Friday, September 17, 2010

Traveling in Time and Faves

I am linking with my regular weekly meme hostesses, Beverly and Laurie for Pink and My Favorites Saturday, respectively, at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/.

And of course, it's time to take a trip but we will take a different kind of trip today. We will take a trip down memory lane, except we won't remember this lane since it is before our time.


I am also linking with Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for Metamorphosis Monday since I am showing you places how they were before and how they are now.
and Mary for Mosaic Monday at http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/


I think as many people as possible should see these old pictures because they are very educational and historical so I am also linking with Rose for Nostalgia at http://www.meetourclan.com/.

First, let me show you my favorites.


I have shown our new table here a few days ago and it's become one of my favorites so I will show you again. I started organizing but I am not quite done yet. I filled all the drawers in one side and I have to work on the other side next. The size of the drawers are really perfect for flatware and they are very heavy and sturdy and able to hold the heavy sets of flatware, some of them are in 12 settings and they really get heavy. Even after placing settings for 12 plus extra servers in 1 drawer, there is still room left. I love getting organized.

I used to keep my flatware in those boxes you see on top of the table below and placed in overhead cabinets in the laundry room. It was always a hastle picking which I wanted to use. And I could never remember what was in each box so most of the time I had to climb up and open each box until I saw which ones I wanted. This is really a lot more convenient now.

I also mentioned that I have been busy painting so let me show you with the ones I started with. I use the kitchen breakfast table. What a mess huh! I took a picture of the flower blooming from our small magnolia tree in the back yard, printed it and drew it on a canvas, then painted it. For a while I could not decide on a background. I only really wanted to paint a plain one but John wanted me to put trees and make it more complicated. Well, ok, I will make him happy this time but next time, I will do a plain background cause it will be a lot faster. So how did I do? As you know, magnolia is Mississippi's state flower. I have only brought one magnolia painting in the store and it sold the second week after I opened, so the landlady adviced me to do more for the upcoming Fall Pilgrimage and Balloon Festival, when lots of tourists come into this area. She also said she will display them in the front window. Mmmm, I don't think they are good enough to be displayed, lol. It might be embarrassing. Here is another one I painted, it's Mammy's Cupboard, which is a restaurant locally. It is listed as one of the most unusual building in US. My Mammy looks happier, lol. Ok now, it's time to travel through time. Antiques Forum was held last weekend and John and I attended 2 lectures: Glass in the South and Natchez Furniture. Included in the package is a coffee reception at the Presbyterian Church. I have been wanting to go there since we moved but you know how we tend to take things for granted when we know it is just there. They have the most awesome display of actual photographs taken during the 1800's of Natchez and its residents and how life here used to be. It is very interesting. I will go back there for sure and take my time to absorb everything. We were rushed because we had a meeting to attend to. I advice anyone who visits here to not fail to go there. The building below still exists. It is now the Cock of the Walk Restaurant, located along the Mississippi River and the left half is Old South Trading, another must see when you come here. They sell Natchez souvenirs and really good jams and preserves, my favorite of which is sweet potato spread and apple butter. The photo above is the "before" and the one below is the "after". Just look at how pretty everybody, especially the children, used to dress.
and the gentlemen too.
The women were always all dolled up, complete with pretty ruffled umbrellas. Love their buggy transportation!
I thought this was very interesting. The description is below. I am glad they do not do that now anymore cause I would be so terrified of snakes.
I love this picture. It was taken in my favorite antebellum house here, which is now a B & B. We were put in there when hubby came for an interview and to check out the city. The picture below is before. I don't think it has changed much. The steps, columns and the ironwork are still there.

Under the old picture below is now.

This is something I wish they would bring back, the Natchez Steamboat. They did really nice tablescapes inside anchor Lines. Can you believe that this was in the 1800's? The steamboats transported people from Natchez to New Orleans on the Miss. River. Can you believe this was inside a boat?
Look at all those chandeliers!

Another one that I really found interesting was the cotton business, which of course you all know was a prevalent industry at that time. The first picture shows them cotton picking. The second shows the cotton bales being weighed. The third picture shows dealing on Franklin and Commerce streets downtown. This location is the next corner from where my store is so I am sure they were peddling in front of the store too. Cotton bales were transported through the MS River in barges.

