Hello and lovely to see you! If you were popping in today, I'd be glad. "I've got the kettle on already!", I'd tell you.You'd probably smile and we'd laugh at how here in Britain we drink tea whatever the weather. And I'd add that as it is still so nice today, despite the recent sharp rain, I wondered if you might like to sit outside? There's a little bit of a soft breeze but we should be sheltered on the little veranda of the summer house - and we'd walk down the side path and into the back garden. I'd gently pull the leafy branches of the head-high maple to one side as we threaded our way through to the bottom of the garden and you'd settle comfortably on one of the old and slightly creaky wicker chairs ...
When I returned with the tray and some fruity nibbles, you might be looking into the wood, listening to the raucous squawk of the pheasants down by the stream, or smiling at the young squirrels chasing each other up and down the bark of the willows. Or you might be turning round and peeping through the window behind you. "Would you like to see inside?", I'd ask. "I'd love to show you! It's one of my most favourite places". As you reach for the old Bakelite handle of the left-hand door, I'd have to explain that, counter-intuitively, the right-hand one will open - one of Himself's little quirks, I would say, and we'd smile :). Then we'd go in ...
If you wanted to know, I'd tell you a bit about how it has changed down the years: from a simple wooden hut with a platform at the end where our children and their friends played and had sleepovers, to the insulated and pine-lined space it is now. I'd point out Himself's latest addition: the double-glazed panel (saved from an old back door when we had the renovations) inserted with hard graft and love into the roof above the desk in order to give me more light for crafting in the summer. I might teasingly explain it has leaked once or twice in the recent heavy downpours, but you would hear in my voice how truly grateful I am to him and how much he means to me, as we celebrate our thirty-fourth wedding anniversary this weekend. As we wander further in, you might wonder about the prints on the wall, and I'd tell you how they were originally illustrated pages from an old book which my librarian Mum rescued from a pile tossed onto a skip ...
I'd probably joke about my annoyance on noticing that I hadn't ensured the top of the pictures were perfectly aligned before your visit and we'd giggle about how our character traits tend to show up in our creative endeavours too. And if you asked whether we ever use the sofa bed, I'd tell you, yes! When my brother is able to come and share being with Dad for a weekend, we can hand over the intercom at night and sleep looking up at the stars. Our dearest daughter likes to be down here sometimes when she visits, revelling in telling her office colleagues that she sleeps "in the shed at the bottom of the garden"! We might sit for a while, you and I, as we sip our drinks, looking across the lawn - and I'd ask you where you like to scrapbook or journal or do your artwork. Always in the same place? In different places according to the seasons? Or the time or day? And I'd share with you how much I marvel at the wonderful skills I see in my blog-visiting, how crap I am at card-making, and how thrilled I was to have been sent these from Becky (Becky's Scrapbook Burblings) and Yvonne (Do More with Less) ...
Your eye might fall on the window ledge, and your hand gently pick up the tiny little wooden boat as you ask me about it. I'd explain how special it is, for its recent voyage has taken it halfway around the world. It has belonged to Deb (over at Paper Turtle) for a quarter of a century and, on finding it recently again, she thought it might enjoy sailing with me :).
As we go back out and sit on the vernada in the warm sunshine again, I'd be keen to know if you were doing any online classes, and whether you take them to consolidate skills and explore more of what you have, or to try something unfamilar and new. And if you seem interested, I'd share with you how I find myself longing to be able to draw - just simple things to add into my scrapbooks, and to include more of my own handwriting. You'd probably laugh when I told you I was practising different styles, just like I did on scrappy pieces of paper when I was thirteen! And I'd love to know if you have any hang-ups about your handwriting, or whether you are quite at ease with it ... Before long, we'd probably hear the Town Hall clock striking and you'd be exclaiming about the time. We'd shake the fruity crumbs off our laps onto the (weed-filled) lawn for the birds, and wend our way back along the paving stones and past my bike ...
As we rounded the corner, I'd be telling you how I am determined to get back to riding it regularly but am ashamed of having to get off half-way up the hill and push - and at the moment it's either that or burst a lung. I'd be hoping you'd either reassure me that you're not incredibly fit either or, if you are, give me words of advice and encouragement :). By then we'd be ducking under the hanging baskets in the porch and perhaps stopping to look at the wall-pot of gerberas by the front door ...
Then we'd be saying goodbye. I'd be telling you how much I'd enjoyed our time together, thanking you for coming all this way, and wishing you a safe journey. I know that inside that I'd be hoping very much you'd like to come again, already looking forward to seeing you again even as you turned to wave ...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
With many grateful thanks to the lovely Abi, who is hosting this wonderful meme over at Creating Paper Dreams. If you are still thirsty, or you find yourself just needing a cup over the next few days, do pop over and see her. There are also lots of delightful places to go from there!
