Thursday, May 6, 2010


A List of Spring Magic

Here in the South, for about ten days every Spring, we are trapped like a flies in a yellow jar.  Like a duststorm of dry mustard, pollen descends from the pine trees, coating everything, everything, with a dusty layer of brassy powder.
We close our houses up tight, we brush the dogs every night.  Apple’s black coat still turns rather green, so baths are more frequent.  All the cars become the same undesirable colour, and exhuberant sneezes are heard in every quarter.
And then one day, the rains come.  On a still afternoon we hear it, that sudden crack of thunder, the bugle call from a calvary of raindrops that fall from the skies to wash away all our gloom.  Windows are flung open, happy sighs are heard, the dogs shake off and smile.  It is now well and truly Spring and we walk down fresh streets newly bathed and glistening with all the primary colours of May.

There is newness all around us.   The garden is a avian nursery,  baby wrens are just waking in the pink birdhouse on the porch,  and a pair of ruby-feathered cardinals are tending to their brand new brood in the rose bush.  The Songwriter rescued, and relocated, seven baby opossum from the eager curiousity of Edward only last week... a drama that took up an entire day... and at dusk the garden is wiggly with baby rabbits.  And, in the really true spirit of Spring, friends had a brand new baby only last week.

So, I decided it was high time for a new favourites list.  Ten little bits of magic and wonder to compliment the season, to bring smiles and set imaginations aglow.
Enjoy!!

************************************






















1.  Garden  Statuary
There is a large stone frog that guards a flowerbed in my front garden, seated like a prince beneath blue sage and pink foxgloves. Whist deep in the back garden, a large copper frog the size of a boy scout nestles under ancient oaks and poplars, seated on a stone toadstool, reading a book he’ll never finish.  Every garden should have such creatures.  Here are some truly magical ones.  They're by artist, David Goode.  
Aren't they wonderful?


********************************************

2.  The Whimsy of a Finger Puppet
I thought this would be perfect for a child.  But the more I consider it, I think an adult, like myself perhaps, might love it even more.


**********************************

3.  Jewelry
In the movie To Catch A Thief, Grace Kelly’s character said she never wore jewelry, explaining, “I don’t like the feel of something cold against my skin”.   
 I say this necklace is worth the risk.




***********************************************

4.  Sunhats 
I always were sunscreen, with the highest SPF I can find.  It’s the best skincare advice I can give.  But to be safe, I also wear hats in the sun.  Big, floppy hats worthy of Cannes.  
This one is divine, don’t you think?



*****************************************























5.  Happy Books
There is something about May that makes me want to read books that make me smile.  Or perhaps to reread old favourites from days gone by.  
Here’s two of the best.







*********************************

6.  Frocks
I adore the clothing of wintertime.  The suits, the shawls, the boots, the gloves.  I feel more inclined to dress like an adult, more polished, more sedate.  But with the warm weather I find that I dress mostly in play clothes.  Linen shirts, pink trousers, a strand of pearls and bare feet.  When I do have to dress up, I want to wear somthing floaty, something enchanting, something more apt to be called a frock.  Like this dress by David Ellwand.  I can just imagine it, with flowers in my hair and ten bare toes, perfectly polished in red.  Sadly, Mr. Ellwand only designs clothes for the wee folk amongst us.  But his work is marvelous.


**************************************

7.  Tiny Purses
I tend to carry large handbags.  In summer they are ususally woven straw bags that I have to confess, I adore.  I’ve tried to fit everything into tiny bags, really I have.  But between wallets and lipstick, journals and dog biscuits, a hardcover book and a wee bit of knitting, it just never seems to work.   However, these lovely handmade purses make me want to give it another go.  I think they are perfect for an elegant spring dinner at an outside cafe.


********************************************

 8Ships and Birds
Every now and then I come across an artist that rocks me back on my heels.  Someone with a unique eye, who creates things marvelous to behold.  Take a look at this chap.  Handmade by artist, Ann Wood, he and his fellow owls sell out the moment she places them into her shop.  I know, I’ve tried to get there before they’re gone.  I am partial to this diabolical black gentleman, but here are owls of all colours, as well as magnificent handmade ships that you just have to see to believe. Wander around her shop and her enchanting blog and see if you don’t agree that she’s a real find.



*****************************************

9. Fairy Shoes
Years ago, in one of my favourite antique haunts, I spied a pair of tiny little shoes.   Very old, covered in green suede, their tiny toes pointed upwards with feathers on the end.  Entranced, I asked the proprieitess about them.  She was as intrigued as I.  Were they for a child, or an elf?  An infant, or a fairy?  All I knew was that they had to be mine.  They have rested atop a stack of books on a table near my fireplace ever since, a source of wonderment each time I gaze on them.  Below is their photograph, and I’m so pleased to say that now I just might be able to create a similar pair - brand-new,  for someone special.  Artist and blogger Annette Emms has provided a pattern for the enchanting fairy shoes that she makes.
  What a treat!  I’ve ordered mine. 
 Go get yours HERE.



