Sunday, November 1, 2009

Passions Abound



Hello, and Happy November to one and all.
Let's talk today about passions. Passions for something special in your lives. Today I want to share my passion of books with you.

My passion for books started at a young age. I read a lot as a child. I found the places I read about in books were far nicer places than the one I was living in. They became magical places for me. Full of beauty, kindness and love. Because of those beautiful places my love for home decor evolved and I fell in and out of love with many styles over the years. But, my love of books is stronger than ever. :-))

Mary Carol Garrity the owner of Nell Hill's in Atchison, Kansas and the new location in Briarcliffe, has written some wonderful decorating books. I now have all of hers to date. My best friend gave me her latest book , Nell Hill's O Christmas Tree, for my birthday this past year. (Don't you love when a friend knows and shares the same passion with you)? So far, I have to say it's my favorite. The two shown here are from a few years ago. The little dog sitting on top the books is from Home Interiors many, many years ago. The bling from the lamp you'll see in a later post. :-)) These books you'll find in my office book shelves. Isn't she just the happiest little thing? I've changed the color of her bow many times over the years, trying to coordinate it with the decor of the room. You'll find books stacked in many areas through out our home, some in pretty peculiar places, others not so peculiar. This particular bunch is in the living area underneath the round table. The decor on top changes as my moods do.. lolThe English Cat at Home is a delightful collection of cats and their owners. Seen in their own surroundings, whether in a country garden, a stately home, farmhouse kitchen or even a bachelor pad. All in all just a fun filled book. A delightful read sure to put a smile on your face.
As you can see my mood changed. lol I traded out the stately piece up above for this beautiful bronzed deer. I picked up the deer last year at Walmart and gave $10.00 for it. I thought it was quite a bargain, the detail is incredible. I'm hoping to do a flip of sorts in the dining room and make more of a Hunt Style/Library/ Dining Area out of it. The dining room isn't used as often anymore, except for staging tablescapes in, so thought I could make better use of the space.. Just a bit of furniture moving and a bit of tweaking.. no money spent and I'll have another "new" area to have fun with. Now.. hold your horses folks.. I have to wait until after the Christmas rush in the shops to go moving a lot of stuff around here. So stayed tuned for those changes..lol

Many of you know our Bailey is here almost every weekend. This weekend is no exception. He'll be here later today, I can hardly wait. As you can see even my Bailey loves to read, draw and create. His mother texted me the other day with some wonderful but not surprising news.. All A's on his report card and they want him to go to the gifted program.. Bailey I'm so incredibly proud of you!! :-))
My Bailey chose to stack his book of art in the chair.. it has since been moved. However, I found it sweet to think he could stack his books like Grandma does. :-)) I even have a passion for magazines. This particular grouping is on a small stool I've had for many many years. You can see just a "wee" bit of fabric. That also has changed over the years. Just the other day I thought I've got a bit too much black and gold going on in here. So, I'm going to be on the hunt for the perfect red. Red being my favorite color is the perfect choice to add to this sweet little bench. lol That's a metamorphosis for another post. huh?
Ahhhhhhhhh!! Perfect reading.
Books or magazines whatever your choice of the day is, I hope you find great pleasure in letting the inside stories and pictures whisk you away to wonderful places. I hope you enjoyed this "short" tour of a "few" of the books and magazines through out our home. There are many other areas to share, but I'll save those for another post.


As always thanks for swinging by to say hello..

hugs ~lynne~





19 comments:

ksarra said...

Hi Lynne, I've been away from blogging for awhile, so I can't wait to catch up on everyone's posts. This one of yours today truly speaks to my heart. Many years ago I bought a book of botanical prints that I thought I would take apart and frame my favorites. I couldn't tear it apart, so I bought another just like it to "have one and then frame prints from the other". Ha, now I have 2 of the same gorgeous book, and no intention of tearing out even one page of either! "Talk" soon.

Kat said...

Loved this post Lynne! I love books too, and read constantly. And nothing, but nothing, makes me smile more than seeing a child with a book in their hands, as opposed to a video game! Yep, I'm the Auntie who sends books for gifts lol. Have a wonderful week. Kathy

ShanaM said...

I love books too, and decorating and crafts! And making things.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Wonderful post, Lynne!! We have the same taste in books. :-)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Nice collection of books. It is great that your Grandson likes to read and be creative. It seems that most children that like to read do well in school.
Have a great week.
Glenda

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Nothing like getting lost in a good book, just the best kind of day. I love books too for decorating, they are so versatile. Thanks for sharing all the inspiration. Hugs, Marty

santamaker said...

