Josephine to Tea

My Dearest Josephine,

It is with a bursting heart that I await our lovely visit this very day!

To see my dear friend, to hear her laugh, to witness the sparkle of her eyes, is a treasure to my spirit.

I do hope the children will enjoy themselves... I had hoped to let them play in the garden, but alas, the gray skies forbid such frolicking... There is much to occupy them in the nursery. I'm confident their spirits will soar...

Come, my friend, and let us take tea together ... let us renew our friendship, once again...

Your dear friend,

Lucinda Jane

I took tea today at "Lillian Ann's Attic" on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. What a pleasant morning excursion.
Ladies of refinement simply must make their morning visits. Otherwise, people should very likely talk...

Summer Blackberries & Cream

My Dears,

As the sun scolds me overhead, I retreat to my cool kitchen in search of a remedy for the scorching admonition of this unforgiving summer day...





"Summer Blackberries & Cream"

* 1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream

*1/4 cup white sugar

*1 tsp. vanilla

*1/2 pint fresh blackberries

Combine heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla in mixing bowl.

Mix with (electric) beaters until mixture thickens and peaks. Usually about 10 min.

Layer your dish with spoonfuls of cream & blackberries. Chill for 1 hour and ENJOY!
Serves 2. (Double recipe to serve 4-6)

Much Love, Lucinda

Knickers for Gideon

My Dears,

What joy it brings to me to think that my nephew will arrive any day now! We patiently await with great anticipation his most joyous birth!

It was my privilege to sew for him a lovely set of knickers for his Dedication Ceremony this summer.

Daisy possessed a dainty toddler pillowcase at her shoppe in the Spa of Ballston, which she agreed to sell to me for ten shillings.

A stitch here and there, and it was transformed into a darling set of knickers!

My dear friend, Beatrix Potter was kind enough to paint her clever Peter Rabbit friend on a set of buttons for the pant cuffs! I do so love her illustrations. Her charming stories are much loved in my home... Did you know that she and I are such beloved friends, that she named two sweet characters after me? ... "Lucinda" and "Jane!"

Kindest Regards,

Lucinda Jane Wordsworth

"Mother's Doll"

Mother journeyed into her hope chest in search of some old friends...

Many of her hopes, and some of my own, found their way into my very own hope chest...

It is now warmed by many treasures...

This little doll stopped along the way, and decided to stay a while with me ...

What shall we call her?

She was once called Hannah, when Mother was a child...

... I admire her shoes ...

I would like to call her Bitsy, Adelaide, or Clara ...


Yours Truly,
Guinevere Katharine Blythe

Blessings for Josephine

This day has been one of mixed mercies...

The rain has come, which has been much desired for grandmother's herbs...

And although the rain bestows fertility of earth and spirit,

Oft times it leaves us in want of the rainbow's promise...

While soil and soul graciously accept the gift of rain,

Our hearts may wander to days of sun ... remembrances of yesteryear...

This day of mixed mercies,

Is one that has brought thoughts of you...

Blessings upon you, my dear friend,

As days of sun await us, and tender soil begs our gentle steps ...

Ever Yours,

Lucinda Jane

Buttons & Daisies

Mother has sewn buttons on my apron made of hankies...

These buttons afford me two pockets...

One for my tea pouches, and the other to gather daisies...

It is quite efficient, and rather useful.

Shall we take tea?

I must ready my daisy centerpiece...



~Lucinda Jane, mother of Guinevere...

Guinevere's Moment

While I am young,
I'm obliged to pursue simple pleasures.

... fiddling with Mother's hair pins ...
... wearing my nightdress with Sunday's shoes...
... hiding pebbles in my palms ...

As I grow,
I am learning quickly ...
Alas, you slowly forget ...

You've forgotten the magic of trickling water,
from roof top,
from tree limb,
from faucet.

I've just found it.

You are folding laundry, planning for tomorrow.
I am touching magic water, enjoying this moment.

I am almost two years old.

~ L.J.W

Here and There

My Dearest Lady Lucinda Jane,

I am always filled with wonder upon receiving your posts! You are gifted with beautiful words.

