Friday, May 23, 2014

Humble Bungalow Blog thoughts and a few Blooms to brighten your day...

It's been a few days since I posted and I have been on a short break.
The Humble Bungalow Blog is going to undergo a few changes in the next while.
I am not sure what the changes might be or even if I am "talked out."
It has been 5 years and over 1,035 posts so it is not surprising that things are in limbo.
I have seen other bloggers go through periods of drought and some have just up and quit.

Not wanting to waste your precious time by posting ho-hum posts and watching you all turn away in boredom.
Suffice to say writer's block has settled in and I am not fighting it...it must be here for a reason.
I need to explore these feelings and see where they lead me...

The garden is putting on a nice show this month so I feel this might be worth sharing...

If you have been following my blog for some time you'll already know that I adore roses and grow quite a few in our Humble Bungalow Garden....I think roses should have scent and I am partial to the David Austin varieties.


Climbing Royal Sunset Rose putting on a spectacular display this May Day.


Here's a close up...I just wish you could sniff this beauty.
The fragrance is divine.


Madame Gregoire Staechelin a prolific bloomer.


Big and blousey blooms...
not sure if blousey is a word but I am using it just the same.


Not a heavy fragrance to this one and I rarely pick them for a bouquet.
I like that she lights up this area of the garden.


Graham Thomas, a David Austin rose, positively glows against the cedar fence.
The petals are perfect and the cups deep.


A heritage rose, perhaps a musk, unfortunately I have forgotten the name.
The scent is out of this world...the stems are very prickly covered profusely with prickly thorns.

Take some time to stop and smell the flowers...
Enjoy your weekend!

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your posts , I like when you do your outfit of the day , your rose pics , your food and recipe shares.How about some romneya too. Glad to see you are still here. Donna

Anonymous said...

Enjoy a wonderful spring break, but I hope you continue. I enjoy your posts!

Madame Là-bas said...

You have written a lot and shown us so much beauty! After almost a year of retirement, you probably need a rest. I just had a friend over for tea. She has just had a hip replacement (April), is off for the rest of the school year and wonders whether she will return to school. I always enjoy your posts and feel that we have so many experiences in common. Your way of decorating your every day life and your determination inspire me. Bon week-end.

Susan B said...

Your roses are spectacular! I think we all need a break occasionally, even from enjoyable pursuits.

Coulda shoulda woulda said...

I understand that a break is needed sometimes...ps I went to the show today and of course went to the stand and did you know they are doing a cosmetic line?? I wanted to smell it but the place was soooo crowded and one of the more popular stands. Have a great weekend

Judy Y said...

Your roses are so beautiful xx

Anonymous said...

Oh Hostess, I do so enjoy your posts. You are so refreshingly down to earth and real, which is the charm of your blog. Best wishes, Susan

LizC said...

Dear Hostess - I am new to the blogging world. Your blog is a constant source of grace, gentle wisdom and is something I so look forward to reading. Hoping your muse continues to provide inspiration. You truly have a gift. Liz from Ontario

Anonymous said...

Whatever you decide to do with your blog, I want to tell you that I love your rose pictures today. I am also partial to the scented ones. I have a Graham Thomas and it is blooming like crazy right now.

Susan ~ Southern Fascinations said...

The roses are just lovely! Sometimes stepping away for a short respite gives fresh eyes. Whatever you choose, your posts are enjoyable, enlightening, and encouraging! Happy weekend...Susan

Sheila said...

I know that feeling. I have been blogging over 6 years now, but I'm still enjoying it. The day it becomes a chore is the day I quit. I really love reading your blog, L, even if I don't always comment. I just like your perspective on life and seeing little glimpses of your own life. Have a great weekend!

Kathy said...

Ohhh, I always get worried when a post starts like this. I really hope you continue your blog. I know it's selfish...I'm not the one putting forth all the effort. But, I sure do enjoy your blog. I admire your perspective on life, and each time I see a post in my Reader, it's one of the first I read.

Lorrie said...

Such gorgeous roses. The musk rose is beautifully coloured and I can imagine the scent. Blogging inspiration comes and goes, don't fret over it.

Anonymous said...

I hope you will decide to continue after a nice break. First time comment from me, so you know I mean it. :) ~~ MJ ~~

Pondside said...

I'm with Lorrie, Hostess - the muse comes and goes but always comes back again if the blogger is a true writer and chronicler - and you are both. It's good to take a break once in a while. Soon you'll find yourself taking a picture because of an idea that has come to you for a blog post - then you'll know it's time to come back.
In the meantime, I think we need to explore another garden very soon. Let's make it happen!

