Today is the type of day that I love. Winds are shifting, but it’s still warm. Dark clouds are gathering in the west, it’s got the look of gray foreboding. It’s Bronte weather. A storm is going to blow over the prairie soon.
Of course that meant first thing this morning I needed to leash up the dogs and head out into it. I think Tasha Tudor would approve. I imagine she went out and walked her corgis in all kinds of weather. She probably slipped on a beautiful cloak or something and went out into the wilds like a Bronte sister as well.
Then, I’m sure, she realized how perfect a good gray and stormy day is for painting and headed in to her work table. That’s my plan for today as well.
There is nothing, nothing more perfect, then cuddling up with a quilt, sleeping dogs at your feet, paint brush in hand as thunder rumbles in the distance. Rainy days make for good art.
I don’t know about you, but the world around me here in Oklahoma in late January is sort of brown. In the past I hated that. But as I get older, the more I like brown. Brown is the perfect mellow backdrop for all sorts of things. And, like white, there are all sorts of wonderful shades and depths to brown, from earthy dark to gentle pale. Just look at the tones of these gourds, hanging off the back fence just waiting for some adventurous wrens or chickadees to move in and devour last summer’s giant sunflower:
And while from all appearances the field just outside my back gate is all asleep, there is some life to it! little birds and hawks and even an evening owl are always flitting around in it. My bunnies have gotten quite spoiled and prefer the prairie grass (with some rosemary from the herb garden— it’s the only thing still green around here!) with their morning breakfast.
People are often surprised that I keep the bunnies outdoors in most weather (aside from when its 114 outside, a sweaty rabbit is quite a miserable sight!) but they love it. They have lived indoors as well and they get agitated and jumpy. Outside, they love to feel the breeze in their fur and smell the smells and hear the sounds. They are so laid back and happy outside. They are definitely outdoor creatures. Of course I do cover their hutch when it rains or gets very windy. And they’re latched in so they can’t get out (although they have escaped a time or two…one morning a while back I came outside to find the girls exhausting and lounging in the yard from a good pre-dawn romp around the yard! Mr. Darcy, of course, was waiting patiently in the hutch for them to return. He’s not the adventurous sort.)
As I’ve written to you the sky has darkened and it’s that quiet before the storm. I am off to wet my brush and get to work. I’m sure that Tasha would agree!~
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
The Tasha Tudor Museum in Vermont and Beatrix Potter´s home Hill Topp in England are among my dream places to visit. One day I will hopefully. It´s good though that it´s possible to feel a bit \”Tasha atmosphere\” wherever you are in the world. Through her books and through getting inspiration from her life style. I once read about a woman who works in the garden in Vermont. Seems like a wonderful place to work…
LikeLike
oooohhh so pretty!! Gosh I love the fact that they actually came from Tasha's garden too. The majenta pink color is just stunning and I bet it looks fabulous in your garden with other flowers! Another memorable Tasha Tuesday! Thanks!!
LikeLike
Ohhh! Mine are just starting to bloom too! They don't last long in this heat, but I enjoy them while they're here 🙂 What I wouldn't do for an English Country Cottage garden!
LikeLike
Oh I didn´t know this Tasha Tudor online shop existed. I´m looking at the book section right now. Eventually I will have to get the book on making herbal teas. It is on my to-do list this year to make my own herbal teas. And the book Around the Year is a must-have too!
LikeLike
Hollyhocks were my grandfather's favorite, every year he would measure how tall they were and have someone take a picture of him standing in front of them. He passed away in October.. I have fond memories of him surrounded by his hollyhocks. 🙂
LikeLike
From Tasha herself, oh be still my heart!!!♥
LikeLike
What a lovely color!!!! Our hollyhocks haven't come up yet. Although our forget-me-knots are in full bloom. We didn't even know they would come back up from last year – I think Tasha would be proud!!! 🙂
LikeLike
I didn't know that about the hail stones and tornado's weird huh?We are actually sunny in the UK today, makes a nice change too ;o)We are growing strawberries and blackberries this year, we planted the blackberry bush last year but only got a few, this year though I think there will be lots :)We also have a dwarf pear and apple tree, the pears did well last year but we only got one apple.My next door neighbour grows tomatoes and beans for us, she's far more garden savvy than us and grows lots of goodies, we like to share with her ;o)I hope your planting works out for you this year.x
LikeLike
I am growing a tiny garden out front with the flowers. We have harvested 5 meals of green beans and my Roma tomato plant is loaded down with tomatoes which are not red yet. In addition, I have been cutting and enjoying a cinnamon basil plant which makes awesome pesto !!! There are radishes growing and lemon thyme and lavender too. When all of that is gone, I am going to try my hand at Seminole pumpkins which grow well here in the south along with sunflowers for a late summer early fall . It is so much fun this year with these tiny veggies !! I am working on a garden to table dinner using just what I have. It is going to be delicious and fun!!
LikeLike
I have a little balcony where I grow mostly herbs. And a few flowers. The last couple of days we have had summer here, which is wonderful and so well needed. When I was in Copenhagen I bought a white owl that now lives on the balcony. Your tomatoes look delicious. Tomatoes from supermarkets often taste really bland, at least here in Sweden, so I think that growing my own tomatoes would be a good idea.
LikeLike
My tomato plant has blooms but no tomatoes yet!! I have my fingers crossed that I get many MANY bright red tomatoes this year because boy am I craving homegrown maters! 🙂 Thank you for reminding me, I need to plant my packet of Sunflower seeds I got for Easter!
