About Me

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antrim, antrim, Ireland
Hello and welcome to my blog. If you like flowers and gardens, housey stuff, food and banter, then this is the place for you. I am a decorative artist, florist and maker of things. I sell painted furniture, plants and crafts, through a local retail shop, in my native Ireland, and wedding flowers from home. I am married to a lovely patient man and have a smashing little girl. I blog for the fun of it. Thank you for listening.

Thursday 21 April 2011

Fascinating Folly's

I was really inspired by Madelief's post this week on her summer kitchen. A delightful little place she has made so that she and her family can have lunch when they are out working in the garden. It is so pretty and feminine a little home from home. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting Madelief I urge you to do so, her blog is a delight for the senses. She absolutely loves to garden, have tea parties and visit beautiful places.
I got to thinking how much I love the idea of a little shed or shepherds hut or even a summer seat, somewhere pretty to go and drink tea, or sew or read. I have always preferred the servants quarters of big houses to the grander parts, I love a cottage rather than a mansion. Perhaps it is  a question of feeling unworthy, I don't know? I remember when I read the book about Billy Connelly's life I was very struck by the fact that although he now lives in a very big house, he has a very small room to himself and that is what he prefers.







Perhaps there is something of the little girl or boy in us that wants to "play house". Although I never wanted to play house, it was a shop I wanted. I loved nothing better than to get the tins of beans out and my little cash register and be shopkeeper. Perhaps I should set my shed or summerhouse out like a shop, I think I would like that! I would love to know if any of you have a desire for a little "folly" of your own and what you would do with it. I include some lovely images from tumblr to inspire you.........
I would like to recite a poem to you that is very personal to me, but one which I think if you havn't heard you may enjoy........

                                                 ----WISHES--- by A.C.Child

                        Some may wish for city streets jewels or silken gown;
                        Some may crave unbounded wealth, fame or beauty's crown;
                        Some may long for sunny paths that lure the pleasure bent -
                        But simpler things by far than these would keep my soul content
                        A bit of God's green country, with blue sky overhead;
                        A tiny shack, white curtained; on the sill a posy red;
                        A laughing chubby baby, playing iside on the floor,
                        And a little flower garden, growing near the open door.
                        A table set for supper, fresh fruit and honeycomb
                        Little breezes whispering "your man's a comin' home"
                        Simple things, with love and faith - far from worldly strife;
                        God granting these, before I die, I'd ask no more of life.


Thankyou so much to all of you who left me kind wishes, advice and prayers, it is very much appreciated. You are all so kind. I am feeling much better now, being careful what I eat and drink. I wish you all a very enjoyable and happy Easter.



11 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,
    Glad to see you are home and on the mend, nothing like home right? Have some well earned rest, enjoy the easter and thanks for all these lovely and inspiring photo's!
    All the best,
    Maureen

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  2. hi!!!I just discovered your lovely blog!I do also have a blog, and as a matter of fact my blog is called: flowers on the table,but in Spanish ( flores sobre la mesa) It´s so funny to have found you! Kisses

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  3. I am hoping to get a little summer house at the end of my garden but a plain old shed has to be first priority! Maybe once rennovations are done.....
    Have a great Easter! Cx

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  4. What a lovely post Linda!
    Madeliefs blog is glorious isnt it?
    I love all the "hideaways", especially the simplicity fo the first couple.
    The poem is beautiful, I hadnt heard that before. For me its the simple things now that I get pleasure from, but when i was younger I would never have been content in the same way.
    The last few eastery photos are so cute - showed them to my daughter as I knew she'd love those sweet little bunnies and chicks!
    Thank you for sharing all these lovely photos Linda.
    Happy Easter to you, and take care.
    Gill xx

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  5. I know exactly what you mean! I'm sure you've seen Helen Philipps blog with her immaculate and quaint little potting shed, how I would love to have a little potter in there! There isn't a space in my house as pretty as that! Glad to hear you are feeling better. Hope you have a relaxing Easter.
    Becky x

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  6. Dear Linda,

    I am glad you enjoy my garden so much. It really is a place I love very much. Thank you for mentioning my name. You chose some lovely hideaways for today's post!

    I wish you and your family a Happy Easter! I hope you will have a good time together.

    Veel lieve groetjes,

    Madelief x

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  7. What a lovely post, glad you are feeling a little better. Take Care and have a Happy Easter.

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  8. Lovely to find your blog - thanks for popping over to mine (and to Becky for suggesting it!) I love the little hideaways in your post, they are gorgeous. I also loved seeing the soft bunny and the adorable ducklings swimming in the sink! I hope you have a very happy Easter.
    Helen x

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  9. Wee houses..so sweet. And the baby rabbits!!!!!! Thanks for all the beautiful pics!!!

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  10. I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again - you really do find the most wonderful images Linda.
    Lovely poem too, thanks for sharing.
    I have completely fallen in love with the second image with the bed above - just divine. Wouldn't it be great to have something like that as a little hideaway?
    Glad to read that you are feeling better.
    x

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