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Friday, July 6, 2012

That Summer Country Cottage Feeling




I have a sort of junking saga this week. Last weekend we got away from our usual haunts when we went a little farther afield for a meal. On our way back we came across a tiny place with stuff out front. Just when I spotted a little white bench I was a bit interested in I started to feel somewhat unwell.



I couldn't find a price on the bench, and began to seriously not care. So we went on our way. But you know how it is.... I couldn't stop thinking about it, and was sure that little bench was going to get snapped up before I could get back to it. Monday morning I drove back. Closed. Ditto Tuesday. Then 4th of July. By the time I found the place open Thursday afternoon the little bench was no longer out front. I checked inside to be sure I wasn't just missing it, and there it was tucked back by the counter. It had a hammer and nails placed on it.




"Is the bench for sale?" I sort of begged the woman running the place.
"No, sorry. I use it around here all the time. It's very sturdy and just right for standing on."
I just stood there staring at it. Not saying anything. But not giving up either.
"I've had lots of people want to buy it. I don't know why," she said.
"I think it's because it's old, and has that white paint," I said pitifully, but calmly, though sort of screaming inside, "gimme! gimme! gimme!"
"Well, you could make me an offer," she finally said, mercifully.
"Uh, what would be enough to make you wanna part with it?," I asked, still trying to stay cool, but knowing I was going to pay whatever it was. She answered about five dollars more than what I thought would be a stinkin' fabulous price, and I gave it a few beats for self respect and human decency before lunging upon it nonchalantly.



Yes, yes, it's somewhat irrationally mine now.
  So I'm in the pink! 



I also went on a futile search for more hard to find vintage print cotton sheets. But more euphoria awaits me out there some other time. For now, I'll enjoy the vintage sheets I already have, mixed in with a bit of Simply Shabby Chic. My new bench just begged for it. . . .



























































































I hope you're getting enough of that summer country cottage feeling! We had a big downpour last evening. And everything is fresh and green and eerily humid for our part of the planet. And it's the weekend again! Hope it's fabulous!

Jacqueline






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51 comments:

  1. Darling bench! I'm glad you went back for it.

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  2. Lucky you!! I can't believe she sold it to you. I love it and can see why you wanted it.

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  3. Perfect bench! Perfect pictures! We just had a shower an hour ago drenching our parched soil. Sally

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  4. Wow! You're good - perfect way to place the ball in her court! So very happy for you - the bench is awesome and beautifully paired with the pitcher and linen!
    Good Job!
    Have a blessed weekend,
    Kathy

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  5. Absolutely adorable----everything!! Love the cute bench and those linens are so beautiful! It is a very cottagey look. I think everyone has felt like Sandra did in that movie---and that's not a good feeling! Good thing you went back and got the seller at just the right moment, or worked your magic on her! Kay

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  6. You are one cool lady! Don't know if I could have remained calm. It is certainly an adorable bench and worth all the effort you put into buying...congratulations!

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  7. Whatever you paid...it's worth it. If it makes your heart go pitty pat, then it's meant for you!! I found one similar last year and accosted a man in the parking lot for it!

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  8. Oh I LOVE the bench! It is just perfect and I'm happy for you that the shop owner relented and sold it to you. All your pretty pink flowered sheets look perfectly summery. Beautiful photos. Your enamel ware pitcher look like mine, which I love. Enjoy the weekend! Pamela

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  9. i'm laughing so hard right now i just might have peed my pants! "She answered about five dollars more than what I thought would be a stinkin' fabulous price, and I gave it a few beats for self respect and human decency before lunging upon it nonchalantly." LOL..LOL...LOL! Delightful post....and a scenario I can sooooo relate to mon amie! funny....just plain funny! (Adore the petite bench and all the "cottage" touches. puuuurdy!)!) ;)

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  10. I LOVE your cute little bench and your enamelware pitcher, the linens, too...well, I guess I love it all, as usual.

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  11. Great story, great find. I love the sheets!

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  12. You've done it yet again, Jacqueline!
    The bench is a great find. The eyelet, the linens, the touches of pink (not usually a pink fan here, but so loving the pink!)
    Beautiful, beautiful.

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  13. Had I been there with you, you would have had to fight me for that bench. It's all so very lovely.

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  14. o.k. I'd go for the straw hat, pink quilt, and eyelet dress!! Guess we all have our favorites! :)

    Ann @ Cairn Cottage
    http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/

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  15. Oh, the lengths we will go to in order to satisfy our hunting and gathering urges. You did GOOD getting the white bench..so cute and I simple LOVE all the pink and white in this blog...delicious! Stay cool, pat

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  16. A sweet bench, I bet the lady that sold is already wishing she had not sold it. Glad you got the bench. I have the shabby sheets too, I've had one set about 4 years, it already looks vintage compared to the new set I just bought. Have a great week end, Laura

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  17. This made me laugh Jacqueline. I have so been there. Trying to remain cool and collected, when all the time thinking THAT piece is coming home with ME!!! When my daughter owned her little shop, I would drive over to Boise and work in it once in awhile for fun, and I saw women all the time with 'that' look too. So funny.
    I love your new bench and I am so happy you didn't give up : )
    Beautiful pictures of your pretty vintage sheets!
    hugs...

