Friday 13 February 2009

Making room for the sunlight



Last Friday, on a cold, wet and grey day, much like today, a couple of friends came for lunch. One of my friends gave me this lovely bunch of spring flowers. A week on and they are still smiling at me on the kitchen table, (the flowers, not my friends). You can't help but smile back when you see a pot full of spring sunshine welcoming you into a room.



Late yesterday afternoon Little Sister and I had to walk into town. Just a couple of weeks ago at 5.30pm the streets would have been dark and silent, but yesterday dusk was just beginning to fall and in the trees was the undeniable sound of birds singing!!! (If you click on the above image, you should see the loveliest mug that Little Sister bought for her daddy). Little Sister told me that the birds were waking up (just like the Moomins in the books we're reading) and it's so good to know that Spring is in our grasp. The weather may be pants, the temperature may be cold but there is no denying that things are changing.



So fast forward to this Friday - the weather is grey again but we have been lucky enough to have had some beautifully sunny mornings and early afternoons here. Bitterly cold, but sunny. Just right for taking photos. Some corners of my home that enjoyed the rays this week.



Last year on the way back from school, I saw a builder just dumping this mirror in a skip. I asked him if I could have it and he looked at me dubiously when he saw that I didn't have a car with me. But hey. there is nothing like the strength of a woman in possession of a new/old mirror is there? I clambered home up the 100 or so steps with my treasure wrapped in my arms. Ten minutes to get it home, eight months to paint!!!



it now sits, freshly painted on my dressing table. It's height works well in the room as we have tall ceilings and it is a long room.



Of course it meant that everything else had to be rearranged and freshly dusted and Mr Roses muttered something about never being able to find anything,... but I'm pleased with the results.
I am not a vain person, these days I hardly look in the mirror for fear of what might greet me, but I cannot believe the amount of mirrors we have in our bedroom ...



The pink mirror that was originally on the dressing table is now at the other end of the room on the chest of drawers and I found one of our cats sitting on a mirrored (!) box of drawers gazing out into the garden with her head bathed in warm sunlight (isn't it amazing just how small they can make themselves to fit into a warm sunny spot).



I have also finally managed to frame and mount the piece of vintage fabric that I found for my kitchen. It fits the space so well and always reminds me of happy days on the Downs whenever I walk past it.



A few weeks ago I had a giveaway - the lovely winner was Lou. A couple of days ago there was a knock at the door and a postman standing there with a very big parcel for me. As it just happened to be the day that Mr Roses was home from work I did panic, frantically rethinking what I'd been buying on the internet!!!! Well M hovered over my shoulder and with hands shaking I opened the box and found this treasure trove of loveliness!



A thank you from Lou for my giveaway prizes! Such a sweet, generous, kind and unprompted gift. I have spent some time this morning arranging my goodies around the house and smiling.
Hope some sunlight crosses your path this weekend.



x

92 comments:

Sue said...

What a lovely uplifting post! Your pictures are gorgeous too.

Sue xx

Louise said...

What a wonderful find your mirror was! I have to admit to crossing the road or slowing the car past skips to peer in - I'm such a 'treasure hunter' (unsuccessful so far but you just never know!)

I love the piccy with your cat suitably arranged to soak up that shaft of sunlight!

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Beautiful post.
I am enjoying seeing daylight on my early morning trainride to work! Also enjoying the lighter evenings for walks along the canal. Still mighty cold though, but I kind of like that combination.

LissyLou said...

A great post. i really enjoyed seeing your things. xx

Lesley (Notesfrommydays) said...

what a lovely post it really me smile and love all the colour :-) fab mirror find but loving the pink one especially how gorgeous !
very nice of Lou to send such fab goodies she is lovely :-)
Lesleyx

Simone said...

Such a joyful post! There is so much that makes me happy about this post, the spring flowers, the sunshine, the thought of your superwoman strength carrying home the mirror, your beautiful house (love the bedroom chair) your cat making himself small to fit on the mirrored box, birds singing and the lovely gift you received for having a giveaway! I wish you and your family a happy and sunny weekend.

Unknown said...

So many lovely sunny corners bringing cheer to my screen on a grey day.

Niki Fretwell said...

What a delightful little wander about your pretty home, Kim!

Your free mirror is perfect - isn't is amazing what some will throw away - but your good fortune this time...
And your cat sat on the mirrored box - so adorable!

Have a fab weekend,
Niki

Shirl said...

Lovely, lovely piccies. I so hope that spring is around the corner. It's been a long winter!

April said...

Hi, i've given you an award, please check it out

April xx

Emma Herian said...

A girl can't get enough mirrors my dear, and seeing as there are a few of you in the house, more is required!
Have a sunny weekend, maybe go for a walk next week with the munchkins.
Emx

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

What a beautiful mirror, Kim! Good thing you brought it home... it's a perfect fit! I, too, long for Spring. We've had tiny teases of it here, including two visits from a few bluebirds! Happy Valentine's Day! =)

prettyshabby said...

