~for those who wanted to see~
Marjolein Bastin's calendar picture for September corresponded well with the theme of my birthday, being mostly of ships and sailing. Begun (or shall I say awakened?) by Arthur Ransome's books, and fed by The Coral Island (Ballantyne), Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and so on, I have a great love for sailing, sailing ships and the sea, as well as for backpacking adventures and all that sort, like the Swallows. Ben was in charge of the decorations for my day, and gave it a fine nautical air. He's very good at noticing things, things that you like for instance, but it didn't take much for this occasion, as I've asked him to move his 'starboard elbow', and he's watched me 'tack' while walking. :)
See the pretty lights?
A sailboat and dock, handmade especially for his decorations.
Sky charts and land charts, compass and bosun whistle. . .
Eucalyptus. . .
Glee! Three million cheers! The next Arthur Ransome book to read.
And . . . a book specially written to show where the real places described in the Swallows and Amazons series actually are! All full of pictures and facts about Arthur Ransome and his favorite places in the Lake District. . . something I have even tried to learn on my own, without England, which makes it rather more complicated. Roger Wardale has visited and photographed the original Rio, the houseboat, and even written to Arthur Ransome when he was a child. I love it!
A masterful book by Elizabeth Prentiss, and a beautiful teacup--see the blue?
Great brother, huh?
A brass sextant for plotting my position. . . and to enhance my room, from Dad.
4 comments:
Sweet gifts, thoughtfully given....
Happy Birthday Olivia! Enjoy your beautiful gifts. :)
Thanks for posting the pictures! I was so very glad to get a glimpse of the lovely birthday that you described to me over the phone. :)
Sending lots of love and hugs your way! <3
~Emily
Hi Olivia,it's good to know that you are enjoying Arthur Ransome's work. I am a teacher, living in England. A few years ago now, knowing that a boy I taught was keen on sailing and the outdoors as well as reading, I asked: "Have you ever read any of the Swallows and Amazons books?"
"Oh yes," he said, "my grandfather was Roger!"
"What?"
"My grandfather was the person Ransome based Roger on, and my great aunts and uncle were Susan, Titty and John."
Needless to say, I was rather thrilled, as I have loved those books since I was a child. (I go to the Lake District quite often too)
Every blessing,
Bella
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