Monday, January 17, 2022

The Story Of The White Duck

When my father-in-law retired, he left the suburbs and moved to the mountains.  His house was built by loved ones, surrounded with forest trees nestled in the woods.



I used to enjoy visiting there, and took walks around the property, had good food to eat, and had conversations talking about so many interesting things.  He was very talented and used to carve ducks out of wood, and then painted them.  When he was finished, he lined them up on the window sill high above where you could see them all.  Most of them were mallard ducks, with green, brown, and grey tones, but there was one that I was drawn to.  It was a white duck, and I loved it so.  When we were leaving to go home, he took down and handed me that precious white duck he carved and said, "this is for you."  I was so happy, I could hardly believe it.  When I moved to the mountains last January, I kept it safe, and this weekend I took him out, washed and cleaned him, and put him on my mantel for Valentine's Day.



I put the bracelet Francesca gave me that is rose gold and placed it around his neck.



He joins all my Valentine goodies on my mantel.











There's nothing like chocolate Hershey's Kisses........except for Hershey's Kisses in Valentine colors.



Nel's not really a Valentine person, but she told me she's looking forward to it this year, as she has a little Valentine to share the day with.

My father-in-law would be pleased I live in the mountains now, and that I have his carved wooden duck in the center of my mantel for Valentine's Day.



Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.

~William Wordsworth


 

30 comments:

R's Rue said...

What a beautiful and sweet post.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful! These handmade things are always such treasures. Enjoy your day!

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh that is so sweet! You must feel the love every time you lays your eyes upon it.

Debby said...

Aww, that's so nice. I love the carved wood duck. That is a keeper for sure.

Jeanie said...

Your white duck is gorgeous. What a talented man he was and I can see why you would "choose" that one as your favorite. The bracelet around his neck is just a beautiful embellishment -- simple but so elegant.

I love seeing your valentine things and it reminds me that I'll soon need to get out mine. Right now I'm living with "Winter" but I think I'll pull mine out next week. You have inspired me!

Sandi said...

That is a treasure!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think your father-in-law would love this! The duck is beautiful, and so lifelike. I can sure see why you have always loved it. Have you thought of keeping it our all year, and putting seasonal things around it's neck...maybe some small eggs beside it at Easter time, and some fall colored leaves around his neck at Thanksgiving?

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

Beautiful and skillfully made duck. A great gift.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

The carved white duck is beautiful on your mantel. I love his necklace, but most of all I love the story behind him. Such darling pieces on your mantel reminding you of love, Sheri. Love the photo of Mia looking through the heart in the fence--precious!

Patricia said...

Oh Sheri, your white duck is beyond beautiful. What craftsmanship, and perfect style. I do hope he makes an appearance for every season, with appropriate accessories of course :) Meantime, thank you for reminding us that Valentine's is coming up soon, and we can enjoy your pretty Valentine hearts and colours. Have a great week Sheri.

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful and so well written Sheri! Thank you for sharing your story, memories and life with us.
Love, Carla

Susan Kane said...

Beautiful. That was a precious gift.

Louca por porcelana said...

How adorable and precious. Hugs,my sweet friend.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

I love your white duck. It means so much coming from your special father in law. I would leave it out all year and decorate it for the seasons. I have had several real white ducks over the years and each one is always special. I am looking forward to valentines day this year too. Hopefully we will all be healthy and be able to enjoy it! Enjoy your week!

Chatty Crone said...

I love the wooden duck too and it has a lot of meaning - remembering it and having your FIL make it and give it to you. I also like how you dressed it up with the bracelet.
So you are getting ready for Valentine's Day - I like that holiday too.
Your two Valentines are cute as usual.
I am going to have to get busy!

Ann said...

Lovely post Sheri,
the duck is super lovely and the story
behind it is precious. I used to collect
duck figurines and chickens as it reminds me
of simple and farm living. Your mantle
is lovely too and the pic of your grandchild
in a heart-shaped wood/wall is beautiful.

Have a wonderful week.


Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

Veronica Lee said...

I enjoyed your sweet and beautiful story, Sheri.

Such a precious gift!

Happy Tuesday!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning sweet Sheri! Isn't that duck just BEAUTIFUL! And hand-carved makes him even more special. What a beautiful home your father-in-law built!

Your little Valentine looks so sweet and gentle peeking through that heart...there's a poem there my friend.

Rose said...

What a gift...he was very talented. I, too, would leave it out all the time. It would jog wonderful feelings every time you pausedvto.look.at it.

Write from the Heart said...

That duck is a treasure, and your sweet decorations are festive.

Susan said...

Your white duck is lovely, Sheri. All your Valentine's Day decor is! Thank you soooo sooooo much for all your sweet visits and comments. Love them. Hugs to the moon and back! Susan

Rajani Rehana said...

Lovely post

Debbie Nolan said...

Sheri is that lovely house in the photo where you live? I adore your white duck. Everything looks lovely for Valentine's Day. Hope you are staying warm...we have lots of snow and colder temps than we have had for several years. Hugs!

Debbie Nolan said...

Sheri - thank you for letting me know about your house. I am sure when the snow flies in the mountains you are buried. Take care friend.

Linda O'Connell said...

I am finally able to access my blog. Stop by.

DeniseinVA said...

This is a great post Sheri, and what a beautiful mountain home! Your father-in-law’s talent for carving, a true gift and for him to leave you that beautiful white duck, very special indeed. Francesca’s bracelet is a very pretty addition, unique. Your Valentine shelf is delightful, and the heart-shaped brouche(?) hanging on the cabinet I love it, as I do the adorable photo of sweetie looking through the heart-shaped hole in the fence. Everything is awesome! Stay safe and warm :)

My Tata's Cottage said...

That is simply beautiful. What a precious memory you have. I always called my FIL Grandpa Carl. Funny the little sweet notes we attach to our lives. Be safe and stay warm. I think a cold spell as hit most of us. Happy SONday to you~!

Marilyn Miller said...

I love your Valentine decorations. I don't have even one up in my house. I must change that. Thanks for inspiring me. Now I must say that white duck is a treasure, I love him. I think he would be out all year long and just change the necklace for each season. What a treat to see him or is it a her?

TARYTERRE said...

Such a wonderful treasure from your FIL. it's beauty is immeasurable. terrific memories. a delightful story. I can see him sitting there whittling away. perfect to display for this season of Valentines. Looks lovely with the added touch of the necklace. i think it will be hard to pack it away for next year, when the time comes.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

What a sweet keepsake, Sheri, and lovely memories to go along with it. The bracelet is beautiful. Love all your Valentine pretties, too. The photo of your little grand-girl peeking through the heart is just precious. Hershey kisses - yum! Sending hugs xo K