Jane Austen Quote + A Green Zinnia

I couldn't agree more.

"They are much to be pitied who have not been given a taste for nature early in life. Jane Austen. via

Here is another Envy Zinnia. It looks more like a Dahlia and is quite different from my last Envy post. I am so pleased my seed packet contained more than one variety. They don't seem to mind the numerous fierce rainstorms or the intense heat. The are still standing straight and tall. They don't need to be babied and I like that! xo

Handmade Pitcher for Watering Plants

I went to an antiques show last week to benefit a local firehouse.

The firemen's wives had their own booth full of donated goods with inexpensive prices. The lady that sold this to me said she knew the lady that made it and the big funky spout was for watering plants. The leaf design is on the reverse too. I have plants in every window up in the attic and the blue and white was perfect with my curtains, so I bought it for $5.00 and love it. It's ever so much nicer than the plastic squeeze bottle I had been using. Smile.

Gorgeous Courtyard / Patio

How very lovely. I love the light blue doors, the white stucco, the patterned brick floor with stone mosaic center, the large potted plants and the furniture. Did I miss anything? This is outside living at its best. via  Happy First Day of August!

Chintz Fabric is Back

I adore this entire room!

Lovely!

Gorgeous. All of it.

images House & Garden UK

Click on the link above for more photos using Chintz fabrics. I picked my three favorites to show you. Chintz never went out of style in England and it's coming back here, just like wallpaper. Now that all the people with wallpaper have removed theirs, at great expense, because the realtors told them to, it's making a big comeback! Go figure.

Attic Bedroom Under the Eaves

I have never seen a doorway like this, have you? It is much more interesting than a dormer would have been. Eaves, toleware, and toile. Nice! I like it. image: Cozy Cottage Bedrooms Better Homes and Gardens

Vintage Pull Toy Rescue Today

I rescued this darling vintage pull toy in the original paint from a chance garage sale today. It has an original paper label on the bottom too and it was made in Bayshore, New York by A MERRY MAKER. It could be a baby duck but I'm calling it a baby chick because of the pointed bill. A small child would probably have more fun pulling it and making Quack Quack sounds though. I put it on Instagram too -- See all 6 photos here. I am looking forward to the final episode of ENDEAVOUR tonight on PBS. See you tomorrow. xo

Two Portrait Paintings

I collect miniature portraits and posted this one on Instagram recently.

There is a lock of hair on the reverse side of the locket.

Portrait of a young boy by Lillian Cotton 1913

I adore smocked children's clothing.

I acquired this painting years ago on a "left bid" at a local auction house that isn't around any more and I really miss it. You have to to to New York City to see and touch auction items in person these days. Selling or buying on-line is another option. I went to an antique show sponsored by a country fire house this week and it was a fun day. I saw some lovely things there too.

Enjoy the weekend. It finally stopped raining last night and the entire weekend looks grand for the last weekend in July. xo

Symmetry in My Living Room

This is the living room wall that is between my French doors that lead out to my balcony overlooking the rear of my property. I almost got the perfect symmetry I was aiming for with my iPhone on a tripod. Enjoy your weekend between the rain showers and thunderstorms if you live in New Jersey. The weather for Sunday is supposed to be nice, fingers crossed.