Rose Tea Cottage

The Fox & The Grapes

A fox, almost with hunger dying
Some grapes on a trellis spying
To all appearance ripe, clad in
Their tempting russet skin
Most gladly would have eat them
But since he could not get them

So far above his reach on the vine—
“They’re sour,” he said; “such grapes as these,
The dogs may eat them if they please!”
Did he not better than to whine?

~ La Fontaine fable based on Aesop: Phaedrus, 4. 3.

I raise my teacup and drink my Earl Grey tea in hopes that all your dreams are within your reach my darlings.

Reasons to be cheerful...

Waking up without a migraine
~I had a horrible one which lasted four days~
Freshly baked cupcakes
A pot of Yorkshire Tea
A mug full of roses
Reading your sweet comments
Welcoming new followers
Wishing you a cheerful Monday

Christopher and I would like to thank you all for making his 22^nd birthday celebration so special. It is not everyday that a young man receives 90 heartfelt birthday wishes from all corners of the globe. Christopher read each one and was most touched.

Thank you so much my darlings for all the love you send my way each and everyday. You are all very special to me.

Christopher darling, twenty-two years ago, on a windy March evening, you came to be. From the moment you were born, you took my breath away. I knew then God had sent me a blessing. For you, I thank Him everyday, you are precious in every way.

I love you for so many reasons. Here are twenty two of them ...

For the man you turned out to be
For your love of family
For the way you care and love your sister
For treating your grandpa in the kind way you do
For your loyalty to friends
For the respect you have towards others
For your sense of humour
For all your accomplishments
For your desire to succeed
For your honesty
For your contagious smile
For giving so much and asking for so little
For always being there to lend a helping hand
For dreaming big
For never quitting
For the way your face lights up at the mention of food
For your desire to help the less fortunate
For looking at life with colour glasses
For wanting to improve the world
For your generosity
For your gentleness and yet for your strength
For rising each morning with a smile on your face

Happy Birthday Christopher
I love you with all my heart

I thank you my darlings for participating and commenting
on my previous inquisitive post.

From royalty, to celebrities, fashion designers, politicians, historical figures, writers, poets, family and friends, you certainly invited some intriguing people to tea. I was mostly touched by those who chose to spend the afternoon with dearly departed loved ones.
I share in their pain; given that, I too lost my irreplaceable mum and would give anything to spend just one afternoon with her.

In life, you can never do a kindness too soon
because
you never know how soon it will be too late.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson's concept of kindness unquestionably applies to spending time with loved ones. So my darlings, without wasting a moment, bake a batch of scones, make a nice pot of tea and spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with loved ones.

Guess who is coming to tea?

I often ponder, if presented with the opportunity,
who would I choose to have tea with.
I have narrowed my list down to three very special women,
and ultimately to just one.
Scroll down to see who I've selected.

HRH Diana, Princess of Wales

If you could have tea with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?

What is a home?
A roof to keep out the rain
Four walls to keep out the wind
Floors to keep out the cold

No, a home is much more then told ...

Home is the womb that holds the soul
Home is the place where one is whole

Home is safe and a place of peace
Home is where all starving cease

Home is where you find your rest
Home is where you feel your best
Home is where you groom for the ball
Home is the place you yearn to call

Home is all these wonderful things
Home is the place you develop your wings
Home is the place that you will leave one day
Home is the place where your heart will always stay

Home is where you make pots and pots of tea
So go put the kettle on my darling and enjoy your home

Happy Monday My Darlings

I am the proud recipient of five awards from five equally talented and amazing women. If you are not a follower of their blogs, please take a moment and visit my friends today.

The Sunshine Award was given to me by my talented friend Sabrina from La Cabeza de Maria Antonieta

The Birthday Award was given to me by my darling friend Jordiegirl from Blogging My Life - Past, Present & Maybe the Future

The Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by my dear friend Devi from Devi's Blog

The You Are a Doll Award was given to me by my gorgeous friend Rachel from Inspiration in Italy

The Sweet Friend Award was given to me by my sweet, kind and lovely friend Rizzi from Gifts from the Sea

I have posted these awards on my award blog here.
I will treasure and cherish them forever.
Thank you ladies.

I thank you my darlings for popping in for a cup of tea and for leaving behind such inspiring comments. To my new followers, I am delighted to meet you, welcome to Rose Tea Cottage.