Dreaming Dreams

I love old things. There is something in me that feels an instant connection to certain items from the past and I have an intense desire to save and restore them. It’s hard to explain this feeling to people who aren’t the same way. It’s more than just a hobby or an interest. It’s like my mission and purpose! It’s in my DNA, as much a part of me as the color of my hair and eyes. It’s just in me, and it has been my entire life. I distinctly remember touring my great-grandparents farmhouse and the urgency with which I begged my dad to help me restore it. I was eight. Yet I understood, even at that young age, the pride and craftmanship that had gone into the construction of that old home, and I knew that once it was gone it could not be created again.

I see beauty in things that many people overlook. More than that, I see potential. There is an instinct, a feeling that I get sometimes that tells me that there is still some good within an item or project. It’s hard to explain and almost impossible to justify to someone who doesn’t share my initial vision, but my instinct is often right. And the interesting thing is that these pieces and projects tend to find me, as if fate planned it. That’s part of what I love about this amazing adventure. It takes both persistence and patience. All of the items and projects that I work on existed long before me, and they cross my path at just the right moment for me to roll up my sleeves and work my magic, allowing their story to continue.

Our upstairs hallway.

Adding vintage crystal chandeliers to the house is part of my mission to restore it with antique lighting. I snagged this stunning beauty at a yard sale for $20.

That’s part of what I love about our house. Technically it’s mine, seeing as my husband and I are currently paying the mortgage, but it would be shortsighted to view it as solely ours. This house has seen so much life and sheltered so many beautiful hopes and dreams. I didn’t construct our little castle, but I am the one who is currently entrusted to care for it. It reminds me of a line from the first season of Downton Abbey. Robert and Mary are discussing the future of the estate and disagreeing over who should inherit the family home. Mary asks him why he isn’t fighting the laws pertaining to inheritance to allow him to give the house to her, and Robert replies, “I am a custodian, my dear, not an owner. I must strive to be worthy of the task I’ve been set.” There is so much truth in those words. Old houses are a labor of love, and it is such an honor and privilege to be lucky enough to call our little castle home. But deep down I understand that it is more than just our house, it is a historic home full of original character and charm, and it is my responsibility to care for it and ensure it’s longevity.

I love the details of the original windows and the raised plaster designs on the walls.

I love living in our house and creating such happy memories with our family. I’m also thinking about what the house will be like in the future as we continue to restore it with period specific details and vintage items. I’ve even been dreaming of ways to share it with others someday, perhaps in the form of a Bed & Breakfast or a small event venue. I just love the idea of allowing people to enjoy and experience the beauty and history of our home. We’ll see, those dreams are quite a ways down the road. But it is fun to think about!

For more vintage inspiration and to follow along on our journey as we restore our beautiful little castle, be sure to follow Whimsical Blue Living on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. And sign up for our newsletter to receive an email every Sunday morning with the posts from the week. That way you never miss a post!

Have a beautiful day!
Sandy

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