Pack it Up

Any way you pack them or stack them --

vintage luggage is simply gorgeous.

I love the way they look, and of course, that they are old and have history -- they fill my mind immediately with the images of old sepia photos, train stations, linen clothing and floppy hats and red lipstick.

I could spend hours on end with this vintage luggage on Ellis Island -- going through it piece by piece, wondering what their history is --

What stories

they have

to

tell

I love how the original tones and shades vary-- and how time and the elements have
weathered
them


... the distinct and differing textures - original and from wear and tear



Where have they traveled? What have they seen?



What sort of secrets do they hold?

I've been looking for just the right ones to use as a side table next to the sofa in the Guesthouse. I thought it would not only look great, but it would be a nice tie-in to the fact that many miles were traveled to arrive. But, like everything recently in Museville, it's proving to be more difficult than I initially thought.

I started thinking what type and style of vintage luggage I wanted.

The possibilities (in theory) are truly endless --

You could choose similar types and colors for your stack...

Or you could be highly organized and tidy and choose the same style but in different sizes...

And some are the type that want an exact match.

Me? I like to mix it up -

This stack is

fabulous.

I am crazy about this piece below- The luggage is beautiful and accessories are perfect. ... the stand that it's sitting on? Not loving that.

I'm happier now that I really do have a game plan and a vision for Museville - from the big things to the small, it much more cohesive in my mind -- it's actually starting to feel like home, and as crazy as this all has been, it makes me really never want to move again. At least not for a long time.

So... a stack of suitcases have been added to my long and always growing list and the hunt continues --

I did find these lovelies from the UK on ebay this week--

... Now, don't you go and bid against me!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo
photos from flickr, google & ebay

Purple Rain...

Nothing heralds in the Seasons around here better or quite as beautiful - no, make that magical -- as the Jacaranda Tree

Poor Tired Husband, hailing from a land of 4 obvious seasons, likes to harp that there are no seasons out here - I shrug and reply that he's simply not paying close enough attention.

Each and every Spring, the moon sets on a winter-bare Jacaranda dressed in only her graceful skeletal branches and when the sun rises, she is donning a stunning Spring robe of lightly scented delicate purple flowers -

It is my favorite flowering tree here in my little world...

And lucky for me -- they are everywhere I look and go.

They turn the local scenery into living Art...

And the beauty turns my knees to jelly.

My heart beats faster, my step is lighter --

Spring most assuredly sprung and Summer is on her way in --
(are you paying attention there, Poor Tired Husband?)


Fragile, and fleeting like Spring always seems to be -



The fickle flower filled tree discards her Spring robe


Descending to the Earth, the petals lay a carpet like no other ...

So many see it as nothing more than a mess --

I don't share that sentiment.

I am completely smitten by the ethereal quality

and other-worldly beauty

of the carpet of fallen blossoms

It is simply gorgeous -

and a true testament to how short the time is

that they, and Spring, grace us

with their beauty.

As quickly as they arrived -- they're gone again --

Pods replace the flowers... and lush green leaves sprout and grow -- taking their turn as the new dress of the Jacaranda ...

Pushing the last purple to the wind ...

Green will soon be the the color of the day ...

The limbs -- once bare, and then filligreed with soft purple flowers will soon be heavily laden with lush foliage...

Offering a nice dappled shade -- the perfect place to read or nap -- The Jacaranda will offer respite from the blazing sun all summer long.

So, just like day follows night, the seasons pass -

Spring is dancing one of her last beautiful dances of the year--

*

Leaving behind a trail of purple rain to remember her by ...

Hide and Seek...

I have been crushing on hides and pelts for so long - and I must admit that I do so want a soft fur to throw over a chair ... or two ... and a hide for the floor --

My toes curl just thinking about walking over this barefoot -- The soft fur against those rough hewn floors is such a fabulous and stark contrast of textures, and yet it is an integral part of the perfect harmony in the simple color palette which is made up of only brown and white.

I absolutely love this space.

There are always the faux furs, hides, and pelts -- but they don't hold that same wild lure or primal luxury... I really can't articulate exactly why I love the real McCoy so much, but I do. (Poor Tired Husband, please don't hate me!)

It's that intriguing juxtaposition of rustic and elegant again -- and like the song of a siren, I'm rendered helpless and can't resist its beauty.

-- the hides sure do play a fabulous role in that undeniably lovely combination...


I love the black stripe down the back of this one and white edging -- this hide, at least to me, is such a surprise to see in a traditional sort of setting -- I can't help but love it.

Looking the other way in this room, it doesn't seem like the same house to me -- The chippy pot is beautifu and looks great with the hidel. I would love to have that in my own home.

And, here's this photo I've shown before -- I just can't help myself - the furs on the back of these chairs just sing out - come curl up here and nestle in to this soft and luxurious fur!

See, Judy over at Atlantis Home knows what I'm talking about. How great is her living room with fur, hides, rustic woods and elegant chairs? Yum!

So, another thing moves from what I love from afar and gets added to my seeking list --
hides!

... I think I just heard my credit card weep.

Photos 1-4 1st Option London Photos 5-6 Oak Mgmt Photo 7 HG Aust. Photo 8 Judy Aldridge's home via Atlantis home