Wednesday, August 31, 2011

HEY LOOK: I found a beehive oven under my fireplace mantle!


Hope to complete my Homestead project like this
with the inclusion of my new find
  A Beehive Oven!

It looked like this (below) -loved it, but needed love
yet easy to decorate for the seasons...
but
Bored with no electricity during the weekend storm
we decided to tear down the boards on my kitchen fireplace,


and discovered the original fireplace

 

dating to when the Brayton Homestead was built in
1796.


I already knew there was a brick cubby for wood,
it had a door out of the same boards as the fireplace.
Have wanted to take down the boards for such a long time but knew it would
it was any one's guess to what would be lurking behind ...


voila!
first found a great cupboard with a cool round latch
but still have not concluded what was it's use...


then found the beehive oven -originally known as a baking oven. now called
beehive oven because of it's shape


a peak inside the beehive oven... 


the jagged bricks are intentional for the heat of the fireplace to be transported to the oven.


here original wood piece and very old wallpaper...


an original kitchen like this would have been called the keeping room. 
This is what I have left to work with,
what a challenge!
I have a few ideas- do you have any?

Karen

Friday, August 26, 2011

TAKE A WHIRL: A PARIS CAROUSEL!


Have you ever had a single experience that stays with you forever. Walking around the corner in Paris to this unexpected site is one of those lovely moments to me.




majestic, regal and fun all at once.
Have a lovely weekend.
Karen
please be safe all that are in arms way of the storm.
Linking with these beautiful blogs:

Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

ORIGINAL BRAYTON HOME: BRAYTON HALL, ENGLAND


Have I mentioned that the Brayton Family who built my home, the Brayton Homestead, in 1796, came from England where they owned Brayton Hall?
Sadly,the estate is mostly gone but there is a lovely hotel and golf course. Even the cows are beautiful.


While researching details on the house, I also discovered this picture of the barn; even the animal's towels are
 monogrammed. Will build a barn in the future!
 Enjoy...

Monday, August 22, 2011

TOUCHING: THE FABLE OF THE PORCUPINE


Fable of the Porcupine



It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold.


The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and Protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.


After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their Companions or disappear from the Earth.


Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close Relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.

The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

I recieved this email from a friend and was so touched I had to share it,
enjoy and have a great week!

Karen

Monday, August 15, 2011

MY HOMESTEAD: LIBRARY CIRCA 1796



Can you hear the faint sound of violins?


a casual violin concert at the homestead , circa 1796, was a dream.
vintage chairs lined up waiting for guests...


tapestry and burlap pillows for the music lovers that selected the Victorian sofa...


Sunshine streams into the library...


there was even an audience of ceramic dogs enjoying the music.


spaniels and of course yorkies...


on my parent's 25th wedding anniversary silver tray...


a lovely time... 


hope you enjoyed,
Karen


Thanks for visiting!
Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Monday, August 8, 2011

TRAVEL MEMORIES: ROOSTERS IN PARIS


While shopping during my last trip to Paris
I took this shot from outside a chocolate shop...


upon entering what I can only describe as chocolate heaven,
I spotted the pigeons outside and remember thinking all the birds
looked like friends. Thought these pics would be perfect for the


There are roosters in the yard at the  homestead,
looking quite French to me
check out French Country Cottage...


and roosters on my handpainted kitchen floor
(my back still aches)


Thanks for visiting.

IMAGES: 1, 2, 3 & 5 Brayton Homestead Interiors
4 google

Saturday, August 6, 2011

SUMMER DRIVE: TO PARIS?


drove around this morning looking for yard sales, and only found one! I have banned myself  from them this summer as I exhibit no self control,
ok- it is not my car...


well, more money to put away for my next trip to Paris,
ok, nothing in the works now- just dreaming...



Have a lovely weekend!
 Karen

linking to Pink Saturday.

Images: google

Thursday, August 4, 2011

MY COUNTRY KITCHEN: WILD FLOWERS


What is it about red and white check that is so perfect for summer?
Here in my homestead kitchen, checks perk up my
fav darker tones... 


the brick has been painted white and glazed and all complete...
(sorry for the blurriness)


my next wish is to add wood beams to the ceiling
which is old barn board...


wild flowers from an admirer add a touch of nature,
and lots of red appliances !
hope you enjoyed.

and
Karen