When you are trying very hard to avoid doing the things you should be doing like oh…
I absolutely love our entry but was kind of feeling like it needed some “umph”.
A little bit more softness was what I had in mind.
We moved several times growing up and the desk became a symbol of familiarity, history and a connection to my grandparents whom we very rarely got to see due to distance.
Not only because of the soft, amber glow it gives off.
But because it reminds me of those I love and miss.
(Oops…sorry! Hope you didn’t get wet…the tear drops were falling there for a minute!)
Heather and I used to play “school” with this desk.
I miss her.
Our mom and dad recently relocated to Arizona. And this meant that they could bring my grandmother (her mom) to live in an assisted living facility there.
I miss them. I miss her.
And this time of year, as the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to fall, we turn our hearts towards home…family…togetherness.
So, as I work around the house and pass through this room, I glance over at the Secretary Desk and think of them. And how much they are apart of me.
We will all be together at Christmas time this year.
My grandmother will be there too. She has never even met my children!
I think I will bring a picture of the Secretary Desk with me.
I want her to know that this piece of her history lives on in my home and in my heart!
Thanks for letting me go all weepy on you today at the Fence,
This post is partying at the following places:
You’re Talking Too Much Linky Party
DIY By Design: Sizzle into Summer
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home Party
And I’m joining in the Entryway and Living Room parties here…
I liked your entryway before but I love the coziness & warmth that the new chair adds. What a wonderful gift the secretary is! It sounds like it’s going to be a very special Christmas this year.
Love that chair – the fabric is awesome. I feel your nostalgia in this post. Isn’t it great to have pieces of people we have loved? I have my grandfather’s rocker and it means so much to me.
I love the chair switch!! I would love to reupholster a chair like that – I love contrasting fabrics,too!! But I am too chicken…yet. And I love that you were able to open up the secretary desk, that is my favorite way to see them displayed. Reminds me of a bygone era!
THank you so much for featuring my stairs on your FB page. It is appreciated more than you can imagine!!
It looks great. AND I totally understand that “itch” – like I had to do a little flower arrangement for the kitchen this morning before I could start cleaning ~ It’s like energizing or something! Love the story behind that secretary – some things are more than just “things” that is for sure! I know your grandmother will enjoy seeing a picture of it. The chair looks great there in the entry way. Have a great day! ~Kim
Vanessa, I love the changes. The chair is perfect in the entry next to that fabulous drum table. Love the secretary open and displayed so well. thanks for joining Wow.
Ah, Vanessa! I love your heirloom secretary! Your vignette on it is so beautiful and shows it off well. I love your new chair in the foyer, too!
I absolutely love your desk. What a great member of your family. It looks great with the fall arrangement and the lighting! Just beautiful!
Oh Vanessa, for more than one reason,, I love this post. For one, I am currently working on an old family writing desk too! I want to open my up, and you have given me inspiration.
For another, I’m feeling weepy about family being spread apart right now too. I get it. Yep. I do.
I just love the chair in the entry! Yes, I also love the contrasting fabrics..GREAT chair! Isn’t it fun to rearrange for FREE? It is amazing how it opens your eyes to what you already have in your house.
That secretary is really beautiful. It is even more beautiful with the history and the family memories that are a part of it.
I think it’s wonderful that you have such great memories and thoughts about this secretary desk, Vanessa! It looks beautiful all dolled up for Fall. Great chair – I love the Pier 1 chairs. Got one in my own living room!
It’s amazing what switching two chairs can do for your look. I love it and you gotta love FREE decorating.
Great switch! I love that chair! I have that itch for just about every room in my house… I feel ya on that.
wow this is awesome! i love the chair!!!
Vanessa what a great post. Everyone should have at least one piece in their home that has special meaning! That secretary is beautiful and I love how you opened it up and put the chair in front of it, now you can really see all it’s beauty! Love the change to your foyer too! Oh and as for the comment you left me, ya know what they say great minds think alike:) Martina
WoW the afters are great. Its amazing how changing one thing impacts the whole room!
Your secretary is beautiful and has a beautiful story.
I wish that I had something of my nanny’s. My aunt has most of her things.
What a cozy corner! I know what you mean about missing family:(
It looks wonderful! I love the amber light filling the desk with such a warming glow…very inviting indeed. And I completely understand missing your family so…I haven’t gotten the chance to see my own in over 4 years and I almost yearn for them now.
First and foremost…thanks so much for the shout-out. You’re the best! Second…LOVE the switcheroo. I think the “new” chair looks absolutely awesome. It adds so much softness to the space. I love the secretary desk as well. It’s so special to have something with so much history in your home. It must be so hard to not live close to your sister. This blog makes you two seem like you live right next door to each other.
Don’t you just feel like a new woman? Great job on all the fluffing. Your chair in the entry is perfect. Thanks for the inspiration to look around the house and make what’s old…new again. Well done my dear!
The switch works so well! The chair works so well in the entry way!
~Angela
Oh, now you got me going all weepy, too. What a fabulous piece of family history, no wonder you treasure it so much. It looks just perfect open, and that chair switch is spot on. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous post.
Hugs,
Patti
Beautiful accents and love that chair! I’m always switching things around – I love giving different areas a fresh new look too! 😉
The desk is simply beautiful, and how lovely to have so many memories wrapped up in it! And I love the chair in the entry too!
Vanessa, what a beautiful post. I remember my dad had an old desk, sort of Queen Anne style. He sat there and did his work every evening. I wish I could find one like it, just for the memories of a time gone by. You are blessed to still have your parents and grandmother. Savor the sweet memories.
Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
What a smart switch! I LOOOOVE that pier one chair — I bet it would look fabulous ANYWHERE, but it is perfect in your entryway!
Thanks for linking up to the roomspiration party today!
Beautiful little desk, even lovelier thoughts. The best STUFF is the things that remind us of those we hold dear.
Thanks for showing us. 🙂
Vanessa, I love the chair and it looks wonderful in your entry. The desk is beautiful and I see why it is a special piece to you.
Hugs,
Sherry
Love the new chair and love your antique secretary! What a wonderful heirloom to have!
My name is Vanessa also but all my friends call me Vanna *winks*
The changes are perfect. LOVE the desk. Being apart from those we love is hard. Hugs to you.
Vanessa, I love the history behind the secretary and the old books, too. Mostly, I love how you share your heart. The change looks great! Much love, Christie
Very nice! I love how the desk provides familiarity and history for you and your family, it’s great to have something like that! I’m a new follower, thanks for linking up to Roomspiration!
Vanessa, I thought all the furniture was beautiful. Until I got to words about your family…that’s true beauty! Thanks for sharing your heart through your blog. I love coming here!
Debbie (maybe you felt my tear too)
I love the Peir One chair in the entryway, the fabric is gorgeous!
Such a wonderful treasure you have in that secretary and you have it decorated beautifully!
I love the desk and all the changes! It’s very special to have an heirloom like that.You decorated the desk beautifully, too!
Vanessa, this was such a sweet post, giving us a little glimpse into the lives of your special loved ones. I’m so glad you made the chair switch so you were able to open up that lovely little desk. It is just gorgeous. Happy Fall decorating!
🙂 CAS
That chair is wonderful, (such great combination of patterns)and it really grounds your entry area.
The secretary, especially open, is such a beautiful piece. What a wonderful heirloom to treasure. So glad you shared it with us, xoxo Debra