lauriematthews

[lauriematthews]

little western flower

The link between Kenilworth, my 14x great-grandmother and A Midsummer Night's Dream

In July 1575, Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, threw a three-week long party for Queen Elizabeth I at his home of Kenilworth. It wasn’t just any party, it was the Oprah of parties. He’d spent years preparing for her visit by building a new castle and designing a private parterre garden for her use, creating a lake to stage evening theatricals upon its surface, and planning daily events and…

[lauriematthews]

veil of time

I can’t remember the last time I made a daisy chain, but it had likely been 25 years before the idea crossed my mind again. I was sitting in St. James’s Park in London on an unseasonably warm spring day when I started picking daisies (Bellis perennis) and creating a chain. The technique I’d learned as a child came flooding back as did the joy I always felt doing this in the park near my grade…

[lauriematthews]

On this day in 1539

On this day in 1539

On this day in 1539, Mary Boleyn Carey Stafford becomes the last remaining member of her immediate family when her father, Thomas Boleyn, dies. It’s hard to believe she shed many tears for him, given his treatment of her throughout her life. However, there is some justice in that she inherited her family’s estates of Hever, Henden, Southtboram, and Rochford a year later and ended her life with…

[lauriematthews]

Kenilworth Gardens, designed for Queen Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575

Beauchamp Chapel at St. Mary’s Church in Warwick, England

Kenilworth Castle ruins

Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, and his second wife, Lettice Knollys Devereux Dudley, the Countess of Leicester

On this day in 1588, my 14th great grandmother, Lettice Knollys Devereux Dudley, accompanied her second husband’s casket from their home at Kenilworth to the Beauchamp Chapel at St. Mary’s Church in Warwick. Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, a one-time paramour and favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, married Lettice without the Queen’s permission ten years prior when Lettice became pregnant. Though married in secret, her father witnessed the ceremony to make sure it couldn’t be denied later. They had flirted with each other for years, so much so that there were rumors Robert poisoned Lettice’s first husband.

Although she was the daughter of one of Queen Elizabeth I’s dearest friends, Katherine Carey Knollys, and devoted servants, Francis Knollys, the Queen never forgave Lettice. She did, however forgive Robert. Lettice loved to flaunt her position as his wife, and though Robert’s loose relationship with money left their estate in massive debt upon his death, Lettice commissioned an elaborate tomb with effigies of them both. She was buried alongside him when she died in 1634, having outlived three husbands and all of her children.

On this day… On this day in 1588, my 14th great grandmother, Lettice Knollys Devereux Dudley, accompanied her second husband's casket from their home at Kenilworth to the Beauchamp Chapel at St.

[lauriematthews]

Silvan & Spring retreat next spring in England

Silvan & Spring retreat next spring in England

Join us next spring as we explore and share two magical places in England for a beautiful and nourishing seven-day/six-night retreat in the Cotswolds and Bath. We will explore the forests and landscapes of the Cotswolds and enjoy the sacred waters in Bath as we create art, write, and explore our surroundings between April 26 – May 2, 2018. We’ll celebrate the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane…

[lauriematthews]

Blossom + Root Retreat | August 25-28 , 2016 | Mendocino Coast, CA

Blossom + Root Retreat | August 25-28 , 2016 | Mendocino Coast, CA

[lauriematthews]

St. James’s Park and Green Park, London On my last day in England I spent the morning at the Temple Church, ate a luxurious lunch at The Wolesley, and then spent the rest of the day laying in the grass, painting, and soaking in the warm sun and all that is beautiful about summer in two of London's royal parks - St.

[lauriematthews]

The Cotswolds As a landscape historian I'm intrigued by what communicates  the sense of place. Earlier this year I spent three weeks traveling through England and Scotland researching, experiencing and trying to capture base layers of each place's essence.

[lauriematthews]

Shades of the Pacific Northwest #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

shimmer #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

sacred spot #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

mossy #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

emerald opal pool #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

Forest Glow #opalcreek #oregon

[lauriematthews]

Camp Tent Birdhouse #portlanddesignweek #wemakepdx (at Leftbank Annex)

[lauriematthews]

One of the birdhouse contest entries from Janet Pearce! #love #designweekportland (at Leftbank Annex)

[lauriematthews]

Beautiful new work by Heather Watkins - take two #hours #portland #oregon