Admittedly I have been distracted from this blog for awhile. Not necessarily due to the problems in our world, but because of struggles I'm having to address the human side of Beatrix Potter, problematic cultural customs of her time, and some problems within her works. Over the last few years I have celebrated her triumphs… Continue reading Outlander Bannocks
Mountain Tarns
Sheaves of corn in a field, Near Sawrey. Pencil and watercolor. By Beatrix Potter Happy LĂșnasa! August marks the beginning of the harvest season in Celtic culture. While I should be writing about Beatrix Potter and farming, today I am drawn to the mountain tops of the English Lake District. I can almost feel the… Continue reading Mountain Tarns
Miss Butterfly Bracelets
It's summer and I find myself inspired to craft, garden, and enjoy the beauty around me! Beatrix Potter too was inspired by nature and often did studies of insects, including spiders, ladybird, beetles, and of course...butterflies! Examples of Beatrix Potter's insect studies from the V&A These studies found their way into many of Potter's tales,… Continue reading Miss Butterfly Bracelets
Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail’s Fresh Blueberry Cobbler
Happy June! As the world continues to awaken and the berries are coming out, I am reminded of three good little bunnies who gathered blackberries for dinner. Our bunny friends are back and making a feast of the tall grasses and dandelions in our yard. I think a small feast is in order as well.… Continue reading Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail’s Fresh Blueberry Cobbler
The Endeavors of Jemima Puddle-duck
As a child, I remember not liking Jemima Puddle-duck. Though an incredibly popular character in the world of Beatrix Potter, she didn't make sense to me at the time. Why would you put your energies into something everyone says you are not good at? It is only now that I realize how wrong I was.… Continue reading The Endeavors of Jemima Puddle-duck
A Cup of Positivi-TEA
Time for a Tea Tasting! As a self-identified tea snob, I tend to take my tea very seriously. My teas are often imported because the quality of teas found in my everyday grocer are wanting and cater to the American audiences who prefer fruity flavored dishwater. Did I mention I'm a tea snob? The history… Continue reading A Cup of Positivi-TEA
Travel By Tea Box Car
As we near the end of the first year of Coronavirus, I can't help but dream of traveling again. Where to go? What to do? With whom to visit? For me, the answer is obvious...I wish to travel to the Lake District to visit Hill Top Farm as had been the plan for Fall 2020.… Continue reading Travel By Tea Box Car
I Love Scones!
No British tea is complete without the classic plain scone and I can think of no better time to put the kettle on and share this great recipe. Imagine a cold winter morning with a hot cup of tea in your favorite tea cup, a warm scone with clotted cream and jam, and your favourite… Continue reading I Love Scones!
Hoppy New Year!
Congratulations to us all for making it through a tough year! Though this year has been tough to say the least for many of us, I cannot help but reflect upon the positives and show my thanks. Specifically I would like to express my thankfulness for you, dear readers. While the global pandemic provided an… Continue reading Hoppy New Year!
Exploring Tartans
Today, I'm reflecting on an activity I lead a few years ago at my museum. We were celebrating winter holidays and sharing our individual cultures. As a Scottish-Irish American, I thought it would be fun to share my cultural heritage and share the beauty of tartan. Scotland is a big part of Beatrix Potter and… Continue reading Exploring Tartans