A Great Story Behind It – Decorating with Meaning

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I truly believe that creating a warm, inviting home that is uniquely yours means decorating with collected pieces that mean something to you and that have a story behind them. I think it’s so cool when you can walk through your home and point to things and say things like we got that on this trip or that vanity belonged to my grandmother…

 

Decorating with meaning - Life on Kaydeross Creek

 

Or, my father found this butcher block in his friends barn. It was actually used for it’s intended purpose and was a mess when he brought it to me. He knew I would love it and it cleaned up great. We’ve had it for 20 years…

 

Decorating with meaning - Life on Kaydeross Creek

 

The hardware on this barn door came from the barn at our first house

 

Decorating with Meaning - Life on Kaydeross Creek

 

I love stories like these so today I’d like to share a new story with you.

Last week my husband and I stopped in to some of the very cute little antique shops in our town. I wasn’t really looking for anything specifically but was, instead, hoping for something to speak to me. As we walked through one store I spotted a really cool old sled. It was very beat up but nothing that I had ever seen before. It had a box on the back and curly rod iron rails on the front. I stopped and looked and said to my husband “what do you think of this?” His response was “what are you going to do with that?”

“I don’t know but it’s really cool. It will look so good at Christmas by the tree”.  He replied “But what will do you do with it the rest of the year?” He continued walking.

I didn’t have an answer for that so I hesitated for a moment and then we went on our merry way. It turned out it was not so merry for me because all I could think about was the sled for the next 4 days.

So finally I had enough of thinking and decided I wanted to buy the sled. I called the shop and asked if it was there. I waited while the person on the phone went and checked. She came back a moment later. “Do you mean the sled with the box on the top?”

“Yes” I said excitedly.

“I sold it on Sunday.”

Heartbroken. “Son of a Biscuit!!” I yelled in her ear to which her response was “have a nice day”.

So I called my husband all full of regret and sadness and told him I was upset. I should have bought it I said! I’m so mad at myself. He said there would be other sleds. Maybe, but not like that one.

I know what you are thinking here. Seriously?? It’s just a sled and in the grand scheme of things is it that big of a deal? You are absolutely right, it’s not.

My husband knows me so well. I never really ask for anything or complain so when I got upset he knew I was disappointed. He called me later and asked if I was still mad. I told him yes and before I could say anything else he said “Col, it was me. It was me who bought the sled. I bought it for you for Valentines Day.”

WHAT??? YOU DID??? How??? Aawwwwww, REEAAAALLYYYYY??? You did?

He did…

 

Decorating with Meaning - Life on Kaydeross Creek

 

He is beyond thoughtful. I love it and now I love the story it comes with and every time I look at that sled I will hear his voice say “Col, it was me”.  That is what a home is made of. Not things, but memories and meaning.

Can you look around your house and remember stories behind some of what makes your house your home? Do you have a story to share about any of your favorite things? I would love to hear it!

Happy DIYing!

 

Col

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21 Comments

  1. I love the story about the sled; what a sweet thing to do, and then he couldn’t keep the news to himself! I love it!

  2. Colleen, that was a beautiful story. Made me cry. Thanks for sharing and it made me think we need to stop, take a breath and look around and savor he stories and the memories. Merry Christmas too you and yours, 🎄

  3. This made my eyes a little watery! So sweet! I have a few pieces my husband has wood-burned for me, and then there’s the old hutch that was my great grandma’s, then my grandma’s, then my mom’s and now it’s mine. It traveled from Alabama to Pennsylvania and then to Virginia and every state in between. I love sentimental pieces. Thanks for sharing your story. That’s a really neat sled.

  4. Love your beautiful pieces and your stories behind them. I lost both of my parents last year and treasure some of the things that belonged to them AND their parents that I have in my home.

  5. I love your pics. I want a barn door so bad. I look forward to checking out your other post. I found your post through Inspire Me Monday.

    1. Thanks Jen! I’m so happy that you stopped by! My husband built the barn door for me and it’s one of my favorite things about my house!

  6. Oh how sweet. I love to hear such a sweet story. It was so thoughtful of your husband to purchase the sled. It was so wonderful that he got the message and thought it would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. I love the sled. I could easily see it filled with wrapped gifts at Christmas or it could be your Christmas tree stand if you had a large enough tree. During the year I could see it holding blankets, throws or pillows or if you have a wood burning fireplace, it could hold some extra wood. So many wonderful ways to use it. Good luck and let us all know how you make good use of it. (I love the barn door too!)

    1. Thank you! He knows me well after almost 30 years. I think I will use it for a Christmas tree this year and then for a wood box the rest of the year. I will definitely be sharing what becomes of the sled and more stories with you all! Thanks for stopping by!!

  7. Colleen, I found your blog today via Amaze Me Monday and am so glad I did. We seem to be on the same wave length with decorating with a story. I am doing a Monday series on my blog about “Love Your Home” with this same thought in mind – loving your home by decorating with things that you love, that tell a story about your life, your interests, etc. I hope you will stop by for a visit. And, you no doubt have one of the most thoughtful Hubbies. I love the old sled. We in the south would never find such a thing.

  8. Such a nice story!
    I love gathering bits and pieces that have stories and memories attached.
    That vanity is beautiful! I have always wanted one of those.

  9. What a heart warming, happy ending! The piece is priceless! You can now write a children’s tale about the sled & all the wonderful places it’s travelled ending with your story. Perfect for life along Kaydeross Creek!

    1. Hi Susan! Thank you so much! I love the thought of the children’s book and may have to start working on that. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!