The Victory Cottage Garden

My garden today is a Victory Cottage garden.

My swan was an ugly duckling, and with a little paint and stain, I transformed it into a beautiful swan.

We are all going down a rabbit hole, so to speak, of transformation.

We are going through the crucible.

Victory is waiting.

In Victory,

Sherry

Teddy Bear Dreams

Teddy bear is dreaming about...what is in the presents? The new year? What do you think he is dreaming about? 

I think he is dreaming about forgiving seventy times seven, understanding that when you walk a mile in someone's shoes, it isn't as easy as you would imagine. To me, Teddy looks terribly worn out, and he looks like I feel. I have had a really rough year dealing with an elderly parent, and it isn't over yet, but maybe we have a stability point. I am praying that is the case. 

Meanwhile, while I still have a life to live, I have been upkeeping the house and touching up the paint. I have doors and window sills that have been unpainted from a remodel for 17 years, and I am finally getting to paint them. 

All this month I have been cooking the Mediterranean diet, and I am surprised that for the most part it is well received. I might be sharing some of those recipes soon. I know that I am not the only person who has endured a rough, 2024; may all who suffer be blessed with the faith to endure till the end.

Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right.
    The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Matthew 5:10

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

In Victory,

Sherry

Understated Holiday

 
I am going very understated here for my embellishments for the season.

I have always preferred to forage my decorations in December. 

This centerpiece is comprised of two juniper sprigs, a blue ribbon, two tealights, a dough bowl, and a bag of pinecones I just got on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $1. 

I just made the table runner too, with a yard and a half of fabric from Hobby Lobby also.

Just creating a cozy feel is a must. 

No electric lights, just tea lights. Simple, understated, and nostalgic is the look I have created here in the cottage corner. The pine smells really good. I just cut it today. Breathe deep and breathe in, and have faith. 

 “O Israel, stay away from idols!
    I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.
I am like a tree that is always green;
    all your fruit comes from me.” ~Hosea 14:8 

In Victory,

Sherry

Midwinter Tea

I am having a little midwinter tea. I needed a pretty picture. I have been starting seeds for herbs and flowers, and the weather has teased me with really nice temps this week, but it is way too early to get excited yet. 

It is bittersweet to not have roses but instead thorns and thistles. 

This is a really pretty teacup, though: Highland Thistle by Royal Albert. 

I made these Scandinavian almond bars. I searched and searched for a dessert for this week, and in my melancholy mood, I couldn't decide on one, and then I saw the reviews on this cookie. It was just as good as the comments said it was. My family said this cookie might be one of the best I ever made. I was sort of surprised because it is very humble. I embellished it with sprinkles and some fresh raspberry juice in the icing to make it pink.

Before we plant, we have to deal with the thorns and the thistles, but persevere, my friend. The Son is coming. 

In Victory,

Sherry

Winter Hutch and Mantel

Winter decorating at my house has become a very low-key affair. So, I opt for candles, not electricity, branches of pine, and not garlands. 

I displayed a new set of transferware in the hutch and pulled out some different pewter. 

I really like how it looks. Nothing too splashy, just a little more comfy since we are inside for a few months. 

On the mantel, I added some ferns to remind me of the ferns that will grow as soon as spring gets here.

Candles aglow are a wonderful sight. We are all lighting our candles so we can all shine together.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

In Victory,

Sherry

Taste and See

 

In Victory,

Sherry

Cottage Garden Virtues

It crossed my mind recently that I understood why we might have first been placed in a garden.

“The rose is the flower of love—the world has acclaimed it so for centuries. The pink roses are love hopeful and expectant—the white roses are love dead or forsaken—but the red roses—ah, Leslie, what are the red roses?”

“Love triumphant,” said Leslie in a low voice. ~Lucy Maude Montgomery, "Anne's House of Dreams" 

So in the garden we find love, our love for the beautiful rose.

We find joy in the petal unfurling. 

We find peace in a quiet corner of the garden.

We find patience waiting for all of those little seeds to mature.

 

 We show kindness to the animals that get in our shot. 

We find goodness in some flowers that are not only beautiful but also edible.

We find faithfulness in a seed that, once sown, comes back year after year.

We find gentleness in the rose losing its petals. 

We find self-control to leave a plant where it has self sown. 

Yes, I think there was an ultimate wisdom that placed us in a garden.

In Victory,

Sherry