Bibliophile

Howdy ya'll!!! Here's a teeny tiny tablescape that I'm going to post to Tablescape Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Show and Tell Friday and the Tabletop Tuesday event a wee bit late!

I feel so blessed to have this office/library. One of the first changes we made to the house, even before we moved in, was to really vamp up the office. I designed the bookshelves and had the room painted a cinnamon red color that just KISSES me every time I go in. And the table? My glorious antique table that I'm utilizing as a desk, and in this case as a dining table set for two, has some of that "real character" that I KNEW would enrich this newly built home.

This piece just screamed "BUY ME" to both me and my husband when we first visited Hartlex Antiques and Interiors in Madison, AL (where I currently have a booth). It had the patina I craved, the gorgeous curves and intricate carving I loved, its substantial girth proclaiming its behemoth presence to be almost eternal. It certainly is heavy enough to last until the end of time! :)

I am beyond a doubt an obsessed book lover. Calling myself a voracious reader is an understatement. I swear I came out of the womb with a book in my hand. And I love multiple genres. Everything from the beautiful fantasy piece of The Hobbit, to classic poetry like John Dunne, Robert Penn Warren and James Wright, to contemporary poets that make my heart and mind flutter such as Eric Pankey, Jennifer Atkinson, Claudia Emerson, R. T. Smith, Steve Scafidi, Brian Brodeur...and the list could go on and on and on. And of course I have a penchant for contemporary Southern fiction with Lee Smith reigning supreme. And gothic Southern literature tours de force like To Kill A Mockingbord and The Ballad of the Sad Cafe are works of art that defined my childhood and still define my life today. They very much so are the basis for me becoming an artist/writer/journalist/songwriter. I am blessed to have been and continue to be inspired by them.

And so to eat in here is combining two of my passions:

Books AND Tablescaping!

Be still my heart!

Since it's an intimate table for two, I've set it with my wedding china (Royal Doulton) and the smaller aperitif glasses (an amazing deal at Tuesday Morning) were gifts to Tom for Christmas since he loves an after meal "digestive." The gold chargers came in a set from Target!! I love mixing high and low pieces.

Would you believe that this candelabra came from Wal-Mart? I love it and it looks almost exactly like an item I saw in Horchow!

I love, love, LOVE the carving on this table and those gorgeous legs...

my, oh my!!!

The coffered ceilings in here are gorgeous and I wish my photography could do them justice, but, alas, I'm still learning how to use my new Christmas toy!

During a later post, I will wax philosphical about some of my favorite poets. Even if you think you do NOT like poetry, I promise you I can find a poem/poet to accommodate your unique tastes and interests! REALLY!!

PLEASE ASK ME TO RECOMMEND A POET FOR YOU!!!!!

More soon--pictures of the little ones.

Love, hugs and turquoise joy,

Lana