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Sunday, September 13, 2015

Storytelling





One of the common aspects of transferware china that I love is its ability to tell a story. There's a line from a movie in which a character is asked to relate an incident from her life. She asks,"Which do you want? Lies or the truth?" 
"I want both," comes the unexpected answer. But then we realize that a good story includes both reality, and the fanciful. Pictorial china is like that too.




It's no secret by now that I favor brown in transferware china! Last week I came across these small plates in my travels that will serve as my 2015 souvenir of summer. They were four for 3.50, and remind me of childhood journeys when I had a similarly small budget for a roadside memento.




I was first captivated by the little cottage pictured, and then sold by the pattern name,"Garden House." I have visited George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, near Washington, D.C., but have little recollection of the garden house. But I love the romantic scene depicted of a perfect summer day long ago. The leisurely stroll, the sails and the birds flying. . . , the picket fence.





In reality, when we approached near the Potomac River from the grounds, a startling unseen voice from a loud speaker sternly cautioned us to stay away from the water! Our summer ventures this year have been somewhat like that. A few wonderful pleasures mixed with lesser joys. Aren't they always? But what do we most want to remember?




My forays brought me a few more pleasing colors and textures to carry home that I am showing here. A mix of weathered greys and browns. Sand colors. Old wood. Chipping paint. Reminders of faraway places. What better way to tell the story of a passing summer?





















































I hope you have enjoyed my small tale!

We are savoring the gentle unfolding of another season. I hope you are too!
So nice that you stopped by for a visit!

Jacqueline 





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23 comments:

  1. Brown is my favorite transferware color too. I only have one piece I found at an estate sale years ago, but I love it!
    Brenda

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  2. Dear Jacqueline, how lovely that you make our eye linger on small details. It is a wonderful gift to notice and appreciate these. Thank you for allowing us to share them with you.
    I am reluctant to let this summer go ....
    Regards Janine

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  3. Four for $3.50? You don't feel like a thief? What a steal.

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  4. Love those sweet little dishes!! Brown is my fav also......xoxoxo

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  5. I like the pretty plates. But I love the Poste France cushion. Very pretty.

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  6. Love the plates - beautiful!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  7. What a wonderful post :-) I see a story in the button of that top. And I love the plates.

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  8. Yes $3.50 for 4 wonderful brown and white transferware plates is a steal a bargain and an exciting find for you.
    Love Your new linen jacket?
    I do enjoy your lovely pictures

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  9. So many beautiful colours and textures. I, too love brown transferware and have a few pieces. I look forward to your fall posts, Jacqueline. Hugs, Deb

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  10. Wonderful choice. I thought it was Mount Vernon. I love the story and what a deal. I am glad that the plates found a home where they will be loved.

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  11. I just love the Trasfeware you have! I would love to share the picture of the plate on my Home & Garden page on Facebook called Dreaming Of A Coastal Cottage. How would I share it? Thanks Deanae

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  12. The transferware dishes are beautiful. I have one plate of brown transferware.... dreaming of more.

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  13. I love the Mt. Vernon pieces from Johnson Bros. The Garden House ones are probably my favorite scene, and don't you just love the little touches of color? I do! I used to have a hutch chock full of polychrome brown pieces and then got into brown only. Now I'm mixing them up. You can't have enough brown in my opinion…it works with any color scheme. Loved your story!

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  14. Brown Transferware is my favorite as well. I have several pitchers and vases that I am actually using in my Fall decor!

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  15. Jacqueline, you have momentoes of a summer to remember. Your summer story is quite beautiful and the items will be well loved again. It's a little early yet but fall is fast approaching so there will be many more memories to uncover..Happy Monday..Judy

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  16. I am so in love with this pattern, but then Johnson Bros. patterns always set my heart beating a bit faster! I loved your story -- and this was indeed a steal! And a treasure.

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  17. Hi Jacqueline,
    I always love your pictures and your pretty plates are so sweet. Love your story.
    Kris

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  18. Yikes, so cute. What a great deal. I love your chair. So pretty.

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  19. I always, always enjoy your anything you share, Jacqueline. The plates are a wonderful find. I'm drawn to the brown pieces as well, and brought home two finds from a recent estate sale. One a compote and the other a small cup or bowl (no handles), but they both have the same scene and no mark. They are crazed and discolored with age, but that just made them more attractive to me. '-)
    Enjoy the transition into fall.

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  20. I Love brown transferware too and the windsorware you found is stunning. The neutrals of fall look gorgeous in your home. Love the jacket. Everything has a story. Enjoy the transition to cooler days. Hugs, cm

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  21. The plates are really attractive but my favourite transferware colour is free. I like the linen shirt too.

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  22. Jacqueline,
    Gorgeous finds!!!
    Your story mesmerizes me!!!
    thank you for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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