My brother is 13 years older than me. I don't really remember much about growing up with him except for a few things. Like the time when I was 4 or 5 and he got mad at me and threw me over his shoulder and marched up to my bedroom and threw me on my bed so hard that the canopy fell down on top of me. I also remember him killing a snake in our backyard with a shovel. I only see my brother every Thanksgiving but hear about what is going on with him through my mom. We aren't very close and I think it has to do with being 13 years apart in age. Anyway, my brother gave me these candlesticks for Christmas when I was in my early twenties. I remember my mom telling me quietly in the kitchen that they may not be my style (which they weren't) but to save them and some day I will really appreciate them. My mom is always right. I love these candlesticks now and the fact that they were a gift from my brother makes them very special. I'm so glad I listened to my mom.
Note: The first picture looks a little bizarre. I'm not sure if you can tell, but the blue window frame is actually a mirror so it's reflecting the chandelier and the plates I have on the opposite wall. 
14 comments:
OH! Those candlesticks are SO beautiful! And the photo doesn't look bizarre, it looks lovely, like out of a magazine. I had to do a double-take to make sure it was *your* house and not from a book! I know what you mean about family--it's weird sometimes. I only see my brother at Thanksgiving, and we're 2 1/2 years apart. I don't know why. Anyway, I'm so glad I ran across your blog. It just takes my breath away every day!
Cindy, those are lovely candlesticks...very classic and pretty. I'm glad that you kept them (mothers always know best, don't they?) Time has a way of bringing people together sometimes, and sometimes men find out that they need the people in their family later in life. You seem to be so good at appreciating things for just what they are, which is a lot of what true happiness is. I should try to be more like you.
Andrea
I love them~ and I loved your story...I just *smiled* when I was reading it...you are darling...you need a darling husband by your side. I know, I know..lol! I've read what you've said about that...but you are a beautiful talenet, YOUNG girl..Ok, I'll shut up..I sound like a Mother! lol! or lets say, your big sister!
A very touching story......
Those are absolutely beautiful!
And I like that first photo, I love it when other areas of the room are reflected in a mirror!
:)
The candlesticks are very pretty. How special to have a gift that your brother chose for you. So sweet and personal.
Those are so beautiful.
My seven brothers and sisters are all a lot older than me (oldest is about twenty-five years older and the youngest was fourteen years older). My mom was a widow with seven kids when she married my dad and they had me when she was 42.
Then...my daughter was born when I was twenty-three and my son when I was thirty-five. No second marriage or anything. Just God's sense of humor.
How wise your mother was. Your table looks very elegant and inviting.
Love the candlesticks and the placemats...
Oh I do love these wonderful candlesticks. I've tagged you. So come see what I've gotten you into:-).
Have a good evening!
I know exactly what you mean about the crystal candlesticks. I too was given a set years ago..was a little formal for my style at the time. However, over the years as the children grew my taste grew. I use mine all the time. I love your blog and your home is LOVELY!
Kathy
Thank you for sharing such a touching story. My husband is ten-fourteen years younger than his sisters. His main memory of them from his childhood was that they would corner him and sing a song called "Dance with me" by ABBA. He considered that pure torture... so they would all pretend they had microphones and corner him at bedtime to sing him an ABBA lullaby to sleep.
A couple years ago for their Christmas gift he made them a c.d. that had all the songs on it they used to sing to him as a child. Sweet, eh?
I am the oldest of 5 children. My brother is 13 almost 14 years younger than me. We don't see each other often, but we do e-mail weekly or so. He tells me too that he does not remember living in the house with me. I was in college when he 'remembers' me...not living at home any more. Just coming home on weekends to do laundry etc.
Funny though, I remember when I found out my mother was pregnant with J. I thought I was going to die. I was sure that all of my friends would know that my parents were 'doing it'....well yeah, duh...funny what things you remember.
I just recently found your blog. Very nice. Love the pictures. Your home is very pretty. Your candle sticks are lovely.
My brother gave me a wooden bread box and a paper towel holder he made in 'shop class' while he was in high school. It was a wedding gift to me 35 years ago. I still treasure it and leave it out for all to see. When J. comes to my house he wants to take it and throw it away as he calls it 'trash' but to me it is a treasure. Thanks for your blog.
Yes, your Mom is right, isn't it great that those gifts we "wonder" about when young turn out to be perfectly wonderful!
Your table looks wonderful. Your blog is always so refreshing and inspiring. Thanks!!
Lidy
That is a wonderful story about the candlesticks Cindy. Doesn't your experience just prove how our tastes change and evolve over time?
My son and daughter are nine years apart and I am so grateful that they are close.
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