the bowerbird's nest

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2011-10-04T10:52:00.002+10:00

another blog hiatus!

2009-06-09T11:21:00.005+10:00

Dear Friends,

We continue to experience a very slow internet connection in this corner of the world - an ongoing challenge to blogging! I've decided to take a break from the blogosphere until we are settled in our own home. Sob! I will miss you all very much. Hopefully we can install a better system of link up to the world wide web when we move.

Best Wishes, Happy Blogging and Hugs!

~Kalianne

rooster rescue

2009-06-08T18:16:00.013+10:00

Once upon a time there was a little brown rooster called Chook Chook who lived with four other roosters. But there were no hens.

Every morning at 5.00am the roosters would crow with all their might. Why? Because they can. Next door lived KindMan and KindLady who were very patient.

Then one day an awful happening happened.

Two scary dogs broke into the yard. They chased the roosters around and around. Chook Chook fled as fast as he could, but got stuck under a fence.

The scary dogs grabbed Chook Chook's tail feathers and tried to pull him out. The little rooster squawked in terror.

Then KindMan next door came running. He knew just what to do. He growled at the scary dogs, "Go away"!

But the little rooster lay motionless under the fence. He had no tail feathers. Not one at all. Just a red, plucked bottom, and eyes closed tight.

KindMan lifted the little brown rooster very carefully thinking him dead.

Then all of a sudden, the little rooster's head jerked upright! His eyes blinked. CLUCK! CLUCK! I'm Alive!

KindMan gently released Chook Chook into his big safe yard. KindLady left kitchen scraps which were gobbled with relish. KindMan left a gate open for Chook Chook to go back home.

But that night at sundown when all good chickens go to bed. Chook chook did not go to his own yard to roost...but to the old empty chicken house in KindMan and KindLady's yard.

Soon after, KindMan and KindLady adopted the little brown rooster.

And they all lived happily ever after.

2009-06-08T18:15:00.005+10:00

Today Chook Chook has his own roost to run.

No more grouchy roosters to fight with. No more pesky mean dogs to flee from. There is plenty of nutritious food, fresh water and free ranging in the garden.

KindMan and KindLady bought Chook Chook some pretty hens. All day long he fusses over them, teaching them how to scratch for bugs and how to have a dirt bath. He is ever alert for predators. He takes his rooster role very seriously.

Every morning at 5am Chook Chook crows to the other roosters in the valley, "I'm the luckiest and happiest rooster in the country"!

coffee & walnut bread

2009-06-07T09:28:00.006+10:00

Since beginning our new life in the wilderness I've been learning some old-fashioned skills including making our own bread.

It's been a lot of fun experimenting with different recipes. Our new favorites include Sweet Corn Bread, Lemon Butter Bread, Swedish Limpa, Rye & Caraway, Pecan & Maple Sticky Buns and Coffee & Walnut Bread.

It costs about $2.00AUD to make a delicious loaf of bread. Specialty breads cost between $4.00-6.00AUD to buy at the shops. Frugal isn't as boring as I thought!

Making bread on cold wintry mornings (like today) is best. I love to crank up the old gas oven in the morning, quickly warming the kitchen. In front of the woodstove is perfect for proving a loaf and lingering to warm cold hands.

Here's a loaf ready for the oven (the splotches are coffee syrup that seeped out while rolling the dough).

50 minutes later... a loaf of freshly baked country bread by former city slicker!

Breadmaker Recipe for 1kg loaf Coffee & Walnut Bread*

350 ml (12 oz) water

3T oil

2 T honey
3t coffee (or coffee substitute) syrup

2t sea salt

300g (10 oz)/2C wholemeal flour

300g (10 oz)/2C unbleached white flour

2T soy flour or milk powder (optional)

2t dried yeast

2/3 C chopped walnuts

I like to use my little bread making maid when making bread. Place all the ingredients in the bread-maker pan except the coffee syrup and walnuts. Select the dough program and start. Add nuts at beep (or in automatic nut dispenser).

When dough is ready, place on floured bench and knead lightly before rolling out into a rectangle. Brush rectangle with coffee syrup and roll into a log that will fit your baking tin. Prove for 40 minutes in a warm place before putting in a moderatly hot oven (190 C/375 F). Bake for 50 minutes. Bread is ready when it sounds hollow.

Cool on a wire rack and slice when ready to eat!

*Standard European measures used. Please note: Quantities of fluid ingredients vary with the moisture content of the flour. It's helpful to check the breadmaker during the knead program and adjust flour or water as required. The resulting dough should be glossy and elastic.

poetry appreciation

2009-06-04T08:35:00.006+10:00

On poetry Kalianne said,
Anything that entered her head.
On such matters, no wit
What she said, didn't fit
Does she mind? No. She weren't even red.

Image: AllPosters

the road not taken

2009-06-02T16:07:00.016+10:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost

When Robert Frost was living in England he would go on country walks with fellow poet Edward Thomas. Thomas would often try Frost's patience when trying to decide which route to take on their walks. Is this famous poem a personal gibe at an old friend saying, “Who cares which road we take? Either way there's a hot cuppa and warm fire at the other end!” Or is it a parody about life?

Image: AllPosters

a summer porch party

2009-06-01T12:30:00.046+10:00

Welcome to my porch! I'm so glad you could come! I've been planning all week...

Here's my best sundress for the occasion...

and a pair of espadrilles bought on holiday in France...

...and a pretty knitted shawl.

Shall we celebrate the first day of summer with some old-fashioned lemonade?

Please help yourself to the sandwiches. The napkins are over....

Oh dear... the wind has blown the napkins all over the garden. Please be a pet and wait here...

have a strawberry scone while I go fetch the napkins...

Perhaps some soothing tea is in order... would you like yours with milk or black with a slice of lemon?

Isn't the garden pretty this time of year? Would you like to go for a wander? It's such a lovely day...Let's collect a big bouquet of flowers... and put cornflowers in our hair.

Buzz... Is that a bee buzzing around my head?

Let's gather some lovely fresh eggs from the barn. Henny won't mind...

What's that icky stuff with a feather squished on the bottom of my espadrilles?

Do mind your step...

Do you like honey? Let me fetch some for you. Buzzz. Shoo bee! Maybe we should come back for honey later...

Let's pick some apples. Fruit picking should be safe enough. Please steady the ladder for me...

Is that my shawl is caught in a branch? Be a dear and hold this basket while I try to untangle my shawl...

Perhaps we should head back to the porch now. Another cup of tea would be nice!

A special thank you to Rhondi for organising this awesome blogging event. For more porch party fun please join me as I head over to Rhondi's porch party!

making glace orange peel

2009-05-24T11:49:00.018+10:00

It's the end of autumn harvest in Australia. The pumpkins have been bought in and the last of the oranges picked...

These oranges were dry inside due to drought. Not to worry, the skins are still good for making glace peel for cakes, breads and homemade confectionary. Yum!

How to make glace orange peel

Take a dozen oranges or so, wash and peel the skins thinly.
In a saucepan, cover the peel with cold water and bring to a boil; drain and rinse throughly to remove any bitterness.
Repeat this process 2 or 3 times using fresh water each time.Then return the blanched and de-bittered peel to the saucepan and cover with 3 cups of sugar and 4 cups of water. Simmer until peel is translucent. Cool and drain.
Lay peel on a wire cooling rack covered with baking paper and allow to dry for at least 4 hours.

Toss peel in sugar and transfer to an airtight container....

Can be stored in the pantry for up to 1 month (if it lasts that long). Yummy half-dipped in chocolate and set as confectionary too.

Inspiration: Victoria Magazine, March/April 2009

Photography: Kalianne@theBowerbird'sNest.

comfort overflowing

2009-03-26T09:45:00.014+10:00

God comforts me in all my troubles. He surrounds me with songs of deliverance. Through Christ my comfort overflows. I am hidden with Christ in God. He has called me by my name - I am His! He heals my broken heart. He cups His hand under my chin and lifts my head. He holds me in His everlasing arms.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 32: 7 NKJV

For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden in Christ with God.