Jill James said...

Enjoyed you stunning roses,Gregoire Staechlin, a favourite of mine, placed over arose arch at out front entrance. Enjoy your well earned rest, I,m sure you will reurn with a new vision.

Anonymous said...

love your posts, please keep blogging even the mundane. love to see books you have read, food you have made, and your weight loss. i am soon off to ww myself. only thing i don't like is the grey background, find it hard to read on the phone.
janey

MAZL said...

What beautiful roses! Can't wait for mine to bloom. I love the pictures of your garden. Your blog is always interesting so have a little break and come back refreshed.

The Silver Bunny said...

Aaaah those blooms ! x

Anonymous said...

I have loved your visits with us. After your break, I do hope you return. A place of grace, shared interests, and the lovely mind would be missed. Sharon

LPC said...

You blog has grown and gotten better and better. It's really a lot of work, I know. Time off is critical - I even schedule mine now. I do hope you stay on, I feel like you're just hitting your stride. I've noticed many bloggers get tired at the exact moment where you are. Take a week. Take two weeks:). And of course, it's your life to decide about. But I do think you've got some momentum, and have found a place in people's hearts. <3

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Lovely roses and if you are a gardener you'll have plenty to blog about for months and months :)

Kim said...

Such beautiful roses. I was watching a program featuring the 2014,Chelsea flower show and they were talking about these lovely roses. I could be tempted to plant some myself. Thank you for your inspiring posts and thank you for encouraging me to return to Weight Watchers after many years.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for your positive comments Donna...I have an OOTD post coming up soon!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The romneya is not out yet...it is rather slow to grow this season.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am sure I will recapture my voice...it is probably just a phase.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Please let me know when you are coming over to Victoria Madame...if I am in town I think we should plan a tea at Abkhazi Garden and you can tell me all about your trip.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ooh la la your Chelsae Flower Show post is divine...all those David Austin roses. I'd probably faint or at the very least swoon...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You are so right une femme...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Susan..."real" is a lovely compliment. I hope that i come across as honest and humble.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Liz,
You'll have fun getting to know bloggers and who knows you may become a blogger too.
Have fun and so nice to "meet" a fellow Canadian.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

So you know exactly what all the fuss is all about...roses are such a gift.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

"Fresh eyes"...I love that phrase!
I may "steal" it and use it sometime soon :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Sheila...blogging is a big part of my routine and life so I cannot imagine stopping but I feel at a crossroads...it is hard to describe and I have to take some time to figure it out.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Kathy I appreciate and value what you are saying and it is feedback like this that I need to hear. Doubts creep in and I have been thinking that my posts are lacking...
perhaps they are not.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Lorrie,
I have been fretting, but not just about the blog. I think life has been affecting my muse these past few weeks...perhaps I will write about it.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thanks MJ and I hope that you will stay tuned...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Pondside,
Have you any thoughts on which garden to explore next?
The HCP has a nice cafe so maybe it might beckon us...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Jill I just popped over and visited your blog...it looks like great fun so I am signing up to follow you now!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I know that the IPhone is a tough way to read blogs...I have tried too and think it is better on the Ipad and even better on the IMac...I blame it on my aging eyes.
Good luck at WW it really works if you follow the guidelines.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Lisa...I hope you are right.
I feel that you are my mentor so these timely words really mean a lot to me.
XO

lady jicky said...

I love to read your blogs and I just love roses so ..... really enjoying reading what you think of your roses right now.
We are going into winter so looking at your roses is a bonus!
Mine are going into winter mode :(

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do garden...and a very messy one at that so you'll never see my OOTD when I am dirty and unkempt but you are right there is a lot happening in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I hope that you enjoy WW as much as I have...I was completely surprised that it worked so well. I had tried every "diet" but the lifestyle change that WW advocates really did the trick. Even now when I gained 3 pounds after a few too many indulgences I was able to drop it in a couple of days of eating lower point count food. I must see if I can find that Chelsea Show...

Susan said...

I'm looking forward to your next Outfit of the Day post. Your blog is very enjoyable and peaceful. You perform a public service in writing it!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What beautiful roses...they look so robust and healthy, roses are such a joy, one of a gardeners treasures.

Jim & Sonya Guthrie said...

Wow!! Hard to believe that it's almost a year since I was at your retirement party!! Life seems to be on a hamster wheel, and gets faster and faster. I shake my head thinking that it's been 2 years for me!! Do you go in and read with the kiddies still?
I especially love your "Royal Sunset" roses...I'm loving orange right now :) Time to stop and smell the roses!! We need to meet somewhere for tea....

