Well hello! I found another free bench that I liked and just couldn't leave all forlorn… I had vague plans in the back of my mind to paint it white but to be honest did little but plonk it in the shadiest plot in the garden thinking how nice it would be in the heat of the summer to sit on under the shade of the huge fig tree that we really are very lucky to have at the Beach Cottage. I had other ideas too that this part of the garden would be all perfect, full of old David Austin roses, ivy and, oh, you get the picture. That side of it certainly hasn't happened (and if you look closely you can see the ugliest breeze block bbq in the world behind) but I'm pleased with this old bench, it's rickety and wonky and kinda tatty. It feels like it's got some memories and is certainly worse for the wear, something you just don't find when you buy something new from a shop…
The Beach Cottage kiddos are still on holiday so life is ticking along nicely and today after a truly gloriously hot day, sprinkled with sparkly sunshine and filled with surf lessons, beach coffee meet-ups and gymnastics runs I thought I might like to go out there for some afternoon tea, with a pile of mags, my new bag, some old linen and while away an hour before real life begins again anytime soon.
There was a certain teenage question. "Mum, why are you sitting with a tablecloth?" "Beacause it's old, soft and I love the hand emroidery".
Shake of teenage head, raise of teenage eyebrows. "Errr, right, here's your tea."
Love the road kill. Always great to find a wicker seat like this one. You display it lovely with the books and cath kidston item.
Sandy x
Hi
I have a friend (weird one) who eats real road kill if it is not too badly damaged! So in the end when this bench rots you can at least chuck it on the bbq as fire wood. Oh no that would be in England as it rains and is damp most of the time – you will be fine. You can even leave all your things out knowing they will be dry overnight – you LUCKY BUGGER!
Glad you are having a nice holiday with the kids. You deserve it – you work very hard when they are at school.
Love Emma xxxxxx
Such a lovely blog!
Thanks for sharing your tips for painting furniture!
Debbie Moss
(England)
I just love your photos. But I have to admit my neighbors would think I’d gone loopy if I began decorating junker furniture and photographing it. Of course, playing “horsie” in the yard with my four children has already set the precedent. Lol.
Sarah, what a great find in the wicker sofa. I have an old one myself that I will never part with. It’s just stored in the garage waiting for the day when I’ll get a screened porch to house it. Love that wicker! You will really enjoy it.
What a great find! I would have definitely “picked” that bench also. I really like it in the brown. Looks good in the garden.
The youngsters in the world are too busy hurrying up to grow up to adulthood that they can’t see that once they get there, life will be so busy, they won’t have time to sit and ponder as you just were! They will wonder why on earth they were hurrying up (as I later did also) just to become an adult and have chores and responsibilities. Perhaps they will look back at asking that question and know the answer! That life goes fast and you must stop and take time to smell the roses, or look at the embroidery!
Brenda
Your lovely pictures today make me feel totally relaxed just looking at them. We are knee-deep in snow and my gardening heart cannot wait for a day such as your photos show, relaxing benches, interesting books, shady straw hats, and lavender-scented linens. Thanks for giving me a breath of your fresh air!!
I cannot believe that wonderful bench was going to the trash! Lucky you. It looks so inviting. laurie
Your bench is charming….your photo makes me wish it wasn’t 27 degrees where I live. Enjoy your tea at your new sofa bench!!!
LuLu
Wow! What a find! It looks lovely in the garden…very comfy and cozy! Have a great day…Debbie
It’s beautiful! I have a dark wicker settee on my patio. I love the way the white linens look on it which is why I’ve kept mine dark!
I have to tell you, every morning when I’m getting ready for work a commercial comes on tv. It’s so good! It’s from the Australian Tourism. Here is a link to it on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQGMuxJ0vCc
Nice bench, amazing what some people throw out! I’m impressed your teenager brought you a cup of tea, even if it did come with questions
Glad you liked my 24 hours post, it was kind of fun to do actually
Once I get the samples I’ll be doing a post about what I got from where and if it was any good so keep an eye out, I’ll let you know if I remember but my memory is rubbish!
Mel xxx
So jealous! that is exactly the same as I remember my parent’s bench being like (when I was very small)….. wish I could find one driving around my neighbourhood! obviously living in the wrong spot, must tell hubby it’s time to move
Always so fun to visit here. Sofa reminds me of what I picked up this summer for $15. Amazing what peeps get rid of. Did you see my new makeover (complete), thought you’d enjoy. happy day sarah!
I must be traveling the wrong roads! THat is a great find – good for you – it’s beautiful!
Simply lovely.
Fantastic finds for a drive by. Isn’t it sad teenagers are so caught up in why are you doing that instead of enjoying life more often.
Cups of tea in the shade makes the world a better place.
Reminds me of a chair I found, only mine is more ratty, which now sits on my front porch. I love it. Oh, and how jealous I am of your summer. It’s cold here in California. No porch sitting for now.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your bench! It’s so perfectly shabby! I also adorable your new bag!
Can I come for tea?
Jeepers! People must have some wonderful furnishing if they’re throwing away lovely items such as this… Great find.
Lovely blog, I have found my way to here from a Cosy Life…..I’ll be back
I love your photography, so clear and always a scene I wish I could sink into. The Cath bag is splendid too!
Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com
Wonderful blog, I am inspired by your decorating style. I am hoping to have a beach cottage one day soon too! ~Susan~
seasonalwhimsies.blogspot.com
Nice wicker sofa! I recently found a coffee table by the side of the road. My husband turned around and went back so I could pick it up, but he refused to help!