What inspires you? What makes you want to get off the sofa or abandon electronics?
To be honest, the older I get, the better the sofa looks. And yet, I have my moments.
There’s nothing like a trip to the quilt show or store to inspire sewing. The fabric junkie in me gets a little high surrounded by all those fabulous patterns and colors. The downside? We have zero quilt stores in my hood and quilt shows are anything but nearby. After the drive home, the sewing buzz has faded and the sofa looks better than ever—just long enough to relax a minute or several hours, possibly until bedtime.
In a similar manner, after a trip to the local nursery, a multitude of new plants and seed are certain to appear in the patio, waiting for new life in our garden. After all that fresh air, it might be a good idea to put my feet up for a little while. I can always plant tomorrow. Or the next day.
Here’s a planting I managed to tackle recently, a gift for a friend who likes trucks.
Succulents are so versatile, colorful and easy to grow.
I never used to procrastinate. I didn’t have time. Unfortunately, my husband’s habits seem to have worn off on me. Yet, I’ve found there’s one thing that propels me to action—curiosity.
As the above-listed activities involve shopping—the 21st Century equivalent of hunting and gathering—curiosity can be launched at a store.
For example, I recently found this unusual pressed glass piece at Barn and Charm, my favorite Newhall antique store.
It looks like a glass but the undulating lip rules out that possibility. I turned it over to find the price—reasonable—and a description. It’s a spooner.
Of course, I had to bring it home and do a little research. Spooners were part of a four-piece breakfast set that included a creamer, sugar and butter (dish). Is that not perfect? Here it is as originally intended.
Since spoons were the most versatile utensil, used at every sitting and tea, the spooner would be left sitting in the middle of the table in days gone by. Days before me, I never heard of it. I’ll have to find a way for one of my characters to use a spooner.
This charming dish could be utilized in other ways. The first thing that came to mind was a flower vase. What about serving cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving? Jelly beans at Easter? Croutons for salad? Jelly at breakfast? It would make an ideal votive holder. Can’t you see reflected light dancing around a table?
Non-shopping inspiration comes from old photographs and memorabilia. Here’s a postcard from my father-in-law’s photo album. He served in the army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu in the 1930s.
I wanted to see the Royal Hawaiian when I visited Honolulu. It’s buried in mega resorts and was difficult to find. It was completely charming. We stood on the beach near the awning, just as it appeared in the postcard. The Royal Hawaiian serves as an important location in the very long book I’m currently editing, my first literary effort.
I’ll never know who this beautiful lady is, but I had to share her picture. From her clothes and hat, I’d guess this photo is from the 20s.
I was intrigued by this doughboy since I have a story going about The Great War. I thought this picture was unlabeled until I noticed the subtle pencil marks that appear to make the name John Haines or Harnes. No luck finding anything out about John, then I found the photo below.
They look so alike until you notice that Henry Kirkgard is wearing glasses. I have no idea who he was either but had more luck with my research. There is a famous Henry Kirkgard, a football player from Texas. Then I found some info on a Henry Kirkgard from Montana. That must be our Henry because the photo album came from a great aunt who lived in Montana.
Henry was evidently an ambitious young man. He homesteaded in Montana at the tender age of 18. This certificate is signed by President Woodrow Wilson.
It looks like Henry didn’t make it through the war. The picture above had him at boot camp in July of 1918 and he was buried before the end of the year. Did he make it to Europe? Many soldiers died of influenza, never having fought. So Henry must remain a sad mystery.
But we can’t leave our blog on such a melancholy note. It’s autumn, my favorite season. I love the fall sunlight and colors. Holidays are right around the corner. And I found this darling ghost at Barn and Charm. When I saw his name-tag—Carl—I knew he had to come and live at my house. My husband’s name is Carl!
Hope you find your own inspiration amidst fall leaves and pumpkins.