Oh what a lovely spot to chat with a friend. It really is your special place isn't it. It must be lovely to retreat down there and craft. Congratulations on your anniversary Alexa! Thank you so much for joining me for tea this month.
Posted by: Abi | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 09:32 AM
I do, indeed, feel as though I've just been for a visit. Thankyou for answering all those questions that I would certainly have asked - I am a snoopy individual! Your scrapping-space-come-guest-house looks utterly charming!
Posted by: esther_a | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 09:44 AM
What an inviting home---from that first chair that almost looks as if it's nestled in the woods to your sunroom that brings the outside---in. I love it all! The bike's pretty cool too!
Posted by: Barbara Eads | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 11:03 AM
I would so love to have joined you in that wonderful space.....and have chatted about how much I enjoy online classes....and the two recent ones that I've taken and found so inspiring.
Posted by: Jacky S | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 11:13 AM
What a beautiful space! I think I'd want to spend my whole day there. We get so little light in our house I'm always envious of bright, open spaces. Thanks for a lovely chat and walk; it was the best way to start a new day. (We'll be celebrating our anniversary this weekend as well.)
Posted by: Karen | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 12:39 PM
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary Alex & Himself. What an utterly beautiful shed! calm and serene Oh dear I am gushing. thanks you so much for tea and your company, When I got home I had petals in my hair....a lovely reminder of a lovely afternoon.
Posted by: Miriam | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 12:56 PM
What a beautiful space - I love your description! Have a lovely wedding anniversary x
Posted by: Michele | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 02:00 PM
Oh Alexa your "shed" is jut gorgeous. I would love to sit in there or on the verandah and have tea. But for now it would have to be a glass of water as I am in the middle of a 9 day detox!! So yes, I would be getting off half way up the hill too! I'm in a desperate attempt to get healthy and lose a few pounds before my holidays!
Posted by: Julia | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 02:32 PM
I have to agree, your little hut is beautiful & very cosy. I fell in love with it instantly. I fondly recall a cosy cup of tea in there (& I have the photos to prove it lol). Congratulations on your anniversary, hope you will both be celebrating in style. And tea in the garden with the cooler weather would be perfect. Pxx
Posted by: Paul B | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 02:57 PM
That's quite a "shed"! Love the mirrored panels at the end and the beautiful furnishings. Many, many congratulations on your Opal Wedding Anniversary.
Posted by: Jemma @ Just-Jimjams | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 04:34 PM
You write with such vivid feelings and I feel so welcome. Tea (hot, milk first please) at any time is always the perfect drink. Your recall about the 13 year old budding artist had me remembering youth's belief about my artist yearnings ... I use to design houses and floor plans and created an entire community.
Posted by: Mary-Lou | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 04:52 PM
Oh, how I wish I could come and sit on the wicker chair! It looks heavenly!!! Your shed is a beauty and you're very lucky to have such a space to craft and more! Happy anniversary to you and your dear husband!
Posted by: Nathalie | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 05:12 PM
I am so envious of your craft space...my dream is to have a craft 'shed' at the bottom of the garden! It was so lovely to catch up, Alaxa!
Alison xx
Posted by: Alison | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 05:57 PM
What a lovely visit in a place that is crafted with love. And congrats to you and hubby on your anniversary.
Posted by: Wanda | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 06:14 PM
What a lovely post, Alexa. I have sat transfixed... admiring your beautiful space in the garden and imagining the wildlife outside. How perfect for crafting, or extra room for visitors and guests. And you have made it so homely too. I loved the wander there through your garden.
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary this weekend. I hope you have had good weather and been able to enjoy the time celebrating.
As for handwriting, I would like to develop mine into something more creative. I bought a course which I downloaded onto a DVD and I mislaid it for a good time, but found it the other day so plan to experiment.
Posted by: sandie | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 07:50 PM
such an inviting place...I think i would spend as much time as possible in the "shed" it looks so inviting and cosy...a beautiful space. Wishing you both a very happy anniversary x
Posted by: Louise | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 09:06 PM
OMG Alexa - that "shed" is simply GORGEOUS! I would love to come visit and spend some time crafting with you in that space. Your descriptions make it all so special and perfect. And love the little sailboat from Deb!
Posted by: Cheri | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 09:18 PM
I am in awe of your shed! And I love that Himself put that unit above your desk for you! Wishing you both a very happy anniversary xx
Posted by: Becky | Sunday, 28 July 2013 at 09:51 PM
What a beautiful shed, although I giggled about leaks! Congratulations on 35 years of marriage!
Posted by: Cate | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 04:18 AM
A lovely, lovely space Alexa, I am sure you draw lots of inspiration from it. I have enjoyed myself enormously :)
Congratulations on your anniversary, you did get yourself a good 'un.
I haven't taken an online class for ages and ages. Maybe in the winter I can catch up. Have a good week.
