Long before I was the 'GATHERING GAL'...

I was a little Gal, who spent many a wonderful childhood day crossing the prairie in a covered wagon, or school-marming in a wild west town, or riding off into the sunset with my handsome prince, to live happily 'ever after'...and have 12 children.   I was a little Gal, who grew up with a BIG love for things from the 'past'.

My Prince did come,  the 12 children became a more manageable two,  and life's big adventure began... Our dream was in the making, and that included a wonderful dream home!  Something I've learned over our years of remodeling one home and building two homes, is that the dream always becomes a nightmare  before being fulfilled!  Another thing I've learned, is that marrying a capable and innovative man, does not necessarily mean that remodeling (or building), will be fast, cheap or easy!!!  The disadvantage of being creative is that you don't think in 'standard' terms, so you never want a 'standard' home.  The definition of 'Standard' is: readily available at Home Depot, reasonably priced, easy to install, fits all openings and within the vision of the average husband, aka: Prince or General Contractor!  Likewise, the definition of Creative (Non-Standard), is charming, unique, fills your soul with joy, 'Rockwell-esque', Mrs. Jones definitely does NOT have this, can never be found at the Home Depot!...and...is most worthy to be seen in 'Country Living' magazine!   Thus, the quest begins!

That a woman's 'taste' matures by age 21, and remains a life-long style is a myth!  Style and taste continually evolve within a woman's soul.  Early style is often shaped by necessity, and by the age, number and personalities of the children and pets that bless one's home.  When the proverbial 'nest' empties...aaaah!...that is when a woman's true inner style emerges!   Now the practical can be tossed, and the cherrished items of preference can be had and displayed, with sheer abandon!   All is well... we can sit in the living room for no particular reason, we can take time to browse, we can buy things in soft colors.  Life is good...very good!  Then... we become Grandmothers!  Not to worry though, the mystery and delight of grandchildren  is that they do not make the same kinds of messes that our 'real' kids did!  Their fingerprints, amazingly, become precious accents on our decor, anything they happen to break is nothing we ever happened to care much for to begin with!  My style is now homespun, and very primitive.  Nothing I have is either brand new or shiny, therefore, a smudge or new scratch only enhances character.  If only I had discovered this 'Primitive' look while my own kids were still growing up!!

My 'gathering' tendencies began, in earnest, in 1998.  I have since rented space in Antique Malls, and worked in various other Shops and Co-Ops.  I love to travel my local country-side (and sometimes yours, too!) hunting out the 'Goods'!   I find old and often worn out things that can be 're-purposed' and used in a fresh new way, often to be functional, and sometimes just for the 'zaney'!  I so love to be different in the style and feel of my home.  My dear husband, the former Prince, will sometimes look around and say, "Oh, is this new?" and I will quickly respond with..."that old thing?"  If I'm really lucky, he'll ask me "how long has that been around?" and I can honestly tell him..."Oh, that's been around for years!"   My home is filled with the very best of all my Finds!  I soak up great comfort and pleasure from all these precious things,  My husband has 'adjusted' well, and will often tell me how much he likes to come home...to our slightly quirky home. Bingo!

Not everyone has the time, or the inclination  for the 'Hunt'.  Therefore, what I do provides a much needed service!  I do love the 'Hunt'!  I have an eye for great stuff,  and I enjoy providing it for you!  Can this get any better?...It's who I am...It's what I do...and you can have it too!   Come back and visit often, who knows what I will have found by then!

Daphne Feusier...                                                                          The Gathering Gal... 

       

The Gathering Gal, The Gathering Guy, and the Inspector, relaxing on a recent Buying Trip to the Washington Coast...