For the Hunters of Dreams

The woods were made for the hunters of dreams

The brooks for the fisher of song

To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game

The streams and the woods belong. ---Sam Walter Foss

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Meet my new bunny who looks like he's chocolate, but he's not. I found him at The Green Pea Boutique in our small little town. I discovered this lovely boutique last Fall during the downtown "Wine Stroll". Sandi from The Green Pea had the most wonderful chocolate that night! I love her store it is full of wonderful treasures! I found this little bunny the day Miss Jean from In the Garden with Miss Jean and I had coffee together, and Maggie and Conner went to the Day Spa. It was a great day and I will always remember them when I look at my bunny.
Mumzie

Sunrise on Fat Tuesday

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and that means we have 46 days before Easter. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Easter this year is April 12th. Many Christians fast during Lent, just as Muslims fast during Ramadan and Jews fast during Yom Kippur. In all three faiths, it's a time of repentance for the things you have done wrong. Some Catholics and Protestants fast from things other than--or in addition to--food. Some may fast or refrain from unnecessary purchases or give up a pleasurable habit, such as television, desert or mystery books. I remember as a child always giving up chocolate or deserts during lent. I'm still contemplating what I'll give up this year. Hopefully, by tomorrow morning I'll have it figured out. As for today, Fat Tuesday....when everyone goes to New Orleans to celebrate... it only brings back memories of Peter Fonda and that movie "Easy Rider." Wow, that takes me back.

Have a great "Fat Tuesday"

Mumzie

Hot Tea & Honey

Your possessions express your personality. Few things, including clothes, are more personal than your cherished ornaments. The pioneer women, who crossed a wild continent clutching their treasures to them, knew that a clock, a picture, a pair of candlesticks, meant home, even in the wilderness. ---Good housekeeping, August 1952

I am so looking forward to this Thursday evening because I'm taking a class on "Exploring the World of Teas" with my new friend Jean from In the Garden with Miss Jean. I met Jean through blogging and besides living in the same small town, we are both retired, have Scottie dogs, love antiques, sewing, and lots more...oh yes, we both love TEAS. Her Maggie is just the sweetiest little girl Scottie I've ever known.

I just wanted to say thanks to Jean for her inspiration.

Happy Monday!

Mumzie

The Feng Shui of Serving Refreshments

Pointing Arrows?

Lillian Too's book, "Easy-to-use Feng Shui" has been collecting dust for some time on my bookshelve. Today, while searching for information on teas, I found it...like a hidden treasure lost but found again. I'm not sure where it came from, perhaps it was one of those Costco bargains from years ago. Anyway, I found this interesting tip from the book for enhancing friendships when it comes to refreshments.

When serving tea, coffee or dinks to your visitors you should always make sure not to point the spout of the tea-pot, coffee-pot or jub directly at anyone. These spouts are like tiny "poison arows" of hostile energy aimed at them. Plus, when you are a guest, it's a good idea to lean over and movethe teapot or jug, if the spout happens to be pointing directly at you. Otherwise, the spout is sending little sliver of "killing breath" towards you. When entertaining, therefore, you should be aware of this little point. Poison arrows create small discords that can magnify into misunderstandings. Just to be on the safe side, I think I'll be more cautious in the future and pay attention to this small detail. I certainly don't want any poison arrows pointed in the direction of my friends or my self.

The above teapot is one of my favorites. I picked it up a few years ago while on a road trip to Texas at one of those Cracker Barrel stores. I fell in love with it's country and oriental look.

Mumzie

February Rain

Pleasures newly found are sweet

When they lie about our feet;

February. . . Praise of which I nothing know.

--William Wordsworth

Cold, gray, wet, muddy mornings make the shortest month seem the longest. But lingering afternoons and pink sunsets hold out promise. Like matters of the heard, February is full of surprise, contradiction, and the spell of the sensuous. Cherish your romantic impulses. Succumb to cabin fever. Become your own courtesan. Light your own fire. Have a clandestine affair with contentment. Play with your food, hide under the covers. Indulge in armchair adventures--unusual sleuths, film noir. Try on fantasies. Reconsider red--lips, nails, shoes, walls. Slip on bangles or slip into silk. Trade the treadmill for the tango. Curl your hair, cinch your waist. Chocolate becomes you, so show off your curves. Remember flirting is good for the soul. Make peace with your past. Lose your heart to Life.

