Landmarks

Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments about my last post!  I read each and every one of them (thank you Droid!) while Mr. Tide and I were away helping our daughter who ended up taking a trip to the emergency room last Thursday in the wee hours of the morning.  Unfortunately for her, she has inherited some of my reproductive issues, and suffered a ruptured ovarian cyst...ouch!  She is feeling much better now, and thankfully she has a wonderful roommate who took very good care of her until we could get there the following day!

The house pictured above is what we call the Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Baby Bear House.  For those of you who live in southern Maryland, it is a sort of landmark.  I'm not quite sure where it got its name, or who owns it, but I think most people who know of its existence have always called it by that name.  

I actually took the picture at the request of a friend of mine who has always loved this little unassuming house.  I think it resonates with her, and with me, because it is so simple, yet so charming.  When my kids were little they had a joke that I only liked run down houses.  It's true, I do love a fixer upper that has tales to tell and wears her years with pride.  I think you can just feel the love and happiness that once filled their rooms and even the yard when you look at them.  Can't you just hear those screen doors slamming as children darted in and out, chasing lightning bugs in the summer or going to fetch wood to feed the stove during the winter?

Anyway, it's a present for my friend, whose birthday is coming up.  She doesn't read my blog every day, so I think I am safe to post it.

I guess landmarks are what help us to find our way.  Long before GPS' showed up on everything from our car's dashboard to our smart phones, these were the coordinates that let us know where we were and how to make our way back home.  Mr. Tide still laughs when I give directions based on where things "used" to be.  You know, you turn right where the Ford Dealership used to be, next to Mr. So and So's house that was torn down years ago, the one with the big front porch, and then you go down the hill by where we used to buy our penny candy, and over the old railroad tracks that no longer exist?!  Seems simple enough...right?

A sense of place, I think that's why we use directions that link us to our past, and why we would want a picture of the Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Baby Bear house...before they tear it down and put in a doggone Wawa or self storage place!

Magazine Mania

Thank you everyone for your wonderful and amazing comments on my post from yesterday.  There are so many amazing women in this world and it warms my heart to know that many of you visit and comment on my blog, so thank you for that!

Do you remember the picture above, many of you probably don't.  It was part of a blog post (Here) I did almost exactly a year ago.  In that post, I introduced you to my friend Susan and her beautiful home which is filled with one of a kind folk art and antiques.  I could only show you snippets though because Susan's home was going to be featured in a magazine, so I couldn't reveal too much.

The magazine world is a funny place, it's very similar to retail in some ways, where you do something and then don't get to see it for months afterward.  I used to be a clothing rep for children's clothing, and the store owners would come to the shows at least 6 months out to purchase clothing for the next season.  So 6 months later it was almost like Christmas when their items would finally arrive.  I'm sure many shop owners feel like this, since the buying season is always done well in advance.

The same is true for magazines.  Many times homes are styled and shot, stories are submitted, and we don't get to see the finished product until we get our contributor copy in the mail, which is always a welcome surprise!

So after getting home at almost 8 pm last night after conducting an interview with homeowners at another beautiful waterfront home for a regional magazine, I opened the mailbox to find an big manila envelope with my contributor copy of the latest issue of Country Sampler.

It's their special "home tour" edition, and I couldn't wait to get inside where I had some light so that I could flip through it to find Susan's house article which I wrote. 

The layout looks fabulous thanks to the styling of my talented friend Phoebe Parker and the amazing photos taken by Mark Lohman.  The picture above is of Susan's living room which overlooks the water and has windows on every side!

I had to smile when I saw the picture of the kitchen, if you have a copy of this issue you'll have to pay special attention to the small lamp sitting on top of the crate in the top right of the picture on page 54.  See how the light is on?  Well that was my big job of the day.  When I arrived at the shoot, they were getting ready to photograph the kitchen, but they needed a touch more light for the shot, but not too much.  So what you can't see from that gorgeous picture is how I was around the corner, tucked inside a small bathroom with a giant orange extension cord waiting for Mark to say "Kat are you ready...unplug on 3...ok 1...2...3!"  He needed the light to be fading to get just the right shot, because that's how precise he is as a photographer, and it shows in his wonderful pictures!  Now Mark is also a bit of a jokester so for the rest of the shoot he kept saying things like, "Kat if you would behave we could let you out of the bathroom," or, "Kat don't make us put you back in the bathroom."  See the things I go through so that you all can have beautiful photos to look at in magazines?! hehe

Well I'm just thrilled that my dear friend Susan's home is so beautifully displayed in this issue.  She has paid her dues by working hard and helping others to create their own beautiful homes through the antique stores she has owned and worked at over the years.  We all knew her home was magazine worthy, and now everyone else will know it too!