Colossians 3:3 AMP

Fear not, for I have redeemed you [randsomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

Isaiah 43:1-3 AMP

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].

Psalm 147:3 AMP

But you Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Psalm 3:3 AMP

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV

Prayer and compilation by Shelly Quinn.

wilderness living

2009-03-22T09:03:00.052+10:00

A local forest river.

We moved from the city to wilderness 3 months ago.

Here are some things we're learning to live with (and without).

Get comfortable living with snakes!
Almost every home has a resident black snake. They love to live under houses. They also love to live under churches! A black snake tried to slither into our church a few weeks ago while the congregation was singing. Fortunately a deacon spotted him before he could disturb the service!

If you don’t have it in the pantry - just make do with what you have.
...because the shops are too far away! Last week I ran out of laundry powder so I washed our clothes with disinfectant!

But sometimes you just can’t make do with what's on hand (a one neighbor ran out of salt this week) ~ then you share.

Plumbing isn’t always push button.
I hadn't thought much about plumbing before. You just 'press the button' and 'it' all disappears. I didn’t think about 'where it went' or 'how it got there'. That was...until we arrived in the wilderness...

We moved into a house that hadn’t been lived in for over two years. Roots had grown into the plumbing. The toilet wouldn’t flush!! Shock! Horror! Murky water backed up in the shower around our ankles!!We couldn’t call up a plumber because we live too far away, so my husband and a neighbor had to fix the problem (...while I hid in the house).

I know where 'it' goes now – a big, icky tank in our backyard. Let's hope it keeps going there!

Candles ain't just for aesthetics.
Owing to storms and remoteness we experience fairly frequent power-outages. They can take several hours to be repaired. Every home has candles and/or oil lamps around here. Some also have back up generator power.

The alarm goes off at 5am. Even on weekends.
That's because our alarm clock is a rooster! Some mornings I could knock him over the head. Fortunately for our rooster, my bed is too warm and snug to leave.

Be ready for close encounters with wildlife.
Friday night we heard a thump thump on the veranda (porch). We went to check what was happening and discovered a pair of big brown eyes peering through our window - it was a kangaroo! We coaxed her with a little bread and patted her lovely soft coat. We soon realised she wasn’t wild- just a neighbor’s pet come to visit us.

An eastern-grey kangaroo. Photo by Stephen. Our night time visitor was much like this little one.

Saturday night my husband was standing at the end of the orchard with a spotlight above his head - searching for wild dogs in the valley below. He made the mistake of standing in one place for too long - a Frogmouth Owl landed on his head!

Somedays it's a wonderful world...

~Kalianne xo

a home in the wilderness

2009-03-19T08:55:00.029+10:00

Dear ones, we are finally connected to telephone and Internet! I am linked with the outside world again!

What a summer. The wildfires didn't reach us. We had high winds and temperatures, smoke and embers. But no fire. Further west the country is devastated. Our little sanctuary is safe. At least this for this year.

Look at these cute Tawny Frogmouth Owls- aren't they a sweet pair? We have one resident in our garden. By night she hunts for insects, taking little notice of us as we admire her.

It seems Providence requires us to stay in this remote wilderness area. Life here is a huge change from the bustling city. Our closest shopping centre (mall) is 4 hours away and requires an overnight stay! I'm learning to appreciate bulk buying and mail order!

It's so peaceful here. No cars, sirens or neighbourhood burnouts. Instead I can hear the birds in the forest and the wind whispering through the orchard.

Our life here is a miracle. We prayed for help at the beginning of the financial crisis last year. We dared not dream God would open doors to wilderness living (employment in the wilderness at such a time? Unthinkable). Our pace of life has now slowed. My husband's health is slowly returning. We have more time for each other and more time for communion with God. There is much to say about God's providences and tender care but will save for another time.

It's great to be back in blog land! Please say drop by and say hello!

Hugs,
Kalianne xo

Photography: Aaardvaak @ Flickr Creative Commons

2009-02-04T09:32:00.008+10:00

Dear Friends,

We are still living in the beautiful wilderness area of Victoria's remote south-east. We have no phone at home or access to Internet. No TV. No mod cons. But the beauty and serenity of this place far outweighs the hardships.

Because it's a long drive to access Blogger (in town) and as there are time limits on public Internet I won't be posting again until we move back to town (anytime from late March to early May, 2009).

Miss you all much,
Kelleigh xo

jacaranda season

2008-11-16T12:51:00.020+10:00

During October and November the Jacaranda Tree creates a spectacular display of purple through many Brisbane streets and avenues.

Remember the Arbour winding it's way through the South Bank Parklands? Here's another view against a backdrop of purple. Photo by Smurfie.

A Jacaranda tree sheltering the statue of Ned Hanlon at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital. Photo by Stephen K.

A busy bee enjoying Jacaranda season. This lovely photograph was taken on the grounds of the University of Queensland. Photo by Stephen K.

Newstead Terrace is a lovely suburban street just outside inner Brisbane City. Photo by Rasker.

Popular New Farm Park is famous for it's display of Jacaranda blossoms in Spring.

Jacarandas during examination time University of Queensland. Photo by Stephen K.

Jacaranda trees are just going off season now. Best time to see them here in Brisbane is late October to early November. But if you miss them don't worry - from now until Christmas the beautiful Poinsianas are coming into season.

He leadeth me...

2008-11-03T08:58:00.016+10:00

The Lord is my Shepherd to feed, guide and shield me, I shall not lack.

He makes me to lie down in fresh tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for you are with me; Your rod (to protect) and your staff (to guide), they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my brimming cup runs over.

Surely only goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and through the length of my days, the house of the Lord and His presence shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 23 (Amplified Version)

time for a cuppa & magazine

2008-10-13T17:08:00.017+10:00

Magic Patch is a French craft magazine published in English. Which is a good thing as my French is pretty basic... par-lay voo er, en-glay? wee?

This month Magic Patch is devoted entirely to folk artist Veronique Requena and her shop Born to Quilt located in the lovely village of Mornant (must visit when next in France)...

This is Veronique's chocolate Lab Jules. Each project has Jules own 'Paw Rating System' and special tips (I knew I'd love this mag).

Jules rates this project a 'Beginners' quilt. That sounds like me!

Cute wall hanging - "The Simple Life". Would look great in the hall...

Oh, I wonder what this is?

It's a sewing machine cover! That must be Jules by the front door. If I use black fabric instead of brown it could be our Zipper! :-o)

She bakes too! I love this lady already. Over here is the recipe! Yum!

I can imagine these made up in many types of lovely fabric. Beginner level too! Jules tip: "You can embellish your cat with a collar by threading a pretty button on leather lace or ribbon". Clever boy!

Thanks for joining me! Enjoy the rest of your day!

afternoon scones

2008-10-12T10:24:00.055+10:00

Scones with jam and cream seemed like a good idea..

Inspired by Nigella I rolled up my sleeves and made them by hand instead of using a mix master.

I rubbed the butter and flour between finger tips until a breadcrumb like consistency was achieved.

Then mixed in the milk and egg gently by hand the old-fashioned way.

Employed a dusted rolling pin..

Oops, rolled them too thin today! (..Grandma made them thicker so the cutter would 'sink' into the soft dough).

Arranged the little discs on a shiny new Anolon baking tray. Painted tops with milk and baked for about 15 minutes in a moderately hot oven..

Brushed excess flour from apron..sleeves.. hair.. and a passing pet.. (baking-by-hand is such fun).

Ding goes the timer!

Finally we cool scones on a wire rack and sandwich together with jam and cream.

Yum!

Charlotte Elliott 1789 - 1871

2008-10-05T08:31:00.010+10:00

Just as I am
Tho tossed about
With many a conflict
Many a doubt
Fightings within and fears without
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Hymnist Charlotte Elliott was born in Clapham, England on March 18, 1789.

As a young person she lived a carefree life gaining popularity as a portrait artist and writer of humorous verse.

But by the time she was thirty her health began to fail rapidly and soon she became a bed ridden invalid for the remaining years of her life.

