Sunday, April 8, 2012

A Fat Cat and Earl Grey Tea









































Am I in love with Colonial and Prim decor because it takes me back to a simpler time? Is it because that is how the early beginnings of our American families lived, true to a pledge to make it work in this new world? It's certainly not because everyone in my town decorates like this or because prims and colonial decor is easy to find around here. I do know I have a romance with the colors and textures of that time, and I am not even sure who to blame!


I remember visiting Williamsburg as an adult....I had never really had any exposure to antiques or colonial decor. I had started my own housekeeping with a mish mash of decor, nothing of note or pages from a magazine. That trip to Williamsburg "felt" wonderful. I stood on the lawn in front of the George Wythe house marveling at how my ancestor lived. I ran my hand along the rail at the church where my distant family member worshipped. I gathered my coat around me as I walked and imagined his life there in this little "town". It didn't help any that a big grey cat sat curled at the front entry of a home, or that the snow was fresh and the "colonists" far outweighed the "tourists". The temperature was quite low and the colonists had no time for small talk or greetings. They were bundled and, with heads bowed, made their way without acknowledging my presence or that of my companions. As the sun began to set, we warmed our hands outside the tavern and looked at the almost deserted street. We dined at Sheild's Tavern while musicians played and roaring fires dashed our chills. I felt like I belonged at that well worn tavern table. The sights, the sounds, the fragrances of Williamsburg delight me. The smell of Earl Grey Tea takes me back there immediately.


So, maybe like a genetic code, there are elements of my DNA that resign me to this decor. Maybe some of Elizabeth Wythe's decor choices have been imprinted in my mind from a time gone by. Though I have uncles and cousins and other relatives with the same GW initials in their names, maybe my "inheritance" has been the appreciation of all that is colonial and prim...while they keep the name alive, passing it to generation to generation, far removed from it's origin, my job is to keep the legacy of the family remembered in the textures and colors of my home.


No doubt you will see a fat cat curled up in my home, the warm wood of a tavern style table graces my kitchen. A roaring fire will dash your chill in winter and my attempt at a box garden might just happen this year. It also explains why there is a faint taste of Earl Grey Tea in my glass of southern sweet tea.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

A Big Hole!































I have noticed that other bloggers experience the same BIG HOLE in their blogging from time to time. I always wonder what is going on for them, and lift them up in prayer, because I know what it is like to have a black hole absorb your time sometimes. Some bloggers share their experiences while others can barely glance at their computer. It is all a matter to issue it seems.











Such an experience happened to me...so much so, that, not only did I miss many months of sharing with you, but also missed putting out my beloved Thanksgiving decor, my treasured Christmas goodies, and was only able to get a tree up and a wreath on the door. Blogging, though I longed for it, was out of the question.











My husband had a back issue that turned into c-spine surgery....only after weeks of extreme pain and doctor visits. The final catalyst for moving forward was a trip to the ER by ambulance ( our third ER trip, first by abulance though) that finally set the days in motion for more tests, surgery, recovery and so on. Thanksgiving was a blur, while the days leading to Christmas were oh so busy. With work, his needs, a daughter in high school, and the regular daily chores, I missed all the celebratory decorating for the seasons!











God is good however...in all things! In the midst of chaos, He brought so many wonderful treats to us! First, of course, was the successful surgery and recovery ( though I now know I will not be able to live in the same old folks home as my husband! :) ) Somehow, all the work got done at my job and at home. I had already done all my shopping and wrapping, boxes ready to ship. Those little blessings that made the stress less. Did my Christmas cards while waiting at the hospital. Then, our son in law came to town! You may remember he and our precious oldest daughter live in Hawaii and we have not physically seen them for over a year. He was selected as part of a team of pilots to deliver a helicopter to the Naval Aviation Museum nearby. Wow, what an honor, and oh what a special time to share with him. His pile of seabags tossed in my foyer made me smile. Soon after his brief visit, my youngest daughter and I were coming home and two little kitties dashed across the road ahead of us, missed barely by the two vehicles in front of us. Without a doubt, we rescued them and they came to be our tree decorations. They stayed in the tree til all the ornaments were off! They brought lots of laughter to our home. We were able to find a home for one, but we are STILL looking for a home for the other. Our kitties are enjoying the addition, but want their favorite sun spots back!











I had high hopes for the season of "time off" to give me the opportunity to do some home improvements. You all continue to inspire me to keep on the prim path. Guess that will wait til spring. I promise to share!











Well, the black hole has finally ended with the last of the doctor appointments for a while. My antiquing buddy Rebecka and I are planning some "jaunts about" in the coming months. I am ready to get back to the hunt, and leave the BIG BLACK HOLE behind.