Summertime at the Cottage

One of the best parts of living on a body of water is that when it's a good day, it's an exceptional day, and summertime seems to give us more than our share of them. We woke this morning to see a clear blue sky and a glass still pond out our bedroom window. When we moved in, my very clever husband had the wonderful idea to break up our long bedroom by putting the bed right in the middle of the room, facing the water. So now, we wake every day to a beautiful view. Great idea and I love sharing the concept, as I never would have thought of it.

The next wonderful thing about summertime at the cottage is that the grandkids are out of school, and are able to come for longer visits to "Nanny & Papa's". When they are here we seem to do more of the fun things that one does with children. For example, little Miles & I went to the ocean and had my iPhone playing music while we were taking a break from the waves. I decided it was a good tune to dance to; so started dancing, and sure enough, Miles joined right in. There we were, dancing in the sand on the beach; just because we could. Ahh, the joys of grandchildren. Perhaps it's just the excuse needed to bring out the kid in us once again.

As the songs says, if you have a choice to sit it out or dance . . . dance, dance, dance! Here's to summertime - cheers!

Independence Day

We are subscribed to the movies-by-mail service as it seems to work well in keeping us entertained relatively inexpensively and we like the convenience. Lately we're over the moon about all things from the history section like the Boleyn Sisters, Henry VIII, and just this week John Adams story. I'm not even sure when I selected the John Adams mini-series, but if there could have been a perfect time to watch it, the week of July 4th would be it.

You know how it is said that you get the messages you need, when you need them? Well, this has proven to remind both my husband and myself of the kind of stock we come from, and that even though things are quite tough in our lives personally, in our country, and in our world; those who came before us saw much tougher times, and managed to endure and come out stronger because of it. Let us all remember that and on this Independence Day, take stock of what makes living in the Land of the Free so special. We are allowed freedoms that so many others around the world would give anything for, and somehow most of us take most of them for granted.

Before this day is out, I plan to spend some time preparing a short list of the things that I can do to be a better American, to be a better citizen of our free country. A country that allows me the freedom to write this very post on my own Blog, about whatever I want. God Bless America! Happy 4th of July!!

Aprons and Such

I was just looking at some pictures of the "retro aprons" in a magazine and had an image flash in front of me of a photograph that I have somewhere, but I just can't put my finger on it right now, so I'll paint one with words. When my daughter was just a little thing, I made her an apron just like Mommy's because she loved to help me in the kitchen, and I've always worn an apron when cooking.

In fact I have five or six hanging on the "apron hook" at this very minute. Well, as children are suppose to; she grew up and out of her little apron, but I kept it anyway. Probably for sentimental reasons mostly. Every once in a while I'd run across it in the back of the kitchen towel drawer, pull it out, run my hands over the little waistband and remember how quickly those times went by.

Also in testament to how fast time goes, I've now been able to put that very same apron on three of the four grandchildren that have been bestowed upon me, and #4; little Miss Georgia is just about ready as she'll be 3 in August. Certainly she will love to have me put that apron around her tiny little waist, pull that old yellow stool up to the counter for her to kneel on, and help Nanny measure and stir whatever treat it is that we are cooking up.

Even though I can't find that picture I was thinking of, I can see all of them in my mind's eye; each with that same little apron on, beaming up at me with the enthusiasm only a little child can possess. Thrilled with the task at hand of combining ingredients to make some delectable treat that they will then proudly proclaim to have helped make.

Ah yes, another good thing happening at the cottage -

Go To Market

We are working really hard to get things ready to "go to market" this week. My new business cards came in and look absolutely great, which is a very encouraging sign. So far there are several items that are part of the Maine picture series sets. There are 12 sets in all:

1. "Loons"
2. "Maine Lighthouses"
3. "Springtime in Maine"
4. "Autumn in Maine"
5. "Four Seasons in Maine"
6. "Serenity"
7. "Solitude"
8. "Ocean's Edge"
9. "Linekin Bay"
10. "Country Roads"
11. "Sunsets I"
12. "Sunsets II"

It's so exciting to see all of the things I picture in my mind's eye coming into reality. My husband & I usually start most of the plans while sitting at the dinner table, looking out onto the pond. It seems to be a very creative space and now, more times than not; it looks like a work table that has space cleared so we can eat. We don't have to feed anyone but ourselves , so I guess that's why we can get away with this. Good thing!

Currently there are single Notecards, Notecard Sets, 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" Magnets and 2" x 2" Magnets and then the Serving Tray that is currently in final design stages. Very exciting!

Then there is the Maine Sea Treasures Box, which came out so lovely. At the suggestion of my "Baby Sister" (and yes, she'll always be my Baby Sister; even when we're 80), we made a smaller version, and are calling it Nance's Sea Treasure Box. Once it was done - and it is SO adorable - I knew there would soon be a medium size, as it seems only right. Besides, both my husband and I are middle children, so we're pretty partial to that "middle thing".

This seems like we are on a roll to making Classic Cottage Living a reality, despite the rather large obstacles that are currently smack dab in the middle of our road. Oh, I forgot to mention; we were able to get the website hosted this week, and so that will be coming together quickly at the same time. Most excellent!

Let's not forget FaceBook, we now have a Classic Cottage Living page and also a group that you can make one of your favorite's. Not sure that I totally have that under control, but it's coming along.

Whew, I just read this and no wonder my house is a mess - it appears there is a lot going on in our world and this is just the tip of the iceberg for sure. Stay tuned or better yet, sign up to receive posts from our Blog and Twitter and Facebook, yes I'm a geek and I admit it!

Back to work - much to be done . . .