Wouldn't it be fabulous if you could put your nose close to your computer screen and take a deep long sniff of the above picture??? Well I suppose you could sniff your screen if you wanted to but sadly you wouldn't be able to actually inhale the amazing scent. That is my little personal luxury and it really is amazing, take my word for it.
Actually, I don't need to go anywhere near these flowers to get a whiff of them, their scent fills the whole room. Open the door, walk in, breathe in, ahhhh happy, happy, happy! I don't think I would ever go without hyacinths now, I will have them in my life year after year after year for as long as I live. I know lots of you feel the same and I've been enjoying yours too here and here and here...marvellous little things aren't they?? I usually pick mine up from the supermarket, a pot of three bulbs for £2 or so, and they never fail to deliver. Wonderful.
Anyhow, hyacinths aside, lets talk monthly things shall we? January has been and gone, and already I'm loving that it's February. Cos February contains hearts and pancakes, both of which I am quite potty about. My calendar pages for February are lovely...hearts and lovey-dovey things....
....and pretty utilitarian things. Smashing. Gosh I would love a utility room. Seriously I would. I don't do an awful lot of ironing, but I love the idea of having somewhere pretty and orderly and purposeful to do it in (I actually iron on my bed, which is far from ideal). I'm really looking forward to getting my laundry flapping outside on the line again too, it seems like an age since I last pegged out. As you probably know I am not a very good housekeeper, my methods are very sporadic and slapdash. But I do take a pleasure in getting our clothes clean and dry and I love folding and stacking clean laundry, especially when it's been line dried outdoors. I do a lot of sniffing when I fold and stack laundry. I use eco products to clean our clothes and as they're not overly scented they leave the fabric smelling clean and natural. Mmmmm laundry sniffing :: another one of my secret little pleasures revealed!
February so far has been veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery breezy and very changeable here in my patch. Scudding clouds, gusty winds, at times incredibly wet and stormy, at other times surprisingly sunny and lovely. I took the above photo from the attic window on 1st february around 4pm in the afternoon. The light and colours of the landscape were so lovely that day, very soft and pretty for wintertime I thought.
February is still very much a winter month, and indoor activities are firmly on the agenda. Lots of baking, indoor games, cosy fireside pursuits and reading. The Little People both requested some new reading matter last week and so we treated them to their very own Amazon order. They were SO excited about the idea of having their very own books sent to them through the post, the anticipation was huge. It was very sweet. The parcel arrived yesterday morning, and it was a delight watching them open it together (hooozah, no squabbling over it either which was a minor miracle!) I would love to boast about them being avid little readers, but truthfully neither of them really are. So yes, it was wonderful yesterday to observe them curled up on the sofas amongst crochet cushions and blankies, noses in their books and seemingly enjoying the experience.
Postal delights all round yesterday cos there was also a sturdy flat package that arrived for me, all the way from the other side of the world. The excitement of the Little People over their package was quite huge, but mine was even Huge-er I can tell you!! My purchase came beautifully wrapped in an old map of Australia secured with blue and white string and a paper crane.....oh my, the LP were mega impressed by the paper crane, they could not believe their little eyes. I'm afraid you will have to wait to see what was contained inside the mappage, I'm saving that for another post. It'll be worth the wait I promise.
I've also been occupied with reading these past few days, curled up with blankets and busying myself inside the pages of my favourite magazines. I've had fun! Just had to share the above image with you, gosh my heart went whhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee when I turned onto that page!! It shows the interior of a shop (a strong candidate for The Shop Of My Dreams) called Home Sweet Home, absolutely wonderful. I would love to go there some day, I think I'd make myself right at home beside that fabulous rack of ribbons and refuse to leave.
My blankets are receiving a lot of use and appreciation at the moment, stormy February weather is just made for snuggling. I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU for all your wonderful comments about my sweet flower granny, I've had a fantastic time reading them all (and yes I promise you I read every single word of every comment, I really do). You are so generous with your words, I appreciate it very very much, thank you.
