"The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."
- Harriet Ann Jacobs, former slave
Hello Dear Friends,
I am grateful to be able to stay in touch with you each week and am always excited to read your wonderful comments. For me, spring has forever been a season of hope and warmth and life. After the long winters growing up in Boston, there was always a renewal of spirit as signs of spring were revealed. We looked outward and gazed at the astonishing, colorful and blossoming universe ... the blues of the ocean and the skies, the greens of the grass, plants and trees and the crayon box hues of flowers, birds and butterflies. This peaceful composition became our sanctuary to help heal our spirits from those harsh and sometimes brutal winters. In nature, we could find the stillness where we could retreat and be mindful that we only live one moment at a time. We had the privilege to live where we were surrounded by woods. We picked blueberries, gathered pussy willows and brought home pollywogs to watch the miracle of metamorphosis as they became frogs. We need to remind ourselves to let each of our moments be joyful and filled with gratitude for the bounty we have had in our lives.
Although our lives have been placed on pause, there is no point in dwelling on that over which we have no control. We do what we can. We make plans. We find new ways of living. We will be okay again. In spite of the darkness, there will always be light. Happiness is always there if we choose to see it. Smile often. It is contagious. It inspires warmth in others. It shows our humanity. Be hopeful. Imagine what you would like your future to look like. Think of new ways to get there. Every positive thought we have propels us in the right direction. Allow spring to breathe new life into the world around us.
This week, my dear friend in Westlake sent me some photos of a special gift found in the window box outside her home office... sure signs of spring.
Our talented and naturalist photographer, Josh Johnston, has sought out some winged friends of our own at Virginia Robinson Gardens.
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul." -Emily Dickenson
VRG's own special "Angel", Jeanne Anderson, has shared this wonderful recipe for Strawberry Scones. I can't wait to try them.
Strawberry Scones with Scented Geranium Leaves
2 cups of flour- plus more for dusting
¼ cup of sugar with ¼ cup of chopped scented geranium leaves
(cover and leave overnight)
1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of sea salt
¾ cup of unsalted butter
2 large eggs
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup of Harry's organic strawberries
In mixer bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on lowest speed. Add butter and mix on low speed until pea-size lumps form. Add eggs and cream. Mix on lowest speed for 30 seconds.
Add strawberries and mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Dough should be shaggy with some dry bits.
Transfer dough onto lightly flowered surface and pat into rectangle that is 1inch thick. Cut into 4 inch wide sections. Cut into triangles. Transfer scones onto parchment-lined sheet pan with 1 inch space between each scone. Freeze until firm, at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 375*. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Scented geranium leaves come in a large variety of scents including-lemon- rose- chocolate mint-
Make an ice or hot tea with the leaves to go with the scone with a flower on top.
Inspired by "Little Flower Baking" recipe for strawberry basil scones
Click here for a copy of this recipe.
With hope and gratitude,
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