Unfurling

As if it were pirouetting itself to life, this ancient and massive magnolia tree unfurls its waxy green and suede-skinned leaves in the Virginia sun.   When I looked upward at this specimen, I was fascinated by its powerful but delicate grace with limbs that seemed to be simultanelously chaotic yet controlled as they shot outward from the tree’s braided trunk.  I just stood there gazing heavenward for the longest time, totally captivated by this beautiful whirling dervish.

Photos by Joel Woodard

Giving Winter the Boot

Better late than never I suppose.  Any idea how difficult it is to find a simple, Rustic Chic pair of perfectly plain, black suede cowboy boots?  Ones that are not all tricked out and duded-up?  The answer is “very”.  But as I said, better late than never.  They’ll be happily ensconced in my closet for next fall as I look forward to giving winter the boot.

Photos by Joel Woodard

Let’s Sit This One Out

A couple of weekends ago, while I attending that great apple cider pressing party, I took a minute to take a brief tour around my host and hostess’s barn and gardens.  When I turned the corner of one of the stone walls separating the barn from the garden I came across this beautiful and unusual garden bench.  I was instantly charmed by the patina and subject matter of the bench – from the hunting dog and the foliage motifs in cast iron to the weathered wood seat.  I had to fight the urge to sit and rest a spell while surveying the lush surroundings.  Sometimes it’s Rustic Chic to dance and sometimes it’s Rustic Chic to sit this one out.

Photos by Joel Woodard

“Honor Your Partner. . .”

Some of my fondest memories while I was in middle and high school in Alabama are those times during the year when the gym class had us tweens and teens square dancing.  Gym class for me (and there will be plenty of you out there who will know what I’m talking about) was generally right up there with a trip to the dentist or principal’s office.  But I loved it when this time of year came around.  I wonder if they still have square dancing in high school?  Ah, good times. 

For those of you that relate to this, remember how difficult it was to learn the steps at first?  But when you got them down, it was a blast! Allemande left!  Allemande right! Promenade her home, boys! 

I swear one day I’m gonna clean out the red barn and host a rustic chic hoedown.  So what if everyone makes a fool of themselves?  A good time will be had by all!

"The Square Dance" by Katarina Polodak