Magnolia's

The laurel-leaved garden magnolia expressed dignity to the Victorians. The wild, swamp-dwelling magnolia suggested perseverance. These ancient trees were first loved by the Chinese and cultivated for their beauty and became an emblem of gentleness and feminine beauty. So were the characteristics of a dear friend who once gave me this lovely tree. She's gone now, but I think of her daily as I walk by my little gem magnolia. Growing strong and tall they cast their fragrance about and show off their fire engine red seed pods in the fall. Try one... they are worth it!

Forcing Branches

Here's a wonderful way to recycle all those branches you might have lost in the passing storm. If you know that the branches are from a Spring flowering shrubs or trees, clean up the branches as best you can and bring them inside. Place them in a vase or bucket and keep the water level about 2-3 inches covering the freshly cut...I mean broken, end of the branch. Then be patient.... and as the outside stays gray and stormy, you can enjoy an early Spring inside. Those once broken branches destined for the firebox or compost can now have a second lease on life by forcing them into blossom inside the house. There many great branches to use. In between the coming rain showers, go for a walk in your gardnes and tell me what you find. Pictured is Magnolia branches.

Bass Drum Coffee Table

Who doesn't love the novelty of things re-purposed....? Here's a great example of a Bass drum...Now coffee table. Slingerland Radio King Bass Drum, 1937-1957 steam bent Maple wood, Vintage and used.... $1000.00

23 Francs Glasses

One of my favorite things that we sell at Bountiful Home and Nursery is this little cafe wine glass. 23 Francs...that's what we used to pay, (how many years ago) for a glass of wine on the Rue Du Bac. Those days are gone ...but the wine is still there and so are these charming cafe wine glasses. Fill it to the red line with red wine! Retails at $10.00 each

Re-purposed Desk

It's January, and the tree has come down and suddenly you find yourself reflecting on the New Year. Why not incorporate a desk into your decor?! This 50's style Mission knock off has been re-purposed into black with distressed details. Venting cut outs on the sides add charming detail. Originally $175.00 Now on Sale at $150.00 Measurements are 20 1/2 W, 331/4 L, 52 H to back detail. Bountifulhome1@aol.com or call 425. 775. 3800

The Red Plaid Suitcase, Memories from my childhood.

As a child, my parents had wonderful friends, that I came to know as Auntie and Uncle. We'd spend many hours together....dining, sharing Holidays, consuming many cups of coffee around a smoldering fireplace...and always surrounded in laughter and love. As the youngest child amongst the growing group of family friends, I often would retreat to Auntie Phyl's breakfast nook, a delightfully warm room of knotty pine walls, large windows trimmed in Priscilla curtains and the constant smell of fresh brewed coffee. The adults always sat in the kitchen and I would climb from lap to lap intrigued with Uncle Ralph's salty pipe smoke, Auntie Phyl's laughter and the gentle way I felt like one of their own. But when my boney knees grew to be annoying, I was directed to a lower cupboard door that held a magical case....There I found the Red Plaid Suitcase.

I welcomed the red plaid suitcase as it was filled with wonderous treasures. Captivating books took me on simple adventures. Well loved teddy bears with faded bow ties still managed to return the love and crayons, jacks and rubber bouncing balls, all filled endless hours of time well spent in Phyl and Ralph's kitchen. The case itself seemed heavy and large but new upon every visit. The shiny latch would snap open and the red plaid gave way to it's interior of faded khaki and cream gingham. I loved that little suitcase and toted it around like it was my own.
With a blink of my eye, I found myself as a young adult and the cupboard that held the red plaid suitcase passed into a memory , unvisited dark and quiet. Time marched on...families grew up...married, started families of their own, and the realities of my childhood grew dusty and distant, like the cupboard that held the red plaid suitcase.
Several weeks ago, I heard the sad news that Auntie Phyllis had suddenly passed away. Silently my heart broke. As my family began to remember her, wonderful memories refreshed my heart as we gathered to celebrate her life and the rich memories once again became clear. Years have past since I last saw the red plaid suitcase but today, I became a child again.
Karen, one of Auntie Phyl's grand children came by for a brief visit to my shop in downtown Edmonds. I was pleased to see her but upon a second glance I could see she was carrying the suitcase. Reaching out to me she said, "We want you to have this..." There it was....the red plaid suitcase...and in that moment I was 5 years old again. The case seemed smaller and lighter then I remembered. The toys inside the suitcase were absent and had given way to generations of love. The latch, now rusting with age still sprang open as I held and breathed in this fond memory.
Today, while I am writing, the tears flow a little less, and the heart strings are being tugged, but I am grateful the child is alive in me today. The suitcase will find a special place in my studio where I create, write and dream. Even now, some 45 years later , when I see the red plaid suitcase, I can feel the legacy Auntie Phyllis left behind, and in a funny little way, I can smell the coffee brewing, hear the crackling fire and I am surrounded in laughter and love.
To Auntie Phyllis..... I love you!

Just had to share... this little lovely popped up in the garden last year , in short, thanks to the birds. This year, with Springs length of season, the Hollyhock wasn't as tall but was very striking and showy. Known to the Chinese as a savory tasting leaf, I think I will admirer it at a distance, as rust is prone to these NW transplants. These plants speak of love, the rest I'll let you investigate and finish the story of the Hollyhock.