MAGNOLIAS FOR BIRTHDAYS

"All who joy would win, must share it

Happiness was born a twin" Lord Byron

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Each year at this time I am reminded of the beautiful branch of Magnolia that my parents brought to me on the wonderfully exciting morning of Lucy and Emma's birth.

The lovely old Magnolia tree at our family home was the only thing flowering in the middle of winter and dear Mum knew how I would rather have something from her garden than a bought bunch from a florist.

Apologies to all florists!

We have had Magnolias for their August birthdays ever since.

So for my far away girls,

your very own birthday Magnolias.....

with all my love xx

Clocks and other treasure

http://www.gustavian.com/

Time for some more UK destination shopping!

Swedish Gustavian furniture - from the 18th century.

If you can't be in Sweden because you're busy tonight then let's try London. For anyone currently in the UK (now who could that possibly be.... Lucy?) here is your mission and here is the map....

A visit to this wonderful little shop will reveal seeing at least one or two of the original, precious and beautiful Mora Clocks. As my very astute readers will know many of these original Mora clocks were made over 200 years ago by local farmers from the town of Mora, who for 3 or 4 long dark, winter months of every year - while deprived of the joy of tending their fields (?) instead turned their very clever hands to making these full length painted case, wonderful clocks. They would cart then them off to the local market where considered of little value, they were exchanged for farm supplies. I ask you? Now, the original clocks are huge collectors' items worth many thousands of gilders and reproductions are rife - so much so that copywright prevents me from displaying any images of from Gustavian Shop on this space.... but here are some examples from elsewhere:

picture courtesy of Lee (swedish interior design), Von Sternberg, Von Eisendahler,Darby,Mcpherson)

http://www.swedishinteriordesign.co.uk/

I so love clocks of all descriptions but I especially love the naievity of these clocks and the fact that each one is individual in reflecting the character and creativity of it's maker. Beautiful don't you agree?

Winter Barossa Style

ANGASTON

ANABEL

BETHANY

LAMBERT

TANUNDA

This week was my Patchwork Day. Let me tell you the story.

Seven years ago The Koonunga Schoolhouse Quilters began in the Barossa region of Koonunga Hill - at that time, my home. Our first meeting was in the original Koonunga Schoolhouse from the 1920's -a whitwashed oregon pine traditional schoolhouse, still on our property. The membership was quite informal - a vague interest in patchwork and basic sewing ability. We decided to spend a full day together each month, meeting at each other's homes in turn throughout the year. Each meeting we would work on the quilt being made by the host quilter. ...

Seven years on ...we are still meeting every month. We laugh, cry, eat, drink, share and oh yes of course, we do sew quilts. Together we share the lives of our families, recipes, our gardens, our homes, our troubles and joys. We have all learnt amazing things about quilting and enjoy the reward of having beautiful quilts to keep or to give to others, that have been made with love by friends. We have become a family.

Most of the members of our group live in the country - not too far away. These pictures are from my drive last week on my way to the Barossa for one such meeting.

So for my darling, L in the UK summer, my treasure, E in the Wild West and my little poppet, G in ACT - here are some familiar sights. And for any other readers venturing on to my "Coming Home Collection" - enjoy!