Have you ever shopped with a friend who found an object you wanted for yourself? You kick yourself, think "if only I'd seen it first", hope perhaps she'll change her mind and put it back on the shelf. Even when your friend realizes you want to take it home, and kindly offers it to you, you say no, no, you found it first.....take it and love looking at it, using it, dusting and washing it, even treasure it!
On one such day at SuzAnna's Antiques, my dear Brazilian friend, Vanessa, found the beautiful footed bowl with handles and delicate decoration. The above scenario took place! It looked French. Faience porcelain perhaps? I love French. Vanessa was generous to offer it, I couldn't accept. We enjoyed our time together, we hugged goodbye.
FAST FORWARD......................
Last Saturday evening. Summer Open House party at SuzAnna's Antiques. Friends, fun, laughter, shopping, sipping wine as the sun went down. Vanessa took the pretty bowl from her car, handed it to me. She changed her mind. Decided it was meant for my home not hers. The most generous gift........a gift from the heart.
Thank you dear friend. You are so special.
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There is nothing to compare to the love found in the heart of friends. This is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. And, have a wonderful trip.
Dear Kim, love that story. That dish is lovely too. I love to hear friend stories. Blessings
ReplyDeleteQMM
Oh Mary!! What a lovely post! I knew the footed bowl would look amazing with your French decor! It even mimics the details on the plate that's behind it on the hutch. It found a wonderful place to "live" and I know it is loved! Wish you all have a great time on your trip! Much love, Vanessa
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteYour friend Vanessa has a heart of gold!! The experience you described in your opening has never happened to me as I am a bit of a loner and do my antique and thrift hunting alone...I would definitely covet that footed bowl, it is absolutely beautiful!
I am noticing some changes in your blog design and I like it. It says a little bit more about your personality. I read the interview in Decor Medley and was enchanted hearing a first hand account of everyday life in France. It sounds so simple, yet rich in tradition. I picked up on a lot of your ideas and aspirations in decor and I am so inspired. My home is small (and old) and I try to make all the spaces work. Your tips on having only the things you love and not a lot of small clutter will have a big influence on me as I go through the changes of having a home that cateres to children and teens, to one that reflects the lifestyle I enjoy.
Thank you so much for all of your inspiration! I consider you a wonderful friend!
xoxo
Jane
What a good friend!
ReplyDeleteOh Miss Mary! Such a sweet story! Vanessa really is wonderful! Thank you for coming to the open house! It was great!!
ReplyDeleteOh that is just so special!! Lucky you! I'm glad it has a loving home where ever it is!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lisa
Mary, how wonderful of your friend to give the bowl to you! You loved it, you let it go, and it came back to you! This type of situation happens with my sister and I a lot too. The hazards of having similar tastes, I guess. I have some of the same plates as in your first photo...I love them! ~Lori
ReplyDeleteWow a true gift of love. I am sure she wants you to enjoy this beautiful bowl. I also love your Port Merian dishes I see in the photo on the side bar. I have a few pieces and treasure them.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a good friend. It looks like it was meant to be with you.
ReplyDeleteNancy
What a treasure. Have a great trip to New England. I so appreciated your personal emails on France and will write back next week when I regroup.
ReplyDeleteVanessa sounds like a wonderful friend, and she knew that the bowl would look perfect on your shelf. Isn't it nice to have friends like that?!
ReplyDeleteYes, this brings back some funny memories of when my friend and I used to go antique shopping on a regular basis. We would always find things that we BOTH liked - this is because we have the same taste and liked the very same styles, periods, etc. We would always laugh about it and she would always say I had better eyes than she had!! So funny...and much, much fun to shop with a friend.
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