is better, far better, than a tidy house with no cake . . .
But for a home that’s truly beautiful
you must begin with the air,
the very air,
and the words that float across it.
The words that find their way
to the ears,
to the hearts,
to the souls
of our children,
of our spouses,
of our friends.
What does it matter how clean,
how coordinated,
how stylish a home,
and who could care about granite countertops,
wooden floors,
chevron-patterned cushions,
organized drawers,
if the words we fling at each other
across our air
are like poison darts,
causing stinging little wounds
that fester and bleed,
leaving us and our loved ones
with a little less hope,
a little less faith,
a little less joy?
A freshly baked cake and the lovely smell it brings does make a home inviting, but the words with which we choose to fill our air have more power, far more power than we could ever know, to bring beauty and life
to our homes
and the people in them
than any piece of furniture, any article of clothing, any lovely smell
ever could.
Avonlea x
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Usually it was fish and chips that they offered to bring. Crispy battered haddock and thick-cut fries doused with vinegar and a sprinkling of salt, picked up from the Chippy on their way over.
I’d start to tidy, but would remind myself not to worry too much. Just a quick wipe of the bathrooms, and a fresh hand towel (one of my personal hospitality must-do’s) would suffice.
There wasn’t much point in frantically scooping Lego into toy bins or straightening out the sofa cushions. Our friends did, after all, have three little boys who’d be joining our two (at that time), and I knew I could expect the five of them to make quick work of emptying the wicker toy basket and turning the sofa into a pirate ship.
After the ketchup-soaked fish and chip papers had been cleared away and the children were in the other room hard at play, the adults would gather round the dining room table, within ear shot of the littles in case someone got a bump, or there was a lesson on sharing that needed to be learned.
There’d be coffee then, or tea, and some little nibbles, and the stresses of life would dissipate as we talked and shared, the fire crackling at our backs. They’d stay past bedtime, but we didn’t mind.
They were our last-minute friends. The spontaneous ones. And we loved it.
We loved it, and it went both ways.
I remember phoning once, on our way home from a day of picnicking and wading in the rock pools of St Andrews. And we were invited to “tea” (the evening meal in many parts of Scotland).
There were probably toys everywhere. Crumbs on the floor. Some sprinkles on the toilet seat. But I don’t remember.
I remember the lamb chops smothered in curry paste, the homemade sweet potato chips sprinkled with salt and hot pepper seeds. I remember Mary’s smile. I remember there was cake.
Later on, Mary and I nursed cups of milky tea beside the patio doors while the men took the children into the cool autumn air to play on the trampoline. Two tired mamas, we talked, we laughed, we shared our hearts so that the other knew how to pray. We felt stronger. We knew love.
You see, a mama doesn’t mind it. Not one little bit.
Doesn’t mind balancing her cup of tea as she picks her way over the minefield of toys to make her way to your couch.
Doesn’t mind grabbing a wad of toilet roll to wipe sprinkles from your toilet seat.
Has selective vision when it comes to the pile of dishes in your sink.
She didn’t come to inspect your house. She didn’t come to give you extra work.
She came for the friendship. The laughter.
She came to see you.
Friendship and laughter bring sanity. Clarity. Helps us see that most of the chaos is normal, and we’re not the only ones going through it all.
God made us that way. To bear one another’s burdens. To celebrate together.
And I have to remind myself of this often–
that my desire is to bless, not impress.
Thatlaughter is made brighter, tears are made lighter when there’s cake.
Cake, and of course, a hot cup of tea.
And so even if you are a tired mama, don’t let this stop you from letting others into your house, especially if they are a tired mama, too.
Read If You Know A Tired Mama (how to love her) Part 1 & Part 2
Avonlea x
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She came one night with a raw chicken. I knew she’d be staying a while. And I welcomed her into the quiet of our little stone house.
John was away in London. Or Edinburgh, perhaps. And even with the woods and the beaches to walk, the days and nights grew long, just Baby and me.
Soon the oven warmed the kitchen, and the smells spread through the house. And she sat with me while I fed and changed him. Spoke with me, listened, like she’d nowhere else to go.
And when Baby was down, and our bellies were full, she sat a bit longer just to chat.
A few months on and we were headed south, leaving Inverness for the hills of Perthshire,
and she came back.
She and another friend, as if it were nothing.
They came with boxes, newspapers, and bags, and within a few days the house was wrapped and packed, and it was nothing I could have done on my own, not me and Baby, who climbed in and out of boxes, unpacking what I’d packed.
And I was grateful, oh so grateful, for their help.
But it was more than the job, of course, more than helping me move house.
It was also their time, their laughter, their there-ness
that spoke volumes to my tired mama heart.
Saying that, I loved the help.
Acts of service is a love language I so appreciate and understand.
But not every mama loves someone showing up with a dust rag and a mop.
