Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Enjoying the simple pleasures


of fall...

This has been an amazingly beautiful September, with warm sunny days and cool evenings perfect for opening windows wide and curling up beneath the covers to sleep, usually with my dog Max at my side. I fall asleep to the serenade of crickets and katydids, along with late night drivers on my not-so-country road. This may seem quite ordinary, but one of the many feuds I lost with my husband on a regular basis was keeping the windows open, so I am appreciating the novelty of it right now.

I had an opportunity this weekend to take a leisurely ride out to the Artifacts Country Store in Melrose, NY for their annual harvest fest. Their store is a tiny gem out in the country, filled to the rafters with antiques and folk art crafts, much of which spills out onto their patio and beneath the trees that surround their lovely property. I enjoyed a cup of cider while watching the chipmunks scurry behind pumpkins and beneath the ground cover. Proprietors and artists Beth and Paul Cunningham have made their art a way of life, and it's a treat to be able to soak up some of their creativity. If you live in the Northeast, I encourage you to check them out.



I went there looking for little treasures, such as lavender sachets and vintage ornaments, of which there are many, but left with a wonderful table, handpainted by Paul, instead. I decided to use this piece in lieu of a coffee table, as I like to do a lot of my creating (and eating dinner) in the living room and the height is perfect if I pull it up to the sofa. Notice too the paper lamp in the background. My sister treated me to the lamp while we were on the Vineyard. I had no place to hang it, until I stumbled (literally) and so fortuitously upon that great stick from which is hangs. I am not sure if it is whimsical or just plain ridiculous, but for now it illuminates my evenings like a big green full moon!

6 comments:

DJ said...

Nice table and I think the lamp looks great on the stick. I LOVE having the windows open on fall nights, but I frequently lose on that one too. :)

Anonymous said...

It's funny, I noticed your puppy first, then the lamp, and then the table. I think the lamp is perfect (and so are the table and your cute little puppy)!

Happy Fall! (This is my favorite time of year!)

Laura said...

The lamp definitely is whimsical, not ridiculous! The table looks great!! I'm a windows closed (and sometimes electric heater on) person 'cause I'm usually cold.

Cindy Dean said...

Love the table, Love the lamp! I am glad to see that you are moving on with life! Keep those windows open!

bindu said...

Nice poem - did you write it? Like the warm colors in your living room - great idea to hang the lamp on a stick! Such a cute puppy!

ArtPropelled said...

The green moon is gorgeous!I'm a window open person too. Must have
fresh air.