Idlewild Cottage

Let’s take advantage of the “maturing sun” and ripened fruit today, and slip into the woods that lie just beyond Idlewild Cottage. For a sunny day in autumn is simply begging for a picnic. Toting wicker baskets and checked blankets, we’ll hunt up the perfect spot for our merry little feast. As always, we’ll draw inspiration from favorite books, art, nature, and movies.

As we make our way through the month of September, it seems quite fitting to center our thoughts for a little while on school days. Now, when I think of school, multiple images come to mind. Naturally, I think of my own school days and my kids’ school experiences, but where I most like to let my imagination wander is in quite a different setting. The old-fashioned, one-room schoolhouse has always been a romantic ideal in my mind. So, during our time together today, we’ll draw inspiration from books, poetry, art, and movie scenes that are in some way reminiscent of this theme.

"Conversation at tea time should be tranquil . . . a time to rest the spirit, remember pleasant things.” (Gladys Taber, Stillmeadow Daybook.) Here at Idlewild Cottage, my hope is to provide you -- my fellow kindred spirits -- with a quiet space to linger over "pleasant things," throughout each episode. Today’s “pleasant thing,” is the Apple Orchard. We’ll enjoy some book selections, poetry, nature study, a memorable movie scene, a painting, and even a tea blend -- all paying tribute to this idyllic autumn setting.