I think it was meant to be.
Make that, I know it was meant to be.
About a thousand miles away in Key Largo this past winter, there they were, displayed amongst the other items at the upscale flea market located nearby our houseboat.
It was love at first sight, and sitting on one confirmed my love was not unrequited. It hugged my body like an Isaac Mizrahi dress, but without the annoyingly unforgiving lycra.
But there was a problem. A big one. We had no room in our car to bring them back home, and shipping was so expensive it would have cost nearly as much as the rockers.
So we mended our my broken heart and walked away into the beautiful Key Largo sunset…
BUT WAIT!!
(I’ve been watching too many infomercials).
A couple of months later, while visiting a local nursery, there it was.
I could swear it was calling my name…
Then I looked at the price tag…
Ouch.
At more than $300 each, they were even more expensive than the ones in Florida.
So…I accepted it was not meant to be.
Until…
A couple of weeks ago when a friend and I came across a barn sale and there was a child-size rocker identical to what we had seen in Florida. I learned the owner of the barn ran a nursery a few minutes away which sold some amish pieces which they were clearing out and discounting them 40%.
But it was too big for our friend’s car who was with me that day.
And it was too big for either of our two cars.
And our friends who helped us pick up our recliners had sold their truck.
And another friend was trading in their truck the next day in the afternoon.
BUT WAIT!!
We had the morning, didn’t we?
We did indeed.
All in all, I think the glider works even better than two rockers would have.
So what became of the rocker that was there you might ask?
You are very astute.
For now we moved it to the area of the porch which isn’t enclosed (that’s it on the left). We rarely, if ever, use this space so eventually most of what you see will be moved to the garden with the exception of the rocking chair.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to make some new friends who have trucks ;).
In other news…
We still don’t have the rest of the fill for the backyard! It’s just as ugly now as it was three weeks ago. Once again, we haven’t had more than three days without rain. In fact, it’s pouring so hard right now I can’t hear myself think. But the optimist in me is hopeful that it will happen this week.
Last weekend we went to a Comi-con event in Hartford, Ct. Have you heard of them? They’re HUGE in Los Angeles, and I have to say the one in Hartford was pretty darn big too. It was fun seeing hundreds of people dressed in super-hero or comic strip characters. I’ll show you some pictures soon.
The decals for the bathroom are proving to be more trouble than they’re worth. I received the additional decals, but they’re not usable because they’re different than the originals. Long story and I’ll explain another time, but just like the backyard this project is taking WAY longer than expected.
Have a wonderful summer weekend my friends. It’s family fun weekend here in the community and we hope to have the boys here to join in the fun. Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain!
Sharing At
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It does look very comfortable! I’m wondering how much it would cost to ship to France, now…
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
What a comfortable looking glider! Something that heavy would cost a fortune to ship! So glad you waited, and waited, and waited. Because you got what was meant to be. Your right, I believe it will never stop raining!
Denise says
LOVE that glider! I’m so glad it found you. xxDenise
Jemma says
Good Morning!!
You had me on pins and needles, what a marvelous tale of the Glider That Was Meant To Be!! Such a twist of fate and who could have imagined that it would now be sitting beautifully on your porch! So,so enjoyed your writing this beastly hot morning in the land of Texas. Have a fun weekend with the youngsters!
Xo
Jemma
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Glad you were able to get a glider after all…is that the pillow that you sewed ? You mentioned sewing one in a previous post.
As to the rain, I hear you.
Doreen says
Now I know you’re paying attention lol.
That’s not the pillow. It’s actually on our bed. I’ll show that soon. It came out really nice if I do say so myself ;).
xxx
Cecilia says
Ooo, nice glider! It looks very comfortable! Isn’t the weather crazy? We finally have our normal Summer weather – hot and dry. I wouldn’t mind a downpour right now. It’s good to have a truck (or friends with trucks). Sorry your yard is stuck in ugly mode. Hope the weather will cooperate with you so you can get it done! I know it’s got to be frustrating. We are getting ready to head to the farm. Fingers crossed we get the bathroom done!
Have a good weekend, my friend.
Hugs
Cecilia
Julie says
Hi Doreen, wow what a nice glider and I hope you enjoy it! Have a nice weekend and I hope too we will have nice weather. Take care.
Julie
Emily says
Ha, some things are just meant to be, or aren’t! Love the glider and it looks great. Projects seem to have a mind of their own and rarely finish on time. Sounds like you are having a great summer.
Hugs………
tammy j says
those clever amish!
but…
i don’t know why that one area you say you never use… i love it!
you’d find me there curled up comfortably in the old one banished there … reading and sipping something cool!
or is it because of the mosquitoes? in that case… not so much! xo
Doreen says
Lol surprisingly, the mosquitos have been almost non-existent this year. Oh happy day! I suppose if we didn’t have the enclosed porch I’d use that area more, but I love my comfy sofa in the screened in area so much. In fact, I’m writing this on the sofa right now, as I do whenever time and weather permits. If you’d like to see the space click here. It’s my favorite place to be :).
Vicky Hunt says
Oh my, that does look so comfortable! And, it’s beautiful too. Don’t you just love it when things work out even better than you wanted! Sorry about the rain…and the decals. Life is a balance isn’t it…too much rain and unfinished backyard…..awesome deal on the glider….decals don’t match….it’s time for something to work out right again! Hope the rain stops and the backyard project can be completed soon!
Doreen says
You’re so right Vicky, and we have to focus on the good stuff so the little inconveniences don’t get us down. It was beautiful today,so the good news is we will be getting the delivery of the rest of the stuff tomorrow for the backyard :). Can’t wait!
xxx
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Oh, and it’s SO pretty!
