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

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.

The Light in the Attic

The light in the attic has drawn a few eyes from the passerby this day.
This attic, studio room upstairs in the shop is a wonderfully bright room overlooking 4th street S. The room was unfinished, so a little tiffany blue paint, a good sweep and then I stopped. Whats up with that light box on the ceiling? Four light bulbs cast a cold haze over the room. This will never do. A few garage sales later I found a cigar box full of keys, a dozen punch cups, some dessert plates, goblets and several hands full of old silverware. A little drilling, some celedon ribbon and wire and POOF, we had made a chandelier. Instantly it created a buzz. Some begged to climb the stairs to view it, while others wanted to buy it. But this little lovely is staying here with me in the studio at Bountiful Home and Nursery, so more folks may enjoy the light in the attic.

Junk O Rama

For the second summer, Bountiful Home and Nursery will host Junk O Rama. This fund raising event is an artist gathering of collectors who love to re-purpose, reuse and recycle. From many walks of life this junk tribe will sell treasures that amaze.
In tandem with Junk O Rama is Parasols on Parade, another fund raising event. Five market umbrellas have been given to local artisans to embellish. These amazing and whimsical works of art will be on be on display throughout downtown Edmonds raising awareness for the event and to raise money for the Edmonds City flower fund.
We are passionate about beautifying Edmonds with flowers, so what a better way to get involved, then to give to the one fund that really supports Edmonds beautification. So join us on Saturday August 13th for Junk O Rama in the gardens at Bountiful Home and Nursery.

Yellow Roses

In Victorian flower language, a yellow rose spoke of jealousy.
In the Western US, the yellow rose spoke of love familiar, humble, native to the land. The yellow rose is the prairie rose, the remote, the extraordinary in the ordinary. It bears a equal to that of other roses, but also speaks of home, of the too-often-overlooked glories of domestic happiness.
The humble yellow rose was immortalized in a popular cowboy song: "The yellow rose of Texas is the only girl for me."

Hollyhocks

The Hollyhock....'Alcea Rosea', Hollyhocks stand for fertility, for ease of creation and abundance. These plants certain do know abundance when neglected and somewhat forgotten. I can remember my grandmother growing Hollyhocks behind her garage, in a very hot gravely alley in Wapato WA. There wasn't much draw to the alley other then the daily chore of emptying the garbage, but upon a closer look, towering walls of color would overwhelm you. Hers were pink and magenta, and never held onto rust. Originally Hollyhocks were a Chinese flower grown for the savory taste of its leaves. Brought to England in the sixteenth century, these once tastey tid bits now were sought after as fast growing beauties, showing off its stunning and various blooms. Make love a daily habit, the hollyhock seems to say, and something grand and imposing will arise.