The First Day of Spring



 



 



 

Hello everyone,

It's March 20th - the first day of spring...and I'm back! I missed my blog...and all of you! Looking out the window here in Ohio, it's a typical early spring day - that is, the sun is shining and it's snowing! That's no lie! It's downright cold outside - you would never know it's spring. But, that's how it is in the Midwest - unpredictable.

 

When I decided to take a winter hiatus from blogging, it was for two reasons: I was in need of a computer break, and I was feeling a little confused about why I was blogging in the first place. Has that ever happened to you? I'm a writer, so I'm at my computer most days, but between work, blogging, and staying in touch on facebook and email...I was beginning to feel like I had no life outside the internet. I had to find that "balance."

 

I knew very little about blogging when I started. I knew I wanted it to be another creative outlet for me, and I wanted to share some of the things I love with others...so that's how "art, books, tea" came into being. After a while, though, I began to feel frustrated because I had so much more to say and show that had nothing to do with "art, books or tea" so I had to take a step back to figure it all out.  What I decided is this: I don't have to change what I've started - just expand on it. So, I'm back with a new look to my blog and in addition to art, books, and tea - you may find a little of anything here! I love travel and taking day trips...drives in the country...photography...creating pretty tablescapes...and of course, let's not forget my cats :) They have their own blog, now, as many of you already know - but I'm sure I'll be talking about them here, as well. In addition, I hope to share some of the challenges and joys of being an "aging Baby Boomer" in an ever-changing world.  

 

 

I hope you'll find something here that inspires you, or makes you smile, or that you can relate to in some way. Right now, I'm anxiously awaiting the weather to catch up with the calendar - which says today is the first day of spring! Come on, blue skies and sunshine, I'm ready for lilacs, daffodils and tulips!!!

 

 

Until next time,

Cindy

 

 



 

 

Linking with How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday





Thank You and a Giveaway!

It's been six months since I posted my first blog entry! I've learned so much along the way and have met so many wonderful people, from all around the world, through blogging. When I first started, my goal was to have 50 followers by the end of the year ~ I now have 155! To say blogging has exceeded my expectations is an understatement. I'm amazed every day by the talented and creative people out there - your words and photographs and artwork inspire me and uplift me day after day. Thank you for every visit, every comment, every email.

I'd like to say a special "thank you" to two people. I thought about starting a blog for a long time before I actually took the plunge. My friend, Suzanne de Cornelia, encouraged me to "just do it!"  I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. Suzanne not only encouraged me, but sent tips and advice on how to begin, and she patiently answered all of my questions. Suzanne is a writer who lives in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Her lovely blog, French Heart, can be found by clicking HERE. Thank you, Suzanne!

Once I began blogging and was still "feeling my way around," I ran across a blog called "Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings."  Humm...my name is Cindy Adkins!  When I looked at Cindy's blog and saw her beautiful mixed-media art, and read that she's a writer like me ~ I immediately became a follower of her blog and wrote to tell her of our "same-name" connection. Cindy and I have since become friends and we have so many things in common, we're convinced we're long-lost twins! Cindy has been very generous with her time and advice, and her books, "Blogging - It's a Woman's Thing," and "Blog From the Heart - A Woman's Guide to Blogging," have been extremely helpful to me. For more information on all of Cindy's books and free seminars, click HERE. Thank you, Cindy!

To celebrate and say thank you, I'm having a give-away! You can win this sweet St. Nicholas Square "Holly Jolly" tea-for-one teapot!  

It's decorated with holly leaves and berries and says "Have a cup of cheer."  To enter, just leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, December 14th. Feel free to post my give-away button on your blog and thanks so much for visiting!

Until next time,

Cindy

Linking to:
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
Tea Cup Thursday at Miss Spenser's Blog

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Potpourri Friday at 2805

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Homemaking Weekend Link-up Party

                                                                            

Cats on Tuesday - Meet and Greet

I've discovered a delightful new blog party called Cats on Tuesday, so....of course, I had to join in the fun! This is our very first time linking to it, so we're calling it a "Meet and Greet" post!  When I say "we," I'm referring to me (Cindy) of course, and my 3 furry housemates - Buster, Sam and Rudy. 

This is Buster, the oldest cat in the household, and if you asked him, the most important of the group. He appeared on my doorstep one snowy, cold night in December and wouldn't leave. When no one else would claim him...well...you know how it goes. That was almost 9 years ago. He really wishes he didn't have to share the house with 2 other cats, and when he thinks I'm not looking, he tries to bite their ears! Buster has personality with a capital P!

Buster

This is Buster meditating...which he does daily.

This is my sweet Sam (sometimes called Sammy.) Sam is a Maine Coon cat with a HUGE appetite! He loves his food more than anything in the world...eating and sleeping are his two favorite things. Sammy really is one of the sweetest cats I've ever known and he's very, very shy.

Sweet Sam

Sammy - sleepy after a big meal

Last, but not least, is my very handsome Rudy! He loves, loves, loves to be outdoors and would stay outside all the time - if I allowed him!  He's also the most vocal and lets me know when he's hungry, when he wants to go outside...when he wants me to wake up from a sound, cozy sleep (sigh!) Rudy is very affectionate - but shy around people, other than me.

Rudy reading his favorite book, "Diary of a Cat."

My handsome Rudy

I really should have named this blog, Art, Books, Tea and Cats!

For more cat stories, please visit Cats on Tuesday at My Cats and Funny Stories!

A Proper English Tea

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a tea drinker. First thing in the morning, give me a hot, strong cup of black tea - no coffee for this girl! However, I admit to drinking it the way of the English, with a little sugar and a splash of milk (although these days I use soy instead of cow’s milk.) I like to think it’s because of my English roots and a lifelong fascination for “all things British” that makes me love a good cuppa almost anytime of the day.

What I didn’t realize until I became friends with a proper English gentleman was that “tea” is actually a term used by the English to refer to any of several different meals of the day. Afternoon tea, also known as “low tea” is a light meal usually eaten between 3pm and 5pm. “High tea” is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. Traditionally, the tea (drink) is served with milk and sugar (like me!) however unlike me, the British usually use loose tea brewed in a teapot (whereas I confess I use tea bags!) The tea is served with sandwiches, such as cucumber, egg and cress, scones with clotted cream and jam (which is where the term “cream tea” originates.) In modern times, it’s become customary for hotels, cafes and tea shops to serve a formal afternoon tea as a “treat,” along with biscuits or the aforementioned scones with clotted cream and jam (no calories, I’m sure!) However you take it, a warm cup of tea seems to always be the perfect comfort drink for many. Tea soothes an upset tummy, as well as the nerves, and has significant health benefits to boot!