Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Favorite Things at Home

Recently my daughter Chelsea and I took a photography class from professional photographer Lara Blair.

This morning I spent some time trying out my new skills by shooting a few of my favorite things around the house.

Love, love, love this cow! She was painted by artist Leah Anderson and hangs proudly above our mantel. The heavy finial with it's beautiful zinc gray and rusty patina was a Barn House splurge. Antlers are a constant favorite around here.


Next up is this cool industrial floor lamp purchased at a garage sale for $1.00! It's been re-wired and put to work as a reading lamp.


So very cool...
This old wooden rake speaks to me. Useful and beautiful. Hand crafted around 1914.



A big fatty service bell is a must have for any respectable household. Many children disguised as adults have enjoyed slamming their hand down on this thing!

Purchased from my sweet friends Kari and Kathryn of Manor Bourne
An old White House Cook Book is perfect with hand written notes scrawled inside the beautifully worn pages. It's a fascinating browse. Stewed Pigeon and Gooseberry Catsup are among the more interesting recipes.

White House Cookbook copyright 1902
Who knew plain old ivory soap could look so good?


Believe it or not this is a Goodwill find. Not one but two, yes a pair. A pair of gorgeous, vintage, mercury glass lamps for $25.
For. The. Pair.
Crazy!


We love our pond. Winter is it's best season. The water is full and clear making it possible to see all the way to the bottom. After a morning run we cruise by the pond and look for fish. 


We have lived in our home for nearly 17 years. Many country cats have called this place home too. The photo below is one of my very favorite things. If you look very closely you will see a narrow trail in the grass.  For some feline reason beyond human understanding our  country cats have carved this permanent path. Some are no longer with us but the path they created remains.


What stories do your favorite things have to tell?

9 comments:

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Those lamps are an amazing find.Simply Gorgeous! I passed up paintings of Leah's at Barn House often and wished I hadn't, now I don't know where to buy them and she never gets back to you.Darn! Thanks for sharing~Cheers Kim

WhiteWhispers2u said...

I will check out Thea's thanks for info.~Kim

joyce janes said...

Hi Laurie!
Thanks for sharing pictures of your beautiful home! Soo refreshing and inspiring!

joyce

Little Cottage said...

Awe & awe! Your house is great and I love the fact that you have found so many pieces for a song! Leah's painting is my secret crush <3
-Sylvi

Ellen said...

Your pictures are beautiful! I think my favorite thing is the cat path.... they are amazing little creatures, aren't they? :)

Lisa Johnson said...

So pretty! Those lamps were such a great find! Just wanted to let you know that I bought the last "Love" pillow from your booth. I just LOVE it! So happy to have one of your creations. See you Saturday!
XO
Lisa

Chelsea said...

Everything looks beautiful, Mom! Your photography is fantastic :)

Red Rose Alley said...

Hello,
I visited your blog today - I saw you on 'Wash, Fold, Put Away.' Your blog is so pretty, and there is a simplicity about it also. I love your photos. Me and my daughters started a blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you. Your blog is filled with beauty and peace, and I am leaving here today with a smile. I hope to hear from you, and have a lovely evening.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Junebug Furniture and Design said...

Hi Laurie,

Photos are beautiful...as always. So fun to take a class to understand the camera stuff...and with your daughter too. Have fun and hope to see you soon.

xox Glad & Cel