I succumbed.
Weak of will, the image kept popping into my head. Then I’d scroll back at look at the original post and the picture of this one particular item. I’d stop thinking about it. Then, unbidden, it would pop into my head again.
Yesterday morning, missing my husband, the prospect of a lonely day stretching out in front of me, I decided I needed to get out of the house. Ice Station Zebra/MHC was losing its appeal. I put on makeup (rare) and headed out in the car. And I ended up at my favorite little shop, where I said hello and chatted a bit with Jean and then disappeared up the stairs where my hands grabbed this:
There was a couple standing near it and I moved in stealthily, shot my arm out and snatched it out from under them. I’m feeling a bit dramatic, but I think the reality is they were just standing there looking at all sorts of things, not necessarily my seltzer bottle.
These vivid aqua-y seltzer bottles are not easy to find and I’ve wanted one for a long time. Jean has a lot of lovely clear glass seltzer bottles as well and, who knows, I may get one of them someday. But this one? It needed to be in my cottage. The words etched in the glass are:
S&H.
Home Beverage Dist.
Woodbourne, NY
A thing of beauty.
I can’t help it. Aqua-almost-anything tempts me. And aqua glass, as in ball jars, mason jars, and seltzer bottles? Forget it. I’m gone.
Then I found another temptation. I’d seen it on my last two visits. Do you remember the darling house wall pocket Judy sent to me?
Adorable. It’s one of my favorite things. Cottages. Birds. Happiness.
This was tucked away in a corner of the shop. And when I checked yesterday, it was still there.
Same sort of house, different birds – with one dive bombing the birdbath. Or feeder?
Another item on Claudia’s Can’t Resist List: Adorable cottage-y wall pockets. With birds.
Here they are together. I’m thinking the larger one would look lovely on a wall near my sewing machine. It could hold scissors and other tools.
That’s it. I can’t buy anything else. But to finish this Favorite Shop theme, here’s my Shawnee Miniature in its new home on the shelf.
I couldn’t display it until the old mattress had been taken out of the den.
In other news:
• I succumbed again, and this time it wasn’t a positive experience. On the way home from taking Don to the train station, I stopped at the grocery store to do some shopping and I grabbed a copy of Country Living. I knew better, but I guess I felt I needed some comfort and something to read with pretty pictures.
Mistake. I read it in ten minutes. Truly. And it’s so thin! There’s really nothing to it anymore. I got mad at myself for buying it. Lesson learned.
• Earlier this week, I shared our chromolithograph of the Aquitania with you. Much to my delight, I received this comment from Janet:
I have been reading your blog for quite a while but have never commented.
I sailed on the Aquitania from Southampton to Halifax on January 21, 1948.
Train travel from Halifax to Toronto. The grand sum of the ocean crossing for my
mother and I was 87 pounds. I crossed the Atlantic twice more. Once to return
to England on the Queen Mary and then back to the U.S. on the S.S. United States.
I was nearly two for the first crossing and eleven for the final trip to the U.S.
Isn’t that wonderful? Janet traveled on the Aquitania! Thank you for letting me share this with everyone, Janet.
• Finally, thank you for all your wonderful comments on yesterday’s post. I treasure them. And I stand in awe of those of you who have been happily married for thirty, forty and fifty years. You are a testament to the power of love and to the commitment and dedication and hard but unbelievably-worth-it work it takes to build a marriage that is strong and loving. Bless you.
Happy Sunday.
Please use old address….http://balisha-neverenoughtime.blogspot.com/
Looks like you got your blog back, Balisha! So happy for you.
Claudia,
Haven’t sent you a comment lately but just wanted to reinforce the necessity for a girl to make herself feel pretty (for herself!) and do something alone that makes her feel special. I too have a wonderful husband (my knight in shining armor!) but, alas, I am “alone” a great deal of the time due to his busy work schedule. Thankfully, I have the temperament that can go out alone and do worthwhile and gratifying activities or I would end up being stuck in the house alone & isolated.
