Thursday, June 7, 2018

Delicious June~I have way too much to say..save for a rainy day;)








'Tis the season!



Whatever you do..if you love nutmeg and a great muffin..make these.♥



This sweet adorable boy turned 11 yesterday♥


The above..watercolors from a photo his mom took that I loved..Prima  Marketing Decadent Pies watercolors..  added some Payne's Grey..forget which make..painted on a  Strathmore Watercolor Card.I like the decadent pies for skin so much..always have..the 4th color on top doesn't moisten well for me and I never use white..so..that's my honest review.
Love them:)

Footnote ..nothing ..nothing..is under $20.00 here..lol..in art supplies..I have bought my sets while visiting the US..I have 3 I think..like them all..



Awww..June/Juin..

le mois de Marie..is May..

but the prettiest month is perhaps June here.(It was ..lol until 3 days ago..)

From Spring to Winter's edge..you will not find a prettier place;)

Kidding..so many places have their oomph♥

But for us..that's THE time frame;)..here.

June w/ the first Irises..and Catmint..and some Peonies..

Rhubarb..and Chives and Parsley..Mint and Thyme..Miss Kim Lilacs..

Bridal Wreath Spirea,annuals..settling in.. some not..seeds sprouting..

Some rotting..;( Some drying out:( Some not showing up:(

But so much color compared to winter and so much popping joy in the gardens..

" Take this cloak off us and set us free"...said my gardens.

On IG I do teacup Thrsdays w/ Linda @ http://linda-keaveney.blogspot.com/

Just showing a teacup or two from  our homes..some from moms..aunts..tag sales..brocantes..Varage Sale..Kijjijji  ..
Some w/ loads of sentimental value..others just because we like them.
I wish I would have collected Brambly Hedge in the 80's..
Love everything:)

This wedding cup is one of my faves..

It's 44 yrs this year so I bought myself this gift on Varage Sale.
Last year we were at The Cape..meeting Susan Branch..



this year we are home.So..the lobster rolls are local..i.e..my kitchen..
I loved it..the Cape..always have always will..but it takes 8 hours to get there and once you're on the Cape..even early June..well the traffic..it's pretty bad.
It was all so worth it but staying home this year..

C'est la vie..la vraie vie.

Susan is in England now..I bet you are all following her..she's having the time of her life w/ Joe..

Made Ricardo's rhubarb cake for the umpteenth time..here it is..used Tonka as the spice instead of vanilla and cinnamon..Every French from France pastry show uses Tonka..the bean..and grates it.
I finally ordered some from France..just getting a packet..letter etc from France..always a treat!:)

And ohmygosh the cake is was and will always be good..but Marie's nutmeg muffins? I CANNOTRESIST.
I sprinkled a touch of sugar on top after baking..

As in ParisBreakfast 's Letters from Paris:)♥








I am going to try and find a way to display them :) More prettily than I have them;)
They are little treasures.
I think a book should be made by Carol:)
I am sure many of you do too.




Snail mail came  twice♥I am hoping to add pink hollyhocks to my blacks..I read ..and I am sure I did this years ago..that sprouting hollyhocks..works great in paper towel..Fingers crossed♥

I wish you all a nice weekend..

I read this so many times this week and have always loved it..

So let's all do it.

Be kind..many you meet are fighting a hard battle~

57 comments:

  1. Lovely post. That lobster roll looks sooooo good!

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    1. I could eat 2! Have to have another before season's end:)

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  2. It all looks so good and pretty. Love the Brambly Hedge. Your painting of Max is so good! Henry James once wrote an answer to someone whom asked. He told them there were three secrets to a happy life. "Be kind. Be kind. Be kind."

