The Anne Tea

Several months ago, I referenced Davy Keith in a conversation and my Younger Blossoms didn't know who I was talking about.  He's one of the twins whom Marilla later adopts in the Anne books, by L.M. Montgomery. 

"I've failed as a mother!" I wailed.

And then we dove into reading Anne of Green Gables aloud, because we must start at the beginning and we must hear of all Anne's adventures from the books where it all began.  

The Anne books are all long and that's a bit daunting to me when reading aloud, but we enjoyed a chapter a day during lunch clean-up.  These books are still as fun and heart-warming as ever.  The entire series is one of the most well-worn series on our bookshelves.  

About a month ago, we finally finished reading Anne of Green Gables aloud and a little idea sprouted.

"Let's have an Anne Tea Party!"

Eight young ladies stopped over in Anne-era shawls, brooches, and calicoes.  

Although Blossom2 is very busy with her college work, she couldn't resist this opportunity!  She baked Raspberry Tarts, Pumpkin Biscuits, Mini Victoria Sponge, and Tea Cakes.  Blossom3 and Blossom4 pitched in pulling together flower arrangements, dusting off the china and silver, tidying up, and digging through the dress-up for Green Gables appropriate dress.  All was done very properly according to the tastes of Anne with an E.  Tea was sipped, cakes were sampled, and smiles prevailed.

and then the girls went outside in the autumn air and played football.  

More Signs of Fall

Blossom3 and Blossom4 decorated their shelves in all their autumn artwork.  

They've amassed quite a collection!

I built these shelves out of the ends of old pallets for this precise reason.  I wanted to Blossom3 especially to be able to switch out and display her artwork on her own.

Meanwhile, I updated the mantle in the living room.  I don't spend a lot of time decorating but snagging some pretty things from the box in the basement and my stash in the cupboard takes about 5 minutes or less.  I'm not ashamed to reuse some of the same pieces year after year.

It's so good to bring beauty into our home and encourage ourselves to celebrate good things!

Over the years, I've found that embracing the seasons is a good and practical way for me to 

"smile at the days ahead."

"Happy Fall, Y'all!"

Dominique