Rustic Simplicity

For the true pioneer of vintage simplicity, may I present Thoreau. Or, rather, his cabin. Here is an interior photograph of Thoreau's reproduction cabin built near the shores of Walden Pond. He moved in on July 4, 1845, thirteen days before his 28th birthday (which for me would have been January 26 of this year, since I turned 28 on February 9th!).

Anyway, his experiment in living simply lasted scarcely two years, but the journal entries from those years stayed in his mind. He compiled his entries to create "Walden," his masterpiece.

Simplistic, rustic, vintage, and minimal, Thoreau's cabin is the epitome of what I'm striving for; however, if you read other posts of mine you'll discover a great deal more complication in life than what Henry advises!

Alas, I confess to be far more idealistic than the Concord naturalist. But if anyone wished to live truly humbly, with a small amount of items and enjoy a sort of roofed camping existence, here is what you'd require:

Bed - Probably made himself, little more than slats and boards. A rough mattress, most likely stuffed with horsehair or real goose feathers, a real 100% organic wool blanket (cheap in his time, not in ours!), and a goosefeather pillow with cotton cover.

Three chairs - You know my love of simple chairs! I would like that yellow one very much. Knowing Henry, he probably borrowed them all from Emerson or Louisa's father, Bronson Alcott. Needless to say, these could be picked up at any garage sale for a couple dollars a piece.

Desk - A bit difficult to see in the photograph, but my favorite piece. Simply made of real wood (the Victorians didn't have particleboard), with a slant flip-up top and storage for Thoreau's journal, inkwell, and pens. Elsewhere in "Walden" he mentions reading several books, so no doubt those would be in here, too.

Table - Curious little table on three legs. I've deemed this type to be called a cricket table, but any small table would do. I'm guessing his is about 3 feet in diameter.

Various Sundries - According to "Walden," he also had a mirror, tongs and andirons, kettle, skillet, frying-pan, dipper, wash-bowl, 2 knives, 2 forks, 3 plates, 1 cup, 1 spoon, a jug for oil, a jug for molasses, and an oil lamp.

Do I think I could get down to this level of simplicity? No, I find my life quite comfortable. Do I think others should get down to this level? Only if they consider it a worthwhile endeavor and it does no harm to others.

I think the main reason I adore Thoreau's simplicity is he teaches you the basic difference between NEEDS and WANTS. It's a distinction that is sorely lacking in our culture. Advertisers would have you believe that so many things are needs, when they're actually wants. They know that the more you think you need something, the more likely you'll purchase it.

As Thoreau plainly demonstrates, there is very little we actually need. The rest are just wants. Keeping this vital difference in mind could prevent a lot of consumer heartbreak ... when the credit card bills pile up!

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Away We Shall Swim to Dreamland ...

Turn down the lights and close the blinds,
For we are in Pisces time.
Slipping into the clear pool's waters
Are fishy sons and mermaid daughters.

Twisting, entwined, like Rivers of olde,
Pisces enjoys silvery waters, not gold,
For who would want to reach for Success?
Let's enjoy life, not living less.

Irish faeries and parchment scrolls,
White stardust Pegasus foals -
Each belong to Pisces, sign of dreams
Where Life is not always what it seems!
~ Meg North

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New Book in my Book Shoppe!

A new book in the bookshoppe!

This one is about how to shop sustainably, eco-friendly and green by incorporating the four letters of VULO:

• VINTAGE
• USED
• LOCAL
• ORGANIC

Stop by and visit if you'd like!

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An Artist's Simplistic Style

Simple interiors do not have to be stark! van Gogh's colorful bedroom with its river-blue walls, turquoise floor, and yellow-orange furniture captures Arles's light. Though small and sparsely furnished, this room has artistic and creative energy, the perfect place to recharge one's imaginative batteries.

Bed - the simple wooden bed with its red coverlet and white pillows provides both color and minimalism to the space.

Chairs - French rush-seat ladderback chairs provide a comfortable spot to sit, and add country charm to home decor. I'm in love with small wooden side chairs, especially ones that look as inviting as these.

Side table - the simplistic style and single drawer make this nightstand/shaving stand a handy accent. While cluttered with objects, each has a use - brush, comb, razor, ewer and pitcher for the daily wash, water glass, and two small cologne or perfume bottles. A tiny toilette! Beside the table, on the wall hanging by a simple nail hook, is the towel to dry one's face. And above the table, a simple rectangular mirror.

Wall Art - as I've stated before, wall art is my favorite way to decorate, for it captures beauty, ambiance, and intimacy without taking up floor or table space. van Gogh has painted five pieces of wall art in this bedroom, a fitting tribute to the artist.

Peg Shelf - for hanging jackets and van Gogh's signature straw hat, this peg shelf is handy and simplistic.

Window - without curtains or other adornment, a simple push-out window provides hazy yellow light.

In all, this bedroom is what Thoreau might have designed if he was an artist. Simplistic, rustic furnishings, every item having a use, and a colorful palette of both cool and warm tones.