I have already gleefully moved on to my next project, oh yes. Already flying with it and having an amazing hooky time with myself. I wound my new alpaca/silk yarn into balls just over a week ago and have been busy with it ever since, I am so excited to show you what I'm doing.......
......there look, a sneaky peek before I go, more coming very soon I promise.
And on that warm and woolly note, I shall love you and leave you for now, I'm off to light the fire, make a cup of tea and settle down for a spot of Sunday afternoon hooky. Bliss.
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I absolutely LOVE Hyacinths!!! I can't wait for mine tpo sprout. You have such a lovely home.
Posted by: Jillian_98023 | February 07, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Good Morning Lucy,I got online today and with my cup of coffee (being from the states)I got the pleasure of reading your post,and looking at all of your wonderful pics.Your posts are soooo refreashing, your love of the simple things in life are so soothing with the wonderful flowers, books and best of all the darling LITTLE PEOPLE. I have little Grand People that I truely adore!!! I am going to hook some hexagons today thanks to your easy to read pattern. Cant wait.
Posted by: nancy | February 07, 2011 at 05:06 PM
LOL Before I even started to read, I took a deep breath in through my nose and wished I could smell your hyacinth.
Posted by: Loulee | February 07, 2011 at 04:21 PM
The scent of hyacinths is truly lovely, but I can unfortunately not have them at home, since they make me sneeze my nose off... That new yarn looks sooo soft, exciting to see what you're making.
Posted by: Nilla | February 07, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Beautiful post as always! I can't wait to see what project you're on to now. Oh and I love the little attic house on the mantle, it's so cute!
Posted by: Kelli Woodall | February 07, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Oh just the post to make me feel better.
They are all so wonderful and I can see the hope of Spring in them!!
Your the best!
XOXO
Posted by: Patsy | February 07, 2011 at 03:25 PM
That yarn is SCRUMPTIOUS. Can't wait to see what you're working on! Sweet flower granny is amazing too, I'm a big fan of the Stylecraft Special too, the colours are quite something.
Posted by: Kath | February 07, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Hyacinths have such a wonderful smell and you know that spring is on it way when they show their little heads.
You have such an eye for colour and have inspried me to getting my crochet hook out. Many thanks for your blog - love reading it.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Kwong | February 07, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Hello Lucy - thank you for this lovely bright post - the hyacinths are so beautiful they make up for mine being over now! And the yarn - such yummy colours...And thank you for the linky over to my blog too!! Have a lovely week enjoy your family and hooky time, and I hope it's not as windy with you as it is here! Helen x
Posted by: Helen | February 07, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Hello! Popped in as I have been away for a while...so hard to keep up with everyone! Was attempting to sniff the screen and you know what? A floral smell infact did hit my nose...and I looked around and there were hyacinths just like yours just sat a few metres away behind a peace lily pot plant in the office! Funny that... Glad to see you are as colourful and cosy as ever! xxx
Posted by: The Curious Cat | February 07, 2011 at 02:00 PM
I have a lovely pot of white hyacinths in my living room. It smells like spring might be just around the corner even though we have have about 6 inches of new snow in the yard! That's on top of the two feet that were already there. I love your new yarn and can't wait to see the magical creation you make with it. Your posts always make me feel cheery.
Posted by: Jill | February 07, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Oh dear, that peeking flower in those amazing colours! Can't wait to see the progress!
xxx
Posted by: Nanita | February 07, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Hyacinths are lovely, aren't they? Your photos always cheer me up, they're so beautiful. That alpaca silk looks gorgeous, so soft and shiny. Is it more difficult to crochet with then ordinary wool? It looks deliciously fuzzy in your picture.
Posted by: Alvean | February 07, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Your new yarn is just scrummy! Love the silky sheen. I just want to touch. Thanks for the sneaky peek...you know how to keep us coming back every day!!
