Oh that linen

I have a confession - sometimes I avoid more elaborate pieces of vintage linens because of the time needed to prepare a presentation properly for online showing.  Well of course that, in itself, is a silly oxymoron because I remain a true believer that linens are something you just have to experience with your own eyes and hands.

As I've been working through my cupboard to get items listed, I came to two treasures for the formal dining table.  One is a beautiful Idrian lace tablecloth and napkins set and the second is a lush linen cutwork embroidery tablecloth and napkins set.  Both of these are shown fully on separate pages here.  (Tabs above).

But what I wanted to share here is the flush of memory that came flowing forth as I worked on these linens.   After finding my original inventory record from 2006 (THAT was a miracle!) I found myself completely transposed to the dining room of the woman from whom I bought the linens.  I can still see that dining room table and chairs full of amazing linens and laces that her Italian mother (and grandmother) brought here and cherished!  It was an incredible Awww feeling. Sometimes I truly think we today think we will forever see such treasures, but I'm not so sure.

Taking on the responsibility of respectfully handling someone's long time heritage keepsakes is a job I take very seriously.  There is love abundant in those threads beginning from the very day they began to be created!   Just imagine - those that planned the project ... those that physically created the project ... those that made the initial presentation to give it a home ... to those who purchased, used and loved the pieces ... and on and on it goes!   It just makes my head spin with delightful flowing warm energy!  There is a connection in family linens that binds the heart.

There was so much to purchase from that wonderful elderly lady that day I could not possibly handle the finances all in one swoop and give her the just due she should receive.  So, asking for her trust, we made an arrangement that we both would feel complete satisfaction.  That was often my practice back in my buying days - and it sure beats credit cards of today!  Spending nearly half a day with her helped me to absorb all that was being offered.  I remember it so well.

So, now I have the pieces presented at Etsy.  Take a look at the two pages here with all the photographs.  The Idrian lace especially is quite a rare find and lace lovers will enjoy the massiveness of this work!  Treat yourself ... you can have a moment in that dining room so many years ago too.

1.20.17

 I will not watch
I cannot watch,
The day and make it gloom.
For peace is mine
Every time
I stand in glory’s bloom.

Does the Dress Fit?

In perusing my library of women's history documents, I came upon this wonderful article entitled Dress in the September 1893 issue of The American Woman's Journal / The Business Woman's Journal,  Vol. 7.  No 1.   

 

Just like today the irony of the corset advertising appearing on the back cover and the liberating article on the effects of woman's clothing upon her overall being is quite evident.    I find it an appropriate reminder even to our current trends of fashion!

The quips at the end of the article were just too sweet not to include here!   

Enjoy!

Mixed Mind - Oh yes

Sitting on my back deck today, I'm thinking that many of my online vintage friends must think I've totally lost my mind... can't make a decision.... don't know which way I'm headed.   Well, in some respects that's probably right but not the full story.

Going through the cancer process this year had a profound impact on my attitude, opinions and life agenda.  I am healthy and expect to stay that way for a long time coming!  But my heart spirit has been forever adjusted.   Thank God!  One key that I have embodied is that the only matter that really matters is that I always move to my joy and Love first!  All else will follow from that when I allow the flow.

Sound a little selfish?  Not at all.  For the first time in my 66 yrs walking this earth, I have come to understand that there is only one pathway regardless of how many twists and turns it might take.  Surely yours will look a bit different than mine.  Being true to your own heart is being honest with your highest power - however one might choose to define "that".   I realize I can't change the world by my actions alone but I can create the world that I want live.  I'm ready and willing to accept my Good.

So...how's this relate to my antiques business?   I've come to know that I love working with people in all forms.  Serving to connect kindred spirits with their joyful wants and wishes is such a heart tickler!  It truly makes my heart sing.  While I was offline for over 2 months I felt a void that I kept saying, "oh you're just adjusting.... give it time."  Whenever I walked past my office with all the trinkets and textiles I'd go "gotta do something... gotta do some thing!  They need a new home."  Options seemed exhausting to my physical capabilities. Then lightbulb moment: Lets have an online shop - oh wait... I do have an online shop!

So for me the pressure seems to have melted away and as always, that too is part of the process.  Everything feels different and yet the same all in one breath.  Getting retired is not the same goal because basically I am retired!  LOL.  It's just that I want to keep connecting with my fullest circle potential and that includes all my online vintage life friends too.

So, expect some breaks in the shop here and there as I continue to explore with my heart, camper and kayak.  But I'll be around, until sometime when I'm somewhere else - and that too is exactly where I belong.