Dan & I met in college in 1975 at age 19. We were married in 1979 so we are coming up on our 35th wedding anniversary this summer. Even though I was much younger than you, I thankfully had the wisdom and where-with-all to expect the BEST in a man for me and I sure made the best decision in my life!
Through the years, like all couples, we have had many, many challenges but our love, faith & commitment got us through it all. My husband is the smartest, hardest working, happiest guy I know! He’s my love and, most of all, my best friend. That, I think, is the key to a good marriage- FRIENDSHIP!
Have a happy day and THINK SPRING…..39 days & counting!
He just celebrated his 58th birthday and here’s the post from my blog: http://totallydonebyme.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/happy-birthday/
Me too, Luanne – I am able to entertain myself and be alone. (But I’d rather Don was here!)
And I so agree – the key to a good marriage is indeed friendship!
The seltzer bottle is beautiful Claudia. I’m glad you decided to treat yourself. The lack of good magazines seems like a great loss to me. I can’t see them surviving for much longer and that’s so sad. Hope you enjoy your day!
No, they seem to be going downhill, Janie. At least, Country Living is. It’s really so low in quality content that I’m truly shocked. I’m going to go upstairs and get a pile of my old CLs and Country Home and MEHCs to read!
I am smiling ear to ear about you going and getting that seltzer bottle. It is perfect for your home. The color is stunning! oh and that cute little pocket planter is adorable. The treasures you add to your home are really special. The pink miniature Shawnee looks great on the shelf! I am so disappointed in magazines and like you they take a few minutes to read and then…well its a waste of SEVERAL DOLLARS! Wishing you a wonderful day. Hugs!
Several dollars for sure, Linda! I’m mostly just mad at myself for falling for it again. NO MORE.
Pretty bottle! I was shocked when I saw the size of Country Living, I’d say it was less than half the size of the previous month. The previous Executive Editor (or whatever her title was) wrote a farewell in the last issue, and after looking in vain for the Editor’s column this month, I saw on the masthead that there were a couple of “Acting” positions. So they haven’t found a replacement yet. I am wondering if they’re going to survive this transition because if it stays like this current issue I won’t be renewing my subscription. I was even thinking of writing you to tell you about it after an earlier post about Country Living but you beat me to it!
They’ve moved their editorial offices to Birmingham, AL. Somehow I doubt that will make a difference. Not unless they add about twice as much content and make sure the content is non-generic and imaginative enough to draw in readers. Every home interior I see there is the same as every other. Boring!
I’m so happy you succumbed! I can usually spot aqua and cobalt from far away…they are always calling. Where are you going to put it? Ice Station Zebra…pretty much sums it up doesn’t it? Cheers! ;)
I’m not sure where I’m going to put it. Therein lies the problem! Right now, it’s on the music cabinet next to Don’s framed Costume Rendering. I’ll try it out there for a while.
In case you are interested…there are similar wall pockets to yours…but not as cute, listed on Etsy. Yours have such pretty coloring. ;)
I’ll go check it out, Donna.
Two new beauties to join the family at MHC! I think it is so fun that the “little store” you ventured into, just a couple of weeks ago, has been holding these treasures which were, obviously, waiting for you!! The story of the lady who journeyed over the ocean on the Aquatania is priceless! Life’s journey is always filled with interesting paths and people!
It never ceases to amaze me – I have met such interesting and wonderful people through this blog!
Loved Janet’s story..Very interesting…Your wall pockets are dear..I never knew about them..Magazines have become the latest rip-off..Lot’s of ad..No substance..Have a good Sunday..
No substance at all, Missy. You’re right.
I have three wall pockets – the other one is a McCoy wall pocket in the shape of a cuckoo clock.
Great new piece you snatched up there. Where will you be displaying it? I have also been on the Queen Mary :)
Not sure yet, Dawn. I’m trying it out in several places!
