I’m celebrating.
Why? The temperature is going to go above freezing today. Not by much, but hey, this winter’s grip has been so strong that I’ll gladly celebrate a little warm-up. And what do we all long for right now? Spring. Flowers. Gardens. Warm breezes. Green grass.
The smell of spring in the air.
I don’t have any fresh flowers on hand, but I did come home with something flowery from Heidi’s shop. I saw it there the other day when I was helping her get ready for the sale. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and later in the day, I sent her a text that said: I want it.
This is often how I make these kind of decisions. If I can’t get it out of my head, if I know I may never see anything like it again, if I know I’ll kick myself if someone else buys it and, of course, if I can afford it, then it’s a done deal.
Here it is after I first brought it in the door:
It’s a vintage Fireplace Screen, made to cover up the opening of a fireplace. It’s made of wood and is quite heavy. It also has a little stand in the back which doesn’t work very well, but since I don’t have a fireplace, who cares?
Oh, here’s the other question I ask myself: Do I have a place to put it? We are short on space in this little cottage, so that question must be asked.
The answer? Yes. Although I admit, at first I thought the answer to that question was No. There certainly wasn’t room downstairs, where we’ve pretty much used up all available wall space.
Oh, but wait….I recently decluttered my studio space, remember? I moved Mabel and a bookcase into the bedroom which opened up the space rather nicely. And the colors used in this pretty screen are sort of made for the studio. Aha! I do have a place for it.
So I trotted the screen up the stairs and into its new home. I’ve tried it in two places and I’m not sure which one is best. What do you think?
Here?
Or here?
I must confess that I’m undecided. But I do know that I am absolutely crazy about this piece. It practically screamed my name.
I’m looking forward to the days when the studio is once more flooded with light. Taking photos of that space has been a pain in the tush lately.
What do you think? Where should it go?
Update on Mom: She is about the same. The nurse told me she has spoken a couple of words, but that’s all. But she responds to their questions with a nod or a shake of the head. She’s on a specific antibiotic now, geared toward her infection. We have to wait and see if she can fight this off.
My brother-in-law, Meredith’s husband, lost his brother, who had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for many years, just last week. And now his mother, who was in the Emergency Room at the same time as my Mom, is failing.
Too much. Too much pain and sadness. Too much all at once.
So I’m focusing on the little things; the temperature outside, the flowery screen inside, the sound of Scoutie snoring, a cup of good coffee, good friends and life, which is precious indeed.
Happy Friday.
I like it best under the four prints. And, I see that it was screaming your name! Warm thoughts to your and your family during this time.
Thank you, Deb!
I love your new piece. I can remember seeing something similar at some time in the past (somewhere-lol). I kind of like it on the short wall with the 4 pictures above it. Will it be as visible to YOU there though as it would in the other spot? I think that is the question to ask yourself? Where will YOU see it the most often to enjoy it……
So sorry about all the family illness and losses. My Dad died of Parkinson’s Disease and it is such a tiring debilitating disease. Blessings to everyone that is burdened with health issues there- xo Diana
I think it will be as visible there, Diana.
Love it under the 4 prints..Great find.
Thank you, Cindy!
I am glad that you found something that brought you some joy during this draining time for you and your family. It is a lovely and unusual piece; I have never seen anything like it.
Me either – I love when that happens!
Oh Claudia, your new treasure is just beautiful. It looks great in both places to me. I will continue to pray for your mom and your dad too and Meredith’s mother in law and family. I know all about too much sadness coming at once. Several years ago we lost my mother, my 19 year old nephew (traffic accident) & my grandaddy (mother’s dad) all in the space of 9 weeks. My granny was in the nursing home at the time and she knew about her husband passing but we never told about what happened to my mother. It was a difficult time but life goes on and we were so grateful we’d had them all as long as we did. Hurry up Spring!
It is indeed a difficult time and we can only pray for the strength to navigate it with some grace. Thanks, Janie.
Hi Claudia,
What a beautiful piece of artwork ! I too would place it under the 4 pictures. It can be readily seen and it balances the wall.
Glad to hear your Mom is improving somewhat. My thoughts and prayers are with Meredith and her family at this difficult time.
