Show me that smile

I was recently tagged by Milk to complete the 6 Things that Make Me Smile tag. Thank you, Miss Milk!

6 Things that Make Emily Smile:

♥ A tall glass of ice-cold water with a slice of lemon. In terms of refreshment nothing else is superior!

♥ Seeing loved ones happy. Three of my friends are getting married this year. Let the happiness abound!

♥ Waking at dawn to enjoy the morning calm and the chirp of song-filled birds.

♥ Sweet baked goods. Sometimes the aroma from the kitchen is almost as satisfying as taking the first bite.

♥ Spreading a blanket on the lawn in the summertime in preparation to lounge around and read a good book.

♥ Living in the countryside. Sure, it has its drawbacks, but the pace of life is welcoming and I never tire of rural charms. Here is a photo taken in my hometown:

I am passing the tag along to
tis serendipity, Emily Anne and Blair.
:)

Songbook of delightful proportions

I am an avid user of the inter-library loan system my town library is part of. Last week while searching the databases I came across the CD pictured on the left. Oh my! "Jane Austen's favourite vocal music, collected and copied out in her own hand," the cover reads. Inside, the liner notes go on to say, "Music and the social status it expressed was an integral part of Jane Austen's life. Her novels are replete with details of domestic musical activities. Accounts of public concerts and private balls as well as music programs with hired musicians fill her letters. A dedicated amateur herself, Austen ordinarily played at the pianoforte at least an hour a day before breakfast from the 8-book music collection now preserved in her home at Chawton. For nieces and nephews she practiced 'country dances,' a number of which appear in her collections. Austen painstakingly copied and bound music that especially interested her."

I simply cannot stop listening to these arrangements or express how they make me feel. Perhaps it is because of the charm they possess being several hundred years old, or because Jane admired them so. I can sit around all day and read Jane's novels over and over, but listening to songs that she enjoyed throughout the duration of her life supplies a more personal connection than printed words on a page can. And I like that.

Photo: Amazon.com

Floral arrangements

"I love to smell flowers in the dark," she said.
"You get hold of their soul then."
- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

Cardigan & shoes: H&M
T-shirt: Target
Belt: hand-me-down
Skirt: Gap
Tights: gift

Handle With Care

Vintage mugs are some of my favorite things to collect. My collection to date is quite small, but I am always on the look-out for more. I find it amusing to think of the history that comes with these wares. On what occasion were they purchased? How did the Mrs. take her coffee or tea? One lump of sugar, or two?

I particularly love the color arrangement on these two.
The mug on the left also has a mate.

Look at that roped handle!
I can't recall ever using this particular mug.
Perhaps I shall when I'm feeling a bit nautical.

This little one is my absolute favorite.
It is extremely delicate and had a mate once,
but unfortunately it met with the fate that all fragile objects fear: breakage.

Do you collect anything? Share it!

Surprise

Shirt: J. Crew outlet
Locket: gift
Skirt: Levi's outlet
Moccasins: Minnetonka

An otherwise quiet, commonplace type of day was pleasantly interrupted by an unexpected package,

a sweet little message included on the invoice

and the floral tights I blogged about a few weeks ago!

All of this was the kind work of my older sister. I couldn't believe my eyes at first. So sweet and so thoughtful! Thank you again Sister Sweetness (because I know you're reading ♥ )!

Sweets and treats

With the impending Academy Awards soon to be upon us, I decided to pass along a few awards that I've received recently. Before I do so, I want to acknowledge my choice for Best Actress In A Leading Role: the underdog, Melissa Leo for her superb performance in Frozen River. I first mentioned it here and still feel strongly about the film, not only because it has local and regional ties, but because after watching it it is truly one of those films where you step back and think, "wow," and can honestly sense the heart and hard work that went into creating it. Good luck, Ms. Leo!

Now, for the awards I have to pass along:

Sweet and stylish Ariella gave me the Your Blog is Fabulous award. Thank you, Ariella!


I am passing this award on to Dearilou and The Cherry Blog.










On the subject of fabulous, the always lovely Sam at Daily Fashion Boost awarded me another Your Blog is Fabulous award. Thank you, Sam!


I am passing this award on to tis serendipity and Plain Jayne.










The next award was passed on to me by the adorable and ever-gracious Ana B. Thank you, Ana!


I am passing this award on to A Book Of Blair and Amelia.

Happy Heart

(Please excuse the ridiculous sign behind me. My brother is a funny guy.)

Dress: thrifted
Cardigan: little girls' department at Target
Tortoise shell bangles: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Target

I like fun, pretty cardigans!

I hope your day is sweet! ♥