"Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase - that's what wild geese are for." ~Author Unknown
The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it. ~John Ruskin
"'Oh, Marilla, looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them,' exclaimed Anne. "You mayn't get the things themselves; but nothing can prevent you from having the fun of looking forward to them. "
~Anne Shirley
"I’m very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error…"
~Tasha Tudor 
Hello Katie
"I used to wish I knew the spell to step through the glass into Katie's world, which was so beautiful."
~Anne Shirley
And so this then, is "Katie's world". My world, just sweetened.
I hope you enjoy your time here at ButtonWillow Cottage. I also hope that you understand my desire for ButtonWillow to be a quiet place, and that is why it is without comments. While I would love to spend oodles of time getting to know all of you, there are always far too many things to be done around the cottage for that sort of luxury! But, I did want to make sure to say hello and welcome plus give you a place to introduce yourself if you would like, so feel free to post a comment here, I do check the comments and appreciate you saying hello. It's so nice to see a friendly face strolling 'round the grounds. And, to let you know that I sincerely thank you for visiting ButtonWillow and do so hope that you enjoy each and every thing you find here.
ButtonWillow Cottage is a place of my daydreams and I hope it is the same for you. I'm pleased if you enjoy the ButtonWillow Chronicles as much as I do. It has been such a nice place to create and I hope that it will continue to bring a smile to your hearts while at the same time provide a quiet place of rest, dreams, and creativity for myself. Visit as often as you would like, just like the seasons, things will constantly be changing around here. Do make sure to always have a thorough walk about the grounds. The gate is always open at ButtonWillow Cottage.
Just be careful not to trample on anyone from the small dwellings!
(They can be so hard to see at times!)
Warmly,
Lauren
Mistress--ButtonWillow Cottage
A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~William Styron
"My characters will have, after a little trouble, all that they desire."
~Jane "Becoming Jane"
"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world." ~T'ien Yiheng
"The gardener left the hamper by the garden gate, so that the carrier
could pick it up when he passed. Timmy Willie crept in through a hole in
the wicker-work, and after eating some peas--Timmy Willie fell fast
asleep."
~The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.
~Oscar Wilde
"…as nearly perfect a little place as I ever lived in, and such nice old-fashioned people in the village." -Beatrix Potter
ELINOR: "I do not attempt to deny that I think very highly of him - that I greatly esteem him... I like him." MARIANNE: "Esteem him? Like him? Use those insipid words again and I shall leave the room this instant."
"I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.... I am thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby." ~Nancie J. Carmody 
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
There's something delicious about writing those first few words of a story. You can never quite tell where they will take you. ~Miss Potter
hello there,
sorry for my bad English, i'm Dutch.
but I just have to tel you that i enjoy your Blog so mutch.
so please keep going!
love Nynke
Posted by: Nynke | February 16, 2012 at 12:10 AM
My Dear Lauren,
It is with deep gratitude that I am writing to you for the first time. Your blog is not only a refuge to me but also a place or profound inspiration. I am always inspired by my visits to your cottage. I''m inspired to make my home a place of peace, love and warmth. My 36 year old daughter just passed away suddenly and unexpectedly and your blog has been a place of peace and reflection for me. Thank you for creating such a place.
Posted by: Joan Claire | February 03, 2012 at 02:11 PM
Dear Lauren,
You have a beautiful cottage and grounds. I adore each peak around every corner. I was able to visit Beatrix Potters home in England and my mother has been to Anne's home.
I look forward to new posts!
Sincerely.
Mrs. Kim Campbell
Posted by: Kim Campbell | January 27, 2012 at 09:26 PM
Hello, Lauren. I'm so very glad to meet you. You have the loveliest door to step through. I've brought a good pair of shoes for walking in your garden, and my best hat to catch your daydreams in. Button Willow has become my refuge and my solice in a world that is at times a little too noisy and hectic. And for that, you have my enduring gratitude.
