Making friends is not unlike the slow and wonderful accumulation of beloved objects. Peek into a cabinet and you'll see a rare concoction of objects melded together through sweet circumstance. Look at a group of friends... the odd stories of how these friends came into each other's lives and rooted themselves, is even sweeter.
Funny how one came to me thanks to "the cabinet" ...
We met (we argue when we actually first met, though I am sure...) at the Rothman Doll & Bear show). She was unforgettable...beautiful, tons of dark hair, fab purse....That was the summer of 2001 and the Cindy McGuire Bears in my display were appealing to her. She and a friend bought a few... and then months passed before I saw her again. Another show...more bears...nice conversation...By now I realized this was nice gal...she might just want to come to the party I was hosting at my new home in Warwick. It was tea under the apple trees. A small gathering...less than 20 of us with my family there too!
The day of that first Annual Spring Soiree was progressing when it was time to tour the house. That changed everything. In the humble mudroom I have a cabinet tucked into a corner. A wonderfully narrow piece, a 6' tall 12"x12" IKEA cabinet that can store more treasures than a pirate's chest. She saw the cabinet and fell in love with it's contents. She actually hugged the cabinet...
...hmmmm ...this was a new side to her...I was witnessing the awakening of passion!! She begged, she pleaded, couldn't she please buy some of those charming Jody Battaglia creations..."No!", said greedy me...but I sure will ask Jody to make you something...(who know 5 years later they'd be bumming around Paris flea markets together???)
And so it continued, party, show, another event....she came, she saw, she conquered. She had driven to IKEA that next day and had bought that same cabinet and somehow fit it in her itty-bitty sportscar. Now, she was filling it with these wonderfully fun, new creations...she had discovered the realm of folk art and there was no turning back. She was smitten with all things handmade, folk art and the exciting world of decorating, creating and collecting. Gone were her matchy-matchy chairs, the silk floral arrangements and the coordinating dishes. In were the chippy benches, odd glass ware and old quilts!
It's years later the student has far surpassed the teacher! Her home is amazing, her collection un-paralled and her heart bigger than the sun. She has been adopted by my family and designated the official staff photographer. She has held my babies (two born since we met), seen me cry, and sobbed in my arms. We have laughed over silly things and simply cannot understand how anyone can not love all the crazy things that what we adore!
We have surely changed each other's lives. We have taken the wrong plane to the wrong state and not been upset, turning it into the adventure of a lifetime complete with one-armed bellhops and midnight snacks in the dessert....We have awakened in the wee hours of the morning to hunt down treasures, shopped 'til we literally dropped in the 105 degree heat and somehow left two of a set of six chairs in a parking lot in Pennsylvania. (...so let me ask...has anyone ever found two green Hitchcock chairs at the Black Angus Sheds in Adamstown???)
This is what friend's are for ...to treasure and enjoy...to have by your side while the stories of tomorrow unfold. They are the sweetest of life's collections, the most vivid and rare...And if I had a cabinet for my most precious memories, those with Rosanne would be on the top shelf in the best of spots!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels Toys
...hmmmm ...this was a new side to her...I was witnessing the awakening of passion!! She begged, she pleaded, couldn't she please buy some of those charming Jody Battaglia creations..."No!", said greedy me...but I sure will ask Jody to make you something...(who know 5 years later they'd be bumming around Paris flea markets together???)
And so it continued, party, show, another event....she came, she saw, she conquered. She had driven to IKEA that next day and had bought that same cabinet and somehow fit it in her itty-bitty sportscar. Now, she was filling it with these wonderfully fun, new creations...she had discovered the realm of folk art and there was no turning back. She was smitten with all things handmade, folk art and the exciting world of decorating, creating and collecting. Gone were her matchy-matchy chairs, the silk floral arrangements and the coordinating dishes. In were the chippy benches, odd glass ware and old quilts!
It's years later the student has far surpassed the teacher! Her home is amazing, her collection un-paralled and her heart bigger than the sun. She has been adopted by my family and designated the official staff photographer. She has held my babies (two born since we met), seen me cry, and sobbed in my arms. We have laughed over silly things and simply cannot understand how anyone can not love all the crazy things that what we adore!
