Monday Meanderings...

Sipping Cider

Much of my childhood days were spent traipsing about the barnyard in the crisp autumn air of Newark, Delaware.

Autumn was a favorite time for me as it brought cooler temperatures, the glowing fall sun, and a vibrant array of golds, reds, and coral colored foliage.

The splendor of fall also brought with it the opportunity to go pumpkin picking, nestle beneath blankets on hay rides, and of course, the entertainment of spine tingling tales.

But one of my most treasured diversions was hot apple cider.

As soon as fall makes its presence known I search out the jug of cider at the grocery store. In years past I have enjoyed the sweet apple elixir prepared by a local farmer in NC as well as the freshly pressed cider from Pick Pocket Plantation. Having indulged in such delicacies it is difficult to settle for the mass produced stuff in the produce aisle of the big box grocers; nonetheless, it is better than no cider at all. Each evening I curl up with a mug of the cinnamon laced drink, with a splash of caramel sauce for fun, and enjoy an old movie, a good book, or the glossy pages of a favored magazine. 

For me nothing welcomes fall like a good cup of cider.

What is your favorite autumn activity?

Blessings from The Parlor!

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Freaky Friday!

Being that Halloween is only a few days away, The Parlor decided to indulge in a bit of ghostly fun.

Beaufort is known for more than its small town charm, sparkling waters, and legendary tales. This is a place of eerie sights and sounds, especially when fall’s sinewy grasp cools the air with each setting sun. Every year spirits begin to traipse about the streets of downtown whether clad in antebellum hoop skirts, Elizabethan gowns, or shredded zombie attire.

Sightings of these mystical visions can mean only one thing-haunting time is upon us!

For decades ghost tours have taken the town by spirit as dedicated storytellers weave through the streets with unsuspecting guests sharing the spectral side of Beaufort’s past. In addition, many venues offer chilling ghost tales told by notable storytellers while old houses are infiltrated with ghoulish figures scaring all who dare enter the haunted abode.

 

For years many have speculated as to why Beaufort is so haunted. There are two notable theories. The first is that those who die a violent or untimely death are doomed to walk the earth for all eternity. The second, which I am more apt to believe, is that Beaufort is so lovely that those who have gone on before us cannot bear to leave and thus haunt the town. It’s up to you as to which reason you choose to accept but for me it will always be because Beaufort is the most beautiful place in the world, for the living or the dead.

 

 

 
Blessings from The Haunted Parlor:)!

Past Thursday Post!

Here is a favorite post from May of 2012! The glow of autumn sun and falling leaves is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon respite on the front porch with a good book and a steaming cup of cider:)! Enjoy!

May 2012

 

Books...

What is it about books?

It is the words within...

 the decorative details...

the facts...

the knowledge earned...

 the intrigue of a good story...

 or the building of a new talent?

I love books!!!

I love the feel of a book as I peruse each page while being transported to a different time or place.

Books are a wonderful gift providing entertainment, knowledge, and guidance.

Nothing can make a rainy afternoon more enjoyable than curling up with a cup of tea on a comfy chair with a good book.

Today a little magic was added to that image for me.

After years of work and sharing the story of Emma Victoria Brown with audiences throughout the southest my novel, Truer Words, was released nationwide.

I pray that all who read Emma's story find joy, laughter, inspiration, and love.

Blessings,

Kim Poovey

author, Truer Words

Phillipians 4:13

 

Thanks for sharing a treasured memory!

Blessings from The Parlor:).

Wonderful Wednesday!

Beaufort Strong

Crisp cool temps escorted a vibrant sunrise shedding rays of light on a glorious fall day. With the storm a few weeks behind us, the clean-up continues as the town slowly recovers from downed trees and pillowy piles of Spanish moss. Pumpkin patches are once again filled with families choosing the perfect gourd for carving while church bazaars loom in the future. Pumpkin infused doughnuts and coffees make the taste buds sing while children don Halloween costumes at Trunk or Treat events. Still, there are some without homes who struggle to make sense of the recent tragedies. Let us not forget their plight in the midst of the rising normalcy in the wake of the storm. Beaufort has always rallied to survive whatever comes her way whether natural disasters, fires, or economic downturns. As we move forward let us as a community continue to support and assist those who suffer in the storm’s aftermath.  It is the compassion and giving nature of Beaufort’s residents that make her what she is-a wondrously beautiful place worthy of the phrase paradise.

 

 

 

 

Blessings from The Parlor:).

Tea is for Tuesday!

Tea is a delightful respite allowing one to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer. Whether reading a good book, watching a favorite film, or rocking away on a porch swing; tea is the perfect compliment.

However, there is more to tea than just the special brew. Tea items are lovely pieces of art lending beauty to the tradition of taking tea.

