Rose Tea Cottage

Where tea is served at half past four




One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our own windows today.
~Dale Carnegie

In the past week, once again I have realised how capricious and how precious life truly is. My darlings don't take a moment of your lives for granted. Live your lives to the fullest and just know that with every passing moment you are given yet another chance to turn it all around with no excuses and no regrets.

94 comments:

Unknown said...

Thankyou, you are so right!!!!!!I feel really uplifted reading your post...thankyouxxxxxxxxxx

About Cassandra said...

Thank you for your message, Duchess...so true, so true! After spending the last few days with my 90 year old mother, I needed to hear this! Lovely posting! Cassandra ♥

Katy Noelle said...

Alright, I will!

I missed you so much, dearest. I hope that everything is or, will be, alright! I AM so glad that you're back. Phew! Hope that your trip was what it should be.

Love and hugs, Katy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

A timely reminder to all of us...thank you!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Beautiful words. It is great to see your post show up :) Thank you for the great reminder.

Mys och hemtrevnad said...

So true! I really have to learn how to enjoy my own life here and now-this minute! I really needed to hear that words.Have a lovely week. Hugs semlan

The Charm of Home said...

There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things, and because it takes a man's life to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.
Ernest Hemingway

I have been reading a book on Hemingway's life and I loved this quote. Thank you Duchess for all your lovely and inspiring quotes.
Sherry

Frog Hollow Farm Girl said...

A sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm! You are so right about acknowledging the present because it's really all we have! So simple but so hard to practice. It was so wonderful to see a post from you Duchess - a very sweet and wonderful treat! Ciao, bella!

PurestGreen said...

Well said. :)

Rizzi said...

MY DEAREST DUCHESS,
I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE BACK, YOU WERE MISSED VERY MUCH. I HOPE YOUR JOURNEY WAS A SUCCESS. YOUR WORDS TODAY ARE VERY TRUE.
SOMEONE TOLD ME MANY YEARS AGO LIVE FOR TODAY, AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW. IN SOME CASES THAT IS SO TRUE. WE ALL HAVE OUR DREAMS ABOUT TOMORROW TAKING ONE DAY AT A TIME IS ALSO HELPFUL.
LADY RIZZI

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Duchess,
So glad to see you post, have missed you!! Lovely pictures but even more lovely sentiments. It is so very true that we need to live and enjoy our lives and live in such a way we have no regrets.
That is good living!
Thanks for the inciteful reminder,
we all need to be reminded at times.
Blessings Galore, Nellie

ethelmaepotter! said...

What an absolutely enchanting blog! Each photo, each picture, each bit of prose is perfectly suited to the title. I am sufficiently charmed to become your newest follower!

Deanna said...

Dearest Duchess, Many Blessings to you!

Delightful to visit your lovely Blog and this post is with wonderful words.

Hope you'll take some time off and come by for a visit to Kansas...I'll show you around the Wizard of Oz Museum!

God bless,
d from HomeHaven

Ingrid de Villiers said...

Dear Duchess

I love your photographs and the words are so true! Yes, we should enjoy the roses blooming outside our own windows today.....no matter what the circumstances. I have learnt that even in the darkest hour there are so many things to be grateful for.
Blessings...Ixx

Cool Lassi(e) said...

A great advise dear. I so need that cause I am a dreamer who is always building castles in the air.I need a healthy dose of reality and your post was like a knock on the head!

Jeanne Henriques said...

How true Duchess and we constantly need reminding!
Thank you for doing that today and thank you for your very thoughtful comment :)

Jeanne xx

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Duchess,

That is such a lovely message today, dear friend ~ thank you for sharing this.
I hope that you are having a lovely week

Hugs
Carolyn

Free Pretty Things For You said...

SO very ture my dear!! Thank you for the needed reminder!!
XoxO
Keren

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Duchess,
You are right, and sometimes we need to be reminded of it so we don't lose a second of precious time! Hope all is well with you.
Mimi

VM Creation Atelier said...