Enjoy your “warm” day,
Vanessa
Thank you, Vanessa!
I LOVE IT! It looks absolutely perfect in your studio, you are right the colours absolutely fit in. It is so nice that you are gathering pieces from your friends shop, you will always have a piece of a place steeped in memories and of course the most important thing a wonderful friendship x
Yes, I bought a couple of little things, as well – and we already have some pieces we purchased there when we first moved here.
Claudia, I love it – it’s perfect for you. Is that a palm tree on the vase? Prefer it under the 4 prints on the short wall too – seems made for that space. Still sad knowing your good friend Heidi is closing shop – so hard to keep these small businesses going at a profit, especially when the tourist business has slowed as you mentioned.
Hope the next report on your mom is better and she rallies quickly – pneumonia is a frightening condition. Sorry for Meredith’s family losses – tell her I’m thinking of her and her hubby as they struggle through the saddness.
Here’s to the weekend dear – hope you and Ms. Scoutie get some warmer temps. and sunshine.
Mary X
Yes, I believe it is a palm tree. Isn’t it neat?
Pneumonia is very frightening, especially since she is 86 and not very strong physically. But she’s feisty, so we’ll just have to see.
I like it under the four pictures.
Thanks, Charlotte!
Good morning, Claudia.
Yes, too too much at once. A little bit of happy is needed to relieve some of the stress. The screen is so pretty. It looks perfect, no matter where you place it.
Sending hugs your way,
Lin
A little happy helps. I just reogranized a junk drawer and that helps, too! Thanks, Lin.
I Love that screen! That is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life!
Judy A-
Isn’t it the best? I’m in love with it.
I love the fireplace screen! Nothing like flowers to ease the pain and stressful times that you are experiencing right now. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect spot for it.
I have a feeling it will go under those 4 framed magazine articles. The vote is almost unanimous!
Sounds like you are doing it right. Focus on the positive.
Tana
Trying hard to do that, Tana.
Prayers are with you and your family. Continue to find beauty and comfort in each other. Your mother would want you to enjoy life and not let sorrow take over completely. Embrace what brings you joy. Gather yourself inward while you go through this period and take care of yourself and your loved ones. We shall wait. And pray.
Thank you, Margie!
Love your new find. I like it best under the four pictures. Sending warm thoughts to you and your family.
Thank you, Kathy.
Good news about your Mom. So thankful.
I love the screen. I cannot decide either. Maybe just try each space for a couple of days and then decide.
The news on Meredeth’s MIL is disturbing. I am so sorry. I am keeping the prayers going.
Blessings.
It’s very upsetting but not unexpected. I suspect the loss of her son has contributed to her decline. It’s heartbreaking.
Well, how in the world could you have forgotten about it and let it go when it looks as if it was custom designed for that space?? It is amazing that the colors complement everything you have in that area. I love it under the 4 pictures. So pretty and spring-like. Boy, do we need that!
We are supposed to hit 40* today!! Then some more cooler temps, but 45* on Monday!! It would be nice if these 4 and 5 foot drifts and piles at every intersection would start to melt. It is like spinning a roulette wheel as you start to creep out from a stop sign. I hope those temps come your way.
I continue to keep you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself!
I love flowers and this was made for my creative space.
I know what you mean – when I drive out my driveway, I have to peer around the mounds of snow and wait until the road is completely clear so that I can swing way out into the road. It’s crazy.
This screen is just beautiful! It makes you happy just to look at it~
Thank you, Susan!
Love that screen! So many pretty colors! I like both spots personally…maybe the question to ask is….where is it more visible? Whenever I am tempted to buy something I always ask myself the same questions too. First off…is always the money thing, followed closely by…where would I put it…or…what am I going to get rid of so I can bring this new item in! I am glad to hear your mom is doing better…sorry to hear about Meredith’s MIL. It’s going to be above freezing here today too…yippee! Enjoy the warmth and melting! ;)
It’s visible in both places – I guess it just depends on what I’m doing up there at the time. Thanks, Donna!