With her failing health came great feelings of despondency. She once wrote,

“He [God] knows, and He alone, what it is, day after day, hour after hour, to fight against bodily feelings of almost overpowering weakness, languor and exhaustion, to resolve not to yield to slothfulness, depression and instability, such as the body causes me to long to indulge, but to rise every morning determined to take for my motto, ‘If a man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

Just as I am
Poor wretched, blind
Sight riches healing
Of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee I find
Oh Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Charlotte had not always believed. Long before writing Just As I Am she had struggled with doubt.

A turning point came in Charlotte's life however when in1822 the noted Swiss evangelist Dr. Malan visited the Elliott home. He impressed upon Charlotte the truth, “You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world!”

Charlotte never forgot these words and fourteen years after her conversion penned her most famous hymn.

Just as I am
Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon
Cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

The Testimony of Charlotte's Life:

"...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness". 2Cor 12:9

Charlotte often felt despondent about her lack of ability and usefulness. Yet God was able to use her to bring happiness and peace to many lives.

In 1835, her brother was trying to raise funds for a school --St. Mary's Hall. Charlotte felt useless and unable to help with the project. It turns out however that during her lifetime the sale of her hymn brought in more funds for the school than all her brothers fund-raising projects combined!

...Dora Wordsworth the daughter of poet William Wordsworth asked to have the lines of Charlotte's hymn read to her again and again on her death bed.

...Sir Henry Norman an officer in British-controlled India accepted Jesus as his Saviour through the witness of her hymn.

...Billy Graham used Just As I Am as the invitation in his crusades.

...In spite of her illness Charlotte lived to be 82. After her death more than a thousand letters were found among her papers - written by people telling her how her hymn had touched their lives!

...Her brother, a clergyman once wrote these words, “In the course of a long ministry, I hope to have been permitted to see some fruit of my labors; but I feel more has been done by a single hymn of my sister’s.”

Just as I am
Without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Praise God for the beautiful testimony of Charlotte Elliott's life!

rest for the weary

2008-10-03T15:39:00.008+10:00

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

~John Lubbock~

Have a lovely weekend!

Kalianne, xo

Photography: Linda Burgess

the ambassador's ball

2008-10-01T10:11:00.042+10:00

How kind of you to let me come!

Did you know I arrived in a TAXI?

I washed my face and hands before I came I did ;-) .

Oh dear...here comes the Professor. He has my voice on a phonogram.

Good evening Professor Higgins. Are you quite well?

But OF COURSE you are! You are never ILL!

Moving right along...

This is Freddy. He WRITES me sheets and sheets. But it's ALL words, words, words!

"Freddy don't stand there grinning". "If you want to dance SHOW ME!"

Why it's RASPBERRY CORDIAL!

Did I tell you about my Aunt? The one that died of influenza? This was like mothers milk to her!

Let's try some...

The rine in spine sties minely in the pline, hic!

...don't worry it's the new SMALL talk...

Oh, how perfectly dull. Pickering and the Professor are discussing spoken sanskrit AGAIN.

I know! Let's go back to Willow Manor where we can dance all night!

craft shop crawl

2008-09-29T16:04:00.029+10:00

This week I spent an enjoyable day shopping with Mum meandering through six craft shops on one day - a craft shop crawl!

Our first stop was Thurechts of Redcliffe where we browsed needle work projects for inspiration. This stunning tapestry "Wildflowers" by Country Threads could be a future needlework project!

At Thurechts we found the just the right size styrofoam ball for this retro Simplicity clown pattern.

Mum and I made this pattern about 16 years ago when I was 12 and she my age. How time flies!

Our next stop was The Northside Sewing Centre. The shop assistant had an excellent eye for colour and helped me with new ideas to coordinate with my patchwork quilt.

These fabric remnants would make great jam jar covers!

The highlight of the day was our visit to the Embroiderer's Guild of Queensland located in this historic Masonic Hall. It was fun to image this (once) all-male domain housing pretty embroideries and classes filled with the hubbub of chatting ladies!

The find of the day was this beginners guide to needlepoint tapestry -only $1 at the Embroiderer's Guild.

Our tour of the premesis concluded with a visit to the Guild's library of more than 2000 needlework books! We left with many embroidery questions answered and the contact details for Brisbane's needlepoint mecca. Certain to be the destination of our next pilgrimage.

After lunch we visited The Patchwork Tree - a fabric wonderland.

Although I'd promised myself not to purchase more fabric - who could resist these?

I quickly seized the Moda Charm Pack "Peace on Earth" before it chanced to slip into another shopper's trolley. Wouldn't these fabrics make a lovely hand-crafted Christmas gift?

The 12 Days of Christmas Panel by Nancy Halvorsen was the next item to be tucked under my arm. Wouldn't it make a cosy Christmas decoration? Christmas is only a couple of months away. I couldn't delay this purchase could I?

We arrived home late in the afternoon with our bags of goodies spread reverently on the dining table. Ah the possiblitities...

Artwork: "Shop Til You Drop" by Katherine & Elizabeth Pope.

learning patchwork (update)

2008-09-29T15:22:00.016+10:00

Zipper and Sandy could hardly wait for the quilt to be finished.

"How snug it will be in my bed," pondered Sandy.

"Perfect for my favorite spot on the sofa," imagined Zipper.

Link: learning patchwork

why you are the most unique person on earth

2008-09-27T13:11:00.053+10:00

There is no other person in history like you nor will there ever be another you - not ever again. You are unique and God has a special vocation for your life that He gives to no other person.

This concept blows me away and yet fills me with a great sense of purpose. For a stirring presentation about our unique personhood and life's calling please join me for cyberchurch at The Pioneer Memorial Church, Michighan Springs USA.

“You saw me before I was born…Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:13, 16 NLT

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

“But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace” Galatians 1:15 NLT

Download Microsoft Media Player Here Free of Charge. To enlarge video image, right click. For full screen viewing, right click again. The presentation is approximately 45 minutes long.

Artwork: Evening Window Trinity Lutheran Church Reisterstown MD.

spring in the subtropics

2008-09-23T19:34:00.029+10:00

Join me for a walk through the lovely South Bank Parklands in Brisbane, Australia.

It's a gorgeous spring day and hot enough to go for a swim! Did you bring your togs? The photo above features the beautiful Arbour made up of tendril-like columns of steel covered with brilliant magenta bougainvillea. Got your joggers? The Arbour winds through the centre of the parklands for about one kilometre (a bit less than a mile).

Covered in a mass of lovely daffodil-yellow blossoms, this tree is a common sight in Brisbane at this time of year.

Stunning red flowers set against a backdrop of clear blue skies.

If you love tropical trees, don't miss the lovely Jacaranda's and magnificent Poinciana's. Will post as soon as they're in flower.

Photography: Kalianne@BygoneBeauty

picnic @ prince edward island

2008-09-22T17:04:00.051+10:00

Don't you love an Indian Summer Picnic? There is so much SCOPE for the imagination!

I've always dreamed of going to a picnic in PUFFED SLEEVES. Marilla says plain and sensible is best. But I'd rather look ridiculous with everyone else than plain and sensible all by myself!

Potential BOSOM Friend ~ Diana Barry of The Lake of Shining Waters! In order to make a bosom friend one must attend a picnic!

Pleased to meet you Diana! Marilla has given me strict instructions not to talk my head off. I do have a habit of chattering on so ~ I'd love to sleep in a wild cherry tree! Wouldn't you?

Oh ICE CREAM! This is the first time I've tasted ice-cream in my life! This picnic is bursting with delights!

Marilla says it isn't good manners to tell people what you're drinking at an Indian Summer Picnic so I won't tell you what she said we could have to drink today!

Oh Diana! I've always dreamed of being in a THREE-LEGGED race at a picnic! Would you do me the honor of being my partner?

Diana you don't look well. IS IT the shock of winning the three-legged race? You need another refreshing glass of RASPBERRY CORDIAL!

Diana...Bosom Buddy? Are you sick? Please wake up!

Oh dear! Don't worry Diana! I'll never forsake you! I'll nurse you back to health!