An offer to help clean her house can make her feel inadequate. Like she’s failed as a homemaker and it’s clear to all the world that she’s drowning in laundry and dust.
So if you know a tired mama and you really want to love her,
first find out what kind of love* speaks to her tired mama heart.
If it’s Acts of Service, an offer to fold her laundry, wipe down the high chair, or wash her dishes will have her heart skip a happy little beat. And if you sit and chat with her while you do it, while she feeds the baby, she’ll appreciate it even more. Have a bit more time? Offer to sit with the children while she grocery shops solo. The sacrifice of your time and hard work will make her feel cared for more than anything else.
If it’s Quality Time, bring some muffins, just spend time with her, chaos and all. Or if you can, whisk her out for coffee and a chat. Or offer to join her on a trip to the park with the children. What this mama craves is your active presence. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, she just wants to see you and to build your friendship, whatever you do together.
If it’s Words of Affirmation, this mama needs encouragement, truth, and peace spoken into her life. Compliment her on her strengths, and what she’s doing right as a mother and wife. Tell her how you value her friendship. Remind her of God’s love for her, His child. If you can’t tell her in person, call or send a card.
If it’s Gifts, this mama would love you to turn up with a pot of soup and a loaf of bread. A bag of clothes that your little one has outgrown. A new diaper bag to replace hers, which is so worn out. Anything to let her know you were thinking of her. She probably wouldn’t turn down a gift certificate to her favourite restaurant or spa, but the price is not the issue. She’ll just be delighted to know you were thinking of her, whatever gift you bring.
If it’s Phyisical Touch, what this mama might need more anything else is a hug.
Being the mama (or daddy!) of little ones is not an easy task. Not a nine-to-five kind of job. It begins from the time we open our eyelids to the time we lay down our weary heads (and often continues through the night as well). We long to raise our children to be rich in faith, love, and good works, but such important work can seem overwhelming when running on such a little bit of sleep. So if there’s a tired mama in your life, find a way to help herbe the faithful wife and mama she so longs to be by showing her love in a way that will strengthen her and help her run strong.
Avonlea x
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Going from a big church to a small one is akin to moving from bustling New York City to the village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Or so it seemed to me. After moving from Scotland, we spent our first 8 years in America at a mega-church. We loved the cookies and the coffee with flavored creamer pods. The choo-choo train in the nursery. The worship band. And how easily we could apply the teaching to our lives. But after 8 years of striving to find a steady small group, and volunteering weekly in Sunday School, we still hadn’t found our people. We made friends, but American life is busy, and distance made actually seeing those friends a problem. We longed for nearby friends. You know,kindred spirits. Friends you call last minute to join you for a walk in the woods, or a cup of tea on the porch. Friends who know you . . . and love you anyway.
Then Covid came, and our church closed. For quite some time. More than ever, we ached to share life with friends. So we started attending a small church. And fell in love. Here’s why . . .
1. Friendship – Some churches have the population of a small country. You could go months without speaking to anyone. Spend years giving a cheery smile and answering “Great! You?” when asked how you’re doing, even if you’re dying inside. At least that’s how it was for us. In some ways, it’s easier. But if you long for a place where you’re noticed, wanted, known, try a tiny church . . . Shortly after starting at our little church, we met two families who wonderfully, surprisingly, almost instantly, became an intimate part of our lives. Sarah and her husband and children, who live locally. And Ann and her husband and children, who were here for a year of aviation training before heading for the mission field. At first it was the children running circles together and playing tag in the church lawn, while the adults made small talk. But small talk at church quickly turned to invitations to Sunday lunch, then time together during the week.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
– I Corinthians 12:26
2.Breaking Bread – In case you’re wondering, Church Picnics, Ice Cream Socials, and Pot Lucks are still going strong in many small churches. And yes, you might find meatloaf, casseroles, and Jello salad, if you’re lucky. But invitations for Sunday lunch or Saturday cook-outs are also not extinct. And we know eating together is about a lot more than putting food in our mouths. It’s about sharing our joys and burdens. Lightening each other’s loads with a listening ear and a hug . . . We “broke bread” with our new friends in the church hall, drinking hot cocoa after a drive to see the frozen waves of Lake Michigan. At picnic tables, before a hike in the woods to see the first green haze of spring. Under the stars, roasting s’mores and watching fireworks. On the porch, sipping coffee and talking about marriage, our children, the tough lessons God was teaching us. True friendships were built, and trust too, over refills of coffee and wiping our children’s sticky popsicle hands. With trust came the ability to speak honestly, bare our souls, and lift each other up. Life is so much sweeter when you don’t eat–or hurt, or laugh–alone.
“breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”
– Acts 2:46
3. Finding Your Place – Big churches run on an army of volunteers, and we were blessed by the loving hands that served in our big church. But in a large congregation it can be intimidating to offer your services as a musician, Sunday School teacher, or small group leader, especially if you don’t consider yourself a semi-professional, or at least really cool. With our busy lives, having all the slots filled might feel like a good thing. But it also deprives us and our children the opportunity to serve . . . We soon found how useful we could all be at our little church, and what a blessing it was to serve alongside others. At Christmas we drove to the homes of those who couldn’t get out, singing carols and leaving cookies. In the spring my oldest sons and I cleaned the church windows while the two little boys helped the pastor heap mulch around newly planted petunias. On hot summer days, we hung out together at church with Sarah, Ann, and the pastor’s wife, crunching celery sticks and creating a Wild West town for Vacation Bible School. I started buying flavored creamer for Sunday morning coffee, and Sarah brought red and pink zinnias from her garden to brighten the women’s Sunday School. My oldest started to play cello for “special music.” The younger ones sang on stage and made cards to give out. And yes, the church needed cleaning, bulletins needed handed out, and people needed shown to their seats. No one did everything, but everyone did something. Our children learned that they, too, are a valuable part of the church family, and have something worth contributing to bless others. It’s so precious to know you belong.
“Spur one another on to love and good works.“
–Hebrews 10:24
If you find yourself in-between churches, or feeling alone, get connected to a truth-teaching local church. Yes, you could slip in and out without speaking to anyone–but this might be a challenge! Always choose to take this as friendly curiosity and a desire to welcome you in. For you are wanted, you are valued, you are needed. If you’re already part of a small church, make sure you warmly welcome newcomers in the warmest kind of way. Jesus would want you to.
Avonlea x
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Six fingernails. Only six. That’s how many I had time to cut that day, into short, blunt squares. The other four were left long and ladylike for a few days longer, until I noticed, and remembered that I’d been interrupted, called away from my task to see to the needs of one of my wee men.
And that’s how life’s been since the arrival of Little Bear, my fourth son. A sprinkle of time here, a sprinkle there, and not much more, for all the little extra things I love.
Those non-essentials that relax me and that I really enjoy, but that somehow don’t seem as pressing as cleaning up the raspberries someone smashed all over the kitchen floor, or icing a bleeding lip, or stopping someone from over-cuddling the baby.
Those non-essentials
like exfoliating with Dead Sea salt scrub.
Or watching a new version of Jane Eyre.
Or reading my Bible.
You know, extra, non-essential things like that.
And where can I possibly fit them into to my hectic life, when there isn’t even time for the essentials?
Like sleeping.
Or taking a trip to the bathroom.
Or drinking enough water.
How can I possibly find the time?
Four months, we’ve been back from our visit to Scotland. Four months, which is the same length of time we spent back there. And I meant to keep you abreast of it all, every visit, every city, every castle that we saw.
But the arrival of Little Bear, and traversing up and down the country, and the jumble that went on inside my own head made it difficult. But there are things, there are moments, I remember. And I’ll tell them, I’ll tell them to you, if you’ll stay with me and you’ll wait.
Because they’re worth the telling.
Like what I spotted in the new mud room at my friend Katie’s.
When we lived in Scotland I’d set aside time nearly every week to visit with Katie and a few other treasured friends at one or other of our houses. And they were sanity for me, those times, as I sat across from their smiling faces, corralling crumbs from my oat biscuit into a pile on the table top while I sipped my tea and we talked about life—children, husbands, our walk with God.
And I was there again at Katie’s house this winter. Sat at her table. Heard her laugh. Sipped my milky tea.
And yes, saw the new mudroom, with its tidy place for Wellington boots, jackets, mittens, and hats. And it was all quite something, but it wasn’t that which made me smile. Pause.
In a corner beneath a window, where the sun could lay a beam of light, sat a chair. A chair, and a little shelf in the wall just the size for a Bible, and a picture frame on the wall with this:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8
A place made in her home just for this. Just for reading God’s word, and speaking and listening to Him.
A place for making every effort.
Not a casual squeezing it in every few weeks when there’s a sprinkle of time, but a place. A purposeful seeking after Him. Every effort.
Because reading my Bible, knowing God, is not a non-essential after all. Not if I want to be like Christ. Not if I want to be for my family a refreshing stream, instead of the dried up desert that I so often feel.
His delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:2-3
I don’t have time aplenty. Not the luxurious hours to read and ponder that I once did. But if I’m to make the most of the time with my family, if I’m to help lead them in the everlasting way, then I must find the time to be in God’s Word, and find even a simple line of truth and goodness on which to meditate throughout my busy day.
Finding time will be a challenge. But my soul is dry, and I feel it. I feel it, and it shows. I feel it, and it’s worse, even, than only six short fingernails.
Make every effort.
I’ll start today.
