Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 25, 2004
In Lieu Of A Weathervane
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 25, 2004 – Now that I know how and where to get a weathervane, I’m putting that pursuit on hold for the moment, until I see the exact one I want. Sending away to Cal-ee-for-ni-eh (I’m a big fan of Arnold) for a product I’ve never seen, seems a bit foolish. If I don’t like it, I’ll be stuck sending it back and trying to get a refund.
Also, come to think of it – I don’t like the thought of paying in American dollars. Into the bargain, the company hasn’t responded to my e-mail inquiry. Maybe that’s a sign. One of these days, when I least expect it, I’ll wander into a store or an antique shop and there will be my weathervane. In the meantime, I still wanted a few accessories for my pergola and garden. When in pursuit of the unusual, it’s off to see Chan at the Victorian Shoppe, and as usual she doesn’t disappoint.
I had an hour to putter and enjoyed it to the fullest. I went through ever square inch of her six rooms and poked and prodded and surveyed her wares with an eagle eye. I found a couple of aged copper whirligigs – one in a heart shape and the other a frog. He’s standing on one hind leg and waving the other three in the air – he looks spread eagled. He has a big, silly grin on his face. He’s absolutely endearing.
I also found some little, iron bugs for $2.95 each, so I bought six. There is a grasshopper, a ladybug, a fly, a beetle, a dragonfly and one other little fellow who must have come from the artist’s imagination, because I don’t recognize him. Chan suggested that I look at some of the copper and glass mobiles. They’re inexpensive, colourful and compliment the other copper piece in my garden. I hung them on the brackets on my pergola and they’re wonderful sun catchers.
It’s amazing how much colour, whimsey and character you can add to a garden without spending a lot of money, if you know where to shop for bargains. If you patronize high end shops like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Bombay you will spend a lot of money. T
heir products are exquisite, and sometimes I lust after them, especially when I see them in other people’s homes. I have some items that I’ve purchased there, but most of my gift giving and shopping is done within a half hour drive of my front door. That’s the way I like it.
I will probably have to go further afield to finally find my weather vane, but that’s okay. In the meantime I’ll end up back at home in my old stomping ground, shopping in my old, familiar haunts. My garden seems to be complete. Arthur, Roger and Duncan are accepting their lot in life and the various and sundry insects, mobiles, lanterns, wind chimes and dragonfly candle holders have found homes in their respective corners of the garden.
My trees, plants, shrubs and flowers are flourishing and I’ve made peace with my outdoor space once again. I know why I love being in my garden. It’s creative, soothing, restful and it calms nerves, frayed by too many hours of work. After a cool evening, the weather tomorrow is supposed to be warm and sunny. A perfect day to rest, relax, water my garden and day dream.