The glorious news of the name of the expected child was received with great joy. What a wonderful name for a son! Our prayer are with your sister during her delicate situation.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful time you had with your friends at your tea. You paint a picture with words and leave us longing to be there.

And lastly, with your permission I shall hang the lovely painting of your garden in my parlour. The colours blend so well and remind me of the Queen's gardens in London.

Ever Cordial,
Lady Jocelyn Victoria Shefflield-Wimsley

Greetings to Georgiana

My Dearest Lady Georgiana,

My heart was overjoyed with the past that you would be joining our bee society. Your grace, extraordinary beauty and wistful humor are oft spoken of in the high society circle of London.

How honored we are by your presence.

Ever Cordial,
Lady Jocelyn Victoria Shefflield-Wimsley

A thought

Next week I shall begin my operations on my hat, on which you know my principal hopes of happiness depend. - J.A.

A Visit to the Hothouse

My Dears,

Among my favourite past-times is a light ramble in the fields behind the cottage where the peonies, flocks, and daisies bloom. I gather the buds and blossoms as the gentle breeze caresses my face, and the grass teases my toes... a wild sprig or two may flirt with my ankles as it sneaks 'neath the hem of my skirts...

Occasionally, when the rains come and seem to dampen the spirits of the wild flowers, I must resort to purchasing my blooms at the hothouse. Of course, they are quite well groomed. The colours are vivacious and their perfume fills the cottage...

It is a different excursion altogether when one visits the hothouse. One must always wear one's bonnet, tuck lace, and polish their shoes for such a visit. There are no such customs in the fields behind the cottage. One's hair may flow freely, and one's feet may be undressed...

I do so love a tender bouquet. As my peonies beg their farewell to the month of June, I must visit the hothouse within a fortnight...

True?

Miss Bigg writes me word that Miss Blachford is married. but I have never seen it in the Paper. And one may be as well be single, if the Wedding is not to be in print.

(From our Dear J.A)

Ever,
Prudy

Ode to a Clutch

There is something to be said of a fine purse.

The onlooker gazes with admiration and oft times a tinge of envy ... and the hand which holds it knows of the secrets therin.

And although a fine clutch can travel the world, enter the parlours of duchesses and the tea rooms of refined society,
despite the strong desire of its companion, it simply cannot enter the washtub...

~ L.J.W

To Tea

My Dears,
I've just had a few wonderful friends to tea this very afternoon. Among the guests were Eliza, Beatrice, Kitty, Clara, and Annabelle. Sadly, Charlotte was not able to attend, as her horse needed to be shod at the very last moment! It was quite distressing to know that she was without her carriage, but alas, I have saved her a scone! We browsed the finest catalogues from London and sipped afternoon tea. I served homemade blueberry scones with homemade Devonshire Cream, fresh chilled fruit and cream, and of course savory sandwiches. It was quite delightful, and my heart is full this day. Annabelle won the door prize, and she chose one of my finest venetian lace brooches! I wish to have you all to tea when you are next in the country. I am famous for afternoon tea! In my own circle of couse, it has been said ... (smile...)

I remain,

Lucinda Jane

Announcement

My Dears,

An announcement has been made in honor of the child soon to be delivered by my dear sister.

A son is expected to arrive within a few weeks, and his name has just been announced to family and friends ...

He will be called

Gideon Gregorio Morales

"Mighty Man of Valor"

The Post Came Today!

My Dear Ladies,

The post has finally arrived and with it your invitation to contribute to this blogging bee. I can not express the happiness your invitation brings me. I am speechless, speechless!!! And I have not stopped talking of it since. In due time I hope to contribute many valuable pieces to this great endeavor.

Thank you again for the invitation,

Sincerely yours,
Georgiana Elizabeth Fitzwilliam

The Healing Home

"Stop, stay at home, my heart and rest; Home-keeping hearts are happiest."

~ Henry Longfellow


My Dearest Ladies,

I regret to advise that I am much cumbered with sickness these many days. I have struggled amidst aches and pains of the throat and chest. I have fallen ill with fever as well. It is with a weak body that I embrace my quill this evening.

