Reader, welcome to Afternoon Tea! As a self-confessed hopeless romantic and anglophile to the highest degree, it is one of my deepest sorrows that I am not one to regularly partake in the privilege that is afternoon tea. Although I often enjoy a cup of Earl Grey on slow afternoons, my chipped mugs and sliced bananas are poor substitutions for the Spode china and brilliantly colored petit fours that would abound in an authentic ceremony. As such, I invite you to a virtual celebration of the elegant pastime that begs us to appreciate beauty and focus on being present. Here, you will find a somewhat jumbled collection of my revelations, reflections, and that which I relish from the week. So please, brew a warm pot of tea, procure for yourself an array of scones and biscuits, and peruse with me what is lovely in life.
Thanking the Academy
What does it mean to thank the Academy? To do so is to extend a breathless word of overwhelming appreciation to a higher power, to a force second only to the Universe in terms of its ubiquitous and enigmatic presence. As such, here you will find my own earnest appeal to make my gratitude known – a profound and dreamlike thank-you to that manifestation which is omnipresent, alluring, and all-encompassing.
- A restful, wonderful, magical week at the beach with my family. We slept late, ate our favourite cereal (which my mother has only ever permitted be served while at the coast), read books, and laid by the water. It was fabulous.
- An effort (hopefully to be continued in due course) to learn French. Reader, if all goes well, I will have translated a copy of Harry Potter and be somewhat-sufficient in another language soon.
- My sisters, who are my ultimate heroes and very best friends. I could not exist in this world without them.
- A jump-start on organization for the days ahead.
- A walk around Town Lake with my mother.
- The excitement and silliness of meeting new people.
- Calling my father at random hours with updates on my progress with The Count of Monte Cristo, his favourite book, and discussing with him the enchanting story, which has totally consumed me these past few weeks.
- Running to the couch at every available hour to watch a new show with my lovely roommate.
- The confidence and endearment that comes from years and years of friendship.
- A late-night drive with my younger sister.
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…
In an unending effort to live just as my icon, Ms. Julie Andrews, below you will find my own weekly compilation of that which brings me just as much joy as “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens”.
- Lemon water. I have never been one to scorn the taste (if there be one) of unaltered water, but I admit a half lemon in my water-bottle in the mornings makes me feel as if I am a Pinterest-worthy it-girl of sorts. The addition has aided me in kick-starting my mornings significantly.
- These rose-coloured glasses, perfect for summer lemonade.
- The pajama set I want to live in for the rest of July and August, and the cozy pair I will pick up on the first of September.
- This artist’s designs, which are colourful and full of life.
- A perfect summer sundress.
- Reader, through @sweetsavingsandthings I have found the most gorgeous line, so please prepare yourself to be dazzled by an extensive assembly of my favourite pieces – this fabulous dress, this mermaid-laden frock, my dream garden party dress, this dress which I would love to wear to a summer wedding, this pretty little thing I would wear all day long, and these gorgeous trousers. J’adore.
- This Austin toile towel set, which I want to cover my bathroom walls and on the back of my phone.
- Reader, Tipsy Flamingo’s blouses are covering my explore page of late, and I love their whimsical style. Though this exact shirt is no longer in stock, I am keeping an eye peeled for a similar style if and when it appears on their website.
- As I prepare to move apartments, I am trying to think of ways to convince my mother I need this bed set. Somehow I feel she will not agree.
- I absolutely adore this suitcase. How perfect.
Seven-Day Design
A word (or two) of wisdom to guide the upcoming week.
Immortal Echoes
- “Hasty actions are generally bad ones.” – Vicomte Albert de Morcerf
Evanescent Intentions
- This week, I will be generous.
Reader, whilst in recovery from the trials of the previous years, I was blessed with ample time and reason to reflect, and in this stumbled upon several rather moving meditations – although to whom are one’s own musings not moving, I ask – one of which was the resolution that in all interactions, I should like nothing more than for my partner in conversation to leave my presence feeling more bolstered than they did before entering it.
Lately, in the enjoyment of my own happiness I have allowed such an idea to drop from the forefront of my mind, and though I certainly hope (and would like to believe) the practice is one I keep with or without conscious implementation, I have recently been softened greatly by the world around me, and this long-dormant desire has been re-awoken.
Reader, this week, I want to be generous with all that I am. I would like to share of my heart, mind, time, and resources, however limited they may be, so that I may give more than I take. I would like to be the kindest, most gracious version of myself. I would like to be someone around whom others feel safe, and someone whose heart is her anchor and sail. That is my resolution.
I hope you are surrounded by those who marry such words with their deeds far better than I ever could, Reader, and wish you well until our next meeting.
Love,
Lettie Anne