Monday, May 13, 2013

The Back Door~Or Why Two Cabin & Cottage Blogs








We don't live in the kind of house with a back door that the family or friends use to enter the house. But my Grandmother had a farmhouse like that. In fact no one ever entered her house through the front door. But I love the idea of the presentable front, and the welcoming informality of the back door. I have a friend who lives in a part of the world where visitors knock and then let themselves right in. No one is left to stand waiting outside.




In the real world that wouldn't work for me at all! But it's a very nice idea in a way, and I actually think of this part of my blog like that. When I started this annex it was because I felt that my original web address was on the verge of collapse. It's still the only way I can leave a link to my FB page, for instance. But truth be told, I have always been one of those "one and a spare" types by nature. It's the coyote in me that wants two ways of entry or escape.




I find it disconcerting when blogs that I enjoy visiting just vanish from the landscape, and after three years in the traces I wouldn't want to leave that way if I had serious blogging problems to work out. So I knocked a hole in the wall of my old blog and made this portal to pass through. I'm sorry if it's proved somewhat confusing.




I recently found this wonderful old vintage screen door. Even though I don't have a place to install it yet, I keep it leaning against a wall of the guest room for now. It means the same to me that a back door would. And that's the message that I want to send to those of you who take the trouble to visit me here where it's a bit more intimate. Thank you, and welcome! There aren't that many that know the secret passageway yet. . . .













 











We're still dusting things off for a home wedding on Saturday. Family starts arriving tomorrow. We've been blessed with perfect weather so far, so all of the doors will be flung open. I know many of you have special events this time of the year. Best of luck with yours!

And come back soon!

Jacqueline









16 comments:

Salmagundi said...

Always beautiful and accessible! Sally

Debby said...

Beautiful pictures. I like the idea of the back door as well. Better nail that door down for the week-end. People will try to open it and fly across the room. Hope the wedding and the weather are beautiful for you. Can't wait to pictures/

elizabeth said...

Beautiful, as always. Your photos refresh me.

Pamela Gordon said...

Jacqueline, this blog always comes up on my blog roll and I read both of them when you write. Beautiful photos as always. I hope the wedding day is bright and beautiful for the bride and groom and all. Due to the layout of our house, we use our front door for everyone including us. Our attached garage has no entrance into the house as it was added later. Our back door is out of the way for everyone and mostly only gets used in the nicer weather by us. But, I try to keep both spots welcoming. Have a beautiful week. Hugs, Pamela

Olive said...

I am glad I know the secret of this blog. That screen door is a true find. If someone comes to our front door I know for sure it is a stranger. Friends come to our back French doors on our deck.

On Crooked Creek said...

Jacqueline,
Such a tender~hearted, touching post, dear friend!!!
When we lived on the opposite side of the Prairie, we always left our back door unlocked. That is not the case here on the "urban" side of the Prairie.
Our children and all their friends knew our house was a Haven for any and all. They were rules...if you were angry with your parnets, you could come to our house...but...you must telephone your parents and let them know where you were and that you were safe for the night. We had lots of "sleep~overs" on that pull~out sleeper sofa. Usually by morning teens and parents could see things differently "in the daylight hours" and all went back to their own homes.
I told "Mr. Ed" when we built our "dream home" that I wanted it to be a "Lighthouse" on the Prairie...in many ways it was!!!
Blessings to you, the couple and all your family as you celebrate this approaching wedding!!! Leave the screen unlatched...just for me, dear one...I might want to take a peek at all the LOVE being spread around!!!
Fondly,
Pat

sarita said...

At christmas someone asked how I decorate front door...well no one uses the front door! Garage door is always open and we come in the door from the garage into the dinng room...I would love that vintage screen door for that door into the garage. I love to look at your pics. Hope we get to see some wedding pics...

Cynthia said...

What a beautiful post and I love the tulips. Good luck this weekend.

Cynthia

Marlis said...

This is a fabulous post. If you see on the other side of the door, it's your heart that is truly open. I wish my front door weren't the main entry, I would love for folks to come in the kitchen door...

Kay said...

White tulips, white lace, and white screen door--beautiful!! Love it all!! Brought to mind memories of slamming screendoors back in Memphis! Hope you have a lovely week and wedding! Kay

Suz said...

I have never had a problem accessing your beautiful blog. And I'm not computer savvy. Blessings with your wedding this week and your guests.

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

I think it's just double the fun... I am glad to visit you here there and facebook:-) Great screen door, your great finds continue:-)
Happy Weekend to you, enjoy!! and the happiest wishes to the bride and groom:-)
Hugs,
Bella

Adrienne said...

I'm so glad I found the back door because I didn't know there was a front door - until I came in the back! Hope everything is perfect for the wedding. Thanks for sharing your doors with us and all the treasures inside.
~Adrienne~

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I always love a back door...and a creaky screen door on it! Lovely post, Jacqueline...the wedding sounds like it will be wonderful...

lala said...

What a lovely way to view your blog - an open back door. I love the concept, and it gives us entry to your beautiful photos and wonderful writings. The screen door is such a great find - hoping to find one myself this summer.

Haworth said...

I love your analogy of the back screen door for this blog, Jacqueline! And I do enjoy visiting you in both places. I have a back screen door on my cottage and my closest neighbor knows it's fine to knock, yell "Hello...?" and then enter. I rarely use my front door, even in winter.. I like the buffer of the back hallway to wipe away garden dirt or rain or snow from my shoes before I come into the house. By the way, your Victorian screen door is lovely! What a beautiful use for it in the house. (We are kindred spirits, I think!)