Thursday, October 11, 2007

Movin' On Out

I'm moving, you know. I'm packing up and moving. To the backyard. I've decided that I'll sleep under the rustling leaves and the big, night sky. The old train bench will be my bed and the fire pit will be my heater. The stars will be my night light. The squirrels and birds and rabbits will be my TV, the distant rooster and church bells my music.

This place steals your heart. It's enchanting. We've spent every evening this week alongside the fire pit. Of all the things I've done to this place, this has been the cheapest, easiest, and loveliest. The bricks came from a crumbling chimney on the east side of the house and after I did all the prep work, the actual brick laying took all of a few hours. I adore it. Such a simple, fulfilling, happy way to live.

My Mom presented me yesterday with this quilted throw to use fireside, among other places. I love it, Mom. The fabrics were bits from my stash that I've held onto for awhile - some since my first apartment in 1996. Pieces of this quilt are special to me, as things like this end up being. Some, like the plaid square below - sandwiched alongside the toile and the log cabin type square - are old clothes. I wore that skirt my first day at CBS. Others, like the toile, came from old apartments. The cranberry toile was my first ever curtain set. Made them myself. But my Mom... she's amazing. I gave her the scraps in a heap last week, and within days she'd spun them into exactly what I'd asked for: a pieced, illogical crazy quilt to match the time in my life that these fabrics appeared.

Not to brag or anything, but my Mom can sew her own magic for you, too. She's opened her own shop. You can stop by and tell her hello here.

Yep, this messy, thrilling life. Although... I've been thinking. Maybe I should amend that to read: my crazy, cozy life. These days that fits too.

Anyway. Didn't mean to type all this. I really just poked my head in to put the apple cider on and grab another cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. I'm doing my taxes today. Outside, of course. Only sane, reasonable people do them indoors on a day like today.

Better head back out now. I think the squirrels are fixin' to come on again.

13 comments:

BellaColle said...

Ahh, you really do seem to have it all! I will definatly have to check your mom's store out. I do have to ask-Taxes already??/

Anonymous said...

I love that quilt..the very best of old things! And wow your Mom is a fast worker! You had me for a bit as you said you were moving out..enjoy your night out!

Anonymous said...

wunnerful wunnerful wunnerful !

Anonymous said...

You're right about the fire pit, in fact Billy and I have talked about one and want one but we live in the "city" limits and aren't allowed, but one day I want one and an outdoor shower too!!!

PS see you soon!

Unknown said...

I love those colors and what a nice job she did, gotta love Mom! Can't wait to check out her store, from the looks of your quilt, she will do just fine! I love outdoor fire pits, I have a chimmey pot on our lattace porch from a son, I just love it! A pit is planned for the next place!

Rose said...

Brin, I've given you an award. Please stop by, to pick it up, when you have a moment. I'm on my way now to visit your mother's shop...how exciting!

Deb said...

Dear Brin
Your Mum sounds lovely ~ what a gorgeous quilt she made. Your pictures of the train bench and fire pit and quilt and the memories behind the fabrics made this post a joy to read. Thank you!

Terri Steffes said...

Girl, you have quite the life. I love that quilt. Your mom has great taste.

cammy said...

This quilt is just stunning. Your mom is a very talented gal. I'm going to go visit her site now.

That Girl said...

by yourself? you'll sleep outside by yourself?! :-) gotta hand it to ya.
How blessed are you that your Mom did that for you! I've been able able to rescue (sadly, "rescue" is the right word!) a couple of quilts that I consider treasures, because they were done by the prairie women in my family I've never met before, now long gone. An old crazy quilt with a shaky "1929" stitched in, and a beauuuutiful pink (!) pin wheel-style quilt, that needs some TLC along the seam. My sweet mom had used them for storage cushioning in the garage! :-) ack. Not sure the best way to store them. I think I saw/heard Martha Stewart speak of rolling them?

Anonymous said...

I would say you life is definately thrilling! Sleeping under a quilt on the bench in fall...What more could you even ask for? Love your site too! Hope to see more!

a woman who is said...

I am inspired once again as I drop by your place. I have wanted to make a quilt since I was 12 yr. old. I have made some small baby ones. A large quilt always seemed to time consuming. I have no excuses left anymore after your mother’s quick labor of love. It is time and besides now I know what to do with all that material I could not stand to get rid of when we moved. Have a lovely cruise.

Sandi McBride said...

The quilt is so lovely, and that it consists of bits and pieces of your life makes it more than a comforter, it makes it your life. That is how quilts were always done, from fabrics of your life. How wonderful. Enjoy your trip to the back yard, have a nice stay...
Sandi