As many of my friends are aware, I cannot travel abroad and not come
home with a bunch of goodies, often to enrich my future home, some to
accessorize myself. My dad is the same way. He feels that part of travelling is
bringing home some of what you saw, not just in the form of photographs. In
Germany, I got a hand-carved crucifix and an etched crystal stein. In Italy, I
stocked my future kitchen with every olivewood item I could find and arrayed
myself with a wool blazer and real Roman sandals. Some may see it as
extravagant; others may wonder why anyone would want to carry the load home.
But I have never regretted the purchases I’ve made abroad. Each item is truly
unique and carries with it a fond memory of a beautiful place and time. I use
my olivewood salad bowl, and I am transported to hot streets with cool shadows
and the scent of basil wafting through the air, hinting at delights to come. I
snuggle into my wool Aran sweater each autumn and can almost hear the sheep high
on the hills of Donegal and feel the gentle drizzle. We are tactile creatures
who imprint physical things with memory. I find this happens most during travel
or with family heirlooms.
Great Britain was a dangerous place for me to travel. Much
of the quaint, cozy, cottage style appeals to me, bunting everywhere and
reminders of rural life. I think I was rather startled by how much I enjoyed
their products and often had to restrain myself. Many of the items I collected,
I would never have guessed were going in my suitcase. But it is nice to have
memories attached to more than a tea box from Harrod’s! For the first time, I
photographed the fruits of my magpie tendency all together so I can remember
more fully in future years what I collected that trip. Someday, when my friends visit my eventual home, they’ll be surrounded by memories, in physical form, from all
around the world!
1.
Laser-cut wooden coasters: We found these in the charming town of Stanford, where Pride & Prejudice (2007) was filmed.
Stanford has some of the most well preserved old architecture in the country.
Full of elegant boutiques and diverting history, there was much to entertain.
2.
Fruit preserves: What
trip to Britain is complete without marmalade? We collected these throughout
the trip from our B&Bs and the local grocery stores. They ensured a lovely
scone on the road.
3.
Brass scale & weights: Another find from Stanford, we discovered this scale in
the dark basement of a five storey antique shop. It was so reasonably priced
and in such good condition, I justified any difficulty of having to haul it
through customs immediately. Thankfully, it isn’t in grams, although it may
have been nice for continental recipes.
4.
Wool ewe toy: In the
middle of nowhere in the middle of the Lake District, there is a wonderful
little wool cooperative that specializes in wool crafts and accessories. I fell
in love with this little, true-to-life, felted toy, modeled after the Herdwick
sheep that are so prevalent in The Lakes. I have been collecting a menagerie of
animals for a child’s room someday. The ewe should look quite nice with my
wooden, carved, baby elephant from Germany.
5.
The Hobbit postcard: In Oxford, we were lucky enough to catch a special exhibit
that showcased some of Tolkien’s original paintings for his works, mainly The Hobbit. His style was so modern, yet
reminds me of illuminated manuscripts. I love the vision of his works on
screen, but it is fascinating to see what came straight from his head.
6.
Wool herringbone throw: I’ve
been wanting to get a herringbone throw to use in my dream library next to my
L.L.Bean plaid throw. Actually, I’ve been stalking the internet for the perfect
one for some time. And Chatsworth (aka Pemberly of P&P fame) gift shop came through! I’m delighted with the lively
tweed.
7.
Wool plaid scarf: Another
win for Chatsworth giftshop, the colors in this scarf are some of my best
compliments.
8.
Farm animal stationary: Wandering
through a stationary shop in Ludlow, a wonderful, little, Tudor town, I spied
these fun prints that are almost too cute to just send through the mail.
1.
Lacey-weave scarves (blue & lavender): I purchased these at Crookabeck Farm, a mere ten minute
walk from our cottage in the Lakes. The shop was in a rear building and full of
the prettiest and most practical wool items. The scarves were woven on looms
that are over a hundred years old. I like them for warmer days, perfect for the
British summer.
2.
The Hobbit postcard: Another beauty from Tolkien’s illustrations.
3.
Linen dish towels: You
can never have too many dish towels. I’ve been looking for ones with the
vintage-style stripes and was pleased to find a homewares shop in Stanford that
carried them. And in cornflower blue!
4.
Tea cup: This one’s
for a friend of mine teaching in Japan. I saw this and knew it had to be hers with that color and
Asian design. It shows the wallpaper found in one of the many rooms of
Chatsworth. I hope she can enjoy a good brew of Lady Grey!
5.
Sheep stationary: Another
comical take on a Ludlow local.
6.
Country Living
magazines: In Williamsburg, I picked up a
few magazines from the bargain rack at the library. For a while, someone
British must have been donating because I often found the UK version of Country Living right next to the US
version. I honestly enjoyed it better than the domestic magazine. Its articles
where more useful and realistic, and its style was more endearing. Sadly, they
were a rare sight on the racks. So in travelling to England, I knew I had to
keep my eyes open for any back issues I found. I hit the jackpot in a vintage
store in Shrewsbury. Hours of entertainment for a few pence apiece!
7.
Wool plaid scarf: Got
this in Oxford, yet made in Scotland, it was necessary against the bitter chill
and pouring rain of my first full day!
8.
Children’s books: Guess How Much I
Love You has to be my favorite children’s book of all time—to the point of
wanting to paint matching murals on my kids’ bedroom walls someday. So when Mom
saw these at Burghley House gift-shop, we knew they were coming home with us. I
practically teared up in the car, reading them.
So yes, it may seem excessive when all shown together, but
why buy something at Target here, when you can find lovely things over there
and have the memory to go with it too? If I have to have material things
surrounding me in life, I want them to carry as much meaning and beauty as they
can.
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