In Memory

                                                      Wallace Creech Overton
                                               
                                                    May 1997 - Feb. 21 2011

Sadly, we lost our precious Wallace on Monday. Mom and I rescued Wally from the WalMart parking lot in Spearfish S D in June 1997. He was thrown from a speeding pick up and I couldn't for my life see how a tiny kitten could survive such a horrible act but Mom ran to a line of parked cars calling and out he came. He was a tiny ball of fur with great big feet. We rushed him to the Vet. and found that he was fine; Mama named him Wallace and he became her best friend. When her house flooded  in 1999 and she came to live with me Wallace and her other five babies came too. After Mom passed away Wallace was so full of grief and I worried so much about him but with me, Kirby and Brother there to spoil him he soon recovered. Then Brother passed away and Wallace once again began to grieve, he would always talk loudly when he heard Brothers voice and continue talking until Brother took him in is arms.  Since the day Brother died I've never heard him speak again. After a few months passed he seemed to recover to some degree and he knew that Kirby and I adored him. I honestly think he grieved himself to death; he'd never been sick a day in his life and he was the center of attention in all of our lives. What do you say about a gentle spirit that has given all of his love and so much laughter and happiness to so many. I know that Mother and Brother are holding him in their arms and he's probably already bitten someone in heaven, and I'm sure he's probably broken something. I know they are happy to be together again and be a family again but this house is so empty. I miss you Wally. 

Coverlets; Winter Warmth

 It's been sunny and windy here today, I can hear the clothes on the line snapping in the brisk air. It is warming up though and we are promised that we may be in the high 60's later in the week. I'm hoping the windy day is a certain sign that the March winds are here and spring will arrive early.   It's almost time to get the coverlets and quilts out for their spring airing. The one above I found last year at an estate sale at an old log cabin. I've always loved the texture and color and I marvel at the time and expertise that it must have taken to make these warm comforting textiles.

 This was the very first coverlet that I ever purchased, I found it at a yard sale many years ago. I was looking through a large table of newer and very stylish linens hoping there might be at least one vintage set of pillowcases or a sweet lace trimmed runner and this is what I found. It was priced 25 cents. I asked the young woman if this was the correct price and she quite sharply said YES! Who could possibly want that old thing and it is damaged! Well it does have a little bit of damage on the seam line but it was beautiful to me and I was worried that she had made a mistake in the pricing and was going to offer her more money for it but after her sharp attitude toward this wonderful old treasure I really felt more like I had rescued it and gave her the 25 cents and it has been well loved and enjoyed in my home since.    I love the pattern and the many different colors used in this.  

 Brother and I found this at a sale about a year before he died, I so loved treasure hunting with him. He didn't know a great deal about antiques but he loved  going along to the sales with me on the weekends. He used to say that I drove like an old Granny around town on weekdays but Saturday mornings I turned into a speeding witch and my driving scared the hell out of him. We would laugh through the entire morning and he loved having me explain the purpose of the things I'd bought and loved to see me decorate with them.

 Have a warm and rosy Valentines Day.

 Hold closely to the ones you love.

 Blessings,

Sallie

Inspiration

We have a beautiful day here today, I had to take a few moments to visit a favorite book and wanted to share it with you. All of these pictures are from American Farmhouses by Leah Rosch. What can be more inviting that the open gate of a white picket fence.

I am dreaming of beautiful hydrangeas in so many soothing shades of, pink, lavender, blue and white. 

 A pleasant primitive house is warmed by the softness of spring unfolding outside.

 The sunlight displays enchanting shadows and weaves soft musings here.

 A soft carpet of green welcomes you to this door or just to sit quietly and inhale the stillness of life in this shade on a hot summer day.

 A place to sit and dream of the blue sea and the fresh salt air; do you hear the gulls, the crashing of the foaming sea against the ever changing shore and imagine the songs of the  mermaids and and the laughter of the pirates?

 A vision of a garden, a place to meditate, a haven where fairies and elves rustle in the midst of fragrant flowers.

 Beautiful flowers in the kitchen that awaken the senses to the fruits and bounty of the sweet earth that will nourish us body and soul.

 The calmness of old cherished homes awakening with the land again and again; year after year to shelter our bodies and bless us with memories that will pass through generations eternal.

 Vintage chairs decked out like fine southern ladies on a hot summer day. A place for comfort and inspiration.

 Only pleasant dreams here where the sweetness of life can drive away any sorrows among soft romantic linens made to soothe the soul.


                                
Spring will come and summer and autumn to follow; it is the way of nature and even as I dream of the warm sun and sweet fragrance of spring I am happy to muse by the fire and be thankful for the beauty and comfort of home.

Thank you Leah for American Farmhouses.