Downton Abbey in a Modern World

When my sister took a couple pictures of me last week, I took some of her in return. Being a Downton Abbey enthusiast like her older sisters, she put together a lovely Downton Abbey inspired outfit using modern clothes.

 

 

 

 

Blouse: Kohls

Skirt: Thrifted

Necklace: The Limited (I let her borrow mine) ;)

Shoes: Target

 

Elegant and lady-like, wouldn't you agree?

Coffee, Chevron, and Changes

Yesterday one of my sisters and I went out for coffee in "old town" at a super cute café. I was glad for the visit since one almost has to make an appointment to see her since she works two jobs and does babysitting several times a week.



 

I ordered an Irish Crème latte with a Cranberry Lemon scone.

Later on in the morning another sister grabbed a few pictures of me wearing my completed "Pinterest-inspired" skirt. It only took me a couple of hours to make from start to finish. If one knows how to put in an invisible zipper and do pleats, even a new seamstress could make this!

These pictures confirm that I look as "fluffy" as I felt wearing a skirt with lots of pleated fabric and a  few layers tucked in the waistband. Perhaps it's not the most flattering, but it's fun for something different.

Speaking of different, I seem to be going through reverse culture shock being back home. I'm walking around the house aimlessly and bemoaning how bored I am even though errands are being done, and moments of rest/naps are still apart of my day. The change of pace, or the things that define it are probably a good change for a few months.

Aprons at last!

New in the shop this morning! If you have looked lately, I added two aprons from my own collection several days ago. I have a 1930s apron cut out and will hopefully add many more over the summer.

There is some sewing to be done for Mother-dear, myself (as you saw in the previous post), and then I've got several projects lined up that span from the Titanic era to the 1930s. Those will be fun. :)

Chevron (not the gas station)

Chevron in Blue

Chevron in Yellow

Chevron in Red

For my birthday last month, my parents bought me two yards of this beautiful chevron fabric. After seeing the above pictures from pinterest and Ashley's homemade version of this skirt for summer wear, I'm anxious to get started. I have a feeling I'll want this skirt in more colors, though the grey and off-white will be very versatile.

What do you think of chevron? love it? hate it?

Early Monday Morning

It's so strange to wake up on a Monday morning with "nothing" to do. Over the course of my sophomore year at college Monday's were my busiest days.

 

I made coffee and a homemade McMuffin for breakfast. In my PJs. (Since when have I eaten breakfast in PJs??)

 

It's obvious that I can't take clear pictures in the morning. At least I can make food, and possess the ability to wake up the household in doing so.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." ~Ellis Peters

Milky white dogwoods in bloom

Not sure what kind of bush this is, but it's lovely!



A quiet lane is a lovely place...

Fading light in the northern hills of Georgia

A tree blossom (apple, maybe?)

All is green and lovely!

It's that time of year when there is so much new life and new beauty to behold that it seems as if, like what Ellis Peter's said "every spring is the only spring." This season is certainly my favorite out of all four, though I love each one in its own way.

It's also a favorite season because that means the spring semester is drawing to a close. This upcoming week will wrap up a few finals and a violin studio recital. Then later in the week I'll start the drive homeward, where my family has been (what seems like) buried in snow this season! Would apprecitate prayer for endurance physically, mentally, emotionally, and for safe travels also.

Desiderata

After the Aural Skills II students did their "rhythm performances" (Takadimi system in compound meter, anyone???) our professor gave us a lovely lecture that detoured from music, chord functions, melodic and rhythmic dictation.

She brought up a poem that was apparently found on an old church wall several decades ago, and read it to us. It was so beautiful that I almost got choked up. Glean what you can, as I did, and be blessed:

[The pecan trees behind the music building have been in full bloom this week]

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

--Max Ehrmann