Green Tea Lady

I’ve taken my computer with me on the deck, settled myself into a nice sunny spot with a pot of dragonswell tea, and then I noticed the sound.

Sure, there are many sounds happening simultaneously, yet, when I block out the traffic passing and the sounds of the kindergarteners playing next door, I hear nature. In that quiet moment that comes while sipping tea, I block out the extraneous noise and I hear the birds chirping, I hear the woodpecker knocking a tintinnabulation on the black locust above me, I hear the susurrous of wind through the leaves of the lilac trees, and then I hear the plants themselves. I hear the plants in pots around me, I hear them soaking in the water that I just gave them, I hear the insects and the roots moving in the soil, that little cracking, popping sound that one can also hear while walking in the woods after a nice rain. It’s subtle though, once I realize I hear it, it all but drowns out the passing cars and the children’s laughter. That quiet sound of nature at work becomes the loudest thing I hear.

As I take another sip of tea, I invite back the other sounds around me — the wind chimes, the birds, squirrels scampering along branches, the children playing next door — and I am grateful for my little patch of paradise in the middle of the city. I am so fortunate to have this block of earth, this little oasis of peace. Certainly, it takes lots of work and attention, time that I’m more than happy to give. I love every precious moment I spend out here. There is always something to do in the garden and it always fulfills me. Every haul of soil, every lifted rock, every weed pulled, and seed planted brings me joy. My garden provides me enchanting scents, amazing colors, delicious tastes, and invites all manner of creatures that entertain me.

I reach over and pinch a bud of new oregano growth from the pot beside me. The flavor is strong and there is enough new growth to harvest and dry for long rainy winters filled with warm Italian dishes. All the work and attention of three seasons continues to reward me all year. Even in the darkest and dreariest of winter days I pull my jars of dried herbs from the cupboard and I’m whisked away to sunny mornings watering and harvesting. It’s nutrition for body and soul and I am grateful.

Breathe deeply,
Laugh with abandon,
Love wholly,
Eat well.

MiLady Carol

It’s absolutely lovely outside. We cooked a nice dinner and I set up the deck with candles and mood lighting. I have tea lights in the garden and great food cooking on the grill. I feel very blessed.

Breathe deeply,
Laugh with abandon,
Love wholly,
Eat well.

MiLady Carol

We had guests over last night so I whipped up some strawberry shortcake to serve. We had bought some early season strawberries the day before, then I made a pecan scone as the base. I topped it with freshly whipped cream. Delish. Nothing says that spring has arrived better than early strawberries. The strawberry plants in my yard are in full flower and I’m watching daily for signs of fruit. Spring is so exciting!

Breathe deeply,
Laugh with abandon,
Love wholly,
Eat well.

MiLady Carol

I went to the Gem Faire this past weekend. I didn’t buy much, mostly glass beads for Miss Spring to use in her creations, some craft wire for a project, and some green amethyst for myself. I went a second time with my friend and, while she was shopping, my hand was magnetically drawn to a loose pendant bead. This loose bead. I rely upon instinct when it comes to stones, and this particular gem truly needed to come home with me. It’s a piece of banded agate. Simple, inexpensive, and absolutely delicious.

I brought it home and sat it on my desk for a day. When I had some time, I brought out the velvet tray and started designing. The design came together quickly and I’m super pleased with the necklace. I haven’t figured out any earrings for it, though I think I’ll just keep it simple. Maybe a nice white pearl and onyx drop. When the sun burst through the clouds yesterday afternoon, I took the new necklace on a little photo shoot in the backyard. Now to create an occasion to wear it…

Breathe deeply,
Laugh with abandon,
Love wholly,
Eat well.

MiLady Carol

I’ve just completed Gail Carriger’s delightful Steampunk novel series, the Parasol Protectorate. They are set in an alternate Victorian England where werewolves, vampires, and ghosts are out and have legal recognition.

The five book series are:

I won’t give any plot points away, I promise. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is a proper British woman of society and breeding. She is absolutely deadpan and stiff-upper-lippy in the face of the craziness and chaos around her. She believes in proper dress and accessories for the occasion, that a cup of assam with a dollop of cream is a universal restorative, and that many a problem may be kept in hand by a serviceable and sturdy parasol making a most satisfying thwak on a would-be assailant’s person. My kind of gal.

Alexia’s adventures navigate Victorian society while folding in action, mystery, romance, hijinks and hilarity. For a delightful romp through Steampunk Britain, I highly recommend this series.

Breathe deeply,
Laugh with abandon,
Love wholly,
Eat well.

MiLady Carol