Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A Cottage for Sale

I bought my first real estate parcel for ninety cents. Wandering over the wooden floors of Rasmussen's Emporium in Solvang, I let go of my grandma's hand and picked up the little green house with red roof above, which was bundled up in a net bag with a little carved dog, cow, and lady. I was seven, and since then, no house purchase has given me more pleasure. Over the years I've added to my township, inhabited mostly by animals. There's herds of cows, half a dozen sheep, a stork, an owl or two, and a spitting goose which is fiercely protective and snaps at intruders. The pottery house piece behind the goose is two pieces, and would be handy for butter, or a scoop of goat cheese. This piece and other cottagey themed dishes, soon to be up for sale in my Etsy store.
My kitchen cupboard in summer. I do adore dishes of all sorts and maybe its why I never tire of making them. Really. Never.

Here's a farmhouse on Santa Rosa Creek Road. Cows graze right in the front yard and sometimes we have to roll to a stop so the goats can scoot out of the road. I like this house because its not fancy, even the lawn furniture is practical aluminum and plastic netting. All it really needs is a clothesline. I hear two brothers live here, and have since boyhood. I'd love to see the kitchen, but I'll settle for being able to drive by and get close enough to a goat to pet it.


Yesterday, after I returned from our drive in the country, I painted this cup with house handle, thinking of that farmhouse and the clothesline I'd put in the grassy yard. I made this for cereal, or soup, but think it might work as a scoop for laundry soap. I see my friend Jenny is selling it in her Etsy shop. The jelly was so wonderful, I think I might like to try some of her soap, too.
Oh, and Rasmussen's is still there, on the corner of the main street in Solvang. The stock has changed, but there's the same old worn doug fir floors, the smell of carnation soap and coming through the open doors, you can get a whiff of the fudge being made across the street in the candy store. And if you can resist going there to buy a piece after all that shopping, you are a stronger person than I am.


juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com

16 comments:

daffodilhillantiques said...

mmmm fudge! I wish I had some right now! Every time I you tell a story about your life or your town I feel transported there! It make me feel, even just for a little while, that I am there and living that lovely country life. I want you to know how much I enjoy and appreciate that kind of break from my sometimes too busy city life! Thanks!

cabin fever said...

Oh Julie, I remember my mesh bag with the houses and animals - so wonderful!!!

Thanks for sharing scenes from your town and your kitchen cupboard. Can't get enough of that JW pottery!!!

And - cottages rule!!!

Xoxo

Anonymous said...

Once upon a time there lived the most wonderful potter who lived in a cottage by the sea. Every one of her stories, each charming picture, and all of the enchantingly beautiful pieces of her work enriched the lives of those she touched. And we loved her for it. xoxo B Mae

Aunt Jenny said...

Julie!! The houses are just adorable. I love little houses too! I just can't resist your stuff! I will be out to Calif in August and I am SO torn between visiting Solvang for an afternoon and visiting Cambria!! I know the store you were telling about in Solvang...wonderful place!

Pat said...

LOVE the laundry cup with the house handle! So, so sweet and charming. Bout had a fit when I saw your cupboard filled with your lovely cups, etc. I'm lusting after it. Also, your story about buying your first house...the little animals, etc. just grabbed my heart!!! The whole blog post...DELIGHTFUL!!! Thank you.....pat

Forgetmenot said...

Oh Julie,
So enchanted with your cupboard full of pottery, your cottages and your very first piece of real estate. I can not tell you how much I am enjoying them!!
Colleen

nina said...

sigggghhhhhhh.....xxxxx

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

siiiigggghhhhhhhhhh is right. I don't think there are words .....

xxx

kathyd said...

every time i see your new pottery , i want it all . i love the owl cup .
thanks for your great post.

dogfaeriex5 said...

wow, your work is so so beautiful! i am truly in love with it and cannot wait for more cups to show up on your site!! thank you thank you!!
~kim

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka said...

Dear Julie!
Thank´s for visiting my blog, such an honour!
You have a very lovely blog with the most charming things! It looks like we have the "Fairy Tales" in common.
Have a nice day
Rebecka

Linda Warlyn said...

I love these glimpses into your enchanted world--past and present, big and small (the animals among the pottery...too sweet!) Visiting you is like meditation, truly. Thank you, Julie. xox

Katie Runnels said...

oh my! I'm so glad you found me, b/c i am so enamored with your work! Please let me post about it soon-would that be all right?? xoxo
Katie

oldflowers4me said...

oh lets have afternoon tea...

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

That's got to be one of the most picturesque kitchen cupboards ever, no wonder you don't get tired of those quirky, pretty and cheering ceramic creations of yours!

Maggie Ann said...

Your pottery is gorgeous, however do you do it? All the whimsical sweet things of the heart and daily life. I'm glad I happened by to visit.

Animals who garden

Animals who garden
Donkey with green paw