I have a confession to make. I fell in love with this painting about a year ago. It hung near the front counter in Vignettes. I saw it last summer when I was here coaching ~ if you remember I was here for one two-week stretch and then, a month later, another 10 day stretch. This is how it looked in the store. I came back this year and it was still there. It was rather expensive. I talked myself out of it. On my third or fourth visit to Vignettes, I took a picture of it, thinking I would upload it to my laptop and ponder. Fast forward a couple of months. Every time I went into the store, which was usually once a week, I talked to Lori about it. I went home to New York for a visit. I returned and when I finally hit Vignettes again, Lori told me that I had just missed their sidewalk sale and that a customer had decided to buy the painting, had it all wrapped up ready to go and then changed her mind. She said that while wrapping it up, my face flashed through her mind and she thought how sad I would be when I trotted back into the store and found it gone.
So I went back to the apartment and emailed my photo of the painting to my husband. Frankly, I didn’t think he’d go for the whole cherub thing. I usually don’t go for it, but this is an antique, one-of-a-kind beauty from France and there is just something about the faded beauty, the colors…everything. Husband, being the wonderful man that he is, surprised me and said if I loved it, then get it. I know it really isn’t his cup of tea but he understands me, bless him. Still, I waited a bit. This past Monday, I went in, talked to Lori, took it down from the wall, walked through the store looking at it in all sorts of light. Lori is infinitely patient. Finally, I said yes. I bought it. Frankly, it is more than I would normally spend, even at 20% off. I could have used that money for other things, far more practical things. It just stole my heart…I couldn’t get it out of my mind, I obsessed about it, I loved it. And I almost missed out on it. I mean, come on. Isn’t that a sign?
I have a plan. I will be hanging it in our bedroom. We have an enclosed chimney that is in the center of one wall. It will be perfect there. And I am finally inspired to re-do the bedroom. It is my inspiration piece. I. Love. This. Painting.
Try as I might, I cannot capture the color of the frame, which is more aqua than the photo indicates. My obsession is now hanging in Mockingbird Hill Cottage West, bringing me joy every time I rest my weary eyes on its beauty.
Its lovely, and you deserve it.
XO, Mere
I was ALMOST heartbroken for you as you were leading up to the part where it was sold at the sale! I’m so glad you went back and got it…even if it’s “not like you” to spend that much…the fact that you couldn’t stop thinking about it tells me it’s meant to be yours! ENJOY IT!
Good for you! I’m glad you got what you’ve been wanting and that is a lovely painting.
I just pulled your name in the drawing for my Cupcake Birthday Charm. Please send me your address and I’ll get it out to you.
I am SO glad you followed your heart!!!!
Heart art is the best!!!!!! You deserve it! I am sure.
Just found your blog and enjoyed reading it.
I hope you will stop by and visit me.
The May give away has started….and next week I will be blogging from Disney World.
Claudia – that is so cool!! I think it was meant to be! Our bedroom makeover is on the list for this year, too, but it’s going to have to wait until fall. And pale robin’s egg is one of the inspiration colors I’m using in my room, too.
Enjoy your artwork. It is beautiful!… Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage
it was a sign and i’m so glad you went for it. when something speaks to you like that, you’ve got to go for it and you will enjoy it for years. you’ve got a great story to go along with it, too!
the frame looks AWESOME!
enjoy!!!
xo
Oh Claudia, I know just how you feel. I have an old print in my house, that has a very similar story. I first saw it in Long Beach WA when we were there over a Thanksgiving weekend, but it was the worst possible time for me to spend the money, so I didn’t. I never forgot about it though, and the next Thanksgiving when I returned, it was still there, and the antique store was having a sale, so it was less than the original price. I felt that it was simply meant to be. I bought it many years ago, now, but it is still one of my favorite things. I’m not sure if you saw it. It is of a little boy digging in the garden. One of the old yard long prints that were so popular during Victorian times.
I’m so glad that you bought this. I think you will always be happy that you did.
To see our wishes coming true is the spice of the life, isn’t it ?
Claudia, I am thrilled to death that you were able to get it. EVERYONE needs an inspiration piece. It is perfect! xorachel
All signs pointed to you having this art piece. I know you will thoroughly enjoy it and smile every time you see it. Priceless!
Sweet Claudia,
All I can say is – You were meant to have that painting!
I couldn’t bear someone else leaving the shop with what I considered to be yours! (From Day One) And when you can’t get something out of your mind – I think that’s usually a sign
It’s always such a joy to see you & talk to you.
Hurry Back.
(The Shakespeare bookends are calling your name!)
What a great story…and a wonderful husband…
and lunch soon…most definately….maybe after I get back form AZ.
have a perfect weekend!!
hugs,
Joy~
Oh the story is wonderufl, if you love something that much of course you must have it! Thanks for visiting me today. I’m adding your link to my blogroll – will you add mine too, please? Happy Pink Saturday and Mother’s Day to us, one and all!
xJ
MaidenShade.wordpress.com
MaidenShade.com
I am SO happy you brought your ‘art love’ home to live with you. You won’t miss the money as much as you missed your ‘art love’ while it was not in your keeping.
It was worth EVERY penny; it’s gorgeous!
Melissa
thanks for your kind comment!! I had a look at your blog, it is lovely but these angels stole my heart!! I would have bought it too if I had had the opportunity!! Lucky girl!!