How do you make time to be in the word? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
The second Christmas, and the world still upside-down. We find our souls unsettled. Find our eyes gazing wistfully out the window. Find our hearts a little achy for times past. Maybe a time from our own lives, or maybe a time from longer past, like the days of Little Women, or Little House on the Prairie, or Anne of Green Gables. Perhaps those times weren’t free from fears and trials of their own. But they were, in many ways, simpler times with simpler pleasures, and a sense of community, where everyone knew their place. It’s not too late to slow our pace, adjust our focus, and make this year different. Following are five easy ways to have an old-fashioned, Anne of Green Gables Christmas.
1.Find Scope in the Out-of-Doors – Anne wasn’t just a fan of Octobers! She also said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are white frosts.” She would have definitely found “scope for the imagination” in every season, including winter. Bare branches lacy against a pink sunset. Sunlight sparkling on newly fallen snow. A chickadee singing from a treetop. Yes, it’s cold! But tell yourself it’s refreshing and bundle up! Build a snowman. Deliver something by hand. Go for a walk. Taking a walk together is a simple, favorite pastime from years gone by. Hearing your feet crunch in the snow, and seeing the beauty of the season is calming for the mind and soul, and gives us time to reflect on God’s blessings in our lives.
2.Care for Your Community – Anne and Matthew didn’t hesitate a moment when they heard little Minnie May Barry was in trouble. And whether it’s bringing food to someone stuck at home, inviting over someone that lives alone, or singing carols at a nursing home, there are endless ways to bless people in our communities. Yesterday, I found I’m an awful caroler. Not that my singing is so bad, but I kept choking up with tears. It wasn’t so much the nursing home residents who stared glassy-eyed, uncomprehending as we sang “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,” but those who sang along, or moved a crooked finger in the air, trying to keep time with the music. It was their shadowed memories from their former lives that moved me so much. I focused on a few faces, tried to to imagine them as they were in their youth. Did the staff remember they were once more? I knew God remembers, that they are lovely in his sight, and that one day soon His love will restore His children to their best selves. But for the present, I was glad our church was there to share God’s love as we sang, “Born to raise the sons of Earth, born to give them second birth.” Too often today, we are strangers with our own neighbors. Looking out for those in our community is certainly an old-fashioned quality we could use more of today.
3. Do Night by Firelight – In the days before electricity (and smartphones), the light and warmth from the fire drew families together. Here, they played card games or did puzzles, worked on handicrafts such as knitting or whittling, and simply talked with each other. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can dim the lights and light candles, or try playing one of these literary-inspired Christmas ambience videos on low volume to create a calming, old-fashioned atmosphere. Then add games, cocoa, or a Christmas read- aloud. Candles in the dark also remind us of the Christmas star that shone over the manger, and of Jesus being the Light of the World. Anne wasn’t a fan of sewing in her youth, but she certainly would have loved reading by the fireside, and I imagine she and Matthew and Marilla had many heartfelt talks there.
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
– John 8:12
❤ Candles, greenery & red bows at the Christmas dance ❤ Popcorn & cranberry garland on the tree ❤ Classic brown paper, red twine, & evergreen wrapping ❤ Marilla decorates oranges with whole cloves (smells lovely!) ❤ Oranges and greenery on the Avonlea Store
4. Decorate with Real Greenery – Anne would have loved combing the woods for winter treasures to adorn the house! Simple decorations are often the most effective, and definitely create old-fashioned charm. Greenery like cut pine, fir, or holly, plus berries from flowering bushes and other dried plants and wildflowers can be found in our own backyards (or from a friend’s, with permission!). A walk to collect such greenery is a wonderful way to spend a morning–follow up with tea and Christmas goodies, then start arranging. Simple twine, ribbon, candles, cranberry or popcorn strings, pinecones, or dried oranges are the perfect complement to outside finds, and can be used in vases, as mantel décor, or as centerpieces or garlands. Fabric can be used as a table cloth or runner and paired with burlap or lace.
5. Celebrate with Those You Love – Perhaps we can’t buy all our friends the puffiest puffed-sleeved dress of their dreams, but we can be there in some form for those that matter most. A small, thoughtful gift or heartfelt card sent to someone who’s made a difference in our lives. A cozy get-together with our BFFs. A special hot-cocoa bar and read-aloud or game night with our family. Use this season to share the good tidings of Christmas, and tell those who have blessed your life how much they mean to you.
Merry Christmas!
Avonlea x
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If you caught my post Bring Your Book to Life, featuring ambience videos for 12 classic novels, you’ll know how magical they are! Not only are ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) or ambience videos themselves scientifically proven to aid relaxation, they’re also the perfect way to recreate the atmosphere of your favorite read! Reading one of these 6 classics this holiday season, either to yourself or as a read-aloud? Try playing the corresponding ambience videos on your TV or laptop while you read to bring them to life!
