“In Summer there were white and damask roses, and the smell of thyme and musk. In Spring there were green gooseberries and throstles [thrush], and the flowers they call ceninen [daffodils]. And leeks and cabbages also grew in that garden; and between long straight alleys, and apple-trained espaliers, there were beds of strawberries, and mint, and sage.” 
― Beatrix Potter

Stepping out onto the back porch this early morning, before the neighborhood woke from a weekend night of pleasureable sleep, the birds held their daily conversation, and I listened.

Not schooled in their chirping language, I simply appreciated and savored, thankful to be able to notice and welcome this seasonal delight into my morning routine.

Much of my affection for the British culture is what I observed in the countryside whilst visiting Devon. I know that I am an outsider to this culture, and I have much to learn, but with each exploration, each trip I have the good fortune to partake, I become more enrapt, more intrigued and more delighted.

I may never fully understand or “speak fluently” the culture as it truly is, just as I will never be able to translate the bird’s chirping in the spring mornings, but I can appreciate, I can welcome into my own life in subtle and small, yet significant ways the aspects that seem to align with my predilections and temperament.

Not every aspect of British culture speaks to anyone who describes themselves to be an Anglophile. There is hustle and bustle in Britain to be sure, especially in London, just as there is in the states. Likewise, there is high stress in Paris as well. Not wholly similar, but it is present. What resonates with me both in the British and French culture is the reminder of savoring the moments throughout the day, carving out time for afternoon tea and not rushing to the next “thing”, not always planning or being fixated on tomorrow.

Likewise, America has amazing aspects to celebrate as well. As one French expat shared recently, the opportunity that can be found in our country to rise and shine is more readily present in her opinion. Understandably, that can also be coupled with stress, but still, dependent upon what we seek and how. Not one country is “better” than another, and yes, there are countries that have much work to be done, but there are so many that we may find a kindred connection with.

For me, and based on the response and engagement here on TSLL during this week, but throughout the year, the kindred connection is found in both the British and French culture in a way that for so many years I could not pinpoint, but am now more conscious and capable of doing and am tickled to be able to do so regularly here on TSLL.

Before I share the winners of the three giveaways this week, I wanted to express my gratitude for the reader participation and engagement during this inaugural occasion. As I shared in this week’s newsletter, so many readers shared in the comments new places to visit, different films and shows to watch and so much more, and so I wanted to include a list of these below. Needless to say, I am taking note as well.

• from Nanci, Endeavour‘s new season premieres this June on PBS
• from Sue Jackson, the film Shirley Valentine
• from Sally, view National Theatre Live in your town’s theater – The Audience starring Helen Mirren is playing in Bend on June 3rd
• from Noreen, the tv series Call the Midwife
• from Karen H. (and a few other readers as well), the book A Fine Romance by Susan Branch
• from Anne, budget-friendly umbrellas – Fulton, also Morris & Co. collections; luxury umbrellas – Swaine Adeney Brigg 
• from Karen Wilson, Hunter’s Moutache Bubble umbrellas
• from Anne, an instagram account to follow – @sarahravenperchhill
• from Kameela, an instagram account to follow – @lizearlewellbeing
• from a reader regarding how to access to tickets effortlessly to the annual Chelsea Flower Show, Become a member of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• from Bonnie M., visit Bluebird London NYC for afternoon tea in NYC
• from Beth, The Willow Tea Room in Glasgow and The Belmont in Leicester
• from Lindsay, Fortnum & Mason champagne truffles

And now to the winners of each of the three giveaways!

~For each of the names listed, please contact me by Saturday June 1st so we can send your giveaway to you straightaway or start the subscription promptly. After June 1, 2019, all unclaimed prizes will be redrawn for a new winner. Email me at info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com and provide the necessary information — full name, email that matches your entry, and mailing address.

Magazine Subscriptions (3 winners)

One annual subscription to three entrants. Each will be able to choose which subscription they would prefer: The English Home, The English Garden, Discover Britain or Britain.

~Calculating additional entries for readers who shared the giveaway on their Instagram feeds, as well as left a comment on the post.

The winners are!

• Comment #97 – Marty
• Comment #163 – JodyMS
• Comment #53 – Diane Hutchins

Congratulations! Please email your preferred magazine choice, mailing address using the email you entered the giveaway and we will get it all set up!

A Roy Kirkham Breakfast Teacup & Saucer: Butterfly Garden

The winner will receive a fine bone china Roy Kirkham Breakfast Teacup & Saucer with the Butterfly Garden design.

The Winner Is . . . VALERIE STRAUB!

Valerie, congratulations! Please email me your mailing address using the email address you entered the giveaway and I will have the teacup and saucer shipped out straight away.

A Fortnum & Mason Hamper: The English Essentials

~calculating additional entires for ad-free subscribers (+2 for yearly and +1 for monthly).

The Winner IS . . . comment #151 – Katina!

Katina, please email me your mailing address with the email account you entered the giveaway. And congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by the blog, enjoy the 16 posts shared this week, as well as enter and many of you share the giveaways as well. I do appreciate your time and thoroughly appreciated your feedback on this first run with a TSLL British Week, as it has been an absolute pleasure to curate. Already the ideas for more British-Inspired posts are flooding into my journal.

Based on the positive response, there will indeed be a 2nd annual TSLL British Week. Look for it to return during the third full week of May in 2020.

Between now and then, rest assured, there will be British-Inspired content shared on the blog. And you can always view all of TSLL’s British-Inspired posts here in the Archives.

Thank you again, and now, the rainy Sunday awaits being savored, paired with a hot cup of tea, oodles of reading material, made complete with some snuggle time with my boys. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the weekend.

TSLL BRITISH WEEK 2019 Posts:

Sunday May 19th

• A Giveaway for Anglophiles: A Year’s Subscription to The English Home magazine and more!
• You Might Be An Anglophile If . . . (30 Signs)

Monday May 20th

• Podcast episode #252: The Characteristics of Being a Late Bloomer, and How Embracing This Gift Could Change the World for Everyone
• The Gown: A Novel of History, Strength and Friendship
• Arrange your Flowers with Ease and Effortless Finesse with Annabelle Hickson’s New Book: My Interview with the Author

Tuesday May 21st

• Style Inspiration: Ready for Rain
• Two New Notepads Revealed & an All-Site TSLL Shop Sale!
  Roy Kirkham Fine Bone China Giveaway 

Wednesday May 22nd

• My Favorite British Inspiration on Instagram, So Far . . . 
• Thoughts from the Editor: Rain, Daffodils and Sunshine

Thursday May 23rd

• Outfit of the Week: Dressed for Britain
• A London Cottage (yep, you read that correctly)
• A Grand Giveaway: A Fortnum & Mason Hamper

Friday May 24th

• This & That: May 24, 2019 – British Edition

Saturday May 25th

• Elizabeth David: The British Food Writer Who Affectionately Introduced Readers to the Provinces of France
• 8 Ideas for a Wonderful Afternoon Tea

Sunday May 26th

• (this post) Last Thoughts on British Week 2019 & the Giveaway Winners are Announced

Image: TSLL’s, book – the authorized biography of Elizabeth David