Friday, March 23, 2012

This and That



It's Friday.
It's Spring.
It's more tulips, but this time it is not a postcard, but a photo of mine!
Thank you to the hosts at Focusing On Life.



Yellow Tulips




You knew there would be a postcard or two and here they are.
Bunnies celebrating Easter.
They are both reproduction vintage postcards.


Easter Postcard


Thank you to the lovely Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday each week.


Bunny Postcard


***

Speaking of bunnies.
This bunny was willing to model a scarf I just finished.
I've been working through my yarn stash.
Nice to have a few extra scarves for gifts and it keeps my fingers busy.




Knit Scarf

This scarf is made from two skeins of Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair.
I used a pattern from Knit Picks that was free years ago.
It's become one of my favorites - quick and easy:

Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf

Directions:
CO (cast on) 22 stitches.
RS: (right side) Knit into front and back of first st, knit across to last 2 sts, K2tog. 
WS: (wrong side) Knit.
Repeat these two rows until scarf is desired length.
BO (bind off) loosely and weave in ends. 

***

I've been reading.
I've been a fan of Penman's historical novels for years and I'm always excited when a new one is published. She spends so much time doing research that she really brings the characters and time period to life. While LIONHEART is not my favorite of her novels, it was a good read. I learned a lot about going on a Crusade and much more about Richard the Lionheart and the politics of the time. 

It is an unauthorized *authorized* (my words) biography of Elizabeth II written so that it was published in time for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. I found it fascinating and thought Smith did an excellent job covering so much information from the time Elizabeth was a young girl all the way up to the present. While she didn't interview the Queen, she had access to many others in the know. It was another book that I can say I learned a lot and came away quite impressed with the woman Elizabeth and with the queen Elizabeth. The book was also an interesting look at Prince Philip, the relationships between The Queen and *her* prime ministers, and other members of the royal family. 

"What a blessing it is to love books. Everybody must love something and I know of no objects of love that give such substantial and unfailing returns as books and a garden."
~ Elizabeth von Arnim

Wishing you WELL and much JOY!






23 comments:

Pondside said...

Lovely, creamy tulips. I will buy myself a bunch on the way home today - after 10 days on the road I am anxious to see a bouquet on my own kitchen table!
I love the postcards. There's just something about the way that past artists portrayed the Easter Bunny - so charming. Thanks for the simple scarf pattern - I have a stash that needs to be reduced and I'm always looking for something new to do with it.

sarah said...

Hi Snap
Your tulips are so great! I will try to take photos with this way. But it seems to be difficult for me.
your scarf is nice color, chic.
You have many nice hobbies. Please enjoy.

Cezar and Léia said...

This post is so sweet!
Thanks so much for bringing good lights and positivism to our hearts,Luna and I are always happy enjoying your posts and your beautiful creations!
purrs and love
=^.^=

Anonymous said...

Your tulips are beautiful!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your photo of the yellow tulips is so pretty! Sent as a post card, it would cheer anyone that received it!

LindyLouMac said...

Vintage postcards are fascinating and your tulips would make a perfect modern day one.

Beth Niquette said...

Your photo fills my eyes...especially on this gloomy grey day! I LOVE the postcards, too--they're just darling!

Happy PFF!

dmarks said...

Very nice and detailed photo.

Postcardy said...

I like your tulips photo. I haven't seen tulips blooming here yet, but I have seen some daffodils blooming.

Barb said...

Sounds like you're busy this spring, photographing, knitting, and reading. Your tulip pic is luminous!

Scrappy Grams said...

love vintage graphics! Is there some place to buy them on-line? I've become a part of Postcrossing. I need postcards. I bought a box of Beatrix Potter postcards. But I find myself reluctant to let go of many of them because she is my very favorite illustrator. Happy weekend!

Irene said...

Great tulips, cards and especially nice scarf.

Rosa said...

That tulip shot is amazing! I haven't brought my bunnies out yet. Nor have I dyed any eggs!!! OOOOOOooooofy! xoxo

Cathy H. said...

Such a wonderful post that just brightened my morning!! I love your tulips, they are such a gorgeous color! I also love those postcards!!

terriporter said...

Such amazing tulips! Just love that soft yellow! Thanks for sharing them.

terriporter said...

Love your tulips! Such a soft, beautiful yellow. Makes me happy just looking at them!

Linda said...

Beautifully shot tulips!
Your knitting makes me think about my own stash. hmm!

xo,
Linda

Unknown said...

I always love your postcards, but the Spring ones are so lovely. I love your Tulip photograph. Thank you for adding it to Focusing On Life. We are planning on having lots of parties there, and Claudia's the first one to create a party.

Wishing you a beautiful Spring day.

Karen

Claudia said...

Thanks so much for stopping by to join in with us at Focusingonlife. Your yellow is wonderful!!!

Thanks
Claudia

Carol said...

I love your blog. And the list of blogs you read will keep me busy for the next year, at least - That's so much fun!
The tulip shot is wonderful and I love the old fashioned look of the Peter Rabbit card! Just so uch fun!

Barbara said...

Wonderful light on the tulips. Gorgeous

nancyjean said...

love your photo of those yellow tulips...springtime...sigh!

Anonymous said...

I am a big bunny fan myself so I love seeing all your bunny shots :) And those creamy, yellow tulips are beautiful! I don't see very many of the soft colors around here and they are such a nice change of pace.