1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Many of us are familiar with the opening line, “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” but this story of the March family, set during the American Civil War, has more than one Christmas scene to warm your heart this season.
2. Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy – Chapter one of this 19th century romance novel brings us to “a cold and starry Christmas-eve,” while chapter two gives details of the Christmas decorations in Dick Dewy’s thatched cottage. The perfect happy-end book for Christmas!
3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis – I probably don’t have to explain the Narnian’s fear that their land would be forever under the spell of the White Witch, who made it “always winter, but never Christmas.” Thankfully, that wasn’t the end! Experience the land of Narnia with this video while you step into this wonderful book.
4. Little House on the Prairie/A Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder – I know of few more heartwarming or dramatic Christmas scenes than when Mr. Edwards wades through a stream in a blizzard, carrying his clothes on this head, to deliver Christmas gifts to the Ingalls family. “Think of having a cup and a cake and a stick of candy and a penny.” Oh, for simpler times! This video will take you right to that scene!
5. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – This very manageable-sized story never ceases to make me smile. Instead of watching the transformation of the miserable, miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, why not read about it yourself, accompanied by this Victorian London Ambience video? And don’t say, Bah! Humbug!
6. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – You might not consider this a Christmas book, but it has plenty of winter cheer and Christmas scenes to make it perfect for this time of year. Anne did say, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are white frosts.” (AOGG, ch.18). And don’t forget the Christmas ball! Find “scope for your imagination” with the Anne Christmas ambience link below.
For Anne-inspired ambience for Christmas reading, click here !
Avonlea x
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Happy Little Sigh
Finding beauty in the everyday ❤
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To open a book is to step into another world. We book lovers know that! Oh, but what if there was a way to make that journey more real, more immersive? To engage all your senses, making it almost possible to believe you’re really with Anne Shirley that first night at Green Gables? Or really on a dark London street watching Sherlock Holmes solve a crime?
I have a secret–it’s called Ambience Videos or ASMR, which stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, and is described as a feeling of well-being combined with a tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck. The appropriate reaction to a good book! *happy little sigh.*
What if there was a way to make that journey into a book even more real?
I’ve selected Ambience Videos to immerse you into 12 Classic novels. Simply tap below links to play on your laptop or cast to your TV to create the perfect mood for each book and delight your eyes and ears. Next, brew a cup of tea or coffee to delight your taste and smell (which drink or cup would suit each book?). Finally, get a cozy blanket and get ready to step into your book in a whole new way! OR simply use as a peaceful background during your morning quiet time or as you go about your day.
*Note – some videos include soothing music, while others have relaxing sounds such as rain, a crackling fireplace, or murmured voices. I included two videos for each novel, so choose the one that inspires you. Adjust the volume to add to your reading experience, not distract from it.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Who’s coming to visit? Could it be Bingley and Darcy? And what secrets are Bennet sisters Lizzie and Jane sharing as they get ready for the day?
Bennet Family Lounge (Pride and Prejudice) by Overarch
Sunny Morning Bedroom (18th Century Georgian/Colonial) by Ambience of Yesteryear
2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – Will you stay at Bilbo’s cozy hobbit hole, or venture into the Shire?
Hobbit Study Session by ASMR Weekly
6 Hours The Shire ASMR by ASMR
3. Middlemarch by George Elliot – Does Casaubon’s library inspire you, or does the dreariness of pouring over manuscripts alongside Dorothea make you long for a visit to her sister’s country estate?
Relaxing Library – Relaxing Rain, Thunder and Crackling Fireplace by Cozy Moments
English Estate Morning Tea by Scenic Inspirations
4. The CompleteFather Brown Mysteries by G.K. Chesterton – What mysteries will you solve alongside this eccentric sleuth as he pokes around his quaint English village (occasionally stopping for tea), or hops aboard a train in search of clues?
Edwardian Parlour with Tea & Fireplace by Ambience of Yesteryear
1940s Train Journey by Overarch
5. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery – Can you hear Anne (with an ‘e’) poor herself a cup of tea in her peaceful bedroom at Green Gables? She will need it, in preparation for her upcoming exam at Queen’s!
3D ASMR Anne of green gables| Anne’s Bedroom by ASMR Movely
3D ASMR Anne of Green Gables | Queen’s Entrance Exam by ASMR Movely
6. Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Would you prefer sipping tea in 221B Baker Street, or joining Sherlock on the streets of London as he masterfully works to solve the latest crime?
Ambience/ASMR: Sherlock Holmes Parlor, 221B Baker Street by Ambience of Yesteryear
Victorian London Thunderstorm by Autumn Cozy
7. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper – The peace of the wilderness is calling your name–or perhaps you fancy a venture into the Colonial town?
