Feeling a bit scattered. I’ve had these photos on my desktop for a few days, all ready to post, but I haven’t had the brainpower to compose any thoughts to go with them. Fortunately, they’re light fare, so I’ll give it another go.
The polkadotty flower pin is a goody that sprang forth from these happy wrappings. (There was a big ol’ spiral lollipop too.) The two flower/leaf buttons are bakelite and a happy Quilt Market find. (Yes, there were some shopping moments.) Then came the horse and card…
My new dentist happens to be a mile from my favorite antique store
(regularly mentioned). Dangerous. I predict many hit-and-run shopping
jaunts. This time I ran in to check for must-have vintage buttons.
None this time. But, there was a necessary little horse. And a card.
(They’re both so tiny.) See the little girl on the inside of the card? She’s absorbed in cutting paper, clickety-clack. Could it be little-girl me? I didn’t even peek inside until I’d brought the card safely home. Strange how some objects call your name.
Speaking of objects that call your name. There was a fantastic little
antique settee there that day that kept whispering, “Heather… oh, Heather…”
But, I wouldn’t adopt her until I found her a right place in
my home. That night, I fell asleep plotting out her makeover. The
exposed wood was to be painted turquoise and I would upholster her with red & white fabric. If none could be found, I would paint the
fabric myself. She would have her choice of three prime locations:
the foyer, the morning room, or the master bath. Most notably, I was
determined to see this project through. And soon.
So, I skipped back to the store the next day, with two kids in tow and cash in hand. And, there she was “ON HOLD,” in big letters. (Cue sound effect, “Deflating Balloon.”) In all my shopping sprees at this
particular store, I never knew that they put items on hold (and the
workers there have witnessed me in debate on several occasions, I’ll
add). So frustrating! That “ON HOLD” sign should have been mine. That settee should have been mine. I’m still not over it. We had a
connection, she and I.
Oh, settee, where are you?
Ah well, I’ll just spend that would-be makeover time with my cutie kids instead. Like Amanda (Soulemama blog), I’ve entered the review and re-format phase that inevitably follows a major deadline. What’s working? What’s not? Who needs attention? Who needs to play outside? How can we improve the system and recapture our rhythm? I’ve been through this cycle many times and have come to appreciate the sweetness of reassessment. It’s a time to reflect on my priorities and recapture the passion and purpose that drives me. Goals are set, true. But also, more books are read, longer snuggles are shared and better meals are cooked during these times. Sweet memories surface and the entire family recharges. A good place to be, settee or not.
Happy happy things Heather. Seems like those little items are coming from a home a little more mommy and child centered. Nice to be over the big deal of Quilt Market, aye? Nice to be the person the kids know again too. At least for me. I sat in the floor with Eleni for the first time in I don’t know when tonight. Pure sweetness.
I know that sting. I know the indecisiveness followed by firm resolve followed by stunned disappointment. God, it sucks. Utterly. But then life goes on the way it always does and I forget the lesson that not listening to the siren song often leads to sadness. So, it happens again. What I’ve come to realize though is that the things I want are just things and though they’d make me happy they themselves aren’t happiness. Lucky for me because I completely suck at getting them.
I’ve recently made the move from working full time for someone else (from home) to pretty much working full time for ME from home. I hadn’t expected it to require such an adjustment in our family life but Amanda’s post and now yours have both made me realise that a period of readjustment as we all find our groove in this new routine is not only perfectly normal but to be welcomed as well. I really enjoy reading your blog and can’t wait to be able to buy some of your fabrics here in the UK.
Oh Heather – the same thing just happened to me with two bamboo chairs that I was going to paint black! It really sucks, huh? I just keep thinking something better is out there…haven’t convinced myself yet, but I will keep trying.
Love all the other little items you posted. They all look so happy!
Heather- You don’t know me and I’m a bit of a lurker on your blog (love it). Anyway, I just wanted to say that I feel your “ON HOLD” pain! I’ve been looking for a tall skinny side table for a while now for my entry way. I spent a whole Saturday looking for one, and I’d pretty much decided it didn’t exist. And of course (of course!) I got to my favorite store last (because it’s the farthest away). When I get there, there’s a woman all over the perfect table with her measuring tape, trying to talk the sales girl down! Imagine, de-valuing the perfect table! The nerve…anyway, she put it on hold so she could go “measure her space”. Uh! I asked the sales girl to call me if it didn’t sell, but, alas, no call. So now I’m trying to talk my husband into attempting to make one.
Oooh, I really like the shape of the little horse. He’s too perfect. Great find! Sorry about the settee, but you know, this just means that you’ll find an even more perfect piece in the future. 🙂
What a great set of pics Heather! I adore the horse!! WOW – KA-UTE!!
Oh sweet settee!! I hope it went to a loving home, or is waiting patiently there for you on another trip. 😉
~gyl
Another blog lurker. I was going to suggest asking the shop person to call you if the earlier sale goes through too. My perfect and favorite kitchen chairs were sitting outside my favorite vintage store when I drove by and stopped all excited, chipped butter yellow paint!, but they were on hold and when the earlier person changed their mind, the chairs were mine – 6 for $100. Twelve years later they are still one of my best finds.
Heather – I too crave the down time I can spend with my family after a deadline or event like Houston. I came home to this dear man asking permission to marry our daughter – does it get any better?
We met in Houston, when Elinor introduced us and talked of blogs, age and fabric design. Thanks for being so sharing and caring.
ohhh the woes of coveted antiques. All very lovely finds! Good luck with your settee.
Oh Heather, that horse is just too perfect! And I understand your pain at the loss of the settee. I have just been heartbroken by a art deco sideborad that sadly didn’t make its way home with me. I think this means we are both in for more than a little luck and some amazing purchases must be just around the corner.