Thank you so much for traveling in time with me and thank you to our other hostesses for these fine memes. I hope you learned something from this post. I really enjoyed sharing the photos with you.

51 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Oh my those were the days. The pictures are wonderful, I just love seeing photos from the past. Sounds like it was wonderful. That cabinet you bought it awesome and perfect for your silverware. It looks very sturdy.
Way to go!

Blondie's Journal said...

First off...I love your new table and I am wondering how many sets of silver you have!! I know you saw the drawers on the table and knew exactly why you wanted it!! ;-D

Secondly, I am loving your paintings. You did a wonderful rendition of the magnolia picture. I can see that people would want an original painting of the state flower so I hope you have a few finished in time for the event.

The historical pictures are fascinating. I know that Al would have loved to have seen them. My favorites are of the steam ships. That would have been such a fun way to travel to NOLA!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Christine!

xoxo
Janie

Tara said...

I am envious of the historical places you get to visit in the south! That old mansion is amazing.
Great new table, love all the convenient drawers and your painting is beautiful too Christine! Happy Pink and have a wonderful weekend!

GardenOfDaisies said...

OH my goodness, how many sets of silverware do you own? :-) Those drawers really do provide the perfect storage don't they! So many times under the table is wasted space. The old pictures are wonderful in that they preserve a time in history, and awful in that they show some of the inequalities that were a part of the world back then. So glad that we have come a long way since then.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love that table!! You are very talented, and you should do well with your paintings.
Thanks for the history lesson - really enjoyed seeing all the old photos.
Have a great weekend.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

First of all...what a perfect table! How awesome to have so much storage space and easy to view and pick which set you want to use :o)

And I love your painting of the magnolia! Christine, I do not see the second painting that you mentioned on your post.

And I love all the old photos and the new ones...it is fun to see how the scenery looked way back when and then see them more present day. I love that the men all wore hats to go out and about. So dashing :o)

Blessings & Aloha!
Just wanted to stop by and say hello! I finally made it to me 100th post, so I wanted to let you know that I have several giveaways related to the art that I do.

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Wow, so much to take in. First I love your table and who knew you were a Artist!!!! That is a beautiful painting! Loved your photos too.

susan said...

Christine-You are an artist!! I love the magnolia!--You know you can a girl out of Mississippi but you can't take the MS out of the girl! Your table is not only beuatiful but SO functional! Love it! I know I would very much have enjoyed the forum. I love seeing old pictures of the South. Can't believe the steamboat--such grandeur!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Christine thank you for stopping by and commenting :o) And letting me know that you got your second painting up again! Yes, I think your Mammy looks much happier! Great painting!

Blessings & Aloha!

Maggie said...

The magnolia is a stunning flower and your painting is just as stunning.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Maggie

Dolores said...

Christine, your painting is so beautiful, you really have talent!!!

It's interesting to look at all the old photos, they're a great history lesson.

Have a great weekend!

bj said...

My goodness...you do have a lot of flatware..and what a wonderful table to put it all in. I love that you will be able to just open a drawer now and get your flatware out so easy. I just love EASY!!
Your painting is awesome, Christine. You are so talented..
I enjoyed your lovely post so much.
xo bj

Diann said...

Hi Christine!

love the new table and it is working great for all your flatware!

Wow, I had so much fun reading and looking at all these old pictures and their history! It was all just so fascinating. thankyou for sharing all that with us!

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine! Oh, I'm in love with your wonderful coffee table. I love all the drawers for storage and how smart of you to put your silverware in them.
I love your olden vintage photos too! So romantic, aren't they?
Now you've done a terrific job with your paintings! You're very talented and I just don't see how you have the energy to do all you do! You're the most amazing, busy, beautiful one!:)
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Dredd said...

Hello Christine, what a great coffee table. I would also like to have one :).

Btw, you're a very talented painter. I love your painting and could think of buying one.

Take care/Dredd

Kathysue said...

Hi C, I had no idea you were an artist, you have many talents sweet lady. that table is a real work horse and good looking to boot!!! Love all the old vintage photos,you are right it does resemble the one I have posted for my dress-up post. So glad you invited me over, Have a wonderful weekend C, hugs Kathysue

Blondie's Journal said...