I beg of you, my dear friends, please say a prayer for myself and for the children. I fear they shall grow ill as well. My dear mother has been stricken as well, and my dear sister is in a delicate condition, so my resources have been exhausted. Although, I do thank my dear friend, Josephine, who has offered her services in any way for which the situation calls.

I write not to burden you with my particular set of woes, but rather, because I was heartened by this wonderful tribute to motherhood, given by Longfellow. How true it is. As I look around my home this evening, I see that it breathes with life, and it whispers secrets to my soul. These many years I have devoted myself to my home, husband, and children, and when my eyes travel the corridors, I see a bit of myself in every element.

I seek not the pleasures of travel. I seek not the gifts of this present world. I do not search after great wisdom or prosperity. I do not covet that which is not mine. I do not keep the company of fools. Rather, I seek the solace of home and the hearts of those who live here. I search for the voice of my Creator, and the blessings only He can bestow. I have loved that which is mine, and cherished those things. And I've found the company of a few dear friends who have become as sweet perfume to my spirit...

I love you all dearly, and I pray the best of health to you all...

Ever Yours,

Lucinda Jane Wordsworth ~

As Charles Dickens Says...

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."

Just wanted to share my favorite quote with the ladies of lace and lavender. When first I heard this quote, about 15 years past, It changed my thinking about every day situations.

What a brave and inspiring man he is! His wise words are moving and set my heart a blaze.

Ever Cordial,
Lady Jocelyn

My Inaugural Script

Dearest "L & L",

It is with great honor I accept this invitation. However; there isn't enough ink in my well to supply my quill sufficiently. Mercy me, what a quandary! I fear I shall faint over the matter. As soon as I find my smelling salts I shall return, post-haste, to commence this conversation.

Ever Cordial,
Lady Jocelyn

Of Lace ...

My Darlings,

You must see! I have found yet another divine piece of lace with which to design brooches! I have such joy when I find a shoppe which carries a lovely piece of lace! I snatch it right up, and I scarce view the price tag! When I next visit London, I will proudly wear my new lace!

Yours Truly,

Lucinda Jane

Tea Traditions for Tots

To Create Lucy's "Tea Tradition For Tots," you will need some/all of the following...

~ a lovely woven basket
~ a small porcelain tea cup and saucer


~ a set of handmade fabric tea pouches, (see picture,)
~ a handmade hankie tea apron, (see picture,)
~ a sheet of cherub, children, or heart stickers
~ a piece of cut lace fabric for a child's tea table, (use to line the inside of the basket,)
~ a crochet doily for under the tea pot!
~ 2-4 porcelain rose place card holders & a set of place cards

~ a few potpourri sachet pouches as tea favors
~ some candy
~ 2 handmade candles, preferably beeswax, for the tea table
~ a candy bag with sugar cubes
~ a child's book of verses for the tea table
~ a soft teddy bear
~ a pouch of silk rose petals for the tea table
~ a small box of cookies

There are so many more things you can add to this basket! ... little hankies, small tea napkins, hair ribbons, homemade doll clothing, etc. Line your basket with the lace cloth and fill it with the treasures, wrap it in tulle or clear wrap, and decorate with ribbons and stickers! Makes a wonderful gift! ~ Lucy

What Joy

Dearest Lucy,

You are a wonder. Both Jocelyn and I were so pleased and happy to receive our gifts on Saturday. Sir John also was most joyed at the lovely painting you bestowed on their home. It will be taken to London this week to be properly framed.

I adore my sachet! You truly are a kindred spirit for I had just told Sir Andrew not a fortnight ago that I longed for a nice sachet to go in my 'delicate's' drawer and there simply was not anything to be found this side of London. But alas I know now that my worry was in vain for you had prepared the best of gifts for me.

Lucy my dear the cards you sent were simply beautiful, not only in design and color but in verse, both prewritten and you very own words. Please accept the most heartfelt thanks for the gifts that are tangible as well as the sweet gift of your friendship. You are more precious to me than you realize.

I leave you with a full heart,
All my love,
Prudence Darling Prescott