Writing is an Itch. This is a place to scratch.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

In the Glow of Cottage Lights

By ©Rattus Scribus, 30 July 2010.

Many of you know that Anita and I love the cottage. The cottage and its surroundings conjures in our spirits a peaceful existence in a pristine, undamaged nature and a magical community with all that is lovely in flora and fauna. In this world of the cottage there are tree lined paths that beckon adventure, the aromas of wild herbs waft through the air, fruits and vegetables have a flavor to be found in no modern food store chain, and fairies dance in moonlit gardens.

Inside the cottage, walls of books inhabit cozy rooms, animal friends visit frequently for food and fellowship, and love always outshines any evil in the wood.

Thus, in our many venturings, we are always on the lookout for anything that enhances the magic of the cottage. This summer we found lighting that had to be inspired by fairies, if not made by fairies themselves.

The first was a vintage bronze tree candelabra that was on a table of "discontinued" sale items. We both gasped simultaneously. "That's it!" Which to us meant, this is something we've dreamed about but never saw anywhere. We bought it immediately and took it to the cottage.


The second we found in an antique shop in Stillwater, Minnesota, one of our favorite local places to visit. It is a fairy lamp par excellence.



We fitted the candelabra with battery LED candles that light up automatically at dusk and shut off after six hours. We love the added sense of fairy magic when the candles light up on their own one by one. We wait for it each night.


I had to replace the electrical guts of the fairy lamp and fit it with a flame flicker bulb. When we turned it on, we went "Oooh!"


I know, I know. Maybe we are far too easily amused. Maybe we're still just too childlike. All I know is that everyone should be so fortunate. Anyone who can find magic and joy in so little a thing may have found one secret to a happy life.

In the glow of cottage lights, love always outshines any evil in the wood.

10 comments:

The Dutchess said...

You are now letting this beautiful lights shine around the globe..thank you..so lovely:))

And ..I will be able to find your house in the dark ..maybe, one day, when I come visiting and walk your garden path..!

Big hug for the both of you..

Jacoba said...

You are both very lucky, because it is wonderful to be able to reach the inner child. I love people's happiness over sudden found simple things (but these are not simple, they are handmade creative beauties)and the admiration for beauty.
Have a wonderful day,
Jacoba

Bonnie said...

Hello Ruben...just one word...enchanting! One day I would love to visit your beautiful world where your inner child comes out to play just like Jacoba said.

Wishing you a day that is filled with magical possibilities, Bonnie

Bunnym said...

Wonderful Ruben! I can imagine both of you strolling along and simultaneously spying that candelabra. That just adds a little story and magic to the purchase. And Anita tells me that you are handy around the house...My hubby is too...we couldn't live without our handymen.

OH...Damn!...I just remembered I gotta read your story...OK...I will soon. Leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow but will definitely take a look see when I come back.

You two have a great weekend.

tootles,
bunny

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

BOnjour my sweet partner in whimsey, dreaming and magic! How I so love the music and the images that I live with but here on this post, sit back in awe with our fellow blogger pals. Seeing you compose this lovely post gives me another perspective on our life together....how blessed I am! Anita

Marie said...

Just so beautiful. Oh how I wish I could keep a house like that but, with you knowing our situation right now, I'm doubtful that will happen. But life goes on. I love that you two find joy in the same things. That is a dream come true.

Praying I can make it to visit you two next year.

Love to you both!
Elizabeth

Sarah said...

I just popped over from Anita's sidebar. How have I missed this? Just added myself as a new follower. Your tree candelabra is amazing, and I think its wonderful and very special that you and Anita find magic and joy in the same things. You two are lucky indeed! ~ Sarah

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Ruben
How magical is this! I love it!Soft flickers in the night, what a beautiful post.. I love your choice of music. The tree candelbra is my favorite. Thank you for following Ruben, I am honored..

Thank you for visiting Bebe in Paris... So happy you enjoyed.
Love and Blessings to you both!
Penny

Fete et Fleur said...

Oh, Ruben,

This is a magical post! There were lots of oooo's and aahhs here. The branch candelabra is GORGEOUS!! We were celebrating a birthday this weekend. I love that . . . no evil in the woods . . .

Hugs!
Nancy

Martina said...

Hallo Rattus, i'm visiting over from Anitas. Such a nice blog you have - and - so sweet you can share all these pretty things, and most of all the feeling they evoke. This broze chandelier is really special - what a catch! Have a cozy evening at the cottage!