Many of you know that I grew up in Florida and spent all of my childhood years in Central Florida. My father started his career, after a few years with the Airforce, with Lockheed when I was about 4 years old. Lockheed merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed-Martin---as most people know. My father retired with them after a very long career of helping put missiles and men into space. My Dad (and my brother, too, later) were part of our nation's history. I am very proud of that. I grew up as a child walking out onto our driveway (with all the other neighbors) at night to watch all the old Apollo launches blast off into space. The launch drill was---listen and watch on our black and white televisions for the countdown... "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ignition and lift off) and then we would rush out to the driveway (or carport as it is called in the south) to watch for the burst of light to start heading upwards. Most all of the launches when I was a child seemed to go off at night. All the neighbors would be standing out at the end of their driveways looking up. And, did I add that most all of us were in our pajamas and robes... As the missiles headed up to space, the windows of our houses would begin to start shaking, and we would begin to hear a rumbling sound. I now live in the Northwest but have never experienced an earthquake yet. I imagine that this feeling and sound is very similar to what we would hear in an earthquake.
This was my childhood in Florida living on the space coast. Our Dads put missiles in space, our moms were (for the most part) housewives/stay at home moms, and our jobs as kids were to-----well....go to school and go to the beach! Tough jobs!!! (smile) Well, there was more to it than that! But, in today's world, life seemed very "Leave it To Beaver" simple. Don't remember my mom wearing pearls, though, while she worked like June Cleaver!
Growing up on the "Space Coast" from the late 50's through the very early 1970's was pretty laid back and simple. Most of us gals went to school and spent most of our spare time on the beaches of Florida sitting on beach blankets with radios and suntan oil while waiting for our boyfriends to surface from the ocean. Most of the high school boys were surfers in Florida and would spend many hours a week on their boards out on the ocean paddling and looking for the "perfect" wave.
My husband and I dated in the last two years of high school, and he loved to surf. I spent many hours sitting on a blanket on shore with my girlfriends enjoying the beautiful ocean and watching my husband (then boyfriend) surf. The ocean, you might say, is in my blood.
After high school, I began a career as a legal secretary working in Florida and Texas for very well-known attorneys. I grew up in Florida, but I also spent several years living in Houston, Texas. Both of my sons, whom I love dearly, were born in Houston. After a few years in Houston, I relocated with my sons back to Florida to be near my family again. I returned back to the little "Space Coast" town in which I had grown up and took my children to the same beach that I had gone to as a child and teenager. And the surfer? Well, that is a very romantic story that I will share in another post. But for now....just know that this surfer became the husband that is with me today that I affectionately call "the Officer." Now...fast-forward a bit...
My husband and I have lived in the Northwest for about 6 years at the time of this posting. I have been a Southern gal since the day I was born in Winter Haven, Florida. I am talking not only the beaches, but also oak trees, magnolias and orange blossoms. In fact, one of my grandmothers worked in a fruit packing house, in Winter Haven, Florida. She used to bring home some of the most beautiful oranges! The oranges were the type that you would see in beautiful fruit gift baskets.
When my husband received an offer to relocate from sunny Florida to the Northwest near Seattle, we looked at the move like an adventure. My hubby was out of the Navy, after serving many years and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, and had been working with another company. This company offered him an opportunity to relocate to the Northwest in a new position with the same company. After a few trips to become acquainted with the area, we decided to accept the offer. The area we live in is a small town and we are about a 30 minute ferry ride from the big city of Seattle. So, in my mind, I looked at this as the best of both worlds! The new small town reminded me of the beach town in Florida, and Seattle was a big city that made me think of Houston. So, yes, I could do this... We looked at the move as an adventure and thought we would, eventually, return to Florida but have totally fallen in love with the lifestyle, beauty and culture of the Northwest.
We have had many experiences and explored many beautiful places in and around the area we live over the past six years. We have also met some very wonderful people. The winters can be cool, and there is drizzle on many winter days. But, you learn to be patient as you wait for spring because the springtimes, summers and falls of the Northwest are magnificient! The rains bring us fabulous flowers in the spring and summer. There is a reason that this is called the "Evergreen State" and Seattle is called the "Emerald City!" The days are very long in the summer, too, and it doesn't get dark until around 10:00 p.m. or so. God rewards us for being so patient in the winter with mild temperatures, glorious sunny days, and some of most beautiful flowers you have ever seen! (You'll see what I mean in some future postings.)
So, you might ask yourself, how does a Southern gal who grew up around the beach cope with a cool and rainy winter? Well, all the mountains and water around us keep the temperatures fairly manageable. Our normal temperature in the winter is a high of around 45 or so. You need a coat, but it is not an unbearable cold. You learn to dress for the weather-- so I now own a pretty large selection of different coats, boots, scarves, and gloves. With the cloudy and cool days of winter, you understand pretty quickly why Starbucks is on every other corner of Seattle (as well as many other coffee houses) and you learn to order coffee like you have lived here your whole life. "Yes, I will take a non-fat, white chocolate mocha with light whip, and can you make that extra hot? Thank you!"