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  18. Hi J,
    Well you are a cool tactical shopper! From experince being on the other side! It will be a nice friend to your pink bench, 2's a pair 3's a collection :-) Love your yummy sheets. I did the sales this morning it's not so good this year :-(( I NEED stuff (yeah right, haha!).
    Have a great wekend!
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  19. I just stories with happy endings. And you're so funny!

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  20. Glad you got your bench:) I love those vintage sheets with roses on - they are so pretty and summery.

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  21. sweet little stool,no wonder you loved it. I like all that beautiful pinky linen too. Lovely xx

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  22. Guess you were meant to have the little bench, it is lovely.
    I like the sheets with the roses, I've been wanting something similar so I'll keep looking.
    Your cottage vignette has brought a little sunshine to my day, we're having a downpour ourselves right now.
    Judith

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  23. Fun story...I can completely relate to that feeling when you come across a treasure and it just sticks with you. So glad it was still there! Love those country cottage photos!!

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  24. Another lovely post Jacqueline, always so excited to keep up with your blog and beautiful pictures......can you tell me, what is that divine gorgeous white eyelet linen in the pictures, is that a tablecloth, maybe a petticoat? I notice EVERYTHING, you have such nice eye candy shots!:) stay cool, devon

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  25. Jacqueline,
    Fabulous bench whatever the price!!! I know what you mean about more than you were wanting to pay...did the same thing recently for a vintage clock! I think this newest find looks "right @ home" in your surroundings!!! Have a blessed weekend...and please some of that refreshing rain to the Prairie!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  26. AWESOME!!!!!!!

    Love love love your bench, what an fabulous post!

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  27. oh this whole post is just precious! It reminds me of growing up in the country and all the soft delicious fabrics of my childhood...

    thanks for sharing,
    gena

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  28. Oh gosh, Jacqueline, you REALLY scored with this fabulous bench! I think I would have been shouting 'gimme' inside, too. :)
    And these sheets you pile on are perfectly cottage sweet. Love!

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  29. What a bunch of gorgeous linens. You find the best stuff.
    It has rained all of June here and we usually get a BIG thunder storm every late afternoon.
    In fact, we had a tornadoe touch down just 6 miles from us.
    YIKES........Alberta is not supposed to have that kind of weather

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  30. Your bench is a cute little thing. And I like how you didn't give up. Love all the pinks too. We were at a flea market today...and I wished I'd gotten some pillow cases...pretty and only 50cents each. I did buy a RAggedy Ann and some vintage photos....

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  31. the bench is darling and the story was funny! I know the feeling of wanting something like that...glad you got it.

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  32. I know just how you feet about that sweet little bench! I'm so glad it's part of your family now. :@

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  33. Hello Jacqueline

    You deserved to get this bench. It is beautiful and has attitude!

    Beautiful linens and lace too
    Helen

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  34. Love anything pink. This post was def pretty in Pink (also one of my fav movies). Loved the pink quilt and cherry tablecloth. I am covetig that bench and that quilt!

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  35. How often does one run across a peek-a-boo pink bench? No wonder you kept going back. I love how they always added those notches to the top to tote 'em around by...instant character.
    Deb

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  36. I can see why this little beauty caught your eye. Glad to hear it is at home with you now. That's where it belonged all the time! ~ Sarah

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  37. What a darling cottagy little bench. And... it's a perfect prop for your beautiful photogaphs... and those cotton sheets are so fresh and summery looking... love them. What is the eyelet fabric, sheet? Pillow case? It's so pretty!

    Cindy

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  38. What a beautiful bench.And I LOVE that color too!Pretty enamel pitcher and sheets too.
    ((Hugs))
    Anne

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  39. Wow what a wonderful story of your bench. It always lowers my blood pressure to visit your beautiful blog.

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  40. That is so typical of clueless people. But I am glad you persisted. I bought so much stuff this weekend I cannot remember what I bought. I am fried by children and heat. I am also cheered by your rain as I had feared we were in a scifi world where there is no water and only unrelenting heat.

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  41. I never ever tire of seeing your beautiful linens and vignettes you create around them with your various collections! That nightgown (?) is so sweet!

    Have a wonderful day,

    Nancy

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  42. Fabulous! No wonder you wanted it! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  43. Woohoo! Love the roses sprinkled on the linens plus the pink and white quilt! Glad you got the bench, too!

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  44. It never hurts to ask! The bench is PERFECT and I love all of your pink and white linens! Beautiful photos, Jacqueline!

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  45. Aw, yes, stinkin cute bench!! Great find and love your persistence !!! hugs...cleo

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  46. Such pretty textiles and lovely soft colours. The bench is pretty awesome too.

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  47. Again I feel like I've stepped back in time to my Nana's summer cottage. All the beds were dressed in the prettiest floral linens and the softest chenille spreads. Thank you for the memories!

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  48. Oh that bench is just the greatest. So glad you got it. I love all of your fabulous linens also and that pitcher is wonderful. Great pics. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  49. Hi..such a pretty post. I haven't been here for a while, sorry. You know that large metal pitcher, my mom had one of those. My sis has it. I should photograph it in a post of vintage ideas.

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  50. What a wonderful bench, Jacqueline. And it looks so pretty with those cotton bed linens. Isn't it fun when you find something that way and it's meant to be?

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  51. Hi! So funny about procuring the bench, and worth it no matter the cost. :) I didn't see in comments if anyone asked where you got those cute floral sheets. Target? I gotta have em! Thanks, Cheryl

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