Smoky Mountains Morning by Travel Ambience
Colonial New York City Federal Hall by P&E Soundscapes
8. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – Begin reading with a trip to the English wetlands, where Pip spent his youth, then move on to the bustling streets of London.
English Wetlands by Ambience World
19th Century London by Overarch
9.Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Rain lashes down outside the March home, but inside, Jo is busy scribbling away on her latest novel.
Thunderstorm in the Lake District by Outdoor Therapy
Thunderstorm and Rain by Dreamy Sound
10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – Jane doesn’t know what to expect as the carriage takes her through the night to Thornfield Hall, but it’s not long before she enjoys conversations with Mr. Rochester in his study.
Riding a Carriage by TERAVIBE
Rain and Thunderstorm Sounds by Guild of Ambience
11. The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy – Would you prefer strolling the winding lanes of Casterbridge or sitting beside the fire, listening in as Michael Henchard tells his life’s tale?
Cozy Country Village by Dragonfly Mage
19th Century Cottage by Ambience of Yesteryear
12. White Fang by Jack London – Whether journeying through the wilderness with the dogsled team, or finding solace at Weeton Scott’s cabin, it’s sure to be an adventure!
Wolf Forest by Michael Ghelfi
Cozy Cabin Porch Ambience by The Alley of Ambience
*BONUS! Which book could be read using this 1930s library ambience? It’s one of my favorites.
Avonlea x
Find me on . . .
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Happy Little Sigh
Finding beauty in the everyday ❤
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The sight of school supplies at your local supermarket may leave you feeling like summer has slipped away, even if you don’t have children of your own. You probably have a list of things you wanted to accomplish and enjoy that now seem like they’ll have to wait till next year. But the official first day of Autumn isn’t till September 22, so don’t sigh in despair and order your first Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte or pack away your parasol just yet! Here are 12 whimsical ways to bring beauty to your last 48 days of summer . . .
1. Pick Wild Flowers – Warning! I stop for black-eyed Susans! And I know just which stretch of country road to find them. Picking wildflowers is one of my personal traditions to mark the season of summer. It brings the color of summer indoors, spreads a lovely smell, and adds a touch of wild, gentle beauty that store-bought flowers never have.
2. Make a Cobbler – The taste of summer! Blueberry and peach are my favorite, and all the better if you picked the fruit yourself. Pinterest will provide a quick, easy recipe that should only take 10 minutes to throw together. Then pair with ice cream and enjoy slowly–somewhere with a lovely view is best (maybe your deck, or round your table with friends?).
3. Read Under a Tree – What a wonderful new perspective we get, looking up at the underside of a tree! The branches stretching out, the light streaming through, turning the leaves to stained glass windows. It’s beautiful. To really soak up the last of summer, pull out an old quilt or blanket, spread it out, and open a book–pausing now and then to watch the leaves dance in the breeze.
4. Have an Adventure – How may times have you told yourself that someday you’ll stop at that little antique barn you always pass by? Or that one of these days you’ll go visit that friend who lives across the state? Or that you’d so love to have lunch with friends at that new café? This might be just the time to do something different, go somewhere new, or see an old friend and have your own wee adventure!
5. Get Your Feet Wet – What says summer like the smell of sea air, the feel of sand between your toes, or the sight of a river winding into green? Dive into summer (or dip your toes in!) by getting yourself out to the water! Splash others and laugh when they splash you back! You could even try reading with your feet dangling in the water.
6. Read on Your Porch – You’ve probably done something to make this space attractive, but have you actually taken time to enjoy the flowers you planted or the pretty cushions or candles you bought? Make yourself an iced coffee, sweet tea, or sparkling water, and soak up the heat with a good book–or paint, knit, or do whatever hands-on activity feeds your soul.
7. Visit a Local Historic Place – If you’re anything like me, nothing catches your eye like an old school house chocked with weeds, or a historic marker on the side of the road. So many times I’ve wished to peek in the windows of an old school house, town hall, or church, or thought about stopping to read the sign and find out what historic event took place there. Make an afternoon of driving nearby country roads and through local small towns, and take the time to stop and photograph any abandoned or old buildings you find, or simply look inside. Always more fun if you have a cold drink for the road!
8. Host a Dinner Party – Have fun creating a destination-themed summer soiree, such as A Trip to Tuscany, or a literary-inspired theme, such as Anne of Green Gables or Jane Austen (haven’t you always wanted to?!) or make it simple with burgers on the grill. Invite those friends you’ve been longing to catch up with, or someone you know needs a friend in their life. Don’t be afraid to invite people last minute. Eat lots, drink lots, laugh lots.
9. Play Pooh-Sticks – If you aren’t familiar with the game made famous by Winnie-the-Pooh, all you need is a bridge, some water, and sticks. Children optional. Everyone drops their stick from one side of the bridge at the same time, then rushes to the other side to see whose stick made it under first. They’re the winner! Repeat. The game is even better if you have to take a scenic walk to reach the bridge.