My dear,lovely Duchess!-)*

How I missed you here...and how I am happy that you are back,my sweet,dearest Friend!!!

I hope you are save and ok???!!!...
You beautiful post as always tuched me and makes me smile but with a tears,darling Duchess:-(*
These qoute indeed SO good and how I can describe you,my precious,wonderful Duchess,that I feel the same,when I take my cup of tea...or I make the sketch...or I am wolking...or I do many another daily things!!!
I enjoy all little moments,all little things in my life and I am SO grateful for all enchanted moments,I am SO appreciative that I live NOW and that I have SO much opportunities and chanses!-)))*

Thank you Duchess,darling for these radiant,beautiful reminding for all of us!

My Love and many sunshine hugs for you,my wonderful lady Duchess:-)))*
***Violetta***

paperbutterfly said...

A good reminder for us all.
Great things can be accomplished in fleeting moments when we try.

Thank you for the inspiration to press on and make each moment count, even when it is difficult.

God bless.
Pam

Just A Girl said...

Hello Duchess! I have been missing from Bloglandia and missing all the beautiful images and words from your world. How are you? I hope all is well ;-). Happy Wednesday!

xoxo Cori

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

I couldn't agree more. I think that the same applies to me sometimes. I am so busy spending time decorating and working on the garden that I don't make enough time to just sit back and enjoy. There is always a new project to get on with and a vision of how I would like it to look. Must appreciate more what I have now.

A great post!

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Anonymous said...

Hi Dear Duchess! Oh, your post is so correct. We mustn't take a second for granted but live it to the fullest! Hope you're doing well.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Elyse said...

hi duchess,

i hope that everything is okay. your message is very true and your blog post is as eloquent and lovely as ever.

be well and happy

xo
elyse

Heather Rogers said...

I am living one precious day at a time enjoying what life is giving me. We just found out my mom has a brain tumor and it is the worst prognosis possible. She has to start chemo and radiation next week. You never know what tomorrow may bring. So enjoy every moment you are blessed with. :)

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Hello Duchess
Thank you for your lovely comment, and may I say what a spiffing blog you have. I am now going to idle through your posts sampling the tea and cakes on the way. Have a lovely week, and enjoy every precious day as I do.
bye darling
Jenny x

Deborah said...

Beautiful quote. Beautiful photos. Hoping all is well with you. Live life splendidly, Oh Beautiful One.
**blows kisses** Deb

Maria said...

Dear Duchess...
Yes... and I see that you have been gathering roses ♥
... making those moments count...

~ each day is a precious offering
to the One who made us ~
Let it be a sweet fragrance *

blessings to you, always *Maria

debra@dustjacket said...

Thank darling for reminding us of that, it really is something we can easily forget.

Hope you are okay,
xoxo

Catherine said...

Thank you for the reminder ~ it's sad that we forget that sometimes! :(

SantaBarbaraTalk.blogspot.com said...

Hello Duchess,
glad to see you are back...your words of wisdom are always much appreciated along with the beautiful images and music on your posts.
Carla

Laura said...

That is a great reminder Duchess!
I'm VERY guilty of wishing my life away. I need to remind myself from time to time that is what I am doing...

((Hugs))
Laura

Unknown said...

What a lovely treat to find Rose Tea Cottage. it is a happy place to visit, one to share with good friends. Redding, ca

Janice said...

Such beautiful truth, thank you!
Life is more than precious...and to find beauty and joy in every little moment is a gift we need to take hold of.
Blessings,
Janice

yyam said...

What a fabulous post Duchess! There is so much truth in that! Hope your week's been splendid!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Wonderful pearls of wisdom, dear Dutchess.
Living is so much better than just getting through.
Living it beautifully brings joy!
Yvonne

Hamptontoes said...

Very well put. I am truly aware of how precious life is and one of the reasons I do most of my blogging when my kiddies are sleeping. I like to enjoy life with them...now, while they think I'm fun to be with. When I'm working I'm away, so when I'm home I'm focused on family time.

maría cecilia said...