I also wanted to give a little shout out to a few friends whose blogs got mentioned in the latest issue of Flea Market Style...

A Country Farmhouse

Funky Junk Interiors

The Polished Pebble

Congrats ladies...you each deserve this wonderful accolade!

I have some more great homes coming out in upcoming issues of various magazines, and I'll keep you posted if something else shows up in my mailbox anytime soon!

Until then...I'll keep spreading the love...

Annie Wilcox Designs

Sixty-Fifth Avenue

The Old Kitchen

Coming Unhinged

I'm so glad my post about my Great Uncle Carl's vintage alarm clocks sparked so many memories for some of you!  It's funny how seeing one little item can evoke such wonderful memories isn't it?!

This weekend Mr. Tide and I ventured out on Saturday for lunch and to run some errands.  It was a beautiful sunny day, by the wind was howling like you wouldn't believe.  When we stopped at a local grocery store, I opened the door on my SUV only to have it ripped right out of my hand by the wind.  The wind was so ferocious that it actually broke the door!  Yup, it was that windy, with gusts of 60 mph at times!  I guess my SUV's door was no match for that kind of wind, and tomorrow we'll be making a visit to the dealership to try and get it fixed!  Oh well, it could have been worse, it could have been blown off the hinges and taken out the group of girl scouts sitting nearby selling their famous cookies!

The whole reason for my trip into the grocery store was to pick up a copy of the latest Country Almanac.  I have two stories in this issue, and I really couldn't wait for my contributor copy to arrive, I'm not very patient!  I was looking forward to seeing both of these articles because both homes belong to amazing women who I consider friends.

The first is a beautiful storybook home located in Virginia.  The owner Lisa is as sweet a person as you'll ever meet and her home is a place where dreams really do come true for her and her family.  She has gorgeous hand painted furnishings throughout and if you pick up a copy you'll see for yourself what a very special house this is!

The other piece I have in this issue is the porch of one of the dearest women I know.  Cathe is one of those women that you love the instant you meet her.  We were lucky to capture her beautiful screened porch to share with all of you.  She has a knack for taking great flea market finds and turning them in to something amazing, as you can tell by the picture above!

I want to thank both Lisa and Cathe for inviting me into their homes and for letting us share their great sense of style with the readers of Country Almanac!

I'm way far behind on replying to comments or returning emails, and I'm not sure that I'll ever get caught up!  I have two stories that are on deadline as I write this, and I'll be visiting a few art galleries this week if my pictures come in by tomorrow or Tuesday.  So instead of pulling my hair out and fretting over it, I've decided I'm going to try something new here on Low Tide High Style.

From now on I'm going to help give a shout out to other bloggers.  It's my way of saying thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, be a follower, or leave a comment.  I appreciate you greatly and so from now on at the end of each post I'll be providing a link to a blog or 3.  Now, in case you're wondering how this is going to work, here's the deal.  The blog will be selected completely at random.  I will draw from my followers, but that's not the only place, because I want people to follow NOT because they think they'll be linked, but because they want to.  So in order to be fair to everyone who visits my blog I'll also pick people at random from the comments and as I stumble across various blogs in my own travels.  There are a LOT of blogs out there so remember it will take a long time to be able to hopefully hit on everyone at some point, impossible I know, but I'll do my best!  Please, please, please be patient as this is a new and hair brained idea on my part, but something I've wanted to try for awhile.  So we'll see how it works and go from there!

I hope you'll find a few new favorite blogs!

I'm Just Beachy

Once In A Blue Moon

Molly Susan Strong

Cottage Charm

Thank you everyone for your kind words of support regarding yesterday's post, it means the world to me!

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful waterfront cottage in Maryland.  Everything about this home, including the grounds, was completely charming! (Remember you can click on any photo to enlarge it!)

The homeowners have lived here for years on this family land, and their love for it is evident!  

Nothing has been overlooked, even the sheds are delightful!  

And look at that view from the back deck!!

As soon as I saw this wonderful little turquoise adirondack rocker, I knew this was some place special!

On the day I was there, I was given the grand tour by one of the most hospitable and lovely women I've ever met.  For months, people had told me that I just had to go photograph this darling house, but when I phoned the owners to see if they would be interested I got my favorite reply.  "Oh our house isn't anything special," I was told by the lady of the house, known as Puddin to her friends and family.

Ever gracious, and very modest, Puddin assured me that her home was just a small little cottage that no one would really be interested in seeing.  In my years as a writer covering homes, I'm always happy when a homeowner responds this way.  Believe it or not, these are always the best houses!  The ones where people swear that their home isn't worthy of being featured anywhere, are always the most beautiful!  And the people who occupy these houses are always as wonderful as their homes.