But PLEASE....don't leave until after the picnic!

For more picnic capers visit my dear bloggy friend Cynthia at MuseSwings! All invited!

navigating adversity

2008-09-18T19:17:00.016+10:00

There's an old Norwegian folktale about a fisherman and his two sons who went on a fishing trip one day...

The day began well enough with blue skies and plenty of fish - but by mid-afternoon a sudden, dark and angry storm blotted out the shoreline. Huge waves tossed the little boat as the men groped for the slightest sign of land.

Meanwhile on shore an intense fire broke out in the kitchen of their home. Before it could be quenched the fire destroyed everything the family owned.

Late that afternoon the father and his sons were finally able to row to shore. Waiting anxiously for their return was the man’s wife. Standing on the beach wringing her apron she related how a terrible fire had destroyed everything they owned. Strangely however the father stood unfazed.

“Didn’t you hear me? She pleaded. “We have lost everything!”

“Yes" he said calmly, "I heard you.”

“Then tell me" she implored, "how can you be so calm?"

“You don’t understand my lady. A few hours ago the boys and I were utterly lost at sea. I was sure we would all perish. Then something happened. I saw a strange golden glow. It grew larger and larger. We decided to steer toward it.”

Grasping his trembling wife by the shoulders and looking deeply into her eyes he said,

“Don’t you see my love? The terrible fire that destroyed our house was the wonderful fire that saved our lives!”

Artwork: "Lighthouse II" by TC Chiu

prince albert's beautiful nose

2008-09-15T18:42:00.038+10:00

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1842.

When Princess Victoria came of age her ambitious uncle, King Leopold suggested his two nephews make an opportune social call on Kensington Palace...

The visit was a resounding success for Leopold. Young Victoria was immediately captivated by the looks and personalities of her cousins the Princes Ernest and Albert. With a sentiment common to teenage girls, Victoria re-counts in her diary how Albert's handsome features won the day!

Dear Diary...

'ERNEST…has dark hair, and fine DARK eyes and eyebrows, but the nose and mouth are not good; he has a most kind, honest and intelligent expression in his countenance, and has a very good figure. Albert, who is just as tall as Ernest but stouter, is extremely handsome; his hair is about the same colour as mine; his eyes are large and blue, and he has a beautiful nose and a very sweet mouth with fine teeth; but the charm of his countenance is his expression which is most delightful…'

Victoria later wrote to her uncle thanking him 'for the prospect of great happiness you have contributed to give me, in the person of dear Albert…He possesses every quality that could be desired to render me perfectly happy.'

After a whirlwind courtship Albert accepted Victoria's proposal and the young couple married on February 10, 1840. Victoria and Albert are remarkable historically due to their long and happy marriage.

Other Posts: Queen Victoria's Dash

olde world coffee cake

2008-09-14T10:14:00.027+10:00

This wholesome coffee cake has a moist crumb and delicious struesel topping & filling.

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk

Filling
1/2 cup quality dark cooking chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted nuts (of choice)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup jam
1/2 cup dried fruit (of choice) , diced

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 C (350F). Grease and line a spring form cake pan.

2. Cream together butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir through vanilla.

4. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a separate bowl.

5. Add a little of the dry mixture to the wet mixture alternatively (dry/wet/dry/wet/dry/wet) and mix gently after each addition. Try not to over mix. The resulting batter should be very thick.

6. Prepare the crumb filling/topping by combining the chocolate and nuts in a blender. Blend until mixture is coarsely chopped then combine with the coconut and dried fruit in a small bowl.

7. Spoon half the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading until even. Spoon dollops of jam onto the batter, then sprinkle about 2/3 of the choc-nut mixture evenly over the batter.

8. Add the remaining batter, distributing evenly. Sprinkle with the rest of the choc-nut mix and bake for 45-55 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool until removing from pan.

Tip: This cake is most delicious served warm. Put a covered slice in the microwave on low-medium for about one minute OR place in a moderate oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe adapted from "Russian Coffee Cake" in The New Enchanted Broccoli Forest, by Mollie Katzen

Photography: Kalianne@BygoneBeauty

my little quirks

2008-09-12T08:07:00.044+10:00

I've been tagged by Rebecca to list "6 Unspectacular Quirks" about myself.

With a few suggestions and nudging from family I'll own the following:

1. I vacuum everything. Carpet, rugs, tiles, skirtings, sofas, cushions, blinds, curtains, the bath, the shower recess. Once I get started I can't seem to stop. I'd vacuum the dogs if they'd let me near them with the nozzle!

2. I hoard toilet paper like a squirrel preparing for winter. Recently we installed shelving units in each toilet to display nick-nacks & reading material. They are now overrun with rows of toilet paper rolls!

3. No person to-date whether a man of science or a man of the cloth has been able to convince me that my dogs aren't human.

4. Backseat driving can be perilous so I try to remain calm and quiet when riding in a car. But on occasion it gets too much and I may exclaim that the driver is on the wrong side of the road when they are not (twice in the past month); or that the driver is about to hit the car in front or is driving too close the curb...

5. I half-believe stuffed animals and dolls have a personality, thoughts and feelings. OK, I admit that I talk to Teddy on occasion. Well? He is an exceptional listener!

6. "I'm a Sybil" according to Barbara Sher author of Refuse to Choose. I'm almost constantly in the grip of a new novelty, often several at a time. Currently it's the History of the English Royal Family: Queen Victoria and her Wicked Uncles, sensitive George III and his Madness, Edward and Wallis the royal Abdicators; and other new interests like patchwork and jigsaw puzzles.

Please join the fun! Leave a message in the comments if you like so we can find you!

Artwork: "Woman with a Blue Hat" by Pablo Picasso

learning patchwork

2008-09-10T16:09:00.025+10:00

The art of Patchwork has been around for a long time. The earliest known examples are more than 1,000 years old!

So how did Patchwork begin? Nobody is certain. It's thought the Crusaders brought the craft to England from the Middle East during the 11 & 12th centuries.

Originally, patchwork quilts were made to provide warmth for cool European winters. Scraps from old clothes were used to piece the coverlets. Patchwork only became an art of creative design centuries later when fabrics began to be imported from the East during the Industrial Revolution.

The art of patchwork eventually spread throughout Europe and on to the Americas. In North America the concept of the 'block pattern' was developed by early Pilgrim settlers. Around this time the 'quilting bee' also became a popular social outlet for pioneer women.

Today centuries later I experienced my first patchwork lesson! Mum, a veteran patchwork quilt sewist, is teaching me the basics of patchwork in the traditon of mothers and grandmothers of yesteryear.

How to make an Australian/French Country Inspired Quilt

Under teddy's leg are the fabrics we carefully selected at the craft store. Teddy and this cute French country step-stool were my inspiration pieces for the design of my first patchwork quilt.

The first step was to steam press the fabric and carefully cut the squares true to the fabric grain. Mum made this template for me. We cut the pieces by hand the old fashioned way (because we don't have a cutting wheel)!

Accuracy seems to be a virtue with this craft. Measure, trace and cut all pieces very carefully to get all the squares even when sewn together!

Pinning is the other important thing. Use lots of pins to secure the pieces accurately with all corners matching.

Try to sew a straight even line. I unpicked my first attempt three times! Fortunately my teacher is very patient!

Iron the seams flat then flip the fabric over with finger's crossed (not easy to do). Is everything even? If not, go back and unpick!

We arranged the squares into a pattern first then sewed sets of three together in a row.

After forming the rows we sewed them together, pinning the seams carefully so the corners would match.

My first piece of patchwork! Over the next week I hope to see this patchwork grow into a small quilt.

Link: learning patchwork (update)

old petrie town

2008-09-07T12:45:00.041+10:00

Old Petrie Town is a replica of a turn-of-the-century Australian village in Queensland. It features original historical buildings from our local area, that now house an interesting mix of art and crafts.

Old Petrie Town's famous Sunday markets are a favorite. Among the arts, crafts and old wares; fresh eggs, wood-fire bread and farmer's produce can be purchased along with a local weekend paper.