Posted by: Jen Hart | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 07:04 AM
Your summer house is delightful Alexa, I can picture you down there in quiet moments of contemplation. My handwriting is functional, nothing more, and rather too like the prescribed cursive writing style taught in schools here - but it is what we have to model for our students and luckily it comes easily to me.
Congratulations on your anniversary - life is made all the better for having a great partner to share it with!
Posted by: Amy | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 07:42 AM
Ooooh...your place looks really cosy. I would love to curl up with a book there, sipping some tea at any time of the day of course... :)
Posted by: Yvonne Yam | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 09:10 AM
Happy Anniversary Alexa and Himself! What a gorgeous little 'shed at the bottom of the garden' Wookie has been promising me somewhere to sit out in the next garden and a place to work/read/entertain. I'll show him your photos :)
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 10:16 AM
Oh Alexa thank you for sharing you special place with us, it was such a wonderful visit. I love your ''cabin'' it's so perfect. I can imagine you sitting in there with your cuppa or a glass of something reading or writing. You really evoked the spirit of the place.
I am so glad you shaed it with us,
Jo xxx
Posted by: jo | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 12:14 PM
Happy Anniversary! I am totally travelling to see you right now so I can sit on that wicker chair outside with you and enjoy a cup of tea.... yes I have also continued to drink tea on even the hottest of days we have had recently. A beautiful place Alexa thank you for sharing it xxx ps I sent you a message on UKS hope you got it ok xxx
Posted by: furrypig | Monday, 29 July 2013 at 12:35 PM
A belated anniversary greeting :D we celebrated our 15th on the 22nd..
Oh boy, I would love to sleep in your garden shed too! It looks a truly wonderful place to be and I'd be happy to craft in there too! I could sit on a comfy chair and crochet whilst we chat and especially if there's cake!
Love reading what you are up to of late, Alexa.
be back soon
Lisa
xx
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, 30 July 2013 at 09:34 AM
What a beautiful summer house. That puts my shed to shame. I have enjoyed the visit and especially seeing a little more of a glimpse. Thank you so much for the extra magazine. You shouldn't have but I really loved it. Thank you x
Happy Anniversary - Enjoy x
Posted by: Joanne | Tuesday, 30 July 2013 at 10:46 AM
Alexa,
Thanks for taking us down to the garden and for the tour of your shed. It doesn't surprise me that you have such a lovely space - it's such a good fit for your spirit! What a gorgeous gift from Deb! I'd tell you that I tend to create all over the house, depending upon what else I am doing and where the rest of the family has taken up residence. I hope to get a better dedicated space come fall when my son heads off to University.
Rinda
Posted by: rinda | Tuesday, 30 July 2013 at 05:17 PM
{{{Alexa}}} Thank you so much for taking me to your special place. I felt like I was walking along right beside you and my heart was filling with joy as we moved the maple's branches aside. It felt like a secret door opening to another world. I would love to some day have property with enough acreage for a space like yours.
Posted by: Beverly | Tuesday, 30 July 2013 at 09:38 PM
Hi Alexa ~ This is the most beautiful "shed" I have ever seen! I love the light and all the wood and all of your lovely decorative touches. Simply divine. Thanks for the shout out - I LOVE the way you photographed that little sailboat - made me happy all over again knowing that it finally found its rightful owner!
Thanks for the lovely visit! I read this post a couple of days ago but for some reason the comment section wasn't working. Glad it seems to be allowing me to leave a little love this time! xo
Posted by: Deb @ PaperTurtle | Tuesday, 30 July 2013 at 11:05 PM
What a lovely visit and a fabulous room there at the end of the garden. It's way too hot to sit outside much here, but I've enjoyed sipping on a Coca-Cola while I've caught up with you today!
Posted by: Melissa | Wednesday, 31 July 2013 at 07:13 PM
What an amazing beautiful house you have, thank you for inviting me in and sharing, so nice to meet you
Posted by: Boysmum2 | Friday, 02 August 2013 at 10:48 AM
I may be a little late to the teapot, but - delightfully - the ping in my inbox tells me that you have been dropping in on me as I drop in on you. What could be better?
It's a shed to drool over. I was flicking through a lovely book called My Cool Shed the other day..are you sure it isn't in there somewhere? :)
Posted by: Sian | Saturday, 03 August 2013 at 05:02 PM
Thanks for the cup of tea - my favourite tipple regardless of the weather. Your little creative corner of the world is divine. And the journey I took there with you in this post was so relaxing, interesting and creative. Thank you for showing me.
Posted by: Lisa | Wednesday, 07 August 2013 at 04:50 PM
What a wonderful looking "shed"! It's so nice and summery. I was late stopping by but hope to be more on time this month. :)
Posted by: Gail | Thursday, 22 August 2013 at 01:27 PM