treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

treasured

This photo was taken as we walked the gravel road at sunset in Newfield, NY.  

When we reached the top of the hill some sort of medium sized animal leaped in front of me and then ran behind the barn.  It kind of squealed/shrieked as it went.  I wasn't looking in its direction when it first made its move, so I didn't see many features.  I feel like it was fox.  Others think coyote.  It was definitely a moment/noise/blur to remember. 

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

Our dear friends gave Chick a sweet little plum tree just after she was born.  It sat at their house during our move, and by the end of that autumn, it was barely alive with no leaves on it at all.  I remember sitting on their pavement steps, digging my nail into a branch unveiling a bit of green deep in the center.  In that green core, I saw a bit of hope,  and I was determined to make it healthy again.  For the past five or so years, we've given it compost and mulch and love.  Last year it flowered, but didn't produce fruit, and we were pretty sure it wasn't going to be a fruit bearing tree.  At first,  I was, admittedly, a bit disappointed, and I told the girls that what we have is an ornamental plum tree.  It is enough, though, - I remember thinking - just to have our almost dead tree have its deep green leaves arrive each season.

And, then kapow! This summer, our little friend decided to grow five plump, purple jewels.  They are the juiciest, sweetest snacks imaginable, and we are savoring each one.  These plums make me think about expectations and waiting and unexpected gifts.  It is kind of ridiculous that I was so surprised that our plum tree gave us plums.  Ah hem.   But, I was.  And, I think it is because I had stopped wanting anything from it -- except for what it was.  I had decided that a little green tree was enough for us.

I am reminded to be present in as many moments as possible during our days and to find beauty in what is -- instead of focusing on what could be.  This, I think, makes life's surprise treasures so much sweeter.

 xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

sunfish

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

The tide coming in during our New Hampshire seaside adventure.

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

This was Sophie and Chick's first official love fest. (Sophie is a bit of a scaredy cat)

Last night, after dinner, Chick approached her with a tinkling voice and quiet foot steps, and she began to look outside to see what Sophie was watching. After a bit of murmuring and nuzzles, I encouraged Chick to scratch behind Sophie's ears and at the base of her  little head.  Slowly, Sophie's cat eyes drooped and her body stretched into a straight narrow line.  They spent the next half hour snuggling and noticing each other.

July 19th, 2011 :: Chick learns to speak cat.   Hoorah !

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 

evening paint.

the colors matched the dusky trees and sky.

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 

 Fruit salad is my treasure on this steamy day. 

 

(and this thrifted Arcopal France bowl, which came with a nice, flat, white lid)

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

photograph by Ariana Inglese

Yesterday morning, Mouse and I visited our friends Ariana and James at Good Egg Farm.  We brought a brioche to share, and they set the table with sweetest strawberries and glasses of cold spiced iced tea.  After snack, we visited with their new lambs, which may be the most adorable creatures in the entire universe.  Truly.  Look at that wooly face!  Mouse and James fed them grain, stroked their wooly bodies, and had a nice hearty conversation about their digestive systems.  

After a short woodsy walk, some sand play, and coloring, it was time to go home.  And, as we drove down the hill back to town, we chatted about how nice it is to spend slow, warm, summer mornings with dear friends (and lambs). 

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

This was one of my Nanny's necklaces.

My wise Aunt recently said that it just dawned on her that Nanny is somewhere in love with how close she is holding me.  I have so many confusing, conflicting thoughts and ideas about death, but thinking about her in this way brings me comfort.

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 I found half of a robin's egg!  And let me just tell you - it is the most beautiful, deep shade of blue.

 

  I tried my best to capture the color with different lighting and backgrounds.  It is such a complex and moody shade of blue, though. I did my best.

Oh, the luck!  Mouse keeps telling people about "our robin's egg" when they come to visit.  It's like we won a contest and she wants to show off our fancy new thing - as if people are coming to the house just to see our half of a robin's egg.  Maybe they are?

Fly on by baby robin (when you're good and strong, of course)

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

 

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 

 

Yup.  It was definitely time to make a big jar of lemonade syrup.  I added just a few spoonfuls to a big glass of ice water, and it instantly felt like summer.  The girls downed theirs in like four gulps. 

 

Today has been one of those days that has felt long in a good way.  The hours have stretched on, making me feel like I still have time to get things done. 

Here is to a productive, lemony, hot and humid Wednesday.

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

  I found these pillow covers at a tag sale recently.  I love the old timey floral pattern with the washed out aqua and punchy lime green. 