Today's photographs were taken last weekend, the beginning of the spring season in Australia.

Meandering through the markets we had fun buying each other gifts. I scored a cute teddy bear from Bryan and vintage apron from Mum.

Coe's Cottage (above) has a romantic history. The cute farmhouse was lovingly built by Samuel Coe in 1876 as a wedding present for his bride. Mr. Coe was a dairy farmer whose parents settled the area. The cottage remained in the family until 1988.

This building is a replica of an original bank that was forced to close during the depression of the early 1890’s after only 5 years of trading.

At lunchtime we enjoyed wood-fire oven baked pies. The pastry was flaky, golden brown and tasted delightfully smokey. The town's bakery features a large wood-fire oven built from materials recovered from an original bake-oven in Dayboro. Today Old Petrie Town's bakery makes the biggest loaves of bread I've ever seen!

A peaceful church located on the Old Petrie Town Common.

Here is a glimpse of turn-of-the-century furnishings in the old church. Try falling asleep in those pews, if you dare!

I can't say for sure whether pink was the original colour of the local fire station.

A side view of the fire station with the viewing tower and water pumps at the right.

The spacious pottery barn where local ceramic and pottery classes are held weekly. On display are many beautiful pieces made by local artisans.

Observe a blacksmith at work at the Old Petrie Town forge.

A quiet lane leading away from the Town Common with it's park, picnic areas and bandstand.

A rickety old fence and rambling bush add to the nostagia of this beautiful village.

I hope you enjoyed visiting Old Petrie Town with me today.

~Kalianne@BygoneBeauty

Photography, by Kalianne@BygoneBeauty

cooking with leftovers

2008-09-05T08:28:00.025+10:00

In bygone days when the average family had one income and one car; when houses had one bathroom and children played in the street; when boys wore trousers with patches at the knees. When money was in short supply and thrift was practiced - creative homemakers used leftovers.

Stale bread for bread & butter pudding, sour milk for baking, leftover mashed potato & veg transformed into bubble and squeak for breakfast and leftover pumpkin went into pumpkin scones. A glut of eggs from backyard chooks were often preserved in lemon butter or in rich fruit cakes, the rest given to neighbours in exchange for garden fruits and vegetables.

But in today's busy lifestyle is there still a place for leftovers? Why not? Using left overs saves time, money and is good for the environment also -three great reasons to get creative with leftovers!

A favorite leftover ingredient at our place are ripe bananas. We live in Queensland, the banana growing state of Australia. Queenslanders are called Banana Benders. Here bananas are prolific and cheap. At home we often have several black-spotty bananas leftover in the fruit bowl -perfect for delicious cakes, breads and muffins!

Olde Banana Muffins

2 cup/9oz - self-raising flour

1/2 cup/4oz - caster sugar

100g/3 1/2oz - white or dark chocolate buds

1 egg - lightly beaten

1 cup - milk

1/3 cup - vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon - vanilla extract

2 medium - ripe bananas, mashed

Preheat oven 180C/350F. Grease or line with muffin papers a 12-whole muffin tray. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl including chocolate. Combine wet ingredients in a medium bowl including mashed banana. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and gently mix until all combined. Spoon mixture into muffin holes, filling them 3/4 full. Bake in preheated oven or about 25-30 minutes or until skewer inserted comes out clean.

Photograph: Olde Banana Muffins by Kalianne, "Midnight Feast", by Ulster Weavers (of fine Irish linen).

queen victoria's dash

2008-09-03T09:58:00.070+10:00

On the grounds of Windsor Castle is a grave belonging to Dash Queen Victoria’s much-loved King Charles Spaniel.His epitaph reads:

"His attachment was without selfishness; His playfulness without malice; His fidelity without deceit; Reader if you would live beloved; and die regretted, profit by the example of Dash."

Queen Victoria's beloved Dash was a faithful companion throughout her secluded girlhood and early reign. In the excellent BBC dramatisation 'Victoria and Albert', Her Majesty's doting affection for Dash is portrayed in a touching scene featuring Dash's Bath. The scene was probably inspired by the real Victoria's curious haste after her coronation in 1837. Immediately following the grand event, the newly crowned queen rushed home. Why? To give Dash his bath of course!

Dash plays cupid...

Queen Victoria kept a personal diary throughout her life. Dash is mentioned regularly - even during the days of the queen's courtship! When Victoria met the handsome Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1836, Dash played a very special role in bringing the pair together.

Dashing Prince Albert

On their first meeting Victoria was taken with the tall, serious, blue-eyed Albert. It was his behaviour toward Dash however that sealed her opinion of him. Victoria recorded in her diary how Albert 'played with and fussed over' Dash. Thus, with Dash's seal of canine approval, Albert's fate was set. Not long after the Queen proposed. The rest is history!

Artwork "Dash" by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1886); "Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg" by (can anyone help?)

jigsaw days

2008-09-01T09:17:00.059+10:00

Jig Zone's The Lady of Shalott Puzzle

The Jigsaw puzzle is a Victorian invention that's endured the test of time.

Although jigsaws have remained popular finding idle hours to enjoy them nowadays is an indulgence often reserved for holidays and rainy weekends. During my recent vacation a few such hours were spent agreeably with a 500-piece jigsaw. As I absently matched colours and shapes the cares of everyday dissolved. To share the joy, here's a little online puzzle by Jig Zone featuring Waterhouse's The Lady of Shalott. Beware gentle reader jigsaws can be very addictive!

About the painting and poem

The Lady of Shalott is one of artist John William Waterhouse's most celebrated works. This acclaimed painting is a study of poet Lord Tennyson's heroine Elaine of Astolat who dies of grief when her beloved Lancelot rejects her. The painting captures the climax of the poem when the tragic Lady Elaine - The Lady of Shalott - floats down the Shalott river chanting a 'a carol, mournful, holy' dying as she sings.

There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shalott.

The Lady of Shalott reaches Camelot
Unknown artist, prior to 1887.

Related Posts - jigsaw days, message in a bottle, ode to love.

roma street parklands

2008-08-09T17:36:00.031+10:00

The Roma Street Parklands are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city of Brisbane. Spread over 16 acres the parklands are the world's largest urban subtropical garden. This photo-shoot captures The Spectacle Garden which is one of the many interlinked precincts within the park.

The parklands showcase a variety of the worlds most colourful and unique subtropical foliage and flowering plants. These photos taken last weekend represent late winter colour.

The subtropics experience hot and humid summers, cool and dry winters with most rainfall in the summer to winter period.

Plants that flourish include orchids, bromeliads, frangipani, hibiscus, African violets, palms, cyclamen, impatiens cycads and nasturtium. Most summer vegetables thrive year 'round (as do the bugs and weeds)! Bananas, pineapple, passion fruit and strawberries are farmed locally.

This flowering climber forms an elegant bower over a quiet sitting area. A lovely place to read on hot days.

The late afternoon sun warms the garden before the cool evening. It is rare for temperatures to drop below 0 C even on the coolest nights. Frosts tend not to be a problem for gardeners, however without frost many stone fruits and bulbs are not grown successfully along the coastline areas.

A mimosoideae flower. The dense green foliage of this plant makes it ideal for hedges or topiary.

Ornamental brassicas enjoying the warm winter sunshine.

The garden's winter trees are soon to bud. Spring is just around the corner!

Giant cacti silhouetted against late afternoon sky.

***Bygone Beauty Break***

I'm off to the Victorian Alps tomorrow where winter holiday makers are currently enjoying a bumper snow season. My winter thermals are packed along with down-filled jackets and gloves. I'll be away from Blogland for about three weeks. See you again in mid-September - if I haven't turned into a snowman!

Photography~Bryan@BygoneBeauty

ode to love

2008-08-08T07:03:00.053+10:00

English poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne exchanged numerous letters and notes during their courtship.

Keat's letters are both beautiful and painful to read as he was often troubled by Fanny's behaviour and was insecure in her affection. The couple are bought closer together when Keats becomes gravely ill. By the time the young poet leaves for Rome to convalesce, he and Fanny are engaged and very much in love. Keats letters to Fanny Brawne are among the most famous love letters ever written. None of Fanny's letters to Keats survive.