Brenda
Jane says
I love it! Things have a way of happening. We have something similar at the lake. Only problem is I am short and the seat is deep so I can’t push off to keep ‘gliding’. Ha! But wait!! 🙂 We have two glider/rockers in the Great room and I live in the one that faces the bay. I’d like to get them reupholstered but even after 24 years, they are doing great.
I know how you feel about the truck deal. The original full size headboard I wanted at Pier 1 was too big for my car. To order it online and have it shipped would have fallen under White Glove Service at $150.00 Can you believe that??? Cancelled my order. Hubby has a truck at the lake. So I’m always—“well, we sort of have a truck…”
Hang in there with the yard, next year at this time it may be a distant memory. I was going to ask our lawn guy at the lake to text me a pic of the perennial garden we planted last year and then I knew I’d just cry looking at weeds and possibly plants that didn’t make it. But with the rain we’ve been having, there’s no chance they dried out. Very frustrating—we are lucky if we have one sunny day a week.
Jane x
Doreen says
I can definitely believe that shipping charge! Sad but true.
I’m sure your plants survived, but I’m equally sure they’re probably covered in weeds. With all the rain the weeds have been thriving. Today was beautiful though. No rain, no humidity and in the high 60’s. Just the way I like it…
Cindy says
This is a gorgeous piece. You’ll be a gliding Diva. This relationship with the glider was meant to be. Enjoy every time
Cindy
Dewena says
It looks like excellent craftsmanship went into the piece, no wonder you persevered! I like all your porch furniture and I’m crazy about that red floor!
I just saw, somewhere, pics of a Comi-con event in LA. I had no idea that people were so into this, but I remember years ago when a Star Trek convention was here in Nashville that our 3 sons went, 2 in their Enterprise shirts, Zack though was way too cool to do that. Come to think about it, I believe our daughter went too. Let’s see, I believe I went to a Girl Scout Bicentennial celebration decades ago. Only time I ever dressed up in a costume for something big. I was a Brownie leader and our girls dressed up as Colonial ladies and won a top award for our Martha Washington’s Christmas Dinner table. And got to shake hands with Minnie Pearl!
I’m so sorry a couple of projects are being a problem but if I know you, someday it will al be gorgeous!
Have a nice family weekend, Doreen,
Dewena
Doreen says
I had no idea it was so big either Dewena, but boy is it ever! The one in LA is the biggest, attended by celebrities as well as every trekky and super hero lover in the Western Hemisphere. I’ve got lots of pics which I’ll share soon.
Hope you’re enjoying your summer and some down time as well!
xxx
Cindi says
I LOVE the way you write!
I was smiling and I’m at work! LOL! so that’s saying something!
I ADORE that glider. Super cool.
I know what you mean about a truck, that’s why I keep my van.
😉
It’s been raining here too. Last night tornado warnings.
Today it’s in the 90’s with heat index in 100’s.
It’s so fun scooping hot steamy dog poop in this weather.
LOL!
Oh well, it makes me cherish Fall all that much more.
xoxo
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Sorry I’ve been away dear Friend and missed the fun! I love catching up with you funny Lady! Such a hoot!!
If only you could send some of that weather out to the poor drought ridden west! That Mother Nature does have a some weird sense of humor.
I LOVE that glider!! It’s gorgeous and you know the quality of the workmanship is amazing with many of that Amish folk. I could curl up right there and enjoy quite a wonderful summer afternoon.
Hope your weather clears up so you can get back to work and I can see that back yard all done! Lol
xoxo
rue says
You have a friend that has a truck, but she lives in Arizona 😉 I love the new glider 🙂
Comi-con… yes, I knew exactly what you posted about as I was scrolling down. I can’t wait to look at those pics LOL!!
xo
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
LOVE the glider! It looks right at home on your porch. Everyone should have at least one friend with a truck, which, unfortunately, I do not. So when you make that new friend, introduce them to me!
Jann Olson says
Love the rocker and yes, I think it was meant to be that you came across them in so many ways. Some of my grands have went to the comi cons and said that they are really fun! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! Since your last post I’ve been curious to know what the heck an Amish Glider was! Ha, ha! Now I know and I love it! It’s so pretty in a rustic sort of way and looks comfy. It looks fantastic on your porch. Is it weather proof? Would it be able to withstand the heat and humidity of Florida summers? I wonder. I’d love one of these on my back porch. My sister is coming down from NYC the 1st week of August and we’re going to the Keys! I’ll keep my eyes open. 😀 xx
Doreen says
Hi Vashti! I would have to say it probably could withstand the Florida heat. That’s where we saw it initially…down in Key Largo. There’s an ‘upscale’ Flea Market on the main road there, a few miles on your right after you enter Key Largo. It’s near an area that sells fruits and veggies. Let me know how your trip went!!
xxx
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I’m definitely going to check out this Flea Market, Doreen. I’ll let you know how it goes. 😀 Hugs & Kisses
Amy @ StowandTellU says
What is it about gliders? The swaying back and forth like we’re back in mama’s arms, haha. That piece looks like it’s going to last a looong time. I loved your suspenseful tale of patience and success, as well!!
Sue says
The Glider is so different and looks perfect for sure where you have it. My sister found some gems at a barn sale in Iowa, but I don’t hear about them here in Illinois suburban land…there must be some somewhere. It stopped raining so much for a week or so and I was missing it and then…last night was a whopper storm and I surprised myself by being happy about it.
Doreen says
Hi Sue! Boy, did you catch up! lol
I believe the gliders are made in either Pennsylvania or Iowa, but if you google it you’ll probably find them. The rockers are easier to find though, but they’re really nice too and super comfy due to the curved back.
xxx