So, you adapt and dress accordingly. Also, because of the cooler temps and drizzle, you learn to get in touch with your creative side. I remember when I first came with my husband to the area on a visit before we moved. We went to a little cheese and wine bar, and there was a group of women sitting by the fire knitting. I went over to say hello, and they told me that they were a gathering of local ladies who loved to knit. I learned they met at different locations each week to sit by the fire, chat and knit together. They even had a name for their group which I thought was cute--"Chicks with Sticks!" Seattle draws some of the most creative and talented people. Even in the winter, there are art walks and coffee shops with musicians. Northwest food is very delicious, too! So, you might spend a winter Friday night going to a local bistro or a wine tasting followed by a book reading at local bookstore or movie. Afterwards, you might go to a coffee house that features a guitarist. Don't be surprised if you bump into the "Chicks with Sticks" who may have popped in to have a latte and listen to music while they knit...
You know, you just make your "nest" wherever you go! My husband and I love the Northwest very much, but I do have my little reminders of the South and the beach town I grew up in...
I have my master bath decorated in somewhat of a relaxing beach theme. I brought several photos with me of the local beach where we lived and have them hanging on the wall.
This grouping is hanging in my bathroom, and it gives the room a really relaxing, spa type feel. It is very nice to wake up each morning and dress while looking at the ocean. The large photo above and the photo to the lower left is the beach area where my husband and I lived in Florida. The photo on the lower right is a photo of our little grand-daughter that was taken at a beautiful spot in Seabeck, Washington, when she came to visit us. All three photos are beautiful and have special memories for my husband and I.
I also like to display soothing aqua colored towels in the master bath. These towels make me think of the ocean because of the color.
I love this shell needlepoint that I keep on the chair by the vanity.
I love this photo of my son when he was small on the beach with all the seagulls. A reminder of a family day at the beach years ago....nice memories. Each time I see the photo, I think of this special time together for our family.
The tassel you see is a gift from my future daughter-in-law. She brought it back from a trip out of the country for me. It is very special to me....as is she!
I also have a very unique mirror in my bathroom that makes me think of the beautiful beaches of the south. My sister made this fabulous shell mirror for me a few years ago as a Christmas gift. She hand attached each and every one of these shells! Because of the mirror reflection, it is hard to capture on camera just how beautiful this mirror is. My sister put her heart and soul into this mirror, and it took her a lot of time to place all of the shells on the frame. I know this mirror is a reflection of not only my image when I look into it, but also her love...
The shells are so pretty...
My step-daughter brought this pretty sawgrass basket back to me from a vacation so I filled it with shells. That was very sweet of her to remember us on her trip.
Sometimes the reflection of the mini chandelier in the bath will make light patterns on the ceiling that also make me think of shells. I have one of these chandeliers on each side of my vanity. Next is the tile in my bath. It makes me think of the sand on the beach... not only because of the sandy colors but also because my tile is warm due to the radiant heat underneath...
I commissioned this painting (above) to be done for me after my father died. It depicts a man fishing in the early morning on the Indian River in Florida. He has his bait bucket by his side and his hat on. This is supposed to represent my father who had a lifelong passion for fishing. I think of my dad each time I see it and remember him...
I also have blue and white colors in my bedding...very soothing like the ocean to me.
I have plans to paint the bedroom and bath a different shade over the next couple of months as the weather turns more spring-like. I am thinking a deeper shade of taupe would be a nice contrast between the white/aqua theme. We have been living in our home for almost a year now. It takes a while to get settled in a new home. I am now ready to start personalizing my home...
These are some shells that anyone who lives in Florida will recognize. I spent many hours walking the local beaches where we lived and collecting shells. This is a pasttime I have always enjoyed! I love to place these little treasures in crystal bowls to display them.
Although they are the same type of shell, each one is different... kind of like people--everyone has their own unique personality. Each one is special.
I do not have a beach theme or design throughout my home, but I do enjoy having my little bit of the ocean to wake up to each day. I have always found that the salt air on a beautiful sunny morning was so refreshing! I am sure you agree... When I look at the photos, I can almost feel the salty ocean breeze on my face. The photos are such nice reminder of the place I grew up.
I still have the opportunity to visit the Central Florida area from time to time. Both my husband and I have family that live there, and we enjoy spending time with them very much. We love for them to come to visit us, too! The Northwest is a very beautiful area to live....but when the cool air of the winter comes knocking, all I have to do is look at my little reminders of the ocean to warm my heart with wonderful memories... beautiful days spent on the beach as I grew up... times on the beach watching my husband surf, and fun days with my children making sandcastles... for the times spent with those we love are the true pearls of the sea...
