Chinoserie


Last weekend there was an estate sale around the corner from my house.  I only had a few minutes to spare so I made a quick spin through the house but didn't see anything too interesting.





The next day everything at the sale was 75% off so I went back to take a closer look.  Buried in a sea of outdoor pots I found this little Greek Key cachepot.  There is something so charming about it.  Don't you agree?



If you've ever gone to an estate sale on the last day you know that this is the day when often you find gems.  I went back inside the house at a much slower pace than the previous day and found this very fragile, very old but beautiful Chinoserie screen hiding behind the drapes. 





It was love at first sight and marked down to $11.  I had no idea where I was going to put it but I could not resist.  The cachepot was $1 btw.  Both have brightened up the living room and looks as if they have always belonged here.  xo

PS - Again thank you all so much for your love, prayers and good thoughts for us both.  This is a one day at a time journey.  Some days are beyond awful and others quite joyful.  And even within that day things can change.  I'm learning to take each moment as it comes and not get too down or too up.  Trying to stay in the middle.  I often go back over your comments and re-read them.  They bring me so much comfort.  Thank you so much.  xo


55 comments

  1. It's beautiful! I can't believe your luck, or is it down to experience and a trained eye that know where to hunt out the real gems? Whatever, you got yourself not one but two amazing bargains that instantly belong in your beautiful home. Well done for returning, I guess you could sniff something was lurking behind a curtain.
    So pleased to hear you're getting some good days and that you're cleverly seeking middle ground to keep you going. Have faith in Larry's inner strength and in the professionals who are bringing him through.
    Hugs, lovely lady, x.

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  2. How fun to find two 'pretties' for $12 and the screen looks fabulous over your couch!

    Isn't life so random? We can only take the good with the bad and enjoy every minute we have with the people we love. I'm praying for you and Larry for many good days and healing. ❤

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  3. SIMPLY AMAZING FINDS. You have an artist's eye for selecting and assembling black around your house. It's one thing to love black things, but quite another to set the objects around artistically. I know this because I, too, adore black but find it quite the difficult task to express that love harmoniously. Thank you for being my mentor! xo

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  4. Hi Janet, I always feel a skip of joy in my heart when I see you have posted. The estate sale finds must seem like spots of joy. Your words are so wise. I know the feeling of finding my way, only to be be surprised by the next thing. I am glad that you are finding ways to lightly find your way across the spider web. May the force be with you and your family! I think of each of you daily and hold you in the light.
    Jean in a village in Vermont

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  5. What wonderful things! The screen is beyond beautiful, and looks like it was made for your place. I always think the things we find are meant for us in some way. Remember in “ Howard’s End” how everything fit in Mrs. Wilcox’s house because she wanted them to have the house? We’re just curating everything.
    Lots of love and thoughts.

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  6. Yes, your finds are classic and they look like they have always been there. Thinking of you, your dear husband and family.
    BarbGxxoo

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  7. I never tire of watching your home evolve. Each time I think it just about perfect you make a change I like as much.

    I feel my words inadequate, but I do think of you and Larry often.

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  8. I love the screen, and you got it for $11? Amazing! It looks perfect on the wall behind your sofa.

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  9. I always enjoy reading your posts! You have a special gift for bringing joy to others through your home and thoughts. I'm glad that you and Larry are able to find joy on this part of your journey. Best wishes for more lovely days for you both!

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  10. So good to see you post! And what bargains. They just seem so ‘you’ and fill space beautifully.
    Glad to hear you are finding moments of joy amidst the bad. I guess all I can say is hold tight to those, and keep on keeping on. Sending hugs from Cardiff in the UK. Xx

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  11. Hi Janet, I LOVE both pieces and what a steal! I have never been to an estate sale marked down to 75% off...only 50% off is as low as they go around here on the last day. I was at a garage sale 2 weeks ago and they had a very similar screen. It had some tears in it but if I had a place for it, I would have bought it. (it was a tall floor screen) I did find a few cool things though.

    I was very happy to see you post. You both are frequently on my mind...happy to hear that you can find a bit of joy through this journey.

