These Moments in Time.

The story of my youth was told.  The story that is now quite public but has remained hidden for so many years.  The reality behind my growth in recovery is that I am getting back to Murphy, the child, and teaching him the ways in which to think, act, and behave...as if all over again.  Though sobriety has given me, at least, a regular schedule and a clean slate...it has certainly been a journey for my whirling emotions and ways of thinking.  Push forward and do so with 'goodness' in heart and in mind.  As long as I am doing the best that I can Today- I am in wonderful shape.  In all honesty- these two years have been all about doing better than the day before.  That is roughly 750 days of continually doing better than the previous day.  It is work.  It is painful.  It is Lovely.  It is Life.  I remember day One of my sobriety on January 23rd, 2010.  I was incredibly scared, alone, and horribly ill.  I was at the bottom, after all...like a body pushed to the side of the wintery streets; barely breathing.  Today- I am Strong and Grateful.  I love my life.  I love my Beauty.  And I have people in my world who care about my growth everyday.

Today, I share special areas throughout the home that give me the happiness I seek.  Everyday I wake in the morning to a new and less challenging day- which is a reason to celebrate Beauty!  I call these my 'Moments-in-Time' and they are my peace and my comfort.  These 'Moments-in-Time' are not unlike the moments I was to create as a sickened little boy; the differing factor today is that these moments are a Celebration of Beauty...and not a Desperate Cry to Beauty.

Set The Scene!
These photos are of small 'vignettes' throughout the home that are used as displays...setting the scene for the overall tone of the room or space.  We have developed a strong liking for the withered, wilted, and weathered pieces...therefore 'setting the tone' is very important as to give them a space to shine in the appropriate manner.  

Dress Form from France Costume Shop.  Vintage crystal and pearl necklace and broach.

An old door and broken thatched chair provide the backdrop for this incredible antique from France.  This corner sets the energy for the whole room and is the base of the story-line for the whole house.

Mother Mary. 

Clashing wood-tones and old brass lanterns give this statue a place to reside.  Because it is in a stagnant corner, the candles burn with such stillness- almost as in a sanctuary.  Calm.  Peace.  Beauty.

Weathered Wood Relics.  Window, Birdcage, and Child's Toy Sleigh.

This wall is an accent to the over-all theme throughout.  We use old windows everywhere as to create the illusion that the space is bigger than it is...and the other pieces give illumination to the idea of being outdoors.

Think Gardens.

I use this area to 'inspire' and 'excite' our guests as well as ourselves.  The book on the white chair becomes a noticed piece of the puzzle suggesting a particular idea or inspiration- in this case: Gardening!  A small terrarium finishes the thought as it stands for display on a complimenting white stool.  And there's always a reason to add a scary head to any vignette!

The Decaying Dolls.

The dolls of the early Century grace the mantle as a conversation piece in the home.  They stand in front of an old storm window and provide the room with an eerie essence that you're being watched.  And because so much of this space is used to 'tell the story', these dolls become a valuable tool in the machine.  The three on the left side belong to my late Grandma Bobby (mentioned in my previous story) so they are forever priceless.  The others are also special.  A gift and a find.  At night, they seem to have life from within the glowing candles and lamps.

The Old Potting Shed.

This awkward corner in the house is utilized by making the best of a high-traffic area.  Antique tools and Butter Churning urns allow me to tell this story.  The photos of the dilapidated home alongside the tools are very reminiscent of the old shed concept I am trying to create.  These little sapling trees give me the final touch to the illusion.  They are artificial saplings given to me from a dear friend and they look as if they are really sprouting in these purposefully over-sized jugs!

The Tablescape
Here, the table surfaces aren't only functional, they are telling.  I like to present certain ideas and inspirations on my tables and desks...to complete the tone of the space.

Beauty and Grace.

The Ballet painting, along with the photo of my Grandmother and an old Pitcher and Basin give me the finishing touches to this room.  There is beauty in age and age in Beauty.  All the color tones here are soft and serene as to suggest a heavenly place...for my Grandma.  She overlooks the space and is sitting in the very midst of Beauty which she, herself, would have created in her own home.

Crystal and Dining.

Because the dining room is so bright and filled with light and movement, I like to showcase my glass and crystal here.  The mirrors and glass, along with the aquarium (not seen in photo) provide the essence of 'air' and 'water' which makes dining and visiting with friends and family very open and free.  And among candlelight, there is nothing prettier than polished crystal!  The green and blue colors support the idea of being with water and air...and begins to draw your imagination outside...in the garden- which is an underlying theme of the whole home.

The Small Details Matter!
In the midst of all of this 'scene-setting' it is crucial to support the theme with pieces that energize the story.  Purposeful and noticed items that tie up the ends. 

Swarovski Crystal star

This Crystal Star shines beautifully in the dim light of the space.  Because most of the tones in the home are of antique quality, this crystal really adds a sparkle to the overall picture I am creating.  Almost like a drop of water from out of nowhere.  And your eye is surprised.

The Hobo.

Silly and fun, this porcelain Hobo doll hangs eerily from a ceiling corner to provide a small surprise and an essence of play in an otherwise serious space.  His somber tones still fit the through-line, however.

The Jekyll Brothers.

These three linen dolls stand authoritatively on a table overlooking the space.  They were totally clothed and had hair and bonnets...but I dismantled them totally to give them an 'other-wordly' energy.  They, too, tell the story of the home and allow for our eyes to settle on them and think for a moment.

Wilber in the Stall.

An old latter accompanies this concrete statue in our staircase nicely...as to suggest Charlotte's Web.  We are brought back to the outdoors with this little scene which has remained constant throughout.  He is a great way to add a sense of our childhood back into the story!

Irene.

This cloth and cotton doll was beautifully created for me by my brother's wife.  She has hand-sewn Irene with love and dedication- for she knows Irene would be a perfect fit for this home!  Equipped with crystal earings and old, ratty hair, Irene is a staple in the room.  Thanks Casie!

Music's Ghost.

I used to play the French Horn very seriously all the way through high school and gave up wonderful opportunities to pursue music as I approached the onset of my alcoholism.  I hold nostalgia and honor with the French Horn- and what better way to show the emotions whirling inside my head than with a ghostly doll standing alongside this sculpture of the instrument?

And Don't Forget the Drama!
Much like the little boy inside still creating drama and chaos in order to escape reality...I have created this canopy over our staircase.  It is a series of branches lit with Christmas lights and dripping with lovely glass ornaments and a vigorous vine.  Though I am no longer escaping my reality, I do love to play in the same manner I did when I was first learning about Beauty.  And besides, what else am I to put in a vast, empty stairwell anyway?!  ...exactly.

The Enchanted Stairwell.

These Moments-in-Time make me smile and they make me whole.  Though these spaces are always changing and telling new stories, they stand for the person I am Today.  These moments give this home a personality and a life that, in turn, gives me the same.