New Thoughts On Decor For Heil House

A couple of months ago. . .(has it been that long?). . .I was working on a photo shoot for a magazine article on Make-Do Chairs. . .I had purchased two of these specifically for the shoot. . .but I fell in love with them for our living room at Heil House. . .They are small and fit right in with the other furniture as accent pieces. . .

The more photos I took, the more I liked this arrangement. . .but there was something I wanted to change. . .although I wasn't sure what it was at the time. . .Now that I have lived with this 'look' for a while. . .I know exactly what I want now. . .Not just for the living room, but for the entire house. . .

I want 'PLAIN AND SIMPLE'. . .much like our COUNTRY FARM HOME . . .lots of light-color neutrals against the rich woods. . .a little  real color here and there. . .but not too much! 

So. . .I'm starting over. . .I do that a lot. . .Seems as if every house we buy it takes me a couple of years of living in it to know just what it needs. . .I know now. . .and I'll be sharing the changes little by little as the months go on. . .Don't miss it!

A Sure Sign of Fall

PUMPKINS! 

It won't be long until these decorative signs of fall will cover this town. . .Every year, Ste. Genevieve goes all out with seasonal decorations but it seems fall brings on huge displays of the harvests. . .From the unique to the absolutely beautiful. . .the coming season is definitely one of the town's favorites. . .bringing photographic opportunities for locals and visitors alike. . .
 

My favorite place to buy pumpkins, squash and gourds is the Mennonite Home Gardens Community Market south of Farmington on old Frederickstown Road. . .I was there a couple of weeks ago. . .They were beginning to bring in wagon loads of the traditional orange harvest. . .along with some very unusual ones. . .Not being too traditional myself, I was thrilled to see something different for my decorating plans. . .

 

By now, I'm sure there are many more selections and the tent is full. . .I will be journeying there soon. . .which is always a fun excursion. . .If you arrive early in the morning, you can see the wagons bringing produce to the market for the day's sales. . .It is quite a sight. . .A step-back in time. . .

 All sizes (including this 200+ pound pumpkin). . .all shapes from the harvest. . .A trip to the country. . .through narrow, tree-covered lanes. . .

Can hardly wait. . .

The Porches Where We Live

I was beginning to think that sitting on the porch, cooling off with a tall glass of iced tea, visiting family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors in general was a tradition that had long past. . .that is. . .until we found Ste. Genevieve. . .Here everyone considers their porches an additional room and a place to socialize with neighbors and visitors alike. . .

I walk almost everyday. . .and along the way. . .I am greeted with a constant barrage of 'good mornings' and 'nice days'. . .stopping every now and then to talk. . .for I have never found a porch that was not friendly. . .Morning or evening. . .it is a unique Ste. Genevieve experience within itself. . .and one I believe only adds to the charm of this village. . .

Homeowners take pride in their porches. . .and display a part of their own personality on them. . .Whether simple. . .comfy. . .artsy. . .fancy. . .

 

 

Porches have been a tradition in this town since the 18th century, when the French and then Spanish occupied the territory. . .Although Ste. Genevieve is situated in Central Missouri on the Mississippi River, the summers can be very hot and humid. . . so many tasks were carried on outdoors or on the long wide porches. . .Not much has changed since then . . .

And if there isn't a porch? . .Not to worry. . .Sidewalks will do. . .

 

Being neighborly. . .visiting with each other. . .sharing a glass of tea. . .laughter and gossip. . .You can't beat Ste. Genevieve for a friendly, good-traditions-of-the-past kind of place to be. . .

This one's for you, DeLois!!! (grin)