Mammy's Cupboard looks fabulous. I'm glad you didn't paint me in front of it!! ;-D

xoxo
Jane {again}

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I love history- I always made A's in Mississippi history. This was so interesting.Love your new table!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow Christine, your new table is fabulous and what wonderful storage. All of your silverware is wonderful and you do have such a stunning collection. I love all of your painting, you are so good. What a fabulous trip to Natchez. I love all of the photos and such fabulous history. Everything seemed so elegant and refined then. Such a different time from now. Great tour and pics. Thanks Hugs, Marty

Kat said...

Christine, your table is gorgeous, and it looks like it was made for you and all your lovely flatware! Now, you KNOW I adore those old photos of Natchez! They are wonderful finds, and I really love these fascinating glimpses into the past. My favorites are the three ladies on the steps, and the musical group. Wonderful! Thanks so much for stopping by and your sweet comments on my writing. Feel free share with your neighbor Greg Iles LOL. Hugs, Kat

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Wonderful Christine!
You are a very talented painter! I love the magnolia! And my heavens you have more flatware than anyone I know! Such pretty stuff.
And I loved the tour, very interesting, very southern and now you got me wanting to visit!
Hugs,
Cindy

Sue said...

How perfect for your flatware! Only a tablescaper would have that many sets!! As a Presbyterian, I love the fact that the church has all these wonderful photos...we must put this on our list of "places to travel"!

The Tablescaper said...

Wow! I can't believe the inside of that boat. It is amazing.

I LOVE your new coffee table. It's beautiful and amazingly practical. I wish I had somewhere like to store my flatware. It's great that it can hold all of that weight. I've got mine in various spots, including plastic drawers - but the plastic isn't strong enough for all of tht weight. You found a wonderful solution.

- The Tablescaper

Bill said...

Hi Christine,

Don't you love having new places to store tablescaping items? ;)

I very much enjoyed seeing the photographs of 1800s Natchez. It was a great idea to show us the then/now comparison shots!

We all know how clever and creative you are, Christine, so learning that you're a painter should come as no surprise to any of us. How exciting that you're already selling your work. That's the ultimate compliment to an artist when people like something enough to get out their checkbooks! You're "Mammy's Cupboard" painting is an absolute delight and, yes, your Mammy looks much happier! There must be a little bit of a self-portrait blended into your charming interpretation of the subject!

Take care and happy painting!
Bill

Lynn said...

Hi Christine! Your new table is great, it sounds like you're really enjoying the store, and the walk down history lane was really fun!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, Christine! I love the old photos.

Your paintings are wonderful!

Thank you for coming by!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

The magnolia painting is wonderful!! You are so very talented! I liked it better plain, but I guess it is more unique with the background. The "Mammy" is really cute!

Katherine

Kat said...

Good grief, I'm a dork! I completely left out part of my comment earlier. I LOVE your magnolia painting. Please let her display it in the shop window. I think you'll be amazed at the response. I think they'll fly right out of the shop! Hugs, Kat

Traci said...

You're sooo talented! The Magnolia painting is awesome! That table is the perfect place to store flatware!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christine, that table sure has a lot of drawers. How nice that you have a place for your flatware and it is easy to get to. Your art is fabulous. You are very very good!

Entertaining Women said...

When my daddy returned from WWII, my mama and he were sent to Natchez. They told many wonderful stories about their time there, and I enjoyed seeing your pictures. Thank you for sharing the tour. Cherry Kay

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, your photographs of Natchez are great! I love that so much of the historial buildings have remained the same. Your painting of the magnolia is beautiful. You are talented in so many ways! That table is probably going to be your best ever purchase! It is so pretty, but it is also such wonderful storage for your flatware! Oh how wonderful to have drawers yet to fill up! You'll be buying more flatware sets!! Thank you for linking to Favorite Things Sat. laurie

Sarah said...

Christine, thank you for sharing all this information and the wonderful photos of Natchez.
I'm envious of your great table with the drawers. It's perfect for organizing your flatware. How much fun to have more drawers! ;-)
~ Sarah

Snap said...