YES! I was so excited when I saw that photo of the seltzer bottle – in your cottage! That is EXACTLY where it was meant to be. Gorgeous! You always make such smart, judicious choices in your acquisitions. It is just another one of those things that I so enjoy about your blog. I’ve read blogs (in the past!) where ladies buy, buy, buy I think just to buy SOMETHING – and often it is just cheap China junk – I find it such a turnoff. But you Claudia – have style and grace!
Why, thank you, Deb! I feel guilty enough about buying these two things – I could never buy, buy, buy!
I also wonder if the extreme buying has to do with something to blog about? Or is it just a need that the blogger has?
I know you know this – but never feel guilty about a purchase that is well-thought-out, has a place in your heart or home – and that has value. Throw in winter with gray skies, snowy grounds and frigid temperatures – and a hubby that just left town for a while … it all adds up to a brilliant and timely decision! ;) In fact, my hubby just left a couple of hours ago for a business trip to Alaska for a week – we just had another 2 inches of snow on top of 12″ from earlier in the week – and the wind chill will be 10 below tomorrow morning. Think I might need to go out tomorrow and see if I can find a treasure!
BTW, have you ever thought of selling any of your “I’m tired of this” treasures on your blog? I have a feeling that many of your readers would jump at a chance of purchasing some of your items – and you wouldn’t even need to go through the hassle of etsy or ebay! Just a thought.
Claudia, I could just picture you, as you say, stealthily moving in on the bottle! So funny, because I’ve done that too when someone is standing near what I want. I know what you mean about magazines. I’m so lucky my neighborhood library has a free box outside, which is where I get my magazine fix. I can find all kinds, both old and new, then take them back for someone else.
I’m going to start reading my magazines at my neighborhood library. Or at the bookstore. Much cheaper!
I was very disappointed in the current issue of Country Living, not much to it and not worth the money. I purchased a one year subscription from my nephew for a school fundraiser and now I’m sorry I didn’t choose something different.
It seems to be getting thinner all the time, Debbie.
I thought it was interesting that I saw your post with the aqua seltzer bottle.
I am a primary color girl- clothes, house, garden . . . But, yesterday I took my daughter with me while I looked for small plates for a dinner party. The only reasonably priced small plates were aqua. My daughter talked me into aqua plates, a bowl, candles and a tablecloth. My dinner party theme for tomorrow night quickly went from primaries to aqua. And, I am looking forward to the new color.
Now I guess I guess I need to look for some aqua glass.
Yay – we might just have a new aqua addict! Start looking, Carol!
I am so glad that the bottle was still there for you to buy..I have hesitated at times when finding things that I fall in love with and then when I go back it is gone..You must have been thrilled to hear from Janet about her trip on the Aquatania..how wonderful to have a personal story to go with the painting!
I went through the whole shop once and didn’t see either item. I thought I’d waited too long and missed out. Then I looped through again, and there they were!
Love the new bottle. It’s so “you”!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thanks Susan! (Your post was just perfect by the way – well done!)
I know which issue you mean. The latest. Thumbed through it at the grocery store in line the other day and was amazed and disgusted and how awful that magazine is now compared to years ago.
Nice treasures you picked up! :)
Shocking isn’t it, Deb?
Hi Claudia, such a wonderful shop you have found and such lovely items they have. I had noticed in the last pictures you posted from there it looked like maybe some blue hobnail. I have my grandmothers blue hobnail and just love it. I know what you mean about magazines these days. I was looking at some flea market magazines at the grocery store yesterday and it was $10.00. Hmmm, I don’t think so. You and Scout have a good day and stay warm!
My grandmother had clear glass hobnail and at least one blue hobnail piece. I remember it. I’ll have to go back an look at that photo of the hobnail, Nancy. Have a wonderful day! We’re supposed to get some more snow later – about two inches or so.
Spring, please come soon!
Good for you, Claudia! Now you have started a collection (or two?!).
I enjoy your blog. You have a way with words which touches me and makes me smile.
