When we bought this house three years ago we got an added bonus with a finished basement. It's a 1964 brick rancher that had all we needed on one level, which was the requirement. So the basement became my husband's domain with his office, a storage room for him and one for me. It also has a large living space for a big screen TV and fireplace, bath and exercise area. The stairs are easy to navigate, unlike what we had before which were terribly steep and daunting. I was thrilled to have a lower level and the storage; even better because I didn't have to visit it each and every day.
I say all of that because it explains why over this last 6 months since my back surgery, I haven't made my storage room any kind of a priority. Can you guess where I'm going with this? Actually, all my decor goodies have spilled out into the main area and I've put off doing a clean up and reorganizing because it was just easier to see it land somewhere close to the bottom of the stairs. My husband is easy going and doesn't get bent out of shape with things like that. He's not messy, but thankfully he tolerates it in others.
But yesterday I asked him to give me some help in trying to get things put away and back to some sort of normalcy in my area. Well, it didn't take that long, I just needed some motivation and an extra set of hands. I was rewarded with finding a few items that had been hiding, and while digging through some boxes I found a very old framed print that I've never shared here on the blog before.
The original frame is in terrible shape, but it is so charming and is perfect for these cold and blustery days of January. It's also an odd shape and size, so it doesn't lend itself to be displayed easily. When I came across it again yesterday I was determined to find a spot for it, even if temporary. It worked here on the vintage etagere top shelf. I added a white snow rabbit, pinecones and a faux mini tree to create a little winter vignette.
My asparagus fern loves it out here in the Garden Room getting light from the south and east. It's big and a little messy and requires a weekly clean up with my Dust Buster. I still have my old Botanical window propped up behind the plant stand. The bottom shelf has a wine crate filled with garden peat pots and a few old tools. I've admitted that bottom shelves tend to be a catch all for me. Is there a "Shelves Anonymous"?
I usually wait till Easter and Spring before I bring out the rabbits, but this little guy seemed perfect for this time of year. Looking out the windows we're seeing the same view as the print/watercolor. Snow a few days ago has melted a bit, but it's still cold and dreary and makes you happy to be inside with a blanket and something warm to sip.
I love to view a painting as a "story" and tend to make up my own little scenarios about them. This sepia toned piece shows a couple of youngsters with sleds and toboggans with a church and village in the background. I can't make out the signature, so I don't have any background on it.
More houseplants winter here on the sofa table under the windows.
It's also the perfect spot for a candle where one seems to be burning everyday.
What are you up to, staying warm I hope.
Hope things are going well and you're having a cozy winter day.
We hope you'll come by on Monday evenings for the party.
joining in here:
Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda,
All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur
Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur
Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode, Share Your Style at French Ethereal
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage
Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home,
Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,
Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique,
Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge
It is a great picture. Looks great with your live plants and other vintage pieces. Stay warm. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteI covet your picture. The frame is like me, showing its age.
ReplyDeleteGlenda
I had to laugh at your 'annonymous' comment. For some reason I have always had shelves, with door cabinets below them...lol. So, I have annonymous cabinets...for my annonymous stuff. Hugs to you for tackling the 'room'...here it is fondly called the 'dungeon'! Grins, fun post! Sandi
ReplyDeleteOh, so pretty ! We used to have an unfinished basement and that was my decoration area. The steps were ok, but we downsized and now have an apartment. I keep the "basics" in a huge guest room closet and this week tried to get that area organized. We have a storage cage right in front of ou underground parking space and I have a tote ( almost all color coordinated) for each holiday/season. Did a BIG clean up of that after Christmas and now everytime we pull into our space I have to say, outloud - "doesn't that look SO much better?" Have a great new year !
ReplyDeleteHi Debra! Oh, that picture is just so sweet and so wintery! I just love seeing what you put together! I'm so sorry you had to have back surgery and pray you're doing well. I have a friend who has just gone through back surgery! Anyway, I'm a little jealous that you have a basement. We had one when we lived in New York and it was so wonderful for all of my things! Now we have a three car garage of sorts and the little 3rd area is 'my space'. I call it my basement! Hope you had a nice Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Ooh, I love that print! Perfect for this winter season. I can't believe how good your asparagus fern looks, Debra. Dandles are something I can't burn because of Mr. P.'s sensitivity, but I do leave fragrant candle tins open for a light and fresh fragrance. I'm getting my winter cozy on here in the house, but it has a lot of blank space!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fresh & perfect for winter. Love the picture and all your plants. XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteWell I just love everything about that winter print. Including the frame. It has such romance and such nostalgia. Draws you in. I always love your garden themed vignettes too. Your corner shelf hits all the right notes for me.
ReplyDeleteThe best part of organizing a basement or storage is finding forgotten junkin' finds! That picture is just perfect for January. Love it!
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteLove that print!! So pretty and charming and the frame is just delightful! I always love seeing your garden Room...I to am decorating for Winter as it has definitely make an appearance here in NEPA with first 2 inches of snow, 1/4 inch of ice and now it is 8 degrees outside!! Thanks so much for your visit and kind words!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Debra, I envy your own storage room. I have storage closets, and they are out of space. I confess that I'm still putting away Christmas things. My guest room is a mess. As you say, all that is needed is a bit of motivation. Kudos to you for getting it done! I hope to follow your example tomorrow! I think your white bunny is perfect for now.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely little piece of sepia art! Love the sledders! Perfect
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to have that vintage winter print. I've missed out on a few over the years because I get cold feet and don't bring them home:( Yes, I kick myself later. Love the gold frame as well. Your winter vignettes are, as usual, lovely! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
ReplyDeleteThat print is a treasure! The colors, the shape the scene - I love it!!
ReplyDelete