On one of our road trips several years ago I came across this wonderful book, "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady" by Edith Holden. The delightful nature scene first caught my eye, then as I flipped through the pages there was the most gorgeous penmanship of NATURE NOTES for 1906.
"On January 1, 1906, Edith Holden made the first entry in a diary which was to record the countryside through the changing seasons. Her words, all carefully written by hand, include her favorite poems, personal thoughts, and observations on the wildlife surrounding her home in the village of Olton, Warwickshire. The exceptionally beautiful paintings on every page of birds, butterflies, bees, and flowers reflect her deep love of nature; they have been executed with a naturalist's eye for detail and the sensitivity of an artist. The dairy became a very special book for her, and she allowed no one to see it. For seventy years, the enchanting book had lain undiscovered until found in 1977 on the shelves of an English country house. It is a book for all seasons, a gift for all times."
I have enjoyed picking up this book on a regular basis to see if Ms Holden had made an entry for the given date and found myself delighted to find on most days she had. This past summer while recouperating from my surgeries I decided to share with you my readers the words and artistic work through out this coming year. So as I sit here with my laptop in the warmth of my parents on home this holiday season we shall begin our journey.
NATURE NOTES for 1906
Jan.1. New Year's Day. Bright and cold with hard frost.
Until next time.....
Debbie
Happy New Year, Debbie - I love the Edwardian Lady - such beautiful, fine illustrations and wonderful sentiments.
Posted by: Debrina or Debs | January 2010 at 03:28 PM
I loved this book so much that I decorated my whole kitchen in it. People tell me that they have never heard of a book inspiring a kitchen but that is what happened.
Posted by: Nancy Hellams | February 2010 at 03:35 PM