Monday, January 27, 2020

"And, the merry firelight flickered..."







"The ruddy brick floor smiled up at the smoky ceiling; the oaken settles, shiny with long wear, exchanged cheerful glances with each other; plates on the dresser grinned at pots on the shelf, and the merry firelight flickered and played over everything without distinction..

In the embracing light and warmth, warm and dry at last, with weary legs propped up in front of them, and a suggestive clink of plates being arranged on the table behind, it seemed to the storm-driven animals, now in safe anchorage, that the cold and trackless Wild Wood just left outside was miles and miles away, and all that they had suffered in it a half-forgotten dream."

  ~Kenneth Graham
Mr. Badger Chapter,
The Wind in the Willows

***********************************


And, that's kind of the way it was here just a few days ago.  There was snow, sleet, freezing rain, and a cold wind blowing, certainly enough to drive both man and beast inside to the comforts of a warm fire.

But, all of that could well have been forgotten today, for it was an almost spring-like day here in our Wild Wood.   Millie and I walked the longer trail as we often do on warm sunny days.  We didn't see any signs of spring, even though we looked, but we couldn't help noticing touches of red here and there.








Reflections were at their best on the pond.  It almost seemed that Thoreau might step down to pond's edge just to see what he could see, or to catch a nice bass for his supper.  Or, perhaps to take his morning bath!  (Millie made the ripples when she waded out for a little bath.)

"Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with nature herself.  I have been as sincere a worshipper of Aurora as the Greeks.  I got up early and bathe in the pond; that was a religious exercise, and one of the best things I did.  They say that Characters were engraved on the bathing tub of King Tching-Thang to this effect:  "Renew thyself completely each day; do it again, and again, and forever again."  ~Thoreau




My daily sewing continues.  Just for the fun of it, I gave "The Five" crude little faces with pencil and tied a rag around their heads.  All of that will soon be covered with clay.  I was amazed at how different each one already looks.  I am thinking that it might be fun to give each one a name now, before going on.  Completing this many dolls will not be done quickly.  I am not fast!  I am working on the legs now, which will be sewn on when the doll is finished.  I love them already!






Thanks for stopping by!

Mary

22 comments:

Granny Marigold said...

We had the same kind of Spring-like day here too. Just one lovely day between days of rain. I was outside raking and looking at the tiny spears of green poking up. Now, as I sit here, I can hear the wind throwing the rain at the house. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Leigh said...

You have such a wonderful place to take beautiful walks! A break in nasty weather is always welcome!

jenclair said...

I love those splashes of red! Your dolls are coming along quite nicely, and it is fascinating to see the various stages they go through!

How homely (in the Tolkien sense) the quote from Kenneth Graham, with the comforting sense of firelight and coziness!

Rose said...

I love those lines from The Wind in the Willow.

That looks like such a peaceful pond. And loved seeing the Redbird in that first shot. I seldom call them Redbirds now, but we always called them that when I was kid even though we knew their real name.

It is fun getting to see the dolls as they progress. I just cannot imagine the work that goes into them.

Sam I Am...... said...

We didn't get snow or sleet which is weird because we are (I think)north of you...it's been a strange but nice winter actually. Yesterday was wonderful! Sunny and warm and it does make one wonder if there will be an early spring. I have never read Wind in the Willows and why I don't know. I just put it on my "never-ending" list of books to read!LOL! Your living room look so cozy!

Morning's Minion said...

Sunshine on a winter day makes such a difference. The comforts of home are most appreciated during the months that tend to be grey and chilly outside. A dip in chilly water and calling it a bath doesn't appeal at all!
I marvel at your dolls--surely a careful crafting.

MyFarmhouseBlue said...

We are having some cooler weather. Freezing in the mornings, and warming up a bit in the afternoons. Here in the south, most of us enjoy the winter because it's almost the only break we get from the scorching heat and high humidity. I love the cold, but my body has started protesting against it. I guess I have reached that age. Love your dolls and look forward to seeing their new faces and heads. Also enjoyed your other photos and the poems you shared. Blessings!
~Carolyn

GretchenJoanna said...

What a wonderful quote with which to begin your post! It makes me want to read the book to my grandchildren as I did to my children so long ago. Your winter cozying is encouraging.

Lady Locust said...

I haven't read Wind in the Willows since childhood. I might have to keep an eye out at yardsales. That passage fits the scene perfectly. How perfectly content a little spot that is.

happyone said...

I've never read Wind in the Willows!
The cardinal stands out - so pretty.
A nice warm cozy home is a wonderful blessing.

The Tea Lady's Journal said...

So much curiosity about the five new dolls. You have truly been busy. Have you ever made five at one time before? The faces bring them to life! You have so much talent to design and create these dolls. I love seeing them in the different stages. Happy you are sharing your outside world with us too. Such nice scenery. Love seeing the red. The Wind in the Willows was a story I remember when my boys were young. You have a perfect place to sit and read and stay warm by the fire. We have had -40 wind chills to 40 degree temperatures. It's a rollercoaster ride. So far our snow has come in small increments. Never completely goes away...but isn't feet deep either. I won't start dreaming of Spring Days just yet. We can get our big snow late into the Spring. So for now it's indoors for me.

lil red hen said...

The little "five" remind me of ladies in a church choir. lol
I didn't realize this was the way they start out, before the clay is applied.

Hill Top Post said...

Sandra ~ No, I have never made five at one time before. Three has been the most. I gave the dolls all names today - first and last names. That was fun. So far, Jillie Cooper is the cutest doll! :~) They all are standing in their large empty pear cans tonight, each with her name written on her can. But, I had to first protect (with that new clingy plastic wrap and masking tape) the parts that won't have clay. I am still not giving up on getting a pretty little snow before winter is over!

Hootin Anni said...

Wind in the Willows! Terrific way for me to begin my morning.

Your five dolls are so darned good. I love viewing you projects & progress.

Beautiful reflection of the lake.

nookworm said...

I am VERY curious about your ladies! Clay? Is the process explained in an earlier post? I have just started following you.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

You do such lovely work Mary! There is so much work to making them! I enjoyed walking with you, and the lovely quotes you shared! How lovely to see the cardinal up in the bushes! We don't have them here. They are such a pretty bird! Hoping you see more signs of spring soon in your world :)

Prims By The Water said...

Loving your dolls! Each one has a different personality! Was this a pattern? Janice

Bonnie K said...

As an English teacher by trade, I appreciate the quotes. Both are great works. The picture fits perfectly for the "Wind in the Willows."

Hildred said...

Such a comfortable and cheery post.

Jean Tuthill said...

You are getting closer to the 1000 days! Keep it up and you will succeed! I love your dolls and I'm interested in the process, too! They are coming along quite nicely! I love that they have names, too, as my dolls all have names. Have a wonderful day!

Kim Sharman said...

Oh how lovely to rest in that gorgeous chair in front of that cosy fire. I can well imagine a lot of book reading happening there. Your five dolls are all beautiful. Your talent with doll making is incredible, Mary. There is always much joy to behold in your posts.

The Hermits said...

I might have to reread the Willow folks. :~)

Your group of girls is adorable right now! I love pencil drawn face. We will be patient while you make them, and enjoy each one. Hug Millie for me and tell her Gypsy says hi!