Embracing Eclecticism In Your Life

Let's talk about that............

 Have you ever looked around your home and realized just how many things, even the smallest of items, carries a memory of some sort?  Where you were or who you were with or even the reason you chose the items in the first place?  Or perhaps gifts you received?

There are some who would call it merely clutter, dust collectors or "stuff".... or even junk ..... but others see them as treasures (like me). It depends on the person. To each her own.

Some items are ones you have that really don't have a sentimental memory attached, they are merely items you have an affinity for. Certain things make us feel certain ways from giddy-silly-happy to completely serene. There is a thrill to the hunt for just those things that make you squeal with delight. That is the beauty of eclecticism, don't you think?  Nothing has to have a rhyme or reason, just what makes your heart sing.

Keep in mind eclecticism can also be in what you wear, how you wear your hair, what kind of music you listen to and so much more. I embrace eclectism proudly and I am almost always drawn to others who do as well!

These are but some of my treasured items in my home..........

I have an affinity for blue glass Ball jars

Handmade baskets filled with bits and bobs and natural things.
My parents movie camera, binoculars and still camera. That old still camera has the view finder that pops up and you look down in it to see the image!

Japanese dolls a gift from my oldest brother when he was in the Marines. I was about 10 when I got them.

Greek decanter, belonged to my parents for years.

Olive oil bottle and wee watercolor from our trip to France (Provence) in 1997. The vase is from Cyprus brought to me by my younger brother.

I love natural elements

Stained glass stars from France gifted to me (younger brother and his wife) that always hang in the kitchen window.

I love old chandeliers. This one hangs in my studio, I added colored crystals, and old crystal chains and other crystals found at antique stores to it. The chandi itself we found in an LA flea market years ago, we took it apart in our hotel room and put it in a suitcase to take home.

I won this during One World One Heart in 2008 from Jackie at Fat Jak Originals. I absolutely adore its sentiment and whimsy. She seems to have stopped blogging or stocking her shop...too bad.

There is something so happy-dance-worthy about receiving art in the mail unexpectedly from a most amazing friend!

This art print hangs in our kitchen - I love this image - it is my idea of a great afternoon. You can just imagine their conversation...I am thinking they are speaking in French with a little gossip sprinkled in as they sip.

I have an affinity for hands.  This commercial for Delta Faucets is a song sung by The Count from Sesame Street.....the words are perfection and it really is cute.

I love birds....I have them all over my house. I love to add them to my art as well. MANY birds are seen in art and homes - it's not a trend for me - I have always liked them. I have an affinity for old bird cages too....can't get enough and still seek that one that knocks the socks right off me and that I can afford! This pottery bird was bought from a woman named Ingrid in Mendocino.

There is just something yummy delicious about great old cotton tablecloths (40's and 50's)with cheery colors and patterns. I've been collecting them bit by bit for a few years. I love old aprons too.

What is it about galvanized metal? I just love it! And rusty things! oh yeah!

I adore beaded candle holders hanging - all aglow in various colors and styles. Can't hang them in certain areas or too low though as BohoHandyman is TALL. 

 
There needs to be a serenity or vignettes of serenity. Things you place in your home that evoke that feeling and really mean something to you in that way. Don't you think? While soothing music plays and soothes you from the inside out.

I always feel (and I am speaking solely for myself) there is a strong female presence.....a guiding hand.....an ear to listen....an embrace. I have that affinity with Mary. I am not a religious person but she stands on a shelf near the front door.......like a protector. This was my Mom's and I have no idea how many years she had it....so I think my Mom is infused in that protective element as well.

So there you have it.....just some of my electic mix of things that say or mean something to me or just because I like the look/feel.

 Eclectic:(from online dictionary)

1. selecting or choosing from various sources.

2. made up of what is selected from different sources.

3. not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.

4. noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.

Does that fit you too?  Do tell!!! or better yet, show some pics on your blog and come back with a link in comments. Let's share/wear our eclecticism proudly!