What a wonderful post. So much to enjoy. Your table is a great find. Love your paintings and the lovely old photos. We visited Natchez several years ago and really enjoyed it.

Carol said...

Gorgeous paintings! That is a really cool restaurant!

and you are so organized with your flatware, looks great the way you have it now!

Enjoyed all your photo's, great post!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

That table looks perfect for your flatware...and it looks so beautiful and colorful all laid out so neat and pretty....Your magnolia painting is great!!! Keep up the painting!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful paintings and I love your new table. Not only is it beautiful also very functional.
Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

Beautiful magnolia paintings! You are so talented.

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

I love this post. Thanks for sharing some Mississippi history with us. Some day I want to come down and tour all the antibellum homes. Have you seen them all?
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Connie said...

I was in Natchez a few years ago. The old southern mansions were wonderful but the highlight of my trip were the photographs at the church. My daughters and I were awed by them and I'm so glad you are spreading the news. They are a must see!

Gloria said...

Oh my God, Christine! I LOVED this post. The oldt-time pictures you posted (and then when you had the current day one also) were all FABULOUS! Oh, I love looking at old pictures like that. And the one near the end, where you said it is near your store? Wow, amazing. Do you have a post about your store? I'd love to read about it and see pictures! Both of the inside and outside, maybe from across the street or something, plus also an old time pic added in! (Such as the one above selling the cotton, plus what it looks like today.) Oh, I wish I could visit there to see the history! Great job, Christine. And your new table, to store the silverware? WOW. You will need five men to move that with all of that silverware. You are so lucky to have all of those sets! I have one set of 12 and I keep it in a box (I still have to get a nice Reed & Barton wooden box for it one day) and I know how heavy ONE set is! Anyway, love all of your sets. Thanks for sharing everything in this post, thoroughly enjoyable!
Best,
Gloria

Kathleen said...

Love that new table! I would put silverware in there too!

Very interesting post, Christine! I love those tables in the boat. I get sea sick though!

The mansions are amazing!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Christine...

I got your email, Girlfriend and finally made it to this post! Hehe! Wow...I loved looking at all the old photos of Natchez...so interesting! The "dress of the day" was really interesting to see! Yes, they did look really "gussied up"...I wonder how comfortable that clothing was? Hehe! Ohhh my goodness, loved getting a peek inside that boat! It really was fabulous...all the crystal chandeliers and those beautiful tables!

Well my friend, I loved getting to see your latest painting! I think it's fabulous! John was right...painting the trees in the background was much more complicated but they really are pretty! The magnolia is gorgeous! Girlfriend, I definitely think you should put it in the exhibit!!! This was such a treat, Christine! Thank you for sharing this post with us!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Nicole ~ said...

Wow, Christine, you are such a great artist! Oh my goodness, you have a great collection of flatware. What a great idea to put your collection in the coffee table, my coffee table has similar small drawers, I would have never thought of putting flatware in them! Love it!!

Take care,
Nicole

Vintagesouthernlife said...

I have really enjoyed reading your post. Thanks so much for referring me to it.
I really enjoyed seeing the pictures of the old south... and speaking of old south, your painting of the magnolia is beautiful. You are so talented.I have a magnolia painting hanging in my upstairs foyer. No respectable southerner would be without a magnolia painting, LOL!!
Have a good week, Annette

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, Christine...you are so talented! I love the magnolia...and I love the background you created around it. It's beautiful! The restaurant one was cute, too! What a fun post!

Chubskulit Rose said...

You are a great artist Christine, I love the magnolia painting. Your table is something that I want! Lastly, I love those old photos! Thanks a lot for joining, hope you can join us every week.

Mel_Cole said...

Oh my gosh, I love your magnolia painting! It's impressive and the other paintings as well. Ang ganda naman balikan yung victorian times nu, I like their dresses. :) I like your center table, antique ba yan? Looks like it, and very useful coz you can keep your silver wares in it.

EJ said...

How I wish I could paint like you. Love those old photos.

Unknown said...

i want a center just like yours--with lots of drawers!:p your painting is wonderful, i wish i have time to paint just like i used to when i was "young".

Verna Luga said...

I dont know what to say.. I'm awed.. wonderful collection.... the classic photos are great...

Nostalgia is at On This Side of Town

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