Searching for Inspiration

Do you ever have those times where you're waiting... and you don't know what for? 

I tend to go through phases and their quite amusing to look back on!  In recent history there was my "homesteading phase" where I was reading about and delving into all things "farmgirl" (this one has been off and on for the past 5 years but turned into "homesteading" as soon as I found a name for it!).  Now you know the real reason for the chickens! 

Then there was my Beatrix Potter - drawing & painting phase inspired by the movie "Miss Potter".  For some reason this phase inspired me to want a bunny! 

When I read Anne of Ingleside and found one of my favorite quotes "some folks think babies a luxury, but here at Ingleside we think their a necessity!" I of course was in a baby phase (wanting #4!). 

I've also had a music phase - piano lessons for 2 years (so we now have a piano!).  A blogging phase...a photography phase...a secret garden phase...  And all throughout each of these times I seem to be more inspired in every sense of the word. 

Well, what do you do when you just don't feel inspired?  It must be time for a good book or a great movie!  Have any suggestions!?  I better be careful what I wish for though because once it becomes a phase we usually end up with long lasting results! 

A treasure trove

I want to share a lovely and true treasure that was just passed down into my family.  I feel more like a caretaker of the items, not their owner, as one day my own children will have them and they are really from their daddy's great, great, great grandmother Anna.  The trunk was her own from around the time of her marriage in 1889 - she was about 25 I'm told.  There are so many special items to be found inside, cards and letters, a few journals (written in german, we'll need a translator!).  Here are just a few of the unique items:

pill boxes with pills still inside!

Their wedding photo and marriage certificate ~ framed.

A beautiful christening gown.

Old books, one is a pocket size Gospel of St. John from 1893.

There were other gowns, a muff several beautiful hats and a riding jacket.  She was sooo tiny that Anna my ten year old fits the riding jacket perfectly and cannot wait to wear it!  It's so funny that the style was so classic that many of our tailered jackets are similar even today!

Just had to share in our special finds!  We will treasure them always - thank you Aunt Mary Claire, Uncle Craig and Papa for passing them down!

Olivia