Monday, May 19, 2014

flowers in the house



It's such a pleasure to be able to step outside
and pick a few flowers. A few all I need.

I own (far too) many vases and pitchers and jars,
all lovely flower holders
but I keep going back to the same ones.

This pitcher, from my father's family's 
West Virginia farmhouse. 
I remember big farm breakfasts there--
maybe it was used to hold milk?


And this cranberry glass vase
was a gift from my father.

I know I've written about both those things before.


I have family on my mind.

The wedding is less than two weeks away.
I wish my father was here for it, and to get to know Alexandra,
he would have loved her.

Visit Small But Charming for more flowers in the house.

xo, Jen

30 comments:

  1. I love old pitchers like that and they are perfect for lilacs! Two weeks???? Oh my, crunch time! They are a beautiful couple.

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  2. The world seems right when the lilac and lily of the valley are in bloom.

    Thanks for sharing yours with us. Mine are long gone and I have just come home to my white peony in full burst all over the table.

    Good luck in the following weeks. Looking forward to the wedding posts.

    xo J

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  3. Hello Jen, I can see why you like those particular two vases, one exemplifying sturdy country charm, the other more delicate and sophisticated.
    --Jim

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  4. Ahhhh! Lily of the Valley! I'll have to crawl under my Limelights and see if mine are in bloom. There are few things that remind me of my grandmother more than that scent.

    Love the stoneware pitcher. Perfect for a big bunch of lilacs.

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  5. i love pitchers. never use them but love 'em., used to be a sucker for them in charity shops (thrift stores for you).

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    Replies
    1. I rarely use them as pitchers, but they are fun to collect, and so easy to find at good prices. And flowers always look good in them!

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  6. Congratulations! Jane, I remember your old post written about your father and I understand your feeling for your new daughter.

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  7. So pretty, Jen. I love the utilitarian and the delicate vessels for your flowers...both special family pieces!

    Yippee! It's almost wedding time...details and photos, please!

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  8. What is it about vases and pitchers? When I was thrift shopping all the time I could never resist a pitcher. And boxes. I have a thing for boxes also. :) There must be something subconsciously going on with containers-- do you think?
    Oh the wedding is really close now. How exciting!!!

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  9. Those vases—and the flowers—are a delight. It does seem that vessels hold all sorts of meaning, in addition to the flowers and objects we place in them. Best wishes with the wedding!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sharon! I like your thought about the meaning of vessels.

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  10. Hello Jen,

    When one gathers together flowers in an informal way, they look so lovely in the kind of vases which you show here. The country ceramic jug is perfect for your Lilac and the tiny glass vase is charming filled with the tiny sprig of Lily of the Valley. Can one ever have enough? There is surely always room for one more!

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  11. You have chosen perfect vases for your flowers ... it is lovely that you can enjoy their beauty and bring back memories of your father too.
    What a happy couple they look.
    M x

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  12. Lilac and Lily of the Valley. Your house must smell wonderful. Yes I keep going back to the same vases too.

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    Replies
    1. They're reliable. Whatever you put in them looks good.

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  13. oh, I love the lilacs. they are all gone here. I missed the whole season :(

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    Replies
    1. Where is here? Where are you? Hard to picture lilacs in Abu Dhabi.

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  14. Such a simple beauty, flowers are. Congratulations on the upcoming nuptials. xo

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  15. Vases have such an emotional value, bringing back lots of memories you have cherished and loved. Especially I like the first one.I like the way Aji? looks as well :)
    They look a perfect match, so lovely and charming! I am really happy for you, Jen!

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    Replies
    1. Beautifully expressed, Cosmos.
      Aji always runs to new flowers that comes into the house.

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  16. A wedding! So exciting :) The girl looks so nice!
    Beautiful flowers & cats as always!

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  17. How exciting that the wedding is coming soon. The couple looks soooo adorable and very happy. Have fun at the wedding.

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  18. You're going to be a great mother-in-law.

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    Replies
    1. What's great is, I really like her parents too. I could become good friends with her mother.

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  19. Sweetness all around. Lily of the Valley have long been a favorite of mine. I like the way your top FITH photo makes your "about me" photo look like a mirror image.

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    Replies
    1. Denise, that's brilliant. Funny thing is one picture (FITH) is the daughter, the other one is the mother.

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  20. Wonderful lilacs & petite lilies of the valley. But what I truly covet (10 Commandments notwithstanding!!) is
    that lamp; is it for sale, by any chance? I could pick it up in person in the Fall, :-). Best of luck with the wedding; always such joy-filled times!
    Cheers,
    Diane in Tornado Warnings
    This Week Denver

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  21. Ooooh, exciting times ahead! Lovely daughter-in-law-to-be......

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