Posted by: Allyson (Hooked on Yarn) | February 07, 2011 at 11:36 AM
I can smell them from here (Australia) it is only from memory, but I do remember how they smell.
I watch 'Escape to the Country' and find that a lot of homes over there don't have a laundry, as we call it, utility room for you, nor do many have ensuites and very little built in robes. Since watching this show I realise how much we take for granted. BUT we don't have the quaint villages and lovely atmosphere that you have, or the crochet/knit pub nights as we don't have the little corner pubs like you. OOOOOOh I can't wait till I come for a holiday. Love your yarn and love the sound of your home life with your beautiful family (and crafty times)
x Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Lee | February 07, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Wrapped in a map - very delightful!
Posted by: Susan Blencowe | February 07, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Hi there Lucy,
I have hyacinths all over the place. The smell makes me happy too! As does your blogg. I take a look every day and every day when I read your little story's they put a big smile on my face. I'd like to know what you got by the post. The crane is beautiful, as is your new yarn and the flower you made. Like to see more! But thank's for putting a smile on my face: I sometimes really need that. Thank you sooooooooooo much!!!!!
Posted by: Marja from Holland | February 07, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Hi Lucy. I only stumbled upon your blog at the weekend. It has taken my hours upon hours to read and absorb your photography. I emailed you on the 'lucyshouse' email I found near the beginning of your blog. I just had to write to you to explain how much your blog has effected me but more than that given me the inspiration to carry on with making this house our home.
I must adorn my living space with some flowers. I do love the ribbon on the hyacinths :) x
Posted by: Michelle | February 07, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Love the smell of Hyacinths - until they go over - then the smell isn't so pleasant! Interesting new project - Kimbles
Posted by: Kimbles | February 07, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I have to tell you, you have inspired med to take up crocheting again. I learned how to crochet when I was a little girl, and used to make my own barbie clothes all the time. As an adult I started knitting, and sort of forgot about crocheting. Now, since I've discovered your blogg, you have inspired me to take up crocheting again! Two of my blankets you can see on my blogg (I have just started blogging, so it is a new way of communicating for me) and I plan to make posts on the other ones I've made as well. Have a nice day :)
Posted by: BodilE | February 07, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Hullo from the other side of the world. lol. It's actually snuggly weather here just for a weird very southerly change 'moment' which has been very well received. I am about to get my hook out here again too and continue on with edging a very special granny rug that I started last winter. My little ones are not the avid readers I would have loved either, however, with school back for a new year, I am being very positive in week 2 of school that I just may produce two little bookworms yet. I love the colours of your new project. Happy hooking and snuggling at your place.
Posted by: joyce | February 07, 2011 at 09:29 AM
Ooh that shop looks good and so does your soft-looking new project.
I just had to share something - an exhibition I went to with my little one on Saturday in Bury St Edmunds called Sweet Sweet Galaxy. It's an entire landscape made of sweets, glitter, tiny rainbow origami, glitter, beads and goodness knows what else. It might be a looong way for you to go to visit it but let me tell you, it was truly amazing.
Posted by: Emma | February 07, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Oooh, aaah, new project looks very exciting - can't wait to see more! Your weather sounds very like ours here in Australia, except ours is supposed to be summer!! We're having hot, humid, stormy days, then cool, breezy, sunny days. Have to say, have just brought in the washing, and it was a yummy, nice smell treat folding and putting away. Cheers, Meredithe.
Posted by: Meredithe | February 07, 2011 at 07:12 AM
wow! I love that last picture so much, it looks like the yarn is glowing. silk, so exquisite. Maybe it's glowing with thoughts of what it may soon become. smile!
Posted by: kimberly | February 07, 2011 at 02:51 AM
I love your posts, they really do make my day. I am so looking forward to my "Little Bun" arriving in July. I hope to have a wonderful family life (like you) and play hooky eventually. Thank you for the inspiration Lucy.
Posted by: Danielle | February 07, 2011 at 02:39 AM