11 October 1819

My Sweet Girl,

I am living to day in yesterday: I was in a complete fascination all day. I feel myself at your mercy. Write me ever so few lines and tell you, you will never for ever be less kind to me than yesterday - You dazzled me - There is nothing in the world so bright and delicate - When Brown came out with that seemingly true story against me last night, I felt it would be death to me if you had ever believed it - though against anyone else I could muster up my obstinacy - Before I knew Brown could disprove it I was for the moment miserable. When shall we pass a day alone? I have had a thousand kisses, for which with my whole soul I thank love - but if you should deny me the thousand and first - 'twould put me to the proof how great a misery I could live through. If you should ever carry your threat yesterday into execution - believe me 'tis not my pride, my vanity or any petty passion would torment me - really 'twould hurt my - heart - I could not bear it - I have seen Mrs Dilke this morning - she says she will come with me any fine day-

Ever yours

John Keats

Ah hertè mine!

A Poem for Fanny

The famous sonnet, "Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast" was penned by Keats in his copy of 'The Poetical Works of William Shakespeare' on a blank page (shown below) opposite the poem 'A Lover's Complaint'.

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art---
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priest like task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors---
No---yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillowed upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever---or else swoon in death.

Bright star I want to be steadfast, like you. But not alone as you are. You are a mere observer. I would be steadfast in my lover's bosom. If I cannot live this way forever I would rather death!

The young poet's first love affair consumed him and gave his writing new energy and inspiration - new eyes with which to perceive his own emotions and the world around him. From this time Keats' poetry began to reflect a new maturity and strength.

On a lighter note...
"I have met with women who I really think would like to be married to a Poem and to be given away by a Novel"
~ John Keats

Artwork~ Portrait of John Keats, by William Hilton
Manuscript~ Manuscript Image @ EnglishHistory.net

happy days for whales

2008-08-06T10:52:00.033+10:00

Not so long ago humpback whales were slaughtered mercilessly on the east coast of Australia. Today tour operators take delighted visitors to admire these majestic creatures.

Do the whales hold a grudge? Not at all. These gracious animals seem happy to interact with their new found friends. It was a special honor this week to meet and photograph local migrating whales in Moreton Bay.

Several pods of whales provided us with almost three hours of non-stop entertainment on a chartered tour. They were extremely friendly and seemed curious to meet us!

Favorite antics included - spraying water and air through their spouts - Phew! Whale breath! and rolling in the water to reveal a white belly while lifting a flipper to wave hello! Waving back only encouraged more playful behaviour.

This whale just breached. So sorry you missed it! Crash she goes back into the water!

Each year Southern Humpback Whales migrate to and from the cold waters of Antarctica. As they make their way through Australian waters they feed, mate and play in the blue sea of Moreton Bay. The whales love to slap their tails playfully. Sometimes a pair would splash water in a friendly game - young whales having fun in warmer waters.

All too soon it was time to go home. Here is a view of the mainland. The colours of the water surrounding Moreton Island were spectacular. In the background are the majestic Glass House Mountains over looking the bay.

Photography Bryan@BygoneBeauty
Links
Oz Horizons (the tour operator)
Southern Humpback Whales
Morten Bay Holidays

Whale Song

Humpbacks produce the longest and most varied songs in the animal world. A song is a series of different themes given in a predictable order. Humpback whales produce a new song each year containing elements of the previous year. Over time the original song is changed to a completely new song. Individual whales sing their own version of the common theme.

seasons of life

2008-08-05T14:57:00.024+10:00

"There's a beauty in being a sweet young child. There's beauty in being a young single woman, and a new wife, and a young mother - and also incredible beauty to watch your family grow. There's also beauty in growing older, and reveling in dear grandchildren who are placed in your arms.

There's a season for playing with dolls, and for getting married; for bearing and raising children, and for educating them to be mature adults; a season for wrinkles, and knitting for your grandchildren. Our culture is missing out on the beauty of every season, by hanging on to the vision of eternal youth.

Ecclesiastes says it much better than me: 'For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.' " ~ Mrs Anna T of Domestic Felicity

The seasons of life are being steadily eroded by popular culture. Little girls that might otherwise enjoy the carefree days of childhood are coaxed prematurely into the teenage years. At the other end of the spectrum there is growing pressure on 40 and 50-something women to imitate much younger adults in attitude and behaviour. But each season of life can be a precious experience worth savoring for it's uniqueness and beauty. It's my birthday wish today to embrace each season of life with thankfulness, joy and dignity.

Acknowledgement ~ Thank you Anna for permission to reproduce your comment on Home Living's Bring Back Childhood.

Artwork ~ "Mother and Child" from The Three Ages of Woman by Gustav Klimt

royal tea scones

2008-08-04T15:35:00.020+10:00

Scones plain or fruited are a portion of the Queen’s daily tea service according to Darren McGrady - one who ought to know, as he was a chef to the royal family!

Scones are served to Her Majesty everyday with tea. So established is this custom that every Monday the head chef at Buckingham Palace contacts the weekend chef to determine which variety to bake, fruit or plain! But most remarkably the Queen never actually eats them. Instead they are given to her dear corgis!

Despite going to the dogs, Darren assures us the following recipe from the royal kitchen produces the most delicious, tender and crumbly scones.

Royal Tea Scones

3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon castor sugar
4 teaspoons
baking powder
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg beaten
¾ to 1 ¼
cups milk
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 beaten egg yolk for
glazing

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and stir until the flour mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a well in the center of the mixture, and add the beaten egg and about ¾ of milk. Add the raisins

now if making a fruit scone. Bring the mixture together with a metal spoon, making sure you don’t over-mix and toughen the dough. If the mixture seems dry and crumbly, add more of the remaining milk, but add it gradually. You want lightly bound dough that is neither too wet nor too dry.

2. Lightly dust a cutting board with flour, and roll out the dough to about 1 inch thick. Then using a 2 inch round cookie cutter, cut out about 16 scones and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg yolk.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until scones are lightly coloured. Serve hot or transfer scones to a cooling rack.

Darren recommends if serving cool to split scones and fill with strawberry preserves, clotted cream, or whipped cream. Warm scones should be served with lots of butter. "You will have no problem polishing them off at all!"

Recipe Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen by Darren McGrady.

Artwork "Tea Party" Consuelo Gamboa

Related Posts Queen of Scones

embarassing songs meme

2008-08-02T09:31:00.028+10:00

I’ve been tagged by Kat and Rebecca to list five songs I am embarrassed to admit enjoying. This shouldn't be difficult as there are so many daggy songs I adore! I just put it down to having been raised on old movies and musicals.

Kalianne's Most Embarrassing Songs

(and why I love them)

1. ""Que Sera, Sera (What Ever Will Be Will Be)" - Sweet song. Makes me feel bilingual.

2. "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" - Chicken soup for the soul.

3. "My Fair Lady - I Could Have Danced All Night" - A Cinderella fairytale song - what girl could resist?

4. "Good Morning!" - The greatest song ever - to sing in the shower!

5. "The Muppet Movie – Movin’ Right Along" - Makes me feel like taking a road trip!

But it's hard to stop at five when you love so many!

6. "That’s Amore" - When the stars make you drool just like a pasta fazool ~ that's Amore!

7."Would You Like To Swing on a Star?" - Who wouldn't want to swing on a star? Cute lyrics and a good moral too.

8. "Close To You" - A beautiful and sentimental song (but I'm still waiting for those dang fowls to appear when he is near).

You're invited to join the fun!
Simply post five of your most embarrassing yet loved songs, tell us why you like them and leave a comment so we know were to find you! Share the joy and tag others if you wish!

excellent blogs

2008-07-31T21:39:00.031+10:00

Thanks so much to Vic of Jane Austen’s World for nominating Bygone Beauty for the “Excellent Blog Award”. This is such an honor for me especially as a newcomer. I am very encouraged.

I would like to pass on this lovely distinction. It’s hard to choose as there are so many wonderful blogs out there.

