Tuesday, February 3, 2009

SHABBY IMPERFECTIONS


My Hubbs simply does not understand “shabby”. Not really. Now, that isn’t to say he doesn’t like the way his beloved has transformed his home, I think he does. I know he appreciates the work behind the changes, he’s seen them firsthand! But like I said, he just doesn’t understand it...

Take this for example…

Over the weekend I went shopping and uncovered a treasure trove of simply amazing finds. The best purchase of the day was a charming old Lap Desk found at a local Thrift Shoppe. I believe it hails from around the 40’s to 50’s!

Despite having graceful, clean lines, the Box showed some wear…little imperfections brought on by age and obvious use. I envisioned the Box as once being dearly loved and value. Maybe it was made by a young boy in shop class as a gift for his Momma. Maybe during a lean Christmas a young husband made it for his new bride? I don’t know. I let my imagination lead me in such things. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture…

Anyway, back to my story…

With great pride I carried my treasures inside for my Hubbs to inspect. He quickly gazed over a few familiar looking finds, but paid the most attention to the Box.

“Did you actually BUY this thing? It needs a lot of work!” he said

He picked up the vintage beauty and turned it over, lifting and closing the angled lid at least three times (he is, after all, a craftsman, a deep lover of all things wood). With an especially wide grin he continued…

“With some serious attention you might be able to make it work!”

Now, I’ve been married to this man for 30 years and in this business for over 20. He KNOWS what I like and what I don’t want messed with. Trying not to act insulted or perturbed, I responded with only

“No! I think it’s fine! I like the Box the way it is!”

Which of course he had to add…

“I think I might have passed on that one!”

Undeterred, I couldn’t wait to begin transforming the Box. Within a few hours it was painted, lightly distressed with the artwork in place. I was so excited, even proud! “This might me one I keep” I silently thought! I then set the Box aside and began working on another website project. I worked deep into the night and fell into bed long after my man had called it a day…

This morning I walked into my studio, albeit a bit later than usual. I was over an hour behind schedule, even skipping my coffee to make up for sleeping through the Cock’s Crow. Things looked different…strangely out of place…and then I saw it. There, in the middle of my worktable sat the newly hand painted Box. Attached to the top was this note:

“To My Shabby Girl…

I’m amazed at your vision. I saw only an ugly old Box, pitted and scared. You saw something of beauty… You inspire me to look past surface imperfections and consider what something (or someone) can one day be…xo”

Remember this…

“People harvest only what they plant” Galatians 6:7

Blessings…Rebecca

11 comments:

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Oh Rebecca, I was just in tears by the end of your post...Beautiful! What a dear sweet man! And what a lovely wife he has!! You have such a marvelous way with words that evoke such emotion! Truly friend, you are a gifted writer.
Sharon
P.S. Thanks for the sweet cry...I needed that! :-)

Lisa McDonald said...

Rebecca ~

Absolutely, please add me to your favorites. I'm going to add you too. I have a few very special treasures that I have bought from you over the years. I can't wait to read your blog and visit your new website.

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com
www.palepinkandroses.typepad.com

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

Ooooh Rebecca beautiful post, this one has bought tears to my eyes. You have a amazing man there, such a moving message to leave for you. Theres something about homemade treasures, I am leaning towards the young boy making this beauty for his Mum, the look of pride on his face certainly would have been something to see. Ok so how about a photo of this treasure, I really would like to see if it is anything like I imagine it to be.

Have a glorious day my Sweet Rebecca

Lyn xxx

Anonymous said...

Mr.... Gathering.... oh you sweet man!

Kris said...

That is just about the sweetest thing I've read in a while. What a great guy.

Have a wonderful day

Kris

Anonymous said...

Oh Rebecca:
We need to see this work of art!...What a sweet message.
Love and a hug, Mary

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi Rebecca! Wow, Mr. AGP really DOES get it after all! What a lovely note to wake up to. I'd frame that. Beautiful post today.

And I'm so happy to see that you featured my dear friend Celeste. I have so many of her beautiful pieces that I tease her that I need to start a "Celeste" gallery!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Thank you for selling a wonderful story - such a great reflection of life :-).
What a dear treasure your husband is!
Lucy

Anonymous said...

Ooohh ~r~
Sweet as ever, and how soo true those words are..If we all could look at each other this way.. Go past the imperfections, rough edges and all.. Look into each others hearts, and see the good, and loving spirit that dwells within.. Hopefully this shows more than not enough, and the light, and love of our Heavenly Father pours through.. We would all be beautiful than.. What a wonderful sweet note to wake-up too, BUT, do I expect anything less from Mr.. AGP..He's not to "shabby" either.. Gotta love him.. Blessings to you both this evening, and know again your loved and adored..From one shabby gal to the other..xxoo..hugs ~t~

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post Rebecca! Your husband is so sweet! You are so talented and can make anything beautiful :)

I would LOVE to exchange links with you! I love your blog :)
Hugs,
Amy

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

this post had me laughing and crying.

Blog Archive