Thursday, June 14, 2012

Under the shade of the cherry tree...

...you'll find my two favorite garden statues.

Without a doubt, this old cement Mary statuary is my favorite. 
She is chippy, rustic, and distressed to perfection.

Mary stands under the shade of our (non fruit-bearing) cherry tree, watching over 
all the little creatures and feathered friends who visit our small yard.

Having grown up Catholic, how could I not love Mary? I've talked before about one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun, and a certain piece of dialogue that I thought was beautiful. At one point, after moving to Italy, Frances (Diane Lane) talks about her relationship with Mary. 

"Signor Martini wants me to have faith. Something I've never been good at, and now I'm even worse at. Not that I don't want faith. I'm jealous of the believers. But as a fallen-away Methodist, I do not expect to emerge from all of this a Catholic, although I admit some interior juggling is going on. To my surprise, I have become friendly with Mary. It started the night she stood by me through the storm, knowing full well I'm not a Catholic. Yet, somehow, she seems more like Mary, my favorite aunt, than Santa Maria. Aunt Mary is everywhere here, her calm presence assuring us that all things will go on as they have before."
I'm so happy that four years ago I was in the right place (Fairground Antiques),
at the right time (during a 50% off sale), to have found her!
My little backyard garden just wouldn't be the same without Mary.

My other favorite garden statue sits across the bird bath from Mary.

He's quite a whimsical fellow, and I've known him for a long time
 even though he's lived with us for just a couple of years now.

For as long as I can remember, he stood at the front steps of my aunt's beautiful 
Cape Cod home, cheerfully greeting all who came to visit.

Yes, he holds wonderful memories of time spent on Cape Cod 
when my girls were younger and when my parents were still with us. 
When my aunt downsized, she asked if there was anything that I wanted. 
I chose him.

I think I made a great choice!

This week I'm joining Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage
and Cindy's Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.
Be sure to visit their beautiful homes and gardens!

Donna
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16 comments:

  1. www.MaisonStGermain.comJune 14, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Two really great statues:) The look so pretty in your yard.
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  2. Ellen HiteJune 14, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    Love the "patina" of your garden statues.

    Ellen Hite

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  3. PhoebeJune 14, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    Mary is ever associated with gardens! Charles has painted a beautiful icon of Mary, and built a shrine to protect the icon to place in the corner of our Mary Garden. Look for a post in the near future about it at Home In Douglas.

    Your statue is lovely, and her countenance is so serene.

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  4. MelanieMargaretJune 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    What a calm little oasis you have, and some nice company too. :)

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  5. Sally@threeblondeboyzJune 14, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Oh what a beautiful statue! I would love to have one just like it. I guess as a Catholic a statue of Mary would have feelings of familiarity and comfort (I'm Catholic too) but I think it's just beautiful the way it is weathered and distressed. Gorgeous! Sally x

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  6. Sally@threeblondeboyzJune 14, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Oh what a beautiful statue! I would love to have one just like it. I guess as a Catholic a statue of Mary would have feelings of familiarity and comfort (I'm Catholic too) but I think it's just beautiful the way it is weathered and distressed. Gorgeous! Sally x

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  7. Sally@threeblondeboyzJune 14, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Oh what a beautiful statue! I would love to have one just like it. I guess as a Catholic a statue of Mary would have feelings of familiarity and comfort (I'm Catholic too) but I think it's just beautiful the way it is weathered and distressed. Gorgeous! Sally x

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  8. SusanJune 14, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    I remember your Mary from last year. Donna, honestly, she has the PRETTIEST face. How tall is she? The bun bun is adorable. Good choice! Susan

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  9. very merry vintage styleJune 14, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Gorgeous statue. I collect all things Mary... her image brings me such peace. This is such a pretty piece and what a beautiful addition to your garden.
    Mary

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  10. Cottage and BroomeJune 14, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Love the chippy paint on your Mary, she looks so peaceful. Thanks for sharing, Laura

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  11. Donna MarieJune 15, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    I also love Mary, and have been looking for a statue of her for my garden for many years, but have not been able to find one so pretty as yours. You truly were blessed the day you found her for 50% off. :) She has the loveliest face...

    Donna

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  12. AnneJune 15, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I love your Mary statue. Your right, it has just the perfect weathered look to her.

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  13. ElaineJune 15, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    The Mary statue is absolutely fantastic. I love her chippiness and her features are so delicate. Just beautiful.

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  14. Fishtail CottageJune 16, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    Donna ~ love your statues ~ isn't it amazing how much charm they bring into the garden? So pretty! thank you so much for linking up and sharing this post over here at Fishtail Cottage's Garden party! i'm off to peek in your etsy store! xoxo,tracie

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  15. Little Miss MaggieJune 16, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    Mary is BEAUTIFUL! What a magnificent statue. I have never seen one like her ever out in a garden. I'm sure she brings you many blessing.

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  16. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow June 23, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Oh my gosh! Mary is beautiful!

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