Here are my choices, in alphabetical order:

Birdbath Chronicles – delicious tidbits from the world of art and culture…
Button Willow Cottage – escape to a beautiful and enchanting world…
Home Living – inspiring essays on good old-fashioned living…
Ivory Spring- exquisite heirloom sewing including trade secrets...
Ladies Historical Tea Society - a step back in time to the wonderful romantic South...
Look Beyond The Picket Fence – stunning crafts New England style…
My House By The River – candid and thoughtful essays on simplicity…
Poetikat – be enchanted by thoughtful, witty and perceptive verse...
Sea Cottage – relax at a gorgeous French-inspired cottage by the sea…
The House of Edward – eloquent, absorbing prose and a handsome shaggy dog…
The Shepherd’s House – reflections on simplicity and heart-warming hospitality…
There Is No Place Like Home – cancel your subscription to Martha Stewart magazine...

For beautifully written and researched articles about Jane Austen and her times be sure to visit Jane Austen's World. This blog brings Jane Austen, her novels, and the Regency Period alive through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th C. historical details.

message in a bottle

2008-07-29T16:20:00.021+10:00

A poem, as a manifestation of language and thus essentially dialogue, can be a message in a bottle, sent out in the - not always greatly hopeful -belief that somewhere and sometime it could wash up on land, on heartland perhaps. Poems in this sense, too, are underway: they are making toward something. ~ Paul Celan

Imagine you have gone down to the shore and there, amidst the other debris..you find an unlikely looking bottle from the past. You bring it home and discover a message inside. This letter, so strange and disturbing, seems to have been making its way toward someone for a long time, and now that someone turns out to be you...

~ Edward Hirsch

At a critical moment, a seafarer tosses a sealed bottle into the ocean waves, containing his name and a message detailing his fate. Wandering along the dunes many years later, I happen upon it in the sand. I read the message, note the date, the last will and testament of one who has passed on. I have the right to do so. I have not opened someone elses's mail. The message in the bottle was addressed to its finder. I found it. That means, I have become it's secret addresse. ~ Osip Mandelstam

...and thus it is for all of us who read poems.

Quotations assembled by Edward Hirsch in How to Read A Poem and Fall in Love With Poetry.

Artwork ~ "Seaside Summer" by Vitali Komarov

top 100 books

2008-07-25T14:59:00.073+10:00

The BBC say the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books on their list.

My uncommon friend Ms Place has read fifty-nine. I've read thirteen (leaving me to ponder what I've been doing with my life - considering I love good books). Wouldn't a reading sabbatical be absolutely wonderful?

If you'd like to participate in this meme simply copy the list and follow the instructions below. Don't worry if you haven't read many books - the list is only opinion. Be sure to include the books you'd like to read too and those you think should be struck off the list. Feel free to list books not on the list that you deem worthy as Ms Place and I have done. Finally, be sure to post a comment so we know where to find you!

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline the books you love.
4) ~~Strike out~~ the books you have no intention of ever reading, or were forced to read at school and hated.
5) Reprint this list in your own blog.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 The Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold (maybe, I can't remember what it's about)
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Books I Think Should Be Included On This List
Like Water For Chocolate - Laura Esquivel
The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough
Cloudstreet - Tim Winton
Sophie’s Choice - William Styron
A Room with a View - E.M. Forster
My Brilliant Career - Miles Franklin

So many books. Too little time.

~Image: 'Woman In Garden' Claude Monet~

hairdressing 1860's style

2008-07-23T10:11:00.108+10:00

Image: Vintage Victorian

An attraction of the 19th century is the Victorians Art for Living. From clothing to home decorating and etiquette to hairstyling almost everything is accomplished with grace and artistry.

The following excerpt from Harper’s Bazar (Nov 2 1867) illustrates Victorian hairdressing and the care taken by ladies to express creativity and beauty in their personal presentation.

"We give illustrations of several beautiful coiffures and chignons. No striking change has been made in coiffures. The chignon is worn lower, and the melon rib waterfall is no longer in vogue. The Eugenie Bandelette (illustrations 1 & 2), consisting of a row of short curls across the fore head, is worn in connection with the long Marie Antoinette locks, one behind each ear.

One of the latest imported from Paris by the New York hairdressers is the Rope Chignon (see row three etc.), which is at once simple and effective. For this the long hair is fastened a little way below the crown by a small circular comb, and then is divided into two twisted ropes of two strands each, which are brought downward side by side for about seven inches. The two ropes are then joined by twisting together the two alternate strands, thus forming two new ropes, which are carried upward outside of the first two, and one fastened under the comb, this making a chignon composed of four parallel roped lines. The front hair is slightly creped, and drawn back from the forehead."

I am fascinated by period hairdressing and often wondered how the ladies of olden times created such lavish and gorgeous hairstyles without electric hairdryers, curling tongs or straighteners.

"Hair Analysis"

Choice of hairstyle says something about the personality of the wearer. For an excellent study of hairstyle and character grab your favorite period film and observe the hairstyles created for the cast. Art directors and stylists do a wonderful job creating hairdos that typify the personality of each character. Ang Lee’s Jane Austen film “Sense and Sensibility” is a good case in point. In this movie attention is given to developing hairstyles that reflect the personality of the key female characters -those played by Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Imogen Stubbs are good examples.

Elinor Dashwood’s hair was dressed in a reserved, simple style reflecting her sensible and practical nature. Although Elinor's style was simple, care was taken to form the twists and feathering - Elinor's simple style therefore, did not imply carelessness - harmonious with her thoughtful and modest character.

Marianne Dashwood's style was romantic with curls and bangs framing her face depicting a romantic nature. Marianne's style varied throughout the film illustrating a creative and expressive temperament -her styles were not overstated - revealing a sweetness of nature.

Lucy Steele, Mrs Jenning’s gold-digging cousin sported styles that were pompous and ‘above her station’ characterising a superficial love of wealth and show.

Beautiful Victorian hairdressing continues to influence hairstyles today, especially special occasion hair. There are a number of casual and relaxed updo’s also that can be worn for a touch of everyday glamor. I’ve posted links below that may be of interest to those wanting to incorporate a little bygone loveliness into the everyday.

HairFinder (see 'how to put your hair up')
Hairstyles (an excellent resource from my library -there are many similar at amazon.com)

queen of scones

2008-07-20T09:55:00.045+10:00

When I saw Lexi’s plate of scones elegantly arranged on a three-tier silver tray I assumed traditional scones were flat - not like the high-domed pastries we’re accustomed to. Such was my faith in Lexi as an icon of traditional Scottish cookery.

For anyone not familiar with the BBC series Monarch of the Glen Lexi was the sassy cook at Glenbogle House - a grand Scottish estate from a bygone era. Throughout the series the tenants of Glenbogle struggle to retain their proud Scottish history with all it's traditions and relics within the setting of a modern economy and immense social change. The series is very enjoyable. It's enterprising cast of characters manage to marry the 'old with the new' in a delightful and entertaining way.

During the first series Lexi bakes a lovely batch of scones to placate a visiting bank executive who is threatening to withdraw the mortgage on Glenbogle House. I was enchanted by Lexi's tea tray of scones prepared especially for the occasion along side other treats from the Glenbogle larder. In the spirit of old time hospitality I decided to try baking a batch for a special visitor we were expecting during the week (not a bank manager fortunately)!

Despite the novel appeal of Lexi’s scones, after baking my own I discovered that flat scones are not traditional but merely evidence of dough that was too wet! Poor Lexi. No wonder Sir Hector lamented her cooking! Mine went into the oven looking pert and promising but came out as flat as pancakes. What to do with flat scones? Do what Lexi did! Sandwich pairs with jam and cream - a clever and effective disguise. Neither bank manager nor my guest were any the wiser.

The scones (pictured above) were absolutely delicious, as promised by Nonna at Cooking and Recipes from a Nonna's Kitchen whose excellent recipe I followed. Nonna was the one to warn that wet dough has a tendency to spread sideways rather than raise up. Her recipe produces a light scone with a tender crumb and a very pleasing, slightly crumbly texture.

