a frivolous post
One of the themes that weaves its way through my blog is noticing and enjoying (and creating) beauty. In a way, it's what my blog's about. Sharing that appreciation of beauty. It's important in my life. And it's all about perspective. Noticing, appreciating, creating beauty brings peace and happiness. Maybe that's simplistic, but I think it's true. Even in my darkest moments something beautiful can soothe my soul, but only if I let it.
Rainbows seem, unfortunately, a bit cliched to me, but they are beautiful and seeing one lifts my spirits. That a rainbow will appear during turbulent times, transitional times (at least, weatherwise) seems poignant to me. It gives me hope. This rainbow was the second of the day and it's a double. I shot it with my phone, almost missing it because it didn't last. Think about all the things like that we do miss.
I guess that's not all that frivolous, is it? But it's all in introduction of something that is. With all of this focus on beauty, one of my obsessions is beautiful things to make a cozy house. I love scouring thrift stores, flea markets and antique stores to find interesting and pretty items. And I love making things like quilts and blankets and pillows and paintings to add pretty and cozy in all my spaces. One of my favorite finds is an embroidery that I spied at The Salvation Army when thrifting with my sister-in-law (who is the Queen of Thrifting).
I paid 99 cents for it.
It caused a bit of controversy in my household when I first brought it home. My husband and brother-in-law thought I was crazy. It cracked me up when I spotted an identical embroidery on the Dottie Angel blog. I had always been curious about this handmade piece and seeing it there made me even more curious. I love imagining the stories of the person who did all of those stitches. Looking back, at the photo of Tiff's version on Flickr, I see that someone else commented that they have the same embroidery (also thrifted, but for 50 cents!). I love that we were all drawn to these once-loved and discarded pieces. Although one of the joys of thrifting is finding unique items that you're not going to see in a magazine or catalog or your neighbor's house, there's something sweet about the joy that each of us found in these thrifted pieces. So, I was excited when I found another example while reading a newly discovered blog (thank you, Kerry, for mentioning it on your blog. I love it!).
I still don't feel like I've found my blogging rhythm again. I miss it. I miss the hope and joy and fearlessness I felt when I was blogging more. But I'm working on it.
Rainbows seem, unfortunately, a bit cliched to me, but they are beautiful and seeing one lifts my spirits. That a rainbow will appear during turbulent times, transitional times (at least, weatherwise) seems poignant to me. It gives me hope. This rainbow was the second of the day and it's a double. I shot it with my phone, almost missing it because it didn't last. Think about all the things like that we do miss.
I guess that's not all that frivolous, is it? But it's all in introduction of something that is. With all of this focus on beauty, one of my obsessions is beautiful things to make a cozy house. I love scouring thrift stores, flea markets and antique stores to find interesting and pretty items. And I love making things like quilts and blankets and pillows and paintings to add pretty and cozy in all my spaces. One of my favorite finds is an embroidery that I spied at The Salvation Army when thrifting with my sister-in-law (who is the Queen of Thrifting).
I paid 99 cents for it.
It caused a bit of controversy in my household when I first brought it home. My husband and brother-in-law thought I was crazy. It cracked me up when I spotted an identical embroidery on the Dottie Angel blog. I had always been curious about this handmade piece and seeing it there made me even more curious. I love imagining the stories of the person who did all of those stitches. Looking back, at the photo of Tiff's version on Flickr, I see that someone else commented that they have the same embroidery (also thrifted, but for 50 cents!). I love that we were all drawn to these once-loved and discarded pieces. Although one of the joys of thrifting is finding unique items that you're not going to see in a magazine or catalog or your neighbor's house, there's something sweet about the joy that each of us found in these thrifted pieces. So, I was excited when I found another example while reading a newly discovered blog (thank you, Kerry, for mentioning it on your blog. I love it!).
I still don't feel like I've found my blogging rhythm again. I miss it. I miss the hope and joy and fearlessness I felt when I was blogging more. But I'm working on it.
Wow I can't believe there are so many of those floating around out there (well actually I can, because it's seriously awesome haha!).
ReplyDeleteYou'll get back into your blogging in time. Just let the process happen :) BTW, are you on Pinterest?
What a fun embroidery with that cute bird and butterfly. I enjoy thrifting too - there is something very satisfying about recognizing a beauty or usefulness in something discarded. The Japanese term wabi-sabi says that imperfection and transience are the way of all things so embrace the loveliness of life where you find it, cracks and all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful rainbow photo. I personally would never tire of seeing a rainbow - they such wonders. And I like your embroidery thrift store find especially the cute little bird at the top. Is that a patchwork door or cupboard in third photo? I'm intrigued - it looks pretty & interesting. Is the patchwork made up of individual papers?
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't seem a frivolous post at all but a beautiful one. I'm sure you'll find your blogging rhythm again when you're ready. Sometimes a rest is good cause it gives us time to gather inspiration and energy.
Take care sweetpea.
Hugs
Kat Xx
The embroidery is lovely and has a folk art look about it. I am sorry that your spirits are low at the moment and hope that you find your blogging rhythm very soon. You are missed.
ReplyDeleteSweet Anne... I cannot believe the synchronicity, I haven't been blogging much either lately. In fact, I just put up my first blog post since july. And it's all about giving in to the rhythm your soul needs...is it the summerrhythm of joy and fearlessness and being out there or is something else calling you...like withdrawal and inner retreats...
ReplyDeleteI missed blogging too but I'm glad I took all the time I needed to get to this post. And I'm looking forward to finding my blogging pace again.
Let's grant ourselves time and kindness,
lots of love,
Nele
Hi Anne!
ReplyDeleteRainbows have a special place in my heart. When my sweet mother passed away, 4 1/2 years ago, a rainbow appeared in the sky immediately after she died. It was like a small miracle and I catch my breath now every time I see one!
I love that needlework piece. I could swear I saw it in a magazine in the 60's
and I loved it then too! ( I was 2 years old! Haha!)
I adore rainbows. Focusing on, appreciating and creating beauty, what is better than that? So lovely.
ReplyDelete