While we were in Denver for Christmas, we visited our house there and dug through our stuff stored in the basement. I had some very specific ideas of what I was looking for--some of which I found, some of which was so far buried I had to give up.
The goal was to find some things that make me happy and bring them back to Arizona. Yes, I know that it's just stuff and I can live without it. But after six months of living without those little touches and treasures, it was time to bring some home to make this house feel more like home.
I'd been telling myself these things were just things, with no real purpose. But the more I thought about it, I realize that their purpose is just to make me happy. To cause me to smile when I see them. To give me something interesting to look at. And that's a good purpose.
Stuff is not the most important thing, by any stretch of the imagination, but it is important.
Nuf said. On with the pictures!
The vintage books in the rack came from Toben's mom. "Our Button Book" from my mom. And things like old jacks, scrabble letters, bingo pieces, and dominoes just make me happy. The girls do love to play with them, and use them for counters in math. And they're just so fun to look at!
Hmm...kinda blurry. Oh well, squint a little!
I've been doing my best to add more color around here. Vintage books on the shelves, our old quilt over the back of the couch, the Chinese checker board from my mom for the girls. (Why not hang it on the wall? We just pull it down when we're ready to play and hang it back up when we're done.)
The picnic basket was a score from shopping with my mom while we were in Denver. Here's a peek at what came inside, along with my new kitchen clock!
I have no idea what the original purpose of this piece of furniture was. But its job now is to hold all kinds of random treasures--porcelain door knobs, rooster-shaped candy molds and cookie cutters, birds' nests and wooden eggs, old sprinkler heads, tiny terracotta pots, Jello molds, Kristen's old jump rope with wooden handles, a railroad spike, and whatever else strikes my fancy.
There have been a few other fun changes, like my mailbox hanging by the door with lovely vintage postcard hanging out (I love old postcards--especially ones with writing on them!), but that's another post since I'd have to go take pictures in the dark.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
P.S. In case you're wondering about the photos... Took them on my iPhone using Shake It Photo. My sister recommended the app, and if anyone would know about photo stuff it's her. It takes a picture, makes a noise like a Polaroid, and then you shake it to develop the picture. Not sure what it does to the color--saturation, cross processing--but it makes pictures look so cool!
all i can say is that i look forward to the day my decorating choices are not limited by what my son can break/pull down/rearrange/shove into his nose.
your home is lovely joanne!
Posted by: chapmanchick | January 13, 2010 at 07:53 AM
I am glad you did this. I know (hope) this move is just temporary, but for now it is home. Having been in your home here, I noticed a stark contrast in the pictures of your home there. Now it shows your personality!! Now, about your screen door... (just teasing!)
I remember when I packed up to live in China for a year by myself. Space was so limited and precious, but I made sure to tuck in some doilies and lace and little pictures I loved. The others laughed at first when they saw them, but it was my space. I saw so glad to have those touches of home. And it just so happened that my room seemed to be where people would gravitate to just hang out. Well, and eat whatever I had concocted. :)
Posted by: Kimberly | January 13, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Where did you get the little metal rack to hold the books and what is it? I love how youdecorate and was wondering if I could possible find something like that somewhere. Thanks! Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 13, 2010 at 08:55 AM
I know stuff is stuff, but after Hurricane Katrina destroyed everything we had below 6 ft., everything above 6 ft (including the attic) was spared. And all that I had left was so precious to me! Going through the attic boxes just brought tears to my eyes - it was all I had.
Posted by: Kristy | January 13, 2010 at 01:19 PM
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you've done to the place. You have exquisite tastes.
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 13, 2010 at 01:48 PM
The last picture looks similar to something I have that came from my grandpa's old grocery store called "Barney's Food Market." So fun! It was a baby food jar display. Each section was labeled with the different kinds of baby food. Maybe it is from an old grocery?
Posted by: Megan Wighaman | January 13, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Andrea, The day will come. Promise!
Kimberly, Oh the screen door. I think "UGH" every time I see that sad little Indian and his pony.
Jennifer, It's a vintage find from the Paris Street Market in Denver a couple of summers ago. They are kind of hard to find--you may have to go on a treasure hunt through a bunch of antique stores. Which sounds like a lot of fun!
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | January 14, 2010 at 06:41 AM
Lifting you up in prayer today Joanne, so thankful to hear you are progessing toward Complete Healing. Prayer warrior in Bryan, Tx
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