********************************************


10.  Babies in Fairy Hats
As I stated above, a couple of friends such had a brand-new baby daughter. 
 The ultimate celebration of Spring.  
Here she is, just a few days old, modeling the knitted hat I made for her. 
 Doesn’t she look like a little fairy herself?




************************************************

So.  
What are your favourite things this spring? 
Do share!

34 comments:

  1. That Owl is a Wol if ever I saw one... loveley miscellanious mix here today. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. The images are divine, and go straight to satisfying my soul. Thank you so much. Frock, baby in fairy hat, floppy hat, and that necklace.

    Ahhhhh.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Spring! The sounds of the birds a warm minute or two of sunshine. The excitement that every rainbow gives. And, my absolute favorite the new born animals. Lambs bouncing, fluffy yellow chick, the soul full big brown eyes of New baby calves.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, we get that horrible yellow pine dust here too but a bit later. My doctor said that few people are allergic to the pine dust, that it’s more likely oak tree dust that I can’t see. Good of you to look beyond the dust. That is one divine sunhat indeed!

    My favorite things in Maine:
    1. Going out without a jacket
    2. Flowers
    3. Cote’s ice cream re-opening for the summer
    4. Birds at my feeder
    5. lambs at the farm
    6. happy smiles for a lovely day

    ReplyDelete
  5. jasmine in bloom
    my two cats
    soft breezes
    heater turned off
    tomato plants started
    windows open
    going into the ocean

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think I covered precious spring things on my blog early this morning...the birth of a baby among them...yes, indeed, it's spring! Hurray!and Yay!!! Drinking it in!

    And I do know about that horrible yellow pollen...we just drove north from Florida where it was doing its thing...

    ReplyDelete
  7. what a wonderful collection of beautiful things, especially the new baby :-)

    I love Spring and being on the boat and just noticing all the new buds, the green that bursts out overnight, the ducklings, the lazy long evenings as light drifts in through windows on to my own happy reads... that's about all I like to do at this time of year... just celebrate new life, and good life.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a fabulous, eclectic collection of favorites. O love those elves, or whatever they are!

    My spring favorites:
    New pale green leaves on trees
    Tulips
    Daffodils springing up in my lawn
    Lightning bugs
    Birds building their nests
    Warm days and cool nights
    Picnics
    Little girls in frilly Easter dresses
    NO SNOW!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beverly Nichols' Merry Hall is one of my favorite reads.
    This is a lovely stroll through the virtual marketplace, I'm going to go back and indulge in a closer look.
    Some favorite things?
    Shady hats, Yes
    Babies in fairy hats, Yes, and in handknitted woolies too.
    Beverly Nichols of course
    and his illustrator, Rex Whistler
    our sweet dog
    and the cats
    Cranford
    fresh scones with cream and jam
    and blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a charming list Pamela. I love when you share these lists with us! So much to love- those Fairy shoes are precious! I can't wait to see the ones you make. Now, is that a standard poodle with you and the Songwriter?
    And that little hat for the sweet wee one... it's all wondeful.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pamela...you knit too? Your talents are so broad! I am quite taken with that cute little sprite lounging in the marshmallows!!!

    I am anxiously awaiting my peonies to bloom...my favorite part of spring!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, the baby girl is such a sweet little thing, makes my heart filled with wonder....
    May she be blessed with the gift of imagination...
    Spring favorites:
    Spring flowers everywhere,the book 'Major Pettygrew's Last Stand', colorful plates and cups from Anthropologie, fresh herbs from my garden....
    And nature walks!!!
    And reading my favorite bloggers, like you!
    Thank you for your constant delight!
    XX
    Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  13. The baby looks adorable in her fairy hat!

    I have always loved pussy willows in springtime, but I never realized how much pollen they had until a few weeks ago. I saw a bundle them at the florist shop and lugged them home. A few days later - pollen everywhere! (there was a blanket of yellow dust beneath the branches the morning after they started to blossom). I'm afraid pussy willows have ceased to be one of my favorite spring things! (I think I'll stick with tulips and daffodils from now on).

    ReplyDelete
  14. It gets pretty powdery yellowy green here in the north too I'm afraid to say...Love that sweet little baby...and those two books I never heard of before...I love to learn of new books...