Posted by: Cymru | December 11, 2011 at 07:00 PM
This is a beautiful blog. I love everything about it.
Posted by: Deb Canham | November 28, 2011 at 08:31 AM
I'm always so happy to see a new post! I'm stopping by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you, my friend! Lavender Dreamer...Diane ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | November 23, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Dearest Kindred Spirit,
You have touched my heat and spirit as very few have ever done through your lovely blog. I cannot express the joy that meandering through your world has brought to me. Thank you for all of the work and wonder that you have invested here, it is not unnoticed nor is it not appreciated. If mine were the only heart to be so touched, it would be "enough" as you would see if I could open my heart to you, but you have touched so many! I pray that you will continue your offerings for the sake of those of us who have been blessed to become a small part of your world.
Very lovingly yours,
Me <3
Posted by: Nora Pitts | October 17, 2011 at 03:25 PM
You, my dear, are the inspiration for my blog. I remember with fondness how special your blog was to me when I first discovered it 3 years ago...Oh how I was struck with wonder!
Today there may be many who follow my humble website, but had it not been for your Lovely spot I hold so dear, my site may have never come to pass.
Thank you for Inspiring me. Please continue to post, as you never know how many other lives you may influence through the world of beauty you share.
Kindredly yours,
~Mia
www.aspiring-homemaker.blogspot.com
Posted by: Mia | September 24, 2011 at 12:36 PM
I haven't commented in quite awhile so I wanted you to know that I'm still reading and enjoying your cottage notes. Have a blessed autumnal season.
Posted by: Farrah | September 03, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I love your blog spot. Please feel free to visit my little cottage!
Sincerely, Mrs. B
Posted by: Beverly Sweet | August 30, 2011 at 10:58 AM
GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK. BEEN AWHILE. ENJOY YOUR POST SO MUCH. IT IS A PEACEFUL PLACE TO BE. DON'T STAY AWAY SO LONG.
BLESSINGS, NANCY
Posted by: nancy | August 18, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I Love visitng and seeing your beautiful blog
Thank you for sharing
God Bless
Gae
Posted by: Gae | July 25, 2011 at 06:34 AM
Dearest...
Isn't this Summer special..On the Hilltop we enjoy every minute. We sometimes see you passing by..we know that you..like Miss Moussie..love to stroll through the Daisy Meadow and pick some flowers!
Next time..stop for a minute..turn left at the Dangerous Drumble..and come over for a cup of tea.
We would love to hear all about the small dwellings from the Button Willow grounds!
See you soon
Warmly..T.D and Company.
Posted by: the Dutchess | July 07, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I love your blog. The content and music is so peaceful. It truly nurtures my soul.:)
Posted by: Janet | July 01, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Such a lovely, peaceful blog.
I love visiting here, thank you for this site!
Posted by: Marsha | June 19, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I love your blog! The music is so wonderful and the pictures are luscious! I have missed your postings lately...hope you are just busy and will be back soon. Jan
Posted by: Jan | June 10, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Dear Lauren, beautiful blog and so touched my heart and refreshed my spirit. Read this morning while waiting to go to church. Leaving with a quiet spirit and ready to worship.
Blessings, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Wolfe | April 10, 2011 at 09:15 AM
An inspiration to ease.
And in as much as I can tell the spring has filled my wishing well. The love I dreamed in shortest days and coldest nights was born with melting snow, and that first robin to stand upon the gate of my garden left me smitten.
Hugs
Uncle Tom
Posted by: Uncle Tom Merriam | April 07, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Glad to see you are home again at Button Willow Cottage after a long abscence. Shall I make a pot of tea to share by the fire?
Posted by: Gill | March 22, 2011 at 08:19 AM
To the mistress of Button Willow Cottage;
I've wanted to thank you for a very, very long time for this blog. It always makes me so happy to look at all the amazing pictures and read the thoughts, and listen to the music. Thank you, thank you, thank you... please continue to keep it up!