LikeLike
Your tomatoes look like they will do well! ;-D I have been out in the garden from morning till night lately, so many pretty flowers revealing themselves among many weeds, but it is pure joy to be among them!! I hope those BIG scary hails stay away from you and your garden!! :-0 Happy TT, Blessings Linnie
LikeLike
Hooray for baby tomatoes! We do indeed have a garden – we've been picking lettuce, strawberries and parsley. Our green beans are taking root, as are our tomatoes. And we shall be having a TON of currants! The flowers are all still in full bloom, as well. Even spotted several butterflies!
LikeLike
That is so special that they are from seeds from Tasha's garden! So pretty heather you have such a green thumb. I would plant poppies. Fingers crossed we will have our little garden plot soon
LikeLike
I love Tasha's books, and admire the way she lived. I confess I was very disappointed in how she left things with her children, and it did interfere with my rosy view of her lifestyle.
LikeLike
I love Tasha's books, and admire the way she lived. I confess I was very disappointed in how she left things with her children, and it did interfere with my rosy view of her lifestyle.
LikeLike
I found your blog through your comments on mine and I love the Tasha Tuesdays! I just adore Tasha Tudor, both her artwork and lifestyle. Your artwork is stunning as well! I looked through your etsy shop and especially loved the Knitted Love piece. I was chuckling a little because I too have a love of beards and knitting. 🙂
LikeLike
If you don't try, you can't fail, but you also can't move forward! I know what you mean, though. It can be terrifying to stop making excuses for going for what you want. Paul and I really want to move after he gets finished with his current project, but of course, looking for a new job and moving somewhere more expensive is scary. I also feel really insecure about my blog a lot, too. For me, this year is all about getting out there and not putting off what I want to do. Best of luck to you with all your endeavors!
LikeLike
Your post could not be more timely nor ring more true!I hummed and hawed for a long time about drawing out a storyline I've had in my head for awhile now. Today I asked a children's book author what type of pencil she used as I was using the same illustration technique (its what I have on hand)…I was so overjoyed when she replied that she used a regular mechanical pencil with .05 lead I just about burst!Its scary jumping in with both feet….but the waters only cold for the first few ;)So jump on in, the waters fine!!!(She said shivering!)
LikeLike
i agree…i tend to weigh pros and cons and think about things a lot too, but how does the saying go? you can't succeed unless you try~~have a super week heather 🙂
LikeLike
Heather , I believe what you mention here rings true through the decades and across all cultures. Navigating our dreams against some harsh realities of our lives is the stuff of defeat, hardship, loss, and frustration. But like Tasha Tudor, if we accept those missteps as the only reality, then we don't experience the success and happiness of hardship won over. But the road can be full of pot holes and we can get weary of pulling out of the ruts. In my life, it has been friends and family that have pulled me along when I seemed most out of inspiration. I am wondering if Tasha found energy by surrounding herself in the beautiful things of ordinary life: fresh goat milk, beloved corgis, handwoven linen to make clothing, hand spun yarn for knitting warm clothing, and gardens teaming with flowers and fresh things to eat.
LikeLike
I wish daffodils grew well in Florida. Sometimes you can get them to come up but not consistently. I remember my yard growing up in Virginia was full of bulb flowers in spring. I can only imagine how stunning 1000 daffodils look at Tasha's estate!
LikeLike
I'm sure your daffodils will be lovely! I always buy my flowers because I have a black thumb but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy them. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes. They're my favorite flower and were my wedding flower–the rest of the bouquet was Pussywillows and Cattails–and they always make me happy. Someday when I have a yard, they'll be everywhere just like that. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh I dream about being able to tour her grounds someday!!!!
LikeLike
This reminds me! I'm hoping to take a road trip to Salem, Mass this Summer. It's a 12 hour drive. One route takes you through Toronto and New York, the other through Montreal and Vermont, so excited!
LikeLike
You paint beautiful pictures with words as well! I envy your days of creating… hopefully I will be there soon. 🙂
LikeLike
I normally don't mind the browns, but I admit, I'm craving some brighter colors these days. Your words are very soothing. 🙂 Happy Painting!
LikeLike
Your prairie view outside the back gate is beautiful – browns and all! I wouldn't mind romping around there like your sweet bunnies, too. Enjoy painting today, Heather – I'm sure the work will be inspired. Nothing like the exciting sound of thunder rolling in…have a cozy day!
LikeLike
Hope those prairie winds don't mean fierce storms! After reading all this Swedish immigrant stories from the prairie, it makes one a bit tepid about impending bad weather in Oklahoma! Lol! I hope your day of painting was productive too!!
LikeLike
Brontë weather–love it! It's like that here, too. It's actually darker now than when I got up. We need the rain, though. There's one thing Kansas and Oklahoma are good at and that's drought. It feels like Tornado-season preview day today (especially since yesterday was warm and muggy). Hey, at least the weather 'round here always gives us something to talk about!
LikeLike
This was such a lovely romantic post. We are \”brown\” this time of year, too. Sometimes it does depress me – and I adore brown! I always do love seeing little signs of growth within the brown…the promise of new beginnings!
LikeLike
Ah…I have always wanted to live in Vermont, too. I'm just a few states away…so maybe someday it will happen!!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Very beautiful and oh so true. It's important to be brave and to go after your dreams. Thanks for this post, Heather.
LikeLike
Love this post! Bronte weather – I know just what you mean. Sounded like such a cozy day in your neck of the woods. Made me lonesome for the fields back in Nebraska where I'm from. And you're so right – there's something just beautiful about the grays and browns and tans and creams of the winter landscape. Happy painting!
LikeLike
I love Grey days like this too. They have a romantic and creative quality to them. Something i am sure tasha appreciated.
LikeLike
Bronte weather!!!! love it. love your bunnies 🙂
LikeLike