Thank you, Lee, for your kind words.
I probably have too many collections!
Love your blue seltzer bottle. I too have a blue one that I love. It’s always fun to be able to get away to a good old antique store by yourself and browse to your heart’s content. Don will love it. My hope for you is while he’s away there’s not too much snow coming your way.
It’s a treat to do that and it’s something I really like to do when Don is away – it gets me out of the house, especially at this time of year when I can’t garden. The snow should be a couple of inches, which isn’t bad.
You needed a treat since Don was gone. Love the bottle.
Country Living hasn’t been sent to my house since Christmas. I still had time on my subscription. I have had more issues with subscriptions with them. It is so sad. Wish Country Home was still around. I do like Country Living, the English version. Going to the library is a good idea. Ours is nice and newly remodeled. You can just spend some time and rad. Hmmmmmm, do they let you drink coffee too.
Stay warm .
Did you enter my giveaway?
I loved Country Home, Debby. Miss it so much!
I don’t know whether my library lets us drink coffee – I’ll have to check.
I’m amazed that a reader aCtually sailed on “your” ship! that is so cool!
Love the bottle and the wall-pockets. Isn’t it fun when you find surprise treasures in shops….enjoy!
It IS fun, Tracy! But now I have to stop buying!
The seltzer bottle is wonderful. I think that you, Claudia have started a new collection. The little bird houses are wonderful, and will add you your other whimsical collections.
I really need to find myself a store like yours.
Oh, I’d love a grouping of blue seltzer bottles. Wouldn’t that be stunning?
Great buys except for the magazine. Sounds like a dangerous antique shop to have so close to home. Lots and lots of goodies in there. I predict a few more trips to that wonderful place in your future….just to keep yourself busy while Don is away of course.
And on the magazine….save your money to buy the British issue of Country Living. You won’t be disappointed.
Yes, I’ve read the British Edition – love it. It’s only available at Barnes and Noble which is about 30 minutes away. Next time I’m there, I’ll pick up an issue.
WONDERFUL finds, Claudia. I love the color of that bottle, and the house is so precious with its friend. I don’t blame you a bit for giving in to the temptation. I would have been right there with you. That color on the bottle (and the lettering) is my favorite, and I am a bird lover from the word “go”.
Neat about your reader who sailed on that ship in 1948. Wow! And in terms of the love you wrote about, you inspired me to write a Valentine post about my parents. They had such love for each other, and I smile every time I think about them. I miss them SO much, but I feel the love even through space and time. I just wish I had their elopement picture nearby. I just had their honeymoon shot.
XO,
Sheila
I can’t resist birds, Sheila. How wonderful to write a Valentine’s post about your parents!
I love the “dramatic” version of your seltzer bottle purchase. Whether actually true or not, your version is more interesting – LOL. I love that color glass too. Cobalt used to be my favorite but I really use the few bottles I have and I’m finding it’s nice to be able to see inside them. Difficult to do with cobalt, much easier with the aqua, pink or clear green I like now. PS – So right about Country Living. I guess magazines are just one more thing we get a lot less of than we once did. This is getting kind of depressing, isn’t it? I mean, just how much more can they shrink a Kleenex before it becomes a cotton pad?
Well I did reach in and snatch it. That’s true. But I’m not entirely sure they cared!
I swear, The daily New York Times has more pages than Country Living!
Love that you snatched that baby up before someone else did! Poor people probably thought they were seeing things. lol-Here one moment- gone the next. I love your little wall pockets, too. They are both darling.
I read your previous post, too, on marriage. You are so right- LUCK has NOTHING to do with it. A marriage is a matter of compromise and work and unconditional love-if you are lucky. xo Diana
Compromise, for sure, Diana. It takes a lot more than love to sustain and nurture a healthy marriage!
I had to comment about the aqua seltzer bottle. I love it and I wouldn’t have been able to resist it either. Your bird wall pockets are adorable too. I’d love to find some, I’ll have to keep looking.
