Gothic Window

I was captivated by this Gothic window when I first stumbled upon it at a flea market.  One might consider it simple ~ but I feel it is stately in its own right.  The window itself isn't ornate or showy but rather plain ~ and the frame is by no means elaborate.  I was drawn to the combination of its form, shape and texture and at $20 it was a steal ~ so, of course I found it necessary to bring home with me. 

I opted to display it in a a prominent corner of my sitting room.  I attached this curvy hook to the crown molding and let the window dangle from an extension of chain. 

The *chain idea was a signature detail that I borrowed from designer, Carol Hicks Bolton, a number of years ago.  Now, I use them everywhere.

The window's weathered finish pays homage to my love for the tattered style.  It's framing provides the perfect little narrow ledge ~  an ideal resting spot for this vintage letter "P" and this small cross by artist Jan Barboglio.

Simplicity at its best ~ in my eyes.

The beautiful Gothic window adds character to this relaxing little reading corner ~ my husband's favorite space to kick up his feet, sip a cup of coffee, read a spell and ponder all life's happenings.  The leather chair ~ a Pottery Barn purchase; the floor lamp ~ a thrift store find; the oversized wall clock ~ a family heirloom (more about that some other time).  Here's hoping you find time to kick up your feet this weekend. :)

Peaceful

I love so many things about this stack of old Bibles.  I love the way the edges are worn and tattered.  I love the way the gold lettering is just peeking through on some of the spines.  I love the dogeared pages ~ that tell me they've been read, looked through and pondered over.  I love the markings and writings on the pages ~ the margins are filled with thoughts and numerous passages have underlinings.   This little tower of Bibles that I've inherited represent many loved ones and the faith they have had down through the years.  They bring comfort and peace to me.  

 

And yes ~ I even use these to help bring heart and soul to my home. 

They've rested on mantels and sat on shelves.  Here they sit next to an old Indian printer's block ~ the carved cross in the pattern is what caught my eye ~ notice how it's echoed at the top of the board below.

The Bibles are also accompanied by a wonderful old church attendance board that I found in an Arkansas junk store.  Not too many years ago, boards like these were used to display Sunday School attendance in churches.  Someday I hope to run across some old numbers and letters to slide in the slots. 

These Bibles especially bring peace to me this week ~ not the Bibles themselves but Who they represent and the hope His words bring.  Corbin, our middle son, who has experienced seizures since he was a young boy, will be having surgery on Friday.

He's an extraordinary and courageous young man and never complains.  Our hope is that the procedure will reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures.  If you think about it, would you please say a prayer for him?  Thank you. :)

P.S.  The top two photos were taken by a friend of mine and an amazing photographer ~  Amanda Kate Photography ~ be watching for a future post about Amanda and more of her great work.

Dublin Gate

Today I thought I would share one of my favorite things with you ~ this old gate that has been following us around for years.  The hubby ran across it one day while away on a business trip to, of all places, Dublin, Texas.  Some of you may not know that Dublin is the home of the oldest Dr. Pepper bottler in the world.  This is an important piece of trivia to know, especially if you are a lover of Dr. Pepper like I am.  At this plant, Dr. Pepper is still made with pure cane sugar, unlike the Dr. Pepper you buy in stores ~ and trust me, you CAN taste the difference.  

Back to my story ~ Nat passed by an old junk store on his way to an appointment and saw the gate sitting on the sidewalk outside the store.  He knew I had been searching for a salvaged gate and to my delight, on his way back from the meeting, he stopped in and picked it up as a surprise for me.  To me, there are various details about the gate that make it special and unique.   

~ The scrolly ironwork on the top of the gate ~

~ Its wonderful rusty patina and ornate, curly latch ~

The gate hangs on a wall that has been painted a soothing shade of grey ~ I think the color compliments the iron piece beautifully.  I've adorned the gate with a number of special items ~ they each have a story to tell.

One of the most meaningful collections I own is this grouping of crosses.  Nat made a mission trip to Liberia several years ago and met a gentleman who made these crosses.  They were fashioned from shell casings he had gathered off the ground following the Liberian Civil War.  It struck me as ironic that something meant for death and destruction was turned into something that represents life and hope ~ I cherish these.

I also tucked old black and white photographs on the gate.  This particular photograph is one of Nat's distant relatives ~ I hung it on the gate with old, rusty chain.

More beloved photos ~ one of my mom as a child and one of her with her mom on a shopping trip.

This one is of my dad ~ wasn't he dapper looking?  I love the plaid suit and the bow-tie he was wearing.

For now, the gate hangs in the front room leading to a hallway ~ I pass by it all the time and often stop to gaze upon its sentimental treasures. The items on the gate change periodically ~ whenever the notion strikes me.  I'm sure this gate will remain a favorite of mine for years to come.  What's one of your favorite pieces in your home?