Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Source

P9067382_01
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:1-4


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Around The House

Yesterday I told you about the displays of my yellow depression glass at Historic Deepwood Estate and I promised to show you a bit more of the stately, old mansion. My time there was rather limited by my own schedule so I took photos of bits and pieces - here and there. As we walked through one of the side gardens on our way to the front door I couldn’t believe the size of these hydrangeas – they were huge!

PA207887

This tiny yellow rosebud seemed so delicate as it wandered along the fence.

PA207891

In the entryway, near the front door, this basket of dried hydrangeas caught my eye.

PA207929

I loved this little tea tray that seemed to be set just for us. The beautiful yellow dishes caught my eye and wished I could sit down and enjoy the special treats that were waiting to be served.

PA207903

A table was set in front of the fireplace. Three pieces of my yellow Florentine pattern depression glass were part of the setting. The yellow plates with yellow roses in the center are Spode. Would I ever love to find a set!

PA207904

PA207905

Some of you have commented on the gorgeous yellow quilt. I loved it the moment I saw it. Wouldn’t it be fun to make a reproduction and have one that looks just like it?

PA207909

I loved the way the sun filled the bathroom. It seemed to highlight each special thing that had been placed there.

PA207910

Vintage clothing is one of the things I enjoy. I spied this pretty, old gown in the shower!

PA207912

And the rows of lace at the hemline on this gown caught my eye.

PA207914

The bustle frame on this one intrigued me. My cousin and I decided we wouldn’t enjoy carrying it around with us. But we would because we would want to be in style!

PA207916

Look at the lace hanging above the adjoining bedroom door. What a great idea!

PA207917

Across the hall we loved seeing a display of old quilts and sewing machines.

PA207919

Every time I visit Deepwood I am intrigued by this beautiful stained glass window above the upper landing on the staircase.

PA207928

This exquisite window is just above the lower landing!

PA207959

One peek into the butler’s pantry and I had to go inside to see more. (I couldn’t find the light switch to add enough light to photograph more.)

PA207952

Fresh flowers added a touch of color on a sunny day.

PA207955

I love to spend time in this old mansion – it’s one of my favorite places to visit. I know I will return again and each time there will be more to see. As we stepped outside and stood on the porch I was thankful that we had come on a sunny day. The leaves on the big, old Oak tree in the front yard had begun to turn yellow. It glistened in the sun!

PA207964

On our way back to the car we stopped often to notice and enjoy more flowers in the garden. And I had a bit of time to talk to two of the gardeners. They were busy at work with Fall maintenance to assure that the gardens will stay beautiful all year long.

PA207966

PA207968

PA207970

As I drove away I knew this would be a day that will stay in my heart for a long time to come. I will go back to visit again and when I do I know I will feel right at home. I can’t wait to return. I wonder what adventures are ahead in this great, old historic place. It’s a home with a story – a past, a present and a future. I would love to be part of that future – and maybe a bit more of the present. You will see the old mansion here again. Perhaps someday soon!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Follow The ‘Yellow Glass’ Road

A few days ago my dear cousin and I went on an excursion. A much-anticipated day away together. Girls on a mission! We left fairly early in the morning and headed straight to Salem, a short distance from my home. Our first stop was at a big Goodwill store where we took our sweet time. I’m sure we must have looked at everything there. Our next stop was down the road a bit – it was the exciting focus of my day. Destination: Historic Deepwood Estate! In the past I’ve shared about this wonderful Victorian mansion here and here.

PA207892

It was a gorgeous Fall day in our part of Oregon. We parked and walked through the side gardens, on our way to the front door. The tour guide greeted us at the door. ‘Oh, yes, we’ve been expecting you.’ Then we were cheerfully ushered inside and told to help ourselves – go ahead and wander wherever you want. Take your time.

PA207893

What was the reason for our visit? Why were they expecting us? Why were we given full access to the mansion? Anywhere we wanted to go? Without a tour guide? I was treated as an honored guest because some of my yellow depression glass collection is on display there! My glass is on display in a gorgeous, historic mansion! The thought just makes me swoon! How did this come to be? Simple – my dear friend, Mrs. B. of Sammy Girl fame, coordinates all the displays at Deepwood. I was not prepared for what I was about to see. There’s no way to tell you what I felt when my eyes first caught sight of my lovely pieces on display. Words can’t define it. Each of the chosen pieces is displayed in ways that accentuate its beauty and brings out the details.

We started upstairs. Oh, my! It nearly took my breath away! Not to complain – the bright sunshine made taking photos most difficult at times. Not to be discouraged - I forged ahead. Near the top of the stairs we found a china cabinet full of my collection. And I couldn’t believe what I saw!

PA207922

(The beautiful, little set on the upper left does not belong to me. I would be very happy to have just like it!)

PA207896

I don’t think my collection has ever looked more beautiful!

PA207897

Suddenly I fell in love with each piece all over again and I knew why I have loved it from the beginning.

PA207898

On top of the little cabinet – an upturned bowl, topped with my yellow hen-on-the-nest dish.

PA207960

Around the corner – oh my! The yellow quilt was the inspiration for the ‘yellow’ display.