As soon as I drove up I knew I was in for a treat!  But after taking me around the yard, it was when I stepped through the back door and into the kitchen that I knew Puddin's house was something special.  A wonderful mix of old and new made this small kitchen sing with personality!

And the blue and white color scheme, cherished pieces of pottery, and fresh white cabinetry with delft hardware gave this space loads of cottage charm!

The most amazing part for me was how Puddin and her husband had put their heart and soul into this home where they raised 4 children!  Over the years, they have made changes to the interior, adding moldings and trim, but the house has never been enlarged, so it maintains its wonderful cottage character in its small footprint!

The dining room, located just off the kitchen, is another testament to Puddin's great sense of style!  

The blue and white theme continues in this room with a white china cupboard, chairs, and huntboard.  Blue and white toile curtains and striped wallpaper add color to the room without overwhelming the space.

A crystal chandelier, antique wicker chair, beautiful round oak table, and mix matched chairs combine elegance and country charm in the room! 

Glass doors lead to a deck on the water side of the house and allow great flow for entertaining!  Even the covered portion of the deck sports a chandelier!

A collection of flow blue china plates, platters, pitchers and cake stands is beautifully displayed along with a few ironstone and crystal pieces to create a striking focal point in the dining room.

On the painted white huntboard, treasured accessories are paired with two black candlestick buffet lamps topped with seagrass shades for some added warmth and texture.

The living room, located just off the entryway, is another wonderful space with a plethora of design ideas!  

I love the little chairs arranged around the shabby chic coffee table, and the bright lime green end table!  An old chippy pediment and classic Robert Furber prints add interest to the wall above the sofa.

Slipcovered furniture (created by my friend Sheryl Tart, of The Vintage Source) works beautifully in this casual sophisticated room.  

Bright pillows in an array of colors and fabrics were made by Puddin's sister and add the perfect pop of color to the neutral furnishings.  A seagrass rug adds contrast and texture, while a blue rug defines the cozy seating area in front of the fireplace.

Nautical artwork, shore bird carvings, and a collection of seashells pay homage to the home's waterfront location.  While crystal candle scones, crisp white woodwork, and graceful wing chairs maintain the traditional look of the living room.

Not afraid to mix tradition with a little fun and comfort, this comfy wing chair sports a flirty little ruffle and the ottoman, pillows, and floral quilt all say "sit back and relax a while!"

A large armoire and matching bookcases conceal the television and provide space for displaying favorite mementos and family photos.  Wicker baskets, beadboard detailing, and light paint color give these pieces a definite coastal feel.

A glass paneled front door with sidelights and plenty of windows provide the living room with ample natural light.  Hardwood floors, a neutral wall color, and natural woven shades are juxtaposed against the colorful painted furnishings, window treatments, and pillows found throughout.  A coat rack provides the perfect spot to hang Puddin's many gardening hats!

A gorgeous antique pine cabinet allows more space to display the couple's blue and white china collection.  Down the hallway to the right of the cabinet are two bedrooms.

The guest room is a study in feminine beauty, with touches of romance can be found scattered all around the room.  A crystal chandelier, soft pink walls, vintage bed, and delicate netted canopy all add to the romantic feel of this wonderful guest room.

A beautiful matelasse slipcovered chair, antique chest of drawers painted a soft green, and floral curtains and bedding help complete the look.  I love that Puddin shares the same magazine addiction that I do...just look at that wonderful stack there in the corner!  What a wonderful reference library she has!

With the help of family (it's good to have sons who are also carpenters!), Puddin and her husband converted what had once been a small bedroom into a sitting area off of the guest room.  More vintage and antique furniture and a petite crystal chandelier make this space the perfect spot to send an email or sit and write a letter to someone special.

Floral bedding in pinks and greens is accented by blue ticking stripes, giving it a wonderful homespun feel.  Side tables compliment the stunning vintage bed and give guests a sense of being hosted at a marvelous bed and breakfast or country inn.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tour of the wonderful home Puddin shares with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  And just in case you were wondering if Puddin's bathrooms are as charming as the rest of her home, they are!

Every square inch of this home has been lovingly decorated by one of the most sweet, generous, and humble women I've ever come across.  And to think she didn't think anyone would want to see it!!

Slow Down You Move Too Fast

First of all I wanted to thank everyone for all of the wonderful comments about Doug and Ms. M's flowers, I know they really appreciate it!  And I also wanted to remind those of you who haven't already entered that there's still time to enter my latest Giveaway...just click HERE to find out more!

Remember that old song by Simon and Garfunkel with the lyrics Slow Down You Move Too Fast?  Well that song pretty much personifies my life these days...moving way too fast and not being able to "make the morning last!"  Or the afternoon, or evening for that matter!