I love it under the four prints also. Just looks like it was made for that spot. It’s lovely and yes it says Claudia all over it! I do think that when bad news starts it just keeps rolling along for awhile. Too much for sure. Keeping you in my prayers and hoping your Mom sees improvement soon. Hugs, Linda
Thank you so much, Linda!
My theory AND motto has always been: buy it. You’ll never be sorry you bought it but you will definitely lament NOT buying it. I’ve done that most of my life, sweets.
Hope you get some beautiful sunshine soon. We’re due for sun for a couple of days and then rain and then more sun.
xoxo,
Connie
I’m very glad I bought it, Connie. Yesterday was sunny but cold. Today is warmer and cloudy. Maybe it will peek out later in the day.
Hi, Claudia, I’m catching up on my blog reading today. So sorry to hear about your mother and I will keep her in my prayers. Also, I’ll keep Meredith and her husband in my prayers as well–my father struggled with Parkinson’s for over twenty years so I am all too familiar with how it can exhaust a family and cause so much pain. I love your fireplace screen, and agree with the others that it looks perfect underneath the four frames. It seems like it was just made for that spot. Hang in there, my friend, and know that you are being lifted up in positive thoughts and prayers by many people!! xxoo, Martha
Thank you so much, Martha.
Lucky you! What pretty, happy flowers. You can put that anyplace – stand it in front of a side table, in a window, on a door and it will make you smile. My fireplace ‘screen is a large old galvanized watering can filled with white flowers. Doesn’t hide the opening but sure makes it a nice spot.
It sure does make me smile, Chris.
Prayers being sent for your mom and your sister and her family. Too much sorrow at once.
I love that fireplace screen! I think it looks good on the short wall under the pictures. If you have artistic talent, or have a friend who does, it would be cute to paint a little fireplace on the wall. I can also see the screen in front of a vintage mantle, on that brick wall in your kitchen. I found one in an antique store, and put it in my bedroom, and and hung my grandma’s quilt on a rod in front of the opening. It looked like a real fireplace. The mantle is wonderful to decorate, too.
nancyr
The brick is really only a narrow chimney. I’m afraid we have no wall space for a vintage mantle. The bedrooms have slanted walls and all the rest of the wall space is being used!
Claudia, that screen is you. Glad you decided to get it – you deserve something to feel good about right now, even if it is a relatively little thing like this. Like it under the four prints best. PS – I had the best dream about my mom last night. We were laughing to beat the band in it and I woke up right after feeling really good, so I’m sending on that vibe to you now. May you have the same dream – and your mom out of the hospital – very soon. Enjoy this taste-of-Spring weather too!
Thank you, Janet. Love hearing about your dream. That’s wonderful!
OK..I just have to be different..I like it over by little Miss Lamb Chop..there you can see it more when you are working at your desk..I think Regena had the best idea..try it in both spots for a few days and see what you like best..you are the one who will be seeing it the most..I can certainly see that it was meant to live at your cottage..Glad to hear that your Mom is still fighting..now we know where you get your feistiness from..lol..Blessings to Meredith with all she is going through..she is such a sweet lady..
I know. I’ve thought of that. Perhaps I’ll move it back and forth from wall to wall?
That’s what I would try..also I forgot to tell you that I received my copy of “The Last Camellia”..and I will start reading it this weekend..Thanks again for it!
Oh good. I’m checking into Backlash, Nancy.
Def a “Claudia” piece! Under the 4 prints is where it looks best.
I went with my husband to help him pick out new glasses and was dancing around the parking lot because the sun is shining and the temperature is 38 degrees!! Sun felt absolutely wonderful!!! Go outside and dance!
I just might do that, Cheryl!
What a great new piece of art for your home! I like it best in the second picture, under the four pictures. Perfect. I’m glad to hear better news about your Mom. I’m continuing to pray for her, Meredith’s MIL and your entire extended family. We have lost two elderly people in our church this week who I was very close to. I just went to lunch with one of the ladies last week after I drove her to an appointment. We liked the same kind of books and would often share books back and forth. Life can be hard sometimes can’t it?
Blessings,
Betsy
It can be very hard, Betsy. And heartbreaking. xo
I’d have scooped that up too…Love it! When I have something that I love, I put it in a place I can see it from the spot where I’d most often be sitting. Enjoy!