Comparing the home baked scone to commercial varieties is analogous to equating homemade bread to shop bought breads or homegrown tomatoes to the bland supermarket specimens. There is little similarity. As a new convert to the advantages of home baked scones expect to hear me wax lyrical about them for a while as I continue to practice Nonna's lovely recipe.

Ah, wouldn’t it be lovely to be a queen of scones? And I dream...

~Photo's by Kalianne@BygoneBeauty

a bounty of life's lessons

2008-07-17T09:16:00.061+10:00

My mother and grandmother are both devoted gardeners. Today as I write cocooned in my cosy library I know Mum will be tending her beloved garden, carefully pruning old branches and vines to make way for new growth in the Spring.

This week I'm gathering little treasures for a garden-themed gift basket - it's for Mum and her much anticipated visit next month. Among the curios is a sweet little book I discovered in a knick-knack shop yesterday - Everything I Know I Learned in My Garden by Emilie Barnes.

As I read the title it immediately tugged at my heart. Mum will love this! The author is an avid gardener and has gathered an anthology of inspiring quotes, scriptures and gardening ideas together with her own reflections about life lessons learned in the garden. Most charming of all - the text is set in a gorgeous bouquet of paintings by gifted artist Susan Rios.

I know Mum won't mind if I share a sneak preview of some of the delights in this little volume. Nestled among pretty garden scenes are fourteen 'lessons' from Emilie’s garden. Titles include, “Begin early. But it’s never to late to start” and “Pruning hurts. Pruning helps you grow” and “Life is daily. Water it. Weed it”. The author's insights are sure to strike a cord in the heart of those who love to ponder life's themes.

A special favorite is “Growth takes time. Be patient. And while you’re waiting pull a weed”. Learning to wait doesn't come naturally for me. Perhaps that’s why my wise gardening Mum just pats me on the shoulder with a smile when I’m impatient about something or other.

God gave our first parents the Garden of Eden as their home. Perhaps by turning to our gardens the human soul can find peace and restoration. I sure Mum and Grandma would agree.

"My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies". ~ Song of Solomon

~Paintings by Susan Rios

hand-made tea craft

2008-07-15T11:31:00.056+10:00

On chilly winter-nights a cup of soothing tea is just the thing to bring comfort. This simple and pretty craft would make a lovely gift for anyone needing encouragement or solace - and who doesn't need a bit of that now and again?

To make this little gift select a box of your friend’s favorite tea from your local purveyor. Ensure the tea is not loose leaf unless you'd prefer to make your own tea bags too!

Remove the original tags and attach your hand-made ones with a dab of craft glue, or staple with a small knot to secure. My tea bags didn’t come with tags so I started from scratch by fastening short lengths of baking twine to each bag with a crewel needle.

Make the tags in any shape that takes your fancy with pieces of colored card. A scrap-booker’s tool that punches out a shape would be very useful here. I didn’t have one of these handy contraptions so I cut the tags with scissors and hand-printed Bible promises using a white craft pen.

To make the box, carefully pull apart the original tea box and line it with gift wrap. Fold the box back together and secure with craft glue. Alternatively you could make a box from scratch or purchase one from a craft store.

If using craft glue wait until it is completely dry before packing the tea bags. Seal the box with a ribbon and add a coordinating gift tag. This craft doesn't take long and it's lovely to make.

Modern Life: Vintage Perspective

Crafting and gift-making were made popular during the Victorian era. The Victorians thought highly of giving gifts as tokens of affection to friends and family. Even today with the hustle and bustle of modern life the simple pleasure of gift-giving brings joy. Why not add a little Victorian nostalgia to your life with this relaxing and rewarding little pastime?

~Kalianne xo

chocolate cheesecake slice

2008-07-13T14:04:00.010+10:00

A rich chocolate slice with creamy cheesecake swirls - perfect as a treat for morning tea...

ingredients

200g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped
200g unsalted butter, softened
3/4C brown sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup plain flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 t baking powder
250g cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup castor sugar
1 t vanilla essence

method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350-360F).

2. Grease and line a 16 x 26 cm (6 x 10") slab pan with baking paper, allowing some over-hang at each end.

3. Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and melt, uncovered on medium (50%) for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute or until almost melted. Stir until smooth.

4. Meanwhile, cream the butter and brown sugar until pale with electric beaters. Then add three eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined. Finally, sift in the flour, cocoa and baking powder and fold into butter mixture, until almost combined.

5. Spread the chocolate batter over the base of the prepared slab pan.

6. Rinse beaters and bowl. Beat the cream cheese, castor sugar, remaining egg and vanilla essence until soft and creamy.

7. Drop heaped spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the top of the chocolate batter and swirl with a butter knife to produce a marbled effect.

8. Bake for 35 minutes (electric oven) or 40 minutes (gas oven) until a skewer inserted into the centre has moist crumbs clinging.

9. Allow to cool in pan. Use paper to lift out. Cut into pieces and serve.

~Kalianne xo

when guests drop by

2008-07-11T08:37:00.008+10:00

There was a time when it was considered neglectful for a hostess to be caught without provisions should visitors drop by. How did our grandmothers do it?

I've found a wonderful old-fashioned cookbook that reveals some of the secrets - Elizabeth Craig's "New Standard Cookery Illustrated" (c 1933). This vintage treasure is replete with tips on how to be a good hostess and old-fashioned homemaking values. What a find!

Here's how women of the 1930's managed to keep an almost endless supply of scrumptious treats on hand for family and friends.

Cake in Store

“If you always keep several rounds of sponge cake or cake made with Victoria sandwich mixture, in a tightly closed cake tin, you will never be short of either cakes for tea or Sunday night’s supper, or cold sweets for lunch or dinner. It is a good idea to have four layers always in hand. They need not go to waste, because they can be used up in a trifle or in custard, and in several other cold sweets.

If you have these rounds, you can put two together with any jam, or with lemon curd or thick custard, and wither ice the top and decorate wit glace fruits, or simply dust it with powdered sugar, and you have a delicious cake for tea".

-Elizabeth Craig, "New Standard Cookery Illustrated" published in 1933.

Here are a few examples of sweet fillings prepared for Victoria sponge in the 1930's and a standard recipe for a sponge mixture.

Nut Filling

2 cupfuls of icing sugar
1 tablespoon finely minced pecans or walnuts
½ tablespoon cocoa powder
½ cupful fresh butter
4 tablespoons coffee

Utensils – basin, cup, tablespoon, wooden spoon, coffee percolator or pot, knife
Beat the butter and sugar to a cream. Add the cocoa, coffee, and the nuts, finely crushed, then use

Whipped Fruit Filling

1 ½ cupfuls of grated fruit (sweet apples or pears) and berries
1 ½ cupfuls of sugar
2 Whites of eggs
Grated rind of one lemon

Utensils – Basin, cup, grater, fork, wire whisk

Mix all the ingredients together and beat with a wire egg beater until very stiff, then use.

Whipped Cream Filling

¾ cupful thick cream
¼ cupful powdered sugar
1 white of egg
½ teaspoon vanilla

Utensils – two basins, wire whisk, cup, teaspoon, pan.

Set a medium sized bowl in a pan of crushed ice to which water has been added. Place the cream in the bowl and beat it until stiff with a wire whisk, or if possible, use a patent cream whipper. Whip up well, so that the sir bubbles may not be too large. Add the sugar, the white of egg beaten stiff, and the vanilla. Keep cool until ready to serve.

Any layer cake may be filled with crushed stewed berries thickened with syrup or gelatin.

Sponge Mixture

"You can make a sponge sandwiches with eggs, sugar and flour, or with butter, eggs, sugar and flour in the spring when eggs are very plentiful, but when the prices rise, and you think twice before using three or four or more eggs in a cake a packet of sponge mixture comes in very handy”.

These days should time not permit there's no need to be caught empty handed! A prepared plain sponge from the supermarket and a few ingredients from the pantry are all that's needed to prepare a nice little treat on hand at short notice.

~ Kalianne