Thursday, July 9, 2009

Simple Things

My blogger friend Jermaine at French-Kissed is so inspiring. She's always talking about her beautiful silverplate flatware that she picks up at the flea markets, thrift stores, wherever. I have some of these pieces that I inherited from a great aunt. There were a few forks in the Vintage pattern by Rogers. I'd only used them once. I was out antiquing one day and found a box of flatware priced at $1 a piece. I pawed through them, thinking of how proud Jermaine would be of me when I came across 4 stunning forks that I thought might compliment the pieces I had at home from my great aunt. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I got them home and found out they weren't just complimentary, but an exact match. Not that they needed to be, but I was so excited that they were the same. I polished the new ones and the old ones and my sugar shell and have to tell you that I have been smiling ever since. I can't wait to dine in elegance over some curried chicken and rice salad on the porch. Pretty cheap thrill at $4, don't you think?









Along that same line, this little glass compote holds a few of my favorite seashells from our recent Sanibel Island vacation. The beautiful pink shell cameo is a fairly new purchase from an estate sale. The carving is so lovely and the pink color on the shell is gorgeous. I have this sitting on my dresser where I pass it several times a day and smile, remembering a fun family vacation at the beach and appreciating the beauty of the shells.



Sometimes I have to remind myself that even though there are some phenomenally beautiful (and expensive) antiques out there, it is often these little unexpected and inexpensive treasures that elevate our homes from the mundane to the sublime and are good for a big grin each time we look at them. Can't ask for much more than that, can you?

Until next time,



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12 comments:

  1. How right you are! I think it is too easy to lose sight of the simple things in favor of what we 'think' is bigger and better.

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  2. No you can't ask for more than that! I love Sanibel and have my own collection of treasures from our trips there! Your flatware is beautiful...what a delightful surprise it must have been to have an exact match!
    Take care,Laura

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  3. We did have a fabulous time. Come back and see what we saw and what we brought home. Dixie also posted her side of the story at french lique, tx.

    Love the pattern on your silverware, what a sweet treat. And sea shells do hold happy memories of wonderful days in the sun.

    Cheers, Candy

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  4. What a beautiful pattern and such a great find! Well done!!

    I used to have trouble pawing through flatware because my hands would get so black and it drove me crazy! Enter a pair of old, worn-out, vintage white gloves. They're already a mess so getting them black and then washing them to death isn't a problem! Now, I can dig with reckless abandon! :)

    See you on Pink Saturday!
    Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

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  5. I am thrilled that you have been inspired to join the hunt for these forgotten treasures and how wonderful that you were able to add to the beautiful Vintage pattern from your Aunt. How interesting that the pattern is called "Vintage" given your love of vintage. Yes, Judy I am especially "proud" of you and I hope this new passion will bring you as much enjoyment as it has me. Thanks for the generous credit in your post~ just consider that I was returning the favor as I get inspired by you each time I drop by for a visit to your lovely blog.
    Have a great weekend!
    Jermaine @ French-Kissed.com

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  6. Hi Judy,

    How lucky to find the silverware the same pattern as you inherited from your Aunt.
    that is so neat. It is a beautiful pattern.
    Also love the sea shells, I have a collection and love adding to mine.

    I hope that you are having a happy weekend.
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  7. Oh wow..I don't need to tell you how much I love this post do I??Simply stunning is all I have to say,love it!!!

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  8. What a great way to begin the morning.I enjoyed your blog.I love the details on your silverware.It makes it that more.As for the bowl of shells,they are too a love that i treasure.Our home has many places for them.Enjoy your day....Chickie

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  9. Just happened by your blog and really enjoyed reading some of your posts. I also found in an antique store some lovely like-new silverplate flatware that matched some my mother had when we were little. I love it.

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  10. isn't that SO true... it is those little treasures that are not of much importance that can make us so happy. Love your flatware and the shells!

    xo

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  11. What a lovely treasure to have...and the pattern is so pretty.

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  12. Hello Judy! I stopped over from Jermaine's place (French Kissed). You have a lovely blog. So very beautiful. Very nice to "meet" you and I look forward to visiting often.

    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Jen

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