    ReplyDelete
  15. I always love your favorites post, Pamela. You really have the most magical lists I've seen.
    My favorites are lilacs in bloom, books, music throughout the house with the windows wide open, ice cream in outdoor cafes, birdsong at dawn. Oh, I could go on and on.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a lovely post! and I am in love with Ann Woods' owls myself & can never seem to grab one either. sigh.

    Favorite things this spring? My first garden -ever, in my whole adult life - *waking up*...you know how it goes, exclamations to plants like, "Oh my goodness, you LIVED!?!?!!" And then there's the spider webs (on plants!), tiny life modules exploding away...

    A very, very fine time of year :>]]

    ReplyDelete
  17. I must admit my favorite thing about spring is seeing creatures outside my window, bunnies, birds and bees all a buzz. Last friday, I visited "Sunnyside" - historic home of Washington Irving and loved every minute. Mind you it is an annual visit. I just love how he lived with all he needed, shared it and found himself in the midst of nature. It is so romantic, I left with all five senses fully engaged. That is what I love about Spring.
    A re-awakening of my senses each and every year.
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  18. Adorable, baby and hat both, you saved the best 'till last!

    here are a few of my favourite spring things-

    dog walking through bluebell woods
    planting seeds
    eating salads with basil and baby rocket
    teaching my grandson to do "wheels on the bus"
    planning holidays
    the smell of hyacinths

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello P&E,

    Well, I have been captivated for hours on Ann Wood's shop and blog sites! Those owls are wonderful, so full of character. She is a very talented lady. Thanks for the intro.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a wonderful miscellany of Springtime likes - here are a few of mine -
    The light mornings and lighter evenings
    Pink Cherry Blossom
    Goslings by the lake
    the burgeoning hedgerows
    bluebell woods
    home grown salads
    fledgling birds in the garden
    winter coat staying in the wardrobe
    drinking coffee sitting on the garden seat

    ReplyDelete
  21. My favorite little fairy is the new baby. What an adorable little cup you've made her! (btw, there's a bit of a fairy/elf theme going on here)

    I especially covet that straw hat; I'm also a queen of sunscreen and keeping out of the direct sun.

    My favorite thing about spring, above all, is the flowers. Wisteria, peonies, tulips, narcissus, hyacinth: all blooming now.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the baby and the owl! My favourite things are, the rush of new life, the song of busy birds and the sighting of butterflies and bees! suzie xxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your list of goodies are simply enchanting! As are you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What an inspiring list and such a darling babe!

    I love spring and the hope it brings with new growth and fresh starts.
    A fawn or two hiding in the brush.
    Horses trotting down our road,
    Peepers in the pond.
    The orioles returning.
    The noise of children riding bikes and bouncing basketballs.
    Lilies of the valley, violets, lilacs.
    Not needing a coat.
    The freshness and newness that spring green gives a winter weary spot in my world.
    Long walks and picnics.

    ReplyDelete
  25. What an inspiring list and such a darling babe!

    I love spring and the hope it brings with new growth and fresh starts.
    A fawn or two hiding in the brush.
    Horses trotting down our road,
    Peepers in the pond.
    The orioles returning.
    The noise of children riding bikes and bouncing basketballs.
    Lilies of the valley, violets, lilacs.
    Not needing a coat.
    The freshness and newness that spring green gives a winter weary spot in my world.
    Long walks and picnics.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wonderful post Pamela!

    All whimsy and wonderful.

    I stood in a field of English Bluebells today

    and it was the most spectacular thing I have ever seen. Heaven...that is Spring to me :)

    Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear Pamela! Why did you come visit me? You have lead me so far astray now that I am beginning to wonder where it will all end! I refuse to follow another of your leads tonight I have to get back to my book, only one to go! You have a gift. I am so pleased you took it up again I am really enjoying your writings xo Julienne

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dear Pamela,
    First of all, I'm sorry that I've missed a few of your posts....computer trouble !!
    WWhat a wonderful selection of fairytale things that you have shown us. Being in England, I of course know all about David Goode. His work is so amusing, isn't it ?
    XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for sharing all your favourite things. Marsh Marigolds growing in the woods had me excited today.

    ReplyDelete
  30. A very inspiring spring list Pamela. My favourites are the wonderful owl and the little finger puppet. I agree it is more of an adult thing. Thanks for the link to Ann Woods blog. I will have to check that out. Among my own spring favourites are fledgling birds and bluebell woods, foxgloves and lilac.

    Sorry to hear all about the pine pollen. We have oil seed rape pollen over here which a lot of people are becoming allergic to. I think it is also called Canola.

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a list of gorgeous things!

    Shirl x

    ReplyDelete
  32. This divine list of spring lovelies is just heavenly! Leigh

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh, your Top 10 lists are always fabulous. Love your sensibilities. :-) Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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!