one hundred white wishes...

A little over a year ago it was Kathleen's weekly White Wednesday gathering that gave me the final push to start my own blog.

I then started my musings on White Wednesday #34. 

Today Kathleen is celebrating 100 White Wednesday Posts!

Congratulations Kathleen and thank you for the inspiration to start my blog!

This Cottage Muse dreams in vintage whites.

When I started thinking about what to contribute today I thought it should not only be wonderfully white but reflect how this get together at Faded Charm each week lets me share how I interpret the inspiration that white is to me.

It all started when I picked up Rachel Ashwell's first book many years ago and images similar to these took my breath away...

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While I fell in love with this look, and embraced the art of imperfection I soon realized that I needed to learn how to take all this inspiration and fit it into my every day life and learn how to edit...

  

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As I was finding my own way with this inspiration, Rachel's next adventure made me feel that I took the right path...

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I realized that surrounding myself with what I like is what is important...

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Thank you Rachel.

Then of course I became enchanted with Fifi's new book...

And my heart and soul soared...

And I am finding true bliss in my surroundings...

Thank you Fifi.

This blogging adventure has opened many windows for me.

Especially on Wednesday when I get to peek into those windows over at Faded Charm where so many talented people share their interpretation of how white inspires them.

So, thank you to all the past participants at White Wednesday for sharing!

I have truly enjoyed visiting!

The biggest thank you is to Kathleen...and I send you one hundred white wishes to make all your dreams come true!

honorable mention...

A few weeks ago, Judy over at French Laundry invited her readers to send her a picture and share our view on the "beautiful livable way of decorating" that Fifi O'Neil celebrates in her wonderful new book Romantic Prairie Style. 

I decided to get a little more mileage out of this photo...

Judy announced the top five and the winner of her "Show Me Your Style Photo Challenge" here.  A few days later she announced some honorable mentions.  I was one of them...

 
Thank you Judy!!!

Winning Fifi's photo contest and now an honorable mention over at Judy's has made me want to take better photos.  I even started hinting to the mister about a new camera  ;)  !!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Brimfield May 2011...

After a few days of blogger acting up and a few days off to enjoy another weekend camping I am back to show you a few photos from my Brimfield adventure.

First I must share that when I found some fabulous treasures to photograph that did not have a sign up that said "No Photos Please", I would ask permission first and more than half the time the dealer would say no pictures please.  Sometimes they would say yes but just one.  A few said click away.  So between it being very crowded that day and my enthusiasm for taking pictures being crushed early, I gave up.

I loved this booth...their displays were beautiful...

I wish I got the name of this next booth.  The girls were so nice and their booth was beautiful and full of inspiration...

 I loved this piece.  So much so that I went out yesterday and got a gallon of gray paint!

This tent was full of pieces just like this...

So beautiful!

The weather was not the best, a bit chilly and some drizzle from time to time.  The sun did peek out for a few moments too.  It was very crowded and we had to park far away,  so we did a lot of walking.  It was still a great time! 

The highlight of my day ~ meeting Theresa...

Quite the pixie dust moment for me!!  It was fun to get to know her a bit ~ she is a sweetheart!
Her booth was fabulous and she was kind enough to let me click away...

So many of her items had sold tags on them already, and it was early...

Her booth was so fabulous and inspiring!

Thank you Theresa for letting me share your space.

It was such a pleasure and thrill to meet you!!

I heard Martha was there early that day as well as buyers from Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew and Ralph Lauren.

What a fun job that would be!!

This week I will share what I bought for myself and for the shop.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great week!!

disappearing roses...

When I finally realized earlier this year that shabby style does not have to be all pinks and roses I slowly began to change things up in my nest.  While most of the pink went away quick, just keeping a few hints of it here and there, some of the roses lingered...

This is one of the last disappearing roses.  It has made it's way to my booth.  I moved the mirror over the chair and made a new vignette on the cabinet...

I think the mirror looks like a picture that has a changing scene...

Guess I will have to keep things picked up and clean then!

I am not crazy about the chair fabric anymore but with the rose print gone it seems more neutral to me somehow.  I like how the flow into the den is smoother now too...

I decided to use my Mom's portrait with a vintage mirror I recently picked up to make the new vignette...

The green in her sweater picks up the subtle green in the chair.  I also think it looks good when you walk in the front door and compliments the colors in my Ballard print...

I am hoping to find something to fill in the space just above (and hopefully to hide the existing nail holes!).  I brought this window home from the shop today...

Jim came in just in time ~ what do you think...

I like using old windows and thought that the natural, weathered wood of this one would break up the white and add some interest.

However...I might just find the perfect treasure in Brimfield tomorrow!

I am joining Kathleen at Faded Charm a day early for her 99th White Wednesday!  She is having a celebration next week which includes a giveaway...

How exciting!!

Thank you for stopping by!