A List for Hibernating in Fall

A List for Hibernating in Fall

No matter the weather, whether I’m tired or peppy, hurried or un, whenever I’m in London I always make time for a stroll in St. James Park.  Partly because it’s lovely in any season, and partly because I like to follow in the footsteps of Clarissa Dalloway.  In that setting, so unchanged throughout the years, (the footbridge notwithstanding) it takes very little imagination to see her walking beside me, her gloved hands moving in the sunshine as she tells me all about the party she is to have that very evening.

On a gorgeous fall afternoon last month, after all the drama of our holiday, I left The Songwriter recuperating in his suite at The Draycott and set out for my usual walk through the park.  I wandered through the Buckingham Palace gift shop where I picked up a baby Prince George tea towel and then entered the park under the gaze of the golden Queen Victoria monument.  I took my time, walking slowly, admiring every flower and tree, saying hello to every duck and pelican, until I reached the charming outdoor cafe beside the lake. A restorative cup of tea and a ginger biscuit were in order.  Usually an Earl Grey or Darjeeling girl, this afternoon the idea of Peppermint Tea totally tickled my fancy.  It sounded somewhat rejuvenating, yet soothing at the same time.  So I carried a steaming cup to a table from which I could easily observe all the hustle and bustle of a September Sunday and sat down to collect myself and munch my ginger cookie.  And right there, a new favourite tea was found.  I discovered I quite adored Peppermint Tea and have been having a cup, or three, every evening since returning home.  

 I have also been reading.  A lot.  And knitting.  A lot.  And cooking.  A lot. With The Songwriter’s activity somewhat curtailed for three more weeks, we’ve been quite the homebodies, which is actually rather nice when the nights get chilly and the days get shorter. I've discovered that forced hibernation is not so bad.  It’s given me time to share some of my recent finds with you.   Some books, some book related items, and a bit of whimsy.  All perfect for this most delightful time of year.  As usual, click on the photo and you’ll be transported to find out more.

  Enjoy!

1. The Bookcase 

 At antique shows, I’m always drawn to bookcases.

  Particularly round, revolving ones.

I have several, and adore them all.  

But this one is the ultimate. 

 It’s seven feet tall!   

2. The Candy Jar 

 This is just magnificent. 

 I can easily imagine it filled with all sorts of sweet things. 

From marshmallows to gumdrops.

 Can’t you?

3. The Witch 

 Recognise this witch? 

 I’m so looking forward to seeing her in the upcoming film adaptation
 of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods. 

 Oh, and it’s Meryl, just in case she fooled you.

4. The Settee

As I said, The Songwriter and I have been doing a lot of reading these past couple of weeks. 

 (He’s really enjoying this book.)

  I’m thinking what we need is a settee like this one.

  Don’t you agree? 

 I can just see it covered in this fabric.

5. And, The Books.....  Here’s a few I’m dying to get my hands on!

An English Room

 By Derry Moore

 With Sherlock on the cover... who can resist?

Dog Songs

 by Mary Oliver 

My favourite poet.  

My favourite subject. 

 Cannot wait.

Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life

 by Marta McDowell 

 Having had the pleasure of wandering through this lady’s enchanted garden
 at Hilltop Farm in Cumbria,

 this is a book I’m so excited to read.

Memos - The Vogue Years

 by Diana Vreeland, Edited by Alexander Vreeland

During her revolutionary years at American Vogue, Diana Vreeland was famous for dictating memos to her staff each morning from her Park Avenue apartment.  When she  arrived at her office, which by the way was never before noon, she would type these up and dispatch them around.  Needless to say, they were over the top, just like the lady herself.  This, I am sure, will be one entertaining book!

6. My New Favourite Tea

Seriously, try some.

7. Scotland

And lastly... I’ve gotten some letters and comments from sweet readers concerned that perhaps our recent adventures in Scotland might dissuade us from making a return trip in the near future.  Just look at the photograph below, taken two days before The Songwriter broke his ankle.  Can you imagine, in your wildest dreams, that we wouldn’t be going back to Scotland? 

 It’s like going home to me.