 

 The fact that they zip shut is satisfying.  And, maybe the pillows will be less dusty?

 

Less dust and more flowers.  I'll take that.

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

These Italian canisters with wooden lids came from The Clawfoot Tub, a beautiful design and home wares shop in our downtown.  A good friend of mine gave me a gift certificate a few months ago, and I've been itching to visit.  After taking it all in, these nicely rounded jars with painted wooden lids called to me. 

Really, the true treasure was my slow pre-shop breakfast with lovely Ariana.  We ate eggs and crepes and talked about colors and broken cars and beautiful children. 

xo e

treasured: scarf 03

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 Today's beauty is a bright, spring gold and green original Vera Neumann.  As I was pressing it, with slow and steady iron sweeps, I gradually fell more and more in love. (I really did press it! I think it just likes to be creased.) There is something about the punchy pattern combined with its silky softness that makes me feel at ease.  Nanny totally busted this one out in the springtime.

It was made in Japan with hand rolled edging.

A real gem.

 

xo e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

I'm taking a tiny little break from my grandmother's scarves to show you this tin of buttons that was given to me by my friend, Karen, this past week.  We met at our usual pub (half-way between our towns) for dinner and a nice long catch-up session. One of Karen's superpowers is that she is the best treasure giver ever: she also gave me a huge bag of smooth river rocks, an old quilt top, and some tins.

 

This button tin and the buttons inside were from the collection of a dear friend of Karen's mother.   I've been feeling inspired just by the looking at the gold and sky blue and worn away spots on the tin. 

 

Thank you, Karen, for knowing that these would make me happy.

xo e

treasured: scarf 02

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

This is the second in the Nanny Ruth scarf series.  This smashing little number is definitely one of my favorites from the collection. I imagine that one of her friends bought it for her at Bloomingdale's in the early 70's.  I especially love the geometric medallion in the center.

It doesn't feel like pure silk, but it definitely is a silk blend of sorts.  The part that isn't silk actually makes it perfect for wearing in my hair because it makes it a bit rough and grippy, so it doesn't slip around.  

The designer is georgio di Sant Angelo, who was a New York textile artist in the late 1960s and 1970s. The internet tells me that he studied with Picasso for six months and had an apprenticeship with Disney before landing in New York where he made plastic jewelry and began his work in textile design. 

Happy Wednesday, you guys.

xo e

 

treasured: scarf 01

Each Wednesday (ahem) I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

Anyone who sees me on a regular basis knows that I wear a scarf in my hair quite often.  It's one of my things.    I have three favorites, which I tend to rotate through during the year until this past Sunday when my mom gave me a bag full of my Nanny's scarves.  I inherited every single one of her beautiful scarves, and she had so, so many.   My mom told me that people often gave them to her as gifts since she wore them so often.   When she did wear one, she'd tie it around her neck in that classic, but also kind of old timey, way - sometimes with a pin or brooch.

And, so I am going to show you some of my new old scarves in my treasured feature over the next few weeks.  Because I treasure these.  I really, really do.

I can tell this one is 100% silk just by touching it, but it doesn't have a tag or designer listed anywhere.  It is mostly teal green and red and pink.  I remember her wearing this in the springtime.  It is skinny and long, which makes it the perfect shape for a hair scarf. 

I'm a day late with Treasured because it is vacation week.  Enough said, right?

xo
e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

a little list of treasures from the week

an egg sandwich for dinner
6 1/2 mini pine cones in one load of laundry
some t-shirt orders made and delivered (see above)
a note left on my desk:  "i love u, i love u, i love u, i love u"
watching Chick and our next door neighbor climb the trees outside of my office window
quesadilla picnic in the backyard
red stripey pajama pants from the Salvy
and, a bit of good health related news for a loved one

happy wednesday.

with love.
e

treasured

Each Wednesday I post about some sort of treasure I found during the past week. It might be thrifted or found on a walk or whispered in my ear or discovered on a dark shelf in the basement. Something. Anything that makes me feel lucky and thankful. It doesn't necessarily have to make its way home with me - it just has to be noticed. The idea is for it to cost very little and feel very big. After all, this isn't about acquiring new things; it is about paying better attention to the world around me.

If you discovered a treasure this week (a new friend, a snow fairy, a fancy dish at the thrift store, a bird's nest) please do share it, as well as any links, in the comments section below.

*****

 

 

A new (to me) vintage springy treasure.  

And, look at the shadow is it casting on my desk as I type.

Green and white vintage graphic glass, I think I love you.

 

xo e