Monday, July 14, 2008

Sights About Freeman House

Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.
-Hippocrates

There's nothing like being home when you're sick. Although there may be things to do and things left undone, home is a cure, a treatment, and a comfort all in one dose. Since I'm on three medications this morning and unable to keep hold of many coherent thoughts, I thought I'd simply share a few of my favorite sights from a very comfortable weekend.

Above, a country bouquet and a favorite old painting on an antique radio cabinet in the Freeman House Library. Outside it was storming... one of those summer lightning storms that sends you deeper into the couch and further into your book.

A quiet, still morning in the Irvin Room, where a reclaimed old mantle has been handpicked to adorn the soon-to-be-restored wood fireplace. The Irvin Room is my bedroom for now, but will eventually be one of the rooms available to rent here at Freeman House. Featuring a garden-view sitting room (above the sky-and-sea-blue hydrangeas planted by Ms. Freeman herself) and, of course, a fireplace opposite the bed, I have no doubt it will be the most popular. I love to curl up here and re-read the bundle of old love letters found in the walls of the house.

A morning garden plate. Despite the gardener's neglect, the green patch manages to turn out tomatoes, purple hull and cream peas, pumpkins, okra, squash, potatoes, green beans and herbs on a daily basis. The corn did rather poorly and will be stirred into a Cheddar Corn Chowder tonight.

Peas and magazines. With an ever-loyal and adorable chocolate-colored puppy at my feet.

More of Ms. Freeman's hydrangeas and a tile-etched sign for the property. Freeman House. Since 1896, this place is medicine for the soul and a quiet haven of rest for weary girls: Mrs. Connor, Mrs. Irvin, a series of women tenants, Ms. Freeman, and now me. Cure, treat and comfort: that's what these halls are....

I'd like to stay and chat, but cranberry apple tea and a book in the library is calling. I'll return when I feel a bit better. Enjoy the new week. -Brin

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you are sick. Please take care of yourself.
Rest...rest...rest...

Unknown said...

Get well soon dear Brin, at least you are home and yes home is a cure all! I really enjoyed the tour, I must come visit someday, till then, your words take me there. Hope your feeling better soon, keeping you in my prayers!

Adrienne said...

Brin, I'm sorry you are under the weather but glad you can enjoy the comfort of your home. It's so wonderful. I can't wait to see more as you make it a place to share with others. Until then, take care of yourself. ~Adrienne~

Cyndi said...

hey girl...shel gave me some of these flowers for my mom...beautiful arent they? Sorry your ill, kiss the puppy, hugs and hugs...Cyn

bostonatheart said...

hope you feel better. I enjoy reading your blog . . . more than you know!

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

Take care and relax. Try to just sip tea and read. That would make anyone feel better. You are back in your home and that should bring you back to good health soon. You have the most interesting things in your home. I always love your blog. Take care

Corey Davis said...

Hope you feel better soon. I think coughs can sometimes be associated with allergies, and it looks like you've got plenty of plants around your home. However, my mom said if you eat a spoonful of local honey everyday it'll help. I did this last season and after a week or two I felt like a million bucks! I still eat it every now and then 'cause it's good.
It's sounds like you're living in something of a fantasy. A bundle of old love letters you found in the wall- like a Hallmark movie. You're a good writer. Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Harbor Hon said...

Feel better soon. I'm sure being back home at Freeman House will be the cure for what ails you. xxoo

Sara Warren said...

Hey! So you have the whooping cough??? Wow! Crazy! I hope it's not a very bad case, I read about it... I just wonder how to got it! Who you been kissin'? Just kidding... Love you, friend!

Anonymous said...

Such gorgeous photos. You're a good photographer. Is there anything you CAN'T do??? Thanks for sharing your life. From,
an avid reader in Woodbridge,CA.

Anonymous said...

LEMONS and SUGAR

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to some one.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

And always remember.... when life hands you Lemons,
ask for Sugar and call me over!

Good friends are like stars.
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though
Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway'

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truckload when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Life keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going

Anonymous said...

Wow, whooping cough, you poor thing. Feel better, Brin - so glad you're home.

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

I hope you're feeling better by now, but better to be ill in your beautiful Freeman House! I always love seeing your incredible home, it inspires me to get busy on my own again :). Work is never done is it? I can see you wearing your pretty tool belt and digging in to fix and remodel, Ms Freeman would be so proud.

Hugs,
MN Kathi :)