*a day of loveliness

Loveliness:

1. Full of love; loving.

2. Inspiring love or affection.

3. Having beauty that appeals to the emotions as well as to the eye. 

4. enjoyable; delightful.

..... yes, loveliness is exactly what I was in the presence of on this day.  I have spoken of Wendie before, the mother figure who exudes the spirit of loveliness since the very day I met her. I try to recall how it is that I came to meet Wendie and it is not clear in  my mind, though it seems that it all began in her kitchen about twelve years or so ago with a small group of ladies.  Wendie was so gracious with her time to invite a small select group of ladies into her home to be a part of a ministry called  "Salt in the Kitchen" which centered around biblical teachings and delicious "from scratch" cooking.  I am so grateful that my name was one of the nine who eagerly arrived weekly at Wendie's kitchen counters to learn, grown and develop into more refined wives, cooks and even hostesses.  One day I believe that God will entrust some young women to me to guide along, teach and somewhat lead as Wendie did with us and for us. This is my desire.  

While most of my closest friends have moved away from this area, Wendie remains. My heart has been a bit heavy about moving, leaving this place.  Something I didn't think was going to happen to me. Silly me.  How is it that you can live somewhere for almost twenty three years and not feel what I had hoped to evade?  

Anyway.. Wendie and I had a lovely day today.  We started our outing at a Victorian tea house in Pinehurst, NC - Lady Bedford's Tea Parlor & Gift Shoppe. From the moment we walked in the beautifully etched glass doors I knew we were going to be treated really special.  The care that came from the serving staff could not have been any better than what we received on this day. The atmosphere was lovely.  We had a bowl of Butternut Squash Soup (with curry), and it was delicious!  Our main lunch dishes were also tasty and satisfying.  

After lunch we headed over to some of the gift shoppes in the village.  It was a hot day, so walking wasn't as pleasant as it might be at other times of the year, but I was with "Momma B" and I was happy.  Since we were in Pinehurst, and since we are quilters, we decided to go ahead and stop in at Linderella's Quilt Works.  Though I had been in Pinehurst a number of times since Linderella's opened, I had never stopped in.  The fabric selection was average, nothing noteworthy but Linderella's has a number of original applique quilt patterns for sale that caught my eye. Her patterns are funky and whimsical.  

 Look at those hands... While she is not perfect, cause none are.. I have seen these hands extend and extend and extend and extend and extend ... (well you get the picture) all in the name of love.  I am so grateful to have been one of the ones receiving and sometimes giving to these hands. I know I will continue to receive and give to these hands, but just roll with me here while I get a bit sappy. 

These are some of Linderella's patterns that are sold both in her store and on her website.  While all of the samples in the store are made with bright colors, black and whites you could use whatever suits you!

We then made our way to B & B Produce on 211 to buy some peaches from the local farms.  Wendie and I have stopped here before when driving back from a Seagrove pottery shopping trip and since we were fairly close we made the decision to make the drive. 

This was a sweet ending to a delightful day!