Kerrie in France said...

Love your roses. When we moved into our new house a year ago the garden had been 'let go' bu previous owners so we have had to do lots of pruning and thinning during the winter. Now we are discovering what there is that was hidden under the mess - a few roses but more needed. I'll use your choices as a guide, I think. If you are looking for ideas for your blog, I'd love to hear about the area where you live. I have never been to Canada and would enjoy learning bout the local history and landscape near you. Please stay with your blog as we are obviously all enjoying your writing.

Cris said...

Hi,
I love your posts. Also, I have started WW after reading you. I hope you don't stop blogging. Reading you is a so lovely break after the turmoil of every day. This is the first time I comment here. Kisses from Brazil

Anonymous said...

Dear Hostess,
Hope you just have a little break and come back. I love reading your posts - all aspects interest me. I’ve said it before but we have a lot of parallels and you are just ahead of me in retirement. Reading about how you have made the adjustments to a new lifestyle has been really interesting. Love a rose - well all roses really and of course I’m a gardenholic so this post was very welcome given that roses here have all but finished. Love the Madame Gregoire, with its fluted petals. I love to check in and see what you are up to - even if its just enjoying a lovely duo of tea and some domestic bliss. Whatever you decide - thank you for the pleasure given.
Tonkath xx

Anonymous said...

cup of tea!

Juliet said...

I've ALWAYS threatened to get a Graham Thomas rose to go with the Graham Thomas Lxxxxx I married 22 years ago! The style of our garden really only suits climbing roses and last weekend's warm spell caused the roses to bloom too quickly for my liking. Do hope your "dry spell" is over quickly as you know I enjoy the glimpses of your world. Best wishes

Jen Lawrence said...

What beautiful roses! Enjoy the mini break. I look forward to reading whatever you write.

Anonymous said...

Truly enjoy your blog very much! Wishing you a nice break and hope you return refreshed and inspired. I do appreciate your sharing a piece of your life (especially the great recipes and shopping fun). You see reading your blog et others is my mini break:) Thank you!!
Rita

Anonymous said...

Hello Hostess,

This is my first time to comment. I'm one of your fellow Canadians and one whose day is always brightened by reading your blog. If I'm in a pinch for time, it's the only blog I read. I must confess it's my favourite one.

I love your focus on the beauty and elegance of everyday life. I have found so many wonderful ideas in your posts, like interesting products to use for skincare or household maintenance. I think it fills the need of a neighbourly chat over a cup of tea for "elevenses" for those of us who are on our own.

I'm newly retired so love the tips on graceful adapting to a new rhythm of life. Your gentle words have a beauty and dignity that ennobles and elevates the conversations of blogdom.

Be kind and gentle to yourself, and then, if you find you can return to blogging, please know that you have many loyal readers who delight in your reflections on life.

Be good to yourself and maybe even pamper yourself a bit.
Loving thoughts,
Honey Bee

CarlaHR said...

I do enjoy your blog and hope that you will return after a good rest. I have often thought about starting one myself but know that I either do not have the discipline to keep it up or would be constantly worrying about what to post.
Love the roses.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Kerrie...I popped by and read some of your recent posts of your life in France and it does look idyllic.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Good luck with your WW journey! I wish you every success amd thank you for your comment.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am overwhelmed by all these wonderful comments...thank you Tonkath.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have been shopping and I am working on a new post...so the blog break might not be as long as I originally thought!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for your delightful and inspiring comment Honey Bee...I will try a wee bit of that pampering and brew a pot of tea.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If you think you might like to blog I encourage you to do it!
You can choose how frequently that you post...you are your own boss when it comes to blogging and what you say, the photos that you share are all a reflection of you.
Please let me know if you do start a blog I'd love to pop over and visit.

Jeannine said...

So many great comments, I don't feel I have anything to add, except "ditto"! I hope you feel the support so many have for you and your blog - you are truly appreciated. I have never found a post of yours to be ho-hum. I am always delighted to see a new post in my inbox. Take good care of yourself, but please don't go away :-)

No Sacrifice Bags said...

Again, Hostess; such beautiful roses. I'm sure you'll get your blogging mojo back. I know I always enjoy catching up with your blog.
It's natural to not want to blog about unpleasant things, or air your dirty laundry. That doesn't make a blogger any less real. Day to day life for most people is pretty uninspiring, and it's not easy to find daily inspiration to blog about.
When in doubt, flowers work! lol.

I have a few blogs that I keep only to myself; like a diary. They allow me to document what I want, complete with photos, and I can print whatever pages I choose.