“The first fire is the symbol of winter’s arrival. Winter comes not in calendar compartments; it comes with the advent of fire. When the air becomes resonant with the chopping of wood, when I see the smoke ascending from neighbors’ chimneys and smell the fragrance of wood burning, I know that winter is here.”
-Abbie Graham
The sorting continues, and tho’ it felt a bit like book-burning, some old cards of mine that were too bent or dented to use or offer fed our first fire of the season quite beautifully. I unearthed quite a little collection that are in fine condition and hope to offer them closer to Christmas.
We’ve also been warming ourselves by the fire of friends and music at the Hallowe’en gig last weekend…nothing like that combination.
It turns out to be rather easy to make a pirate-wife/sprite costume…if you have frequented the thrift store for years (and have probably too many long dresses and skirts that others have given away) and have plenty of pretty pins to tuck up skirts with, a borrowed belt, turned-down boots and a woolen sash (actually a lovely scarf from
Salina) from which to hang “weapons”.
I decided I wasn’t in the mood for swords and knives and instead dangled an old pen, a little notebook and a hen’s feather, because…after all…”the pen is mightier than the sword”. I found all the layers of leaves and flowers rather earthy and enchanting and may just try to wear it out on regular days…tho’ without the sash and adornments and tucks…I suppose…
Aaarrrgghhhh…a pirate and his iPad can ne’er be parted.
“Kneel always when you light a fire!
Kneel reverently, and thankful be
For God’s unfailing charity,
And on the ascending flame inspire
A little prayer, that shall upbear
The incense of your thankfulness
For this sweet grace
Of warmth and light!
For here again is sacrifice
For your delight.
-John Oxenham
P.S. You know…all the dark and light contrasting in these photos puts me in mind of the achingly gorgeous shots of Edinburgh I have been drinking in watching Jackson Brodie (please roll your “r” when you say it!) in Masterpiece Mystery. So, so good. And as I recorded them, I will be rewatching them this week, and highly recommend them. Edinburgh is as much a presence as any of the wonderful human characters portrayed in the stories.
sarah elwell November 5, 2011 at 3:33 am
I love your outfit, and I would wear it for everyday too.
You know, when this post arrived in my Reader I sighed with happiness, knowing I was going to be gifted with warmth and gentleness and a lovely feeling that was sure to inspire my evening. And I was. So thank you, as always.
Jessica Marie November 5, 2011 at 3:45 am
When I was just skimming the pictures, I was like oh! what a cute dress. I didn’t even realize it was a costume because well…you know. That’s how I dress half the time. 🙂 Gorgeous as always.
melissa November 5, 2011 at 3:51 am
Yes, I agree…your outfit is wonderful, and very fitting for the ‘everyday’. 🙂 And I’m assuming that the pirate is yours? You both look smashing.
BTW, I’ve been watching Jackson Brodie myself. Can’t always ‘catch’ the accent, but so enjoying the shows. Glad you are too!
Lesley Austin November 5, 2011 at 4:03 am
Yes, I am glad to be able to say he is mine.
Salina November 5, 2011 at 7:57 am
Lovely post as usual Lesley.:)
You look beautiful as a pirate’s wife/sprite. And your hubby is equally as dashing.;)
The shots you took of your fireplace makes me wish we still had a wood stove. We have a pellet stove now but it too is so nice during the colder months.:)
I was so pleased to see that you are still using that scarf I made for you quite some time ago. I was sort of happily shocked when you mentioned it.:)
And oh…I just love the new series Case Histories. You mentioned how beautiful Edinburgh is and sadly, I hardly paid it much notice until you mentioned it. I suppose I was having a hard time taking my eyes off of the gorgeous blue eyed Jason Isaac who plays the private eye Jackson Brodie.:)
Anyway, I love reading your posts. I’m always anxious for the next.:)
Barb November 11, 2011 at 4:35 am
Jackson Brrrrrodie…swoon. I was so disappointed when the series ended. Are there more? Love the fire and the dress. I agree with Jessica…would dress like that all the time. :o)
Karen Edmisten November 21, 2011 at 5:13 am
Yes, I felt a bit depressed when I learned that Case Histories was finished after only three episodes. The third was the best, and I was looking forward to more. Sigh ….
the wild magnolia November 25, 2011 at 2:42 am
Where on earth have I been? I have some how missed these most recent post. Thankful to find them.
msmyhre November 25, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Thank you so much for your invitation to join you this advent. My struggle to stay connected needs your sort of insight and wisdom. I appreciate and admire your vulnerability.
kerrie of sea cottage November 29, 2011 at 5:50 am
I love the look…pray do wear it again. Your pirate hubby is rather handsome too. I have also enjoyed the Masterpiece Mystery…But I can’t wait for Downton
Abbey to begin again!