Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Cabin Talk

It is a quiet and peaceful place -
and a fitting place for the remains
of this greatest of sea tragedies to rest.
-Robert D. Ballard

Come on in. The door's open.


This is a humble cabin. Rustic, I believe is the term nowadays. Don't expect any decorating inspiration here. I purposefully came with little decor; I didn't wish to fuss with it and wanted, if the urge struck me, to be able to leave it all behind without a second thought. The cabin affords me a bed, a night table, a stuffed chair, a refrigerator, a dining table-turned-desk, a dozen hooks for clothes, a shelf, and a vanity.



That said, I always have flowers and books. Always. I once read that Michael Jackson spends over $1,000 a week on flowers for his home. I wouldn't spend that kind of money if I had it, but I would kill myself trying to grow that many flowers if I had a castle on a ranch. Here, though, I just have one skinny arrangement in a bud vase. Nothing spectacular, but cheerful nonetheless.


Most days Millie and I spend the late afternoons getting our feet wet in the river and collecting firewood and picking wildflowers. It's like a movie, almost. Very, very soothing. Although firewood is available at the lodge for free, so far I've collected enough driftwood to get us by. That will likely change tomorrow, however. It's getting down to 35 F. Thursday night and my cabin isn't heated.


It does, however, have sweet linens. I brought them from Freeman House.


On the nightstand, behind the books, you may have noticed the glass bowl. Every day when Millie and I go down to the river, I've carried a stone back in my pocket. Each is worn smooth and was ice cold when I fished it out of the riverbed. One of them has dull flecks of something in it. I tell myself it's gold, just for fun. (They did mine gold out of these mountains, after all.) Anyway, each day I plunk a stone down into the bowl as a sort of count your blessings exercise. I want to do something with them when I get home to remind me of just how blessed I am....


... "kitchen" not withstanding.

(By the way, what do you think of the yellow I've gone with? I'm not a sunshine person, per se, but I think it fits here. I'm trying to hurry and finish the quilt and then I'm going to braid a giant, fluffy rug. Then I'll show you more.)

I haven't done much cooking here. Sunday I made a big (crock) pot of Colorado Chicken Chili. The recipe - kid you not - came from Cary Grant's wife, Barbara Hutton. Over the weekend I met a friend of hers, seated at a table eating lunch with Ralph Lauren. (He owns a big ranch outside Telluride.) The recipe came up in conversation and was willingly shared. It differs in every way from Texas chili, the chili I grew up on, but it's lovely.

So. That's all the pictures for now. A storm is blowing in and it's cold and dark and pictures weren't turning out as well as I'd like. We'll pick up here again soon. Got to go gather more wood and shut the windows before it rains. Enjoy your evening. -Brin

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Brin,

the cabin is absolutely charming. And while I am not a yellow person either, I ADORE the burst of sunshine in your rustic abode. It's perfect. I can't wait to see your quilt and rug too. You're so gifted. I know they'll be perfect. :o)

Love the smooth stones and counting your blessings. Each one of us needs to take the time to count our blessings each day.

So on your blog, I'll count a blessing now...... that God hears and answers prayers. Today I had a direct answer to prayer, and I'm still in awe. Thanks for letting me share. :)

Stay warm,
MIckey

Pudgeduck said...

Looks like a bottle of "Source of Life" vitamins on your shelf, Good choice! I love yellow-love your blog!

Unknown said...

Wow, how beautiful and rustic. Wish I had been more like you when I was your age. Good for you for doing what you need to get your life in order. I've loved reading your blog these last few months and wish you the best. Come back so I can buy some of your yummy treats!

Susan said...

oh so, ever, mysterious ... looks like a very lovely place to be Brin.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your experience and time at the cabin. I am in my 12th week of strict bedrest in the hospital with twins (with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome), and your writing helps me use my imagination that I too am in a "cabin". . . even if I'm wearing the ugliest blue hospital gown and am surrounded with unlovely equipment and impersonal objects.

Most of all, you remind me that God is with me all the time no matter how unlovely my circumstances.

Betty said...

I adore rustic cabins, so nice of you Brin to give us a peek into your 'home away from home'.
And such a neat idea about collecting a stone each day to take home with you.
I love that you chose yellow, it is such a cheery color.

Anonymous said...

Carey Grant makes me swoon....along with William Holden....SWOON.......is it hot in here????? Hang in there Miss Brin..good things are on the horizen~I am going to go stick my head in the freezer now! Swoon Fest 2008...
Swooning in Calif..
Geneen

Anonymous said...

