How Can You Jubilate Sitting in Cages?
While Warmhouse Story as a concept had been percolating in my mind as a daydream for many years, like an elusive birdsong it seemed a bit out of reach. Beckoning. How might I use my own talents and aesthetic to do something meaningful?
Just over two years ago there was no more hiding from it. It did not have a name. The ideas were murky. It started flitting in front of my mind quite frequently. Like a lot of people, I thought I’d start with a stake in the ground. Warmhouse Story (then with an emerging name that no longer fits) was going to be a store! “Gotcha!”, said the Universe. Warmhouse Story is most definitely not a store. I could not be happier with what has blossomed as a much bigger concept- all as a result of a period of isolation.
During more than a year locked away in a condo cage, I journeyed from a silent sadness to bursting with song. As I’ve mentioned before, I got to explore my idea, my vision, through a lens of moments of meaningful hospitality. It came to life in chapters and dreamy imagery. It happened by playing around with nature and objects and capturing them in flat lay photos. The tune become clear in my mind, and it is here for all to see in the vision on the landing page of this site.
Some close to me wondered where this peeping of joy was coming from. How is it you sing anything? How is it you sing while locked in your cage?
I was jubilant in my cage because I knew that when the little door ultimately opened, my ideas would fly! While captive, I sang. I sang in the shower. I hummed to myself. And the songs joined the ideas and inspired beautiful creations and expressive photos. Finally, when the time was right, I flew across the park near our home and created a studio. It let my hands, mind and beautiful objects create captivating and memorable moments.
Here is the first Parlor Story called “If I Cannot Fly, Let Me Sing” based on the song Green Finch and Linnet Bird from the musical Sweeney Todd. You can listen to it in this post.
This table exemplified my journey. Maybe some of yours? I dreamed of busting out my suitcase to travel again. I dreamed of breaking free of my cage with all of you to make a melody together. This uncaged table full of sweet fruit salads and the brightness of citrus sits beneath a suitcase exploding with the color of dried and live botanicals. Ferns. Hydrangea. Ivy. Strawflowers. I love its movement and reach. It matches my emotions at this very moment.
Below that, the salads and citrus are nested respectfully on objects that were found, thrifted or created by some of the most talented folks I know. Those objects are tucked among whole fruits and flora to create a mix of texture and joy.
And then there are the birds. Beautiful birds on loan from a man I respect as a collector, curator and aesthete. More to come on him in another story! Three birds have escaped their brass cages and gaze over the fresh and sweet nibbles.
This table fills my mind with possibilities, and I hope it may spark some ideas for you and your late summer entertaining. Look, I know my tables will always be a bit over the top. They become that way, though, because each one is a collaboration. What you see is what happens when I join forces with ceramicists from Slovenia, a talented local home style and taxidermy guru and a music maven from my days in high school. Different people. Different backgrounds. Different points of view. One finished concept.
There are three accompanying bits to this Parlor Story that break the whole into its parts. You will read about the objects in the Curio Cabinet Story. You will learn more about nature in the Warmhouse Story. You will be a fly on the wall for a deeper Drawing Room Story discussion about the song with a very gifted woman I met many years ago.
Such will be the case with each update on this digital experience. You will get a quartet of tales to inspire you to try your hand at creating something joyful for those you love. I know that you can sing in your own way to create a moment that is warm and beautiful and suited to you and those you care for.
Thank you for reading this story. It is the very first to take flight in this wonderful world of imagination, Warmhouse Story.
