A Fine Romance

 


Early morning beyond our gate the herd visited. Light was low but I like this snap of Mr. Buck!

  Many of us enjoy reading or watching a happy romance story. I do. And one set in a historical setting is indeed interesting. Have I got a book for you!

Susan Branch, well-known artist and author, has written a charming book titled "A Fine Romance: Falling in love with the English Countryside" I know you've seen her art on everything from stationery to quilting fabrics and teapots. Her books are watercolored and completely hand-written, similar to books my friend, Karla Dornacher, creates with her art and words. (Love your books Karla! I'm going "Down [my own] Garden Path" this summer!)

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Susan is a woman who loves England and people from there, like Jane Austen, author; Laura Ashley, designer; Rosemary Verey, garden designer, James Herriot, country vet; Ellen Terry, actress, Emma Bridgewater, pottery designer, and Beatrix Potter, author and artist, and many more. She spent two months in England in 2012 and kept a diary of her experience. What a delight! Her book is her diary, filled with history, pictures, and personal thoughts.



Rose of Sharon early morning

It's been a delight to journey with Susan and her husband to the many homes and gardens of her heroes, learning a little about England's countryside along the way. One interesting fact I learned is hedgerows were planted a thousand years ago to make boundaries and enclose farmlands and pastures. Once you begin walking it never stops. They are located behind every small town, criss-crossing the country.



Busy eating that corn!

Susan shares about the towns and dwellings they stayed in and the food they ate. England calls a darling cottage "A Box of Chocolates." Isn't that great? What a delicious name! She also shares recipes of delight!

I love my oriental fountain grass, anise hyssop and the morning glories in the background!

"Behind every small town in England, criss-crossing the country, there are public footpaths, some even hundreds of miles long, that wind across fields and farms, through woods and towns, along rivers and over streams, and through areas of Outstanding Natural beauty, connecting every country village," Susan shares.

Mark Twin said: "Rural England is too beautiful to be left out of doors."

A zinnea patch in my neighbor's garden. He's proud of the blooms!

The only thing I missed, and obviously noticed was absent, is no mention of God who created everything Susan saw, or thankfulness to Him who gives all things. Nevertheless, if you'd enjoy reading a story filled with the romance of England as they travel through, and the beginning romance of Susan and her husband many years earlier, I encourage you to get this book for a good read. I'm not finished yet, but it has been a delight learning about this country through the eyes of one who loves it!
 

Another low light snap early in the morning.

  Susan has a great post titled: "Letter Writing 101" ( of course, I think so) on her website. Pull it up and read her words on how to write a great letter! http://www.susanbranch.com/letter-writing-101-how-to-write-a-good-letter-save-the-post-office. I love the quote she shared (can't remember if it's in her book or on the letter writing post) by William Wordsworth: "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."

On another note . . . lovely quote from Angela Thomas in her study titled Choosing Joy: "May God whisper His truth into your soul . . . hope will rise!