Sweater Days

     It's a sweater day!  my mother used to say, as she so wisely chose a bulky knit from the chest of drawers, signalling the arrival of autumn.
     This morning I was reminded of her words as I sat in the wing back over looking the street, watching mist outside my window lift giving way to a day, cool and clear.
     Glancing out the landscape beyond the sill was wearing a new mantle.  The dining table near me is boasting a rich-full gathering of gourds, hydrangea's and roseville.  I love this time of the season, as colors bend, time changes and tea becomes the new water.
     Though I never tire of summers freshness, I always welcome it's graceful retreat.  Autumn comes upon us as gently as my mothers attentiveness.  Sweater days.... I love them still.

Phoebe... the Tuxedo cat

     Two years ago while working in the gardens here at the shop, I spotted a frail little kitten, sunny herself, that most likely had been dropped off in the alley.  A riddle...  where had she came from?  I will name her Quiz. Who could discard such a cute little thing?  For several days she kept me at bay, only allowing me to view her as she felt the need, but speaking constantly, as if to tell me what she wanted.  Two weeks past and she had grown familiar to the good food, the warm, make-shift bed and the petting she sooo loved...especially in the sun.
    Winter was coming and the thought of her alone in the shop after hours made me pause, so I took her home. But she needed a proper name....  hmmm  I think Phoebe!  Two years have quickly past, and the delight of my day was to get home to find her kind eyes starring back at me from her bed. She rapidly grew in my heart as a grateful little creature who gave me so much more then I ever could have given her. Her happy voice spoke a "Hello Daddy" and her purred assured me I was scratching her chin just right. The evening nudge just before I fell asleep was to say, "Hey, I'm laying here."
    Her tuxedo good looks, long white lashes on her jet black fur, her bluish-green eyes and white tipped paws will forever remain in my heart. 

    This morning she returned to the nursery/ garden where our love affair begun.  The gentle rain washes away the hurt I am feeling.  She is at rest, quiet and free from any pain.  Laced in the cloak of the garden she now rests with the roses and lilies that surround her.  Phoebe, thank you for a choosing me, I love you more!

More fun pics

These are a few of my favorite things... Happy Spring!

More treasure at Bountiful Home

Create a Waddle fence

What is a waddle fence? Here you go... Its a free formed design of edging or fencing created to capture a look, a glance or stare...made from the trimmings of my old Apple tree. While these branches are fresh, I push a few into the moist earth and gently bend the other end downward. Weaving and combining the angles and the weave...the design takes shape. Once the arching branches are in place...secure the pieces together by weaving horizontal twigs through the arches. A great way to recycle cutting, create interest and show case what is lurking behind the waddle fence... Come take a look .

I cant get enough of these little guys... Some great colors and sizes showing up on the porch right now. "Pansies are for thoughts. Mine are of you... Let yours be of me!

Collections

I am a collector! I love collections of objects that have served a purpose.... These old tobacco and spice tins make wonderful containers to hold every day objects you might not want to look at. Great on a desk, shelf or in a drawer, cause if you are like me the collections don't stop.

Industrial Additions

Many of you are embracing a new style in Home Decor called 'steam punk'. Its is very much an industrial look.... with and edge. Mixed with an organic feeling, 'steam punk' can really be very captivating. These are some very old light bulbs with golden filaments that actually work. Some are painted on the outside creating fun hues of color when lit. A curious addition to any bowl, shelf, or apothecary.

Tiny Tresures

I love the small things in life that make an interior. Its always in the details. Layering your favorite like items together to create collections for a greater impact. Never be afraid of color but don't be afraid of the monochromatic either. Try it...You might really like it.

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