Playfully Somber

floral canopy bed ~ tracery interiors

There is a balance to be had for a somber effect. An endearing touch to make the space inviting,
and it's in those playful touches that can be achieved. The floral canopy isn't particularly somber
with all of the white, but it does have some melancholy feel to it. Perhaps it's just my perception,
with all of the canopies in the victorian gothic novels I have read.

I have an abiding admiration for vintage ephemera and those who procure them so freely for the
internets enjoyment. These images you can print and play with seemed fitting in some way.

farmhouse chair fine art photographic print ~ jack the hat

la mode illustre patterns from april 19, 1896 ~ free images via the graphics fairy

dining table ~ lonny

butterflies and beetles ~ lisa leonard

bedroom~ photographer tobias harvey
I'm actually kind of in love with this bedroom.

 old book png image ~ free graphics at percy and bloom

Treasured Vintage

I found a delightful blog the other day. I love how all her photos are {mostly} original, rustic, pretty and sweet. Full of vintage treasures, garlands, parties and her little shop of curiosities. Go give Saffron and Genevieve a visit!

rustic Christmas tree

paper flower at home in a rusty vase

vintage ladder masquerading as a bookshelf

vintage metal lockers

antique dolls

cow head and gazebo perfection

garden party with potted moss favors

vintage bottles

Thanks for stopping by! Here are two free downloads of scanned vintage ephemera put together from the lovely Cathe of Just Something I Made! (visit her blog for lots of inspiration & click on images for full view)

To and Fro

photo by bomobob

A couple of days ago, I took my boys to see Nim's Island. A movie I had never really considered seeing before but it was all that was available.


shipwreck gown by threadbare uk


Our movie theatre has a free kid movie every Tues/Wed in the morning. I, having a hard time leaving my home during the day, decided to face the challenge and take the boys on a rare outing. I felt I had a bit (though not as extreme) in common with Alexandra in the movie who is a raging agoraphobic. We all really enjoyed the message behind the movie. And Gerard Butler. But mostly the message (and scenery).


earrings by kathryn riechert

The message that we must face our fears head on in order to conquer them. That we cannot be stifled by ideals, technology or criticsm lest we should fail to thrive. That sometimes being alone is okay, but having a confidant is even better.


photo by ds brennan

That happiness does not need to come through large means. That not even an expanse of an ocean unexplored cannot keep you from reaching your destiny. (you just need a bit of a push and make an effort to do it).


pelican by sandra healy

So, this is to my staycation this summer, trying to find ways to stay afloat amidst those currents of doubt, fear, anxiety, health, financial struggles, personal limitations...


photo by h o g n e

To aid you in your waves of inspiration, is the lovely Seaside Beauties collage by Faerie Enchantment of the Faerie Zine.