Carter's Chronicles And The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies

Good morning my dear mermaid hearts,

 

At the weekend, a fortnight ago, Jeffrey Shawn and I worked in the garden. We've been planting loads of shrubs, emerald grass and boxwood at the front of Carter's cottage (see them placed strategically). Here is a picture of my parent's cottage (it was my paternal grandmother's), and my folks bought it from her also (giving her a life estate). 

The below painting is from a current dream I had and what I envision the cottage to look like at a future juncture.

I am placing the cart before the horse, yet I was caught up in the excitement and called Endureed last week to have them give me an estimate on a Somerset thatched roof for Scarlette Rose cottage along with Carter's Cottage (my folk's cottage). I've set the appointment with the strategic specialist. I will report back and let you know what I uncovered. I will collect prices on Scarlette Rose Cottage and my folk's cottage (Carter Cottage); as one day, you can rest assured I will have a flagstone thatched roof cottage. You heard it here first. Can you imagine a thatched roof covering the home in beautiful flagstone with green shutters and French casement windows all around?

And then a stone wall surrounding the perimeter, oh my! It reminds me of when Tasha Tudor (at 57, no less, and by the time she was 59, she moved into her home ) first moved to her 40 acres and began plotting Corgi Cottage. Simply knowing Tasha was up at an age when she finally landed in her forever home gives me high hopes for my own. I must confess to you why I have spent these last few years preparing to transform my folk's cottage. Their home is surrounded and shaded by several tall live oaks and a few laurel oaks. Some may find it curious why I would invest so much of my time and money into their home when we do not know what is in store for our future in a definitive way; nevertheless, I reason that their cottage is the portrayal of my two books that are to be released next month. Not only am I using my imagination of their home conjured up through pretty little visions for the books I've written and painted it is how I perceive things through my visionary lens. It's quite vital to living in the present moment of NOW. I've invariably benefitted quite well in all the homes I have ever dwelt in, and although i did not officially own them (except for two), it was never a regretful notion that I spent such efforts. The (Universe, God, Higher Consciousness, or Spirit) will always reward our actions when we are appreciative of present moments yet eager for more.

As I sketched and drank loads of tea at the weekend, I put on Tasha Tudors Take Joy DVD to play in the background to fuel my inspiration. 

I have been baking homemade bread for over thirty-one years; however, I am baking my first loaf using Tasha Tudor's cookbook today.

Look at my pretty Victorian tea box; isn't it swell? It arrived, and I am chuffed to bits. It is so beautiful. I am on the hunt for an original key to fit the lock, and I performed a bit of research to which I have also learned it had a small thin piece of brass on either side that was at some juncture yanked off, and it needs some new little knob replacements as well. So I have thought about making it a small episode for Patreon. I have many broadcast episodes planned, and I've posted my ideas on ye olde social media.  

Today I began hand-sewing a new prairie dress; I sew in the evenings whilst Jeffrey winds down after his work day. It's quite lovely and romantically quaint. 

Also, if you're interested in what I've been up to as of late, I've begun posting actively on ye olde YouTube channel again. I'd love to see you and let's have a prattle. In addition, daily, I share stories on my Instagram and post how I remain occupied.

I would love it if you were to follow me on Instagram or Facebook, where I will be keeping those up to breast on the release of my newest book, The Tale of the Christmas Bunnies.  

Most affably yours til my next swim, Raquelxxx