Heart and Home: Pink Linen

Today I'm posting for Pink Saturday, at lovely Beverly's place How Sweet the Sound. But before you read any further, I want to tell you about Nic Nac Maniac. I found Nerina on Pink Saturday last week, and she had the most divine posting , all Chanel and Givenchy, and more. I'm not kidding I was drooling by the time I read the whole thing. Go over there and see what she's up to today, I don't think you'll be disappointed! Some really beautiful outdoor shots, in PINK, of course.

Now, on to my Pink Saturday post:

Pink Linen

In 1952 my parents were married in Germany, two days before Christmas.

They were given this hand painted Irish linen table cloth and napkin set as a wedding gift.

It has never been out of the box, until today, when I decided to iron it and share it with you.

The original paper tag and ribbon was still tied around it, the tissue paper crispy and yellowing, the box smelling slightly musty.

The cloth and napkins are in perfect condition, except for permanent crease marks, from it having been folded and in a box for 57 years. The colors are still strong, the fabric soft and clean.

I've always admired it. During my visits home, I would often sneak a peak of it folded carefully in it's box in the dining room hutch. I loved to feel the weight of the silky smooth fabric between my fingers, and I liked the colors and the design. I have always wanted it, but could never bring myself to ask for it.

Neither one of my parents could understand why I would be interested in "such an old thing". I couldn't understand why they weren't, and why my mom never used it. I would try to convince her to to take it out when she gave a luncheon for her lady friends. We have always been so different, she and I. Mommy only liked new, modern things.

Two years ago, way too soon, my mom passed away. Sometime later, my dad gave me the table cloth.

I couldn't take it out of the box, until today.

It reminded me too much of my mother, and how different we were, and how difficult it often was us for us to understand each other.

It reminded me too much of how much I miss her, every day.

I don't know if I can use the table cloth, or if it will go back into it's box. But I do know in spite of our differences, my mother loved me and always wanted the best for me. And if I had gotten up the nerve to ask her for the pink box with the table cloth in it, she would have gladly given it to me. Because she always wanted me to be happy, and she taught me to live life fully, and to enjoy beautiful things. I know I will always miss my mom. And I will always treasure the table cloth, in or out of the box.

Until next time
XO
Heidi