simple pleasures

"The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet."

--Robert Louis Stevenson

Lately, here at the Barn Swallow our hearts and minds have been drawn to the simple pleasures of life, and of summer here in Albemarle. We thought we'd make a list. If you would care to add to it, please do. 

Take time to think about the little things that make you happy. 

Clutching your favorite mug with both hands.

Caressing the cornflowers on the side of a dusty back road.

Eyes widening for a flawless stem of Queen Ann's Lace.

The perfect poem read aloud on a starry night.

A Bob White resuming his call after a thunderstorm.

Eyeing a glass of homemade lemonade as you peel off your garden gloves.

Unwrapping a fresh bar of soap.

Walking out for any reason with a basket on your arm.

Here's a simple recipe from Mary Ann:

Lavender Lemonade

First make a simple syrup.

Boil 1 1/2 cups of sugar with 2 1/2 cups of water. Add 15 to 20 stems of fresh lavender.

Remove from the heat, place a lid on top and let it cool.

Add 2 1/2 cups of water and 2 1/4 cups of fresh lemon juice.

Then, strain out the lavender.

Serve with lots of ice, sliced lemon, and a few more sprigs of lavender.

Add honey or more sugar to taste.

Enjoy.