Thursday, January 27, 2011

The beauty of a candlelit power outage...

Can you tell by the title that I'm really trying to look for the positive in the midst of our nasty winter? New England has been hit hard by multiple snowstorms in rapid succession, but thankfully we've suffered through only one short power outage. BB (before blogging), I'd never have picked up my camera to shoot the following pics, but blogging has allowed me to see things in a whole new light. Literally. So here's what a power outage looks like in our little cottage.

(click any photos to enlarge)

A small votive sits in a chippy religious statue on the dining room half wall. Being chalkware, it's very heavy so Baby isn't able to knock it off (yet).


The scrollwork of the fire screen, silhouetted against the candles that sit inside the fireplace.


Another old chalkware statue, a grey & white kitty, rests on the hearth.

Candlelight illuminates the cherub faces on the cactus planter.

Prisms dance around the candlelight in this beautiful candleholder, a gift from my good friend, Jill.

A small votive surrounded by button jars, a white bird, and my vintage rose lamp.

One of the two prism'd fleur-de-lis candleholders that flank the fireplace. These were one of my first purchases when I switched over from a primitive to cottage decor about 7-8 years ago.


A small Mary statue...


...and a small St. Theresa planter stand guard at the "parakeet cage" on top of the jelly cupboard in a corner of the dining room.

The variety of small votives gave off just enough light to keep us from bumping into - or tripping over - things while the lights were out. Thankfully, the power was restored just as it was starting to get quite chilly in the house. The other morning it was 8 below when we woke! And we were hit with another snowstorm last night (over 12" of snow), so I'll post photos of that soon! Come on, spring! We are sooooooo ready!
I'm linking up to Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home so be sure to stop by and see Cindy and all the other bloggers sharing participating this week!
Donna
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16 comments:

  1. Sweet Bee CottageJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    I love how you found the beauty in what is a major inconvenience. Lovely pictures!

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  2. allisamazingJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Beautiful candlelight pictures. ~Alana~

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  3. Vintage GalJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Candle light is so romantic and cozy ~ I absolutely love it ~ Magical ~;-)

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  4. ClaudiaJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Oh, Donna. Isn't this ridiculous? Enough already. For you and I, who get sick of winter and snow rather quickly, this is a true test of our fortitude. I, for one, have had it. I'm sorry you had a power outage, but am thankful it didn't last too long. The candlelight is lovely, by the way.

    xoxo
    Claudia

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  5. Sharon LovejoyJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    I KNOW you've had a heck of a winter, but you've made it look and seem enchanting. But then, that's YOU.

    All joys,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  6. SusanJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Oh, Donna: You have power outages? Wow. Don't know where in Massachusetts you are located. We were spared here. No big storm arrived at all. Heard Boston and New York got hit hard. Ohhhhhhh, so sorry. Take care. Susan

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  7. SusanJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    You improvised so beautifully!!

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  8. ElaineJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    You know I am a Winter lover but even I am tired of all this snow.
    I haven't lost electricity once thankfully.

    Your photos are lovely. All that candlelight and the religious items make your home look a little church-like. But it also looks romantic.

    Let's hope we are nearing the end of this dreadful weather pattern!

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  9. DogwoodJanuary 29, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    You photos are so pretty.
    The light from the candles if nice.
    But, I do wish you warmth and coziness during this winter storm.

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  10. Jean TuthillJanuary 29, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    I love all your candleholders, they are all so pretty. You placed them well. I love the candlelight, so romantic and pretty. We haven't lost our power yet this winter, thank Heavens! I am ready for Spring, too!

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  11. My Dream CanvasJanuary 29, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    This looks so lovely. I look forward to you stopping by at My Dream Canvas:-)

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  12. Blue Ridge Altered ArtJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Candlelight makes everything look beautiful. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photo's with us. We have been having a lot of snow too, but we have not lost power yet. A lot of flickering though. ~~Sherry

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  13. Heaven's WalkJanuary 30, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    You guys sure have been hit hard out east, Donna. Now, I fear, it's Michigan's turn come Tuesday night. {groan!} It looks like at least you had a fun time while the lights were out and took some beautiful photos. :) Hope it didn't get too cold in the house!!

    xoxo laurie

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  14. MotherkittyJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Donna ~

    How lovely! The glow from the candles is absolutely enchanting. You are doing a fantastic job of making the best of things during the wretched winter weather. Here in Eastern Nebraska, we are about to get hit hard --- possible 12 inches of snow, 35 mph winds, bitter windchill temperatures. I hope I can make my home feel as cozy as you have yours. Keep warm!

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  15. Southern LadyFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    With a home that lovely, I don't think I would mind being without power! Carla

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  16. CR WallFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    What beautiful photos!

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