Today, I decided I would find the perfect sideboard. I esty-ed. I e-bayed. No luck. In my mind's eye, I could see it. I just didn't know where to find it. Then, there it was on Facebook Marketplace in a town 50-something miles away that happens to be very near where I went to college decades ago. After exchanging messages with the seller, I drove off with a friend, hoping we'd measured correctly and the thing would fit in my car.
Turns out the sellers were selling because they're downsizing for a move to a traditional cottage in the Irish countryside. The sideboard belonged to his grandmother. The piece is Scottish, as she was. "I have thing for Scottish antiques" I told the wife.
"Me too," she said, without missing a beat as she elbowed her Scottish husband. I told them my heritage was half Scottish. And then, I don't know how it even came up, but it turns out the wife is on the faculty at the tiny college I attended all those years ago. Life is filled with weird luck sometimes.
I'm grateful for it. And for the blue skies here. And for peonies as big as dinner plates. And for the skyline that lights up my nights.
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| Mill ruins and stone arch bridge |
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| Coral peonies from the farmer's market |
This is exciting to read. I was just thinking of you, wondering when you were going to update us on the move. I love that you're half Scottish. I don't know why I didn't know that. I am 1/8th Scottish -- the Ross clan. In any case, that's a beautiful sideboard, and the new digs are going to be wonderful, I'm sure. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sideboard!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how disorienting a move like the one you've just made could be. Are you adjusting? Adapting? Do you miss the Pacific? The sound of gulls?
Yes. As Elizabeth said, keep us posted.
Oh, it's such a satisfying, long, cool, drink of water to have your words again. Love the sideboard. Love the connection you made--and may those folks be happy in their Scottish cottage. (Oooooh, the assonance!) No worries on the political front--your heart and mind are tuned in. Keep your hands busy unpacking as these amazing candidates start lighting backfires to put out the wildfire that's blazing. (Hoping you at least got to see the debates last night. So hopeful!)
ReplyDeleteIt's such a brave thing to move halfway across the country and into a whole different climate. I love your posts, your photos, seeing this new (old) place through your eyes. Thank you, and wishing the best for your settling-in.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures and beautiful writing as usual, Denise. So nice to hear about your move and resettling.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you have posted. That side board is beyond beautiful, how fortunate you are to have located it. The skyline is beautiful, as well. I hope you are content in your new place.
ReplyDeleteI love Minneapolis, love the Midwest with a heart-wrench. So glad you're home among beauty.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the Twin Cities! That's a lovely piece you found. Hope to see you sometime after you've settled in.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful serendipity. The sideboard is gorgeous. How different your views are now. I love that you see the beauty in seascapes and cityscapes, both.
ReplyDeleteYou're building your nest. It's important. I need my own place too, someplace that reflects me and that I can find peace in, especially with so much shit in the world, although I guess there's always been shit in the world and there have probably always been women building nests for themselves and their families.
ReplyDeleteThe sideboard is lovely. When the big guy and I moved into our house together we went out and bought an antique set for our dining room. I love it.