    Linda
    xoxo

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  12. Great pieces & at such a steal! Still praying for you & Larry.
    Linda

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  13. You have a keen eye for the precious things in life...and these sweet and charming items are wonderful. The little pot is very wabi- sabi in nature and I would have grabbed it too!
    Your home is such a beauty...
    take care Janet think of you often and always appreciate seeing that you have a post online.
    XO

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  14. Hopping over from Instagram. Every time you post one of your fantastic finds I think I really need to check out sales again. For awhile now the deals just haven’t been worth the effort. It is fun to see how little changes in your home that have such an impact. I love that charming planter, too. It keeps things fresh don’t you think?

    I’ve found the past couple of years I really have to focus on the moment. I guess live in the moment as they say. Life truly is all about change isn’t it? I used to try to control things. Now I just see that as a waste of energy. Prayers for you and Larry to have more up days than down ❤️
    Kathy

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  15. There are not many families that escape the wrath of cancer these days! We are experiencing our own battle with a loved one , as are many close friends. Almost weekly there is a new case. Prayer has helped me through the hard days. wishing you peace and understanding and healing. love and hugs karen

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  16. I think the beautiful screen and the charming cachepot were meant to come to you, and perhaps also meant to be found only if/when you returned a second time. They really do look, as you say, as though they have always lived in your house and were waiting to be brought home, to contribute beauty, and other positive prompts, at this particular time. Like many who comment here, I too have lived through the cancer journey - for me, with my husband and also with my daughter. Your comment that “some days are beyond awful and some quite joyful. And even within that day, things can change” rang very true. I found that understanding that helped me as I tried to keep my balance. Thank you once again for posting and inspiring us, especially now.

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  17. You have such an eye for beauty. Even as you make these subtle changes your home remains uniquely you, and perfect. Of all the style blogs your home is the one I most admire. As always I am happy to see a new post. and I will continue to pray that your days will have a predominance of joy.

    Darby

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  18. Such lovely finds Janet. I too peruse final day estate sales and often come home with a gem. My heart is with you and Larry...

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  19. I always read every comment after your wonderful posts.
    but the pouting pensioner's words in the very first one are perfect.
    and they are just what I would want to say.
    there is a gift in learning to take each day as it comes.
    and... it never hurts to find wonderful little treasures along the way!
    bless you darling bean! and your valiant man! XO

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  20. Your new finds are wonderful! One of my top 10 most fun things to do is going to look at an estate sale or thrift shop - one of life's little pleasures for sure. And you have such good sales there.

    I came across a quote from von Goethe that I liked: "enjoy when you can, and endure when you must." And this one from John Kabat-Zinn : the little things? the little moments? they aren't little."

    Love you and your beautiful house! Kay

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  21. Janet, I just love that screen! Reminded me of the wonderful post our Ellie wrote about Chinoserie boxes, trays, etc. I've learned so much from the two of you!

    Sending love to you and Larry!

    Renee in Northern California

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  22. Hi Janet, I'm another one who agrees with Jean that it's a lovely day when you post. I'm so glad to hear that all the wonderful comments are giving you some comfort. Your blog really is a thing of duty, it's only right that, after all these years, we repay you in this small way. Much love to you and Larry.

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  23. How good to have a post from you,Janet. I'm amazed at how close I feel to you though we have never met. Quite astonishing,I think, how the internet has done this for many of us. No matter what you "find" at estate or yard sales ,you have such an eye for beauty, each piece looks as if it has always been in your home. Sending positive thoughts and much love.

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  24. What awesome pieces you scored! High praise for you-you instinctively knew you would find a place for that screen. How I wish I could add more to the beautiful words of inspiration from the other comments. I do match their love, tenderness and prayers. I remember when I went through a similar circumstance that I felt like I was living an alternate reality. How could life change so drastically before The Thing came into our lives? How could our 'new normal' for daily living so be so drastically different from Before? I felt a peculiar distance from other folks that didn't get It: the ups, downs, exhaustion, silly (inappropriate) hospital humor, numbness, silence, monitors, interruptions, low sighs and shared smiles. Thank goodness you have your yard and garden therapy! Thank you for continuing to post. Know that a thousand thoughts of kindness are being sent your way.

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  25. Thinking of you both; how can you not cross our minds? You do!