I wanted to add that I married my current husband when we were both in our 40’s and we are happily still together. I agree friendship and communication is key to a happy marriage. How fortunate that you and Don found each other and remain committed to your marriage. It is inspiring to read about your love story!
Thank you, Diane. It sure inspires me to read about your love story and the love stories of my readers!
Claudia- try country living British edition,costs more,but way nester stuff in it. ,try one and enjoy,I rarely buy a regular country living. Enjoy your blog every day
I saw one recently, but it was the Christmas issue and I wasn’t interested in it. I’ve read it before and next time I see a new issue, I’ll buy one.
Where are you going to display that pretty blue seltzer bottle? I am so disappointed with Country Living magazine, too. Once my subscription ends, that’s it. I’ll thumb through it when I visit B&N once in awhile.
I know – it’s such a disappointment!
I’m not sure where I’m going to display it – I have to think about that one!
I just recently found your blog. Actually I found it while looking for some way to make an island in our small kitchen. When I saw your buffet turned island I knew what to do. I now have the buffet ( very much like yours) that was in our home while I was growing up, in my kitchen. It’s a long story and I am hoping to start a blog to chronicle our transformation of a 1950’s rambler on the river to a cottage, with a guest cottage. I would just like to thank you for the inspiration and share a kind of new magazine I have found here. It is Cottage Journal, only comes out 5 times a year, is $10 per issue but NO ads. I bought the fisrt one full price then subscribed and only pay $5 per issue. You can check it out on the internet, they give the high lights of the magazine. Another one that looks like it will be interesting is something like Farmhouse Style. I can’t justify $10 for a magazine most of the time, but if I find one I like and the subscription is $5 and there are no ads, I feel like I am getting my money’s worth.
Still, most of my ispiration lately is coming frpm blogs like yours.
So glad you succumbed to the seltzer bottle. The color, of course, fits perfectly in your cottage. Love the wall pockets too. I have a 2-year subscription to Country Living and will be glad when it’s finished (will be soon) … makes me irritated at what little content they offer! I also wanted to comment on the lovely post from yesterday … you truly have the kind of marriage that makes me wish I was married!
Good morning Claudiy,
your finds are lovely! When I am at a train station, I look at the magazines really wanting to buy a copy. But then I am always disapointed and don’t buy one. I treat myself with a book or find in a thrift store or some chocolate. :-) Have a good week!
I love your blog and always save it for last when catching up on my blog reading. You know, save the best for last. I love the little wall pockets. I didn’t even know they existed. I had to sell off or donate all my beautiful collections last year when I lost my house to a short sale. I did manage to keep most of my fairy lamp collection. Now I’m very interested in the wall pockets. Won’t start another collection, but might have to get one or two of those lovely, interesting wall pockets. Loved your post about marriage. Want one like that someday, but I’m getting older, not much time left. :-).
Sandra
Love my wall pocket! I’m happy for your getting the seltzer bottle, I tend to play the same game and when I return, if it is still there, I know in a few seconds if it is meant to go home with me. More times than not, it is gone which has taught me if I really love it, and can afford it, I get it and find a place for it. For several years I’ve been looking for the perfect night stand for my side of the bed. The one I have is fine, it is functional, sturdy and the right size but I don’t love it.
I would have snatched that blue seltzer bottle too! It’s gorgeous. Love the story about the crossing of the ocean on the Aquatania (spelling?) Claudia, you’re in a vintage shopping phase this winter. I have to say…I’ve been adding some vintage charm to my home as well. I subscribe to Country Living and was extremely disappointed in the latest issue. Unbelievable how thin it was! I hope this isn’t the norm or I will have to cancel.
Oh, Claudia, the bottle is beautiful! I’m glad you went back for it. And the little wall pocket is too cute for words and goes so well with its little mate. Truly adorable! Sometimes you just have to have a thing…. and your two finds will look so lovely in your cottage. Stay warm!