Monday 4 July 2016

A Picture A Day...4

 
 
My Mantel today, from left to right...
 
1. A set of whimsical books from the 1950s. My friend picked these up for me from a 'posh' jumble sale she goes to. It's run in a very nice village, everything is very cheap and you get some good stuff. The titles and contents of the book are extremely sexist, of their age really. They go against all my feminist beliefs, but they look good. There you go, I'm fickle and shallow ;)
 
2. A Woman's Portrait. I looked for years to find her, every second hand shop, flea market, and antiques place. My friends would ask me what exactly I was looking for, I said I didn't really know, but I'd know when I saw her. I saw her on eBay, and knew she was the one. I think she looks like my mum when she was younger, my girls say she looks like a strict teacher. My husband says she follows him around the room, (my Mum always did love him). I think I'm the only one who's really comfortable with her, I'm ok with that ;)
 
3. Big Dachshund, Little Dachshund. I saw the big one at my local antiques place for just a few pounds, the day after we had met Otto. He's from the 1950s I think, I wrapped him up for my husband. He says he's much quieter than the real thing, I can confirm that, as I'm sat here writing this, Otto is barking at all the school children. The little one, probably of the same era, was given to my by my lovely friend, I think they go together well.
 
4. Little Tealight. I've had this for years, it reminds me of a holiday we had in India. We stayed in a palace in Rajasthan. It was magical. Truly magical.
 
5. Venice Oil Painting by Spencer Churchill. Painted in the 1970s I believe, by the grandson of Winston Churchill. Given to me by a very good friend for my 50th birthday. I love it. I love Venice. I was lucky enough to to share a few days with my very good friend in Venice this year, we wandered the streets and drank champagne in a bar. She fell in love with Venice too. Venice is a place associated with romance, yes of course it is, and one day I hope to take my husband, but it can also be a place you share with your very good friends.
 
6. Empty Bottle Of Bombay Sapphire Gin. I sat in the sunshine one evening sipping this, lovely. I think it may have been the only dry evening we've had so far this year ;)
 
7. Midwinter Coffee Pot, circa 1970s. Again a jumble sale find, given to me by my very good friend. She knows me well. I'm lucky to have some excellent friends, with excellent taste ;)
 
 
 
Have a very lovely Monday, the sun is out here, I'm making the most of it!
 
 
 
Amanda :) xxx
 
 
 
 

 

18 comments:

  1. Lovely mantel things. I have an old book on mine as well, I love to look at the cover, it's an Arthur Ransome one. I'm on the lookout for more! Gorgeous picture of Venice, that's at the top of my wish list of places to visit. One day I shall get there. I'm reading "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke to the children at the moment, that's set in Venice. We're all enjoying it. CJ xx

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    1. Some people say Venice is smelly and full of tourists, I found it to be enchanting, breath taking beautiful, magical. It's history just wraps itself around you. There was the odd wiff and some very congested spaces, but it doesn't take that many steps before you find yourself lost away from the crowds. You must go :) xxx

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  2. beautiful home and a wonderful garden, you always inspire me with your lovely pics x hope youre keeping well and bright x

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    1. Thank you Kazz, yes I am, losing myself in my garden, away from the chaos of the U.K. Politics! ;) xxx

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  3. I love the portrait! She looks so calm and tranquil. She is looking out at you from her 1950s (?) viewpoint, I wonder what she thinks

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    1. She probably thinks what a madhouse she's landed in with the dog barking, a young girl constantly doing handstands, and a woman in her 50s taking constantly photos of her life! I'd love to know who she was and why she was painted. Thank you for popping over and saying hi ;) xxx

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  4. Such lovely things on your mantle. And all with a nice story to tell. Enjoy your day, maybe you will have another dry evening... it's promissing.
    Love,
    Mirjam

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  5. Very interesting mantel not cluttered like mine. I went to Venice a few years ago along with my daughter, grand-daughter, 6 girl guides and 3other adults we had a wonderful time.
    Thanks for replying to my message.
    Hazel c uk

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    1. Hi hazel, I'd love to take my daughter, she wants to be an artist, I think she's love the creativity within Venice :) xxx

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  6. A lovely mantle, I love your large sausage dog x

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  7. I love this post. The best interior design evokes part of the person that created it. Your mantel is lovely to look at but also so much more. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. And thank you for your lovely comment. It's the stories that make up our homes that make them unique and special :) xxx

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  8. Lovely mantle, especially your Venice painting and sausage dog x

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    1. Thank you, it's not really reflected on this image but the colours in that painting are amazing...mind you the water around Venice is too :) xxx

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  9. Your mantel is beautiful! I love that everything has great meaning for you. Really enjoying your daily pictures too!

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    1. I try to only have things on display that carry meaning for me Amy...then at least they are worth dusting! ;) xxx

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