Today I put on some classical music, and dove into treasures.
If we were attending a real mad tea, and had to meet up in big hats and such, what ever would you wear?
I got out a few gloves.
I still have so much of my stuff in boxes from years ago, when I moved to the country house full time.
Isn't that appalling?
But I do have a few pretties at the ready.
Then I re-found my antique, supple as babies skin, white leather gloves.
We tried on bonnets and lace.
Some books for good measure.
Even the little bear is excited to dress up for tea.
I so love that bear.
Mister Lovee gave her to me on one of our first road trip dates.
She opted for a mask today.
Where ever would I go in these gloves today I ask?
They are so much fun to put on.
As I collect bits and bobs.
Mending this and that.
Boys napping under toadstools.
Playing with jewels.
I am so obsessed with scale stands that you can find and estate shops, missing the scales.
Mainly because if they are missing the scales and crystals I use them to hang all sorts of things on.
I used one here, to hang keys and teacups from.
I needed a fun centerpiece so I threw it together on a whim.
Mostly I heap necklaces on them.
Or, I use the spots where crystals should hang for earrings.
I buy one every time I see them, so I have a little collection.
They are so darn handy I tell ya.
Miss Witchie is soooo excited.
My sister is afraid of her.
She says every scary movie begins with a doll as such.
But I trust Witch.
Although, I do chase my sister around holding her and cackling.
But honestly, she is a dear.
Harmless little Witchcake.
I do sound certifiably mad don't I?
Well, we all need a little madness in our lives from time to time, me thinks.
I changed up the paper dress I made, more to suit my style.
The more jewels and flowers, the merrier, I say ;-)
Tales of making her here.
I collect bee pins and brooches, so I used some of my favorite jade bees.
Of course, no day of baubles and frocks is complete without a drift through stacks of books.
A few years ago I was gifted this Beatrix Potter book.
It's delightful.
I do enjoy it so.
It's a treat, and quite amusing.
Even for a girl who prefers old books, it's lovely all the same.
Filled with old letters and details that are wonderful to look at.
This is what the overview at Barnes and Noble says about the book...
"This lavish, illustrated journal describes Beatrix Potter's life as a young woman in Victorian England as she struggles to achieve independence and to find artistic success and romantic love. Using witty, observant commentary taken from Beatrix's own diaries, the journal features a wealth of watercolor paintings, sketches, photographs, letters and period memorabilia to recreate the world in which she lived."
The book is especially fun because letters open up, and photo books open up inside the main book.
Very interactive.
I have had it for years and still enjoy it, finding new little tid-bits here and there.
(never mind my nail polish, I picked it off from overwhelmingness watching an intense movie)
Why it inspires my tea party mood, I don't know?
But it does.
The overall feel of magic I suppose?
Beatrix and her Benjamin!
Ahh, dream times.
Love them so.
I am excited for the mad tea party, are you?
It's quite hot here.
You would melt if you are not a heat lover.
But it's dry heat, zero humidity until monsoon season.
Last night it was very cool at 9 p.m., surprisingly.
We sat outside and it was delightful.
My sister and I used her Ipad app for looking at constellations.
It was fascinating.
You point your Ipad at the sky and it shows you what you are looking at.
The stars are so big and clear here it's amazing really.
I am always amazed by those stars up there.
And it's easy to spot things like the big and little dipper.
But seeing all the others because of the app was awesome.
My extra plump garden rat, Ratty, is terrorizing my garden still.
I think he needs a little suit.
If I capture him, it's dress up times, so he best pack his suitcase and move on.
:-)
Love, V
ps: There are so many bird babies in my garden.
Two big baby hawks were learning to fly this morning.
They were all chatter until their huge mom scurried them back up into a massive tree across the wash way out back.
Quail babies shuffle along with their parents and auntie all day.
So quickly that I can't even focus fast enough to photograph them.
There were about 10 babies to begin, and now there are two.
The remaining two are growing so fast.
I love how they stick together.
The male is the smaller one with markings on his face.
The females are larger with solid dark faces.
So I am sure it is mom, dad, auntie and two kids.
They live in a small wood pile behind the veggie garden.
So sweet!