Darling lady Duchess, I really can`t say that, I just love all the roses in my garden, they are the prettiest of all !!! as the roses you show!!
Hugs to you and kisses,
Maria Cecilia

Eileen said...

Hi Duchess~
Thank you for the inspiration. I really needed that today. :)
Blessings,
Bella

koralee said...

Oh my dear sweet friend...you are so right and that quote is amazing...have missed you..hope all is well! xoxoxox

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess,
I was thinking of you the other day, wondering if things were okay with you. I hope all is ok.
*kisses* HH

A 2 Z said...

Good Day Dear Duchess,

Those are very wise words. Being mindful of the present is not always an easy task. I think its start with an attitude of gratitude.

Wishing you well,

Anne-Marie

Cornflakes and Honey said...

So lovely to see you're back!

Thanks for popping by and visiting me today!

Your words are so important and true, how often we forget to live for today and not tomorrow. I am definitely one that needs reminding of that!

Thanks lovely xx

Barbara said...

Hello Duchess,
I didn't know that sentence by Dale Carnegie, words never sounded so true lately in my life. We should be grateful everyday for what we have, however life sometime put us down and we loose the focus on what really metter.
I'm going to write down that sentece and put on a wall in the kitchen (where I spend the most of my time), I need posite energy to catch up my heppyness...thank you for posting this :D
Regards Barbara

Susie's country cottage said...

You have made me think this morning, while I read your post. Those words are so true but it seems I do need to be reminded all the time. Your blog is such a pleasure to read and very uplifting.
Susie

Unknown said...

Sometimes I wonder
if you are an angel in disguise ....

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess, you are so very right! I keep reminding myslef of it and always try to live my life to the fullest. This is such a beautiful post...Thank you for sharing it with me.:-)
I would also like to invite you to stop by my Blog as I, finally, posted pictures of my Atelier and, of course,of my inspiration board too!:-) I would love for you to be my guest!:-)

Madeline's Album said...

You are so true in your saying, I plan to smell the roses and not take anything for granted. Have a blessed day.

rosenrot said...

Dear Duchess, I hope your trip was alright and I am so glad that you're back! It's so true and we have only the present, it is our first and only chance!!! Yes I enjoy my roses and i love the little things happend in my life, not the great,fantastic!
Thank you so much for these inspiring post :-))
Love and hugs
Marlies

Anna Katrina said...

those cakes looks delicious & the quote is just perfect.

Anna Katrina
http://passportglamour.blogspot.com/

Julie Marie said...

Hello Duchess... beautiful photos and heartfelt message, as always... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

Sue Jack said...

Thank you for that bittersweet reminder, Duchess....life is so short and living in the moment is the best way to enjoy it to its fullest....

Sue

Muneeba said...

Well said Duchess! I've got to get off my arse and really DO things instead of just planning them. Thank u for the wake-up call ... and I hope things work out fabulously for u!

Sue Jack said...

One more thing....
I have something I want to share with you. Will you please email me when you have time?

sue@suejack.com

Thanks so much....
Sue

Kissed by an Angel said...

Lovely post and beautiful photographs!! Dear Duchess I hope you are well! Wishing you peace, love and happiness.
xxxx

Kelly said...

Quite right oh wise one! Sending much love and blessings to you xxx

Jen said...

You are so right, dear Duchess. Wishing you a bright and beautiful Thursday! And thanks for the reminder :)
Cheers,
Jen

Ines said...

Welcome back, my Lovely!

If you read my header- you know, that I live that! Every day is a preciousness! And if you have good friends or a loving family around you- I can tell you- that´s all you need!

Love and kisses- Ines

Chronicles of Dolliedaydream said...

Thank you for such a lovely reminder Duchess and hope all is well. Sending lots of happy wishes to you and hopes for more posts soon and to remind myself to seize the day EVERY day :-) kisses Kitty xxx

R Montalban said...

You are so right, and actually writing a blog helps you do this! I use my iphone to take photographs of things that I see/do now and I am loving writing the blog. What I like about your blog is the beautiful bright colours, and the kitchness of it - very ladylike, and we should all enjoy lady moments!