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  3. hi dear Monique I love your post not only by the beauty things and good food :) love what you say.
    I love June too and here is cold and sometimes we have snow.
    But I ha reasons in June is my birthday (9) and some days later is the twin's birthday (13) how not be happy and celebrate when these two arrived to our life years ago and we adopted them?
    they will be 24 this year and Im impressed when I think!
    love for you Monique

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    1. Happy triple birthdays Gloria..How fortunate you are w/ twins..twice the pleasure.I know this next birthday might be particularly tender for you.Sending wishes from here:)♥

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    2. Yes I know. Is my first birthday without my mom . She always celebrated me ! But the twins dont let me will be down :)

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  4. Love you beautiful photos and tea time!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  5. You are so right, June is the month of all things beautiful here too. I try to stay outdoors until 9:15 at night.
    I love nutmeg and those muffins sound like winners. Do you remember when I used to make "duffins"? I think Sol gave us the recipe. They have cardamon and nutmeg.
    That watercolor is amazing! Happy Birthday to Max!
    YES.......Be kind..many you meet are fighting a hard battle. Even the grumpy ones...I believe they are grumpy for a reason (sometimes). xo

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    1. I do remember those duffins..have made them a few delish times..if you like nutmeg you will be in muffin heaven.I promise:)
      So sad..Kate Spade..Anthony Bourdain..:(:(

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    2. PS I noticed Marie hadsprinkled sugar on top..I did too..after baking:)

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  6. I always smile as I read your posts - such a ray of sunshine! love the muffins, will have to give them a try :) Happy weekend.

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    1. Thanks Tricia..I would be surprised if you don't love these muffins.I sprinkled sugar n top after baking;)

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  7. Your posts always bring a smile. Happy Birthday to Max, your watercolor card is wonderful. I remember June in Maine, that is the month the gardens were at their prettiest.

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    1. An optimal month:)You must love gardening all year long Karen.Thank you:)

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  8. Rhubarb cake and muffins sound so good. I think we still have some rhubarb in the market. May have to try it. Love the watercolor of Max. Such a pretty post Monique.

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    1. Hi Penny..have a nice weekend..I think both are good have on hand easy treats.The muffins are new to me so more exciting☺️Thank you for your nice comment🙏🏻

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  9. A lovely gentle post, beautiful photos, pretty flowers and teacups. I like asparagus and lobster! :-)

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  10. Lovely post Monique. I love your line of being kind always... you just never know what can be going on under the surface... Be well! xo

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  11. Hi Monique, it is the missing Grammy here. I have been reading your blog just had problems commenting. I realized I was not signed in. That happens every once in a while. We are off to Bermuda but I’m going to try your recipes when I get back. I have some rhubarb in fridge. Can I just cut up and freeze? Fresh rhubarb is such a short season, I may come home and none will be found. Happy birthday to Max. Time does fly doesn’t it with grandkids? We think they will be little forever but bam, they just grow up. Your lobster roll looks as good as the ones you show when you come to the cape. Have a wonderful weekend. Terry

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    1. Have a ball!!!So well deserved..I bet rhubarb freezes beautifully..I don't have enough to ever freeze..but I know people do!Bon VOYAGE Grammy:)

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    2. Hi Terry!That peony is a pen..I will show how hen you come back you would have fun making them with Katherine.I made many many when one of our daughters married as shower loot bag gifts..I will try and pick up a flower this week☺️

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  12. We have had such roller-coaster weather here. From freezing to 90s and then back down again. Windy lately too. The easterly winds off of Lake Michigan have kept things cooler than usual here. Still waiting for some of my seeds to sprout too :( Had to replant! Everything looks joyful and spring-like in all your photos! Not that I wish a rainy day on you but would love to know what you have to say! Hope all is well and that you have a very Happy Anniversary! I know you'll do something special, even if it's not to New England again. Such delicious muffins and rhubarb, oh my! I want to bake this weekend :) Love your precious Max painting ♥

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    1. Forgot to mention the Lobster Roll...Oh My that looks good!

