Wednesday 2 February 2011

My Muse, maladies and Maria

It's a fact well known by everyone in this house that most of the serious housework gets done when I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Yes, I know that sounds like a bit of a paradox but there you are.
When I'm feeling on top form I do the bare minimum, hoover, dust, mop, then bunk off to my workroom to do something far more interesting. Why clean when you can create?
But when suffering from a malady my muse deserts me, taking inspiration, imagination and ability with her (it's probably more a case of keeping her head down, let's just say I'm not a patient patient!)


January saw a host of minor ailments descend, not enough to keep me bed ridden, or even languishing artfully on a chaise longue( if I had one) but certainly sufficient for my muse, obviously getting a good rate on an out of season break, to abandon me for the month. Unable to 'make' I had to 'do'
Silver was polished, ovens were scoured, skirtings and doors were wiped down to within an inch of their life( don't you just hate inset panels and moulding?)All of this was accompanied by muttering, mumbling and a general air of disgruntlement.


It was when I started in on the ornaments and nik-naks that I had a bit of a 'Maria' moment. Picking each one up to decide whether it was wash, polish or dust I found myself smiling. Every object was precious to me , and brought back memories that made me feel so ridiculously warm and fuzzy inside I couldn't possibly stay grumpy anymore.


So, since I have no makes to show I thought I'd share a few( it was hard limiting them) of 'my favourite things' with you






This delicious apple was a Christmas gift from my husband the first year the boys were with us. I had spotted it in Broughton Gallery, sadly no longer around, on a rare day trip and he went back at a later date and bought it for me. Made by Jane Butler Cole (who I can't find any information on) it's matte smoothness is incredibly tactile.


Any one with children has probably had a copy of 'Guess How Much I Love You' at some point. I still have our board book, kept for posterity. I just loved that story, the boys and I often trying to think of new expressions for how big our love was. This sculpture was a gift from my mother-in-law for a 'significant' birthday. Again I spotted it in a gallery, this time Kirkcudbright, and fell in love on the spot.It reminded me so much of the book. She asked her son why I was so taken with the hare and when he explained she went out the next day and got it for me.
Moon gazing hare by Paul Jenkins

House and tree by Sarah Jane Brown
This tiny little sculpture was a Christmas present some years back. The artist Sarah Jane Brown has moved her range on since then but the simplicity of this piece still appeals. I'd love to know who lives in the house!

I have no idea what this is other than its antique, it's pewter and it doesn't need polishing. I much prefer pewter to silver, and not just because its easier to clean. It has a softer glow to it, almost as if it doesn't need to attract your attention, it's quite happy to be quietly beautiful.





                      

These are new additions and I just adore them. The paper flower? is by a wonderfully bizarre crafter Christine Stait-Gardner and was given to me by my sister-in-law. Isn't it great when your family, even the paper ones, know your tastes so well? And what can I say about the bird? The picture really doesn't do it justice. I have tried to find out who made it but unfortunately my mother-in-law is such a magpie when it comes to buying gifts that she has absolutely no idea where she got it from. If you have any ideas or can help I would appreciate it.



The Murano glass perfume bottle was a holiday gift from my dearest friend. She told me that she had spent so long choosing just the right stopper (seemingly there was a tray full of them that you could match up with any of the bottles ) that her husband had got tired of waiting and gone off to do his own thing. That devotion to detail from a friend, on holiday, is worthy of it's own credit card ad.
My bronze dog was a thank you gift from my eldest sister when my niece had been to stay. She bought it because it reminded her of Deefer, who was just a puppy at the time. I'm so very glad I have it now. 


But my favourite things of all, and guaranteed to raise a smile,  



Looking at them I definitely don't feel sad! (but I still need to dust!)

5 comments:

Eryl said...

I have never heard of Guess How Much I Love You, and it sounds like I missed out, damn!

Nice mother-in-law you have, the hare is great. Though I think my favourite is the apple. The pewter thing is, I'm pretty sure, a sugar shaker for dusting your strawberries and whatnot. My mother-in-law used to have one very similar, it had a blue glass liner to protect the metal (hers was silver) from the sugar.

Linnhe Mara said...

Eryl, I'll bring it along tonight for you to have a look at if you want.
Ah! A sugar shaker, hadn't thought of that. Thanks : )

gtlady said...

You have some gorgeous bits, your post really made me smile, I think a lot of us can relate to all that you wrote! What a wonderful family too, I might direct a few of them to this post, though the local charity shops would miss out...
GLad to meet you through Ali's swap, looking forward to 'mmeting' you through your blog
Jane
x

Linnhe Mara said...

Hi Jane, thanks for dropping by. Will be sending your swap parcel to you next week. What a great way to meet new friends : )

Becky (Hazel and Blue) said...

Hi there, great post! I especially like the Guess how much I love you' Rabbit such a lovely story. I read the book to both my two. I am your swap partner, so just popped over to see what your blog is all about! I will post your parcel early next week. Becky:))

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