Buying the newspaper, man wearing a kilt, Wye, England. Photo by David Holmes.
Hooray, it's Sunday, with plenty of time to read newspapers and books and do whatever else you like! This afternoon, I'm baking a honey pound cake, from the October Country Living magazine, sent by my lovely friend Vanessa. Then I'll descend into the cave (wine cellar) to search yet again for a bag of important documents ( Saturday's search proved futile). And what an overwhelming task it is!
To find anything in the cave - which has no electricity - I have to take a lamp with a long extension cord and plug it into an electrical outlet in the hallway. Then I must move large pieces of furniture out of the cave and line them up along the corridor. Eventually I have to reposition virtually everything in the cave, so that nothing falls on our heads or goes crashing down on the rows of wine bottles covering one wall. Yes, methinks it's time to clear some space.
What good is a gorgeous chocolate velvet Art Deco chair if it's sitting in the cave covered with sheets? And there are two antique French wrought iron daybeds taking up space, as there's no room in the apartment. Then there's that child's oak double school desk and several paintings and antique lithographs stuffed in a corner. Also taking a considerable amount of space is an eclectic collection of tables: a Napoleon III black side table; a Directoire table; an Arts and Crafts side table; a dining table and chairs; two suede cubes from Habitat - once used as a substitute for coffee tables - and a rustic Mexican sofa table.
Oh and the lamps! There's an Empire hanging lamp and at least seven lamps of all descriptions and periods stored in the cave. My husband and daughter relentlessly tease me about my penchant for lamps, lanterns and light fixtures. Then there's a 19th-century Paris apartment stairwell door complete with four stained glass panels. Every time I move the pieces, I worry about breaking the glass.
So today when I drag everything out into the hallway, guess I'd better photograph the items and list them on eBay France and Craig's List Paris. Otherwise, Di, will you just bring your truck and haul everything off to be gussied up for your Ghost Furniture line? This week I will be adding some smaller items - including a set of Limoges porcelain - to Tara's Treasures (see my sidebar).
Hope you're having a pleasant Sunday, with nice fall weather. Later this afternoon, David and I will take a walk in the Bois du Boulogne to enjoy the sunshine. Oh and congratulations to South Africa, for winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup! The next World Cup in 2011 will be hosted by New Zealand.
Your pictures are fascinating and I have enjoyed myself immensely!
Posted by: Gimme A Dream | 24 October 2007 at 23:00
Really enjoyed the journey through the cave and Plymouth ... great photographs
Posted by: Fenny | 23 October 2007 at 22:33
God I love your blog!
Posted by: Yoli | 23 October 2007 at 14:50
The cave sounds challenging! I'm thanking my lucky stars for my overfilled garage ;-) xx, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 23 October 2007 at 03:17
You need a house! (With a cave used only for wine.)
Although that coule be dangerous... you would have to fill all the rooms.
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 22 October 2007 at 18:56
Bring a truck? I would need a container ship to get that lot over here. I am drooling at the the thought but they all sound too gorgeous to be gussied up as you put it.
I started on the frames, you kindly gave me, today - oh wait until you see what I did with them.
Posted by: Di Overton | 22 October 2007 at 18:51
tara i would love the furniture...if we could get it to the US...perhaps I need a boat....hummmmm...love the tour of plymouth...i have to visit it someday...good luch clearing away...i never have much luck with it...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 22 October 2007 at 17:48
What an interesting cave you have. Would love having a look around myself in there.
Posted by: marja | 22 October 2007 at 10:54
Sounds like you need to have a Garage Sale!
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 22 October 2007 at 10:33
I certainly hope you took a photo to show us these treasures!!
Your small space sounds like my basement..but of course my clutter certainly is not as valuable as your carefully chosen antiques! Yes I did have a wonderful Sunday..the sun was shining!
hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 22 October 2007 at 06:17
cleaning the cave?? wishing you courage tara, not an easy task! just thinking about mine, an instant depression! i'll leave it as it is for the moment, no courage at all! succes with the eventual ebay auction! good idea!
Posted by: marita | 22 October 2007 at 00:53
Now this is the kind of Sunday I was talking about! Sometimes clearing out can be hugely therapeutic.
Posted by: Becca | 21 October 2007 at 23:40
Bonjour, Tara,
I somehow found my way to your blog just as my husband and I were departing for a little trip to London and Paris. We are now here in Paris for one precious month. I want to thank you for all the inspiration and information you have provided on your blog...it's been so helpful to us!
We visited St. Ouen today for the first time, and it was amazing! Looks like every weekend of the trip is going to be spent there, for sure! What a blast. I've enjoyed reading about the other brocantes you've been to. You're a pro!
Thanks again, for your fabulous blog!
Best wishes,
Brenda Walton
www.brendawalton.com
Posted by: Brenda Walton | 21 October 2007 at 21:53
It is a beautiful winter day here. Snowed this morning and now is clearing and the snow is melting. Tomorrow the street will be slick in the morning, but clear by the time I'm out and about. You have so many treasures it is good to 'share' on Ebay. Smiling here in a kind way.
Posted by: Mary t. | 21 October 2007 at 21:21
Even the items you have in storage sound elegant!
Posted by: martina | 21 October 2007 at 19:07
Hi Tara,
Hope you found what you were looking for in la cave!
Have a beautiful walk with David, and a delicious pound cake tonight.
xox
Constance
ps
I think men in Kilts are sexy~rexy!
Posted by: rochambeau | 21 October 2007 at 18:36
Tara,
Allow me to take those pesky items out of your way! I'll have to check the EBay site!!!
Your Sunday sounds wonderful, walking with David. We just returned from a brisk morning walk, gorgeous sunshine and fall air. I love that!
Your cave sounds huge, it holds much.
Clearing up is always nice too, it does wonders for the head.
Enjoy that country living, I have that one too!!!
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian | 21 October 2007 at 18:20
Dark it may be but it sounds like a place I'd be happy to search with you! So - next Rugby World Cup at my place? I'll try to get myself upgraded to a cottage with a second bedroom by then shall I?
Posted by: Frida | 21 October 2007 at 17:35
I feel like I was in the cave with you!!! And heavens...protect those wine bottles at all costs!! :)
Posted by: cherie | 21 October 2007 at 16:23
What an adventure this sounds like! Our fall turned decidedely winter like today so I will take advantage and catch up on my blog reading!!
Enjoy your day!!
Posted by: Stephanie | 21 October 2007 at 15:57
*makes note to trawl through Parfait's blog and work out where she lives and then come around with a van and raid said cave*
:)
Posted by: Sarah in Marrakech (soon to be in Paris!) | 21 October 2007 at 15:22