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    2. Bonjour ma belle..I've prepped Abbe's Olive Bar Chicken..sort of ..for dinner.
      We had to go downtown today..1.5 hrs there 1.45 hrs back..:(:(:( Grand Prix weekend..wanted to stop in Little Italy..all roads were closed..for GP..so just not fun stuff today.
      Next week we will go out for lunch;)
      Did your nasturtiums come up? I could cry..not one:( Just a reseed from last yr in my round garden..probably orange:(

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    3. What a long time to drive back and forth! In summer here there are so many huge festivals on the lakefront that we avoid going downtown. You know, only a few nasturtiums came up :( Last year, I did not soak them but when I saw that you soaked yours I did the same with mine. Not sure if that was a coincidence or not. I had 1 pkt left so replanted without soaking last week. Now I have to wait and see if those come up. I had planted one entire pkt and only 4 showed up :( I'll be heart-broken too if these don't sprout! Sometimes slugs can be a problem in the area when I planted them. They will eat my short dahlias to the ground there if I don't sprinkle with diatamaceous earth so I am keeping the soil covered for the next week or so. Fingers crossed. I did just notice in the front garden that some had recently sprouted so maybe yet to come? I think the later the better for nasturtium seeds as they don't like cold. C'est domage!

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    4. Ma chère amie..my fingers are crossed too..hope that soaking didn't ruin them😢Whatever happens our thoughts were positive!
      No circumventing my Mtl appt today.Had to.
      I was hoping for a reward after ..i.e.Little Italy..not meant to be!

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  13. Oh, I forgot to mention, Katherine had me pull up google street view of their new house and she did a watercolor of it. Illl see if Beth can take a photo and I’ll send it on too you.

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    1. Oh Beth take a pic!! I want and have to see:)

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    2. I just text her, I’m sure she still has it. If she does I’ll send you the photo. By the way, that last photo with the peony is a beauty. Do you know it’s name?

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    3. Hi Terry..it's a dollar store silk peony:) I made pens..a vase full..well 5 or 6..I will show you,if you have not made one..you and Katherine would have fun:)

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  14. Your water colors are so beautiful. I tried very hard to learn but I was stiff, too precise, I couldn't just let it f-l-o-w...
    The muffins look delicious. I assume you mean Marie Rayner. I have to go have a look, although I don't need anything with sugar! Taking it easy for the past few months has made me go a little lumpy here and there.

    I'd love to visit Cape Cod. I even mapped out a vacation there, but the plans fell through. We have been to Martha's Vineyard and I kept hoping I'd bump into Susan Branch. We had dinner at Joe's restaurant, The Black Dog. It was very nice, right on the water, and there were several black labs hanging around. Didn't see Joe, though. I'd love to visit England. Hopefully hubby will retire soon and we can take a few trips overseas.

    Rain here but I'm happy as I finally got my flowers planted. I kept it very simple. Now I have to get back up to the cottage and spread some beauty around there!

    Have a lovely weekend, Monique!

    Jane x

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    1. I just keep trying Jane:)

      Sometimes lucky..most times not..
      I applaud your courage to get better! And you will.
      I met a nurse today who told me she believes one day there will be a magic potion for pain.

      All kinds I hope.

      All kinds..visible pain and reasons..invisible pains and reasons..

      The Cape..along 6 A is enchanting.All the towns..Osterville..Barnstable..Chatham.Provincetown where Anthony Bourdai got his start.
      I still can't stop thinking about him and Kate Spade.
      I knew of Anthony much more..we followed his shows that we could get..I read his books..
      So sad.
      I think Joe sold the Black Dog..
      I would love to visit the Cotswolds..my husband is very very French..loves France..so we will return once..only once..to Europe and it will be France.He does all the driving..is 77 and he said..this is it:)
      He's been a trooper..I agree.
      Sow beauty wherever you can:)
      Miss Rumphius did:)

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  15. I love your amazing pics. That lobster roll seems to be delicious. Have a nice weekend. Hugs

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    1. Oh it is!..Soon Aix for you!!:):) Salon Cote Sud right now..Carol/Parisbreakfast is there.

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  16. Happy birthday to your Max. The muffins look wonderful. Love seeing your pretty tea cups.
    Do enjoy the weekend. One of these days, I can relax. Between working in our yard, helping my mom, designing blogs, I hope to find some time to do nothing.

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    1. You'll find something else:):) You'll get even busier:)I don't know how I workrd for almost 30 yrs:) And more..always had a job in high school..Far Niente ends up being doing more of your favorite things:)bon weekend!

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  17. Decadent Pies make THE BEST FLESH TONES EVER! Just saying! I'm so pleased you introduced me to this set a year or two ago. The Grumbacher flesh (from the palette Vivian uses) does too. And I wondered if those were Marie's muffins. I printed that recipe as soon as I saw the title! It's a great photo. And I adore your watercolor of your sweet guy!

