The well-known French song, “La Vie en Rose,” translates to “life in pink,” or sometimes “seeing life through rose-colored glasses.” It was written in 1945 by Edith Piaf, still revered as a national treasure in France. She wrote the song at the very end of WWII, as the years of suffering, weariness, turmoil, and grief […]
With September we embark on our beautiful, New Mexico Autumn. A new school year has begun and things are beginning to chug along. But I know this is the calm before the storm. Soon the holidays will be upon me and time will be moving all too quickly. Now is my time for sanctuary, and […]
Fifteen years ago, a little girl stood peering into the windows of tiny, newly-minted St. James Tearoom while her grandmother finished her business in the dress shop next door. She asked if they could go in, and see what was happening within. Victoria, the grandmother, and little Nicole came in to see what it was […]
Sometimes it is the simple things that make the richest gifts. How blessed are those simple gifts – an unhurried conversation, an intimate look, a homemade meal eaten at leisurely pace, an unexpected touch. The ordinary arts we may practice every day at home are those that truly enrich. James, my husband of 42 years […]
In Jane Austen’s day, there was no email, and no texting, of course. People communicated in a slower, but much more genteel fashion – the letter. I believe that we are missing that gentility in our own day. In the beginnings of our ’email age’, we thought it was exciting – “You’ve got mail!” Oh boy!
“A garden is a grand teacher.” Gertrude Jekyll For our April theme of Victory Garden, I would like to again share some of Gertrude Jekyll’s wisdom, and also give you a little peek at some behind-the-scenes workings at The St. James Tearoom meant as soil for growing in wisdom. Gertrude Jekyll, as most of you […]
Victory Gardens After the Fact: Using Used Tea Leaves Tea is good for your health! But you knew that…. Did you realize tea is good for the health of your plants, as well? Our theme for April is Victory Garden, and we want you to have victory in your garden! Did you know that used […]
The St. James Tearoom’s theme for the month of April is “Victory Garden” – a look back at an effort that brought families, and communities together in the past, but also an effort that is actively being pursued even today to push our society forward. Most people think of World War II when they hear […]
Pursuing Beauty – Japanese Style #1 – Ikebana Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I once hosted an ikebana class in my home with other artists, to my great delight. The principles of design in this art form are well established, and, just like the Japanese have their Tea Masters, they also […]