Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Reprise -- A Lady's Desk

I'm joining the Ready, Set, Vignette Party Hosted by Beth at The Stories of A 2 Z. I love to do vignettes and although I'm not a furniture mover, I am a vignette changer. Some, are seasonal, like Christmas, Fall and Easter while others are because I think something will look better somewhere else or I get something new and need to fit it in (which is the most often reason for a change in a tabletop!)

My desk is very special to me -- it's where I write my thank you notes; it's where I handwrite letters (not very often for I'm a computer girl); it's where I address birthday cards to friends; it's where I address sympathy cards or get well cards.

I like to have treasures around me in my special places and this desk is no exception.

Every "lady" needs a place where she can write thank you notes, peruse and pay bills, send greeting cards, and keep track of social engagements. My place is a mahogany secretary in the corner of the living room with a window that looks out on what I call my secret garden. (The garden is a small strip along the side of the house -- filled with flowers three seasons of the year.) The picture is a picture of the fireplace at Linderhof taken in 1930 and given to me by an old man that was the little boy in the picture. It's always been a treasure to me. My collection of Asian calligraphy brushes also at this moment reside on the desk in a calligraphy brush pot. The wee carved figure is ivory, bought by Husband Jim on a long ago visit to Asia. Surrounded by things I love, the desk is a special place to do special things. The bookcase part of the secretary holds some very special and very old pieces of blue and white as well as some small old volumes. Every day, after breakfast and the dishes, I sort the mail here and then attend to my correspondence -- sending whatever note needs to be sent, addressing whatever greeting card needs to go out, making the daily grocery list. Often with a cup of tea in hand to sip as I go about this daily ritual. Every lady needs a desk. How else could she run a household?

13 comments:

The Shiny Pebble said...

So lovely. I have always wanted a secretary with the chinoiserie glass doors. You have styled it beautifully.

Anonymous said...

Hi Martha! Oh, I love this piece. Wish I had one and I would love it if you would open the doors and let us peek inside.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Chris said...

Martha, what a beautiful spot!

You've inspired me to make a few changes on my own desk. I work from home, so it is very utilitarian, computer and all. But it wouldn't hurt to give it some personality.

Thanks!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

What a lovely piece and it is styled in such a beautiful way! Thanks so much for linking it to the party!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

First your desk is just breathtaking. This is a piece I have always wanted. I love the gorgeous vignettes you have inside and the beautiful display on the desk part. Just gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

Anita Diaz said...

Absolutely lovely! Wish I had one. Beautiful!!

Tina said...

What a lovely place for you to take care of your personal business! I'm longing for that...I usually end up at the kitchen table...and then cleaning everything up afterwards.

Terry said...

Howdy
What a treasure you have.
I love your photos ,I have always wanted a place to sit and write,read,etc. a special place to call my own.
Some day I hope to have a secretary like yours.
I have wanted one for many years.
Thank you so much for allowing us a chance to share in this special place.
I have been inspired to review my current situation and make some changes :)
Blessings to you and yours.
Until next time
Happy Trails

D.B. said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely!

Cass @ That Old House said...

So beautiful, Martha! LOVE the secretary -- those doors are fabulous. And thru them? LOVE the glimpses of blue and white -- you know I love that blue and white!
Great vignette!
Cass

Allie and Pattie said...

I've always admired that desk. I keep telling Ray I NEED a secretary- I just adore them. Beautifully done
xoxo Pattie

benchwarmer said...

what a beautiful desk and the perfect view to enjoy your writing and secret garden. might just have the change my desk for that very reason. beautiful martha.

Anonymous said...

I think this is one of my favourite posts on the internet. I keep coming back to it when I have hankering for a "room of my own", a lady's boudoir of sorts. And I love your refined ritual of personal, handwritten correspondence. You are a real inspiration. Thank you.

Hugs,
Honey Bee