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Saturday, May 15, 2010

Counting Chairs

Once, when I was much less wise than today, I counted all of the chairs I had in my house. Easy chairs, kitchen chairs, patio chairs, dining chairs, etc.. That was quite some time ago, and I was not only startled by that number, but would now also be embarrassed to reveal it. I have since gotten into the "business" where I have crossed paths with many more examples of marvelous seating. I have found that there aren't many kinds of chairs I DON"T like.
We host many large family gatherings, including having had five small backyard weddings. So I'm including folding chairs too, but at the max those would only have been about a dozen. We like croquet and lawn parties and have those stacking plastic chairs to add to the picturesque vintage ones when the occasion calls for it. (Another dozen there.) People used to borrow chairs. There was that whole idea of sharing resources. Borrowing was just a way of life. There used to be somebody home next door, and they used to stock things like sugar, milk, and eggs. And chairs.

But lets face it, we are a sitting society now. Virtually every activity all day long requires chairs and lots of 'em. I'd just be crazy to go around counting all my chairs now. And it's getting on to summertime, and those back yard parties, and you don't want to have to go scraping up a chair from every corner of the yard when you want to take a quick break now do you?
Thoreau said, "I had three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society." How simple. How admirable. Even the very eccentric-ism of the odd number. . . , three.
Until you read further. . . ,"I never found the companion that was so companionable as SOLITUDE."

Well, there you have it.

I'd rather have Dorothy Parker's number:
"FOUR be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe."
(from Enough Rope, Inventory)
Oh yes, the kids chairs, too!

When they got home, the rat made a bright fire in the parlour, and planted the Mole in an armchair in front of it having fetched down a dressing gown and slippers for him, and told him river stories till suppertime. . . Supper was a most cheerful meal; but shortly afterwards a terribly sleepy Mole had to be escorted upstairs by his considerate host, to the best bedroom, where he soon laid his head on his pillow in great peace and contentment, knowing that his new-found friend the River was lapping the sill of his window."

Kenneth Graham, from The River Bank chapter, The Wind in the Willows

Ciao! Thanks for stopping by! Here's wishing you fine rowing weather!

Jacqueline

3 comments:

  1. That's so funny. I have a thing for chairs too. When I find a tattered old chair to bring home and work on, Mr. Blessing always says, "Where in the world are you going to put one more chair??" I especially like kids chairs. I used to have a daycare so whenever If found little chairs, I would pick them up. I could have a yard sale of just chairs. =)

    By the way, your shop looks as LOVELY as youir blog. I have to go investigate some more. Hope you have a beautiful Sunday. Blessings... Polly

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  2. Hey Girl, I was over here last night forever going back through your posts, but I was sidetracked and didn't leave a comment.(shame on me) I really want to see more photos of the inside of your store! Your posts are always wonderful and you keep me wanting more. Thanks for the heads up about the email. Things got wonky when I messed with some stuff last week. That should be a sign for me to not change things around too much. ha ha.
    I want to talk to you about me doing a post about your blog. You're so interesting, I want more people to know about you.
    Thanks for the feedback on the header, I have Picnik and it was fun putting it together!
    OK, I'll try to fix my email situation.
    Take care, big hugs,
    Debra

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  3. This is a fun post! Reminds me of my grandmother...the running joke was that she could always fit in 1 more chair! And your collection of brown transferware is just gorgeous! You have some very nice unique pieces!
    Have a great week!
    Rene

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