~ French Pitchers and Seashells ~

Unbeknownst to me, I somehow suddenly have a collection.

I haven't the foggiest how this happened.

I've never really had a collection of any sort in my life.

Well....maybe wristwatches.

Oh, and purses. Yes, purses.

Ummmm.....do shoes count?

Ok - definitely seashells.

I do know that sometime during this summer

I fell in love with 

French body pitchers.
(Or "jugs" as they're called across the pond.)

(I think I have Maria at Dreamy Whites to thank for my new obsession love.) 

I wanted to know more about the history of these unique pitchers, but couldn't uncover a lot of information. I did learn that "French country farmhouse style decor evolved from the beautiful hamlets of the south of France to become one of the most widespread styles of interior design around the globe. It embodies the rustic nature and charm of old French farmhouses and country homes." 

French country style decor imitates the treasures you might find in a cottage in rural France and when you think of the French countryside, don't we all envision lavender-filled meadows, bicycling down a country road, and sparkling sunshine?

These pitchers remind me of those things.

A scratch or a ding in the enamel becomes part of the beautiful French history.

 

I find myself constantly on the prowl for another one to plunk a fistful of flowers in.

Or a pretty vintage linen teacloth.

On the other side of the French country table in our kitchen is part of my seashell collection in a vintage-looking wire lobster basket.

It's filled with gifts from the sea washed up along the shores of Sanibel Island, 
Caye Caulker (Belize), and Anna Maria Island -

a couple of large shells purchased at a unique little shell shop on Sanibel, 
and a gift of some beach treasures sent to me from my sweet friend, Debbi
at Love of the Sea  
(who is blessed...and I mean reeeeally blessed to sink her toes in the sand whenever she wants.)

In my favorite book, "Gift from the Sea", Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote:

"For it is only framed in space that beauty blooms...

...even small and casual things take on significance if they are washed in space."

She called her collection of seashells her "island eyes".

I like that.

French pitchers and seashells.

Somehow, they just belong together...

...washed in space.

{ Hugs }

~ laurie

(See you at Faded Charm for White Wednesday!)