From one - much older than you - widowed and divorced in the somewhat distant past - The Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie, read a day at a time, is extraordinary. It helped me get back to my self. I applaud your choice.
You sound wonderful - and to have your Millie with you - just rest, rest in Him.

The pictures are lovely - I wish you peace.

~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
www.xanga.com/madewyn

Anonymous said...

From one "cabin" to another....

You have made it so pretty, just like I knew you would...

Love,
Grace F

Kristie @ Comfy Cozy said...

A sweet little cabin it is!! I really admire your faith...you are an inspiration to me. One of my many blessings would be that I found your blog. :)

Harbor Hon said...

You should have flowers wherever you go. You really know how to brighten a room. And for not having many amenities, I think the cabin is just lovely. You can be with Millie, with God and with yourself. Much love. xxoo

Rosa said...

I don't, as a rule, like yellow all that much, but it's perfect in your cabin.
The yellow throw pillows are very cheery.
And HOW does one causally meet Ralph Lauren and strike up a conversation with those at his table?!
Sounds like it could be fun.
Enjoy your time away.

And to the lady on bed rest. . .
Would it not be possible to have someone bring you a pretty bathrobe to cheer you up a bit?

Anonymous said...

Just in case you're curious as to who reads your blog...I'm not sure how I found it. You're the age of my kids and you remind me a bit of my daughter although she loves to travel and might end up living in Africa. Anyway, I love reading about your adventures and seeing your lovely photos.
(from somewhere in Tennessee)

Anonymous said...

Are you sure that was Ralph Lauren? I do know he doesn't usually go to his ranch until the month of July.

Jen said...

The yellow is absolutely PERFECT!
How did you know it would be?
Your quiet adventure sounds so wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Brambleberry said...

I just love that you are doing this....and that I can live vicariously through you.

The yellow is perfection. As is the cabin.

I hope the entire experience is exactly what you need. Blessings!

Unknown said...

I love the yellow and so glad Freeman House is still with you! I too collect rocks, got one from each state I've been too, love them as I love your rock bowl of blessings, such a good thing! I love the cabin, and yes rustic is in. One day I'll have my own hide away cabin, till then, I'll follow you and enjoy yours! That first photo says it all, simple days with flowers!

Lallee said...

The simplicity of your cabin really speaks to where I am right now as I transition into summer and have more relaxed time to sit at His feet and listen better. I know you are going to be having wonderful conversations , too. I'm praying for your Colorado and Millie and God days, Brin.

I wanted to thank you again for bringing my attention to Leigh McLeroy. Her books are such a blessing and I will share them on my blog today to spread the good news to more corners.

Love the yellow! It's perfect for now.

Hugs,
Lallee

Lettered Cottage said...

Reading this blog first thing in the morning helps me start my day off right. It's my birthday today. The big 3-4. Thank you for entertaining my eyes and ears with pictures and another story from your special little place. It's wonderfully minimalistic and the lemon-y linens are so friendly. Question- the place sounds a lot like you (as a person), would you say that's true?

Layla :-)

Liz Harrell said...

You're right. This IS like a movie.

Anonymous said...

Thank You Brin! Your cabin is one of my dreams, a little hide-away of my own.

Yellow is one of my favorite colors and Psalm 121 is my life verse.

I think I'd get along just fine in your movie.

Prayers that this time alone in the "Hills" will be healing for you.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I've been "lurking" for months but I had to comment today when I saw the middle book in your stack of books by the bed. I recently read that book and just started the sequel, "Summer Snow", last night! The cool part is that the author lives in the same town in Iowa that I do! I have a brief acquaintance with her though I wouldn't claim to "know" her. The world can be so small! I hope you enjoy the book.

And as long as I'm here commenting I have to say I really admire the way you are able to communicate life so beautifully even in the midst of heartache and pain. Hopefully your words minister to you as much as they do to others!

Anonymous said...

Serendipity...:)

I hope you enjoy your little peice of heaven Brin.

Vee said...

Darling wee cabin just for you and Millie. What do I think of the yellow? One can't go wrong with yellow ever. That's what I think. I defy anyone not to smile when looking at a field of dandelions looking like mini suns.

Emily said...

I am in love with Cary Grant!! Getting a film degree will do that, hehe! If you would be willing to share the recipe with me, that would be awesome. My email is mottdancer@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!
Emily