Well, sometimes I sit at the sewing machine, but I walk back and forth through the studio through the course of a day, so I’ll see it pretty much anywhere.
It seems to fit perfectly on the shorter wall… the second picture.
Sorry you have to deal with all this while Don is away. I hope you’re getting to talk to him
Hang in there. We are all here
hugs
SueZK
Yes, although he is in tech rehearsals and long rehearsal days, so we have to grab a few minutes here and there.
What a great piece!! Great visual impact without a lot of visual weight. And it certainly is your style. I am glad you decided to get it. It is a piece I can see moving around your home as the need arises. I am the weirdo that likes it best in the first location, but either way is good. My main worry about under the 4 prints is “will it get kicked”? It looks like it is the corner of a walk space. But it does look good there.
Spring is getting closer! Please give Scout a hug and a pet for me.
You’re right – it’s right on the path to the bathroom and our bedroom, so it might very well get kicked. Oh, I’m not sure…but I’ll play around with it. The test will be when Don gets home.
Since it’s up against a wall…it doesn’t take up much space. Under the four pictures would be my choice. I think that you will use it in many places. Hope your mom continues to improve. Bless her…
Thank you, Balisha. She’s about the same today. No change.
What a lovely, heart-lifting treasure to bring into the house, Claudia, especially at the tail end of this terrible winter! I love it in both places, but perhaps best under the four aqua-framed pictures. Hard to say! It’s just so pretty. I’m so sorry for the suffering and loss that’s touching your family. I continue to pray for you. xx
Thank you, my friend.
Beautiful piece Claudia, I like the first area you have it in best. There is more wall to work with and it fits in great.
I’m going to put it in both places for a few days and see what works best.
It’s a lovely piece Claudia!!!!! Just the thing you need to see off the last vestiges of winter. Makes me happy just looking at it.
Thanks, Ruta!
First off so sorry for all the family troubles at one time … Not troubles but loss of health, vitality, and life. Each moment is a gift. Blessings to your whole family.
As to the screen – so sweet and very vintage!
I like it under the prints- on that wall the blue and pink shine.
In the desk area it seems to show quite a bit of yellow.
I never think of yellow when I think of you!
I think of the dusty pinks and a Aqua … Like your pottery pieces!
Enjoy the warmth
Pat
Well, it actually doesn’t look yellow there. It’s most likely from me trying to lighten the photo because it was so dark up there. It looks the same in both places. By the desk, it would actually get more light because the skylight is there. xo
I like it under the four prints, but I am sure you will decide which is best. It is lovely.
Thank you, Shirley.
Oh Claudia, your screen is stunning! What a beautiful treasure to add to your sweet cottage home. It’s perfect there! And a sweet bit of happiness amid the sadness that you are feeling right now. Still sending warm and loving thoughts to you and your family. Hugs!
Thank you, Debi!
Sending many prayers and wishing all the best for your mother.
Your screen is so charming!
XO,
Jane
Thank you, Jane!
I am so sorry for the hurt you are now experiencing, but I am happy for the little things that make your life
“normal” Love your screen..looks perfect in your home. (wish I had it..grin)I know you have read these words over and over, but I want to repeat them, “you are in my prayers.” I feel you are a good friend, and I have one wish, that maybe, we could meet in person one day. Who Knows??? Hugs to you…bonnie in WI
What a pretty find! I like it best in photo #2 – under the 4 pictures. Prayers for your mom and your family.
xoxo
I LOVE it! The spot under the framed articles looks like it was made for this piece … I vote for there :) I’ll continue to pray for your mom and your family.
Oh wow! No wonder you fell in love with it! It is gorgeous! I think I like it’s placement in the first of the two photos. But it is great in both spots.
I think your screen looks BEAUTIFUL under your four prints. A match made in heaven.
Prayers go out to your family and the health issues.
Glad you are having a warmer day and no snow.
I’m sorry your family has so many hardships to deal with right now, Claudia.
As for the little things, your screen is pretty. I finally got around to buying a bunch of tulips yesterday and will enjoy watching the buds open. I’m also getting a kick out of Claire the puss and her antics.
Karen