Repurpose, recycle and recreate...

We have an old oak curio cabinet that has followed us around for 30 years. Nice but boring. On its way to the garage sale the movers parked it nonchalantly in the doorway where the mid day light reflected on the curved glass doors, bounced off the mirrored back and landed on the floor emphasizing strong sturdy legs. Seeing it in this new light I thought, “Wait! This baby has potential!”
Later, when the dust finally settled in the new house, I shared my plan with Arleigh. ‘Who in their right mind would paint a solid oak cabinet?” he asked. Not stopping to answer I began with two coats of stain killer, 3 coats of Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” and finally a glaze the color of wet cement that I pulled into all the corners and curves. My interpretation of the Gustavian look.

Repurposed now in the guest bathroom with stacks of off-white towels recycled from our former B&B, “What do you think? “ I beam proudly. He shuddered. I saw the future. Changing color again and again as it makes the rounds of my grandchildren’s homes, adding a dash of excitement along the way, in some au courante color of course!

Speaking of changes…we have no intention of recreating the same kind of setting we had at Tuscan 1. It was an amazing life altering experience but now we have the chance to start over again and we are embracing it with a passion. One thing stays the same though…we will continue to let the day happen and enjoy the journey. Fields of lavender? Fields of echinacea? Every herb on the planet? No, just what we need to make the organic plant infusions for our body care products. A bistro? No, but we will serve complimentary lavender tea. B&B? Yes, extended stay for the business/writer/artist/traveler. The gardens? Not miles of walking trails but a plenteous place of refuge.

Arleigh spent the best part of a week cleaning the pond. I don’t know if we have the algae conquered but we are sure enjoying the moment!