Sunday, February 27, 2011

Family inspiration...

Hi everyone!  I know you think I have disappeared! After the anniversary, my mother was scheduled for back surgery. Although it went very well, I have been trying to help them out as much as possible, so I'm sure you understand why I have not gotten around to you all yet! I am thankful she is next door and I can be available when they need me. She is doing really well, but will still need another 4-5 weeks for recovery.  

I do have some changes to show you that I made a few weeks ago. After Christmas, I had kept a lot of red, warm accessories in the living room. Then, I really just needed a change, so I pretty much changed everything out and decided to use my blue and white transferware throughout the room, which I'll show later this week. I also changed out some of the more Spanish accessories for a little bit of "Southern." The inspiration for this was a vintage handkerchief belonging to one of my relatives. 




Since the handkerchief is from 1872, I brought in a Mort Kunstler signed print titled, "Blessing of the Sword" from my collection. I thought the colors coordinated so well. I brought in some gold to go with the blue. The paisley runner is one I made for the dining table, but it works nicely here on the piano. The palm tree gives us a little bit of that "Savannah" feel. I've seen that a lot in old southern houses.


This beautiful lace handkerchief was a gift to one of my relatives for her Danville, Va., wedding in 1872...



Here is a hand-written description of it written by the relative who gave it to me...


This is such a treasure to me and I hope it will be to one of my children.

Now let me show you the before. It's definitely a different feel! 


I'm enjoying the change, although I don't typically change things a lot. When I do, I end up seeing an earlier photo and going back to that. It's fine for now, though.


I'll be participating in Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch, and Blue Monday at Smiling Sally, so be sure to go by there!

If you gave me your opinion about the three coffee pots I was trying to choose from, you will be very surprised with the outcome! I'll show you as soon as I can:-) There was a very unexpected turn...you will never guess.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I love all your comments and emails, and appreciate each and every one of you who stop by. I hope you find something here that inspires you:-)

Anita




26 comments:

  1. Hi Anita! I'm so sorry your mother had to go through this but am so glad she's doing well. How nice you're so close to be of help.
    Now I like your change and the runner on your piano is so nice. I'd never thought of doing this! That's a wonderful painting too!
    Glad to see you back.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pam - diy Design FanaticFebruary 27, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I hope your mother is getting better after her surgery! Your home looks wonderful with all the new changes Anita! We have missed you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. HELLO ANITA, I WILL KEEP YOUR DEAR MOM IN MY PRAYERS!!
    I LOVE THE CHANGES YOU HAVE MADE :) ITS JUST BEAUTIFUL!!

    XO~MARI

    ReplyDelete
  4. That handkerchief is gorgeous! I have so many of my nannies and I love them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm glad to know that your mother is coming along. She is blessed to have you next door so you can help out when needed! What a beautiful treasure you have in that hanky. And what a nice way to display it. I like the change in that corner. Have a great week! Blessings, Pam

    ReplyDelete
  6. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜February 27, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Hi Anita...wishing your Mom a very speedy recovery. I love your change. It is very different, but it is also very meaningful, which I love.

    ReplyDelete
  7. At The Picket FenceFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Hi Anita! What a lovely fresh change to that space and that touch of history and nostalgia is just perfect. It all looks ready to welcome in Spring! I hope your mother continues to recover quickly and I know she appreciates the loving daughter you are to her! :-)
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Anita!
    Yes... it's a light and airy look ~ the plant give it "life." Framing the lace handkerchief was such a great idea, not only to preserve it, but to make it a highlight ~ to look at and appreciate it every day~
    How beautiful it all looks...
    A nice springtime feeling to it all ~
    Enjoy your week, Anita and extra blessings for your mother as she heals ♥
    ~Maria

    ReplyDelete
  9. Karie's Chic CreationsFebruary 27, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    I do hope and pray your Mom is doing better each day. I love your music room, very beautiful. Your hanky is so sweet and beautiful also. Thanks for sharing. Karie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gail @ Faithfulness FarmFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Prayers for healing for your dear mom...what a blessing to have you there to help! Love your before and your after....that hanky is a treasure and I love how you've had it framed :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Anita, Bleesings for a speedy recovery for your Mother. What a blessing also to live next door. Love your classy and elegant display of your family heirlooms. I love lace and the hankerchief is just stunning!The runner you made is so beautiful. You are definetly continuing your family's tradition of creating warm and gorgeous timeless heirlooms and memories. Take care and many blessings, Emelia.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anita, So bright and cheery, love the changes, prayers for your Mother, and It's good to see you, again.

    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    ReplyDelete
  13. I had spinal surgery and was bedridden for 6 months! So, I feel for your mom; thank goodness she has you close by.

    I love those blue and white transferware. It really draws the eye.

    Happy Blue Monday, Anita.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Blue Ridge Altered ArtFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    What a special treasure that framed lace hankie is. Blessings for a speedy recovery to your Mom. ~~Sherry~~

    ReplyDelete
  15. your piano is so beautiful--and uncluttered! i wish mine would stay CLEARED.
    :)
    i really like the "1872" look. VERY pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Anita, I hope your mother is getting better after her surgery. How beautiful it all looks I love the handkerchief.Take care and many blessings.
    XO
    Isora

    ReplyDelete
  17. Huge change, but I sort of like the lighter feel for spring. And the handkechief is such a great momento. I have a whole box of hankies from the 40's I think. You've reminded me to pull them out and do something pretty with them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Such a beautiful area to change out. That handkerchief was lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  19. my prayers to your mom so glad she is doing well .She is so blessed to have you so close What a treasure to have and sure am glad it landed in your lovely home.Love how you have displayed your treasure.And how great is it that you have a story to go along i love that:)And you chose just the perfect picture to inhance your display.I can just imagine your family gatherd around the lovely piano :)hugs

    ReplyDelete
  20. I hope your mother continues to improve. I miss the baby grand that was in our home while I was growing up. It needed a total reworking, so Mom sold it when she was moving. We didn't have room for it at the time.
    Love the handkerchief and the story. I have about a dozen of my two grandmother's and great grandmother's hankies and pulled lace linen pieces framed between two pieces of glass. Love seeing them.

    Dropping by from Met Monday. Hope you'll come see the dollhouse repurposed as laundry room shelf.

    Allison
    Atticmag

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anita, I just love the way you decorate with things that are meaningful to you, and not just "store stuff"! The hankie is exquisite! Tell your mom that we are all out here pulling for her and I hope she will let you spoil her during this time..that's what daughters are for, right? Happy day to you both!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm so glad I came by this blog and read about your framing of a relative's handkerchief. I have one of my grandmother's lace hankies that is over 40 years old stuffed in a drawer ... now I know what to do with it... Also, of interest to me is that one of your ancestor's married someone with my maiden name, "Winn."

    ReplyDelete
  23. elegant family settings.
    wow.
    what a delicious treat.
    thanks for the fun.
    :)

    love the piano and the flowers...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Praying for a speedy recovery for you mom! What a blessing that you are so close! That handkerchief is fantastic and the print just goes with it. It makes that corner look so bright and cheery! The palm is perfect for the southern feel! Everything just brightened and lightened up that corner! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Prayers for your mama.

    I have something for you at LazyonLoblolly.
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Anita! I haven't been able to type lately cause I've been in and out of the hospital with Dad, but I have been able to stop by once in a while Love both decors, but you know I am partial to the beautiful lace hankie. Can't wait for your Mountain spring pics!

    ReplyDelete