Madelief said...

Dear Dutches,

So true. Carpe Diem! Take care!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Unknown said...

ohh darling you..I actually lost two friends in the last 4 weeks...and I got scared by the fragility of life and how sometimes we forget....
Couldn't agree more..and the music that you ahve touch my soul!!

Hope you are having a fabulous week Duches...BTW I jsut did a post about London...oh my London!

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh, I have been thinking alot about this lately and feeling the pressure to jump with all of my self into life more fully. Thanks for the reminder. Take care.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

You are so right, Duchess. I used to have that same quote on my blog; I love it! Your post is always timely accompanied by beautiful photos. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Mimi said...

Hi sweet duchess!!!!Oh I say that everyday!!!Get up with a Big SMILE on your face, face the day with certainty and full of fun and flavor!!!Live the day to it's fullest, the maximum speed!!!But always SLOW down to enjoy and savor the small quiet things!!!
Listen with your ears, eyes and your soul!!!
Love ya sweet friend,
jamie
{{U}}
hugs to you from me!!!1

cilla said...

hello my sweet duchess
this post has touched my heart so much ..have missed you stop by soon.cilla

Unknown said...

Oh, dear Duchess, you alway post so touching and right words!

Have a nice week end, dear!
Hugs!
Mara

VM Creation Atelier said...

Just popped by you again,sweethear,my lovely Duchess to say have a sunshining weekend,

My Love and many hugs fro you,my precious,dear Friend:-)*

***Violetta***

Chicago Chic said...

Beautiful Duchess,

Thank you so much for this post. You are truly inspiring, and what you have said in this post is something that I want to always strive to remember. Your wisdom and elegance are always filling my days with awe when I visit your beautiful blog. Thank you again, and I do hope you have bright weekend my love! I just returned from gorgeous London and I just wish I had more time to spend there. It is a special place filled with character and history. I am recovering from a lot of traveling, but so glad I was able to stop by and visit you because I needed this post.


Rachel

*Chic Provence* said...

Welcome back and hope all is well...have a lovely, tea & scone- filled weekend!

xxx

Kit

RachelD said...

Oh, Your Grace,

I could have sworn (in dulcet, ladylike tones) that I'd called upon you and left my card in your brimming tray.

I have looked back, and find myself mistaken; perhaps it is because of the sheer overwhelming beauty and hospitality of your home that I have not registered in your book.

My error has been corrected, and again I take a seat at your lavish table, enjoying the largesse of your offerings and the colorful decor of your parlor and gardens.

Thank you for the invitation; I do hope you will call into my own humble abode again soon.

yr fthfl folwr,
rachel

Anonymous said...

Hi Tea Duchess. So glad to get to visit. I have read you have been away. So hopeful you are feeling well. That was a very profound and wise post here. My heart aches for you and your friend. I remember when my own sister was Dx'd at 32 she only made it two years. The treatments are so much better now. Your friend has a better chance. Bless you for walking with her.
QMM

Melly said...

Oh Dutchess, thank you so much I so needed to read your post today. Sometimes all I do is exist when I need to live. You are my Lovely, a beautiful encourager.
Have a wonderful weekend, Sweetness.
Hugs
Melly:)

The Gossamer Tearoom said...

Dearest Duchess,
Wishing you and anyone in your circle of love happiness and health today and everyday.

xo,

Betty

Vicki said...

Hello, dear friend,
You are so wise and your words so true. I try to enjoy each day to the fullest and be thankful for what God has given me. I hope you are having a lovely Sunday and please have a beautiful week~ Vicki

VM Creation Atelier said...

Hello,my dear,lovely Angel Duchess:-)*

What a terrible news about you childhood girlfriend...I get tears in my eyes...Truly,I have no words to describe my feelings,my sweet,dearest Friend!!!
And OMG!-(((
Why is SO young and nice person???
I has only one question:WHY???...

Thank you SO much for you letter to me,I have the same feelings about all things what do you talk,my heart beats in my throat!

