Props and Finds
Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 03:26PM
Be Still...reflections and finds...It was a lovely week of finding my props for the Be Still 52 class...It all happened so effortlessly and unexpectedly, like most good finds do...So this week I was in search for props of all kinds...table linen, backings, maybe tile for the "from above shots"...what did I have in my house already and where could I get others...I certainly didn't think I could accomplish this all in one week but with the generous suggestions provided in class, I now know in what direction I'm heading...and I like nothing better than a great challenge and a Great Price...
Memorial Day weekend and my family came to Maine..first family gathering of the season and all the great antique shops were re-opening. My son loves to find great antiques...his home is mostly all great finds from many different shops...and a few from my house. He knows his wood and he knows a good price...let's just say he knows how to work it. First stop...I got a very old white wicker rocking chair..more on that later. Then a lovely child's wooden chair. Then we moved on.
Our next little shop in Bridgton, Maine just makes me smile..their antiques have a history and the employees know the background of most of the pieces and on Memorial day I got one of my best finds...two really, both I just love..which brings me to the photo above...Baby's Breathe, sitting in a lovely little bottle...oh my, you are going to see a lot of that little baby...1940's, ready for this, Listerine bottle. I almost fell on the floor..those of you that know Kim Klassen, know that she has a Listerine bottle that she loves...I would not have known about this bottle if not for her...and it thrills me that we share our little bottles, although I think her's might be bigger...I tried to get the price down a bit but they told me that it was already priced very fairly...so I handed over my $8.00 and was happy to do so..Great Find right? There were other great finds from that shop but I'm saving some of them for another post...come back and check it out.
O.K. now the props..from the above photo...Tin tray..from TJ Maxx...love it. Cheese cloth draping..to make my flowers seem like they are sitting on a cloud...finished it off with a texture and a lovely quote...Be Still my heart...love the lessons..
Those of you who know me, know that I love a good cup of tea...It is no surprise then that wherever I am, whatever space or country, without even looking at a clock, I know when it's 4 o'clock. My Prince Albert tea set is always on display in my living room. It resides on an antique table well over 100 years old that my friend Ms. Margaret left me..that table is one of my prized possessions and she would love that my Tea Set sits there...her and I shared many a cup of tea together when I was growing up...Now the Harrord's Lemon Curd was not my find...but my daughter's. She was in London recently and her and I have shared tea over there a few times..so home she came with the best Lemon Curd anywhere..my opinion. Now for those of you with a bucket list...I really encourage you to add Tea at Harrod's..it's such a gift to sit and be waited on like they do there and honestly, they really know how to make a cup of tea...no bag please...So normally I would not share that liquid gold curd but if any of my faithful followers would like to join me for tea...not only will I share it but I'll make you some lovely scones...oh, what the heck, I'll make you clotted cream also...Did I tell you that tea is at 4...
Like the Lemon Curd...I also did not find that book...it found me, in my mailbox. I had heard of it, and I had wanted it...another bucket list item perhaps...but it made it's way to me...Now just imagine this scene...it is Friday...4p.m, the water is boiling..loose Earl Grey in the strainer. Ginger and pecan scones fresh from the oven and Harrod's lemon curd and homemade clotted cream...quiet time, restorative time. A time to Be Still and enjoy the end of a busy week...on my porch, with my Gracie, tea and a very Good Book...
Life isn't always easy...sometimes it's down right hard...so whether we find our props or friends help us out...we have lots to be thanful for...For Sons who shop with Mom's, For Daugthers who hand carry a special treat, to friends who pop things in your mailbox...Be Still and know that you live in Grace...
GRACE
Life is a classroom, we are both student and teacher, each day is a test. Each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular subject; grace. Grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, reverence and the list goes on. It's something money can't buy and credentials rarely produce. Being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest or even the poorest can't help. Being a humble person can, and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with grace and gratitude.
Reader Comments (11)
I love everything about this post Cheryl. I don't buy too many little bottles anymore (have so many) but I loved these kinds of finds. I totally love wandering in these kinds of shops even if I don't buy anything! And lemon curd is a total passion -- have never tried the one from Harrod's but I did have a delicious good Key Lime curd this year on the boat. And isn't it a special day when a perfect book arrives in the mail as a gift? Your notes about grace are right on!
First of all, I LOVE the tray!!! Oh yes!! on the Listerine bottle!! I have the bigger one....it's all etched and hazy. I love tea, lemon curd, scones!! I'll join you at 4 p.m. any day. I loved reading about all your finds Cheryl, shopping with your son, receiving gifts from daughter and friend! My copy of this book was shipped today from Amazon! Can't wait to get it. Beautiful photos and it's exciting to see you having time to work on photo art!! Would LOVE to shop at Bridgton!! I hear it is awesome. A friend, long ago, brought me a thread spool with carved napkin rings from there - I love it. xxxx
Feeling deep peace from reading and viewing your beautiful blog, as I sip vanilla tea which has been steeping in my large mug! Have a wonderful week, Dear Cheryl. LOVE your positive attitude and always, your gifts of sharing. Thank you.
I would love to stop by for tea :) Lemon Curd YUM! Love all your finds. The thrill of the hunt is so much fun!
Thank you for sharing your tea time ritual Cheryl, we have a lovely tea room in Taunton called Mr Miles they serve the most exotic teas and an afternoon tea to die for oh I fel a blog post coming on... Love your wise words and would love to have a cream tea with you x
Beautiful post, Cheryl! I almost thought the flower was part of the mantel on the cover of the book! : )
Thank you Girls for stopping by for a visit...perhaps you were having tea while you were here...which would mean that we had tea together...you never know what lies ahead so maybe, just maybe someday we will meet and share a cuppa...and a bit of a sweet...Enjoy your week.
Especially love the first image Cheryl.
Especially love the first image Cheryl.
Such a lovely post! And grace...a word I cannot live without. Loved all your photos and I love lemon curd (especially on pancakes!).
I, too, found some wonderful treasures this past weekend and it was so fun to put them together for a purpose. I will enjoy this class so much, partly because of the friendship and fellowship with lovely souls like YOU!