    Brambly Hedge, Paris B. (I agree about the book), Susan Branch -- all glorious. I so wanted to go to Susan's picnic. Sigh. And the lobster roll. I haven't had one of those since the Vineyard two years ago and oh, so incredibly delish. You make your own? We need to talk!

    I'm in heaven with this post. It's the perfect way to start a gloomy Saturday (pouring rain!)

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    1. We lucked out with sun for this weekend..was able to primp the gardens..I should check my Grumbacker flesh..It is a palette I rarely use..and you cannot get replacement rounds..Mine came missing a round:(Thanks as always for your nice comments!Lobster roll is easy..bought my lobsters already cooked..u
      I shelled them in the am..mayo not unchanged ..big chunks..s and p and lemon juice..garlic butter on my buns and toasted on the stove each side..chives if you wish..

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  18. The Beatrix Potter teacups are darling. I love them. Did you visit Rousillan? I bought the loveliest paint when I was there. I have not tried them yet?

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    1. We did!!And I bought powdered ochres..is that what you bought☺️.I loved the shopkeepers there..

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  19. Happy Anniversary greetings Monique, to you and your Prince Charming. There is so much to love here. Rhubarb Cake, those muffins I adore, that cup from Brambly Hedge (I make the dolls, so much fun!, Lobster rolls looking so tasty and I don't like lobster, but somehow you make me want them, Carol's art, yes she should so a book! And your sweet grandson. Beautifully captured with your brush and paints. The gardens. Your blooms. Your thoughts. All beautiful glimpses into your sweet life. You are a real treasure and someone I love. I don't just say that. Your spirit is one of the sweetest my own has been blessed to brush against. Have a great Sunday! xoxo

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    1. Thanks Marie..maybe a little lunch out this week..You make BH dolls? How did I miss that? I mean I know you make everything and I say this with admiration..but how could I forget the dolls!!?:):)
      My life..like others..has it's ups and downs sweetie pie.I can't be so honest like you ..I admire that you open your heart..a wondeful quality:)

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  20. Lovely luscious pictures my dear....
    Happiest Anniversary...💙💚💙
    Have a great week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Thank you..you must be in town?
      Enjoy the week💐🌹🌸🌺🌷☀️🌻

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    2. Yup!
      Laundry...groceries...pool...😂🤣😂
      Hope to get some cross stitch done,too!
      Enjoy your day!

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    3. :) I see unicorns everywhere now!At the market stuffed unicorn hedas..so cute to put on a wall..at Homesense a lady had a unicornmotif backpack in her hands in the check out for an 8 yr olds birthday..LOL keep thinking of you.

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  21. Dearest Monique,
    You sure have a keen eye, not only for watercolor but for setting up the simple pleasures of life for taking unique photos! Fresh flowers no doubt are the key ingredient always.
    Well, I've tackled my Mega scanning project and got my very last scrapbook done at 1:10 AM. Feeling so happy and now it's on to Wednesday when I will here the verdict of my orthopedic surgeon. HOPE he sets the green light for me to start living active again. This has been my longest time EVER for being PATIENT... 2.5 months is my maximum I guess.
    Sending you sunny hugs, yes, the wet monsoon seems to be over!
    Mariette

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    1. I hope all goes well..2.5 months is a long time..

      I love all these home based projects..love a quiet life:)♥
      Best wishes!

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  22. As always, visual treats from you, I can just taste many of them!! You really caught your grandson in that watercolor!!!
    Ah, snail mail. Love!!!
    I'm having a hard time keeping up with the blog world, so forgive me if I don't comment as often...Increased work hours, and I was supposed to be retired!! And, I have a show at the library coming up in August!!

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    1. Exciting Rita:) Un vernissage:) I have less hours now to do the things I love than when I worked too:)
      There is so much more I love to do now:)
      His mom took the photo..that I copied to paint..lttle Max-A-Million..not so little anymore.

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  23. I love your Peter Rabbit cups. I love all things Beatrix, tea, treats and flowers included :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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