Have a wonderful day today! xoox Kim
Hi Kim, Thanks for the tour of your life thus far. You are a lot like me. Everything that is in your home has a memory behind it. I love that!!! I totally agree with you. Bloom where your planted. Both Florida and Seattle sound like beautiful places. I love the chicks with sticks you have to have a laugh. It reminds me of Mary, the adorable Mother of the lady that teaches me patchwork. Mary was 94 and still driving and coming to patchwork every week. She lived in a retirement village. They were always going on trips or to see shows constantly. She had an amazing mind, sharp as a tack,, full of life, and had a great social life. She would say to us girls, I won't be here next week because I'm going out with the village people and she would laugh. Mary passed away 2 years ago about 6 months after a friendship quilt was made for me by all the girls in my patchwork class, including Mary. It is something that I treasure. She was an amazing Blessing. I love your white quilt. Kim, all your photo's are Beautiful. have a great day Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 12:55 AM
Hi Trish,
Thank you for writing and for sharing about your dear friend, Mary. She sounds like someone I would have loved to have known! What spunk she had at 94 years young! She must have been a joy to be around. It seems she led a very active life at 94. I think this is key to staying young...stay busy doing things that you enjoy. She certainly is a role model for all of us. What a wonderful reminder of Mary to have the quilt that she lovingly worked on. You will feel her love each time you use it. How wonderful! I do have many things in my home that have special meaning to me. My mother was like that as well. I think that is what makes our homes special...fill them with the people and things that you love! Have a "bluebird day" today! XOXO Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 01:49 AM
I love this post and mentioned YOU and this wonderful post on my blog this morning! I linked to your blog and used one of your photos! I hope that's OK! Please let me know if you would rather I not 'borrow' your photo! Thanks! Enjoy your day! Hugs, Diane ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 06:51 AM
Diane,
Thank you so much for linking with my blog and featuring one of my photos. You are too, too sweet and I have posted a special thank you on my blog today just for you...
I love your Easter decorations! I have linked back to you and know your little Easter "friends" (so cute) on your blog will put everyone into the Easter spirit! Love to you,
Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 12:47 PM
I had forgot about that basket! It made me smile to remember that trip. It was the first vacation my hubby and I took. We went to Savannah and Charleston for my birthday. We bought that basket in the market in Charleston. Thank you so much for a wonderful memory! Love you!
Posted by: Ashley | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Ashley,
So glad that my posting made you think of a very special time with your hubby. The gifts I am given are treasured for a lifetime... the sawgrass basket will always be special to me!!!! I am always so appreciative of someone remembering me on a trip. The fact that they were off having a wonderful time on a vacation and took the time to think of me and go to the trouble of bringing back something special to me...just touches my heart with love and gratitude. Thank you so much for the basket you brought us! It meant the world... and also for your sweet comment. Love you lots! xoxo Kim (and Dad)
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 08:10 PM
What a lovely post! I grew up on the Indian River, now living on the other side of FL. You have made some beautiful decor that captures your special memories. I loved the painting you had commissioned. I enlarged it and saw it was a Newton (thought so). I have two of his paintings--he was from my hometown. Small world ;-) I came to your blog via Lavender Dreams' recommendation, and I'm so glad I did.
Lallee
Posted by: Lallee | Monday, March 21, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Thank you, Lallie, for visiting me at Bluebirds and Butterflies and for the very nice comments. So many memories of the Indian River... I am glad you liked the painting that was done just for me. And yes, a Newton. There is a lovely book about the "Highwaymen" that I purchased a few years ago. You can find it at the bookstores in Florida or probably online. I have another painting also that I love which is a Newton that hangs in my kitchen/den area. Lovely man, Sam Newton, and he was very sweet to put a figure to represent my beloved father in the painting. He doesn't usually put figures in his paintings, and he did this for me in remembrance of my Dad who had a lifelong passion for fishing the Indian and St. John Rivers. I love this painting and cherish it! I hope you get to return to the Indian River and watch the sun go down on the water soon! Big hug to Lavender Dreams for featuring my blog post. Love the photo of her walking the beach at the top of her blog! Have a "bluebird day" today! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Monday, March 21, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Hi there! I came by via Diane @ Lavender Dreams and as a Floridian I have to say I love all your Florida memories and the beachy touches in your home. The mirror your sister made is fabulous and yes, the scallops in your bowl are one of my favorites. I call them my pinkies and can't resist bringing them home.
I was born in the South, but spent most of my life on the Pacific in California. As much as I love Florida, the beaches on the West Coast are the BEST! The crash of the waves the spectacular views, oh, now I'm homesick.
Lovely to meet you and welcome to our blogging world!
Posted by: Shellbelle | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Hi Shellbelle!
Love the name you have chosen! Those little "pinkies" do bring to mind Florida for so many of us. I think I have been collecting shells since I could walk! I wanted to thank you so much for your sweet comments. I tend to agree with you, having lived on both coasts, the Northwest Coasts are very beautiful with the rocks and waves crashing. Very picturesque! I have been to some of the beautiful California coastlines, and they are truly amazing! Living in Washington State, we are not that far from Oregon, and the coastlines there are very beautiful also! At some point, I will post some photos I have of Cannon Beach area. Haystack Rock area is a very pretty area and each photo you take of it is different. I do love the warmth of the Florida beaches and the feel of the sand between your toes...that part, I do miss! I am hoping to be able to live on both coasts someday! That would be a "bluebird year!" My husband and I live very close to a Navy Sub Base, and I see lots of southern license plates when I go there. There are many people from Texas and Florida here. Great to see... I love our military families! I hope you have a beautiful day, and thank you for visiting me! Hope you get to enjoy the beautiful California coast soon! XOXO Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 08:44 PM