“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too,” says the boy to the sun, in Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist. If I could teach children anything, it would be that. Well, that and manners.
Author: Frances
Tea Towels Make Great Gifts (We Love These Lily O’s)
As we are still in high season for hostess gifts, it is especially thoughtful to give things people actually want. A fresh, pretty tea towel gives any kitchen or bar a lift, and life’s little lifts add up. These “Lily Os” were sent me by a friend and I love ’em. Bright and cheery and based on the charming watercolors of artist Thomas Vieth, who, with wife Susan, founded the company.
Postcard From Italy No. 3–A Cathedral and a Nap in Siena
You may recall that my dear husband is happy to travel in Italy #aslongaswedon’thavetogotoanychurches. Nothing against churches, he is just more interested in wars and things. But I was determined to go to Siena and by dern see that cathedral. I would find a way…
Invasive Plants–Just Don’t Do It
It’s all fun and games, people, until some planet loses a species. You know what I’m sayin? I’m talking about invasive plants–you know, the pretty ones that are easy to grow and spread, and then take over the world? As we plan for fall gardening, let’s do our part to stop these botanical bad guys before they start…
Attacked by Aliens! Srsly!
Dear Readers, There has been a devastating attack on the hosting site for this blog and others. Countless images have been lost. Hundreds of hours of work. I want to kick and scream and cry like a big fat baby. But I won’t. Enh, it’s just a website. But it is going to take a minute… Continue reading Attacked by Aliens! Srsly!
Bees and Thank You
Dear Readers,
Your response to A Book Deal for Bee Cottage has gob-smacked me, and I am so grateful to you I could bust. If you were wondering, I absolutely do read every single-dingle comment and treasure every word. Yessiree Bob I do. And I really appreciate your feedback on the book’s subtitle (to be continued). I’m not always able to respond individually, but trust me, hun, you are forever on my Love List. These simple bees and bouquets are for you especially. From my house, my garden, and my heart, thank you.
Bee Cottage Has a Book Deal!
Ladies and gentlemen, we pause from our more or less regularly scheduled blog to bring you an announcement. Yours truly has signed with Skyhorse Publishing for a book about Bee Cottage. I am tickled and terrified.
The Best Berry Cobbler Ever
Here’s the perfect, scrumptious, super-easy summer dessert. Seven ingredients, melt, mix, pour, bake, boom. Recipe in post.
Summer Supper in the Garden at Bee Cottage
At least once a summer I like to have dinner in the garden where we do it up. So we did it up last weekend.
Postcard From Italy No. 2–High Speed Chase Through Vasari Corridor
In our last episode, the hero was foiled by his devout but conniving wife in his valiant attempt to visit Italy without darkening the door of a single church. T’was a bittersweet tale of betrayal and deceit, with beautiful scenery and a great lunch. This week, we find our hero in the footsteps of the dukes of Florence, in a high speed chase across the forbidden Vasari Corridor. Can he break the Corridor world speed record? Tune in here…
Reading This Book Will Make You Happier–and Less Cluttered
You cannot read Everything That Remains without changing how you think about your life–and your stuff–and without doing something about it, which will make room for more joy in your life. I promise, or you can return this post for a full refund. But first, if you are eating or drinking, be careful lest you choke when… Continue reading Reading This Book Will Make You Happier–and Less Cluttered
Postcard From Italy No. 1 – Florence, a Vineyard Visit and Delightful Lunch
Notes from travels earlier this summer… And now another note (8.11.14)…Please pardon the missing images. We are working to restore our site from the Massive Russian Computer Hack of 2014… On the heels of painting in Provence the week before (in previous posts), I flew to Florence to await His Grace (aka my husband for… Continue reading Postcard From Italy No. 1 – Florence, a Vineyard Visit and Delightful Lunch