Sunday, October 28, 2018

Parting is such sweet sorrow . . .


I love Little Man (an expensive splurge), but I always felt that he was really more my sister's style so a few months ago I wrapped him up and we parted ways.


 Little Man looks right at home at my sister's house.


I like the "sweet" part of the line because it made me truly happy to see Little Man sitting serenely in my sister's morning room when I visited last week.


I know my dear friend Susan felt the same way when she wrapped up this beautiful vase to give me as a "bathroom completion" gift - she was the one who recommended our wonderful contractor.


What makes this vase so special is the story behind it.


Susan purchased it in the early 80's when she was teaching in West Berlin and she recounted stories of going through Checkpoint Charlie with friends to enter East Berlin to shop and dine.


But like me seeing Little Man at my sister's house, Susan knows when she visits that the beautiful vase will be on display.


Susan has no blue in her house which is why she thought of me not only with the vase, but also a beautiful linen tablecloth that belonged to her mother.


Rather than sitting forgotten in a cupboard, the items are loved - this is a pic from December 2016 when Susan first gave me the tablecloth.


And here it is out on the beach for a tea party last spring.


So many of you are talking about simplifying and purging and the difficulty of letting go, but I challenge you to part with something like sweet Rita of Panoply did when she sent me these gorgeous linens


or May Alice of Chateau Chic when she parted with the fabulous sugar bowl I use as a vase.


 I hope Linda of @linsals, who sent me the beautiful beach pail painting, enjoys seeing it on display in my She Shed.


I promise you, the parting is sweet and it's one less thing to dust!

26 comments:

  1. As we begin to pare down I enjoy seeing others love and use my things. I have some young friends who love vintage, and that's me! Podso

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  2. Carol, Loving a piece is one thing, but loving it and seeing someone else love it also...even better. It's good to share things we love. I really enjoyed the beautiful beach shot. The painting of the sand pails is pretty too. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  3. I have the hardest time giving up things, but you're right about gifting those things to someone else :)

    xo,
    rue

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  4. It is perfect in your sisters home! I must say passing things on to others who will enjoy them is fun and very joyful!

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  5. Little Man looks relaxed and happy in his new home and I like the pieces you have added to your decor. It's extra nice when things have a story of gifting behind them.

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  6. Great post!! It does feel good to pass on sweet treasures that you know a friend will enjoy!!

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  7. Little man looks so zen like and I'm sure your sister will think of you each time she looks at his peaceful face :)
    Sweet post and thank you again for the sweet bathroom sign.
    Connie :)

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  8. I love that little man! But you lost me at the linens!!!! I love vintage style linens!!! Lovely photos you have here too. I found you through The Crafty home cottage blog and im enjoying it. Come visit me sometime!
    Lisa

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  9. What's so great about those things gifted to you is that they look right at home! Sometimes they just don't go. I recently sent a box of red things to a blogging friend who has red in her home, which I don't. It felt good to let go and to give things away.

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  10. I know how much you loved little man but knowing he is in a new place and loved as much as you loved him is so sweet and heartwarming. The vase is beautiful and the story behind it. I think this is the best way to purge. If you loved it and know of someone that will love it as much as you did then it makes letting go so much easier.
    Happy New Week.
    Kris

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  11. WOW!!!!!! How perfect the trade-off is here, Carol! Little Man looks great in your sister's décor while the blue vase and tablecloth look absolutely perfect in your area. The blues are your best bet since your home is a beach cottage, trimmed in blue. Oh how these colors make me happy!

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  12. It looks like the little man found a wonderful home at your sister's house. I love the pretty blue accents in your cottage, too!!! Have a wonderful week!

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  13. Sometimes regifting things to loved ones is the best kind of gift of all.

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  14. Enjoyed seeing and reading the story with this post. When you know something is not right for your home. Give it another knowing they will take joy in having treasures you love but don't work in your decor. Makes for good souls. The person gives the piece love in their home and you give another joy. Win win for all

    Enjoy your day

    Cindy

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  15. A very interesting post. Great photos. Have a blessed day and a wonderful week. Madeline

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  16. Awe...that vase is so pretty but I am partial to blue and white. Love your pictures too. I will pop over to Rita's for her read. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  17. That blue and white vase fits into your decor quite perfectly!
    Brenda

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  18. What a joy it is to both give and to see a gracious recipient like you, Carol. Wonderful treasure to your sister, and all the gifts you've received in return. Love the vase and how striking the Mexican sunflowers are in it.

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  19. It's wonderful when a friend or sister knows you well enough to give you something you will treasure more than they will. A lovely post, Carol, full of thoughtfulness and beauty.

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  20. Your friend Susan's is a gift of life. It is wonderful when we receive gifts from friends. Today I received a surprise gift from a blogging friend and her son! I'm in the process of weeding out becasue this small home is overflowing with too much stuff. I've been thinking of gifting much of it. Love the blue vase and linens. You and really do love our linens!

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  21. Beautiful post. Parting with something you cherish is so difficult, but look at how much you've shared and how much has been shared with you! Wonderful!

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  22. I did find during last year's downsizing effort that the items I gave away to friends gave me a warmer feeling than those which I felt like I was discarding when I placed them in the Goodwill box hoping they'd find a happy home.

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  23. I like to do that too.. gift something I've had that has been sitting hidden in the china hutch. Most of the people I know though, are older like me, and have way too much stuff already (like I do)!!!! I did give a beautiful cut glass bowl that I had to my nephew and his wife when they got married a couple of years ago. It belonged to my aunt (his great aunt) and he loved her dearly, so I thought he would really appreciate having it. I love doing things like that! xoxo Marilyn

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  24. Every time one of my grands says, "Oh, Memaw...I really like this", I let her take it home.
    The blue and white vase is so beautiful...and you take such amazing photos of your pretty things.
    Please come over and leave a comment on my candle giveaway. Your new gorgeous bath needs a great smelling candle in it. I will draw a name tonight.

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  25. I absolutely LOVE that you and your sister know one another so well! A few years ago I hosted a decor swap. It was such fun, free and everyone left with something they loved.

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