Yesterday I got up bright and early and drove 3 hours to a wonderful B&B on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, pictured above.  The house was charming and the owners were more than gracious, serving me wonderful mint tea, letting me invade their space, snap a bunch of photos, and ask a million questions!  I'll be featuring this wonderful B&B in a post next week, along with a giveaway of a book written by Carol, one of the owners, so be sure to check back to see much more of this wonderful getaway!

In case you are wondering if I decided to try some new action or texture on the photos of this beautiful old home, the answer would be no!  It was actually 95 degrees outside when I arrived at the B&B with a heat index of over 100 degrees, and after a 3 hour car ride in cooled comfort, my camera lens decided to revolt against the oppressive heat and humidity and fog up!  I promise the rest of the photos I'll be showing you will be crisp and clear, but I kind of liked the ethereal look of some of the shots I took...they had a dream like quality to them.  And because the story behind this house and its current owners is a bit of a dream come true, I thought they were fitting!

After spending several hours with the delightful owners of the B&B, it was time to start the 3 hour journey back home.  As I was driving down the rural road towards home, I spied this...Oak Creek Sales.

And across the street was this...also run by Oak Creek Sales!

I was tired, bedraggled by the heat, and ready to just head home to my nice comfy house, but when I see "stuff" stacked, propped, and stuffed in an old shed or storefront, well let's just say that it's like a moth to a flame for me!  I find it irresistible, so of course I pulled in to take a look around!

To say that owner Chuck Kilmon has a few things for sale is kind of like saying that the Sahara has a few grains of sand!

Thankfully, Mr. Tide wasn't with me, this is not his kind of store, so I was free to wander at will and take it all in!

This beautiful piece of Calico Burleighware caught my eye immediately, it matches my platter and those plates I bought a while back!  Can't you just see this filled with red geraniums for the 4th of July!  This is one of those things you pass up and later kick yourself over...*kicks self*!

There were sections of of old iron fencing, slabs of marble, beautiful planters, and other statuary with just the perfect amount of  rust and patina on them!

Antique rockers and old weather worn wicker just begging for a porch to sit on once more!

And items that gave a nod to the shop's location, just a stone's throw away from the water.

Chuck has an eye for the unusual like this heart shaped iron piece with a cherub motif.  Some of his finds have even made their way into the movies.  He's been called on more than once to provide props for various films!

And these mermaids didn't seem to mind the searing heat yesterday, I wish I could say that I looked this glamorous after being out in the afternoon sun!  

Even the Antiques sign was decorated with antiques!  And I didn't even dare to take my camera inside, where you'll find china, crystal, and a myriad of other wonderful items!  The lighting was low inside and I would have needed my tripod...which is why I only took pictures of the exterior.  The inside is jam packed, with no room to spare for big bulky camera equipment, but it's definitely worth a gander...just be sure to go around 3 or 4 times to make sure you see everything!

After chatting with Chuck from Oak Creek Sales (who couldn't have been any nicer) and resisting temptation by leaving behind the blue Burleighware *sigh*, I spied this wonderful little restaurant right next door called Bella Luna Italian Market, which Chuck highly recommended!

It was now almost 3:00 pm and when I stuck my head inside it was clear that they were done serving lunch and they were preparing for the dinner crowd to arrive later that evening.  When I asked if they were still serving, the two super friendly girls up front, Michele and Katelyn, nicely offered to ask the chef if he could make me up a little something!

Maybe it was because I looked like a drowned rat, a wet noodle, or maybe even a little bit like a crazy woman...trust me heat and humidity do not make my hair look very stellar, but the chef agreed, and as the only customer in the place, I was treated to one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!  Thanks guys!

It was on the most delicious crusty bread with turkey, provolone, lettuce and fresh pesto!  And served with a side of homemade pasta salad with fresh tomatoes, greens, and yummy feta cheese!  It was all I could do to eat half of the sandwich and most of the pasta salad and I even treated myself to a coke, something I don't normally do!

After I finished my very late lunch I headed back towards home, driving through an amazing thunderstorm as I crossed the Bay Bridge (nothing like high winds and rain when you're at the top of a very tall bridge!), and then making one last stop before getting home almost exactly 12 hours later!  I had hoped to meet up with my dear friend and old college roomie, Diane, but time just didn't permit it this trip.  So now I have an excuse to head back over to Royal Oak, Maryland sometime, and I know that along with seeing Di, I'll also be dining at Bella Luna and nosing around Oak Creek Sales once again!

And as far as slowing down, I've decided to take the weekend off.  I need a little breather and some time to reflect on the news that one of my dearest friends in the world is losing his battle with cancer.   

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you next week!