Friday, October 23, 2015

A List for October....


Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day!
Every leaf speaks bliss to me,
Fluttering from the autumn tree...
Emily Brontë

A List for October.....

1. Skin Care
The dining room was empty save for the beautiful lady in the painting over the sideboard.  The Songwriter was still sleepily lacing up his hiking boots, so I’d come down to breakfast first.  I made for the table with the view across the meadow to the Scottish sea, and poured myself some hot coffee.  Before long, I heard the door to the kitchen swing open and the sound of little feet pattering on the dark wooden floor.  The innkeeper’s small boy had joined me, unnoticed by the watchful adults making breakfast, and almost immediately he’d dived under my table because, as he informed me with grave seriousness, he was, in all fact, “a spy”.  “Well then, I feel quite safe now”, I told him.

After a few minutes intense surveillance at the large window, he popped up at my elbow.  My phone was lying beside my breakfast plate (see above) and he looked at the case long and hard. 

“Who is that?”, he asked. 

“That's Queen Elizabeth the First”, I replied.  There was a long pause while he considered this tidbit of information.

“Why is her face so white?” 

“Well, because she used to put white powder all over it to make it white.  That’s pretty weird, isn’t it?”

The little fellowed nodded and with a comic’s perfect timing
 he raised his eyes and asked, 
“Why is your face so white?”

The little goober.  Of course I couldn’t help but fall over laughing.  He was right, of course.  I am incredibly fair-skinned, something I tried to rectify in my teens with help from the sun, but to no avail.  So very early on I chose to value my skin over what was for me the ever-elusive tan so prized by my friends, and now that I’m … ahem… more mature, I’m happy that I did.  I sometimes get asked what products I use these days.  Here are a few I rely on in the winter months 
when I’m frequently out in the cold with Edward…

Mario Badescu Chamomile Cream
Wonderful Stuff.
I slather it on every night.
Find it HERE

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Serum
My skin seems to love this.
Find it HERE

SKII Masks
I've heard Cate Blanchett wears one of these every time she's on a plane.  I asked The Songwriter if he'd mind if I did that when we fly and by the look of utter horror that flew over his face, I presumed that, yes, he did mind quite a bit.  Truth is, it does make you look like the lead in a spooky movie, until you take it off, that is.  Then I swear you'll have the skin of an eight year old. 
 Marvelous things.
Find them HERE.
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2.  Hobbs Jacket
Please somebody stop me.
I don’t need this.
But I am sorely tempted.
With grey wool trousers, grey cashmere turtleneck….
Find it HERE
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3.  New, Antique Pillows in the Shop!
I went wild this time.
These are so gorgeous.  And yes, I did steal one for myself.
But you can have any one of these you wish.
Find them HERE
Update:  The red ones are gone, the blue ones remain!
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4.  Luna’s Hat for Halloween
When dear Luna Lovegood first appeared in Harry Potter
 wearing this Gryfindor Lion hat, I nearly died.  
What fun it would be to wear this for Halloween.

Find it HERE
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5.  Coastal Quilts
A reader was kind enough to send me this link. 
Handmade quilts featuring the coastline maps of many beloved destinations.
Aren’t they beautiful?  And what a special gift.
Imagine giving one to a couple featuring their honeymoon spot.
Find Them HERE
****

6.  Apron
When I’m in the kitchen in summertime, I’m usually barefoot with my hair up and I’m cooking fast and easy - tossing fresh salads, slicing up big bowls of fruit, snapping beans or shucking corn.  But come October, I’m into some serious cooking.  Gingerbread cakes and whole-grain breads are filling the house with aromas of fall.  Hearty soups and stews bubble away in red pots.  We are heading into holiday season, the pinnacle of the cook’s year, and for that, I need a new apron befitting the spirit I feel when I’m at the stove on a holiday morning.  
This one fits the bill perfectly.
Find It HERE
****

7.  Return Address Labels
I’ve been making our Christmas cards for years now.  It’s something I love to do, (even though, yes, it’s time-consuming and frequently finished at three in the morning).  If that’s too daunting a task to consider this year, think about these personalized return address labels for your cards.  This company has so many choices, there’s surely one that will fit your family perfectly.  And think of all the time you’ll save if you don’t have to write your return address on every envelope!
Find them HERE
******

8.  Kites
The Songwriter always takes a kite to the beach.
But this one I’d hang up in a room inside.
Preferably over a bed where someone could stare at it and dream of celestial journeys.
I’ve always adored the art of Ann Wood.
Now I can make one of her magical ships for myself.
Please Lord, can you possibly create more hours in the day??
Find It HERE
****

9.  The Book for a Dark October Night
I just finished this.
With the light on.
Wow.  Now this is a book for Halloween!
Find it HERE.
By the way.... I’ve got a Halloween story of my own to share.
A little gift for my readers to, hopefully, enjoy…
Chapter One starts Tuesday at midnight!
******


10.  And Speaking of Books….
A BIG, BIG, Surprise
Is Coming November 1st!
Please Stay Tuned!

13 comments:

  1. I have looked and looked and looked for a tea cosy. Now, thanks to your list I have found one to love at House of Hackney. It matches the apron you have pictured. I have put it on my wish list for Christmas. Lovely, just lovely.

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  2. Love your list for October Pamela. How sweet are the return sender labels and so many lovely designs to choose from.
    Can't wait to hear your November 1st surprise.
    Cheers
    Anita

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  3. Lovely post Pamela. I shall tune in for your November surprise. As I was born on Hallowe'en it holds no scares for me.

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  4. Those return address labels are very, very appealing. What beautiful drawings on them. Love all your lists!

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  5. I love all of your lists...thank you for sharing such wonderful things with us! I am holding my breath that your "surprise" is a book written by you!

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  6. I love all of your lists...thank you for sharing such wonderful things with us! I am holding my breath that your "surprise" is a book written by you!

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  8. Can hardly wait for your story beginning Tuesday at midnight AND the surprise in November. Something tells me I'm going to LOVE it!!!

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  9. A great October List Pamela! I love the new works you have created, so very beautiful and of course you always inspire me!! Excited about your surprise!

    xoxo
    Karena
    India Hicks Style Ambassador
    The Arts by Karena

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  10. A surprise! I love surprises and I know this is going to be a good one! So many great items on your list Pamela...I have to go and play now, I shall start with #1...thank you! xxx

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  11. PS...loved the story..Queen Pamela The First. ;)

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  12. What a fun and eclectic list! Yes, the best skin care is avoiding the sun. I've never been a sunbather either.

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  13. What a great list! I love Felix Doolittle return labels and use them all the time. Those pillows and apron are very tempting! Isn't this the best time of the year!
    xx Sunday

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!