    I was just happenstance reading yesterday about Cristina Ferrare who was a famous fashion/beauty model when I was (and she was) a lot younger; in her later 60s now and dealing with myeloma the last couple of years. She has a cookbook coming out the end of 2018 about how she's eating very mindfully to keep chemicals/toxins out of her body (GMOs, pesticides, etc.). I caught a youtube video of her touting a watercress salad. Just the image and sound of that word, watercress, made me think of a clean, sparkling, babbling brook under a blue sky; can't explain it; but just makes you crave what's good.

    The screen (and on your wall) is so perfect. My aunt and uncle had one when I was growing up; it was like a standing divider for a room; I was always so intrigued with the silk panels and embroidery. It had a lot of rose, soft green and aqua-blue on a pale taupe background; birds. As a kid, I was entranced with those beautiful birds. My aunt's parents had gotten it somewhere in Asia when the father was stationed in various places (all I can think of right now is Guam and Australia); he was career military, a colonel. This reminds me that I need to ask their great-granddaughter of whatever happened to that screen; I don't know if it was an antique to start with but, gosh, even now it would be like 80 years old.

    It was meant to be that you'd score such two great things at the sale, Janet! That pot has a lot of perk.

    Healing thoughts like shooting stars from me to you, little streaks of light and hope for the darker days...

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  26. Your found treasures are beautifully placed in your lovely home, Janet. I'm happy to hear that in spite of all that is happening in your life right now, you're able to find things that bring you joy. Continued wishes for peace and healing.

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  27. OMG, Janet- I want to go to estate sales with you!! You have such a knack for finding such beautiful treasures at an awesome price. I too am often drawn to chinoserie- something about it is so soulful. I think about you and Larry often and always sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Wishing you both joy, peace and comfort!

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  28. Dearest Janet! How wonderful to see a new post from you & I LOVE your estate sale finds!! They are lovely & unique. The screen is such a nice focal point in your living room & looks wonderful with your end tables. I am glad you can find moments like these to bring you joy! As always, am thinking & praying for you both. Sending a big hug & lots of love & healing thoughts!

    With love, Kathy Bunge

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  29. So beautiful. Your eye is almost magic. I too am thinking of you and Larry and hoping for more good days among the hard ones.

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  30. OH JANET THE CACHE POT IS ADORABLE and has so much PATINA!The screen is a BARGIN for $11.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IT looks SO GOOD HANGING on the wall.........it would also make a GOOD KITTY LITTER CLOSET!!!!!!!!!Hope that made you LAUGH OUT LOUD!
    SEIZE the days as they come........are you able to work at all......a few hours here and there?
    Did you see my VICTIM this MONTH on AGELESS STYLE..........NOT YOU but might make you GRIN than CINDY did ALI MAC CRAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BIG HUG!
    XOXO

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  31. Janet I wish I could reach out and hug you. Things are going to be all right no matter which way they go. We humans are a strong bunch and we adapt beautifully to whatever situation is at hand. I am praying for 100% healing and I do believe it can happen. xo

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  32. You find the most interesting things - perfect for your home. Always good to see a post from you - moment by moment, sometimes that's the best we can do.

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  33. So many lovely, even poetic, comments here. It feels like anything I can add will be superfluous, but I just want to say that I think of you often as well. I even told my husband what you and Larry are going through. There are no strangers here, only friends. And I love your finds, they look perfect in your home.

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  34. Hi Janet, I love the screens and they look lovely on the wall. You have a great eye...my mother is like that too but it skipped my generation. Also, just want you to know how much I admire you. Despite what's going on in your world, you still have seem to have your peace and wisdom. You will tell me now that you don't but in the big picture I think you do. My best wishes go out to you and your husband and know that I've added you both to my nightly prayer list.

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  35. Janet you know me from my blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot

    xo

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    1. Can I just add a comment here that, Donna, I have read your blog for YEARS and each post is a gem; a keeper. Eloquent. Thank you.

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  36. Oh my goodness, we must be soul mates! Your thrifty finds are delightful. I mentioned before the cancer connection, but I also am caregiver for my Dad with dementia. My mental health exercise is to duck into my "junque shoppes" and bring home treasures such as these. The simple joy of hunting and finding, cleaning and placing someone else's cast-offs to enjoy and share is an art. Voila!

