If Our Table Could Talk


Table1


If our table could talk it would have so many tales to tell.


Stories when it's been just the four of us, or when we've been visited by friends, first bites, tantrums and exasperation and trial & error, taxes all laid out, morning newspapers, weekend waffles, so many cups of coffee & OJ.


If our table could talk yesterday's story would be one of creation & friendship.



Table2



Table4


My friend Paolo came down for the day as he sometimes does and I decided we were going to have an art day. I'm still riding a wave of inspiration from a couple weekend's ago at the beach.


I've known Paolo now for over 20 years. I consider him a part of my family. You might have seen him in some of my scrapbook pages:



Coburg07


He's come down for the Coburg Antique Fair.


05-08


He's come down for the day and we took Polaroids.



Creativetime


He's traveled with me to events in the US.



Sushi


He's traveled with me to events abroad (he works for an airline which makes this sort of travel possible).



Us_paolo


Most of the time when we get together these days we do something creative whether it's taking photos or making collages or just talking about living lives infused with creativity.


If our table could talk it would tell you that yesterday we painted with wax (following a bunch of Claudine's tips from her Beeswaz Collage DVD), adhered old patterns picked up from Goodwill with gel medium, painted over the top, etc.



Table5


If our table could talk it would tell you how excited we were to have Anna come home from the beach and join us at the table.


She began with crayons, moved on to water painting with a foam brush, and then on to some of Tim's paint dabbers. Katie made up some brightly colored finger paints but really she only wanted whatever it was that was in my hand at the moment (and she really wanted to squeeze the paint onto her paper).

If our table could talk it would tell you just how excited I was that she might have an interest in this sort of play.



Table3


If our table could talk I think it would say that good stuff happened here yesterday. A friendship was nurtured and cherished. Canvases were created. Little kids made messes and giggled and chased Paolo around with swords.


If our table could talk I think it would say, "Again, please."

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51 thoughts

  1. Katie Pegher says…
    07/29/2010

    Ali my dear. What a way with words you have. One of the main reasons I read daily is the "love" I feel reading. You may not realize it. But you are one of my "cyber BFF's!" You, Cathy Z., Pioneer Woman, and Jasmine Star. Keep it up girls.

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  2. Mary Rogers says…
    07/29/2010

    LOVE THIS!!! so fabulous ali!

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  3. Jeanne M says…
    07/29/2010

    My grandmother has moved to a nursing home, but we've kept her home as well. (Her father built it and she was born there.) When she visits the house, she likes to sweep the front step, shuffle papers, look at pictures. She always stops at the dining room table and says, "oh, if this table could talk, the stories it would tell." Thanks for reminding me of all the good memories around Grandma's table - and inspiring me to make new ones around my table as well.

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  4. Linda Lynch says…
    07/29/2010

    Awwwwe. too cute is that baby. Wondering where you got the stamps of pattern prints?

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  5. Lisa says…
    07/29/2010

    Awesome that Anna enjoyed 'art day' with you and Paolo, as well! Would love to see a photo of Paolo & Simon at 'sword play'! Looks like you had an inspired, wonderful, creative day. Can't wait to see the finished products!!
    ~pino

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  6. Heather says…
    07/29/2010

    I love love LOVE this post! Had to share it on FB and Twitter too because it really has inspired me. I need to go create something NOW!!

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  7. Melissa says…
    07/29/2010

    What a great post and beautifully written. We often have some project going on our big table - puzzles, games, research for a paper, photo organization, gifts to wrap, etc. I just might have to do a blog post or scrapbook page about our table soon!

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  8. Helen says…
    07/29/2010

    Oh, wow, I wish I could write like you!
    I met Paolo at an event an he is a great guy. How wonderful that you two are friends!
    Helen

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  9. Diana says…
    07/29/2010

    I love the whole "If our table could talk" concept!

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  10. nerdgrl says…
    07/29/2010

    Oh, Lordy, would I love to have your journaling prowess. What a great post!

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  11. Rachael Schepemaker says…
    07/29/2010

    Ali,
    Hey there! I am somewhat new to your website. I am a traditional scrapbooker and don't plan to transfer to the digital format anytime soon. With that being said, do you have a layout sketch book that you provide or sale online? I think your layouts are beautiful, creative and simple...just my style. Please advise :-)

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  12. Debbie says…
    07/29/2010

    Hi Ali, this post is very touching. I love the concept of the story. You are brilliant with words. Anna is adorable.

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  13. Tina says…
    07/29/2010

    What a sweet post Ali! Loved it! And loved the sentiment of hoping Anna will share some of your interests; hope the same of my Ella.

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  14. yngla says…
    07/29/2010

    Love the pattern art! I will so make this for my sewing room!

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  15. Rebecca says…
    07/30/2010

    This post brings tears to my eyes - so sweet. And it inspires me to write a similar story of the things done on my table!

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  16. Carla says…
    07/30/2010

    This post is pure art. Poem.
    And you both are very lucky to have each other as friend.
    Paolo is great (Inspired 2010 showed me)

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  17. Lisa says…
    07/30/2010

    Ali, this post is so inspiring! I can't wait until the end of the day when there are baby dolls on the sofa, books on the footstool, and toys everywhere. I am going to borrow this idea and take a picture of the room and write about "If this room could talk". You are amazing! Thanks!

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  18. Susan says…
    07/30/2010

    How wonderful that Anna is already showing an interest! My great-niece (age 4) was with me for Camp Sue-Sue, and every morning after breakfast (and Dora) she announced that it was "time to do art"...and we did!

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  19. dawn says…
    07/30/2010

    This is so sweet Ali!! Love seeing Anna and bright eyes and smile so happy to be with her mama!! I love that you are always creating and inpspiring everyone. How do you ever find the time though?? I just got back from a week vacation and loved checking your blog for your new posts. They were all so fun and sweet especially the weekend with Simon. Love the way you journal how you feel for everything.

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  20. kirsten says…
    07/30/2010

    oh how i love this post - you have inspired me!!

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  21. Jane says…
    07/31/2010

    What a lovely story. I'm so glad Anna came to your family. The four of you are such a great mix!

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  22. anna says…
    08/01/2010

    isn't Paolo GREAT!!! such a genuine, sincere and encouraging person. i only met him at inspired in 2009, but a year later he sees me, knows my name and has a big hug ready. he is good people.

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  23. Marilyn623 says…
    08/01/2010

    Not an original comment, but from my heart: I wish I could think and express myself the way you do! Thanks for the inspiration to be creative!

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  24. Andrea says…
    08/01/2010

    Always inspired by you and your work! Thank you so much!

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  25. Lisa says…
    08/05/2010

    I love this! It's wonderful to hear about your special friendship, but the picture and story of Anna just knocks my socks off. I love to give Colin crayons and chalk, but I thought he was maybe too young for paint. I bought a package of finger paints but haven't tried it yet. Tonight I am going to dig out my paper and we are going to have art night!

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