Happy Fourth of July From Sunbonnet Cottage

May you all have a Happy Fourth of July. Sending you happy wishes from Sunbonnet Cottage.

Love Melissa :-)

Every Story Has A Beginning

Starting Summer Pudding has been a challenege.

I have a vision in my mind of what items Summer Pudding
will offer for sale. Finding them is another story. So, in the meantime, I will christen Summer Pudding with a story. In fact, that is part of my vision. For everything that I plan to sell, there will be a continuation of a story from the village of Summer Pudding.

I hope you follow me on a beautiful journey, and I look forward to many shared adventures with you in the special place called Summer Pudding.

Click here to begin the journey: http://summerpuddingandcompany.blogspot.com/

Melissa :-)

A Nest Was Built and Awards

July 11, 2009 is a very special date. For on this day, it will be the 23rd anniversary of Nick's and my first date. We celebrate it as if it were our wedding anniversary.

I met Nick in a summer art class in college. I was only 18 years old, and he was 23. He was getting ready to graduate and I was just beginning my college education.

I'll never forget the first day I saw him. It was on the first day of class, and he was sitting across the room. I thought he was gorgeous.

Not long after first seeing him, I ran into him at the University Library. I held the door open for him, and in my 18 year old demurely way said "Aren't you in my art class"? (You can tell, I put a whole lot of thought into that line). We left the library together and sat on a bench in the summer sun until it was time to go into the class. We introduced ourselves and began to talk. From that day on, I moved my seat closer to him. I sat right in front of him for the remainder of the summer class. I really got to see how handsome he was. I noticed those beautiful eyes, and his sweetness.

On the last week of school, as I started to walk home, Nick came running after me and asked me if I would like to go out on a date. My heart started to beat so fast, but I managed to say yes. I'm surprised I didn't scream it out.

I was so nervous on the evening of our date. It was my first date ever. You see, I lived a very sheltered life with a very protective mother. So, needless to say, I was a bundle of nerves. Nick came and picked me up and we went to Louie's, for pizza and then we went to see the movie Top Gun. (Did I just age myself greatly with that info?)

My nerves became much calmer and relaxed as the evening went on. I remember thinking how comfortable I felt with him. How easy it was to talk with him. He took me home and gave me a kiss goodnight (heart started to beat quicker again).

He called me the next morning and asked if he could come over after work. My mother had just finished baking blueberry muffins, and Nick came over and shared our little feast with us.

The rest, as they say, is history. Nick and I were married two years later in Denmark. That's another story.

Since then, we have built our little love nest at Sunbonnet Cottage, where we continue to live, learn, love and grow. Our nest has kept us weathered from many of life's storms. If G-d sees fit, I would like to keep growing younger with Nick, and enjoy many more years to come with him in our sweet little nest.

And:

Kit at Dog Daze awarded me with this beautiful award. I love Kit. I think of her as my soul sister. She has a heart like no other, filled with pure love for everyone. A genuine angel on Earth.

And Dust Jacket Attic awarded me with the Great Read Award. Her blog is truly the most elegant blog I have ever seen. One cannot help but feel welcome when they visit. Dust Jacket's blog is a wonderful spot to come and rest the eye on all of the lovely images.

In my usual fashion, I pass these awards onto all of you. I just adore you and want to thank you for being great friends.

Love Melissa :-)

Contemplation

A very wise Rabbi once told me that humans have it all wrong. He said that when a baby is born, we should mourn, and when a person dies, we should rejoice.

I have put a lot of deep thought into this subject, and I agree with him. I honestly believe that the angels in Heaven mourn the loss of a fellow angel, when they leave to go to Earth, however, they have a joyous celebration upon their arrival home to Heaven.

We humans are a very selfish breed, and of course, we mourn for our loved ones, when in fact, we really should be rejoicing with the angels. I wonder how much of the mourning is for our own benefit, and not really for the one's we have lost?

The Jewish people believe that you should not go to the grave of a loved one until after one year from their passing, and then just to go on special occasions or anniversaries. There is so much wisdom to the Jewish faith. Every law has a purpose and a lesson found in it.

So much to contemplate.

Melissa :-)

Summer Pudding

I am about to get out of my rut, even if it's just taken in little steps, instead of great big strides.

I have decided to open my own little on-line shoppe. And, as you can see, I have decreed it with the name of Summer Pudding.

When I have items for sale, I will announce it on my Sunbonnet Cottage blog, however, you can be carried away lickety-split to Summer Pudding with the help of a link button found on the upper right side.

I am currently looking for those perfect items to sell at Summer Pudding. Also, I need to figure out little things like shipping costs.

After an item is sold, I will let everyone know immediately.

Well, there you have it. I made a little start on the road to finding joy in my work. My home life over-flows with happiness, love and joy. Now to just find a happy balance in everything else.

I will be sure to let you know when I have my first item available.

I leave you with the expression: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Love Melissa :-)

Pondering

I've been in a state of ponder.

I have always wanted to start my own business. I love the decorative arts. Especially, if it's cottage. However, I have a day to day job that gives me my security blanket. I have insurance, sick and vacation time , and not to mention a retirement plan. So, I stay. I have put in about 16 years already with my employer and have another 13 1/2 years to go till retirement.

But alas, my soul feels like it is withering away. I do not have passion for my day job and never will. So, I got to thinking about starting my own on-line business, on the side (still keeping my day job). I could sell items that have either out-grown Sunbonnet Cottage or items found specifically for re-sale. I would create a separate blog just for this venture and link it to Sunbonnet Cottage's Blog.

You know how much I value all of your opinions. They mean the world to me. So, please dear friends, tell me what you think of my idea.

With much love and appreciation.

Melissa :-)

Calling Sunbonnet's Name

I found a blog yesterday that I absolutely adore. The blog is called: Farmhouse Country Style and from that blog you can link to Farmhouse Merchantile.

This site has hand-made signs for sale that just reaches out and wraps comfort around you. Sunbonnet is begging and pleading for me to order a sign or two.

Yes, Miss Sunbonnet your voice has been heard loud and clear, and I will order you some of these lovely signs. Now, just to think where we will place them. Hmmmm!

These signs look like they just came off the walls of a lovely old farmhouse, where the kitchen smells of sunshine, eggs, maple syrup and the scent of fresh laundry drying right off the clothes line. Take a deep breath. Can you smell it? Oh, I can and it's just heavenly. These signs are whispering warmth and comfort in sheer simplicity. How can I not order them for my sweet Sunbonnet?

Okay, my darling husband. It's that time again to get the drill, hammer and nails ready, because I'm on my way to order these signs.

Ya'll have a Peaceful and Happy Sunday!

Love Melissa