just there
I walked by our old house last weekend- the one we took on as a neglected grande dame. The one we poured our days and nights into, pulling down falling plaster ceilings, scraping wallpaper, hanging wallpaper, doing what we could. The house that was impossibly huge, way bigger than we were. 8 bedrooms, 5 baths, 2 parlors, formal dining room, butler's pantry, dressing rooms, so much of everything. And the heating cost. Friends kept their coats on when visiting. As soon as it was fixed up enough, we sold it and moved on to Chicago. As much as I loved the neighborhood, I never really felt connected to that house. It was too much for us then.
But this door, oh, this time of year. I carried Maggie through that doorway as a newborn. 27 years ago this week. We put her into the arms of her big sister and watched them fall in love- in the room just there. I rocked her in the nursery chair by the yawning window up above. Tucked her in and tiptoed down the hall just beyond.
And I welcomed spring, swaying with her on my shoulder, looking out for this.
Our dependable, magnificent tree- the one that climbed up to us in the early dawn, waved at the window. The one that brought waking birdsong and pink lanterns, whispering each day, "There is so much more. Bring your little ones outside. Come out and see this charming, glowing spring. No more wallpaper, no more paint. Come outside and play. It is all just beginning- this is what you dreamed."
Happy birthday, darling Maggie. The house, our tree- still so elegant, so lovely- just like you. Our sweet little dream come true.
Oh gosh.....how beautifully written... you brought tears to my eyes. Such a sweet tribute to your beloved daughter! :-) Rosie
Posted by: Rosie's Whimsy | April 25, 2008 at 07:48 PM
what a beautiful post!
happy birthday to your sweet baby girl
xo
Posted by: paige | April 25, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Happy Birthday Maggie!
Posted by: pam | April 25, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Charlotte, What a lovely blog entry! I know how a house can bring back so many memories! I too have a bought, re-done & lived in several houses over the last 20 years years & all in approx. the same area. Every time I drive or walk past one of them I can't help think of the wonderful experiences each provided....Thank you so much for sharing...Heidi :)
Posted by: heidi | April 26, 2008 at 02:41 AM
Happy Birthday Maggie!
And what lovely memories to have of a house....
And I got a copy of your Mothers and daughters book... it is lovely & I am already planning projects for the next 20 years to come! (mind you, at the moment We're learning cross stitch with binka and thread. How many times do I have to thread a needle? "Just one more time, Mummy!")
Posted by: Angel Jem | April 26, 2008 at 02:42 AM
ok...i's 4 in the morning and i am nursing sadie and crying.
this post is so beautiful.
the part about the sisters falling in love?
ack!
happy bday, maggie!
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | April 26, 2008 at 05:13 AM
What a sweet post. I love the tree calling you outside with your little ones . . . time to play, to grow, to love. Thank you.
Posted by: katie | April 26, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Happy Birthday Miss Maggie! What a great story...as always!
Posted by: teresa | April 26, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Oh God, and now you made me cry! This is too much for one morning! Love you and love you more for writing this about Mags - she'll love it.
Posted by: Erin Lyons | April 26, 2008 at 11:20 AM
If all children could have such a kind, thoughtful Mother as you; the world would be a much different place.
Posted by: kathy | April 26, 2008 at 03:18 PM
this was beautiful, the photo and the journaling. thanks for sharing a piece of yourself. very inspiring!!
Posted by: lori p | April 26, 2008 at 11:04 PM
That is a great post. I still drive by our first house every now and then just too look at it. Still feels odd that someone else lives in it, because in my mind I am still roaming the rooms. That door and tree are so beautiful, I can see why you loved them, if not the whole overwhelming house.
Posted by: jerusalem | April 27, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Beautiful post about your daughter. It brought tears to my eyes. I still pass by our old house every now and then and what I always think of is bringing my daughters home from the hospital, first steps, hearing them laugh for the first time. Wonderful memories. You always say such lovely things about your daughters. They are so lucky to have you as a mom. Blessings,Mary
Posted by: Sara | April 27, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Your site is always a feast for the eyes. I truly enjoy your work. Daughters are a blessing, aren't they? I have two myself!
Posted by: Frankie Kins | April 28, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I think it would be so hard to leave the house you brought your newborn child home to. My husband would love to sell the home we are in now and I'm finding it harder to imagine--although I'm really not in love with this house--since I have a (literally) growing history with this child of mine here in this house.
Posted by: angeljoy | April 30, 2008 at 03:15 PM
What a sweet post!
Posted by: Sarah | May 01, 2008 at 12:58 AM
sooooo beautifully shared..
sooooo beautifully YOU.
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | May 02, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Charlotte I love how you write. Every now and then I click on your blog. It's like poetry. We seem to share a similar creative life.
Keep it coming,
Louise
Posted by: Louise Cady-Fernandes | May 02, 2008 at 06:37 PM