Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again.
--Jean Luc Picard
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Okay, this quote is a bit sentimental, but it does apply to my journeys when I drive to my place in Neskowin on the Oregon coast. The trip there and back is part of the experience of a beach weekend for me. When we first bought our place nearly 20 years ago, I had so many projects--decorating, painting and arranging--that I would always go a day or so ahead of my family.
I had only myself to please on these junkets and there were several different routes I could take. I loved to stop at my favorite shops, grocery stores, nurseries, outlet stores, restaurants, and antique malls on the way. I would buy foods, flowers, and supplies for the condo on the trip.
When I arrived, I would arrange flowers, plant things on the deck in pots and then set to "decorating". I faux painted--stripes in one bedroom, checkboarded the kitchen backsplash, sponged the bathrooms. I framed pictues, painted birdhouses, hung architectural fragments--on and on.
Now my condo is full up (unless I start changing the type of decor), but I still cling to the idea of the stops along my "journey". This past weekend was no exception.
I always start out by picking flowers in my garden at home if things are in bloom. Did I mention that my color scheme at my beach place is tone-on-tone browns, caramels, beiges, and creamy white? I only bring white or cream-colored flowers so the bleeding hearts (in the photo below) in my front garden were just for me to admire before I left.
I decided to take the route through Salem so I could go to State Street and take a peek in my favorite shops. I pass by the Wooden Shoe tulip fields on the way to I-5.
My first stop is at Ma Valise--a shop that is chock full of girlie things of every description--from clothing, hats, purses, jewlery to soaps, perfumes, tempting home accessories and delectable baby clothing. Pandora's box couldn't be more inviting--some of my favorite things have come from this shop in every price range.
The shop next door is equally fun. It is called the Arbor and carries garden ware, books, dishes, posters, home decor, and many, many small intriguing little gadgets that I am hard pressed to resist. I visit with Nan, one of the owners, and she tells me they have recently added Marimekko as one of their lines.
The rest of my trip is non-stop--just driving through the spring Oregon countryside. Did I mention that part of the "journey" is listening to my favorite books on CD? Right now I am into the #1 Ladies Detective Agency.
It is a 2-hour driving trip from my home to the coast, and always a joy to feel the sea air and smell the ocean. It matters not to me what the weather is doing there--I like it all-- rain, mist, storms, but of course, best of all is when the sun is shining. And my destination has been reached....
signing off.....
Gayle@starsantique.com