I wish I can help to all peoples and embrace them and protect them from the all horrible things...If I can do it!!!

Thank you sweetheart,for all you wishes and I have now one more dream: To meet you and to try speak with you(my english not realy good...)and take a many,many cups of tea with you,my dear,dear,beautiful Duchess!-)))*

Love,
***Violetta***

Barbara von Enger said...

So positively refreshing. Your words penetrate my mind leaving a warm and sunny feeling in their wake. Your pictures lull my senses. Do call round for tea. Should love to chat:-)

Unknown said...

Duchess ~ I am so sorry to learn of your wonderful friend's illness ... prayers are lifting for her. May the hand of our Lord protect & keep her.

I am sure she is so rich & blessed in having you with her ...

Hugs in love, Marydon

BALLET NEWS said...

Too true darling Duchess. I don't know whether you have been reading Michelle Reid's column in the Times on Saturdays but I urge you and all your readers too. She was an eventer, and had an horrific fall leaving her completely paralysed. She is a journalist and has been dictating her recovery as there is nothing she can do for herself. Her words are utterly, utterly heart rending and for sure, you won't take a minute for granted after reading them. How unfair life is, and how lucky some of us are. I am especially grateful for your friendship, Darling Duchess.

Martina said...

Lovely quote and so true! Life wants to be celebrated, and we should do so, at least once a day. Your blog's a great reminder to treasure the small pleasures of live - thanks for the wonderful tea, dear Duchess ;)

Silvia C said...

Oh dear Duchess,

You are so right about not taking life for granted. I buried my dearest sister last Thursday afternoon. She was only 61 years old and cancer took her away in only 6 weeks. My heart aches. My resolution to live life to the fullest has been renewed. Thanks for your kind words.
Take care, darling Duchess.
Silvia

Beth said...

Dear Duchess, I have missed you. I truly appreciate your wisdom and insight and thanks for the reminder.
God bless you and yours, Beth

Unknown said...

You are so right! Thank you, Have a sweet day!

Magdalena said...

Dear Duchess,
thank you for such a lovely and insightful post. Both your images and words fill me with hope and joy.
xoxo
Bunny

parTea lady said...

Thank you for those thoughts and lovely photos. Hope all is well.

B said...

Duchess; I couldn't agree more!
We must always remember to stop and smell the roses.

Mary said...

Hi Duchess, I can only agree with all the comments already made...this is a truth that is too often forgotten or ignored. My sister has always said that she wants to be a participant, not a spectator, yet most of us are just that. One thing I enjoy about blogging is that we share our lives in such a way that we are encouraged to get out there and LIVE it! We may all choose different ways to live...perhaps it is a rose garden, or perhaps it is jumnping from airplanes, but whatever it is, it should give us a heartbeat...make us feel alive!

All that you share on your blog reflects who you are inside, and that is a beautiful woman full of gratitude and hope...I so appreciate you!

Blessings,
Mary

Zurin said...

Very true...we must feel blessed and enjoy what we have now . n not pine for something that we would like to have. your posts are very comforting and inspiring.Keep well dear Duchess.

La Petite Gallery said...

Thank so much for that wonderful coment. I am so happy you are doing better. Big hug.
Yvonne

Michael said...

Everything you say here is completely true.

BETTINA CARACOCH said...

DIVINO TODO COMO SIEMPRE FELIZ NAVIDADDDDD UN BESO GRANDE DE ARGENTINA,BETTINA.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. I just lost my Mom to cancer. She was my best freind. I miss sitting to tea with her and talking over tea cakes and cookies. Your blog helps me remember how she loved tea and what that moment of time meant to her, to have a daughter that wanted no more in life but to spend time with her Mom. Thank you for helping me through my grief. I sometimes cry buckets while looking at your blog, its so much my Mom and all she loved. You are such a blessing to me. I turn to your blog to remember, to appreicate life's beauty and know life goes on and can remain. Through loss comes great lessons.

Unknown said...

Thanks


happy rose day

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