This life is not perfect, but it can be truly beautiful.
Case in point; our family picnic. I wanted to have a picnic with the little princesses to pay homage to Emma:
"They had a very fine day for Box Hill … Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and every body had a burst of admiration on first arriving" (Jane Austen, Emma)
Our picnic started in
a similar way. It was a gorgeous day, and the kids were in a lovely mood. We
found a patch of grass, layed down a blanket, and got ready to eat the food
that had been packed into the adorable picnic basket. But here's the rub: my five year old was entrusted with
packing the picnic. It might not have been the smartest move on my part as a
hungry human being, but it was a stroke of genius as a parent. She was so proud
of our spread: Goldfish Crackers and Funfetti Frosting for all, complete with
plates, glasses, and silverware. She even packed rice crackers and Cheerios for the baby.
It's not the best meal I have ever had, but it was a gloriously happy afternoon in spite of that.
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| Tell me that kid isn't excited to eat those crackers! |
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| The benefactress of our feast |
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| Breaking out the fine china... |
As you will recall,
Emma's beautiful picnic that began with such promise soon fell to pieces when
she made some cruel comments to Miss Bates. Her picnic probably had better food. Servants probably served them. And perhaps no one had
to utter the phrase "Is one of you poopy?" But Emma can only wish her
picnic ended as well as ours.
Watch your day end beautifully today. Learn from Emma; say something kind to someone near you. And as the sun goes down, whether you are indoors looking at a gray sky, or outside in the sunshine, picnic or not, enjoy this moment. Take a picture. This life is beautiful.
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.”- Jane Austen
Linked up to At the Picket Fence
What beautiful little girls! How could your picnic not be perfect, surrounded by all that innocence and delight? Emma might have liked goldfish crackers.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh............I've died and gone to Austen heaven. What a treat. I will have to spend some time looking over your past posts here.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to stop by my blog thedressedupcottage.blogspot.com and take a look at my "Lunch with Jane" post. My best friend and I are avid Janeites.
I will have fun reading the rest of your Austen posts.
From your newest follower
Terri the dressed up cottage.
I love that part of Emma! I could use a good old-fashioned picnic. :) I'm sure theirs was quite elegant, and I'd love to recreate it. :) Now there's an idea!
ReplyDeletePrecious pictures!! Thank you so much for stopping by Take Six!
ReplyDeleteYour girls are beautiful, just like their mommy! What a sweet memory. I love what was on the menu. Sounds like my house. :)
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are just precious. To me, pictures of loved ones are priceless. I am so glad that you enjoyed your day, and what kid doesn't love goldfish crackers? My favorite picture was the last one (left) with her head bent down. It is a picture to be framed.
ReplyDelete~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
What a lovely post. My kind of picnic. Your girls are such sweetie pies, so much pink, so much fun. Diane
ReplyDeletelooks like a wonderful picnic for the girls.
ReplyDelete