Our home was built in 1940 and has only had 5 owners. Each family has added something to the house. In the 1960's a pretty sunroom was built and the owners planted the most glorious peonies along the south side of the sunroom. We enjoy them every year - they are so beautiful and fragrant - they fill vases all over the house for a couple of weeks each June. It's become a family tradition and my girls want them for their wedding bouquets (still years away, we may have to take cuttings if we move from this house...). This is the bouquet I cut this morning as it sits on our kitchen table.
You can see the scatterings of my She Said It paperwork. We've had a busy couple of weeks with a bunch of wonderful orders from bookstores across the country. Bookstores are a natural fit for the line -- we'd love to hear any recommendations for bookstores we should contact in your area!
We have a terrific new product -- flat notes. Right now, we have 2 versions, pictured below.
They are perfect for a quick note and come packaged in sets of 10 that make a great little gift. I've been using them for the past couple of weeks as thank you's. They are available to order on our website for $15/set of 10 cards and envelopes.
Recently, I read about a woman, Amelia Bloomer -- yes, bloomers were named after her. However, she would argue that she did not invent them, she simply wore them as they were far more comfortable than the heavy, long skirts that were "de rigueur" of the day (1850's). She was also the editor of The Lily, a monthly newspaper she published for women. Amelia was a friend of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony as well as other women's rights advocates. Amelia's writings initially focused on the temperance movement, but later women's rights, particularly property rights became an important cause for her. At that time, women could not own property and if their husband died, children could be taken by others and only 1/3 of his property could be inherited by his wife as women were considered by many as incapable of managing property. In fact, Tennessee law makers in 1850 described women as "soulless" and unable to make independent decisions. How about that?? As I read this, I was struck once again by the courage, perseverance and bravery of the women who fought for basic women's rights in the 19th century. It's hard for me to grasp the challenges that they faced, simply because they were female.
Amelia didn't give up her fight for women's rights and I love her words, "A brighter day has dawned;" "Her course if upward and onward;" "They helped and strengthened each other." I hope those words inspire you as they do me!
Have a wonderful and productive day!
Kathryn