In The Depths Of Winter...

"Only with winter-deep patience can we bring the deep desired, long-awaited spring." --Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Hi all, how are you? It's been awhile, hasn't it? When I posted back in December that I would be away for a bit, I didn't think it would be this long. But my parents' situation turned out to be more challenging and complicated than I anticipated. They've needed my care, and it's been tough to find a solution that keeps them safe and happy without me staying with them.

The good news is that everyone is alive - including the 10-year old, much-doted-on, diabetic wire haired fox terrier.  My dad has gained six pounds in the two weeks since he's been home from the rehabilitation center and is zooming along pretty well with his new walker.

And now here in the depths of winter, I think that I may be seeing some signs of spring.

I hope that before the magnolias bloom my parents will be settled and safe, and I will be back at home with Mr. H., sketching away at our breakfast nook table.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, they've meant so much.

Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day, spent with the ones you love best - and that we'll be chatting away like old times very soon. XO

Something Pretty

Hi all, happy Friday! Just popping in with something pretty.

Vogue

This Oscar de la Renta gown may be from the 2013 Pre Fall collection, but it makes me think about the daffodils that will be blooming before we know it.

 My Illustration

Spring is just around the corner, isn't it?

Happy weekend, friends - hope yours is pretty! XO

Who Needs Lemonade?

Cutting the lemon 

the knife

leaves a little cathedral: 

alcoves unguessed by the eye

that opens acidulous glass 

to the light; topazes

riding the droplets,

alters, 

aromatic facades.  - Pablo Neruda

My friend Heidi dropped by the other day and brought my mother and I a beautiful sunny lemon, fresh from her brother's California backyard. I didn't even have to slice into it to be cheered by its optimistic hue and bright scent. No need to make lemonade! Never underestimate the power of color and fragrance to lift spirits and inspire a little bit of happiness.

I brought my painting supplies to Tacoma but honestly haven't been feeling that creative spark that usually gets my brushes flying. But the brilliant yellow resting against the simple blue and white of my mother's transferware does beg to be painted.

I'm energized by these lemon lovelies by Jennifer Boswell, a Santa Barbara artist inspired by the architecture and landscapes around her home. Can't you just smell the citrus groves?

And the talented Polly Jones and her cup of lemon tea. Polly's work captures the fleeting joys of life. 

My theory is that if you keep a list of the little things that bring you joy, a moment of happiness is never too far away.

What's on your happy list?

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for the continued thoughts and prayers! XO

Little Miracles

"Out of difficulties grow miracles." - Jean de La BruyAre

This time of year reminds me that even on the coldest, darkest, most dreary days, there is plenty of warmth, light and beauty all around. Little miracles are everywhere when we need them most. Among them I count all your kind comments, encouraging emails, thoughts and prayers for my family -- they've meant so much to me.

Another little miracle? I'm ringing in the New Year at my childhood home where I'm staying to help my Mom while my Dad gets stronger in a rehabilitation center nearby. I count this time with both of them as an extraordinary gift. I'm fortunate to have the flexibility in my life that allows me to be here for them without any questions or complications. And every cup of tea I share with my Mom at our old kitchen table, every visit to my Dad when I get to see him smile, are treasures that I wouldn't trade for anything.

And even in those moments when my hope fades a bit, when I worry and fret about what's around the corner, little miracles find me. Like this lovely post from Heather at Lost In Arles that artfully reminded me of the countless things my parents did that shaped me into the person I am today. Or this beautiful reflection in Maureen Dowd's column last week that helped me remember that unconditional love is a gift we all can give in the face of suffering. 

And even when grace and hope are almost gone, there is always gratitude. As 2013 begins I'm grateful for so much, including all of you. Thanks for stopping by, for all the conversations and connections. I'm not sure when I'll be back to a regular posting schedule, but hope it will be soon. I miss our chats!

Until then, I'm sending you wishes for a Happy New Year. I hope that your 2013 is full of so many little miracles.  XO

This Little Light

Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that I'm going to be taking a few weeks away. My father is ill and in the hospital, and my mother needs some care, as well. My focus right now is being there for them and giving them all the support I can.

I'm feeling a shadow of sadness during what is one of the most bright and beautiful times of the year. My parents' health, and also the events last week in Connecticut, make me feel like the days are indeed dark right now as we near the longest night of the year.

And yet. I am determined to find my light. To be bright and live with love and gratitude for each little miracle. To bring hope and strength and comfort, and to lift the spirits of those around me.

And I send you all my best wishes for a bright holiday. Love your families. Celebrate all that is wonderful in life. Be joyful in togetherness.

I hope that I'll be able to chat with you soon again come the New Year.

With love, Jeanne

Have A Cup Of Cheer

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." --Henry James

Our Tea Party Illustration

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Hope you're having a holly-jolly week! I'm just popping in for a quick hello. A friend and I co-hosted a holiday tea for the neighborhood ladies yesterday. I meant to snap a bunch of pictures to share with you but got so caught up in the fun and festivities that I didn't get chance. 

This week is full of holiday hustle and bustle, so I think I'm going to put my feet up for a bit and relax with tea in a pretty china cup. Hope you get to take a few moments for yourself today, too. XO

Candy Stripes

Happy Monday, all. Did you have a fun weekend? The holidays sure are cooking at our house. I'm in the midst of a little party prepping and spent last night mixing up these Candy Cane Cookies from Traditional Home:
 

I think these pretty candy cane chips could inspire a little peppermint twist on holiday decorating!

Our home has taken on some candy cane hues:

So what's cooking at your house? Hope your week is off to a sweet start! XO


Photos: 1) Traditional Home, 2) My photo, 3) Martha Stewart, 4) Elle Decor, 5) Elle Decor, 6) Martha Stewart, 7) Vakre Hjem & Interiors, 8) British Homes and Gardens, 9) Martha Stewart, 10) Vakre Hjem & Interiors, 11) My photo 12) My photo 13) My photo 14) My photo