_0959" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o-TZDZMBgIk/T_Jhkw0KTgI/AAAAAAAACrw/cfUqeVAgI4s/IMG_0959_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="306" /></a>I don’t have a new china set of my own, a situation I hope to remedy in the future, but in the meantime I finally decided to give up on china with red in it, and just collect a few larger plates to mix and match.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KHYulnKLlDI/T_JhlIKr2EI/AAAAAAAACr4/_jlDOrfx-Ho/s1600-h/IMG_0961%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0961" border="0" alt="IMG_0961" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xFyQYrAymLg/T_Jhli8wg-I/AAAAAAAACsA/vdC03FhfTtE/IMG_0961_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="298" /></a>Now every time I go in the thrift store I look to see if there’s a plate or two that strikes my fancy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NU5OpuAgrjY/T_JhmAZYaoI/AAAAAAAACsI/ICHjTOX_DFs/s1600-h/IMG_0962%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0962" border="0" alt="IMG_0962" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A9ESde7ZQgY/T_JhmaCEs6I/AAAAAAAACsQ/YT-zXNCsxtw/IMG_0962_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="294" /></a>I love mixing and matching and stacking the plates. The plates can look so different when paired with another style that you notice new things in the design with every stack.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dg5HZHxx92Q/T_JhnDVOTFI/AAAAAAAACsY/esOftpmD_fc/s1600-h/IMG_0966%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0966" border="0" alt="IMG_0966" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AbZX0Qs1tpQ/T_JhnjXhsoI/AAAAAAAACsg/cODjy-iMgX0/IMG_0966_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="286" /></a>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-62686202180783833992012-06-15T21:03:00.001-07:002012-06-15T21:03:27.317-07:00A Pink Fiesta<p>Look what I just found!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z_wvfXzumpw/T9wFjAmxrYI/AAAAAAAACqw/op0O-Nk8Vj4/s1600-h/flamingo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="flamingo" border="0" alt="flamingo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NkU8dczBdxc/T9wFjiFG-II/AAAAAAAACq4/H0plqBzMXE0/flamingo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="427" /></a></p> <p>Fiesta ‘Flamingo’!</p> <p>This will be a great addition to my lovely rainbow of Fiesta dinnerware. I’m so excited! </p> <p>The color is still in preorder but I ordered a few to add to my collection. I’m so excited. They look so lovely!</p> <p>In other news…. Our England trip is less than a month away. I’m freaking out a little bit right now. And I’m so very grateful I have a sister who lives there to not only invite me, but be familiar with the area a bit. It’s strange to travel without my husband.</p> <p>Speaking of his deployment, he ate camel meat. Can you believe it?</p> <p>And on the home front, today is the last day of school. My daughter went to the park with friends and I brought them a bag full of treats to celebrate. And in an unusual twist for Washington, it actually LOOKED like summer. Hoorah!</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4644642694459076188.post-37362760611569862182012-06-07T15:27:00.001-07:002012-06-07T15:27:40.906-07:00Painting Play Date<p>Why do we wait so long to get out the paints when we love it so much?</p> <p>That’s what I’ve been asking myself. </p> <p>A friend and I have been planning to have a painting day for a long time, but so many things kept getting in the way. Finally we settled on last Thursday (we had to do it before school let out). <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NrhsDS70xXE/T9Eqz77p-bI/AAAAAAAACps/WRbA73hh6rg/s1600-h/IMG_0951%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0951" border="0" alt="IMG_0951" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zsJw0kaHBaY/T9Eq0Q3XiGI/AAAAAAAACp0/Fe8S0fhYcLw/IMG_0951_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="280" /></a></p> <p>Our plan was for some plein air painting, but living near Seattle we had to have a back up- I ended up putting together a still life in my breakfast nook. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CDGhrjCBZFc/T9Eq01SiUwI/AAAAAAAACp8/2hlFJIcrDr0/s1600-h/IMG_0953%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0953" border="0" alt="IMG_0953" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N3Kk2vVGcJw/T9Eq1Ghs2GI/AAAAAAAACqE/NYwc05hsxu0/IMG_0953_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="299" /></a></p> <p>Even though I’ve painted with oils before I’ve never taken a class, so she had some tips and tricks to show me as far as setting up and maintaining my supplies. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AHW_p2VxxSs/T9Eq1ux3yvI/AAAAAAAACqM/cRdmKEy52AU/s1600-h/IMG_0955%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0955" border="0" alt="IMG_0955" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hHxHHiNb8Nk/T9Eq11GLorI/AAAAAAAACqU/qXF9y2z879k/IMG_0955_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="226" /></a>The hours FLEW by. We had to stop for a yogurt break at some point, and then it seemed only minutes before the bus was dropping off kids and it was time to get back to the mommy world. But boy did we have fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5YaEh869XfA/T9Eq2baN2BI/AAAAAAAACqc/vhAdwX1NkEM/s1600-h/IMG_0957%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0957" border="0" alt="IMG_0957" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ZRALrETLjY/T9Eq2glskpI/AAAAAAAACqk/Md0B_mpud28/IMG_0957_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="290" /></a>And you know what? I’m thinking of clearing out the breakfast nook and just setting up an art room there for the summer.</p> <p>-Lynnae</p> <p>PS- Speaking of Art Room, I have a link on my sidebar to the 2012 Where Bloggers Create blog party. Join in! It’s so much fun!!!</p> Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717761180835909042noreply@blogger.com0