Faded and Broken

I started collecting vintage teacups a few years ago.  I don't have very many because I don't buy one just for the sake of buying it.  A teacup has to speak to me.  I'm drawn to delicate china, roses, unique and different shapes, and the sheer beauty of it.  If it makes me happy to gaze upon it and hold it in my hand, it will come home with me!

As much as I love my teacups, I realize they are just things.  Beautiful things that make me happy, but not important in the grand scheme of things.  But when Michael bumped the buffet and I heard the sound of china breaking, I held my breath.  He turned and looked at me and told me he was sorry as he picked up the broken pieces.  I think my heart broke a little when I saw it, and I admit to shedding a tear or two.

I thought the broken pieces were still beautiful and so were the dying and faded roses on the dining room table.  It made me think of how we as women can go through some pretty tough times during our life.  Events that can leave us feeling broken or feeling like we're dying inside.  Broken hearts, broken spirits, broken relationships.  Even though that's how we feel, those pieces are still just as beautiful as they were when they were whole.  After we've healed and put the pieces back together, I think we're even more beautiful because the brokeness and feelings of having died a little bit, makes us stronger and wiser.


  

It Was Wonderful and It Was Awful

It has been close to a year and a half since the last time I went to my favorite antique mall.  My favorite bloggers have been thrifting and junking and flea marketing and antiquing while I oohed and aahed and drooled over their fabulous finds.  I was thrilled when they scored magnificent treasures, but I longed to go and score my own booty too.

While visiting my daughter a couple of weeks ago, my knee was feeling pretty good, so we decided to hit the antique mall.  It was wonderful and awful at the same time!  Wonderful to be among the beautiful old things again and awful because I just couldn't walk and stand very long.  With a lot of stopping and sitting and resting,  I made it through about two thirds of the first floor.  It was wonderful because I could do that much and awful because I couldn't do it all.

I did score my own treasure in just two thirds of one floor though!  Those little pink bows all around the teacup and saucer just endeared themselves to me.  I couldn't leave it on the shelf.  Maybe I'll give it to Shylee when she is older.  And then there was the lace.  A big bag full of beautiful cotton, crocheted, and assorted laces and trims.  Even three adorable garden glove appliques.  Wouldn't they be perfect on a gardening apron?  The last find was a bag of vintage embroidery transfers.  I was so very excited to find these because they are the first ones I've found.  If my knee had cooperated, I would have done a happy dance right there in the booth.

It was wonderful to be in the antique mall and find wonderful treasures again.  It was awful because I know there was more to find, lol.   However, it was very good for the soul!

What have you experienced lately that was wonderful?  Or awful?

Happy Friday!

xo Annette xo

I Couldn't Resist Any Longer

If you were to come visit me, you would see that I have many collections.  One of the more recent collections I started is teacups.  I love the delicate china and the beautiful roses and flowers that adorn so many of the cups.  I resisted buying them for many years because I just didn't need something else to keep up with.  If you collect anything at all, you know what I'm talking about.  When I came across this one, I couldn't resist any longer!  It really was calling out to me!

Those little feet and the stunning roses were irresistible.  I decided if I was going to start this collection, I would only buy unusual ones that truly gave me pleasure to look at.  Some are old that were found in antique shops, and some are new.  But each and every one of them truly make me happy!

Are you wondering about this one?  It's not my style and I wouldn't have chosen it myself, but I find it very inspiring!  My daughter gave this one to me for Christmas and I just love it!  

What do you have a hard time resisting?

I'm joining My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.