We are in a house with windows on all sides. On one side the sweet garden is trampled and torn, the beeches blown down, the fountain broken; you sit and look out, and it is all very miserable. Shut the window. I do not mean forget the garden as it was, but do not brood on it as it is. …
July joys
Celebrating the joys of summertime… It’s been a busy month in the garden. Lots of fruit ripening and jam-making in our kitchen. Our favorite flavor? Wild blackberry! Recently Randy found this abandoned bird’s nest in our woods, truly a work of art… To celebrate Paul’s 15th birthday, we took a trip to the Seattle zoo and also the locks to …
Sacred idleness
Local lavender fields, Olympic Peninsula, Washington Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness. ~George MacDonald
A sneak peek…
Just saw the back cover copy for Love’s Fortune, releasing soon. Counting down with you…!
Our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor
The 4th of July is a favorite holiday of mine because of the rich history behind it. It doesn’t hurt that it was birthed during my favorite century! Recently I ordered The Founders’ Bible, thanks to a dear reader who told me about it, and wanted to share the link with you here. If you’re in need of a new Bible …
A recipe and a memory
One of my favorite spots in Scotland is the tiny village of Luss on Loch Lomond. They have such quaint cottages with colorful doors and glorious flowers ~ and a tea shop! I spent a memorable morning delighting in their scones fresh from the oven with clotted cream, butter, and jam. I’ve never had a scone so good! A dear …
Bonne Lecture!
Just wanted to extend heartfelt thanks to the French translators and publisher for these first Ballantyne books, now available for my French-speaking readers… Bonne Lecture!
A blue gown
Just typed THE END on a new 18th-century story for you in which our heroine wears this blue gown. Isn’t it exquisite!? I began the story in Scotland last May (2013) which seems fitting since our heroine is a Scottish lass. But there is still lots of polishing to do before deadline. The book releases in 2015 and I cannot …
Balmoral Castle
Thought I’d do a wee post about Balmoral Castle, the queen’s Scottish residence, especially for dear reading friend, Michelle, who has a special interest! Balmoral has a rich history and I highly recommend the movie, Mrs. Brown, and the book shown here. The castle is open to the public about 4 months a year, namely the ballroom and grounds. Interior …