Nostalgia at the Stone House

I adore watching old American movies where a scene is set in an attic of a traditional colonial or beach house. The main character has climbed the (very functional!) wooden staircase to reach the quiet and still rooms which are jammed full of interesting antiquities from previous generations. I find myself sometimes losing the thread of the story as I try to unravel what is disguised by the dust sheets, or to imagine what may be hidden inside cedar trunks.

Sunlight usually streams in through pretty gabled windows or leaded lights, illuminating the dust particles in the air, adding an additional sense of magic to the scene.

(Picture courtesy Warden Abbey)

Of course this romanticised view of how an attic room should be is a far cry from the roof space in our home.

Last night I climbed the creaky metal step ladder, precariously propped up against the wall, to move the trap door out of the way in order to haul myself up inside. It was freezing up there too! The only light is from a single bare bulb, held up with bits of string in a vain attempt to cast light over the whole area. (Believe me, anything could be lurking in any of the four corners, and I would be none the wiser!)

You will find the usual suspects, such as the Christmas decorations in storage boxes, waiting for the next opportunity to spread their good cheer. As well as a few small items of furniture standing still until the next 'musical cupboards' game (see post below), and our daughters old toys which they, and I, can't bare to part with...

I'm a little sad that some of my childhood keepsakes got left by mistake in the attic of our first home when we moved away. For some reason, we completely forgot to clear it - we only lived there on and off for 10 months, and so it never really became a 'real' home to us, despite it being our first...memories were forged far more in our second home when we moved to the SW.

Whilst I was in the attic last night, I had a little poke around in some of the other boxes, not remembering what was within and what delights I might find.

I found my wedding dress and our photo album, which will be 24 years old this month! A quick flick through the photographs recalls one of the best days, but also serves as a reminder of those who sadly are no longer with us.

Money was tight, so I made my dress myself. It was a typical over-the-top 80's design, complete with shoulder pads(!) and festoons of lace that finished at the knee. My daughters think it's hysterical! I'm afraid I have to agree with them ;-))

The little pale blue and white pram blanket was mine when I was a baby. My Mum gave it back to me when I produced our first daughter. It had been washed so many times, that it had become quite thin, so I crocheted a similar one, seen in the background, to keep my new born warm.

The little white cardigan was worn by all three of my girls; each of them wearing it home from the hospital. I think it lasted them about a week, before they out grew it.

I've never been very good at knitting, but have always enjoyed crochet. The next-size cardigan, a tiny bonnet, and a white blanket were past makes and keepsakes from those early years.

As they grew I saved special artworks and cards that they carefully created. I love looking back over some of their masterpieces and early writings.

An aptitude for sewing was always encouraged! ;-))

I was happy to see this box of treasures again too. I had put it up inside the attic for safekeeping when I was making-over a cupboard for my antique shoe collection, back in November, but promptly forgot that I had done so.

I've continued with the spring cleaning/sorting this week; here's the landing with it's faffed-about make-over! I may add the girl's shoes and the wooden pin dolls to some of my displays.

I was also thrilled to find my two childhood friends in an old plastic bag. I had been looking for this pair for over a year ( I had dearly wanted to include them in my book). Why is it that when you are looking for something, it is rare that items are found, but miraculously they reappear when you least expect it? I shall have to find a very safe place (one that I won't forget about this time) for Ginger and Monkey.

Ginger was my favourite bear - I always loved to sniff him, as he smelt of old mohair and sawdust. And Monkey was a friend that was bought for me on a day trip to Whipsnade Park Zoo many years ago...

I'm so pleased to be reunited with them both. Monkey looks pretty happy too!

Niki x