Falling into Autumn – as Keat’s the poet wrote in ‘To Autumn’

‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core.’

Although sometimes a melancholy befalls some at this time of year when they see the passing of the summer season of brightness fade into the possibility of chill winds of winter looming on the horizon, for others they see this season as the most colourful, exciting, abundant and vivid time of the year!
Personally, I find this the most amazing time of year.  The colours take your breath away and the abundance of the harvest promises tasty dishes for the long winter months ahead.  Gone are the days when we wish it could be a little cooler.  Now is the time to go for all those long lingering walks to discover nature’s palette, pick fruit off the hedgerows and see how the colours change in the light which in itself changes by the season.
Autumn is the time of year when nature offers us all her fruitful gifts to which we give thanks.
Whilst I lived in the Middle and Far East this is what I missed so much.  The changing of the seasons, the renewed hope to look forward to the next adventure.
Talking of adventures and walks I decided to look for autumnal subjects/items for sale within the BBEST group.  The wealth of talent available along with the choices offered leaves me speechless!  Take a look at some of the examples I found:
Butterscotch Flower Earrings by ZudaGay

Bring the warmth of this colour to match your autumn wardrobe.
Autumn Leaf Original Photograph by BethPeardonProds

‘This leaf looked lonely but also reminded me that fall is here'.’
Caramel Apple Candle by Aromafields

Apples are always associated with this time of year and these would be scrumptious, if they were to be eaten!
Maple Leaf Magnet by Chris1

A pretty reminder of autumn to have on your fridge to keep those important notes handy!
Autumn Leaves Mandala – window cling sun catcher by ClingingImages

Typical colours to glow in the sunlight and spread the warmth of autumn.
Pumpkin Patch Original by Pfd Original Artworks

What a wonderful example of the abundance of the autumn harvest!
Indian Corn Matchbook Notepads by Circle in the Sand

Such a handy item to remind us of harvests.
Bunches of Sunshine by Yankee Girl

Some of my favourite flowers that follow the sun as it moves through the day.
Jumbo Perle Medium with fall colours by Sassalynne

A true reflection of the variety of warm autumnal colours.
After the Harvest by HeronKate

There is nothing quite like a freshly harvested field with the promise of an abundance of crops to take us through the next season.
Autumn Rose felted coasters by J N Originals

Autumn being a wonderful time for long walks, the temperature cools down once the sun hides behind the watery clouds and it is time to settle down indoors with a welcome warm drink.  These coasters make it all seem so much more cosy, don’t they?
Well, my BBESTer friends, what do you think?  Above is a selection of inspired items in the autumn/fall theme.  All catching the warmth of the glow of the diminishing sunshine but still giving us a wonderful sense of wonder at how clever nature really is!

Bastille Day – Le 14 Juillet (tomorrow!)

On 14 July, France will celebrate its national holiday in commemoration of the storming of the Bastille prison, which took place in 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

Whilst the Americans have 4 July, the French have 14 July or, as it is more commonly known, Bastille Day.

The French recognise Bastille Day as the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern of the republic. The real meaning being that it was now recognised that the power could be held by the common people and no longer, by the aristocracy or monarchy.

In 1789 a group of angry Parisians stormed a prison called the Bastille marking the start of the French revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. France faced a major financial crisis, triggered by the cost of intervening in the American War of Independence and exacerbated by an unequal system of taxation. Although the Bastille only held seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens; like the Tricolore flag, it symbolized the Republic's three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens. It marked the end of absolute monarchy, the birth of the sovereign Nation, and, eventually, the creation of the (First) Republic, in 1792.

I am sure many of you will have read Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities? Remember, Madame De Farge and her knitting as she sat in court? ‘Off with their heads’ became a regular call whenever another member of the upper classes was brought in to answer for their misdeeds and misgoverning of the masses.

The national emblem/flag of France is the Tricolore which came into being at the time of the French revolution. This striking flag made up of red, white and blue stripes came to signify what the French had fought so hard for, liberté, égalité, fraternité meaning liberty, equality and fraternity or brotherhood.

Have a look at some of the following examples of French influenced pieces or items that are red, white and blue which I thought fitted this subject matter!

French Lavender Oil Landscape by Fauve Studio

This is a wonderful impressionistic view of the French countryside, idyllic!

Mystic Revolution Eye Candy - handmade soap by In A Lather

How patriotically French looking and suitable for le 14 Juillet!

Red, White and Blue Heart Pin by Artsy Clay

This tricolore heart is equally at home in America as it is in France!

Red, White and Blue Business Card Holder by Designs by Christine

Could the Revolutionaries have used this to be more businesslike?

Red, White and Blue buttons by Circle in the Sand

Madame De Farge could well have used some of these surely?