So, for creative minimalist and vintage souls, van Gogh's "The Bedroom" painting provides energetic and artistic inspiration!

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Inspiration found in Simplicity

As you can see, I'm in love with these 'lady reading' paintings! They remind me of Charlotte Bronte or Emily Dickinson pausing to read a letter from a friend - something inspirational that sparks a thought for their next poem or chapter. Sigh.

Anyway ...

This dear soul has picked up the morning paper, and is standing in a humble section of her parlor or bedroom to peruse it by sunlight. You can see how a few choice objects give you the feeling of an antique home without the Victorian clutter.

Chair - what a lovely little chair. I give tours at the Longfellow House here in Portland, and we have delightful 1830's and 1840's chairs just like this. Made of mahogany or cherry, with rush seats, they're well constructed, have curvy lines, and are perfect for guests. People in the 19th century didn't lounge on their furniture like we do today; it was more formal. They were more likely to perch in a chair than sprawl in it.

Desk/Side Table - like yesterday's painting, a small side table or desk in a dark colored wood with simple, Shaker-inspired lines blends antique and simplicity in beautiful harmony. This one is a handy flip-top variety.

Wall Decorations - kept to a minimum, wall art is my favorite way to add visual interest without clutter. A gorgeous oval mirror like in this painting, a small trio of beloved portraits or paintings, and well-placed photographs all give a sense of the person who lives here.

Decorative Objects - there's only one in this painting: the simple white candlestick. William Morris (a Victorian himself) famously stated: "Have nothing in your home which you do not know to be useful or beautiful." Seek antique objects that are both useful and beautiful, and you can achieve the romantic look without clutter.

This 'simple Victorian paintings' series has hopefully showed you, dear readers, how you can both simplify and achieve the antique look.

For further inspiration, may I suggest:

• Thoreau. The quintessential simplicity guru of the 19th century, if you follow his tenets on minimalist living, you can turn any situation into one of deep living.
• The Shakers. A historic group that rejected Victorian clutter in favor of clean lines, hard and honest work, and few, well-made items. Their design style is world-famous.
• The pioneers/settlers. Those who braved the Oregon Trail and other westward paths carried nothing more than a 6' x 8' wagon-full of possessions. They built small one- and two-room cabins on the prairie and devoted their lives to simple, hardy pursuits.

Hopefully, this has given you more ideas! I'll keep showing paintings and photographs in this series, for this is a special interest of mine. I am a brand-new homeowner and, given both the current recession and my own love of antique things, I'm trying to maintain a simple and romantic home.

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The Victorian Minimalist Entry

Continuing with the simple Victorian series, here's a painting of a woman reading a letter by a beautiful window.

Very few items - but each featuring beautiful antique details and style - make this space inviting, romantic, and vintage. The painter has given our eyes places to rest, while also creating an intriguing woman for us to think about. What is she reading? Is it a love letter? A note from a beloved friend? Or perhaps bad news? The painter has captured the moment before the woman reacts to her letter. It's beautiful.

Victorian interior architecture often featured white-washed walls. Soot and coal-fire created lots of dust, and white-wash made it easier to clean. Thus, white walls are authentic.

To add visual interest to white walls, hang small groupings of your favorite paintings and photographs. A large frame between two smaller ones is a classic ensemble.

Large simple curtain panels frame this window and open up the space with sunlight and a glimpse of a garden outdoors. Substitute with lacy curtain panels when you can, for the true Victorian look!

As for furniture, while Victorian furniture is famous for its heavy, massively-carved appearance, you could pare down your furniture pieces to one or two beloved items. One gorgeous sideboard in this painting, made of real mahogany or cherry, and dusted and oiled to perfection, is better than a dozen ill-kept pieces.

While 1800's decor may be notable for its knick-knacks, to achieve the vintage minimal look, pare down your collection to a handful of special everyday pieces. A lovely teapot, small wooden box, and a covered dish decorate the simple sideboard in this painting.

So ....

When putting together your Victorian minimal home, concentrate on pieces and decorating choices that evoke the antique look without the clutter. Each piece should have a use and a reason. Be careful about collections and try not to purchase sets. One will do!

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The Simple Vintage Bedroom

Another gorgeous painting that could easily be replicated in modern life with few but treasured things.

Continuing on with my minimalism discovery, I'm going to try and feature paintings and photographs that evoke the Victorian lushness without a lot of actual objects. A challenge I'm willing to undertake!

In this painting, a lovely lady is taking off her slippers and getting into bed. There are only five objects in this painting: the metal Edwardian-style bed with all-white pillows and feather comforter, the sweet little nightstand, the gorgeous lamp, a small faded carpet, and the lacy curtains at the window.

It's the cozy feeling and romantic intimacy evoked by this painting that, for me, makes it a masterpiece of antique living. The beauty of an earlier era can be captured by few things with great detail.

