Thursday, June 7, 2012

When Children Grow Up...

Some of you might remember when I posted about our Swingset Deck project here,
complete with [hideous] before & [much better] after photos.

Our two girls, now in their 20's, outgrew their swing set many years ago...

But because of memories like these, and me being the overly sentimental fool that I am,
I couldn't bear to part with their old wood swing set...

... so it became the inspiration and framework for a backyard sitting area where
climbing hydrangea and clematis will be crossing the monkey bars rather than two little girls.

The story isn't too different for the Gnome Home  
(so called because of its current lone inhabitant).

Once upon a time, long before Mr. Gnome
called this place home...

... two wonderful, silly little girls inhabited this magical place,
built by their daddy just for them.

 They spent countless hours laughing and giggling
in this magical little place...

... so magical that they were even able to entice our old Mr. O'Malley
to climb the ladder stairs and join in on the fun!

But children have a way of growing up (much too fast) and
leaving swing sets, tree houses, and all their sweet memories behind...

And no matter how much we'd like childhood to hang on
for just a wee bit longer...

...it's not part of nature's plan.

And so these days, it is little bunnies who frolic by the base of the tree house...

...and a family of birds who wind their way from the birdbath to the ladder steps
to pay Mr. Gnome a visit.

But sometimes when it's very quiet, while I'm out watering flowers or filling bird baths,
just sometimes an enchanted breeze will gently blow through the treehouse...

... and stir up memories so real that I swear I can still hear
two little girls laughing and giggling from inside.

Wishing you all the loveliest memories in your own enchanted gardens.

Donna

This week I'm joining
Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage
and  Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

16 comments:

Deb said...

This was so sweet, Donna. Our children certainly do grow up too quickly and I too, find myself drawn back to a time when I was happily exhausted at the end of the day from caring for my kids. I guess we can now feel pride and contentment in what wonderful adults they have become. Loved your photos and what a great idea to keep the swing area. It looks great. Enjoy. Deb

Susan said...

Awwwwww, Donna. That was a tear-jerker. What a lovely, lovely post. You know what? You should submit that somewhere. It really touches the heart. Great job! Loved all the photos, too. Susan

Bev said...

Love this post! Maybe you'll have grandchild magic in that little house someday! Cheery wave from Bev
http://44thstreetfabric.blogspot.com

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Sweet, sweet, sweet memories! And what a nice reno you did on your little seating area.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

What a great fun yard you have! Looks like lots of memories have been made there!

Cindy Adkins said...

What a sweet thing to do with the swingset and it looks great now, too! I was drawn to your blog by your profile picture of the black cat. I'm an animal lover, also(I have 3 cats) I used to have a black cat named Merlin who was the sweetest, most loving kitty ever. I'm your newest follower! Found you through Show and Tell Friday.
Cindy @ Art,Books,Tea

Dixie said...

At a baby shower last night, we were talking about how some moms leave adult childrens places untouched... shrines... to their children's childhood...

What a wonderful job you've done, preserving the memory and creating a new and magical place(s).. I love your style! The playhouse is especially delightful!

thanks for sharing the memories!

blessings. Dixie

Claudia said...

Oh how lovely, Donna. What sweet memories! And I love the way you've not torn down the swing set or the treehouse, but used them in a new way. They look so charming in your yard.

xo
Claudia

Maureen Wyatt said...

What a sweet post! I like how you are keeping the sentimental pieces and giving them a new purpose! ~ Maureen

Fishtail Cottage said...

so sweet that you found an "afterlife" for the memorable pieces you cherish in your gardens...love it! thank you so much for sharing this idea w/the rest of us over here at Fishtail Cottage's Garden Party! Hope you have a fantastic weekend! xoxo, tracie

Fishtail Cottage said...

so sweet that you found an "afterlife" for the memorable pieces you cherish in your gardens...love it! thank you so much for sharing this idea w/the rest of us over here at Fishtail Cottage's Garden Party! Hope you have a fantastic weekend! xoxo, tracie

Myric said...

That was a very touching memory. This is a great reminder to others to savour each second they have with their children.
I have link party going on today and I would love for you to share this wonderful post :)

Myric

Paula said...

The swingset deck is an inspired idea! I would hang a basket of flowers or two until the clematis and hydrangea do the rest! And I would put a little deck chair and table in the gnome home for a place to hide and read or dream or remember days gone by!

Lovely!

My Little Home and Garden said...

Your post was very touching. Your girls must have such wonderful memories of their childhood; perhaps other little ones will one day play in the tree house.
-Karen

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely post :) I'm your newest follower and just found your lovely blog from hopping over from Katies Rose Cottage,I'm looking forward to reading over your wonderful makeovers,love juliexxx

The Charm of Home said...

Awww. I am missing mine already and they are just starting to fly away! How sweet!
Hugs,
Sherry