I always like to spend time at the end of the year over at my Neskowin condo. It seems to clear my mind of all the fuzziness of the glitz and glitter (not that I don't love that too!!!) of the holiday season and help me to prepare my attitude for the coming new year.
The quietness is a tonic with just the roar of the ocean in the background, and life seems simpler there.
In my decor, I incorporate bits of nature--shells, sand dollars, bird's nests, and my favorite of all--heart -shaped rocks. This started when my grandson Aaron was young. We would walk on the edge of the surf during the low tides, and he would look for the rocks. There are some where you really have to squint to see the heart, but I could not disappoint.
Now years later, I have accumulated quite a few specimens, and I was thrilled to find a book about them to put next to my collection. I try to remember to document who found them, and the date they were found. Pictured below are some of the best ones.
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I had a former Stars employee, Molly Roth, paint one of my favorite quotes on an old architectural piece to hang in my guest room. It reads:
And all the loveliest things there be Come Simply so it seems to me.
--Edna St. Vincent Millay
I do believe that simple things are lovely, but, being the complicated person that I am (actually, aren't we all?), I love my "stuff" too. I really enjoy the hunt for my vintage treasures and antique furniture. And I really enjoy being surrounded by things that I believe to be beautiful. Some people might find this shallow, but in my heart, I know that I am only the custodian of the things I purchase. I can always sell my treasures (booth at Stars?) if I want a different look, or need to make room.
I have created some of my shell art myself, but the most beautiful pieces I have bought from others. The mirror below was bought years ago from Justin Burks at one of his famous sales. He had created the mirror for a condo he had at the Oregon coast. In the reflection in the mirror, you can see an old wrought iron piece bought at Stars and hung as a work of art.
I am enjoying the new year and all its possibilities. I don't really make resolutions any longer, but I have a continuing desire to be more organized. I may never reach that goal and I guess it's OK if I don't!!! I have accepted that my life is a work in progress.
Enough philosophizing for now.....
signing off....
Gayle@starsantique.com