10. Watch the Fireflies – I missed these most miraculous creatures when we lived in Scotland. And I just learned on a trip south to Kentucky this summer that fireflies (or lightnin’ bugs) can have multiple different light pulses and colors, depending on the species. Some have a slow off-on fade, while others glitter with quick flashes like Christmas lights. Not sure how your lighting bugs glow? I suggest you take the time to step outside and find out for yourself.
11. Get a New Perspective – A new perspective doesn’t necessarily have to come from a swing, although if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the world upside-down and your feet against blue sky, you should definitely head to the park soon! Maybe your perspective is from the top of the mountain, the top of a sky scraper, or somewhere else with a beautiful view of the world. Wherever it is, make sure it helps you soak up summer!
12. Start a New Book – I know you have a stack of books to be read (don’t you?!). If you’ve been stuck on the same one for a while, put it aside and instead pick up the one you most want to read next. Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is in my to-read pile, and I look forward to jumping in!
BONUS – Have a Summer Movie Night! – Invite your girlfriends (or ask another family with kids to join your crew!) for one last night of popcorn, chocolate, and Period Drama Fun before the school year kicks in and everyone gets busy. Need some suggestions? Check out this list I made of 30 Period Drama Favorites .
What is about a story that makes it a classic? And what is it about Jane Eyre, in particular, that has helped it stand the test of time, and inspire so many theater productions, film adaptations, and spin-offs? I know what I love about it–Jane’s character, for starters. She’s so mistreated, yet stays true to herself and her beliefs, even in the most tragic of circumstances, and is rewarded so wonderfully in the end. Then there’s Jane’s time both at Thornfield Hall and with the Rivers family, with such beautiful surroundings, and time for reading, painting, and longs walks. But let’s not forget the excitement of the gothic influence on the story, and the less-than-serene moments that put us on edge. But what do YOU love about Jane Eyre? And which of the following color adaptations is your favorite?
Jane Eyre 1970 – Susannah York & George C. Scott (1 hr 50 min)
This adaptation brings us our only blonde Jane! The actress who plays the young Jane did an excellent job. And I like the spirit Susannah York brings to grown-up Jane, despite the 70’s vibe of her appearance (Let’s call her Big Hair Jane), and the fact she looks closer to 28 than 18. Rochester, too, looks much older than his supposed 38 years. But he also brings passion and emotion to the role that make it come to life (though with a bit more growling than necessary). We get the scene where Jane collapses on the moors, but don’t see St. John (pronounced “Sinjin”) Rivers carrying her home (I like that scene). St. John himself speaks in an aloof, cold manner, and something about him unsettles me, but I like the scenes with his sisters. Some of the scenery around the Rivers’ home and Thornfield Hall is beautiful, though the film quality isn’t great. The colors are too saturated in some scenes and too dark in others. BUT a big plus for this version is the music score by John Williams, who is known for composing the scores for Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, E.T., and others. Though this is the earliest color version I know of, I enjoyed it more than some of the later adaptations.
Jane Eyre 1973 – Sorcha Cusack & Michael Jayston (4 hr 35 min)
This version stars Sorcha Cusack, who you might recognize as housekeeper Mrs. McCarthy from the Father Brown detective series! She has a very cute, expressive face, which shows a lot of what Jane was feeling inside, and I thought she did very well with the part. I had a harder time warming up to Michael Jayston as Rochester (is that eyeshadow he’s wearing?!), who speaks in a very clipped, upper-class sounding voice, but that could just be me. The cinematography leaves something to be desired, the only music is at the beginning and end of each episode, and the many voiceovers take away from the acting. BUT it is a much more faithful version, and includes a lot more exact dialogue and details from the book than other adaptations, which is always fun to see on screen. And with over FOUR hours of watching time, it’s the perfect version if you’re bedridden or need company when you have a big project to work on!
While watching this adaptation I couldn’t forget that this Mr. Rochester went on to be a future James Bond! Timothy Dalton does superbly with this part–dark and brooding and full of emotion. And Zilah Clarke is perfect as Jane–small and doll-like but with fierce inner passion and strength. St. John Rivers stood out to me in this version–he looks precisely as I pictured him from the description in the book, with his “Grecian profile,” although the actor portrays the character as a cold, judgmental religious fanatic without any love for the people he would help with his missionary work. With its longer length, you get a lot more details, scenes, and characters from the novel than the shorter versions–such as Jane’s wanderings through both town and countryside before finally collapsing on the moor (can you tell I like this scene?). In fact, this version is probably truest to the book. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’d say give it a try!