I only noticed today whilst gardening that there were more birds singing, it's so lovely to hear them again.
I really love the look of your house Kim..so calm and pretty and that mirror was a fab find!

Shabby Chick said...

That was a great post to read and the pictures were lovely. That fabric looks excellent in the kitchen. How nice to Lou to send you those gorgeous goodies!

Mel xxx

Kitsch and Curious said...

This post (and the previous one) is wonderful. So many beautiful things and lovely words!

And how lovely of Lou - she was my valentine swap partner and I got a wonderful parcel from her this week too. She's been a busy bee!

Gigibird said...

Cornish Ware coffee pot envy!!

Wonderful skip find.....

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I think the best things in life are worth waiting for and your lovely mirror looks all the better for waiting for it's moment to adorn your dressing table.
I love the serenity of your home... fancy a house swap?
I spotted some snowdrops and hellebores in the garden today.. the first true sign that things are a changing...
Have a wonderful weekend Mrs Roses..
Dxx

meggie said...

As always Kim, a lovely post.
I do love your mirror! It is even nicer, when I read the story behind it!
Love those beautiful spring flowers too!

Curlew Country said...

Gosh I enjoyed this lovley post so much! You're room is so elegant and pretty, I'm in awe.

What a lovely gift too.

I dore your mirror. I hunted high and low for bevelled mirror last spring and was thrilled to get one for just £7. Thing is - it's still under my bed. Appalling!
Have a smashing weekend.
Stephx

Sal said...

I adore your mirror..what a fortunate find!! Your home looks lovely..very peaceful!
Have a great weekend ;-)

A time to dance said...

Good morning...what lovely pictures...your home looks beautiful.....I am glad I am not the only scavenger...I am always lifting things out of skips...happy weekend...H

Gill said...

Lovely post Kim, what a lucky find that mirror was, hard to believe someone would throw it out...they mustn't have our good taste in all things vintage. I've noticed the longer days this week, there's a hint of Spring on it's way thank goodness.
Your bedroom looks so pretty, I've been thinking about painting my floorboards too (currently stained), it makes the room look much lighter, but what a job! Not sure where to start!Enjoy your half-term, I'm sure you have nice things planned with your family.

julie said...

what a beautiful home you have.

It's lovely to hear the birds singing isn't it - I've just noticed it this week too - and that the evenings are getting distinctly lighter. Now someone just needs to tell the weather that we're edging closer to spring and it'll be perfect !! x

French Knots said...

Dusk arriving later really does make a difference doesn't it, I hate those days that never really get light and are dark by 3pm.
Lovely pictures!

Tracy said...

I love the title of this post alone, Kim...But so much loveliness in all--a real breath of spring! Your spruced-up pieces are always such fun to see. Wishing you & yours the Happiest Valentine's weekend! May it be rosy with love & fun. Hubby & I tend to celebrate quietly too. And as it is soooo cold here, we're not venturing out--LOL! We'll make a special dinner, a little wine, a film...After a busy week time together is a great gift. :o) ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Beautiful mirror, Kim! You never know when you'll come across that perfect find.

xo,
Lynda

Heidi said...

Happy Valentine's Day Kim! I love your revamped mirror. It looks fabulous in your pretty bedroom. My favorite is the handsome kitty sitting perched atop the little mirrored chest. How does a cat manage to sit elegantly no matter how small a space...lol! The vintage fabric looks just perfect in the frame. What a nice addition to your kitchen.

Hugs ~
Heidi

Thimbleanna said...

What beautiful lovelies you have. Isn't it nice that the days are getting longer? I've been hearing the birds sing too -- won't be long now!

jo said...

I love waking up to the sound of the birds, it's so uplifting.

Janette said...

hello, its lovely to see the beginning of spring isn't it. I really love your jug of flowers so very cheery.
xx

Felicia said...

I enjoyed your decorating projects. And I can relate to you lugging home that discarded mirror ;)

Margaret Cloud said...

You have such a lovely home, I don't blame you for taking the mirror, it was in good shape and not a chip or crack, thanks for sharing your photos.

Gone to Earth said...

I agree with you I think spring is on it's way, the birds are singing, the hares are running around like mad things and the days are definately getting longer.

Love the mirror you rescued and that was a lovely collection of goodies you received from Lou. Lets hope the sun comes out this week and chases the last of the ice away.

Betty said...

Your home is so pretty and inviting Kim. I love the picture of the cat gazing out the window. It's beginning to look like spring time here too. My favorite time of the year!!

Sea Angels said...

Oooh Nice week I am pleased you found your mirror, how lovely I love to see item resucued and restored with a new home xxx
Your pressies are fabulous and the flowers have brightened me up, as have your lovely words Kim
Thankyou
Hugs Lynn xx

Pondside said...

Aren't spring flowers just the most welcome gift? They are starting to appear in the market here but they're not local as it isn't yet warm enough here.
Congratulations on finishing the mirror - now you'll have to find another project!

Indigo Blue said...

Been lurking and thought I would say hello. Sounds like you have more than made the best of our half-term time. Hopefully Easter will be a bit brighter. Love your dressing table! Vert fresh looking in white.

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