The Snow Princess Has a Birthday~

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Birdsong Cottage today! Last Thursday, the 20th of January, we celebrated the sixth birthday of Evangeline, who is seen portraying The Snow Princess in this picture. ;)

A birthday is such a special thing!

A chance to have a tea party ~

And to start a new scrapbook or two~

A princess can never have too many unbreakable tea sets!

After all the hard work of present-opening, though, it's time to go play in the snow!

And then, after a long happy day, it's off to bed with our special new sister-made dollies!

Have a wonderful week, my friends.

Love,

Marqueta

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When I was One
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three,
I was hardly me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five,
I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I’m as clever as clever.
So I think I’ll be six for ever and ever.
 

-by A.A. Milne

The Tree Year~ Following Majestic

 

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for coming by and visiting today; your comments and well wishes always mean so much to us!

We were invited by a friend to participate in "The Tree Year" this year, sponsored by this blog. To participate, one has to choose a tree that they would like to "follow" throughout the year, and share with others.

I thought this would be a wonderful thing to do with our Osage Orange (whom I named Majestic), since I have felt very drawn to her while living here. I purchased a journal at the dollar store, labeled it, and have made it a goal to write in it at least once a week. The first week went well (with great plans of making bark rubbings, sketches, etc.), but now I'm realizing I'm two weeks behind, so I'd though I'd do a blog post to at least keep track of all the photos I've taken!

I have found journaling about something to be an incredible experience in examination, both for things observed on the outside, and that which we observe inwardly about ourselves. There is something magical about taking the time to center ourselves and put our thoughts onto paper. The thoughts become tangible things that help us see things in a clearer light. "Following" a tree has been no exception, and I am looking forward to seeing how the year unfolds for my special tree.

I'd like to invite all of you, too, to choose a special tree or plant that grows nearby you, and keep a special journal just for it, for at least a few months. You could also share your findings at "The Tree Year", and see what others have done.

Till next time,

Love,

Marqueta

p.s. My father wrote an article about Osage Oranges here.

A Snow Day

Dear Friends,

A happy day to you! We are experiencing our first REAL snow day here in Missouri~ The "marshmallow world" kind of snow day, that calls the birds to the feeders, and us to our favorite chairs.

We could never tire of watching the birds that visit our yard:

Female Cardinal

Male Cardinal

 

Male Cardinal and Dark-sided Junco

Male Cardinal and Carolina Wren (Who have become our new favorite cute birds, along with tufted titmice!) ~

 

(Birds love the mixture of peanut butter and cornmeal that we smeared on the tree out back.)

We have been learning the names of the new plants that grow nearby, like Winter Creeper Vine~

And finding special rocks that have faces in them (We see a woman nose to nose with a mountain goat)~

And finding ultra-modern birds' nests with Ziploc liners (click image to see better)!

What fun discoveries have you made today?

Love,

Marqueta

************************************

 Snowflakes

Out of the bosom of the Air
    Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,
Over the woodlands brown and bare,
    Over the harvest-fields forsaken,
          Silent, and soft, and slow
          Descends the snow.

Even as our cloudy fancies take
    Suddenly shape in some divine expression,
Even as the troubled heart doth make
    In the white countenance confession
          The troubled sky reveals
          The grief it feels.

This is the poem of the air,
    Slowly in silent syllables recorded;
This is the secret of despair,
    Long in its cloudy bosom hoarded,
          Now whispered and revealed
          To wood and field.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Happy New Year, Dear Friends!

 

Dear Friends,

Our hearts are full at the beginning of this year, as we look back on all the blessings of last year, and look forward to all the wonderful blessings of this year. We have met so many kindred spirits that we never would have otherwise; our lives have been enriched by each and every one of you. Who knew that there were so many old-fashioned girls (and boys) out there!

Each year (and each day) brings with it so many opportunities for growth, that it is very humbling to think of a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to be more like He, and knows exactly what we need to learn to do so.

This past year taught me so much about trust, patience, and more trust and patience, as well as the importance of letting go of emotions which do not serve my best interest. There is no room for fear or anger on the path to perfection! May I do my best each and every day of 2011 to show the Lord that I understand and will do my best to remember my great purpose in life. May I show Him more gratitude for each and every thing that He chooses to give me as He leads me safely Home. And may I always remember the kindness of my friends.

Love,

Marqueta