Jane Eyre 1996 – Charlotte Gainsbourg & William Hurt (1 hr 56 mins)
Young Jane (Anna Paquin) and housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax (Jane Plowright, Tea with Mussolini, Enchanted April) are the real stars of this adaptation. Although he’s not on screen, Italian director Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet 1968, Tea with Mussolini) brings another star to the film. While I found some of the other Mr. Rochesters too blustery and angry, William Hurt’s take on the character seems too placid and uninteresting. Charlotte Gainsbourg did well as Jane (although she’s too tall!), but would have been better opposite another male lead. The music and scenery are an improvement from previous versions, as is Jane’s attire. With its shorter length, many scenes from the novel are missing, as expected. But the plot also veers off completely at times, such as Jane first meeting St. John Rivers at Gateshead when she goes to see her dying aunt, instead of him discovering her on the moors. And as soon as Jane leaves after discovering Mr. Rochester is married, Thornfield is already on fire! Overall, most of the story is captured in the adaptation. But with many details that add depth and breadth to the story missing, and with the mis-portrayal of Mr. Rochester, the film is not as good as it might have been.
This was the first version of Jane Eyre I ever saw (anyone else?) Samantha Morton has the right “Jane-ish” look, and Ciaran Hinds fits the Rochester profile, too. But I found her a bit too mechanical at times, while Hinds comes across as too shouty and angry (as he is in a lot of roles), and I couldn’t help but find it hard to believe that Jane would actually fall in love with him. This is the first version where St. John Rivers, played by Rupert Penry-Jones, seems like a real contestant for Jane’s love (we DO get the wonderful scene where he finds Jane on moors and carries her home–Love!). And if you didn’t know, both Penry-Jones and Hinds play Captain Wentworth in Jane Austen’s Persuasion in the 2007 and 1995 versions, respectively. So I suppose Jane had a choice between Wentworth and Wentworth! I liked Gemma Jones as Mrs. Fairfax, but found the girl who played Adele too old for the part. Also, because of time constraints, this version left out a lot. But it’s still worth watching, even if just for comparison, for all the familiar faces, and because there’s always something to like about a version of Jane Eyre!
Jane Eyre 2006 – Ruth Wilson & Toby Stevens (3 hr 50 mins)
Cinematography had come along way by the time this mini-series was made, which alone makes it a more enjoyable watch. There are dreams, flashbacks, hallucinations, and creative camera-angles. The music score is good, and the scenery and settings are stunning. But I also think that both Ruth Wilson and Toby Stevens brought so much to their roles. Wilson both looks the part of Jane, and brings Jane’s uncertainty, humility, and passion to life. Stevens is a wonderful mixture of brooding, fear, and playfulness, and it’s easy to see what draws Jane to him. I loved the conversations between them, in which they discuss their pasts, or issues of morality, and you can sense their growing attachment to each other. Georgie Henley (from the Narnia films) looked just the part as Wilson’s younger Jane self, and I really liked Lorraine Ashbourne’s portrayal of Mrs. Fairfax. We have the scene where Jane gets lost on the moors (yay!), and a good portrayal of St. John, although he didn’t quite look the part. I appreciated how this version had the time to portray many of the details of Jane’s inheritance and discovery of her relationship with the Rivers. I also think the ending of this adaptation is the very best! But if you want a more accurate representation of the book, you might not like that this version adapted some of the dialogue for modern ears, and took creative licenses in telling the tale.
Jane Eyre 2011 – Mia Wasikowska & Michael Fassbender (2 hrs)
This adaptation boasts more beautiful music, cinematography, costumes, and settings. But similar to the 2019 adaptation of Little Women, the film starts later in the story, which can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with the book. This version begins with Jane running away from Thornfield Hall (a gorgeously filmed scene), and then moves back and forth between the past and the present to tell the story. Mia Wasikowska looks just the part of the reserved Jane, and you can sense the fire behind her eyes. But I would have liked to see more of that passion escape, especially during certain scenes. We only get glimpses of smiles and few real tears. In parts, she seems plain depressed. I would have loved to see real laughter, or the occasional raised voice, and all those emotions we know are trapped inside–especially during the proposal scene. Likewise, though Fassbender shows plenty of moodiness and pent-up frustration, we don’t see much of a playful, teasing side, or any lighter interactions between him and Jane. Judy Dench (A Roomwith a View, Ladies in Lavender) does, of course, steal our attention when she’s on screen as Mrs. Fairfax. But Jamie Bell (Nicholas Nickleby), although he’s a talented actor, didn’t quite make a believable St. John, in my opinion. Going back to Jane and Rochester, the natural chemistry between them wasn’t what it could have been. But this beautiful film is definitely worth watching, if you’re a Jane fan or not.
SO . . . which of these Jane Eyre adaptations is YOUR favorite? Have you seen them all? If not, which one above will you be running to watch next? I’d love to hear!
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happy little sigh 