Friday, September 4, 2009

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

12 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

Absolutely beautiful, Heidi. I came so close to crying. It seems the love for your mother is as precious as what is lying in that box.

I think you should use the tablecloth and napkins on very special occasions. You will be celebrating your mother and the linens will be used. Just as you wanted them to be...

Beautiful post, Heidi!

xoxo
Janie

CC said...

Such a beautiful post Heidi. Like Janie, in the above comments, I too hope you use the gorgeous tablecloth and napkins.They're sweet treasures and precious memories. Happy Pink Saturday, have a wonderful weekend.

NicNacManiac said...

Heidi,
Absolutely beautiful post today!! You are so fortunate to have such a lovely keepsake of your mothers memory. My daughter and I are quite different and I hope that we will grow closer as the years go by.
Your blog is gorgeous and your photos are breathtaking.
My apologies for not initially linking you, I have done so now....my bad, I did my post in a hurry between other things today as we are going out really early in the am and it slipped my mind.
Have a fantastic Labour Day Weekend!!
Hugs xOxO, Nerina :)

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Heidi!
Oh honey what a beautiful post and tribute to your Mom. She would be so proud to know that you took the tablecloth and napkins out of the box and shared them with us today. She would want you to use them, and each time you do you could smile and remember your Mom and the story of how they came to be. Some things are meant to be shared Heidi, and I believe your Mom would be so proud to know that you did just that today. Thanks for sharing sweetie, as they are so beautiful. Please stop by and say hi. Country hugs, Sherry

Carolyn said...

Nice post! I am glad you have that wonderful keepsake of your Mom's.

Carolyn

Clarity said...

You're a sweetheart.

Glad to have come across your blog via Nerina's. I'm sure your Mom understood you completely and somehow it's a good thing we are different from our parents, it makes us individual and love them all the more for their differences.

Jennifer Swan Hopkins said...

Hello and happy Pink Saturday.

Oh my that was so touching, 'sniff. I can't be crying first thing in the morning now. Just lovely, that was. I loved the linens and the post.

Come visit at http://MaidenShade.net
xJ

JJ said...

A superb post which has left me with tears in my eyes.
Please, don't put it back in it's box - you have set it free and it needs to be loved.
JJ

The Old Parsonage said...

Oh Heidi

I know that your Mum loved you and accepted you for who you are. I just spent the morning with my Mum, we do it every year for my b-day it's something I'll never forget. Treasure your memories and enjoy the tablecloth!


If you have time, please stop by The Old Parsonage, I love company!

Enjoy
Leann

Vicki said...

Hello, Heidi,
Such a sweet post today and full of so many wonderful memories! The tablecloth and napkins are beautiful. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. Vicki

Bunny said...

Heidi, what a wonderful post I love your table cloth and napkins it is a treasure from your Mom and I am sure she would be delighted you are loving it. hope your Pink day is Pinky.

Julie said...

so pretty...I am having a-give-away to celebrate my 1 month Blogoversary.... so come on over and check it out... We will picking a winner Late Monday night , and posting the results then...
xoxo
Julie