---Sarah Ban Breathnach...Romancing the Ordinary

The wind and rain are coming down today like crazy and it's somewhat cold. The redwoods in the backyard are being toss furiously like ferns. The dogs are all curled up in their beds and don't want to go outside for a walk, so we're skipping the walk today.

The Hubs made it to work safely this morning, but not without incident. It seems a large over sized trash can flew onto the roadway and smashed up the headlight and turn signal of our truck. Fortunately, he was in the truck today since our car is in for routine service and repair. If he'd hit the trash can with the car, it would have pretty much taken out the front end. Again, his Angel was watching over him.

My guitar teacher canceled my lesson last night due to an illness in his family. I hope all is well. I'm just going to keep practicing last weeks lesson and doing some reading today. I think a fire in the fireplace, some hot chocolate, and finish reading my new magazine, " Maryjane's Farm". Yes, I'm a farm girl at heart and this magazine is bringing me back to my roots.

Mumzie

The following poem is dedicated to Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams .

Becky lost her oldest son last week and today is his funeral. Attending your child's funeral is something a mother should never have to do. I feel deeply for her and her family and I pray for them during this very sad time.

For Becky's Jordan

Always My Son

You are my son, a part of me, and that will never change,

No matter what you do in life my love will still remain.

I held you as a baby and I looked into your face,

And I knew then, no other one could ever take your place.

I knew then as I held you, you would grow to be a man,

And anything you did in life I’d try to understand.

I knew you would make choices and would follow your own heart,

I only prayed that in your life I’d always have a part.

I knew some things you did in life would give me so much pride,

But also realized some things would tear me up inside.

I only want the best for you and want you to succeed,

And want you to find happiness with everything you need.

I can only guide you and give you a helping hand,

You will choose the path to take now that you are a man.

Along the road that you will choose, whatever that may be,

Just remember this my son that you can count on me.

I will not try to push you to live life in my own stride,

I only promise I will love you and stand by your side.

I know that you will make mistakes and life is full of them,

But realize my love for you will not let me condemn.

I know this life's not perfect and we do the best we can,

Just realize I love you and I’ll always understand.

I knew one day you would grow up and you would leave my nest,

I will do what I can for you and let God do the rest.

I have held you in my arms and done the best I can,

Now I pray that God will hold you now that you're a man.

Just remember in my heart you are a special one,

And I will always proudly tell the world, "this is my son."

---James A. Kisner

With Love,

Mumzie

February

China tea, the scent of hyacinths, wood fires and bowls of violets---that is my mental picture of an agreeable February afternoon. --Constance Spray

February arrives cold, wet and gray, her gifts disguised for only the most discerning spirits to see. Gentle is our path. Gratitude is the thread we weave into the fabric of our daily lives this month, giving thanks for our simply abundant lives and asking for the gift of one thing more: grateful hearts...

Sarah Ban Breathnach "Simple Abundance"

I love the white arbor above and looking forward to my dad creating it soon.!

Looking forward to Spring!

Mumzie

Mustard Festival

Napa Valley Mustard Festival

January 31 to March 31

Mustard Season in the world-famous wine region of Northern California is a sight to behold. The fields, vineyards, and hillsides are covered with wild mustard in full bloom. The region has been hosting this festival for the last sixteen years, and for the first time last year we were able to attend. Since one of our favorite things to do is go wine tasting, we had a great time. The people are friendly and the wine and food are fantastic.

2006 Napa Valley Mustard Festival Photography Contest ~ Ryan Daffurn

2009 Napa Valley Mustard Festival Poster by Melissa Baker

I loved last year's poster so much, I bought it for my collection.

2008 Poster by Jessel Miller

Reynold's Family Winery

Our favorite winery at this time is Reynold's. It's a small family owned and operated estate and they love dogs! Even though it was a little rainy we had a great time.

For more information visit : http://www.mustardfestival.org/index.html

Mustard growing in Vineyard...so beautiful!