To decorate a simple vintage bedroom, here are the essentials:

1. The bed. Edwardian-style iron, either new or antique. All-white sheets, pillows, and blankets complete the simple look. If you take a close look at Jane Austen or Bronte movies, all the beds have snowy white linens.

2. Nightstand. Find the simplest style you can, with a small drawer or cupboard to store your reading glasses and favorite novel.

3. Lamp. A bedside oil lamp or small electric lantern adds coziness and charm to the simple vintage bedroom. Victorian Trading Co. has some excellent lamps. I prefer banker-style myself.

4. Small rug. A 4'x 6' or 3' x 5' in a Persian-style pattern of reds and golds is the perfect little rug to protect you from chilly floors.

5. Lace curtains. Of course! What Victorian home would be complete without lacy curtains!

6. Closet. Don't go overboard here - remember the Victorians didn't have many closets. They stored their voluminous dresses in bureaus and wardrobes. We can have simpler clothing today.

Speaking of clothing, you can also simplify your wardrobe vintage-Edwardian style: long skirts, tailored jackets, white or pastel-colored blouses, and granny boots give any lady the vintage look.

So, the simple vintage bedroom comes to life! Gorgeous.

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To Enjoy the Beauty of the Day ...

Isn't this lady lovely? Although this may look like a complicated scene, it would be quite easy to replicate - a comfortable red dress, a soft cushioned mattress, and a big squishy pillow to lie back upon. For me, all I'd need to add is a cup of coffee, a book, and my pug and I'd be in heaven!

It may surprise those of you, dear readers, to learn this, but I am a simplicity lover and have recently discovered something extraordinary:

I'm a minimalist.

To look at this blog, papered with gorgeous 19th century art, lovely quotes, and beautiful photographs and to look back through my posts, it would never occur to you that I crave simplicity. It's true, though. While my eye for antique beauty will never fade, I would rather have the digital image to look upon than own a copy. I'd rather enjoy a room with one piece of antique furniture than dozens. I'd rather live in Thoreau's cabin than a Queen Anne mansion. And I'd rather pair my reading down to three antique books than cultivate a library full.

So, in the spirit of vintage minimalism, here are what I would consider to be the absolute basics:

1. My laptop. His name is Gordon and I use him everyday. I have a nice collection of gorgeous Victorian paintings that I look at all the time (www.artrenewal.org is my favorite site).

2. My piano. His name is Humphrey, he's an antique upright from the 40's, and I play every week. My sheet music collection is rather limited, and I usually play the same pieces time and time again.

3. My leather-cover journal and a good pen. I am always a writer.

4. My Irish mug. It's teeny, from Ireland, and the perfect size to sip morning coffee.

5. My goose blanket. It's not an antique, but it's one of my favorite things and I remember getting it for Christmas when I was five.

6. My pug. Of course! Her name is Jane Eyre, and she curls up with me in bed while I work.

7. My Victorian earrings. I have a small collection (five pairs or so) of antique and repro earrings, which add the perfect old-world sparkle to any outfit and instantly transport me to 1900. Love it!

This coming year, I'd like to really pare down my things. We own a small house (1,040 square feet) and I still feel I have too much! I do have a tendency to buy craft supplies I never use. I can't sew and find handicrafts tedious. I liked climbing trees and reading books as kid, not making things.

Minimalism and, to a larger extent simplicity, is all about finding what is most essential for you to live happily. For me, finding the awesome balance between my love of vintage things and my need for little clutter is slowly blending. It's a great journey!

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Daniel's Garden now in the shoppe!

Boston 1862 was a rich man's paradise. Despite the fact that the Civil War had been raging in the south for a year, Boston's young men could ignore the empty desks at Harvard or the regiments leaving weekly.

And that's precisely what Daniel Stuart, a 17-year-old Boston Brahmin, believes. His family, nestled in the cushioned haven of Beacon Hill, wants this wealthy young prince to be a lawyer, not a fighter.

But at his freshman year at Harvard, a chance friendship with three passionate abolitionists turns Daniel's world-view upside down. Within a fortnight, he can no longer pretend the Civil War does not exist. Not with Andrew Pierce's brash war talk, scholar Matthew Pierce's assessments of the casualties at Shiloh, or spiritual David Olney's conviction that God wants him to live his values on the battlefield.

So, Daniel abandons an old life - servants, carriages, gloves, tailor-made suits, peach ice cream - and joins his three friends on a journey to war that will change them forever.

______________________________

"Daniel's Garden" is a coming of age story of deep and complex friendship, heart-breaking sacrifice, and tender first love set amidst the horrific and strange world of the Civil War. Through the eyes of this young soldier, you'll feel what it was like to fight the August 1862 battle of Second Bull Run, the December 1862 battle of Fredericksburg, and at Chancellorsville in May 1863.

Stories about the Civil War cannot be told through the eyes of generals alone. It must come from the men on the ground, the ones who plodded through Virginia's red dust and nibbled on crumbled bread, who waded through the raging Rappahannock River, and held the woolly bodies of their dying friends.

This is my novel!

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