Monday, May 9, 2016

Old Windows - The Soul of a House (Revised)

Hi Friends! I'm having some technology issues (grrr!) with my last post: Old Windows - The Soul of a House. I'm not receiving your comments, new subscriptions, etc. and some readers are not receiving email notifications that they have a new post to read. 
So, I'm re-publishing my last post as a new one, hoping that may fix these issues. 
My apologies if you've already read this post. But if you commented before, I'd love for you to comment again since that's my favorite thing about blogging. Thanks for your understanding.


I love old windows
especially those with chippy white paint, flaky as a steaming hot biscuit,
or glass that's pitted and cracked like a rusty wheelbarrow left out in the rain.

It's those scars that tell a story.
Every little line, each tiny imperfection, is what makes each window (or individual),
unique and perfect.

When the morning light streams through my old dining room window
it casts abstract patterns on the wall
that remind me of a French Impressionist painting.


Scattered throughout my home are several old window frames,
each different and each lovely, quietly telling their own stories.
One is a tiny mullioned window in my bedroom.
The glass is missing but the square shape makes up for it.


I bought it an antique store in the mountains years ago
and like to think it came out of a cabin tucked away in the mountains.


Inside the window frame are two equally tiny glass bottles 
with a sprig of flowers in each one.
Hanging the window by a ribbon instead of a nail gives it a romantic feel.


Another favorite window in a long rectangular one above my kitchen cupboards.
I found this one at the Paris Street Market in Littleton, Colorado.
The glass is intact and it's hanging from chains attached to the window hardware.


It makes a lovely backdrop for the collections on top of the cupboards.
I hope it once lived in a big old Victorian with lace curtains framing it.


In my office I have a stained-glass window resting atop a little armoire
(that's French for no closets!)
It's a small window just the right size for a small room
and the colors are bright green, red and yellow with contrasting dark leading.
Sometimes you need a perky window to brighten up a mostly-white room.

Where did this one come from?
Well, I got it at a yard sale but I imagine it was once in the front door of a little bungalow.


My most recent find was in the alley behind my house.
It was a larger window that was warped and bent like a fragile old lady.


We had to put a screw in her rib to keep her upright but she's found a home in my sunroom.
She seems to stand a little straighter when the afternoon sun shines through her
original glass panes and her thick paint reminds me of a sweet little grandma
with too much makeup on.


At night, with the twinkly lights on, I think she adds a lot of character to a new room.


They say your eyes are the windows to your soul.
But I say old windows are the soul of your house.

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.

19 comments:

  1. Your old windows do offer soul. They are lovely and add charm. Wonderful finds that you have rescued. I love when old discarded objects are one again valued and appreciated.

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  2. I love the way you decorate with them! They bring a lot of character into your home.

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  3. I love how these look! I have an old window with a turquoise paint patina that I have been deliberating... This post really gave me some great ideas! I am going to bring it out this weekend! I found you via Shabbilicious Friday. Have a lovely weekend! :)

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    1. Thanks so much and good luck with your turquoise window. Sounds pretty!

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  4. Old windows are wonderful decorative items. Have 2 in our house. Had to leave several behind when we left KY, about killed me to do that.
    Imagine you decorate in many ways with all your awesome old windows, if rustic look is what looking for they are excellent start.
    There was a window place across street from clinic I went to in Bowling Green. If old wood windows out on yard could take whatever I wanted. We had repurposed several by putting chicken wire in back with shelf on bottom of window, they were good sellers.
    Have tried to find here in western CO but if available at all price is way too high for us. Many things are more expensive here compared to KY.Loved seeing your windows and what you do with them. Happy weekend

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy your move to the western slope. Some beautiful country over there but I'm sure it's quite different from KY.

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  5. We are kindred spirits indeed! I adore old windows! I have a collection. Some I leave out all the time, others I pull out now and then. In fact, when I go yard sailing or antiquing hubby says, "please don't bring home any more old windows, doors, or ladders. :) I try to oblige, but some times I just can't help myself. Love your latest find and the one with the old bottles! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Jann. Wish I could see your window collection!

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  6. Such a pretty post, thank you for sharing this gem with us at TOHOT!
    Jemma

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  7. I love how you have decorated with old windows.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC

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  8. Lovely post filled with some really beautiful old windows, Pat. I especially enjoy you little stained glass window; it's similar to one I have hanging between my living and family rooms. I'm a sucker for stained glass :) Thanks so much for linking up with Vintage Charm--it's such a pleasure to have you partying with us!

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    1. Thanks for your nice comments Diana. I always look forward to your party.

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  9. Visiting from Vintage Charm, you have a lovely blog! I adore old windows.

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  10. Decorating with old windows is a great way to give your home a unique look. The windows definitely tell a story, and the possibility of these windows coming from a cabin or Victorian home is exciting. I love how you leave the windows to their natural beauty rather than painting them. I hope you are able to find more old windows for your home.

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