We have surely changed each other's lives. We have taken the wrong plane to the wrong state and not been upset, turning it into the adventure of a lifetime complete with one-armed bellhops and midnight snacks in the dessert....We have awakened in the wee hours of the morning to hunt down treasures, shopped 'til we literally dropped in the 105 degree heat and somehow left two of a set of six chairs in a parking lot in Pennsylvania. (...so let me ask...has anyone ever found two green Hitchcock chairs at the Black Angus Sheds in Adamstown???)
This is what friend's are for ...to treasure and enjoy...to have by your side while the stories of tomorrow unfold. They are the sweetest of life's collections, the most vivid and rare...And if I had a cabinet for my most precious memories, those with Rosanne would be on the top shelf in the best of spots!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels Toys
19 comments:
jen, i'll take one of everything!! { i wish}...i would love to have a cupboard like one of these just spilling over with goodies...you are making me drool...off to fetch a napkin...
Oh Jen, such a lovely tribute to a very special lady. I love Rosanne! Ro is the nicestest gal and I'm honored to call her my friend. I thank you for bringing her into my life!
xoxoxo
Heidi
From the first day that Rosanne stood in front of my table and scooped up all of the patriotic dolls I knew that she was a special collector. What I didn't know was what a wonderful and dear friend she would become...she has opened her home and her heart to me and I delight in her phone calls and photos and sheer joy in collecting very special things.
Thanks for sharing a wonderful friend! xoxo Nicol
Hi Rosanne~ Thanks for sharing your fantasticly fun & colorful collection of art. It's almost like being there! I really enjoyed the story of you and Jen... you are both truly blessed. Cheers,Sandi
Roseann is great fun! Even when we first met at one of Jen's parties, we had loads of fun and were laughing. It doesn't matter that we only meet twice a year at Jen's. We can still just look at each other, somehow know what the other is thinking and start laughing. And it doesn't even bother us that noone else can figure out what we find so funny. Thanks for the fun and laughter Roseanne. I will make sure that Denny has a pitcher of his special brew all ready for you on Friday!
Hugs and kisses,
Little Red Robin
This was fun to read and even more fun to look at! What a collection! How lucky for both of you to share such a friendship.
This sweet blog brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. I too am a member of the Rosanne fan club, she is truly a special person and I consider myself lucky to count her as a very special friend.See you in 2 days Ro!!
xoxox
Stacey
Jen - can't we all use a "cabinet" filled with the treasure of friendship. Always love your tributes!
You and Rosanne are lucky to have met one another.
You never know when you're going to turn the corner and bump into the rest of your life!
oh, you are both so lucky, what a friendship- but what fun you girls must have. hpo skip and jump . love. jo.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rosanne at the Salt Box in N.C. for one of Nicol Sayre's shows. I was a newbie (my first doll) and we had driven 3 hours. I was so surprised when she had flown in just to get one of Nicol's dolls. We all stood in line for a couple of hours before the doors opened. It was so much fun to meet a fellow collector. What a wonderful collection!
Thanks for the wonderful story and fab pictures... Ro is a sweetheart and I can't wait to see her again this weekend. :)
That is a truly wonderful post about an amazing woman who I must now get to know!!! There just are not enough people out there like that and I am sure they are just waiting to be discovered much like you two discovered each other. My dear friend Penny and I are more of the "Lucy and Ethel" variety, constantly saying to each other, "How did we get ourselves into this mess?" Okay, not that bad, but I think there is potential for us! Thanks for sharing that warm and fuzzy story!
Great story and great photos. I think I would be hugging a cabinet (judging from the contents) as well!
Hi Jen, I am a fan of all the artists at earth angels. I love looking at your "blog" every few days to see whats new. I am a miniature bear and doll artist and am always inspired by your site!
Wish I had the chance to meet you and the "girls"!
thanks for sharing such joyful objects!
What a fantastic post!! As always your blog and world brought a big big smile!!
Best Best Wishes!! Have lots and lots of fun at the Soiree! Cannot wait to see the magical photos!!!
xoxo Jenny
Oh my goodness Jen, I have to mentally prepare myself every time I visit your site, because the goodies are almost too much to take in. Keep those pictures coming! And thanks for sharing all of this beauty :)
WHEN are you doing the party post??? I saw a few pics over at Nicol's and it looked FABULOUS!!!! *Anxiously awaiting your post!!!!*
what awesome pictures..and sounds like you had a fabu time :)
hugs..sandy
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