Welcome to the weekend view.
It is hard to believe it is already April.
This year has been zooming by but at the same time- feels like it is moving at a snails pace. Not sure how that works- but I feel it. Anyone else?
Here is the randomness from the week that was and what is coming your way.
Balsam Provisions You already know how much I love my Balsam Hill family and am proud to work with them. And this morning, I got an email about the latest way that they are helping out and giving back right now-and I love what they are doing. Balsam Hill is a company that is known for giving back and doing what they can to help and so- they emptied some of their warehouse spaces to stock them with non-perishable food items and supplies to be able to help those who need food. They are shipping for free and are also donating all profits from Balsam Provisions to charity. Please shop if you need to and share with anyone who might need food delivered right now.
Rainy Days
I am listening to the rain falling outside as we speak. It has been somewhat steady and heavy overnight- and is supposed to last through tomorrow I believe.
Yesterday I grabbed a cup of tea and wandered out to the lion fountain patio to sip before getting soaked and retreating indoors.
Camellia in Bloom
I shared a few camellia blooms last week here on the blog and on Instagram and got a ton of questions about how we tend to our camellia tree. To be honest- we have not done anything with it. When we moved in – it was a big green tree that my grandfather said was a camellia. We didn’t know anything else about it- until spring when it was covered in beautiful blush flowers.
It is an old growth tree with a big trunk – and is so large it reaches from the basement to almost up to the attic window. I think the location must make it pretty happy – and we have seen quite a few large camellia’s in our area so it must be a good spot for them.
Traveling… in my mind
I joked with a friend last week that I was doing a lot of traveling right now. From the living room to the kitchen to the office and back again. All day long = a lot of frequent traveler miles. 🙂 All kidding aside- we had a trip to France planned for April this year, and some fun events coming up- including retreats in Calistoga and Paso Robles on the calendar that I was going to share soon. Of course, with all that is going on – those are all on hold for the time being.
But you know, thinking about not being able to travel somewhere is not the most fun way to focus on wanderlust… maybe better spent dreaming of where you want to go when all of this is behind us and we can travel again, no? I haven’t shared what we did for that less than 24 hours in Rome last fall- and have hesitated with all the no -traveling going on- but am thinking I will put the post together and share and hopefully inspire some daydreaming travel planning for the future.
Coming your way-
Book Club recommendations- from kids reading to decorating to inspiration. I am rounding up some of my on the list to read titles to share.
20 minute decorating- 7 simple gathered up from home Easter centerpiece ideas
and more.
How are you doing? Are you getting along okay?
Ironically, it feels like we need human contact and one another more than ever and we literally cannot connect in person and hug someone. If you need someone to talk with, to lean on – please reach out. I would be love to be able to help if I can.
Unknown says
Courtney ~ I look forward to your daily posts…the photos are beautiful and I find your messages and the way in which you convey them so calming and sweet. The little respite in my day that you provide is even more meaningful in the throes of the pandemic which is challenging all of our coping skills. I hope you and your family (and pets!) will remain safe and healthy. Thank you for being such a special part of my day.
Unknown says
I so appreciate your posts. Also I can vicariously travel to all the wonderful places you go. Thank you!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
That's so wonderful of Balsam Hill! I'll definitely pass that on to my friends who need it. Your camilla tree is gorgeous! I have a huge one too – we have to keep our cut short, but the flowers are beautiful. Thanks for all your lovely photos and for being so caring, Courtney! You're an inspiration in so many ways! ????
Lori says
So nice just to read something calming such as your posts Courtney. Knowing others are reaching out and at least asking how they can help is reassuring to me that things are going to get better and we're not alone. We are in zone 5 so those beautiful camellias will have to be adorned from the pages you type…as well as the trips you take..through you I will live the life of travel, beautiful gardens and a wonderful barn..yes! I so want a barn! Lol….I'd fill it with beautiful things and a stray animal or two that happens upon the need for a home.