Tea accoutrements such as tea strainers, cups and saucers, teapots, and tea boxes make wonderful additions to a home's décor.

Display colorful cups with votive lights to lend a soft glow to evening tide (consider the battery operated votives as opposed to real candles as the heat can cause breakage to delicate porcelains).

Arrange various tea strainers on a tea tray to add dimension to a tea themed vignette (add a tea box for a bit of extra flair. The tea box is also the perfect place to store every day items such as coasters or TV remotes:).

Earl Gray steaming from the sloping spout of a teapot into delicately decorated vessels is a special occasion for any time of day.

Regardless of your decorating style, tea items are a beautiful and functional addition to any room which, of course, is made more special when you indulge in a cup of tea:).

 

Blessings from The Parlor:).

Monday Meanderings...

Indomitable Little Blue

The last standing cabin at Hunting Island, affectionately called Little Blue, has captured the hearts of Beaufort residents. For more than a century, Hunting Island has been a place of entertainment, respite, and at times, sport. During the twentieth century small beach cabins began to sprout up amongst the towering trees and spriggly palmettos of the island where families vacationed creating lasting memories and traditions. Like a fading sunset, the once sparkling sand dunes of Hunting Island began to melt into the ocean escorting each cabin to its final resting place until finally only one remained, Little Blue. Standing stalwart against the horizon, Little Blue led onlookers to speculate as to the length of her existence before the sea would escort her to its depths. Her walls were a scrapbook filled with memories of giggling girls, sleepovers, family meals, sand filled shoes after long beach strolls, and summer romances coming to their ultimate close. Towering precariously amidst foamy waves, she braced for her final stand as hurricane Matthew stealthily made its way along the southern coastline.

Days later, storm waters receded and clouds dissipated, revealing a most unexpected sight.

She was still there.

Despite years of fading beneath the beating rays of summer sun, enduring beach erosion, bidding farewell to fellow cabins, deflecting battering ocean waves, and surviving the force of hurricane winds and storm surge, she persisted. Little Blue is a testament to endurance and a reminder to always stand tall and never give way, even when the tides are against you.

Blessings from The Parlor:).

Photography by Delk Haigler of Beaufort, SC

Sunday Wisdom

"Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 23: 17-18, NIV

Past Thursday Posts

While Facebook has TBT The Victorian Parlor has PTP, Past Thursday Post, where previous posts are re-shared:).
Blessings from The Parlor:).

Haunted Past

Several weeks ago we modeled with dear friend Lynn for ghostly photos on River Street, Savannah, Ga.

David Hartfield was the photographer and did a hauntingly good job!

I also wanted to thank all of the wonderful people who stopped by from Debbie-Dabble's post:).

I am thankful for my new blogland friends and look forward to visiting all of  your blogspots soon:)!

Blessings,

Kim

Wonderful Wednesday!

An early morning haze welcomed the day as birdsong wafted on air and the sun peered through a misty curtain of fog. Remnants of hurricane debris littered neighboring curbs in ruffles of drying leaves and Spanish moss. Over the past two weeks many lives have been altered. Despite the disruption to schedules, destruction of property, and the overall mess following a storm, the community moves on with daily living. But something more significant has resulted-a renewed sense of what makes Beaufort so incredibly special-love and comradery. Neighbors assisting neighbors, strangers lending a helping hand, kind words of encouragement; these things never went out of style in our small town but they are more prominent in the aftermath of the hurricane. Suddenly political opposition, economic struggles, and minor disputes have gone by the wayside as we focus on what is truly important-each other. These are the true blessings in life; family, friends, and the most beautiful small town in the world. And that makes for a wonderful Wednesday.

Blessings from The Parlor

Sunday Wisdom

"Better a patient person than a warrior,

one with self-control than one who takes a city."

Proverbs 16:32, NIV

Saturday Shelfie!

It's the first official "Saturday Shelfie" post!
Each Saturday post a picture of favorite things that sit upon a shelf:).
This one shows a favored set of antique teacups beneath a cherished biblical verse:).
Blessings from The Parlor!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere!

 

 

It is that wondrous time of year when the sun glows warmly in an azure sky casting shadows across freshly mowed hay fields and leaf laden front steps. The temperatures are beginning to cool as sweaters are pulled from the back of closets. This is a time of preparation for the fast approaching chill of winter's icy breath. Cups of steaming cinnamon laced cider, pumpkin everything, and plans for upcoming feats fill autumnal days. Take the time to renew and refresh with a quiet respite on the front porch or in your favorite chair. Read a good book, page through a favorite magazine, write to an old friend. Enjoy the last fleeting days of outdoor activities before the frost of winter confines us to our humble abodes.

 

Blessings from The Parlor.