The rain continues, after months of monsoons, and the days are dark. Though this is still our summer wet season, it normally diminshes when March arrives, but this year, March has had the highest rainfall in recorded history for our town. It's still hot (though not as hot as usual in the north Australian tropics this time of year), humid, and very sticky outside, despite the nights of thunderously heavy rain.
But inside, where the constantly dark grey skies rob the rooms of light, I have decided to stop complaining about the lack of sunshiny dry days, and embrace what we have been given.
This week I changed the living/dining room around so that our very old turquoise couch now sits under the front window, and I've pulled a rug in front of it, and moved the coffee table to be at arms length from it.
In doing so, I have now created a cosy reading area, near the air conditioner, where I can imagine myself relaxing in a 'real' autumn, like the southern states have.
Upon doing this, I thought about a Jane Austen quote from her novel, Emma, and that I had designed a pattern for this and stitched it a number of years ago, 2016 I think?
So I hunted in my large box of completed stitcheries and found it. Such a perfect quote for times like these, when going out is avoided due to flooded roads and rivers, driving conditions are difficult, and there's a general desire to avoid doing anything outside unless necessary -
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."
Jane Austen, Emma
With an audio book in the background (no, not Jane Austen, but an Agatha Christie set in the early years), a large cup of tea, some leftover fruit mince tarts from Christmas, and the soft lamplight from my desk shedding a calm light around the sewing room, I began to bring this little stitchery to life as a mini-pillow.
It may not be one you'd throw on the couch, or lean back against when your back is aching from pulling weeds, but its a pretty little thing that could sit on your book shelf, perhaps next to your Austens? Or, as I have found, it's just right, to quote Goldilocks, for supporting a book on your lap as you read. You could make one as a gift for that friend who simply loves a good Jane Austen novel, or just needs a reminder to find comfort in her home?
I was asked recently if I use a hoop when I embroider, and the response is no, I do not. I did try long ago, but it just never felt right, so I would make myself a small pillow and rest the heel of my right hand on it as I stitched, and this (I felt) gave me more control over the tension of the thread, the fabric and the needle, so I've been doing this ever since.
Now I have this little pillow to double as a rest for my books as I read, and a rest for my hand as I stitch.
As you can see below, I do love a Jane Austen novel, and I have passed that love onto dear Blossom too. These are some of my collection, but over the years I have gifted Bloss with a vintage Austen (all over 80 years old) from my treasured collection most birthdays. She has them all now, and one day, if Jesus has not yet returned, she will pass them along to her girls.
Is there a space in your home that you could create as a calming place of rest to read and enjoy a tea, coffee or hot cocoa? We only have the one living area, so I had to use my creativity when planning that spot under the front window, and I do need to change the covering on that turquoise couch because I would like a more neutral colour as we hopefully come into a true autumn in another month or so. Fortunately we have a beige waffle weave blanket that would cover it, and it will work just lovely with the beige throw in the main photo at the beginning of this post.
I also found a lovely scarf to use on the coffee table as a runner, but I must tell you, this is all rather different for me as I've never been a beige kind of person when it comes to colour in the home...it must be this longing for autumn and winter.
It's a wonderful mental adjustment when you choose to put off the discontent that can creep in during times of change, those seasons when you have no control over so much that is happening outside your door. That's why I cherish my home, for it truly is my sanctuary, and it is a privilege to create a place of welcome and comfort and grace for my husband, and for our family and friends when they visit. Is it easy? Not all the time. It takes intentionality, and purpose - both of which bolster me forward when I find my mind wearied by ongoing challenges. It also means surrendering my will to God, because I can at times fall prey to my own feelings of discontent, but thankfully the older I get, the deeper into the Word I am, the less that happens. Making this small area of cosiness was easy, I just didn't think of it soon enough, but once I did...well, my heart is happy. And content.
If you'd like the complete pattern for the Comforts of Home (stitchery and pillow with insert as well) it's HERE in my Etsy Shop
EASTER GIFT
With just over three weeks until we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, I wanted to share once again this older pattern of mine with you. You have time to stitch it, and as I have written in the pattern, you can choose to either include the applique border, or leave it out.
I look at the border as being representative of the Tomb being opened and the cross left empty. Empty because our Lord, who was brutally beaten and crucified, ROSE TO LIFE on the third day, and his disciples found that dark and forboding space which had recently hidden the body of Christ, open and empty.
If you would like to stitch this free pattern simply use the link below to download it. May you be blessed as you stitch!
DOWNLOAD He Is Risen
I shall sign off today with some photos of Blossom, Ross and the children taken recently. Many of you write and ask how they are, pray for them, and request some new photos...so here they are, in our monsoon-y 2025 so far. The children love to be outside between the storms, and as the family live just near the beach they often escape there to play and collect shells.
Until next time, God bless, and I pray that if you have not yet found it, that the Lord will direct you how and where to create your own space, or place, of contentment within your home...
Love,
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