Love this post, Lynne! Decorating books and magazines are my no-calorie treats! Your vignettes are stunning, and yes..........you KNOW that little yorkie caught my eye........hmmmm...would look so cute on top of MY books......

KM Studios said...

Hi Lynne,
Oh I fall short here. I am not an avid reader.
I do however like to collect books on art & Artists. & i find myself only breaking them out when i need a referance to something or to get inspiration.
However I do love the way you are displaying all your books.
you have a lovely home!!
Keep reading Lynne -allways a treat!

Ms. Bake-it said...

I can totally relate! I have books everywhere in my house. I have more books related to food than I do decorating and gardening but they come in a close second. My youngest son has taken after me in that aspect and has books located in various areas of his bedroom. Unfortunately not so with my oldest son and there is nary a book in his new apartment!

~ Tracy

Four Paws and Co said...

Your book vignettes are a delight! I love books, have a ton, but don't decorate with them... Maybe I should rethink that, huh? I hide the magazines too....

Leaon Mary said...

Hey Lynn!

I totally share your passion of books, and like you; I'm a book and magazine JUNKEE!!! Love THEM!!!!

I'm off to go look through more of your pictures. I haven't been blog hopping very much and have missed you so much.

Have a beautiful day,
Lea

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey girl...I have some of those same books...great post today never thought to do one on all my books don't you just love looking at the pics in them...every time I do that it makes me want to get up a nd rearrange things in my house for a new look...Hows are Bill doing today...I hope you are able to slow down some my friend...I do worry about you and miss ya like crazy...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Patsy said...

Always like seeing whats up with you great decorating.
Patsy

onlymehere said...

Now don't laugh but I used to sell Home Interiors about 17 years ago or so! I still have some of their stuff. I love how you've decorated your home and the finishing touches that you do. I love to read also but the old eyes don't let me do as much as I used to. I loved this post and the way you've displayed your books and magazines. I have Savannah nearly every day and have had to child-proof my home again so not very much gets left out. Who knows where they'll be in a couple of years though when her daddy is out of school and off doing his army stuff so I'll enjoy the "undecoratedness" of my home for now and just come visit blogs like your's for the beauty that a home can be, LOL! I hope all that made sense! Cindy

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Just stopping in for a little chat...it's been a little while since we've visited! How are you doing, my friend? I hope that all is well with you and your family! By the way...a big Congratulations to your Bailey...that is fabulous news!!! Goooo Bailey!!!

I really enjoyed all of your gorgeous photos...lovely vignettes with all those great books! You know...I have never seen a Mary Carol Garrity design book and I know that I'm really missing out! I'm going to have to check into fixing that little problem! Hehe! So you would suggest starting with her new Christmas book?

Ohhh Lynne...that sounds like sooo much fun! Changing your dining room into a "hunt" themed library/den! I think that sounds fabulous! I will be anxiously awaiting the outcome!!! I know that this is a very busy time of the year for you and the shop! Oooh...I bet you're getting in all kinds of pretties...aren't you?

Just wanted to let you know that I read through your last Halloween post and I soooo love your pretty vignettes!!! Girl, you are so creative and talented!!! What a sweet treat!!!

Well Darlin'...I will close this now before I write my infamous book! Hehe! Take care, my friend...and I'll talk with you later!!! Just thinking about you...

Love ya,
Chari

Designs on 47th Street said...

Hi Lynne, It's nice to stop by your part of the world and read such a wonderful and warm post. Oh yes! I love books and I especially love decorating books. Just today I was trying to decide if I should order "Oh Christmas Tree". I have 3 of MCG books, one or two were signed by her while I was in her shop in Atchinson. She's a wonderful lady.

I would love to sit and have a cup of coffee with you while discussing your great stack of books!

Donna

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey my dear friend...Hope all is well with you...Love ya sis...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

onlymehere said...

I'm soooooo very excited! Thank you in advance. This time of year my work spins out of control also. Along with work and trying to get Travis off on his mission I don't get much of anything else done! I hope you have a calmer week though and that your husband is doing well. My weeks aren't going to calm down any time soon but that's just the nature of the beast around here. I'll let you know when it comes!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You perfectly described the way I have always felt about books - whisked away to a wonderful world. You have some beautiful decor books, and oh how I wish I could get rid of some of those magazines that are piling up all over the place. Congratulations to Bailey, who obviously got his grandmother's brains! laurie