PA207909

As I entered the room I immediately saw one of my biggest yellow bowls that was layered on top of one of my favorites.

PA207901

Turning around, a closer look at the mantle made me smile. The yellow and white cream pitcher and sugar bowl are mine. And the swans are mine, too. The big swan is a little vase – the smaller swans are candleholders. Look at that teapot! Wonder why it’s not mine. Hmmm, I’ll have to keep my eyes open for one just like it.

PA207906

PA207907

So many other things to see upstairs. I will show you some of them tomorrow. Then, down the stairs and into the dining room, we found more of my collection.

PA207939

PA207935

PA207941

PA207940

PA207932

PA207934

I saw my yellow glass collection through ‘new’ eyes – and I appreciate what I have more than ever before. You might be surprised to know that all of these pieces have been stored away, packed in boxes, in my garage. I didn’t take anything that is on display in my home. I don’t have room for it all in my little house. I know – how can that be? How can I pack it away where it can’t be seen? Something needs to change here! I have the perfect solution – a mansion. I need a mansion – a big, old, beautiful, Victorian mansion! Yes, I believe that’s what needs to happen. When it does, you will be the first to know! And you will be welcome to visit anytime.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Song Of Thanksgiving

P9097543 The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28:7

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Life On The Lake

A long time ago – when my children were quite young – we heard of a place that became a favorite vacation spot for our family. Loon Lake was more than we imagined. It's a beautiful lake, a few miles inland from the Southern Oregon Coast. It's protected from the winds and fog of the coast and it offers milder temperatures. There were many times when the weather on the coast was wet and windy but as we turned toward the lake the weather began to change. The lake is set among soaring Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Red Cedar trees and is a favorite for local deer and wildlife. It’s a peaceful escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.

P9107762

The lake was formed over a thousand years ago when a major landslide in the coast range of western Oregon sent a mountainside of sandstone blocks into the valley below. The debris and house-size boulders came down into and across the deep, narrow river canyon. The resulting dam, combined with the annual rainfall, formed Loon Lake. Throughout the campground the huge boulders can be seen - in places they divide the area into section and form ‘walls’ between campsites – and they have provided a playground for generations of children. Mine included!

P9087446

The campground is owned by the Bureau of Land Management. It is a beautiful place to camp beside the lake. Every year many truckloads of clean sand are taken in to prepare the beach for summer activities.

P9107768

Pathways go along the edge of the lake and wander through the campground to provide access to quiet spots, waterfalls, fishing holes and private picnic spots.

P9087413

The trail beside our campsite led to the amphitheater where the ranger often shares stories, folklore, history and information about the wildlife. And sometimes the amphitheater hosts movie night. Under the stars! You have to take your own popcorn!

P9107769

Can you imagine how beautiful these trees must be in Autumn? I’m sure it’s a wonderland of color!

P9107782

We had not been back to Loon Lake for many years. We always talked about having a family campout there with our children and grandchildren. Since that hasn't happened yet, we jumped at the chance for the two of us to go back when we had the opportunity to include it in our vacation last month. Our first morning at the lake, my sweetheart took me for a ride in his little boat. It was a quiet day on the water and there was much to see.

P9087444

I was intrigued by the cabins and homes along the side of the lake. Some were big; some were small. I didn't remember any of them being there before. I tried to imagine what it would be like to own one of them and enjoy relaxing weekends and vacations at the water’s edge.

P9087449

I noticed this one as we approached. My first thought was that I wouldn’t want to climb all those stairs!

P9087450_01

But as we got closer. . .

P9087451

I saw the sign. And I knew I could do anything. . .

P9087451

If only I could finally have the sailboat I had dreamed of since childhood!

P9087453_01

It was a dream – and we laughed about it – and continued on - dreaming and wondering what life would be like if we had a place with a boat and a dock along the shore. I thought I’d seen it all until this one came into view. I couldn’t believe my eyes! What would it be like to spend weekends and vacations – or, perhaps, the whole summer here?

P9087456

There would be room for my children and my grandchildren and my dear, little mother – and my friends. There wasn’t just one guesthouse. There were three!

P9087458

We approached the other end of the lake and were ready to turn around. . .

P9087461

When my sweetheart saw her. A little deer, grazing at the edge of a campsite. She saw us there but didn’t seem to be concerned.

P9087462

We turned and headed back in the direction we had come. Back to our little home-away-from-home. Our little piece of the lake for a few days.

P9087463

P9087471

I thought perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me. I looked and there it was! A fairy-tale house. A house that could belong to someone right out of the pages of a book! A gnome home!

P9087483

When I ventured a guess and shared my thoughts with my sweetheart, he laughed and said I was silly – it was a rock! ‘Are you sure?’ I asked. ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘I think you’ve been in the sun too long!’

P9087489_01

It wasn’t long before we could see the beach near our campsite again. What a gorgeous day we'd had to cruise on the lake.

P9087493

P9107767

Up the trail – and home again. . .

P9107783

Home to our little cabin-on-wheels.

P9087412

Now you know why my heart longs to return to the lake some October day when all the trees display their brilliant colors and the world is still and quiet. It will happen, I’m sure – I just wish it could be today!