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  37. Hi Janet, just wanted to say I’ve been thinking of you a lot. I’ve been in the exact same place as you except I didn’t have a beautiful garden. How fortunate for you. But long walks on the nearby tree-lined bike path was my solace. It helped to get to know the different trees and some of the standouts were named and became beloved in those many months. They gave me strength as I’m sure your garden does too. And what lovely finds - That pot! Yes yes, cherish the moments - all kinds of them. They are precious - all. Sending love and prayers for you and Larry. ♥️ Janice

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  38. Very nice finds, Janet, and so well presented. Your posts are a relief to those of us following your trials, even if we can help only by hoping and sending prayers.
    It is good to hear you are finding some pleasures amongst the pain

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  39. Janet,
    I think of you and Larry everyday! I love your beautiful finds. You were the one that taught Madeline and me to thrift and slowly over the years my eye has been trained....to find something beautiful in a sea of stuff. Your finds are lovely and you are right...they looks if they have always been there. Like-how did you not have that screen in that space? Wishing you both well this Tuesday morning.
    Lots of love,
    Annie

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  40. I so admire your eye for the treasures, you get it right every single time. These finds perfectly illustrate that old saying about every room needing a touch of black. Your room is looking so gorgeous.
    It must be a real haven for you two right now. I'm thinking of you every day and especially when I'm in my garden which has been a LOT lately. Hoping that you are having more good times than bad, and that your love for each other is holding you up and strong. Love to you both xxx

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  41. Wow! Beautiful, amazing finds. You are right - both look like they've always been in your home. Definitely meant to be. I am glad you are able to find some joy in the midst of your painful, difficult journey. {{hugs}}

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  42. You have the best eye! I'm in love with both pieces, and the price is so amazing too. It's these little things that are gonna get you through this. Continued love and support from me. xoxo

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  43. Your home emits such peaceful beauty. I know this is a hard time but even strangers are thinking of you and wishing you luck and peace. xoxo from east Tennessee

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  44. Wow... What a great find on both of these items... I adore the little legs on that pot.... Pray that these moments are precious together and that each day is better and brighter....

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  45. Everything looks so beautiful Janet ❤️

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  46. What lovely finds! I especially like the placement of the screen over the couch--it's a perfect touch. The maidenhair fern is getting me motivated to dig some out of the garden and get myself a pot of that in the house too. Thanks for the idea. If you are a real aficionado of chinoiserie, you might enjoy this website: chinoiseriechic.net She is, I believe, an interior designer based in Florida who posts a new photo every day of a chinoiserie room. A lot have a tropical flair, but a lot don't as well. I find it fun to look at them all on Sunday mornings. I've done my bedroom up with blue & white Chinese pottery and linens along with carved a French walnut bed, side tables and chest. When I did it (a number of years ago), I couldn't find a blue & white lamp to save my life, so I bought a pot from Marshall's and had it made into a lamp at a lamp shop. I has worked out great! Just a thought for anyone in a similar circumstance who can't find the perfect lamp...

    Anyway, I'm continuing to keep you and Larry in my thoughts and best wishes for both of you during this trying time.

    Garden Goddess in Orange County

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  47. Janet...Through all my trials in life junkin’ has been a joy. I call the last day of an estate sale Catch Up Cleanup. How fun. Paula

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  48. I happy that brought you joy...

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  49. We're praying for you here in Fort Worth! Am glad to see you still are making your nest comfortable, as you always have. I love to see your finds! That's how I first got hooked on your blog! Your trips to estate sales are so much fun for us all! Sending out those good thoughts to you both!

    Lisa in Fort Worth

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  50. your sense of style, your simply elegance and now your amazing grace is indeed an inspiration on living life.

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  51. You are in my thoughts and prayers, stay strong and as you say take it one day, one hour or one minute at a time.

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  52. Thinking of you and Larry today and everyday. Hugs to you both. XXo R

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  53. I absolutely love seeing the beautiful estate sale finds. I also love your classic and timeless style. Sending good thoughts your way.

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  54. Great finds! And can't beat those prices. I think of, and pray for, you guys often. Take care. ~Miranda

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