Violet Sees the Eiffel Tower by Coffee Pot People

The Eiffel Tower is as French as Big Ben is British!

Emerald Fleur de Lis earrings by Magdalene Jewels

So pretty and soooo chic and French!

And so, my BBEST friends, we raise a glass or two in honour of our French comrades to commemorate their French Revolution, Bastille Day….

Vive La France!

Celebrating Chinese New Year

January 26 ushers in the Year of the Ox as China celebrates its New Year. This coming year is 4707 in the Chinese calendar. The Ox is said to represent success through fortitude and hard work, stability, dependability, and perseverance. Some also refer to this day as the Lunar New Year because the festival begins on the first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar. (A curious note: New U.S. President Barack Obama was born in 1961, which was another Ox year.)

"To Dream" Pendant from Chauncey Design

Monday is just the beginning of 15 days of festivities culminating in the Lantern Festival on February 9. During the Lantern Festival, colorful, multicolored lanterns resembling butterflies, dragons, dragonflies, and other animals are displayed along with lanterns depicting historical events, legends, poetry, and even riddles. Solving these riddles has become a fun and popular activity, and sometimes lantern riddle parties are held at various temples that night. Some cities also have elaborate light displays in addition to dragon and lion dances, parades and a variety of other celebratory events. The Lantern Festival is also popularly called Chinese Valentine's Day because, historically, single women were allowed to go out in public on this date, where they might catch the eye of an eligible man. In modern times, the Lantern Festival provides an opportunity for singles to connect by playing matchmaking games with the lanterns.

Votive Lantern in Red from Nonnie's Treasures

Chinese New Year traditions are oriented toward attracting good fortune and prosperity, ensuring health, honoring ancestors, maintaining close family ties, and inviting peace to each household. Family, reuniting loved ones, and remembering familial heritage are key themes at the New Year. Travel is now at a peak in China as workers and students return home for family reunions.

Family Original Print Sandwriting from Beth Peardon Prods

As families and friends in China gather for New Years, there will be a bounty of foods served, symbolizing a hope for prosperity in the coming year, and expressing thanks for the good fortune received in the previous one. A New Year's Eve meal often consists of fish, chicken, dumplings, nuts, noodles, and sweets like tikoy, a popular sticky and sweet rice flour confection. Also on the menu at this time of year are oranges and fresh pineapple; fruits are believed to bring in good tidings.

Left: Yo Pineapple Delight from Big Island Rose Designs
Right: Mandarin Plum Soy Candle from AJ's Country Cottage

Chinese New Year is probably best known for its lively festivals and colorful parades accompanied by fireworks, and dragon and lion dances. The explosive sounds of firecrackers, meant to ward off evil spirits, can be heard, while the pungent scent of lighted joss sticks, an incense traditionally burned as a religious offering, fills the holiday air.

Left: Dragon Silk Scarf from Althea Peregrine
Right: Celestial Star Raku Incense Jar with Cork Lid from Fehu Stoneware

Red is a prominent color during the New Years festival. There are many stories about why red is considered auspicious and a color of good fortune. Some say the tradition refers back to a legend about a man-eating beast being fended off by loud noises and the color red; others say red symbolizes fire which is used to scare away evil spirits. In any case, red is used liberally at the New Year, from decorations to clothing. Gifts are given in red envelopes to bring good luck; most often these "red packets" contain money and are given by elders to younger people, such as parents to children, or married couples or grandparents to unmarried young adults. Other small gifts exchanged between friends and relatives may include fruits, cakes, biscuits, or candies.

Left: Three Hearts Card from Sixsisters
Right: Juliet Necklace from Magdalene Jewels

The coming of a new year always seems to inspire changes and new beginnings as we move from old to new. The Chinese have a similar tradition of welcoming the new and sweeping away old, bad luck by clearing out clutter and giving their homes a thorough cleaning before the first day of the new year. In the days leading up to New Years Eve, empty boxes and broken items are discarded, doors and windows are checked to make sure nothing blocks the entrance of good fortune, new clothing and shoes are purchased, altars are cleaned and given new decorations, and sometimes doors and window-frames receive a new coat of red paint. Once midnight arrives, no sweeping or cleaning occurs, and the use of knives and other sharp objects like scissors and needles is avoided so good luck won't be brushed away or the threads of good fortune severed. To further set the tone for a good upcoming year, homes and especially doorways are often decorated with "lucky" paper cut-outs and red banners (usually vertical), known as couplets, on which are written auspicious sayings and poems.

BBEST would like to wish those celebrating Chinese New Year the best of health and much happiness, peace and prosperity in the Year of the Ox.

Fabric Origami Peace Crane Ornament from Asianexpressions