Time worn

"We do not change as we become older; we just become more clearly ourselves."

~ Lynn Hall


Friday photo challenge (1 day late):

This is the door to my guest bathroom.

It came from the basement of my grandmother's

1860's house, where it has dwelled for the past 55 years.

I love its patina and wear marks.

This mirror was purchased at a yard sale.

It sits atop my piano where it casts an eerie

reflection back into the living room.

My daughter said some of her friends recently

commented during a visit that the mirror

actually frightened them. It can appear ghostly in the

right light. I happen to love that!

This week's photo challenge at my friend Chania's blog

Razmataz (click here: razmataz)

is Age. Please stop by to view the other wonderful entries.

These photos illustrate how I like to incorporate

aged elements into my decor.

Things with a past are what give a house soul.

Until next time...

Anne

Delicious autumn

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns."

~ George Elliot

On the first day of fall,

the top of my piano is in full autumn dress.

This space, perhaps more than any other in my house,

exemplifies the decor naturel philospphy.

All objects here were found in nature, such as the antlers,

stems of goldenrod, dried bits of moss, leaves, feathers,

shells and stones; or they were found at Saturday morning

yard sales over the past 20 years.

All materials here are derived from nature as well--

wood, glass, ironstone, metals, wicker.

I like the sparkly with the timeworn,

the rustic with the refined.

May you get out and savor the days.

It's fall in North America,

and nature's beauty awaits!

Until next time...

Anne

Unfurling

"The moment one gives close attention to anything,

even a blade of grass,

it becomes

a mysterious, awesome,

indescribably magnificent world in itself."

~ Henry Miller

This week's Friday Photo Challenge

hosted by the lovely and talented Chania

at her blog Razmataz

involves getting up close and personal.

This photo was taken a few days ago.

It's a Boston fern in my back yard.

I like the tender translucence of the

newly opening frond, especially for

the way it stands out against the deeper,

more mature sprigs of green.

Until next time...

Anne

Back from Boston

The road to Boston and back was winding and long,

with many unexpected turns and twists.

Altogether we traveled through 9 states and across

3000 miles, marking the passage

by state lines and mountain ranges we traversed

(Green Mountains in Vermont).

Here are Steve, Britt and I outside a tire shop in

Charleston, West Virginia following the first

tire blow-out we experienced along the way.

After 3 full days, we arrived at SMFA,

the building on the right.

Boston is beautiful beyond my imagination, with its

well-preserved buildings, neatly manicured parks,

and expanse of stone work. All curbs in Boston are made

of cut granite, with edges sharp enough

to have been responsible for out second tire blow out.

A park across from the school provides a shady spot

to observe the comings and goings of students from

the city's many near-by campuses.

It seems to me that the industry in Boston

is higher education, as it plays host to 33 institutions

of higher learning.

Looking out across the Avenue of the Arts

from the steps of the Museum of Fine Arts.

The gorgeous neo-classical front facade of the MFA,
which is just across the street from the Museum School.

It was where we spent a few free hours while Britt

was in orientation sessions.

The rotunda inside the MFA was painted by

John Singer Seargent in 1921 and relates

various stories from Greek mythology.

A grand staircase leads to the second floor of the rotunda.

A buddha emerges from a lotus blossom in the

Japanese Temple exhibit.

A corridor of ancient eastern statuary beckons.





The courtyard of the MFA provides a relaxing space to

absorb some fresh air and quiet.

Our time in the city was limited with helping Britt

move into her dorm apartment, getting supplies,

and just figuring out how to navigate the city

(no easy task).

After getting her settled, we headed back west,

across the many mountain ranges and rivers,

through forests and valleys,

toward the southern tip of Illinois.

Steve and I are adjusting to the new quiet in

our house and to looser schedules, fewer daily

responsibilities, and more options for meals.

Britt is adjusting to her new freedom, living in a big

city (instead of a small college town),

a new school environment,

and tending to all her own needs.

It is a time of growth and change for us all.

Afterall, change is the one constant in life.

I miss my little girl, but I am in love with the

woman she has become

(sorry for the blurring of this picture--

all pictures of her turned out somewhat blurry,

much to my chagrin).

Until next time...

Anne