the fourth spring

 

About four years ago, right around this time, I was at Kroger.

Out front, they had one of those seasonal plant displays — you know the kind, right alongside the overpriced ceramic pumpkins in the fall or all the beachy trinkets they roll out every summer.

Usually I walk right by that stuff.

The plants weren’t anything special.

But tucked in there, almost hidden, was a plastic bag with a small rose inside — labeled John Davis Climbing Rose.

I knew that rose. She’s a beauty.

I told myself no. I was there for groceries, not plants.

Got what I needed, went home, started putting everything away…

and I couldn’t stop thinking about that rose.

It was one of those moments where your gut doesn’t whisper — it shouts.

I googled the rose, read everything I could, and paced the backyard looking for a spot she might like.

I grabbed my keys and drove straight back.

And there she was, still waiting — one tiny green tendril poking out of that plastic bag.

This time, I didn’t hesitate.

I wasn’t there for groceries anymore.

I was there for her.

The advice said: don’t prune for the first three years.

Let her sprawl, climb, get wild.

I loved that idea — a little bit of feral tucked into the garden.

The first couple of years, she was shy.

The third year, she bloomed like she meant it.

And this spring, in year four, it was finally time to shape her a little — and wow, did she ever respond.

Now she’s nestled between the lilacs and the comfrey — full, wild, blooming like she’s always belonged here.

A small moment of listening, a few years of patience — and now, every time I walk outside in April, she reminds me.

When something calls to you:

buy the rose.

a table

Last year…

We have loved this table ! 

 

Last fall I dreamed of a new table.  Jeff and I went to the hardware store and picked out the boards/4x4* and got started building it.  I sealed the top with a finishing wax (pictured) and have really liked it.

 *plus one leg cut from a 4x4 section we already had. 

November days

I'm not sure where September and October went.  I have some photos from my favorite months of the year.  I tend not to pick favorites of things, not because I don't want to commit, but because it's too hard to choose.  I don't like to choose favorites.  The months of the year tho...that is an easy choice.  They say time fly's when you're having fun, and I guess that really is the truth.  One minute it was a hot August day and now here we are almost to mid November, what? I chose a few photos that captured the essence of the months.  Making cozy in the home. I changed out the light and airy, for the cozier fabrics and quilts.  I've made fried rice, pots of soup, chicken stock, coffee, tea and of course there has been knitting.   

There was also a soap making class~ what a fun time getting ready for and teaching a soap making workshop.  

~tina

details

 

Our home is pretty homespun, simple and not fancy.  It’s unique and we’ve been collecting pieces over the years to add - I like to focus on a few details in each room to keep things from being stale and add a bit of interest and charm.

In the kitchen I’ve used this very old wooden rectangle box in different ways.  I’ve used it to hold containers of coffee and now next to the sink to hold dish soap or towels.  It’s a charming old box taken from an old tool room that held cans and jars of old nails. The small copper chicken was a thrift store find. I think copper is at home in any style kitchen. 

We added this old hand carved mantle on top of our existing mantle last year.  We found it ripped from an old house nearby and discarded in a trash pile on the curb.  It adds a touch of ornate to an otherwise plain room. 

Baskets and crocks are details that can add interest and be very useful. I hide the dog food container in this antique crock right beside his food and water crocks.  Little things like this can make things look just a bit nicer. 

What are your favorite ways to add a little interest to your space?

~tina