Summer Finds
Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 08:24AM 
It's so easy in the summer to just go poking around in all the lovely spots where surprises await you...For some insane reason I have a love of little chairs...and this summer I found two lovlies, one of which I'm posting here today for my Friday Summer Finds..I think as I grow older I want to surround myself with all the things I never had as a little girl growing up...and so the desire for small chairs, dolls and all pretty thing things come from that inner child. I'm so happy that that long ago part of me is finding it's way into my life now.
I found this lovely chair at an Antique store in Bridgton Maine one weekend when I was out with my son..not only is he a Meditation and Yoga instructor, he is also a licensed carpenter who knows his wood and his antiques...so when we saw this chair and I fell in love with it, he assured me that it was old, authentic and of a very good quality wood. He thought it would look good with a plant sitting on it, so I figure this is a good comprise...because the old watering can was another one of my finds on a different day out and about..I love how wabi sabi it is ..the colors are subtle..green and earthy and the hydrangea was fresh when it started out but I just let it dry and now it is a perfect compliment to my can.
I just love my dream cup, my find at TJ Maxx at the very beginning of the summer...I have posted it before but really, all summer long, it has been a "dream" to not only photograph but to use ...there is power in holding it and looking at that word as I sip my afternoon tea. A constant remind that dreaming is good for the soul...and when it holds my tea, it fills me with warmth and comfort.
Speaking of comfort...this is where it happens for me in the summer. A gift from my son three years ago for Mother's day, which has become an ongoing project for me, with so much help for my husband. Each year we plant a new kind of flower, testing to see what grows in the most shaded area of the yard. We find, and carry, rocks of all sizes to fill the space in the circle. Chris laid the garden out but Jim and I have worked on completing his design with the rocks. Almost done, but so much fun to work on. This year we were able to find the trellis at a flea market...craziest thing. First thing we saw upon entering the flea market. The guy had about 3 of these, in different designs..he was going out of business and there it was. Jim says he couldn't have bought the wood for what this cost. We brought it home and Jim put it together..It jus really defines and finishes my meditation garden..Oh, and that little rocking chair is the one I mentioned earlier. I found this sweet thing at my local consignment shop..in perfect condition and strong enough for the boys to sit on...Jim says, no more chairs...hmmm, we'll see.
I just wanted to post this view of the garden so you can get a sense of what it is really like...although it is small it is peaceful and quiet...Buddha is sitting in the far back, meditation chimes hang from the right side of the fence and I have a lovely bench with a pillow and red cushion where I sit and read with my tea..the kids gave us the bench, engraved with a hummingbird, several years ago for our anniversary...who knew it would fit so well in this garden now...I love this space...not only for the peace, comfort and pleasure it brings..but also for the joy in knowing how loved I am now by the people who surround me...that little girl inside is finally feeling the love that was lost for so many years as a child. I find it interesting that of all we possess, it is these gifts of the heart and hand that matter most.
Finally I found, over this summer, as the boys grow, it is so important and FUN, to just slow down, be in the moment and get out in nature. Nothing restores the heart and soul like a walk in the woods, or a run if your a little boy, and to just be. On this day, we walked, we talked and we skipped along the trails. Have you had a conversation lately with a 4 year old who knows so many things about birds and bugs and life. How about a chat with a 2 year old who sounds like he was born in the North End of Boston and uses his hands and expressions to tell you about rocks and how to throw them...these kind of days, so short in the scheme of life, remind me to slow down, breath and just simply smile at the fullness of gifts given and received...ah yes, summer finds...I hope you found some that will carry you through the long winter also...
"your are the keeper of your own struggle. And you are the keeper of your own impatience. Frustration. And grace too. Of the generosity of your own heart. You are the keeper of your gratitude and courage. Your bravery and intention. Exhale."
Audubon, Jaxson, Liam, summer 2014 | Share Article →
Reader Comments (8)
Thank you for sharing all your lovely finds and your garden is just perfect Cheryl. A place to unwind and to just be. The photo of you and the boys is just right I think it really shows their characters and you have a lovely smile.
Oh Viv your so sweet...it was a lovely summer here...thank you so much for your visit...your always so encouraging and supportive.
Have a wonderful weekend...it is a Holiday weekend here, which means more time with my boys...all of them this time.
Your description of the stone garden is wonderful. Could be a future project at the Herrick household.
Such a rich post. I absolutely adore that last image with the boys. The lighting, the stairs leading down, the expressions -- just perfection. And then of course there is that gorgeous first image and quote. That IS really what it's all about. You've captured it. Then of course I am fascinated by your stone garden...it's a labyrinth right? What a great reminder to come back to yourself...What a great gift too and ongoing project...just like life...thanks for sharing these great images, Cheryl.
Dear Mark when I saw you here it made me smile. Yes, find space for your own labyrinth garden and enjoy it. Perhaps I'll see you at meditation Tuesday nights in the fall. Thanks for your visit and your lovely comment.
Sherry you always get the words and sentiment of my blog posts. I read your comment over and over simply for the beauty of your words. These days with the boys are fleeting. I know you understand this. Time in the great outdoors is both soothing and healing. We take the boys there so they will know the magic of the universe. Yes, it is a labyrinth garden. I walk my little path whenever I can. Some days though it's nice just to sit there. Thanks always for your visits and insight.
I think your posts just get better and better, this is my favorite next to the horses with Liam. You make me can't wait to be a Grandma, never thought that would ever happen until I met you and your blog. Now I know what to send you, our lives seem to blend strangely enough from different corners of the world, I've been collecting Jade rock this summer. Can you send rocks through the mail? LOL I just love your yard, mostly because it's maintenance free, no weeds, but also because it's a place of peace and harmony. My yard just has horses and a hot tub, maintenance free because I choose to look the other way when a weed pops up. Enjoyed our phone chat, but mostly like hearing your accent....it makes me cheery....not sure why, must be a past life thing.... Love all the photos! xo
Yes, Marilyn...send me a piece of Jade rock and you will be with me always, in my corner of the world..I don't think it matters much where a person lives when their thoughts and heart blend...that's why you feel close even though you are far away...bring you Mom to see me.
The small part of the yard that you see if pretty maintenance free because of the rocks...and not much sun there...but the rest of it is a pain in the butt...and we are not home long enough to give it proper care, but it works...we do have a few lovely bushes...
Someday when your a Grandma...you think back to all the lessons I'm teaching you now..mostly it just loving them...and also a daughter who lets you be yourself and shares them openly...thanks for the conversation and visit...xo