Thanks again!
~Chloe
(P.S. tell Mrs. Rabbit I said hello, I loved it when she visited my blog a while back. :D )
Posted by: the kid formerly known as Chloe | February 27, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Welcome back! You have been missed . . .
Posted by: Susan | February 26, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Honestly, my heart rate slows and a few contented, happy tears come to my eyes when I visit this place. Thank you!
Posted by: Barb | February 25, 2011 at 06:21 AM
You're back!
I'm truly glad about that. Looking forward to some more good posts.
God bless.
Posted by: pearl | February 25, 2011 at 03:54 AM
I wanted to thank you for this lovely place you have created. It is so refreshing to come to this place that embodies so many things I have grown up loving. With every post you leave us I take away something new which I love. I come back often, eagerly awaiting your next little surprise. It is a place I come for the warm, comfort, and for a simple smile. Thank you so much! Amanda
Posted by: Amanda Dugan | February 22, 2011 at 01:21 PM
You've had quite a hibernation!
Hope to see you in the spring.
God bless.
Posted by: pearl | February 04, 2011 at 02:08 AM
You're website is like a warm cup of tea after a long winter's walk. Thank you for this wonderful place ....it's helps !
Posted by: Sue | January 09, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Happy New Year!
Looking forward to seeing some good things in the coming year.
God bless.
Posted by: pearl | January 04, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Dearest..wishing you wonderful days....stay warm and stay happy..with love from The Hilltop...T.D and Company.
Posted by: The Dutchess and Company | December 24, 2010 at 03:09 AM
Hi Lauren,
I'm thinking of you this evening, and sending wishes for a a very happy Christmas to you and to yours.
Peace, and much love to you all in the new year.
Posted by: Lena | December 24, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Dear Button Willow Cottage,
A merry Christmas to all of you, big and small! :)
We love to come visit for a little cheer on a cloudy day; it's just the thing to lift our spirits.
Blessings to you,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | December 22, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Dear Lauren,
I too pop in to browse around... here I am refreshed, renewed and inspired. I just wanted to leave a message to say thank you for the beauty you share...
Have wonderful holidays...
Posted by: audrey | December 17, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Thinking of you today, sweetie. You have been on my mind this afternoon, and in my prayers this morning. xoxo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | December 02, 2010 at 04:07 PM
This is a beautiful blog. The colors, the writings, the pictures. So pleasing. I love it!
Posted by: Lynn | November 11, 2010 at 04:17 PM
I so enjoy being with you. It's so nice and cozy.
Write more often when you do not have long I miss. Thank you!
Posted by: Olga | November 07, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Oh what fun and comfort is every visit to Button Willow!!
Blessings,
Robin
Posted by: FranciscusEliza | October 24, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Dear Lauren, no one could paint with words and images this season I love so much. I can smell it and hear the crunch of it before stepping outdoors. Thank you. Linda
Posted by: Linda | October 17, 2010 at 06:59 AM
Dearest Lauren..I soooooo love my visits to Button Willow....
Posted by: The Dutchess | October 12, 2010 at 12:03 AM
I just saw your Apple Cake recipe...it calls for Winesap Apples (or Granny Smith). I haven't seen a Winesap for years. The last one I bought was from a mom&pop store in a little town in Kansas. I have lots of apples to choose from where I live, but I long for a Winesap!
Posted by: Mrs. Mobunny | October 09, 2010 at 03:37 PM
Oh My Goodness ! I am touched beyond words at this amazing place to be. I wish that every man,woman and child could experience what you have created here ~ My deepest gratitude to you !
Posted by: Debbie | October 03, 2010 at 01:26 AM
OOOhhhhh! One of my next projects is to create a 'field bag' for my many excursions! What a lovely idea and thanks for all the suggestions for putting into it!
Posted by: Raeann | September 28, 2010 at 09:02 AM